Farming Monthly National December 2025

INSIDE: LAMMA 2026 preview - Pages 44 - 59

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CONTENTS

D e c e m b e r 2025

FEATURES

24 Arable

88 Farm Safety & Security

120 Muck & Slurry

38 NSTS

92 Livestock

166 Tyres

40 Grain 44 LAMMA 26 Preview 60 Shows 64 Groundcare

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66 Education and Training 68 Mental Health

6 News

122 Machinery

72 Potato

80 Energy

148 ATV

78 British Lifestyle

84 Buildings

168 Motors

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Ford Pro to the fore! Wins fourth International Pick-up Award title in fifteen years Farming

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UK farming unions call for responsible conduct across the dairy supply chain

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ollowing a meeting of the four UK farming unions, a joint open letter has been written to milk processors urging responsible behaviour during what is expected to be a particularly testing period for the dairy sector.

In the letter, the chairs of each of the union's dairy boards highlight the need for transparency and good communication between farmers and processors during these challenging times.

Milk buyers are reminded of the importance of complying with the fair dealing legislation and maintaining open channels of communication and transparency with their suppliers. The farming unions also encourage dairy farmers to engage proactively with their milk buyers, ensuring that the milk produced meets market needs.

NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair Jonathan Wilkinson said: "With many dairy farmers facing a difficult winter, it is of the upmost importance that the dairy supply chain functions in a fair and transparent way. That's why we were pleased to host an important discussion in Wales to ensure the collective concerns of our members from across the UK are represented."

NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins said: "This is the first real test of the new contract regulations; the first time the sector has had an Adjudicator overseeing compliance with the regulations. Farmers are also now empowered to request an explanation for how their milk price is calculated to ensure that any changes are in accordance with their contract. It is essential we see dairy farmers engaging with their buyers and the new regulations during this challenging period."

Ulster Farmers' Union Dairy Chairman Cyril Orr said: "As dairy farmers, we are entering a challenging period marked by significant market uncertainty and pressure on farm gate prices. It is more vital than ever that farmers can place trust in their processors. We need to see greater openness, transparency and genuine collaboration within milk pools. This is essential to ensure a sustainable future for dairy farmers."

NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chair Bruce Mackie added: "For the vast majority of Scottish dairy farmers, milk prices are now tumbling at an alarming rate while production costs rise. The industry faces a very difficult few months ahead and it is imperative that there is transparency, fair play and communication between milk buyers and individual suppliers to help ensure both parties have the necessary resilience to survive this downturn."

Supply chain fairness review is chance to give arable farmers a stronger voice and fairer returns

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consultation into unfair practices in the combinable crops supply chain is a real opportunity to address the current imbalance of power and give arable farmers a stronger voice and fairer terms, the NFU said today.

The NFU has been campaigning hard for government to review fairness in the crops supply chain and bring the sector in line with the dairy and pigs' sectors.

Growers are being encouraged to engage with the consultation which will be open for eight weeks.

NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows said: "For too long, there has been an imbalance of power within the combinable crops supply chain, with growers being treated unfairly and shouldering the largest burden of risk.

"That's why we have been campaigning hard to persuade government to tackle unfair practices, so growers have a stronger voice, better protection and fairer returns for the food they produce.

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"As we set out in the NFU's Harvesting Growth strategy², this must include clear, fair and transparent contracts which would boost farm business confidence and allow us to make informed business decisions which would help improve profitability and drive long-term investment and growth.

"We are an important part of a farming industry that delivers for the nation's largest manufacturing sector, food and drink³. I'm confident that, through this consultation, we can make the crops sector stronger and more resilient, where fairness and trust are paramount so UK growers can continue producing sustainable food for 70 million consumers.

"We will be consulting widely with our members to get a range of views that will form the basis of our submission to government. Arable farmers should also fill in the survey and ask fellow growers to do the same. This is a fantastic opportunity to set out our case for a change of culture to build a better future for the UK combinable crops sector."

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Farmers central to Britain's food security, rural economy and countryside armers and food businesses will have a stronger voice at the heart of government through a new Farming and Food Partnership Board, launched today (Thursday 18 December) to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the sector.

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Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as deputy, the Board will bring together senior leaders from farming, food production, retail, finance and government to take a practical, partnership-led approach from farm to fork to strengthen our food production.

It comes as the government publishes Baroness Minette Batters' independent Farming Profitability Review, which highlights the need for closer collaboration between farming, industry and government, and greater clarity and certainty for farm businesses looking to grow and invest.

While the government will respond to the Review's findings, action is already under way to give farm businesses the stability they need to plan ahead and invest.

"With ever more extreme weather, the horrific, ongoing war in Ukraine and 69.7 million people in the UK now is the time to deliver food security as national security."

The Board will focus on removing barriers to investment, improving how the supply chain works and unlocking growth opportunities across different parts of primary production and processing. It will have a clear emphasis on supporting agricultural productivity, homegrown British produce and strengthening food security.

But the Board will not take a one size fits all approach.

It will focus on sector plans where there are clear opportunities to boost productivity, starting with horticulture and poultry, where there is significant untapped potential to increase homegrown production.

Alongside the launch of the Board, ministers are setting out immediate actions to back farm businesses, including: •

Unlocking food and farming infrastructure through planning reform, working with MHCLG to make food production a clearer priority in the planning system. Proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework announced this week will help speed up delivery of key infrastructure such as on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops, making it easier for farmers to invest and expand.

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Stepping up action on supply chain fairness, including continued scrutiny of unfair practices and consideration of changes to Groceries Code Adjudicator oversight.

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Tackling barriers to private finance, bringing together farmers, agri-food businesses and major financial institutions to attract investment into farm transformation and productivity

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Supporting exports and new markets, with ministers leading dedicated trade missions in 2026 to showcase British food and drink overseas.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "When farming thrives, the whole country benefits.

British farmers are central to our food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside.

"Baroness Batters' Review underlines the need for government, farming and the food industry to work much more closely together. That is exactly what the new Farming and Food Partnership Board will do.

"This is about serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment and make the food system work better, so farm businesses can grow, invest and plan for the future with confidence."

Baroness Minette Batters said: "I want to thank all those that have responded to the Farm Profitability Review and I encourage everyone to read the Review in full.

The government response to the Farming Profitability Review will be set out through the new 25-Year Farming Roadmap, due for publication next year, providing long-term clarity on the direction of travel for the sector.

"I'm pleased that the Secretary of State recognises the need to establish a new approach to growing the British brand at home and abroad by producing, creating and selling more from our farms in a measurable way.

Today's announcements form a core part of the government's overall food strategy. They back British farming, strengthening food security and supporting profitable, resilient farm businesses for the long term.

Farming

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Old Mill extends agricultural expertise nationwide through Kinbrook Group ld Mill can now offer farms and rural enterprises truly national advisory support through its position within the Kinbrook Group. As Kinbrook’s South West hub, Old Mill is working in close collaboration with Duncan & Toplis in the Midlands to provide consistent, specialist advice across key agricultural regions in England.

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Old Mill has long been a trusted adviser to the farming community, particularly strong in the dairy sector and wider agricultural markets across the South West. Its rural team supports clients with farm accounts, tax planning, succession, diversification and business advice, grounded in an understanding of the unique pressures facing agricultural businesses.

Andrew Vickery, Head of Rural at Old Mill, said: “Our strength has always been our relationships with clients, their businesses and the communities they’re part of. Through Kinbrook, we can now maintain that local focus while offering broader insight and reach. For our clients, this means access to consistent, sector-specific support, wherever they operate.”

The collaboration with Duncan & Toplis brings complementary experience in arable farming, food production and agri-business structuring across the Midlands. Each firm retains its regional identity and

client relationships, while drawing on shared knowledge and aligned systems.

Mark Chatterton, Head of Agriculture at Duncan & Toplis, added: “We’re still delivering the local advice our clients know and trust, but now we’re working more closely with colleagues who share the same sector focus. This gives our clients confidence that they’re backed by a stronger, more joined-up network. Our team is excited to be part of this expansion and to play a role in strengthening the support available to agricultural businesses across the country.”

This national capability is underpinned by Kinbrook Group, which connects specialist firms to provide cohesive support across agriculture, rural business and estates. While the structure enables national delivery, the day-to-day client relationships remain local and personal.

Ian Symes, CEO of Kinbrook Group, commented: “The ability to offer regional expertise with national coordination is at the heart of what Kinbrook is about. Old Mill and Duncan & Toplis are two of the most experienced advisory firms in the agricultural sector, and their collaboration gives clients access to a deeper bench of support without losing the personal service they value.”

CLA reacts to gov Environmental Improvement Plan

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avin Lane, President of the Country Land and Business Association, said:

"We welcome this plan because it pins environmental promises to dates and delivery. It gives us something to measure, but its success will depend on how effectively these commitments are put into practice.

"The heavy lifting sits with farmers and land managers. They are being asked to create wildlifeFarming

rich habitat, restore peat and woodland, expand hedgerows, improve protected sites and support threatened species.

"That only happens if agri-environment schemes are funded properly, well-designed, and offered on stable terms that work for every type of holding. It also means rules on pesticides, soil and water that are practical and proportionate, with support to match, so effort goes into results rather than forms."

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Environmental plan should go hand in hand with priority for food, says NFU efra's new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) sets clear goals for nature, but the NFU warns it leaves unanswered questions about how these ambitions align with food production. The NFU is calling for food production to be given the same prioritisation to ensure the EIP goes hand in hand with a sustainable, secure supply of food.

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Responding to the launch of the EIP, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "The clear direction from Defra is that they need farmers to deliver for the environment and farmers stand ready to do just that. What farmers need from Defra in return is similar clarity on the importance of domestic food production and a policy framework that supports that.

"The Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds said, 'Britain's rolling hills and stunning coastline are treasures' that must be protected. It shouldn't be forgotten that these landscapes exist because generations of farmers have shaped and cared for them while producing food for the nation. We need polices that enable farm businesses to produce

food, strengthen food security, and achieve the government's own ambition of improving farm profitability alongside these environmental goals.

"Defra's plans for Landscape Recovery projects under the EIP involve combining government funding with private investment. However, experience shows that attracting private investment has been challenging, raising concerns about how farmers can confidently engage their businesses in the projects.

"That's why we're calling for certainty over the Sustainable Farming Incentive, alongside delivery of the EIP, and, as clearly set out in the NFU Blueprints1, a multifunctional Land Use Framework that gives food production equal priority to environmental delivery.

"We also need clear targets for British food production, because a resilient food system is not just an ambition, it's a necessity. This will go a long way in giving farmers the clarity that they need from Defra and confidence to the public who tell us time and time again that they want to buy British."

Farm Profitability Review shows place for pulses esponding to today's Farm Profitabilty Review by Baroness Batters, the CEO of the Processors & Growers Research Organisation, Roger Vickers, said: "The review clearly sets out the potential for pulses to help farmers build resilience, while contributing to food production with lower environmental impact and at lower cost. This ambition is fully supported and strengthened through the inclusion of pulse crops within arable rotations.

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"We welcome Ms Batters' call for protein crops, such as peas and beans, to be incorporated into the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), and her recognition of their ability to deliver multiple public goods.

"These include benefits for human and livestock nutrition, as well as reducing reliance on imported soya. Pulses are an integral part of any such strategy, and work is progressing apace to further demonstrate their value, both economically and environmentally. One example is the NCS project,

a four-year project funded by Defra through Innovate UK, which hopes to increases UK pulse and legume cropping and reduce reliance on imported soya.

"The report also highlights the need for SFI to be more closely linked to food production by incentivising farming optimisation through SFI options, including pulses and circular protein crops such as peas and beans. It has long been a mystery to PGRO why these clearly environmentally beneficial, commercially viable cropping options have remained unrecognised and, worse still, actively excluded.

"Ms Batters further recommends the creation of a scheme for those farmers unable to access the SFI. She suggests this should include soil baselining, protein crops (peas and beans), pulses and oilseeds, alongside existing SFI options that deliver greater resilience. We would go one step further and argue that such a scheme should be available to all farmers who wish to participate."

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New docuseries highlights key role for agri-tech in overcoming farming challenges

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gri-tech’s transformative role in tackling some of the biggest challenges currently facing farming and wider society is at the heart of a new five-part docuseries.

Produced by the UK Agri-Tech Centre in partnership with Harper Adams University, the Farming Smarter YouTube docuseries follows two neighbouring tenant farmers in Somerset as they use agri-tech and innovative methods to rebuild soils, protect water, enhance biodiversity and cut inputs and emissions.

The two farmers at the centre of the series are Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield, who farm near to one another in Somerset and share both technology and staffing resources across their farms.

Farming Smarter sees them use agri-tech to tackle a range of issues, from improving their soils on compacted and waterlogged ground, to dealing with record rainfall and the battle to stop runoff and nutrient loss.

They also turn to agri-tech solutions on their livestock enterprises, with Jeremy integrating

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Ritchie automated weighing and EID tagging to improve beef health and reduce stress, while Rob confronts a persistent parasite in his sheep, facing tough decisions on treatment and welfare.

Biodiversity is also a central theme as resistant weeds pose challenges, illustrating the need to balance nature-based solutions with targeted controls. Chirrup Nano AI bird-listening devices are in operation on the farm and help identify Red List species, providing a measurable example of onfarm biodiversity.

By year-end, emissions fall by 33%, soils improve and new rotations add resilience to their farming systems. Carbon baselining, woodland restoration trials and the next generation signal a realistic vision for smart, future-ready farming and the pair also undertake a journey of discovery in terms of agri-tech’s role on-farm.

Rob said: “We’ve managed to create a profitable, sustainable business whilst looking after the natural environment and protected ourselves against a rapidly changing farming situation.

Technology has been a big part of that.

“For example, our GPS-guided fertiliser spreader

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development of world-leading and commercially viable innovation in this critical sector. We also pioneer on-farm test and trial of agri-technology and Farming Smarter clearly demonstrates the importance of this real-world application.”

Prof Michael Lee, Harper Adams University Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: "True progress in sustainable agriculture comes from farmers, scientists, and innovators working side by side.

“What Jeremy and Rob are demonstrating through this documentary series is that collaboration is our most powerful tool, because sustainability isn’t achieved through technology alone. It requires shared learning, honest reflection and a willingness to rethink how we produce food.

“By bringing together practical experience with cutting-edge research, we can build farming systems that are resilient, productive and genuinely future-focused."

The docuseries is available on the UK AgriTech Centre YouTube channel: UK Agri-Tech Centre - YouTube means we only apply nutrients where they’re needed, saving money and reducing runoff. We’ve also trialled humates to cut chemical inputs, and we use soil testing and mapping to understand what’s really happening underground.”

Jeremy added: “Agri-tech has opened up opportunities we couldn’t have imagined years ago. Automated weighing systems and EID tags mean we can monitor cattle health without stress and that data helps us make better decisions on feed and welfare.

“But it’s not without challenges. Tech can fail, costs are high and you need the skills to interpret the data. It’s a learning curve, but one that pays off.”

Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at UK AgriTech Centre, said one of the organisation’s key drivers was facilitating the development of farmready agri-technology.

She added: “Farming Smarter captures the transformative effect agri-tech can have on-farm and how it can drive both profit and wider sustainability for agricultural businesses. It is vital that we test and trial agri-tech on real commercial farms to ensure the technology is robust and relevant and stands up to the demands of farmers.

“UK Agri-Tech Centre is focused on supporting the Farming

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Defra Minister's innovation showcase he UK Agri-Tech Centre has welcomed Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) Minister Dame Angela Eagle to its Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub, highlighting the Centre's pivotal role in helping agri-tech businesses grow faster and achieve greater success.

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Minister Eagle experienced first-hand how the UK Agri-Tech Centre's capabilities are helping innovative ventures and Hub tenants, such as MagrowTec and Upcycled Plant Protein (UPP) test, trial and commercialise cutting-edge solutions.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is working closely with Defra as it establishes a new programme of work to support the UK Government's Modern Industrial Strategy, which highlights agri-tech as a key driver of national productivity and resilience.

The visit coincided with the launch of the UK AgriTech Centre's new national campaign, "Grow Your

tel: 01724 850224 fax: 01724 289317

Own Way: We Mean Business When it Comes to Agri-Tech". The campaign celebrates agri-tech pioneers which are harnessing the latest developments in automation and robotics, data and sensors, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and engineering biology, bringing them to market and driving economic growth in the UK and internationally.

Minister Eagle's visit formed part of a wider tour of Harper Adams University campus, where the Midlands Innovation Hub is based. This demonstrates how the UK Agri-Tech Centre works, bringing together a vibrant network of partners and organisations, creating the connective tissue that powers the agri-tech ecosystem.

Hannah Senior, UK Agri-Tech Centre interim CEO, said: "We were delighted to welcome Minister Eagle to our Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub and to introduce her to some of the innovative ventures we work with, transforming agricultural systems and driving economic growth.

"The technologies these ventures are bringing to market will drive improvements in profitability, resilience and long-term sustainability for agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture across the UK and internationally.

www.neilvessey.com sales@neilvessey.com

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"Our dedicated facilities at this site help businesses accelerate their journey to the marketplace. It has been brilliant to be part of the success story of UPP and MagrowTec since they joined us here. In addition to providing UPP with facilities, we are helping them undertake in-field test and trial via our farm network; they are scaling and have recently raised £3million, driving their commercial growth."

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NFU welcomes consultation on planning reforms to ease farm building approvals he NFU has welcomed the government's announcement of a consultation on reforms to the planning system that will make it easier for farmers and growers to grow their businesses and secure approval for new agricultural buildings.

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Changes to the Principle of Development mean local planning authorities will now be expected to give a default "yes" to agricultural developments in rural areas, except in exceptional circumstances. This is expected to reduce red tape, speed up applications and support investment in modern facilities, including those aimed at improving animal welfare standards.

The reforms also reaffirm the government's commitment to consult on BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) exemptions for smaller sites in the new year, while simplifying rules to make it cheaper and easier to deliver biodiverse habitats offsite.

For farmers and growers, the practical impact of these reforms will be felt in reduced red tape and clearer guidance when bringing forward small-scale developments.

Farmers and growers will be able to spend less time navigating complex planning rules and more time focusing on food production, investing in their businesses and supporting rural employment. This change should help small family farms remain competitive and resilient in the face of rising costs and regulatory pressures, meaning more ability for agriculture to play a key role in contributing to the nation's economic growth.

NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: "The government's proposed consultation is a clear indication of its intent to modernise the planning system and make it work better for farming businesses. We agree with Secretary of State Steve Reed that the current system is not working well enough and must change to allow our members' businesses to grow and invest in the future.

"The changes to the Principle of Development would, if implemented, be a significant step forward in making planning simpler and more supportive of farming businesses.

"Water access is also of utmost importance to many agricultural businesses – particularly those in the horticultural sector – and stronger support for reservoirs in the National Planning Policy Framework means farmers and growers are one step closer to securing reliable access to clean water, safeguarding the UK's future food security.

"Farmers remain committed to caring for the countryside and enhancing the natural environment. With simplified rules, the sector will continue to play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, maintaining hedgerows, improving soil health and safeguarding water quality. These reforms help provide a fairer framework that allows them to balance environmental care with the urgent need to produce healthy, sustainable and affordable food for the nation.

"Planning reform has been a consistent priority for the NFU in its discussion with government – from meetings with the Prime Minister to ongoing work with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle. It was also a key issue raised with Steve Reed during his former role at Defra, and it is encouraging to see our concerns are being listened to.

"We look forward to engaging with the government on its newly announced plans for a consultation around BNG exemptions for smaller sites, alongside the announcements around further permitted developments for agriculture expected to come next year.

"There is a lot of detail in the government's announcement which we are reviewing, and we look forward to working with it and wider stakeholders when the upcoming consultation response and implementation timeline are published in the new year."

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82,000 schoolchildren learn about farming's crucial role at Christmas

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his Christmas, NFU Education has brought farming into classrooms across England and Wales with its first-ever Festive Farming Quest live lessons.

With more than 82,000 pupils from over 800 schools taking part, they connected children with the people, animals and crops behind some of their favourite festive traditions, showcasing the breadth of British farming and its role in the celebrations.

Key Stage 1 pupils earned festive quest baubles by exploring where Brussels sprouts and Christmas trees come from and how to care for camels and a flock of sheep, while Key Stage 2 pupils took part in a festive 'work experience' – learning what it takes to be a farm vet, how to grow mistletoe, raise turkeys and produce award-winning Christmas puddings.

The sessions featured inspiring voices from across the food and farming sector, including: • • • •

Coco Jalloh, young farmer and Farming Student of the Year nominee, Daisy Fossett, founder of the UK's first camel dairy, Shrea Patel, farm vet at Glenthorne Vets, Will and Aidan from Matthew Walker Ltd., the

world's oldest Christmas pudding manufacturer.

NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: "Farmers and growers are proud to play such a central role in our festive traditions and the Festive Farming Quest is a brilliant way to bring that story into classrooms. We know that teachers and children are eager to learn more about where their food comes from2, and these live lessons give them the chance to connect directly with the people, animals and crops behind Christmas.

"It's about more than just Brussels sprouts or turkeys. It's about showing the breadth of British farming and inspiring the next generation to understand the care, skill and innovation that goes into producing food to world‑leading standards. As farmers, we want to build that connection with young people, so they not only enjoy their festive favourites but also understand the work and dedication behind them.

"NFU Education's live lessons throughout 2025 have reached over half a million schoolchildren. By giving pupils the chance to meet farmers, vets and food producers, we're helping them see agriculture as part of their everyday lives, celebrate the sector and ensure farming has a place at the heart of education."

NFU Mutual Reacts to The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025

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annah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: "After years of industry campaigning, we're delighted that this new legislation has received Royal Assent.

"This is a significant step forward in tackling dog attacks on farm animals. Our latest figures show that UK livestock worrying cost an estimated £1.8m in 2024. Anecdotally we know that farmers across the UK are living in fear of repeat incidents, which cause horrific suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved in dealing with the aftermath.

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"Ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to dog attacks on livestock; all dogs are capable of chasing, injuring and killing farm animals, regardless of size, breed and temperament.

Even chasing can cause a sheep to miscarry, which is extremely worrying given the time of year where many sheep out in the fields will be in lamb.

"It is therefore vital dog owners act responsibly and keep their pets on leads wherever livestock may be nearby to prevent these needless attacks."

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CHRISTMAS CRISP SHORTAGE LOOMS AS HULA-HOOPS WORKERS VOTE TO STRIKE

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P workers also make McCoy's, Pom-Bears and Discos The UK faces a Christmas crips shortage as almost 50 workers making Hula-Hoops, McCoy's, Pom-Bears and Discos vote to

strike.

A majority of 85 per cent of process operatives at KP Snacks in Billingham vote for industrial action after the company imposed additional duties and responsibilities without any increase in pay.

Bosses have now halted all holiday requests while it evaluates the potential impact of industrial action, in what looks like a punitive measure.

GMB Union is seeking legal advice on whether this decision is unlawful. Members will now meet to discuss strike dates

Paul Clark, GMB Organiser, said: "GMB members at KP are skilled workers essential to the production of crisps and snacks.

"Their expertise keeps operations running smoothly and supermarket shelves stocked, yet they are being asked to do additional work for the same pay.

"If they've been asked to do extra work, they should get more pay..

"They will not stand by while their workload increases without recognition.

"It's crunch time for KP bosses, so unless they want to see the shelves empty this Christmas, it's time to get back round the table and sort this out."

GB Potatoes welcomes Farm Profitability Review and new Farming and Food Partnership Board cott Walker, CEO of GB Potatoes, said: GB Potatoes welcomes the publication of the Farm Profitability Review, led by Baroness Minette Batters, which highlights the importance of a supportive business environment for farmers, growers, and the wider UK food supply chain.

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“Baroness Batters’ review recognises the vital role of farmers and growers in driving growth in UK food production and ensuring domestic food security. Her pragmatic approach underscores the need to value and support primary producers and the broader food sector as the foundation of a sustainable, commercially resilient industry.

“If quick wins, such as addressing barriers in the planning system, are delivered, they will be warmly welcomed. The creation of a Farming and Food Partnership Board, with profitability and food security at its heart, is also welcome. We would value the opportunity to sit round the Board to ensure the potato voice is heard and help build partnerships that move from talk to action.”

Farming

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Forty Years on the Front Line of Poultry Care: Q and A with Tony Stacey, Steve Birchall Poultry Services

: Could you start by introducing yourself and explaining how you first became involved in the poultry industry?

I’m Anthony Stacey, though everyone knows me as Tony. I first got involved in poultry back in 2007. Steve asked me to help out during a particularly busy period, and I just never left.

What started as lending a hand turned into a career.

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Q: From your perspective, what are the most common problems you see on poultry units?

Red mite and avian flu are the two big ones.

They’re persistent and serious issues. Tackling them properly comes down to good-quality detergents and powders, but just as importantly, experience. Years on farms give you the knowledge to spot issues early and deal with them properly.

Q: What are the core services you provide to poultry producers, and who do you typically work with?

Our main focus is poultry house cleaning. That covers broiler units, multi-tier systems, and traditional sheds. While we’ve worked on pig farms over the years, birds are very much our bread and butter.

Q: How have advances in housing and equipment changed the way you work?

Like most industries, poultry has grown significantly. When we first started, a shed holding 16,000 birds was typical. Now, some of the biggest jobs we do involve sheds with 64,000 birds. That change in scale has transformed how everything operates.

Q: Looking back, what have been the biggest milestones for the business?

Without doubt, it’s longevity. The business started in 1985, and by the end of this year we’ll have reached 40 years. For a small, family-run company, that’s a massive achievement and something we’re very proud of.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the UK poultry sector right now?

Avian flu remains the biggest concern. Biosecurity is absolutely critical. I always advise thorough cleaning and limiting outsiders on site as much as possible to reduce the risk of spreading disease.

Farming

| News Q: How are rising costs and regulation affecting producers?

A couple of years ago, feed prices went through the roof, and that hit poultry producers hard, just like it did across agriculture. Combined with labour pressures and tighter regulations, it’s made margins even tighter.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the poultry industry?

First, you can never have too much education.

Training is essential. Second, learning on site is incredibly valuable. And third, you need deep pockets. Poultry isn’t an industry you can approach lightly.

Q: What separates consistently highperforming flocks from average ones?

Good farm management and forward planning. The best results come from thinking ahead, not reacting when problems appear.

Q: How important is ongoing training in poultry production?

It’s vital. Techniques change, equipment changes, and expectations change. Ongoing training, learning on site, and keeping up with new methods are all essential if you want to stay at the top of your game.

Q: What do you wish more non-farming people understood about modern poultry production?

The sheer amount of hard work and dedication involved. Farmers, and those working alongside

them, put in huge hours. Many are working right through Christmas without a break. That commitment often goes unseen.

Q: How far afield do you work, and what does a typical week look like during busy periods?

We work all over the UK, from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Around 90 percent of our work involves being away from home, especially during busy times.

Q: Is there a particular project you’re most proud of?

Not really. We take pride in every job we do. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your last job.

Q: What are your plans for the business in the coming years?

We’re a small, family-run operation, so we take each day and each job as it comes. The priority is to keep delivering the highest possible standard for our customers.

Q: Finally, how can producers get in touch, and what do you need to know before a first visit?

I can be contacted by phone on 07758 073 643 or by email at tstacey832@gmail.com . You’ll also see us in Farming Monthly and through word of mouth. Before a first visit, we need to know the size of the sheds, how many birds are involved, and what the water supply is like. That last point is essential, because we’re right at the end of the food chain.

Farming

| News

Reflecting on a Year of Progress A Message from Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS s 2025 draws to a close, I've taken time to reflect on what has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding period for Scotland's red-meat industry. From market expansion and on-farm innovation to community engagement and renewed industry pride, this year has shown just how committed Quality Meat Scotland (QMS, our partners and wider sector is to growing sustainably, collaboratively and confidently.

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Driving progress with "Meating Our Potential" One of the most visible steps forward this year has been the momentum behind the Meating Our Potential campaign, developed by QMS in partnership with the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group. The focus is on steady, achievable growth rather than dramatic, high-risk changes — because together, small, consistent improvements can deliver real, long-term impact.

encourage everyone to visit the Meating Our Potential online toolkit to explore case studies, webinars, and practical resources that show how even small changes can make a real difference.

This toolkit provides farmers with practical guidance on improving herd performance, strengthening resilience, and boosting profitability. And this is not just a message I'm sharing in principle. At home, we're also planning to add a few more cows to our own herd, putting into practice the same steady, achievable growth we're encouraging across the sector.

All well as making front page press and reaching more than 3 million people, the campaign also successfully engaged cross-party political stakeholders across the country. QMS alongside producers and partner organisations hosted a series of strategic engagement events with MPs, MSPs, councillors, and parliamentary candidates, allowing them to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities in Scotland's red meat sector. From on-farm visits in Linlithgow, Pathhead, Easter Ross, Fraserburgh, and Kilmacolm, these sessions highlighted the economic importance of the sector, the role of Scottish red meat in local communities, and the opportunity to grow production sustainably.

Flying the flag for Scotland on the global stage It has also been a great year for Scotland's red-meat exports, which reached a record £164 million. That figure represents more than commercial success — it shows that the world increasingly values the standards, welfare and provenance behind Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

The economic case is compelling. QMS modelling shows that closing Scotland's projected beef supply gap in 2030 would require around 79,000 additional breeding cows. This, in practical terms equates to just a couple of extra cows per herd each year, or six to eight over a three- to four-year period. This modest growth could generate an extra £281 million in output for Scotland and contribute around £76 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy.

What's particularly powerful is how achievable this is at farm level. By adding a couple of cows per year and applying evidence-backed management strategies, farmers can strengthen productivity and support long-term sector growth. I would strongly Farming

Our attendance at Anuga 2025 in Cologne played an important role in strengthening these international relationships. The event gave us the chance to showcase the very best of Scotland's product, build new connections and reinforce why Scotch remains one of the world's most trusted and admired red-meat brands.

Celebrating community at the Royal Highland Show The Royal Highland Show is always a highlight of the year, and 2025 was no exception. Over four days at Ingliston, the QMS stand became a hub of energy, conversation and celebration, showcasing Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

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It was wonderful to connect with farmers, young people, families and stakeholders, and to see the pride and passion for Scottish agriculture on display. Highlights included cookery demos in the Food for Thought Theatre, family activities with RHET, and retailer tastings at Aldi and Lidl. We also hosted the Monitor Farm reception and were proud to see industry and political leaders from both the UK and Scottish Governments sign the Meating Our Potential pledge, committing to feeding our growing nation with locally produced, sustainable red meat.

This year's show reaffirmed why our work matters- celebrating the people, the produce and the shared purpose that make Scotland's redmeat industry so special.

Honouring 35 Years of Quality Assurance This year, we proudly celebrated 35 years of QMS Quality Assurance, a milestone that reflects Scotland's long-standing commitment to integrity, welfare, and provenance. Since 1990, our Quality Assurance schemes have given consumers confidence in Scotch Beef, Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork, and today over 9,000 members across the supply chain uphold these globally recognised standards.

This milestone year has also been one of progress and innovation. Our updated Cattle & Sheep Quality Assurance Standards developed in collaboration with industry, coming into effect in January 2026, are simpler and more practical while maintaining the rigorous standards that make Scotland a global benchmark. Tools like the new QMS Traceability Checker and updated SPECC system are helping members access accurate data more easily, strengthening transparency across the supply chain.

As we celebrate 35 years, it is clear that the strength of Quality Assurance lies in the people behind it - our members, partners, and the QMS team who continue to uphold Scotland's reputation for world-class red meat.

performance — with a special focus on engaging young women and girls.

Connecting with Communities Beyond schools and sport, QMS strengthened community connections through initiatives like the Community Marketing Fund, supporting projects that educate and inspire about Scottish red meat.

Highlights this year included the Academy Champions Day at Boroughmuir Rugby, Slow Food Edinburgh's 'Beyond the Chop' demonstration, the Orkney Food, Farming and Countryside Learning Day, and cookery stands at local shows like Turriff.

If you have a local project or event and would like support, please get in touch with QMS to explore how the Community Marketing Fnd can help.

Celebrating Christmas with Scotch Brands The festive season saw the launch of the latest phase of our When You Know, You Know campaign, reaching an estimated 79% of adults in Scotland. Running across TV, press, digital, and social media, the campaign celebrates Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork at Christmas, inspiring consumers to create new traditions and enjoy red meat as part of everyday healthy and festive eating. From showstopping roasts to creative canapés, the activity highlights quality, provenance, and the joy of cooking with Scotch brands during the holiday season. Visit the Make it Scotch webpage to get inspired by our latest recipes!

Inspiring the Next Generation From April to October, QMS reached approximately 12,000 pupils and students across Scotland through cookery demonstrations, careers events, Food & Farming days, and Eat to Compete workshops. From primary schools to colleges, young people explored the journey from farm to fork and learned about the quality, sustainability, and provenance of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork. Sport played a key role, with rugby sessions at Glasgow City Football Club, Stewartry Rugby Club, and Strathmore Rugby Club highlighting how red meat supports healthy eating, active lifestyles, and

Of course the summary is not exhaustive, and as well as the annual projects we have the ongoing services across our strategic areas churning all of the time on behalf of the Scottish red meat supply chain. When I look back at this year, I feel genuinely proud — not just of the milestones, but of the people who made them possible. Farmers, auctioneers, butchers, processors, educators, ambassadors, community groups and consumers all play a part in shaping Scotland's red-meat story.

Your energy, dedication and belief in our sector are what keep us moving forward.

Farming

| News

RSABI Heating Payments Available to Farming Community

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ith many farming and crofting families worrying about the cost of heating their homes this winter, RSABI is reminding the agricultural community about its Help for Heating payments which provide a minimum of £400 to help heat

your home.

Working to help alleviate fuel poverty within the agricultural community, the charity - which provides emotional, practical and financial support - is encouraging people working in, or retired from, Scottish agriculture who are struggling with costs to contact them to request the funding support via 0808 1234 555.

RSABI is urging people who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes to get in touch to find out more about this initiative and the other support services on offer.

"Our team are on hand to take you through the straightforward application process and can advise on other ways we might be able to help too, as well as identifying other organisations which can provide energy efficiency advice for your home," said Chris.

"In cases where finances have become really difficult, we can also very quickly arrange a pre-paid debit card to pay for grocery shopping. We can also arrange purchases for when household goods break down, and people are struggling to pay for replacement items."

RSABI also offers ongoing financial support through an Annual Beneficiary scheme, where anyone in need who meets the support criteria can receive regular payments to help top-up their income.

With farmers facing tough working conditions throughout winter, RSABI is also encouraging people in the farming community to look out for one another via its #KeepTalking campaign.

An online assessment tool is available via RSABI's website www.rsabi.org.uk/support-service/help-forheating to check if you qualify, and RSABI's case officers will support applicants through the process.

"Rural properties can often be older and more challenging to heat and with the on-going cost-ofliving challenge, many are facing mounting financial pressure. As the temperature drops, it's important to make sure that you and your home are kept warm," said Chris McVey, Welfare Manager, RSABI. "Our Help for Heating payments are simple and quick to apply for and, with funding typically £400 per household, they are available to those spending more than 10% of their household income on heating costs." he added.

Farming

"A conversation with those around you could also help raise awareness of the services we offer to ensure those struggling to stay warm in their homes know that support is available, particularly older people and those living on their own," said Chris.

Visit the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk to find out more. To chat to a member of the team please call RSABI's freephone Helpline on 0808 1234 555 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls won't show up on phone bills. All enquiries are completely confidential.

You can also contact RSABI via live webchat on their website www.rsabi.org.uk or send an email via helpline@rsabi.org.uk (monitored during office hours).

| News

Soil health, organic matter and arable outlook to be debated at upcoming East Lothian Monitor Farm open meeting

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ooking is open for the upcoming East Lothian Monitor Farm meeting discussing soil health, organic matter and the outlook for arable crops.

Running from 10am-3pm on Monday 19 January at Stenton Village Hall near Dunbar, the morning will focus on cover crops and green manures in a session termed 'Grow it'.

After lunch supplied by DRIFT, the East Lothian Monitor Farm's cafe, the afternoon will focus on 'Spread it', discussing the availability and suitability of organic manures in the local area.

Adrian James, AHDB's knowledge exchange manager for cereals and oilseeds, will round off the meeting, discussing the outlook for 2026.

Iona Smith, regional adviser says: "It will be great to start the new year with a practical look at these key topics, specifically tailored for East Lothian. This meeting is open to all growers, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to discuss the issues with Stevie, Greg and Adrian."

With lunch provided, booking is essential for catering purposes.

Stevie Gray from Scottish Agronomy will tackle the 'Grow it' session, discussing the risks and rewards of growing cover crops and green manures.

This will include species selection, establishment, and termination of cover crops and green manures, as well as a practical species identification session.

The afternoon 'Spread it' will look at the range of organic manures available in East Lothian including mushroom compost, layer manure, thermally hydrolysed biosolids, food waste digestates, farm-based digestates and cattle manure. Within this session, Greg Dawson from Scottish Agronomy will look at nutrient management planning and valuing imported organic manures. He will also discuss key phytosanitary issues in rotations that include vegetables and potatoes.

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Grow it or spread it? - East Lothian Monitor Farm open meeting on Monday 19 January 2026 from 10:00–15:00 at Stenton Village Hall, Dunbar, EH42 1TE. Lunch included.

Book here: https://GrowItOrSpreadIt. eventbrite.co.uk

Farming

| News

SAYFC secures major match-funding injection for the Big Build but issues urgent call for further donations

wo large contributions from the Scottish Government and the SAYFC International Trust have accelerated fundraising for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build - the campaign to create a new permanent centre for Scotland’s Young Farmers at the Royal Highland Showground.

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The Scottish Government has committed to match the £98,000 raised through SAYFC’s own network, a sum that has been matched again by the SAYFC International Trust.

Together these contributions add £196,000 to the total.

recently demolished after being condemned. Its removal has left SAYFC without a permanent centre for the first time in decades, and without an all-important base during one of its busiest times of the year, the Royal Highland Show.

The Big Build will restore this vital presence, a space where young farmers can come together, connect, socialise, and feel part of the wider rural community.

As a long-term investment in the future of Scottish agriculture, the new facility will serve multiple purposes beyond providing SAYFC with a year-round base;

These latest contributions bring SAYFC’s overall total to approximately £700,000, a strong start towards the £1.6 million required to complete the project. However, the organisation is urgently calling for sector-wide backing to close the remaining gap and enable construction to begin in 2026.

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The new centre is needed following the loss of SAYFC’s former building on the Royal Highland Showground. The structure, which served as a HQ for generations of Young Farmers, was

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Providing a communal office space for agricultural charities and organisations, enabling greater collaboration across the sector.

Acting as a social hub for all SAYFC members, helping to tackle rural isolation, strengthen connections, and support mental wellbeing among young people.

Offering a flexible event space to generate additional revenue for SAYFC. Provide an archive and exhibition space to protect and showcase SAYFC’s rich heritage.

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Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of SAYFC, said: “This project is far more than bricks and mortar. It represents long-term investment in Scotland’s rural youth, the future of our agricultural industry, and the resilience of farming communities. It will provide a home for our young people for generations, a place to come together, learn, socialise and feel part of a wider community.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported The Big Build so far. The commitment from the Young Farmers– linked Trusts, the Scottish Government match funding, and the generosity of our clubs and individual members who have already raised hundreds of thousands, have given us a strong start and real momentum.

“We want to be in a position to break ground next summer, but that will only be possible with further generous support from across the agricultural sector. We simply cannot deliver this without you, we must make significant and rapid progress on fundraising so we can begin construction, and we need the whole industry’s support to do that.”

on Donor Recognition Boards that will be displayed in the building, , creating a lasting legacy at the heart of the Young Farmers community: • • • • •

£200 - £1,000 - Young Farmer Supporter £1,001 to £5,000 - Bronze Supporter £5,0001 to £10,000 - Silver Supporter £10,001+ - Gold Supporter Platinum Supporter - potential for naming rights or sponsorship of specific rooms, spaces, or facilities - available on discussion

With construction timelines tied directly to fundraising progress, SAYFC is appealing for supporters to step forward now.

While the building will not be ready for the Royal Highland Show 2026, SAYFC aims to have it open for the Royal Highland Show 2027, a milestone entirely dependent on securing the remaining funds as quickly as possible.

Businesses, individuals, trusts, and organisations interested in contributing, securing naming rights, or discussing major gifts are encouraged to contact: bigbuild@sayfc.org

To encourage support, SAYFC has created donor tiers offering permanent recognition

Farming

| Arable

Farmers’ fertiliser focus is changing fficiency, sustainability and environmental concerns are driving farmers to examine their choice of fertiliser more closely.

That’s according to feedback from a multi-national tour of farm events by ICL Growing Solutions.

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Following the successful launch of the company’s Ferti-Tour in France in 2023, this year saw it roll the initiative out across France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Utilising cutting-edge technology like virtual reality, the tour sought to improve farmers’ understanding of how new fertilisers and biostimulants work, and to learn more about agricultural challenges in each region.

“We visited more than 50 events over the course of 24 months, speaking to thousands of farmers and supply chain partners,” said Tal Sadeh, Global Marketing Manager at ICL Growing solutions. “In total, our Ferti-Tour vehicles covered thousands of miles and reached farmers managing enormous number of hectares.”

This meant there was considerable interest in ICL’s range of water-soluble fertilisers, controlled release fertilisers with biodegradable coatings, and biostimulants - which improve the crop’s response to nutrition while also combating abiotic stress.

“We used novel interactive technology to help farmers to visualise how these products physically work in the soil and plant at a cellular level,” explained Mr Sadeh.

“Farmers also appreciated one-to-one meetings with our local agronomists to discuss tailored solutions to suit their farm, budget, and expected return on investment.”

Clearly, different crops and regions have different needs, so the tour covered everything from grape growing in Abruzzo to kiwis, rice and tomatoes in other parts of Italy. In Portugal crops included grapes, maize, citrus and avocadoes, while in Spain they covered forestry, olives, peppers, courgettes and asparagus. In France, more field crops are grown, so here the tour focused on maize, wheat, oilseed rape and potatoes.

“The days of blanket fertiliser applications are long gone,” said Mr Sadeh. “Now, farmers are using a combination of scientifically proven biostimulants and novel fertiliser products to improve plant health, yields, and quality.

The feedback from farmers was remarkably similar in each region: Nutrient use efficiencies, carbon footprints, product sustainability and water efficiencies were common issues raised. “There is a growing global interest in organic crops and sustainable agricultural products, driven by consumer demand, environmental concerns, and policy goals,” said Mr Sadeh.

Farming

“Ferti-Tour is a unique way to disseminate our latest innovations, designed to empower farmers to make informed decisions, maximise productivity, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food chain.”

For more information visit www.icl-group.com

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| Arable

Farmers lead the next wave of greener, smarter farming ritish farmers are driving the next wave of greener, smarter farming, with new technology trials tackling emissions, productivity, and resilience, announced today (Monday 15 December) by Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle.

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Backed by nearly £2.3 million across 30 projects through the first round of the government’s ADOPT Fund, the trials explore new ideas in real working farm conditions, from lower emission machinery to digital tools that support dayto-day farm management. The programme is designed to generate practical evidence about what works on farms before wider take-up.

One project led by J&E Graham will trial peat-free compost made from short rotation coppice willow grown in agroforestry systems and blended with other local materials. Different compost mixes will be tested as growing media to assess performance and suitability, with the aim of cutting reliance on peat and artificial fertilisers.

Alongside this, W.S. Furnival Limited will test retrofitting an older Massey Ferguson 290 tractor to run on green methanol, assessing whether conversion could offer a practical low carbon alternative where electrification is not yet viable.

DigiTwinFarm, led by G J Jelley & Sons, will also trial a Farm Digital Twin Platform on two contrasting beef and sheep farms, using drone imagery, farm records and on farm testing to support nutrient planning, environmental monitoring, and day to day farm management.

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd Tel: 01325 378552 www.brianrobinson.co.uk

Farming

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “By backing innovative ideas that boost productivity and resilience, we’re helping farmers lead the way in shaping a modern, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This Fund sits at the heart of our Industrial Strategy and are turning brilliant ideas into real-world solutions.”

Dr Stella Peace, Managing Director and Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, said: “Innovate UK is working with Defra to deliver ADOPT, taking technology to the next scale and into adoption.

“By supporting farmer trials, ADOPT aims to strengthen the UK’s leadership in sustainable agri‑tech, advance productivity and build more resilient food systems.”

ADOPT, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, is a £20 million programme for the 2025 to 2026 financial year supporting the next wave of farmer-led innovation. By funding practical trials, the government aims to ensure that new technologies are properly tested on farms before wider take up.

The fund forms part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy commitment to invest at least £200 million into the Farming Innovation Programme by 2030, advancing its wider Plan for Change.

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Open Farm Sunday launches extensive farmer support programme for landmark anniversary ext year, Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years of connecting people with sustainable farming and food production. To inspire even more farms to take part next June, event organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has developed a comprehensive support package for all host farmers.

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New for 2026 is a series of sector-specific webinars featuring experienced Open Farm Sunday hosts, as well as members of the LEAF team, providing valuable insights and top tips to encourage others to get involved and open their farms to their local community.

Farmers are invited to register to join the webinars live and get their questions answered: • • • • •

Beef and sheep – 13 January 12pm – 1pm Arable – 28 January 11am – 12pm Fruit and vegetable – 5 February 12pm – 1pm Dairy – 11 February 12pm – 1pm Plus, health, safety and insurance – 24 February 12pm – 1pm

Preston. The second is in East Sussex on Tuesday 24th March at Strawberry Hill Farm. Both in-person events are free to attend, running from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton, believes LEAF’s new support programme will give farmers the skills and confidence to run safe, enjoyable and rewarding events.

“Our new webinars and training days are a fabulous addition to the core support available to all Open Farm Sunday host farmers including the 2026 Host Farmer Handbook, free resources to promote events and use on the day, and the OFS team who are available to talk through events, answer questions and help all our wonderful host farmers along their OFS journey.” says Mrs Shackleton.

“By working together, we want to highlight Open Farm Sunday as a unique chance to connect local communities, celebrate sustainable farming and build trust and pride in our industry.”

Open Farm Sunday will take place on 7 June 2026 marking two decades as the UK’s leading on-farm event that connects people with farming and helping them value sustainably produced food.

In 2025, 86% of farmers who took part in Open Farm Sunday wanted to promote a positive view of British agriculture, while 80% wanted to positively connect with their local communities.

Additionally, LEAF is organising two in-person training days for potential and seasoned hosts to take a deeper dive into logistics and explore creative activities to engage visitors on the day.

Delivered by the Open Farm Sunday team, LEAF Education Specialists and experienced host farmers, these events are a great networking opportunity for our community of host farmers.

The first training day in Lancashire on Wednesday 18th March takes place at Huntapac Produce near Farming

There is appetite for greater connection on both sides with recent LEAF research revealing that 9 in 10 young people believe the public should appreciate and have a better connection to where our food comes from. This makes Open Farm Sunday the perfect platform to educate, engage and inspire the next generation.

LEAF is calling on farmers across all sectors arable, livestock, horticulture, dairy, mixed and specialist enterprises – to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations and welcome visitors to their farm next June.

Visit the Open Farm Sunday website www. farmsunday.org for more information, to book on to the webinars and training days, and to register Open Farm Sunday events.

| Arable

Your soil cultivation specialist With over 220 years of experience serving the agricultural world, Grégoire Besson offers a complete range of machines dedicated to soil tillage. Ploughs, disc implements, tine implements, soil preparation machines and subsoiling equipment: our range covers all the needs of the most demanding farmers.

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by Maschio Gaspardo UK. For further information, please contact your Farming nearest Maschio Gaspardo dealer or call +44 1522 448161.

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A new study reveals breakthrough in barley genetics cientists from The James Hutton Institute were members of a multinational team, led by Carlsberg Research Laboratory, investigating ways to combat pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), a phenomenon that negatively impacts the production of high-quality cereal crops such as barley, wheat and rice, and causes annual losses of billions of dollars around the world.

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The Hutton is home to the International Barley Hub (IBH), a centre of excellence which promotes barley science and collaboration across the scientific, industrial and commercial sectors, with the goal of generating new discoveries and translating them into real-world solutions, safeguarding barley for food, drink and feed markets worldwide. Through their pioneering research, IBH scientists are driving innovation to keep this vital crop resilient and sustainable.

The IBH is part of a £62m investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal (TRCD), a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors that reinforces Scotland's position as a global leader in crop science and climate adaptation.

Professor Robbie Waugh, worldleading barley geneticist and the Hutton's lead on the project said, "We found that MKK3 in barley isn't a single gene, but a complex system.

Complexity is the result of variation in the number of copies of MKK3 genes combined with the activity of the individual members.

"Our research demonstrates how different versions of MKK3 have evolved over thousands of years and have been selected by farmers and end-users to control a delicate balance between seed dormancy, sprouting risk and the rapid, even germination demanded by the malting and brewing sectors "Having the wrong number or combination of MKK3 variants can be disastrous for crops grown in certain environments. Understanding the complexity is vital as climate predictions highlight regions where farmers are likely to face the greatest risk from PHS."

PHS happens when grains germinate on the plant before harvest, when the weather is warm and humid and the crop is already mature. Sprouted grains fail to meet the quality requirements of the brewing, distilling and animal feed industries. This study, published in the journal Science https:// www.science.org/stoken/author-tokens/ST3031/full, reveals how the gene complex MKK3 controls seed dormancy and sprouting in cereal crops and could lead to new ways to breed crops that are resilient to climate extremes as well as suitable for diverse agricultural needs.

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Dr. Joanne Russell, a member of the Hutton research team said, "Given that many of our observations will likely apply to other major cereal crops like wheat and rice, our new understanding of MKK3 could have a major impact on cereal breeding. This is critical for food security in a changing climate."

Both anticipate that the global science and breeding communities will exploit these findings to accelerate their progress towards resilient crops.

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Great value hydraulic products and services for local farmers We supply and source an extensive range of high quality, great value products. Whether you need to replace a slurry hose, malleable fitting, or food hose, we can help.

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| Arable

New molluscicide with novel active ingredient launched in UK

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DAMA UK has launched a new slug pellet which uses the company’s novel molluscicide active ingredient, Feralla, to deliver rapid-stop feeding of all slug species.

Approved for use on all cereal, vegetable, grass ley and high value broad-field crops, Ferrabait® slug pellets contain a complex proprietary formulation of 12 ingredients including 1% w/w Feralla (elemental iron) which is toxic to slugs and causes rapid cessation of feeding. Ferrabait pellets also contain a blend of high-quality wheat flours which ensure optimum pellet palatability, and humic acids which stimulates rapid feeding. The pellets also boast class-leading levels of longevity thanks to ADAMA’s unique manufacturing process.

palatable for longer than other slug baits.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of humic acids improves the taste appeal of the new pellets encouraging slugs to feed quickly and fully, thereby increasing consumption rates.”

As soon as a Ferrabait pellet is ingested, the elemental iron is solubilized in the slug’s stomach and in the lobes of the hepatopancreas digestive gland. This causes rapid pathological changes within the slug’s digestive system which makes the slug less mobile and causes feeding to stop almost immediately. “As soon as a lethal dose has been ingested, mortality quickly follows, with field trials showing Ferrabait to have a considerably faster speed of kill compared to other commercially available molluscicides,” Catherine adds.

Proven spreading accuracy “Like our previous slug baits, Ferrabait is manufactured to tight processing specifications to ensure each pellet is of a uniform size, shape, weight, consistency and colour,” Catherine continues. “At a size of 2.5mm by 2.1mm, Ferrabait pellets spread accurately to wide operating widths and provide the optimal number of baiting points (40-50 pellets per m2) when applied at typical field rates. Ferrabait pellets are also certified for use with a wide range of the most commonly used applicators.

“Following on from the success of our Gusto IRON (2.94% w/w anhydrous ferric phosphate) slug pellets, Ferrabait is manufactured using ADAMA’s Desidro® wet processing and two-stage drying technology,” explains Catherine Whaley, Product Development Area Manager for ADAMA in Central and North Europe.

“This proven manufacturing system produces pellets with the ideal balance of persistence in wet weather and palatability over a longer duration. As such, Ferrabait pellets remain mould-free and Farming

“In contrast, smaller ‘mini’ pellets, which have a larger comparative surface area and therefore tend to degrade more rapidly in wet conditions, don’t spread as accurately at wider spreading widths, while larger pellets provide too few baiting points.

“Similarly, smaller pellets can be less effective due to the requirement for slugs to ingest more than one pellet to receive a lethal dose. Conversely, trials have shown that slugs need to eat less than one pellet of Ferrabait to receive a lethal dose, leaving the remainder of the pellet available for the next slug to feed on and giving greater longevity of control from one application.”

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| Arable

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Guarantees and indemnities may be required. DLL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority only in respect of agreements regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This document has been prepared for promotional purposes only. It is not meant as advice on how any transaction or aspect of it should be qualified from a legal, tax, accounting or other perspective. Maschio Gaspardo Finance does not guarantee that any information provided in this document is complete or accurate or fit for your purposes. You should seek independent advice. Please see https://info.go.dllgroup.com/maschio-gaspardo-finance for full terms.

Farming

| Arable

Clarkson hopes Cereals Event will fuel ideas to overcome “anti-farming” Government eremy Clarkson has lamented the “actively anti-farming” Government but he argues farmers have a chance to come together and find solutions to the Government attack on the agriculture sector when they meet at a pivotal moment for the Cereals event on his Diddly Squat farm next year.

J

In a frank discussion whilst recording a recent Cereals podcast sponsored by Premium Crops, Clarkson also pledges he won’t walk away from farming despite the challenges ravaging the sector.

Clarkson says: “It’s absolute hell now for farmers, we have an actively anti-farming Government who are making things extremely tricky for us all. I’m genuinely really cross as there’s no-one in Government who understands farming.”

The Cereals Event will be held at Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm on 10-11 June 2026 and is expected to include 550 exhibitors and 25,000 farmers, farm contractors and agronomists. The event is exclusively for farming community and Clarkson hopes it will be a key moment for the agriculture sector’s fight against Government policy.

He says: “We have got to get together and do something about this Government. This is why I’m looking forward to Cereals as we’ll be able to share ideas. To have an event like Cereals where we can come together and chat is crucial. This is where the ideas we need will come from and can be exchanged.”

Cheerful Charlie added: “It’s not only a challenge for farmers at the minute, it’s a challenge for all businesses because nobody has any confidence. It’s about having confidence to invest in the future and farmers and businesses don’t have that at the minute.

“I believe Cereals will be a chance to pump a bit of life and fun into the sector. Just sitting down and burying your head in the sand is never the right thing to do in business. To be able to offer an event like Cereals where there will be some proactive decision making is going to be hugely positive for the sector.

“Farmers are battling with risk management, but we are seeing more collaboration as a result. People are working together through these tough times and that is really important. Cereals is only going to help build on that collaboration.”

Jeremy and Charlie discuss the hardships farmers constantly endure and also reflect on the huge challenges Diddly Squat has faced in recent years, revealing the only good harvest the farm has seen in five years was the one year the cameras weren’t rolling.

Jeremy explains: “The last five years have just been nuts, we’ve gone from one extreme to the other with the weather. The only good harvest we’ve had was the one year we weren’t filming.”

Farming

Jeremy also says he hopes Cereals will be an opportunity for farmers to overcome the isolation they are feeling and the stress of farming in the current climate.

He adds: “We joke but farming is a lonely existence. You have one man, losing money and fighting a government that seems to actively not like farming. The despair they will be feeling is tremendous. They will make no money this year and then have to think how they will pay for the seed and fertiliser next year on their own.

“Events like Cereals are really important for farmers to be able to come together and overcome that isolation and worry.

“I’m very lucky as I’m surrounded by people all day and, realistically, I could just walk away. But, I will not walk away.”

Highlights at Cereals in 2026, which is co-hosted by Freuhauf, will include an Agronomy Zone, informational and technical features like the Seed to Shelf Stage sponsored by KWS, the BASE-UK Regenerative Ag Stage sponsored

by Tees Law, a Young Farmers Programme sponsored

by Michelmores, and the Syngenta & CropLife Sprays & Sprayers Arena and other working demonstrations.

This year will also see a new Livestock Zone sponsored

by Nofence alongside an expanded Crop Protection & Nutrition area that will include Organic Agronomy.

Visitors can also socialise in networking areas which includes stands from the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, Hawkstone Bars, The Farmer’s Dog and more. The event will feature Jeremy’s Hops and Harmony Bar sponsored by V12, Kaleb’s Korner sponsored by Nick Young and Gerald’s Gin Joint featuring Hawkstone Gin. Farmers can now register for tickets at www. thecerealsevent.co.uk and applicable trade can enquire online about exhibiting at the event. This is a businessto-business event and so registrations will go through an approval process. Members of organisations including BASE-UK, Farmers Weekly, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) will be automatically approved and receive a discount with their membership number.

To manage traffic, there will be comprehensive traffic measures in place and visitors are being asked to choose a preferred entrance date & time. New for 2026, visitors can also book a seat on a Cereals Bus from key locations across the UK including, but not limited to, Elveden Farms, Roy Ward Farms Ltd, Strawson & Law Farming giving farmers priority access on arrival and helping to reduce traffic further.

The first episode of the Cereals Podcast sponsored by Premium Crops is available on all good streaming services.

For more information, visit www.thecerealsevent.co.uk

| Arable

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| Arable

World’s most northerly commercial olive grove completes first UK harvest incolnshire farm takes in December 2025 harvest and prepares for first batch of English olive oil A pioneering Lincolnshire business has completed the first harvest from what is believed to be the most northerly commercial olive grove in the world.

The English Olive Co., based near Spalding, Lincolnshire, has harvested its first olives from a 10-hectare grove planted in 2024 and is now processing them through the UK’s first on-farm olive press and bottling line.

L

This first harvest puts the business on track to produce the first commercially pressed English olive oil.

The harvest The olives were hand-picked by family and friends and taken to the on-farm press within hours, ensuring they were processed quickly to preserve the highest oil quality.

Farmer David Hoyles says “We were pleased to have our first, albeit, small harvest, but it does show that olive trees can flower, fruit and mature on a commercial and field scale in the UK. Unfortunately, the recent frosts and strong winds and rain knocked off some of the olives, and the size of the fruit is smaller than the traditional growing areas of the Mediterranean, but the taste profiles of this 2025 crop are fantastic - grassy, fresh, piney, with a very good peppery kick at your throat, due to fantastic polyphenol levels.

“The supply of our English olive oil will be very limited in this first year. As the trees grow and increase maturity each year, then we hope olive numbers, and hence oil volumes, will also increase year on year,” says David.

“Following the mild, but wet and cloudy disappointing weather we all experienced in 2024, 2025 has been good for the olives. They flowered in July and the fruit grew well over the summer,” he says. “I was unsure how ripe olives would get in UK climate, but with summer conditions really stretching out into October, the olives have turned a good blushed green colour, and this has helped the flavour profiles. It’s a shame that the frosts and wind have impacted yield, but we are still learning and will continue to give the trees our best efforts going forward.”

Adapting to a changing climate David explains that the decision to plant olives came from a need to future-proof the family farm against shifting weather patterns and rising volatility in traditional crop markets.

Farming

| Arable wild bird seed cover.

The olives are grown using low-input farming practices, including water-efficient drip fertigation and no use of insecticides or fungicides. As the olive grove matures, production is expected to scale, with the aim of expanding English-grown olive products to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable, local food.

“When the volume of olives increases, we hope to invest in a self-propelled harvester in place of hand harvesting,” says David.

First English olive oil expected soon “We wanted long-term security in food production.

Some of our existing crops were struggling with the hotter, drier conditions, so we looked for alternatives more suited to a warming climate.

Admittedly, we’ve pushed this to the extreme, but olives fit that brief. They’re resilient, they thrive in heat, and they allow us to diversify with a crop we can process and market ourselves.”

With the December 2025 harvest now complete, The English Olive Co. has begun cold pressing. A limited volume of English olive oil will be available once extraction is complete, marking a historic moment for British agriculture.

The English Olive Co. will offer limited batches of olive oil for purchase exclusively through its online shop, available while stocks last. For more information, visit www.englisholive.co.uk

The move also gives the family greater control over pricing, reducing exposure to commodity volatility, while providing a succession opportunity, with multiple generations involved in the project, from orchard management to pressing, branding and marketing.

Challenging convention with forward thinking farming The English Olive Co. forms part of a 250-year farming legacy in the Fens, where the wider business produces wheat, potatoes, peas, mustard and sugar beet on reclaimed silt soil, supported by modern digital farming methods, efficient water management and renewable energy.

Each year the farm grows 2,500t of winter wheat, or the equivalent of 4.25m loaves of bread, 4,500 tonnes of potatoes, or 11m portions of fish and chip shop chips, 4,000 tonnes of sugarbeet, or 700,000 1kg bags of Silver Spoon sugar. 500 tonnes of fresh peas, or 350,000 1kg bags of frozen peas, and 150 tonnes of mustard or 5m 170g mustard pots.

The farm has invested in renewables, with 100kW wind turbine, and 200kW of solar and sustainable water management practices, with rainwater roof harvesting and three reservoirs, 58 hectares of pollen and nectar flower areas, and 6.5 hectares of

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Farming

| NSTS

| NSTS

SPRAYER TESTING The Sustainable Use Directive (SUD)* requires all pesticide application equipment to be tested by the relevant dates.

Legal requirements

Crop assurance scheme requirements

First test due before the machine is 5 years old

a. Annual testing for sprayers over 3 metres and air blast sprayers

1. Boom sprayers over 3 metres, air blast sprayers, train and aircraft sprayers Re-test every 3 years 2. Booms 3 metres and under, slug pellet & micro-granular applicators, weed wipers, seed treatment, manually propelled or self-propelled trolley type equipment with 3 or more wheels & a motorised pump, and other specialist equipment

b. Annual testing of granular nematicide applicators c. All other equipment to SUD timescales

Re-test every 6 years 3. Knapsack, handheld and pedestrian* equipment a. Must be checked on a regular basis by a competent person b. Make any repairs necessary c. Keep a record * Maximum 2 wheels or with a manually pressurised pump

* The legal requirements are contained in the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012

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| Grain

Analyst insight: Final 2025 UK harvest estimates are out efra released its estimates for 2025 UK cereal and oilseed production.

These are the first ‘official’ numbers; AHDB published provisional UK cereal and oilseed rape production estimates back in October, using Defra England and Scottish Government provisional data, with estimates for Wales and Northen Ireland.

wheat availability for the season (2025/26).

Applying this to the November UK supply and demand estimates, would lead to a slightly larger balance and surplus for export or free stock.

So how do the final official estimates, compare to our provisional forecasts and what does this mean for UK supply and demand this season?

For barley the slight drop from the provisional estimates to the final Defra release, leads to less availability, an even tighter balance and surplus available for either export or free stock.

Unsurprisingly, and as has been well reported since the summer, the adverse conditions in the spring and summer, have led to yields coming in lower on the year for most crops in the UK. However, winter barley yields are reportedly 7% up from 2024’s four-year low. The shining light from harvest 2025, was oilseed rape (OSR), with OSR yields climbing 30% on the year to 3.7 t/ha.

A rise in area planted outweighed a drop in yields, leading to a 7.3% increase in UK wheat production in 2025. At 11.958 Mt, UK wheat production is 122 Kt (1%) higher than AHDB’s provisional UK estimate, with final estimates for wheat production across all four devolved nations coming in slightly higher than initially estimated. At just short of 12 Mt, UK wheat production is probably closer to what those in the trade were expecting, if not still on the slightly low side.

The final estimate for total UK barley production has come in 72 Kt lower (-1%) than the provisional estimate, driven by further reductions in spring barley production outweighing a slight rise in winter barley output. At 6.366 Mt, 2025 total UK barley production is at the lowest level since 2012.

The final figure for 2025 oat production has come in 23 Kt lower than the provisional figure, with downward revisions to yields leading to the decline.

The final OSR figure comes in at 893 Kt, relatively unchanged from the provisional estimate of 892 Kt. Despite a smaller planted area, the relative triumph for national yields has led to UK OSR production rising 7% on the year.

What does this mean for UK S&D? Wheat The slight increase in Defra’s final wheat production estimate leads to a slight increase in

Farming

However, even with the rise in production, the wheat balance (when applied to the current estimates), remains the tightest since 2020/21.

Barley

Applying Defra’s final production estimate to the latest S&D estimates would lead to a balance of 1.686 Mt which would remain the tightest since 2012/13.

Oats The slight decrease in oat production from the provisional estimate could lead to a reduction in closing stocks, back down to more typical levels.

Although ending stock levels will very much depend on a number of factors, not discounting the pace of exports.

Conclusion The official and final Defra production figures released this morning for harvest 2025 were not too dissimilar to the provisional estimates AHDB made in October.

Focus has now shifted to what we can expect for harvest 2026. Released in November, the provisional results of the Early Bird Survey (EBS) of planting intentions, suggested a slight rise in wheat area, further falls for barley, but a somewhat significant rise in OSR (albeit not back to the area we once had five or so years ago).

The final results of the EBS will be released within the next week or so, giving us a clearer picture of what could be in the ground for harvest 2026.

The next UK cereal supply and demand estimated are scheduled for release at the end of January.

These will not only include the latest Defra production figures released today but also updated usage and trade information.

| Grain

Working demo of Bühler SPARK Colour (Optical) Sorter at LAMMA shows how the right equipment helps farmers add value on farm ith margins under pressure, every investment in new farming equipment must deliver clear value. Bühler UK’s SPARK colour sorter offers farmers just that - a reliable, high-quality way to improve grain quality, efficiency and profitability in post-harvest operations.

“When designing a colour sorter into a grain plant, no matter the size, it’s vital to work with an experienced integrator who understands both what you want to achieve and what’s possible within the constraints of the project,” McArthur added. “Every detail matters to ensure the sorter performs reliably on farm.”

“We’re looking forward to showing LAMMA visitors the superb engineering behind the Bühler SPARK,” said Scott McArthur, Project Division Director, McArthur BDC. “It’s built to last, easy to use, and designed to deliver consistent results on farm.”

“Our grain cleaning and sorting specialists design every installation around the farmer’s needs - from achieving the necessary throughput, meeting crop specific specifications to the seamless integration of the colour sorter with other processing equipment. There is also a focus on the practical details too, like easy access for calibration and day-to-day operation.”

Using cameras and sensors to remove discoloured grains, weed seeds, ergot and other unwanted material, the SPARK produces cleaner, more uniform grain. This helps farmers get better prices, reduces the risk of rejections or deductions from grain merchants, and even recovers grain that might otherwise be downgraded.

By accurately targeting the problem kernels, the SPARK reduces waste while supporting the highest standards of feed and food safety.

“LAMMA is the perfect opportunity for visitors to see our post-harvest solutions up close and understand the real on-farm value they bring,” concluded McArthur.

McArthur BDC Stand 8.410 LAMMA ’26, 14 & 15 January

The SPARK is simple to operate via a touchscreen control panel, allowing farmers to monitor performance in real time. Each chute has two dedicated cameras, unlike other sorters on the market which have two cameras for multiple chutes, which target unwanted grains. Self-cleaning mechanisms keep the machine running efficiently while reducing maintenance.

About McArthur BDC McArthur BDC specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of post-harvest drying, storage, and processing systems for farmers and commercial operators.

For more information, visit mcarthurbdc.co.uk or call +44 (0)1724 747110.

Farming

| Grain

The Grain Maize Gamble That's Paying Off for the Arable Farmer of the Year hen Will Oliver first planted maize for grain five years ago on his family’s 2,000acre Warwickshire farm, he wasn't taking any chances. "I got into a contract because I didn't want to grow something I might end up being unable to sell," he explains.

But fast forward to 2025, and the picture looks very different.

Now Vice Chair of both the NFU Midlands Crops Board and the Maize Growers' Association, and confident enough to operate without contracts, Will has watched the grain maize market mature around him. "There is much more confidence in the market now, really opening up the opportunities" he says.

"I'm not tied into a contract, so I was flexible. This year I sold it for forage because the conditions suited, but if I was still tied into a contract I would have been more restricted."

That flexibility proved valuable in a challenging season, highlighting the crop’s versatility, but ultimately, it's the economics that make the strongest case, with a gross margin more than double that of wheat in 2025.

Why Maize?

Will's family farm sits on the historic site of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth, the last in the War of The

Roses. Straddling the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border, these days he's fighting slightly less intense battles, primarily against blackgrass. His rotation is roughly half the farm area in first wheats, with the other half dedicated to break crops. For the past six years, that's meant maize and beans, though this year he's added oilseed rape back into the mix.

"Maize works really well for us," says Will. "We do cover cropping, no insecticide, companion cropping, so it lends itself well to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) when it’s open. We tick all those boxes but, crucially, we're still producing food rather than taking land out of production."

The crop slots neatly into his system as a valuable blackgrass break. "It's a good break crop in the rotation, pretty good margins, and there's less risk because you're drilling over quite a short period, but you've got a fairly wide drilling window."

That window stretches from April through to June.

"We went quite early this year in April. Some people waited because they thought there was a risk of frost, but it never really materialised – though it was very dry," he recalls. "I do want the earliest harvest possible because I want to get wheat in behind."

Making the Investment Work The specialist equipment required for grain maize might deter some growers, but Will sees it as money well spent when you consider the higher return. He's invested in combine modifications – a specialist maize header plus special sieves and concave.

The farm already had a continuous flow grain dryer capable of handling maize, which was one factor that made the move into grain maize attractive. "I know when I grow maize I have to dry it, so I budget for it – it's not a problem. Whereas if you grow wheat you might have to dry it, you might not. With maize we know we have to."

Last year they dried maize for an

Farming

| Grain average of £18-20 per tonne. "If it does ten tonnes per hectare, that costs up to £200 per hectare," Will calculates. "That is quite a big cost, but then it's similar to what a fungicide programme might end up costing on wheat."

He's achieving yields of between seven and ten tonnes per hectare dried, with the crop receiving a premium over wheat prices.

Multiple Markets, Multiple Opportunities Without a contract tying him down, Will now sells to several outlets. His grain goes to Avara for poultry feed, and to GLW Feeds via Frontier, but he's also developed local markets with shoots and livestock farms.

This fits perfectly with his diversified farm enterprise. Alongside the arable operation, the family runs a significant poultry enterprise, with Will's father at the helm while Will manages day-today arable decisions. His younger brother handles property development, his wife runs their glamping site and dog walking business, and the family lets out commercial units, a quarry, and fishing lakes.

"Poultry is very important to us for cashflow – every six weeks you're getting a cheque," says Will. "If you have a bad year in arable it's a body blow, and quite often it rolls into two years. But the enterprises work really well together. We put wheat into the poultry, we put muck from the poultry into the maize and wheat, and then we sell our wheat, beans and maize to Avara. It's all going back into the poultry sector somewhere – there's a good circular system there."

Will has also partnered with a neighbouring sheep farmer who runs Bentley Suffolks. "I don't know anything about sheep, but I'm quite happy having sheep on the farm," he laughs. "He and I are a similar age; we work well together. I charge him per head per week, he does all the fencing and he lets me know at the end of the year what grazing he's done."

The sheep graze cover crops after harvest, with Will typically using rye and vetch, though he's tried radish and mustard on smaller areas to enable earlier drilling. "The farmer’s really good at moving them, they don't graze too hard, he's got plenty of ground to go at. Sometimes he might go over a second or third time but we're not doing any damage, it only brings benefits for all of us."

Growing Confidence After combining the maize, Will direct drills winter wheat at a high seed rate with no pre-emergence herbicides. "Sometimes we end up writing a little bit off but it's still worth the risk," he says. "You do get a yield compromise, but I'm confident I'm getting

that margin back in the maize I'm growing rather than doing beans or oats."

It's a calculated gamble that reflects his broader approach to grain maize – managing risk while maximising opportunity. "There is a risk involved with the wheat crop following, but there’s no saying you can't do maize again, it's not like with wheat, rape, or beans. I don't want to do continuous maize, but in one year I could do maize back-toback no problem if conditions dictated it."

Will's journey from cautious contracted grower to confident market player mirrors the crop's trajectory in UK agriculture. As a recent appointee of the NFU National Crops Board, plus the 2025 British Farming Awards Arable Farmer of the Year, he's well-placed to assess where the market is heading.

"Maize is definitely growing in interest," he confirms. "The opportunities it's bringing as an arable farmer are endless. There's opportunity to sort of say 'can we do maize on your farm?' We do rent 100 acres on a neighbour's farm and rotate it there. It works well for both of us and they're getting a break crop."

On 4th February 2026, Will will host day one of the MGA Annual Conference at his family’s Fenn Lane Farm near Nuneaton, where visitors will see the grain drying facilities, farm machinery, cover crops and the sheep integration in action. Following lunch, there will be talks from AHDB, NIAB and John Deere.

For Will, grain maize has proven itself as more than just a break crop. "It's a really flexible crop with multiple markets out there. The economics stack up, it's good for weed control, good for SFI when it returns, and there are more and more outlets, even locally."

To read more about the benefits of joining the Maize Growers’ Association, and attending the annual conference in February, go to www. maizegrowers.com Farming

| LAMMA Preview

LAMMA 2026 set to deliver the UK's biggest-ever showcase of farming innovation

T

he countdown is on for LAMMA 2026, and this edition is shaping up to be the most comprehensive showcase of agricultural innovation the UK has ever seen.

Taking place on 14-15 January 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, the show will bring together cutting-edge machinery, futurefocused technology and the brightest minds in farming for two jam-packed days of insight, discovery and practical expertise.

This year marks a landmark moment as LAMMA joins forces with CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture, creating a single powerhouse event designed to give farmers a complete view of what the future of food and farming looks like.

A new era of collaboration For the first time, visitors will be able to move seamlessly between the UK's largest machinery

Lowlander ® Manure Spreaders

Event organisers say the move is designed to maximise value and minimise time away from the farm. Philippa Christer, Director of Events, explains that uniting the shows gives farmers access to innovations, insights and expertise across machinery, arable technology and carbon-reducing practices – all in one place.

Twin Vertical Auger TVA | 6 – 40 tonnes Horizontal Beater & Spinning Disc HBD | 8 – 40 tonnes

CONTACT US

"Farmers are navigating an extraordinary amount of change, and our aim with LAMMA 2026 is to create a space where they can step back, explore what's new and gather practical insight to support the year ahead.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1362 860352

www.gtbunning.co.uk

3 Year Warranty Details available upon request

“ Spreading Success Together ”

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show, the nation's leading arable knowledge hub and the only event dedicated entirely to climatefriendly agricultural practice. Whether it's nextgeneration combines, gene-edited crop innovation or the latest in renewable energy systems, the 2026 co-location promises a 360-degree view of the technologies shaping the farming landscape.

"We know time is tight, so bringing LAMMA together with CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture is about making the visit as useful and efficient as possible. By having machinery, technical developments and expert guidance under one roof, we're giving visitors the chance to compare options, ask questions and come away with ideas that genuinely help their businesses."

The show's theatres will run a full programme of talks covering technology, market trends and emerging practices. CropTec will bring its wellknown arable expertise, while Low Carbon Agriculture will highlight approaches to

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LAMMA's Demo Arena will also return, allowing visitors to see machinery working and speak directly with engineers and product specialists. For many, it's a valuable chance to compare equipment in real time before making investment choices Plenty of new kit on hand As ever, LAMMA will host an extensive line-up of machinery and technology from leading global brands and specialist manufacturers. From tractors and combines to implements, handling equipment and precision tools, visitors can expect a varied display that includes several UK debuts.

JCB Agriculture Managing Director John Smith said: "JCB is the largest machinery manufacturer in the UK, so LAMMA is the right place for us to effectively showcase the products we produce to support farming, commercial horticulture and other rural industries. The all-new JCB Fastrac 6000 Series - already an award-winner – will be centrestage along with JCB's latest full-size and compact Loadall telescopic handlers, and a host of other materials handling solutions.

"LAMMA is held at the right time of year and provides a comfortable environment for having face-to-face conversations with existing and potential customers keen to explore what our latest highly productive machines have to offer."

Following a flurry of new tractor releases, Fendt will showcase the new 500 Gen4, 700 Gen7.1, 800 Gen5 and 1000 Gen4 series tractors. The latest Rotana baler and newly updated MY26 IDEAL combine will also be in tow.

Returning to LAMMA for the second year in a row, KUHN is also bringing their newest kit. The KARAN trailed sprayer range will be centre stage alongside the HIGHLANDER tine cultivator, the MULITILONGER 6157 and the MERGE MAXX 102 range.

Also making its UK debut is the Case IH Optum 440 – the largest of three new models of the range – alongside a new Puma and Farmall M tractor.

Headlining the New Holland stand will be the new T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, joined by the W170D+ Forage Power wheel loader, the all-new high-horsepower T7 XD and new generation T5S. Neil Macer, CNH Marketing Manager, said: "LAMMA is a great opportunity to bring our global

brands Case IH and New Holland together under one roof and showcase the latest innovations we've developed to support farmers across the UK and Ireland.

"This year, we're unveiling a host of new products that push performance, comfort and productivity to the next level, all shaped by real customer needs.

We're looking forward to meeting visitors, hearing directly from our customers and celebrating the energy and ingenuity that make LAMMA such a special event for the industry."

Lindsay Haddon, Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager for Massey Ferguson explains why they keep returning to LAMMA: "Massey Ferguson is delighted to be returning to the Lamma show with a further three-year commitment. As a manufacturer we see the importance of this event and the need to support the industry and the farming community.

LAMMA is a vital sales and PR tool for our brand, giving us the chance to spend valuable time with customers and industry experts."

A one-stop shop for the whole industry Across the combined shows, more than 700 exhibitors are expected, representing the full breadth of the UK's farming sectors. Visitors will find products and expertise tailored to arable, beef, sheep, dairy and mixed systems, with previous attendance stats showing strong representation from every major enterprise type.

Whether it's sourcing new kit, exploring efficiency gains, meeting suppliers or keeping ahead of policy and technology shifts, LAMMA 2026 offers a single destination for farm decision-makers to get ready for the year ahead.

Registration information • Online registration for LAMMA 2026 is FREE and can be found at www.lammashow.com.

• All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry.

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Ag-drive contractors app launches in multiple languages g-drive, the all-in-one app for agricultural contractors and farmers, is now available in multiple languages to help all staff use the app.

Additionally, recent updates mean the app now works up to 50% faster on mobile phones and tablet devices, with a new dashboard, and other features.

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Will Dunn, founder of Ag-drive, explained the need for the new languages. He said, "We've been asked many times for the app to work in different languages by customers who have staff that struggle to use the app in English."

Ag-drive will now be available in the following languages: Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Bulgarian, Norwegian, Polish, and Spanish, with other languages to come in the future.

"The app works in exactly the same way, it's just easier for users to navigate and use all the features when it's in their own language," explains Will.

Other updates include a new dashboard that improves navigation for website and tablet users, and has increased the speed of the app by up to

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50%. A new reporting feature will be released in late December which allows users to analyse their operations in more detail.

Reports can now be personalised using different filters, allowing users to review everything from average time spent on particular operations, and revenue generated by operation type, to the number of hours spent or number of bales per customer, machinery usage by job or customer, and more.

"The reporting feature is really helpful when you want to analyse costs or profitability per job or per customer. It gives you the information to better understand your overall cost of a job and highlights where you could make efficiencies or reduce costs," says Will.

Another recent update is geo-tagged clock in/out timesheets for operators. This feature drops a pin on a map, showing the exact location of the user when they start work, take a break and finish work.

Ag-drive will be at LAMMA on 14-15 January 2026, where contractors can find out more about the award-winning app that streamlines record keeping and invoicing.

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Innovation, technology and practical solutions are highlights of LAMMA's powerhouse livestock line-up AMMA 2026 is gearing up to offer its most comprehensive programme for livestock producers, with award-winning innovations and sector-specific expertise taking centre stage. Taking place on 1415 January at the NEC Birmingham, the show will once again bring together the latest machinery, technology and practical solutions – including those for beef, dairy and sheep farmers – all under one roof.

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Organisers say this edition will be the most extensive yet for livestock businesses looking to boost efficiency, improve welfare and stay ahead of regulation changes.

Philippa Christer, Director of Events at Agriconnect, says that livestock content at LAMMA has grown year on year, reflecting the sector's demand for smarter, more efficient equipment and practical innovation:

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"Like the rest of the industry, livestock farmers are under pressure from every direction, from increasing production costs to changes in environmental regulation, and they're eager for solutions they can implement now.

This year's line-up delivers exactly that.

"Additionally, innovation in the livestock sector is increasing each year, and LAMMA is where you can see that progress first-hand. We're seeing technologies that cut emissions, protect welfare and streamline routine jobs – and farmers can compare them side by side, speak directly to the innovators and understand how products fit into their own systems.

"Whether it's an improvement in slurry management, safer cow-handling kit, or automation that improves productivity of daily tasks, LAMMA brings it together in one place so producers can compare, question and plan with confidence."

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Meet specialist suppliers offering the latest in handling, feeding, slurry and pasture management Hear expert-led sessions on herd health, fertility, youngstock, compliance, labour efficiency and more Move directly from the theatre to exhibitor stands to compare kit, ask technical questions and plan improvements for their unit

The programme features respected vets, nutritionists, grazing specialists, farm consultants and on-farm innovators. Many sessions focus on reducing workload, improving safety and adapting to tightening sustainability expectations.

Innovations reshaping livestock farming for 2026 and beyond This year's LAMMA Innovation Awards showcased a remarkable wave of livestock-related innovations and new products, all of which will be on stand for hands-on discussion.

Award-winning livestock solutions include:

Dairy & Beef Hub: practical answers for real-world farm challenges The inaugural Dairy & Beef Hub will serve as a dedicated space for farmers to explore ready-to-use solutions, where producers can:

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A pioneering system that captures urine directly from the cow, cutting emissions, nitrogen losses and slurry volume while supporting cleaner housing conditions. Its dual recognition highlights rising industry appetite for practical environmental solutions.

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Hanskamp CowToilet GOLD – Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit BRONZE – Livestock & Dairy Innovation

CowRecovery GOLD – Livestock & Dairy Innovation Created by Dorset farmer James Yeatman, this humane down-cow recovery attachment tackles one of the sector's most difficult welfare and labour challenges. It eliminates unsafe makeshift lifting approaches and gives farmers a controlled, practical and affordable system that allows calm, controlled and safe movement.

Trioliet Triomatic WP 2-600 SILVER – Livestock & Dairy Innovation A high-capacity feed robot with 6m³ volume, twin-

| LAMMA Preview SlurryKat will showcase their new 24m Premium Plus dribble bar, enabling high-output, low-emission application alongside a new nurse tank for faster, cleaner logistics during umbilical spreading.

But it's not all about machinery - there will also be plenty businesses offering housing, handling and infrastructure solutions. Among these is poultry housing specialist Clarke Group Construction, Clipex fencing and animal handling systems, concrete suppliers Low Grange Concrete, Steel Up building designers and manufacturers, and Teemore Engineering – whose Magellan Rubber flooring won Silver in the 2025 LAMMA Innovation Awards.

auger mixing and full remote control. Designed for units of 600–800 cows and scalable far beyond, it offers precise ration delivery, low energy use and smooth integration with herd-management platforms.

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Spread-a-Bale Combi-Bale BRONZE – Machine of the Year A dual-function system that both feeds and spreads straw, reducing machinery hours, labour costs and bedding waste. Compatible with rounds and squares, and fully self-loading.

Leading distributor Dairy Spares will also have their impressive range of livestock farming products on stand, including brands Milk Bar, Jobe, Betacraft, Drytex and Trusti Tuber. Their team will also be on hand to provide advice and answer questions.

See kit in action in the Demo Zone For many producers, seeing kit working up close is invaluable for investment decisions. The popular Demo Zone returns with machinery demonstrations that matter to daily livestock operations, including: •

JCB 542-100 Agri PRO telescopic handler: offering power, visibility and reach ideal for feeding, bedding and mucking out Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV: a practical, lownoise utility vehicle for stock checks, fencing rounds and general yard duties

Herdwatch Herdi SILVER – Digital Innovation Silver An AI-powered assistant that gives farmers instant, context-aware guidance on health, compliance, breeding and grazing, drawing from farm records, market data, weather and 22,000+ user insights.

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Monil Virtual Fences BRONZE – Digital Technology Innovation A GPS-enabled collar system replacing physical fencing, offering remote grazing control, real-time escape alerts and improved land utilisation. With no fixed infrastructure, it's ideal for upland, rotational or conservation grazing.

The Future in Farming Zone will highlight the wide range of exciting careers to job seekers and young people from both within and outside of the industry. With labour shortages continuing across livestock sectors, the zone aims to encourage fresh talent and highlight modern, rewarding career pathways.

Impressive range of livestock sector exhibitors In addition to our Innovation Award winners, producers will find a strong line-up of exhibitors unveiling new technology, equipment and infrastructure designed to reduce costs and support more resilient systems.

Leading machinery manufacturers JCB, Massey Ferguson, Case IH, New Holland, Fendt and Valtra are showcasing their best line-ups of tractors, balers, combines and loaders.

Alongside the CowToilet, Hanskamp will showcase its wider automation and cow-flow technology, reflecting rapid growth in labour-saving milking and feeding systems.

Bauer will introduce several new developments including: • Updated steering software for its slurry tankers to improve manoeuvrability, accuracy and soil protection during application.

• The Rainstar A4 professional irrigator, offering enhanced water efficiency and consistent pasture performance

Inspiring the next generation of farming professionals

Visitors can: • Meet employers and apprenticeship providers • Get guidance from training bodies and industry experts • Hear about proposals to expand agriculture education in schools • Discover how different roles align with their skills and interests Energy focus at Low Carbon Agriculture Co-located with LAMMA for the first time, Low Carbon Agriculture also has plenty to offer visitors looking for sustainable energy solutions for their livestock operations with nearly 40 exhibitors. The show's seminar programme includes talks about small-scale anaerobic digestors, grid connection, alternative fuels and integration of solar, battery storage and low-emission tech.

Registration information • Online registration for LAMMA 2026 is FREE and can be found at www.lammashow.com.

• All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry.

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Irrigation and slurry kit highlights from Bauer at LAMMA new Rainmaster clean water reel irrigator and new features for slurry tankers will be among the highlights of Bauer’s stand in Hall 7 at the LAMMA show in January.

New A4 irrigator The event at NEC Birmingham on 14/15 January will mark the UK launch of the Rainmaster A4 series reel irrigator, which neatly enters the range between the current compact A series and larger T series, and will be shown alongside a latest-generation Rainstar E300 110/490.

Catering for use in smaller fields across all agricultural and horticultural cropping and livestock enterprises, the Rainstar A4 is available with Bauer’s own polyethylene (PE) hose in diameters up to 75mm and in lengths up to 250m.

Flow rates of between 12 and 48cu m per hour help users fine-tune their irrigation schedules, and Bauer’s wide-angle SR101 sprinkler delivers uniform water distribution across runs up to 70m wide, with boom systems available as an alternative to provide gentle irrigation of delicate crops.

Like other mobile irrigators in the range, the A4 is built with galvanized steel components and high-performance PE hose manufactured by Bauer at its headquarters factory in Austria, where strict quality-control protocols ensure consistently high standards.

The new A4 joins a comprehensive line-up of Rainstar reel irrigators with a distinguished reputation for reliability, durability, accuracy, performance and ease of use – the last two of those enhanced by the SmartRain irrigation app for mobile devices.

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN SLURRY APPLICATION, MIXING, SEPARATION & PUMPING TECHNOLOGY

See us at LAMMA '26 Hall: 7 Stand number: 7.730 Plug & Play Portable pump and separator unit for mulit-side operation

MTXH-L Tractor mixer

-Strong non corrosive tanks -Positive displacement pump -High capacity pumps

-Minimum compaction -Low ground pressure -Heavy duty galvanised chassis

Adrian Tindall - UK & Ireland Rob Jackson - UK & Ireland

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-Precision application -Wide range of distribution systems -Heavy duty Pendulum Axles

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Magnum SX Centrifugal pump

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features and layout, and good road manners during highspeed road travel between store and field are key features appreciated by professional users.

Then there are the unique characteristics of Bauer’s poly tankers, which have a container built from handlayered woven polyester sheets, a weight-saving solution that is impervious to corrosion, emphasises Rob Jackson, area sales manager for Bauer in the UK and Ireland.

“Finished with an outer layer of Gelcoat that protects against This provides alerts, reports and control functions for remote irrigator management, and easy access to an online documentation and reporting platform.

The SmartRain package enables users of Bauer Rainstar reel and Centerstar pivot irrigators – as well as Bauer diesel irrigation pumps – to keep track of just one or several irrigation systems via an office computer, an Apple or Android mobile phone, or a tablet computer.

New slurry tanker features Bauer will also exhibit one of its signature poly-tankers, a 21,000-litre tandem axle unit featuring a new contactless forced steering system for the rear axle.

The machine will also highlight new field application control software with field mapping, and a Vogelsang 24m Swing Max5 dribble will illustrate the range of application hardware available.

Bauer’s high-specification poly and steel tankers are produced in the main for large farms and contractors handling big amounts of slurry from dairy, pig and other livestock units, or digestate from anaerobic digestion (AD) biogas plants.

Robust build, considerable variation in terms of

the tank’s otherwise corrosive effects of its contents, as well as exterior contaminants and the elements, the poly tankers’ structure and galvanised chassis means they clean up really well and can look like new even after a lot of use, resulting in strong re-sale values.”

Examples of Bauer’s comprehensive range of Helix, submersible and pto-driven pumps will also be on the LAMMA show stand, alongside slurry separators illustrating the wide range of slurry separators from Bauer and FAN Separator, a Bauer subsidiary.

They will include a FAN PS3.3 Green Bedding unit capable of producing a soft lining material for cow cubicles, and an Elevator fullyintegrated mobile set-up with variable discharge height.

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CowToilet Wins Two Top LAMMA Innovation Awards Ahead of UK debut groundbreaking technology designed to cut ammonia emissions on dairy farms has secured two major wins at the prestigious LAMMA Innovation Awards 2026.

The CowToilet, developed by Dutch agri-tech company Hanskamp, was awarded Gold in the Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit of the Year category and Bronze in the Livestock/Dairy Innovation of the Year category.

The awards celebrate the most forward-thinking advancements in farm machinery and technology, recognising companies that are driving progress and delivering real benefits for agriculture.

emissions by up to a third, improve nutrient use efficiency, and support on-farm sustainability.

How the system works Developed by Hanskamp, the CowToilet works by separating cow urine and faeces before they mix, preventing the chemical reaction that produces ammonia.

Using the natural reflex that cows never urinate and defecate at the same time, the system gently stimulates urination by rubbing against the suspensory ligament of the udder. Urine is collected immediately in a sealed receptacle, extracted by suction, and stored in an airtight tank.

Benefits Independent research from Wageningen Livestock Research shows that separating urine and faeces can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 38%, total nitrogen emissions by 33% and nitrous oxide by 18%.

These reductions make the CowToilet one of the most promising technologies available to help dairy farmers meet tightening environmental regulations without compromising productivity.

As well as cutting emissions, the CowToilet helps farmers make better use of nutrients on farm by storing nitrogen-rich urine that can be utilised as a natural fertiliser or even sold. Separating urine from solid waste also helps keep housing cleaner, improves air quality and contributes to better animal health and hygiene.

“Housing stays cleaner, air quality improves, and farmers gain more control over nutrient flows,” explains Mr Hanskamp. “We designed the CowToilet to work with cow behaviour, not against it. It’s simple, natural and highly effective.”

Commenting on the achievement, Henk Hanskamp, founder of Hanskamp, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised with not just one, but two LAMMA Innovation Awards. These awards highlight how the CowToilet is offering a completely new, practical approach to ammonia reduction.

“Farmers are under huge pressure to meet environmental targets, and our aim has always been to create technology that makes this easier—not harder— while supporting good cow welfare and efficient, profitable farming.”

Fresh from its award success, the CowToilet is set to make its UK debut at LAMMA 2026, offering dairy farmers a practical and effective tool to cut ammonia Farming

Developed in close collaboration with Dutch livestock farmers, engineers, and researchers – including Wageningen University’s Paul Galama – the CowToilet is already successfully operating on over 35 dairy farms in the Netherlands, delivering strong results and positive farmer feedback.

Cost Each CowToilet unit serves 25 cows and costs around £28,000 per unit (excluding installation).

“This technology is about more than meeting regulations,” says Mr Hanskamp. “It’s about giving farmers tools that support animal health, profitability, and sustainability. The CowToilet proves that innovation and sustainable farming can go hand in hand.”

To see the CowToilet in action, visit: https://hanskamp. com/en/solutions/cowtoilet/ Watch the demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=c7duvrYtEmk

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Protecting and enhancing animal health and welfare for a better future ames Yeatman, the Managing Director of CowRecovery Ltd, operates a 400-cow, 11,000-litre dairy farm in North Dorset, supplying Tesco through Müller.

With over 30 years of farming experience, James has faced the challenges of moving down cows firsthand. The real impetus for change came when a television program highlighted the improper use of hip hoists, which can cause severe bruising. Recognising the distress this causes both cows and farmers, James was determined to find a better solution.

James developed a technique to move down cows on his own, But it needed refining with the help from Synergy Farm Health and Albutt to create a consistent, efficient, and easy-tooperate system. His innovative design of a bladeless bucket, adapted to function as a cow ambulance, ensures a positive initial impression and efficient procedure. This system, known as CowRecovery, is designed to be a well-practiced procedure understood by all staff, ensuring the best possible outcome for down cows.

James emphasises the importance of a wellorganised approach, stating, “I live a chaotic life, but there’s no room for chaos when it comes to moving a down cow. It has to be a well-practiced procedure, understood by all staff to ensure the best possible outcome.” Drawing inspiration from human medicine, he applies the principle of the “golden hour” to his cows, aiming to provide the right treatment promptly to significantly improve outcomes.

Commitment to Animal Welfare At CowRecovery, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that prioritise the well-being of cows. Our system minimises stress and injury, offering a humane and efficient method for handling down cows. By reducing the physical strain on both animals and handlers, we aim to improve the overall health and welfare of dairy herds.

Enhancing Farm Safety Safety is at the core of our mission. Traditional methods of moving down cows can be hazardous, leading to injuries for both cows and farm staff. Our purpose-built system significantly reduces these risks, promoting a safer working environment on farms. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone

involved in dairy farming.

Supporting Sustainable Farming We understand the challenges faced by modern dairy farms and strive to offer solutions that are both sustainable and cost-effective. The CowRecovery system not only improves animal welfare and farm safety but also contributes to the economic viability of dairy operations. By preventing injuries and fatalities, we help farmers save on medical costs and reduce financial losses.

Innovation and Collaboration Our journey began with a deep understanding of the difficulties faced by dairy farmers. Through collaboration with veterinarians, engineers, and farmers, we have developed a system that addresses these challenges head-on. James’s partnership with Synergy Farm Health and support from Innovate UK have been crucial in refining and implementing the CowRecovery system. Rachel Hayton of Synergy, with her experience in trials and Innovate projects, has been a perfect collaborator.

James also highlights the importance of recordkeeping, stating, “Though I’ve always hated unnecessary paperwork, I believe keeping a written record of all down cows—detailing why, when, and where—is essential for the CowRecovery system.” These records help create a heat map of incidents, allowing for the identification of patterns, formulation of solutions, and ultimately reducing occurrences. This proactive approach ensures that prevention is prioritised over reaction.

Vision for the Future We envision a future where every dairy farm has access to the tools and knowledge needed to manage down cows effectively. Our mission is to lead the way in transforming dairy farming practices, ensuring that animal welfare, farm safety, and sustainability are at the forefront of the industry. By making informed choices for animal welfare and reflecting those in our actions, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the dairy industry. The positive feedback from herdsmen, farmers, and vets has been overwhelmingly encouraging. James hopes that farmers will embrace.

Stand number: DB514 Farming

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New hydraulic suspension and electric steering options ew options available from Hi-Spec Engineering for its range of tandem and tridem axle Kompactor trailers and slurry tankers are a FAD SIDRA hydraulic axle system, which will be displayed at LAMMA, plus the option of an electric steering system in place of forced hydraulics.

Hydraulic axle suspension Typical of the type of machine that will benefit from this new option is the Hi-Spec 5000 Tri-SR tanker, which will also be on display on the stand. When fitted to this, or any other tandem or tridem Kompactor trailers and tankers, one of the main benefits of the hydraulic suspension system is the ability of the system to self-stabilise on slopes and also provide a far smoother ride over rough ground, so allowing for higher forward speeds and increased productivity.

In operation, each wheel acts independently. When crossing rough ground, this has the benefit that the ride of the trailer or tanker is far smoother compared to conventional suspension. When traversing slopes, the system effectively enables

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the trailer or tanker body to self-level, so reducing the risk of roll-over.

The operator can also raise and lower the chassis level if necessary and for transport when empty, the front axle can be raised to reduce tyre wear.

Overall, the system helps ensure that the trailer or tanker weight is more evenly distributed across all the axles, so helping to minimise soil compaction, but also provide more even braking performance.

Electric steering Available on all machines with tandem or tridem running gear, electric steering offers all the same benefits as a forced hydraulic system, but with the added benefit of also enabling crab steering as well as being far neater and simpler than a closed hydraulic system.

The electric steering system works using a system of sensors on the axles for both steering and direction of travel, in addition to a gyroscope to sense any orientation changes. The system is controlled from the cab using ISOBUS and each axle can be controlled automatically or manually.

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For safety on the road, the system will also lock out the axles above a certain speed, which can be set by the operator. In addition to conventional steering, using ISOBUS the operator can also set the axles to crab steer, so reducing compaction.

shreds all the material to an even consistency which is then spread by two spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood evenly places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread.

Hi-Spec Tri-SR tanker

The Xcel 1250 and 2050 have the capability to achieve an even spread pattern up to 24 metres and have a capacity of 12 and 20 tonnes respectively. Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and they are able to spread all types of material such as farmyard manure, sludge cake, muck lime, wood mulch and chicken compost.

The 5000 Tri-SR is one of the largest tankers in the Hi-Spec range and has a capacity of 22,700 litres (5,000 gallons). The tanker on display has a semirecessed chassis to lower the overall height of the tanker and it runs on tridem commercial multi-leaf axles with forced front and rear steering axles, fitted with the standard 710/50 R26.5 BKT tyres and air/hydraulic brakes.

The specification for this tanker includes a high capacity 14,000 litres capacity Jurop pump, with an 8 inch autofill/turbo fill system. The drawbar has hydraulic suspension and is fitted with a spoon hitch to provide a rigid connection to the tractor. In addition it has a 600mm side access door, internal agitator, work lights and strobe beacons on the rear and 4-point linkage brackets.

XCEL 1250 spreader and Kompactor K36 trailer Also on the Hi-Spec stand will be the Hi-Spec XCEL 1250 rear discharge spreader. Unlike other rear discharge spreaders, the XCEL 1250 and the larger 2050 are unique in that they use a combination of a shredding rotor fitted with 22 heavy duty chains with 12mm Hardox flail heads.

These are mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood that

Completing the display will be a K36 Kompactor Push-Off trailer. The Kompactor features a hydraulically operated headboard powered by a triple hydraulic ram system, that can be used to compact material such as woodchip and grass or maize silage, so increasing the load carried by up to 40%.

The headboard can also completely empty the trailer in as little as 30 seconds. Because the load is pushed off and so avoids the need to tip the trailer body, the Kompactor is ideal for use in areas that conventional tipping trailers cannot access.

By using a push-off mechanism and due to its low centre of gravity, all the inherent risks posed by using a tipping trailer are avoided, such as striking overhead power lines or trailer instability when tipping on soft and uneven ground.

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Kidd Farm Machinery, WRAG and John Harvey Engineering unite for first time to reveal new machinery at LAMMA 2026 AMMA 2026 will mark a major milestone as associated brands Kidd Farm Machinery, WRAG, and John Harvey Engineering come together for the first time with a single showcase of strong, UK manufactured product lines on one stand, 8.900. The products on display will highlight a broad range of machinery for bedding, feeding, fencing, and livestock management, spearheaded by the Kidd-875TC bale shredder from Kidd, the WRAGTRACK Tow=It post driver, and the FDA4 Field Dispenser from John Harvey Engineering. These pieces of machinery reinforce the business’s commitment to provide users in the agricultural sector with products from one family that easily and efficiently handle the demands of critical jobs on the farm.

The Kidd-875TC combines the chopping and shredding power of the 475TC with the bale capacity of the 850, so that no matter the size of the area being bedded, it can be done quickly and efficiently. It also has the ability to chop the straw to a length that’s ideal for use in a TMR mixed ration, as required by every livestock farmer. In addition, the new model can be supplied with an optional extended tailgate that can fit two Hesston bales, which increases productivity as less time is spent loading straw, reducing downtime. Its retractable knives can be activated instantly at the flick of a switch, ensuring the right chop length for the job at hand.

The WRAGTRACK Tow=It is a versatile selfpropelled post driver, designed to work in a multitude of demanding environments, from rugged hillsides to flat or boggy fields. The machine combines a compact design with a two-speed drive mode and a 180-degree mast swing that enables operators to work in tight sites or remote areas with ease. When it comes to getting the post in the ground, the WRAGTRACK Tow=It has a 200kg hammer as standard, while a 300kg hammer upgrade is also available. In addition, WRAG has put safety first on this machine with the help of its Powertilt mast, hydraulic brake, a 3.6m post capacity, bumper and work lights. An optional remote control permits operation at an increased distance. The machine’s heavy-duty chassis has been designed to resist twisting and bending when

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it is under the heavy load that comes from driving posts into the ground.

The John Harvey Engineering FDA4 Field Dispenser has a four-tonne capacity and has been engineered for fast, accurate feed delivery, aided by its ability to precisely dispense any amount of feed in 100-gram increments compared to traditional machines. The FDA4 comes with a heavy-duty chassis, so it can handle all manner of terrains as well as a braked axle, full road lighting, and a roll-over tarp that ensures no feed flies out during transport. It also provides added versatility when equipped with a feed arm, as it can handle everything from daily dispensing of very precise amounts into farrow feeders, to feeding into long troughs and filling ad-lib feeders. In addition, the FDA4 provides enhanced biosecurity and minimises wastage through its no-leak system that ensures feed is only released in the correct locations and prevents leakage between operations.

Alongside the three new models on display, Kidd Farm Machinery will display the 450 with Hog Chute, 807 Bale Chopper and 483 Floatwing Mower. The WRAG post drivers range will include the WRAG BXL and WRAG Hector, and the John Harvey Engineering product portfolio will present the Dry Sow Hut, Farrowing Hut and Farrow Feeder.

Chris Gordon, operations manager at Kidd Farm Machinery, says, “We’re excited to be bringing together products from Kidd, WRAG and John Harvey Engineering on one stand for the first time to such an engaged audience. Our latest solutions for bedding, feeding, fencing, and livestock management highlight our ongoing commitment to developing products that can meet and exceed the needs of users in the agricultural sector. Our team is looking forward to visitors getting up close to the breadth of products we have available and explaining the technology and their benefits, such as increased productivity and job efficiency. When it comes to the full line-up of products on display, we want to show that we have machinery for every type of farm and every type of job in each of our product categories.”

| LAMMA Preview

Making Every Granule Count: How Soil Data Drives Smarter Nutrition Choices ith farm budgets under increasing pressure, choosing the right fertiliser isn’t just good practice it’s essential.

As Guillaume Franklin, Nutrition Agronomist at Origin Soil Nutrition, explains: “The most expensive fertiliser is the wrong fertiliser.

Getting this decision right has never been more important.”

Why Soil Data Matters Farmers and growers know that balanced nutrition is key to maintaining yield and quality. Now, with government schemes incentivising soil analysis, it’s easier than ever to use soil data to guide purchasing decisions.

For those still planning nutrition for the season ahead, now is the time to check if your choices align with your soil and crop requirements.

Origin’s Nutri-Match service helps do exactly that using soil test data to correct deficiencies and optimise fertiliser efficiency.

Compliance Meets Opportunity Since 2018, farmers in England have been required to hold valid soil tests under the Farming Rules for Water, and Wales will introduce similar

requirements under its Soil Health Universal Action in January 2026. Leveraging this data isn’t just about compliance it’s about improving yield and reducing waste.

Tailored Nutrition for Better Results Origin’s product range includes up to 15 nutrients, matched to your soil’s needs. For example, if potassium levels are already high, Nutri-Match may recommend reducing potassium and focusing on other nutrients like molybdenum, which improves nitrogen use efficiency.

See Micro-Match in Action Don’t miss the Micro-Match demonstration. Watch how electrostatically charged micronutrient powder is bonded to macronutrient granules, replicating the blending process that ensures even distribution across the spread width. This method increases micronutrient landing sites by up to 50 times, making these small but vital nutrients more effective than ever.

Visit Us at LAMMA Origin Soil Nutrition will be in Hall 11, Stand 210, with regional sales and agronomy teams ready to offer advice and support. Discover how data-driven nutrition can help you cut costs, boost efficiency, and improve crop performance.

Farming

| LAMMA | Shows Preview

Farming Finance Supporting Growth in the Agricultural Sectors our tractor is beginning to show its age, and with lambing season fast approaching, you may already be weighing up the cost of a replacement. Perhaps you're considering expanding your herd, upgrading essential machinery, or exploring new income streams like opening a farm shop or adding glamping to your land.

Farming demands that you juggle countless roles: producer, business owner, strategist, and problem solver. Every day brings new challenges, from volatile markets and shifting consumer trends to unpredictable weather and rising operational costs. In such an uncertain landscape, having the right financial support can make all the difference.

dedicated division built for agriculture. We understand the unique demands of rural businesses and offer flexible, fast, and farm-friendly solutions.

With over 30 years of experience lending to UK businesses, they've built a model that works for real farmers, not just spreadsheets. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a milking parlour, purchase a used pickup, or finance a glamping site, Shire Leasing’s tailored finance products include: •

Seasonal repayment plans built around farm cash flow

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Approvals in 24–48 hours with in-house underwriting

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Finance for both new and used equipment

This blog explores how finance is helping UK farmers strengthen and future-proof their businesses. From equipment upgrades to diversification projects, we’ll look at the funding options that allow farms to stay resilient, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.

•

Low or no deposits, with a choice of lease or hire purchase

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Support for diversification projects, livestock, vehicles, and infrastructure

The changing face of UK farming Farming has always been a balancing act, juggling the weather, fluctuating prices, and the sheer graft it takes to keep everything running smoothly. But right now, the pressures are mounting like never before. Subsidy changes post-Brexit, rising fuel and feed costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and the push to farm more sustainably have created a perfect storm.

Explore your farm financing options Here’s a closer look at how these finance products can be applied on your farm:

And while agriculture still contributes over £11 billion to the UK economy and manages 70% of the land, many farmers are being stretched thin. The reality is that long-term success in agriculture and farming hinges on adaptability. From setting up glamping sites and farm shops to installing renewable energy or trialling precision tech, farmers are branching out, scaling up, and future-proofing where they can.

However, these avenues require significant investment, and most farming capital is tied up elsewhere. That’s where flexible farming finance comes in as a strategic tool for growth.

Why finance for modern farming matters more than ever Modern farming isn’t just tractors and livestock. It’s business planning, sustainability targets, and diversification strategies. And while the ambition is there, the funds often aren’t. High-value assets like machinery, infrastructure, or livestock come with large price tags. Add in seasonal income dips, unpredictable weather, and slow-moving banks, and it’s easy to see why progress stalls. Farming finance gives you breathing room.

It lets you: •

Spread the cost of essential investments

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Keep cash flowing for day-to-day needs

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Align repayments with your busiest income periods

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Seize new opportunities without delay

And the numbers back it up - 62% of agri-businesses are open to borrowing to improve sustainability, and more than two-thirds of UK farms have already diversified in some way.

Shire Leasing: your partner for agricultural finance At Shire Leasing, our Finance for Farms branch is a Farming

Agricultural machinery finance Shire Leasing provides finance solutions for both new and second-hand machinery, making it easier to upgrade your equipment without the burden of a large upfront payment.

This means fewer breakdowns, improved productivity, and greater access to automation and precision farming tools.

Livestock finance Expanding your herd or investing in breeding stock is more manageable with livestock finance. From beef cattle and dairy cows to pedigree sheep, Shire Leasing offers funding support to help you seize market opportunities or grow your operation sustainably.

Farm vehicles finance Reliable transport is essential for farm management.

Whether it’s a pickup, quad bike or ATV, Shire Leasing’s vehicle finance options make it easier to access the vehicles you need without paying the full amount upfront.

Diversification finance Diversifying into areas like farm shops, glamping, or renewable energy opens up new income streams and helps spread risk. With flexible finance terms, we can support your transition and help you start your next venture.

Infrastructure and supplies finance Financing is available for essential infrastructure projects like barns, solar panel installations, and bulk purchases of feed or fertiliser. Shire Leasing also offers unsecured loans to help manage wider business costs efficiently.

From pastures to progress – grow with Shire Leasing At Shire Leasing , we understand the pressure and potential of British agriculture. That’s why we offer tailored livestock and agricultural finance designed to support the unique needs of your farming business, whether you're looking to invest in vital equipment, increase your livestock, or diversify into new areas.

To learn more about how we can help you navigate dry spells or take your next big leap, don't hesitate to contact our expert team today. We’re here to answer any questions you might have. Stand number: DB502

| LAMMA | Shows Preview

Suzuki ATV Seeks New Dealers – Join the Brand That Was First on Four Wheels uzuki ATV is currently expanding its nationwide dealer network, with opportunities now available for UK businesses.

Suzuki made history in 1983 when it launched the world’s first production four-wheel ATV – the QuadRunner 125. This pioneering machine sparked a movement away from controversial three-wheelers and led the way for the industry. The preceding model in 1987, and subsequent models thereafter, provided riders with innovative features and other market firsts.

More than 40 years later, Suzuki continues to lead the way with its KingQuad range; robust, reliable and highspecification utility ATVs designed for farming, estate management, equestrian and more.

Becoming part of the Suzuki ATV dealer network means aligning with a brand that not only led the way in the ATV industry but continues to develop and support its partners. Benefits of joining include receiving Suzuki’s committed aftersales support, extensive product training, and nationwide marketing activities.

Every Suzuki ATV comes with features and support that underline the strength of the brand, including:

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A full two-year unlimited mileage warranty

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Free European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) training for all new owners

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Industry-leading theft deterrent and tracking systems as standard

If you’re interested in becoming a Suzuki ATV dealer and joining one of the strongest networks in the industry, please contact customerservices@suzuki.co.uk for more information.

DEALER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITH SUZUKI. VISIT US AT

Contact customerservices@suzuki.co.uk or speak to us at LAMMA to register your interest.

@SUZUKIATVSUK

STAND 7.436

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| Shows

Early bird tickets now on sale for Dairy Tech 2026 arly bird tickets are now on sale for Dairy Tech 2026, the flagship event for British dairy farmers. Organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and supported by Principal Sponsor Barclays, the show returns to Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 4 February with cutting-edge dairy science, technology, and practical insights.

Next year’s event is extra special, marking 150 years of the RABDF and celebrating the very first dairy show held in 1876. Dairy Tech 2026 will showcase this milestone in style, reflecting the association’s long-standing commitment to supporting British dairy farmers.

celebrate 150 years of the RABDF and look back to the very first dairy show in 1876. It’s a proud milestone that highlights the association’s long history of supporting British dairy farmers and demonstrates the resilience and innovation that continues to define our sector today.”

What’s on Visitors can explore almost 300 exhibitors across three exhibition halls and enjoy a full day of learning and inspiration, including practical demonstration areas and informative talks.

Top of many dairy producers’ minds will be milk price cuts and what to expect in 2026. Several sessions on the Dairy Hub, sponsored by Kite - part of the Asterra Group, will provide insights into milk markets, along with practical advice on how to manage any reductions.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for visitors to put forward questions to industry experts, including the first-ever Farmers Weekly Question Time, hosted at the RABDF event.

Social media influencers Rebecca Wilson and Charlotte Ashley from the Wilson and Ashley podcast will lead a session on the Innovation Hub, sponsored by Lely, showcasing some of the latest dairy innovations hitting the UK market.

With a packed timetable of interactive talks, live demonstrations, and expert-led discussions, the RABDF event promises practical insights and the very latest in dairy innovation. Pre-booked tickets are £20, with on-the-day tickets priced at £25.

RABDF Chair and Cumbrian dairy farmer Robert Craig said: “Our industry faces real challenges, but also exciting opportunities. Dairy Tech is designed to give farmers practical solutions they can take home and use straight away, whether it’s managing costs, improving herd health, or exploring the latest technology.

“Next year’s Dairy-Tech is extra special as we Farming

And, if that wasn’t enough, the popular Healthy Feet Demonstration Area will return, offering practical, hands-on advice for managing lameness and improving herd welfare.

The one-day RABDF event gives visitors the chance to explore the latest innovations and gain practical advice to take back to their farms, making it a must-visit for anyone working in the dairy sector.

Event Details: Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 Location: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire Book your ticket now: www.Dairy-Tech.uk

| Shows

New Report Urges UK Agriculture to "Grasp the Opportunities" and Build a Mission-Led Future he 2026 Oxford Farming Conference report, UK Agriculture: Grasping the Opportunities, calls for urgent action to move the UK's farming and agri-food sector from survival mode to a missiondriven, opportunity-focused sector capable of thriving in an increasingly complex, brittle and volatile world.

Authored by Dr Louise Manning, the report kindly supported by a generous donation from the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust, is based on structured discussions with 25 leaders, influencers and disruptors from across the UK and global agrifood industries. It asks two key questions: What does a good future for UK agriculture look like? and What interventions will drive that outcome?

Dr Manning explains, "This report captures the voices of people who are shaping and challenging the future of farming. The message is clear: change is not optional. To thrive, not merely survive, UK agriculture must become agile, robust and opportunity driven."

The report describes how UK agriculture now operates in a 'BANI' world – one that is brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incomprehensible. Shocks from shifts in world trade dynamics, regional conflicts, Brexit, and the public debt crisis have all combined with increasingly disruptive weather events to create uncertainty and instability.

"In a BANI world," she says, "traditional approaches to managing risk no longer work. What has happened in the past does not necessarily reflect what we will need to adapt to in the future. Farming businesses must build robustness, inspire confidence, embrace nonlinear change and use data to make sense of complexity."

The report hopes for a robust UK agricultural sector where policy is clear, consistent and location aware, where health and wellbeing are seen as fundamental to a secure future, and farming businesses are profitable, innovative and valued contributors to the economy and environment.

"To deliver that vision," Dr Manning notes, "the UK needs a clear, long-term strategy for agriculture, that defines the kind of sector we want in 20- or 30-years' time, not one that merely reacts to the immediate pressures, which are commonplace in farming."

She argues that a "good" future for UK agriculture is one in which farm businesses have confidence in the future, are mission-led, data-driven and capable of demonstrating that they are ''investible as enterprises.

"Every farm has its own context and challenges," she says, "but robust businesses are those that know their purpose, invest in people, deliver value right across the system and retain economic value pre-farm gate."

Manning notes, "given the current economic and policy environment farming businesses need to revisit and

refine their business planning and its execution. This will require businesses to set a direction of travel and nurture an environment of curiosity, agility and courage in decision-making."

The report concluded from the discussions that there are three prevailing mindsets in today's UK agriculture sector, the 'doomloop', 'drawbridge' and 'growth opportunity-driven' mindsets. The report calls for a decisive sectoral and business shift toward the last of these.

"Mindsets inform thinking," says Manning. "We need to move away from defensiveness and despair towards identifying opportunities for collaboration and opportunity. That means, like previous farming generations we need to see inevitable change not as a threat, but as a space to innovate and grow."

Business enablers include knowledge sharing, technology and smarter data use, and pursuing resilience via opportunities for alternative use of business assets. Embedding timely, tailored market insights into more agile farm business management will also be crucial.

"Some of the agri-businesses that will transform UK farming by 2040 or 2050 probably don't exist yet," Manning explains. "That's why we must invest in the skills, systems and mindsets to adapt."

The report concludes that a thriving agricultural sector needs modern, flexible education and training programmes focused on business management, investment, risk and innovation.

"Agriculture's future depends on its people," says Dr Manning. "We must create space for the 'New Gen' and 'Next Gen', individuals with fresh ideas, digital capabilities and entrepreneurial energy, to enter and shape the sector."

The core message of UK Agriculture: Grasping the Opportunities is the need for confidence and direction.

The report urges policymakers, businesses and individuals to look forward rather than back, and to embrace the uncertainty and the continuous change to come as being the only constant.

"Change is a continuous process," Manning concludes.

"The UK agricultural sector has revitalised and realigned repeatedly in the last century when external economic, geo-political and policy environments have shifted. The UK agricultural sector, and farming businesses needs to dig deep and do so again."

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| Shows

Up-beat Midlands Machinery Show finds farmers still wanting clarity and confidence to invest armers need more confidence in the industry before they can plan their next business investments.

That was the sentiment of exhibitors at the new-look Midlands Machinery Show which took place at Newark Showground last week.

Redesigned into a one-day format, thousands arrived at a chilly – but dry – show to talk to suppliers, gain CPD points, and socialise with their peers.

With budget day on the horizon and still no government announcements over the future of environmental schemes, exhibitors networked with land and business owners who are tentative about major investments.

NFU President sets out the challenge One of the draws to this week’s show was the NFU’s Midlands Environment Conference.

Tom Bradshaw, NFU President, opened by stressing how high the stakes have become for farm businesses trying to navigate environmental policy. He pointed to recent public attention on the human impact of current inheritance tax rules and said the union is doing everything possible to turn that scrutiny into political pressure.

He warned that Defra’s environmental schemes remain in a state of flux, with SFI and Countryside Stewardship decisions creating clear winners and losers at a time when farmers need certainty. He called for transparency around the remaining ELMS budget and a clear plan for how farmers will be prioritised as more than 10,000 agreements expire in 2026.

Tom said environmental delivery will only succeed if farmers have confidence to invest in productivity, which is why the NFU continues to push for a workable SFI offer, rollover support where needed, and long-term clarity on the shape of future schemes.

Sentiment felt on the stands Sharmans Agricultural, which took first prize in the Best Agricultural Trade Stand class, brought a broad range of machines to the show, including a Krone BiG Pack baler, Amazone Pantera self-propelled sprayer, and JCB telehandler.

Group Marketing Director Sally-Ann Hazard said the show is on the “home patch” for the Sharmans’ Grantham depot and was an opportunity to meet customers with the next 12 months in mind.

“The stand was built to give customers a proper look at the machines they are considering for the year ahead, and a chance to talk through plans for the coming season,” she said.

“Footfall was stronger than expected and conversations were upbeat. We understand why people are cautious but engaged, and the show Farming

offered a rare moment where the industry felt forwardlooking again.”

David Musson Fencing took the best allied trade stand with a display that showed why the business has become a fixture at the Midlands Machinery Show.

The company’s Kerry Smith, who oversees purchasing, said agriculture remains a core market alongside equestrian, domestic and commercial work, and that the past year has seen strong demand for their products, underpinned by capital grants for fencing.

Kerry said the show is one of the best opportunities they have to see both long-standing customers and new faces.

“Footfall was good and the conversations were productive, with visitors willing to spend time talking through projects in a way that is impossible when they come to collect products from the yard or going to a job,” she said. “The overall mood feels more upbeat than expected and offered a welcome sign that confidence is still there beneath the uncertainty.”

Investing in efficiencies Alan Parry, a software development manager with farm compliance app MeritAgCheck, said the challenge facing farming was driving investment in efficiencies.

“We used the show to give demonstrations of how our app can cut down on bureaucracy and paperwork, which always results in unnecessary costs for farm businesses,” he said.

“When profitability is under pressure you look at where you can shed costs, and adopting technology is one of the routes to achieving that.”

Similarly, first-time exhibitor Fireward, used its show presence to demonstrate how proven fire-suppression technology could prevent losses caused by machinery fires, particularly to balers and combines.

Marketing Manager Ben Robinson said: “Our systems have been used in construction and other major plant equipment for years but we’re now seeing how it can cut insurance costs and also the cost of losing farm equipment to fire damage.”

The Midlands Machinery Show has run for more than a decade and is organised by the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

Events and Development Manager, Elizabeth Halsall, said: “We all know the challenges facing the industry, and that goes for the show’s visitors and exhibitors alike. But there was positivity to be found at the show, and a strong turnout is testament to the resilience of the sector and the need for events such as this to bring people together.”

The 2026 Midlands Machinery Show will be held on Wednesday 18 November.

| Shows

Nine apprentices win £500 bursary to support agricultural engineers ine agricultural engineering apprentices were recognised at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show after being named winners of the 2026 Midlands Apprentice Engineering Award.

Each receives £500, paid in two instalments across their first and second year, to support their development.

The initiative is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, in the legacy of former president Geoffrey Bond.

Among the three first-year recipients were two apprentices from Sharmans Agricultural.

Edward Moisey, 19, is based at the company’s Pytchley depot, joining in August 2022. He did not grow up on a farm, although his grandfather worked in agriculture, and came into the industry with a fresh eye.

He says the size, power and variety of the machinery, along with the appeal of a job that changes every day, drew him to the job.

He said: “I’ve always been hands on and really into engines and machines. Tractors are big, they look cool and I wanted to do something different. I thought I’d give it a go and it has just grown from there.”

Ed is already being steered towards working more with implements and attachments, an area he is excited to develop.

“I’d love to specialise in balers. There are so many different types and everything works differently, so there’s a lot to learn. That’s what makes it interesting,” he said.

He plans to put the first-year award of £250 straight back into his toolbox.

“It will all go on tools. I’ve got the basics but I need more specialist stuff like torque wrenches. They’re not cheap so this really helps,” he said.

Tobin Royalls, 20, also collected a first-year award. He joined Sharmans straight after finishing his GCSEs in 2021. He recently became the sole engineer at the Loudon depot, which means he handles all manner of servicing and repairs across the dealer’s livery.

Tobin said: “Agricultural technicians like us work hard in this industry. The hours can be long, and the work can be hard in all weathers, especially in winter.

“Winning this award genuinely gives you a lift.

It shows people notice the effort you’re putting in and it helps keep you pushing forward.”

Tobin said most of the money will go towards new tools. “That’s the sensible answer. But I might treat myself as well!” he said.

Sir Mark Spencer, incoming President of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, praised the winners and the commitment they have shown.

He said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the apprenticeship award. The career path you have chosen is going to be challenging but rewarding. We need the brightest and the best in young engineering talent and it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and commitment that you are showing for our industry.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Midlands Machinery Show, held at Newark Showground on Wednesday 19 November, with the ceremony supported by B&B Tractors.

The 2026 Midlands Machinery Show will be held at Newark Showground on 18 November.

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| Groundcare

Leeds City Council Upgrades Fleet with New Major Swift Roller Mowers

ifteen MJ71-400 mowers boost efficiency, cut maintenance costs and deliver a cleaner finish across parks, verges and green spaces.

Leeds is the third largest City in England covering an area of just over 43 square miles.

Like most major city councils, Leeds City Council takes responsibility for the

management of significant areas of city parks, green spaces, roundabouts and roadside verges as part of its services commitment to the local community. They have some local school sport contracts and operate totally within the Leeds City boundary.

A recent acquisition of fifteen Major MJ71-400 3PL Roller Mowers, offered under tender through their local dealer, GGM of Colne, Lancashire saw the replacement of the council’s previously installed gang mowers and older Major rotary mowers.

By upgrading to the Major MJ71-400 Roller Mowers, Leeds City Council has not only modernised its fleet but also ensured long-term efficiency, durability and cost savings. With their robust build, advanced cutting performance and low-maintenance design, these machines will help the council continue delivering highquality green space management for the community, while maximising value from their investment.

Credit: www.major-equipment.com

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| Groundcare

THE NEW ZERO TURN

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| Education and Training

Wiltshire College & Univ two new Higher Educa RESH from the success of October’s Higher Education graduation ceremony, Wiltshire College & University Centre is already looking ahead to the next chapter - with a dynamic new range of Higher Education courses launching for 2026.

F

At the heart of the refreshed offer are two brand-new programmes: Animal Conservation and Countryside Management and Sustainable Business Management.

Both courses have been developed in close collaboration with industry partners and are designed to meet growing demand for skills in conservation, land and habitat

Farming

management, and sustainable business leadership.

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management provides a strong foundation in animal biology, ecology and habitat management, supported by practical fieldwork and industry placements. Students develop the skills needed for roles in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and countryside management.

Lauren Meek, Lecturer in Animal Care at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said: “What excites me most about launching this course is the opportunity to inspire the next generation of conservation professionals.

| Education and Training

versity Centre launches ation courses for 2026 Students won’t just learn theory – they’ll actively contribute to habitat management and conservation projects, gaining skills that make a real difference for wildlife and the environment.”

The Sustainable Business Management HND programme is delivered at the College’s Business School in Lackham and builds the skills needed to lead responsible and resilient organisations. Students gain a strong foundation in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership, supported by real-world learning through live projects and industry guest speakers.

Nicola Dew, Higher Education and Quality Manager at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said: “We are committed to delivering high quality Higher Education (HE) courses which meet the needs of our communities and the local economy. Our HE offer for 2026 focuses on delivering to our core strengths and developing the future Wiltshire workforce.”

Exciting pathways for 2026 include: •

Motorsport Technology and Motorsport Engineering

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Film Production and Cinematography

Martin Chappell, Lecturer in Business at the College, said: “This programme places sustainability at the heart of the business learning rather than treating it as an optional topic. Students will study sustainability, ethics and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) from day one, while also developing core business and management skills.”

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Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical)

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Computing

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Crime and Criminal Justice

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Early Years Professional Leadership

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Healthcare Professions’ Support

The College has worked closely with employers across Wiltshire to ensure every programme – not just the new additions – reflects current and future industry needs. For 2026, all Higher Education courses have been refreshed, with curriculum teams selecting units that directly align with local employer demand. This includes a refreshed syllabus for the Early Years Professional Leadership course and specialist Cyber Security units within the Computing programme, alongside employer-informed updates across the wider HE offer.

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Animal Conservation and Countryside Management (NEW)

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Sustainable Business Management (NEW)

Many programmes are validated by leading UK universities including Bournemouth, Coventry and Oxford Brookes, reinforcing the College’s long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality university-level study across Wiltshire.

Whether stepping into Higher Education for the first time or balancing study with work and family commitments, many of the College’s programmes offer flexible routes to success.

With strong industry links, specialist teaching, and a clear focus on employability, Wiltshire College & University Centre continues to champion the high-level skills that help students progress into rewarding careers or further study.

Applications for 2026 entry are open now.

Visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.

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| Mental Health

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| Mental Health

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| Mental Health

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| Mental Health

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| Potatoes & Root Crops

Potatoes prove the most Christmas faithful stalwart on festive plate urkey may have been replaced by beef or a nut roast, sprouts by peas, but the one stalwart of the Christmas dinner is the potato according to a new survey*. More than two-thirds of Britons will not sacrifice the roast potato this Christmas and a third will be eating mash, proving that one of the UK's most widely grown vegetables stand the test of time. Potatoes are the non-negotiable above other festive favourites with turkey at 63% followed by gravy (52%), stuffing (49%) and pigs in blankets (48%).

Originally arriving on our shores from Latin America in the 1500s via Spanish merchants, the British soils proved just right, and potatoes weren't fussy about the bouts of cold and rain.

The first knowledge of potatoes for Christmas dinner in England is under the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, and now approximately 250 million are consumed over the festive period, with Maris Piper and Rooster now among some of the most popular varieties on the Christmas plate.

The variety of the potato is key to the perfect crispy result, says cookery writer Jenny Linford, whose book, Potatoes, inspires with 65 delicious ways with the humble potato from fries to pies:

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"Whatever else is on the plate, it's the golden roast potatoes that all ages really look forward to.

Choosing the right potato to roast this Christmas will make all the difference. Each variety has different traits that lend it to baking, boiling, mashing or roasting. Maris Piper or a heritage variety like King Edward, roasted in really hot goose fat, will give you the ultimate crispy on the outside, fluffy within. And don't forget to make extra for easy entertaining between Christmas and new year. One of our family traditions is Boxing Day bubble and squeak with left over roasties, sprouts and bacon."

Beyond Christmas, potatoes have had to compete for turf with pasta and rice since they entered the British culinary scene in the 1980s. However, the potato selection in many supermarkets is now very sophisticated offering a wide seasonal range from new and salad potatoes to those suited for roasting, mashing, and other culinary uses, rivalling the variety seen with rice and pasta.

"The potato is often taken for granted but it is one of the most versatile and brilliant kitchen staples.

Potatoes comes in so many different types and varieties that you can eat them every day of the week but it's like you are eating something different a jacket potato is totally different to buttery new

| Potatoes & Root Crops

potatoes or gnocchi. They keep well, so can be in the fridge for any last-minute cooking, you can make a huge range of tasty dishes with leftovers so there's no waste, and they are a brilliant natural source of nutrition and energy."

Potatoes may not always be recognised for their nutritional benefits, but high in Vitamin C, antioxidants and other key minerals - and provide more potassium than bananas – they are a healthy and nutritionally balanced food and can be a satiating source of low-calorie energy. Their health benefits can be further enhanced by certain cooking methods, such as cooling after boiling and steaming without peeling.** In GB about 75% of potatoes are produced in England & Wales, with 25% coming from Scotland, and around 80% of the potatoes consumed in the UK are home-grown.

Tom Stevenson who grows many different potato varieties says: "Potatoes are a brilliant British food story. They grow well across the UK, and we are really proud to grow such an iconic vegetable, that is as much a Christmas dinner staple, as they are all year round on the plate. Beyond the traditional types, there are plenty of modern varieties – like Sagitta, Rooster, Jelly, Panther, Markies and Nemo – that roast beautifully. I would encourage people to experiment with new potato varieties and discover what they like the best."

"It's fantastic to see the potato is still king of the plate at Christmas and that's no surprise," adds Alex Godfrey, Chair of GB Potatoes, the trade body for the potato industry. "The potato has a place in

both our history and our hearts, and, frankly, no Christmas dinner would be complete without it. Our growers work very hard throughout the year to bring potatoes to tables across the country, and it's very rewarding that of all the wonderful foods that make up the Christmas meal, potatoes are the ones that won't be compromised on."

Five ways to entertain with potatoes this festive season

By Jenny Linford For a classy canape on New Year's Eve, serve slices of boiled salad potatoes topped with soured cream, smoked salmon and dill.

After that bracing Boxing Day walk, enjoy a warming bowl of comforting potato and leek soup.

It's easy to make in advance and, if you're feeling fancy, you can serve it decorated a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.

Give the cook a break after the Christmas Day roast and enjoy an easy meal of baked potatoes warm from the oven. Serve with cold cuts, cheeseboard cheese and chutneys and tuck in!

Top tips for best roast potatoes this Christmas

By Jenny Linford Choose a variety that lends itself to roasting: King Edwards and Maris Piper are great and widely available.

For added luxury - and it is Christmas after all - use goose fat as your cooking fat. It has a high smoking point, which means you can roast at a high temperature and get great, golden, crispy roasties and adds a rich, savoury flavour.

Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

Transforming potato industry waste into valuable ingredients for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics cientists at The James Hutton Institute are working in partnership with Grampian Growers and Aberdeen University on Phytoscosmo, a project that aims to transform the stems and foliage of the potato plant, known as potato shaws, or potato haulms, into high value ingredients for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

untapped potential, producing various high value compounds, including solanesol, which is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries and is normally derived from tobacco leaves.

The Hutton is internationally renowned for potato research and is the UK's biggest R&D centre for potatoes. It has extensive expertise in delivering commercially successful varieties and a track record in delivering applied science for the agricultural industry.

It is home to the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), which works in partnership with academics, industry and government in the UK and beyond to carry out scientific research to future proof the potato industry and support economic resilience and growth. It develops solutions that will help ensure the future of potato as a sustainable and profitable crop that provides nutritious food for all and supports the British economy.

This project seeks to develop an ethical and more sustainable source of solanesol that would reduce reliance on tobacco cultivation, lower carbon emissions and contribute to Scotland's circular economy.

Dr Gordon McDougall from the James Hutton Institute said, "By fully exploiting the shaws for solanesol and other uses, the project will provide an additional income stream for farmers, especially during suboptimal harvest years, and create a viable UK-based business centred on potato co-products.

The Scottish seed potato industry produces approximately 51,200 tonnes of potato shaws annually as a byproduct of seed potato cultivation. The removal of shaws is an essential crop management practice that stops further tuber growth and ensures quality, storability, and disease resistance. This aboveground foliage is typically cut and discarded in the field.

However, the potato shaws offer significant Farming

"By leveraging the potential of potato shaws, the project will make more complete use of the potato biomass, reduce agricultural waste, and create new economic opportunities for Scottish farmers."

Sofia Alexou, project lead at Grampian Growers said, "This project is particularly significant for Grampian Growers and the wider potato industry. It offers an opportunity to add value to agricultural by-products while addressing key challenges such as waste reduction and economic resilience. By unlocking new revenue

| Potatoes & Root Crops

streams, the project supports Scottish farmers and enhances the profitability of co-operative models, demonstrating the potential of innovation to strengthen rural economies."

This innovative initiative is driving new commercial opportunities in sustainable biomanufacturing across Scotland and the UK, helping to meet global demand for bio-based products. Thanks to the growing use of solanesol in cosmetic and naturaceuticals (products that are derived from food sources that are purported to provide extra health benefits), demand increased from 4,000 tonnes in the early 2000s to 66,000 tonnes by 2022.

The Hutton is one of the world's leading scientific research institutions and is at the forefront of transformative science for the sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources. Its scientific expertise is shaping resilient agricultural practices and enabling communities to thrive.

Based on 12,800 hectares of Scottish seed potatoes grown in 2024, the industry could yield up to 120 tonnes of solanesol annually, presenting an opportunity for farmers to diversify income streams and support a more resilient agricultural model.

Solanesol is the precursor for coenzyme Q10 and vitamin K2, widely recognised for their antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. It is a vital component of various pharmaceutical products used to treat migraines, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Heather Wilson from the University of Aberdeen, said, "Exploring the quality and yield of solanesol extracted from locally sourced potato shaws, and evaluating its potential applications across the cosmeceutical and related industries, represents an exciting and impactful area of research.

"This work not only supports the transition to ethical, tobacco-free sourcing of high-value compounds, but also advances sustainable innovation showcasing how science can unlock new value from agricultural by-products and strengthen the resilience of rural communities across Scotland and beyond."

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| Potatoes & Root Crops

Puffin Produce Wins Best Environmental/Sustainability Initiative at the British Potato Awards 2025 uffin Produce, Wales's leading fresh produce supplier, has won Best Environmental / Sustainability Initiative at the British Potato Awards 2025.

The award recognises Puffin Produce's holistic approach to long-term sustainability, alongside tangible actions for growers.

In Winter 2024 Puffin launched its 'Sustainable Spuds' grower scheme, a sector-leading framework that incentivises on-farm actions for positive environmental outcomes. Designed as a catalyst for change, the scheme covers end-to-end crop production cycles, while creating a model for farmers to be paid a premium for improving nutrient optimisation, energy efficiency, soil health and biodiversity, and reducing emissions.

The company is also home to ROOT ZERO, the UK's first carbon-neutral potato, which launched in 2021 with bold targets to cut carbon intensity by 51% per kg of potatoes by 2030. With progress tracking well, the brand is also known for its 100% plastic-free compostable and recyclable packaging.

Alongside this, marketing centres around consumer education on food waste and energy efficient cooking methods, as well as support for wildlife partnerships, including a donation of 0.5p per pack sold to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), Puffin Produce aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 46% by 2030, with at least 90% reduction across all scopes by 2040. Since baseline carbon assessments in 2019, operational emissions have reduced by 30%, with the installation of 2 megawatts of solar panels on 6,000 m2 of roof space making a significant contribution.

This investment provides 100% self-generated energy during summer months, with emissions savings of 2.4 tonnes of CO2e per day. Puffin Farming

purchases energy from 'zero-carbon' sources to support operations during winter, as well as its ongoing transition away from fossil fuels.

Puffin strives to optimise technology and resource efficiency to minimise wastage and maximise crop utilisation – aiming for the greatest possibility that every potato grown reaches the end consumer. A commitment in 2015 through Courtauld 2030 (UK Food and Drink Pact) to reduce food waste by 50% has been exceeded five years ahead of schedule, with a 57% reduction reported despite increases in production volumes. Puffin Produce is also a Leading Food Partner for FareShare Cymru, this year reaching the milestone of contributing produce to create two million meals via the 'Surplus with Purpose' scheme.

More recently, Puffin Produce has co-founded the Wales Landscape Enterprise Network (LENs). The LENs framework enables collaborative funding and implementation of nature-based solutions to enhance water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This year through the new Wales LENs initiative alone, on-farm initiatives have resulted in: •

over 150 acres of enhancements across potato production systems to support resilient and productive agricultural landscapes.

•

25% increase across five key wildlife species groups

•

17% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of potatoes, with 40kg less nitrogen used per hectare without a yield penalty.

Emma Adams, Head of Sustainability, Puffin Produce said: "This award is a superb achievement for all those involved in our sustainability initiatives, from farm to fork. It shows how collaborative actions can work alongside agile investment to provide rapid, measurable, solutions that really make a difference to the environment around us. Agricultural systems are complex, but they also provide opportunities to meet the challenges of the climate crisis, if we work together".

Based in Pembrokeshire, Puffin Produce has deep roots in Welsh farming, with roughly 80% of its produce supplied from within 50 miles. As the only BRC AA+ accredited vegetable processing facility in Wales, it is home to two Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) products, Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes (PGI) and Welsh Leeks (PGI), and supplies produce and daffodils to UK retailers and wholesalers.

| Potatoes & Root Crops

Farmers warned that cultivar resistance must play an increasing role in managing potato late blight he findings of Fight Against Blight (FAB) 2025, the industry sponsored campaign that tracks the emergence and spread of the Phytophthora infestans (late blight pathogen) clones, highlight the importance of choosing potato varieties with built-in resistance in protecting future crops, as the disease continues to evolve.

Dr David Cooke of The James Hutton Institute, who leads the monitoring programme, noted that the 2025 potato growing season began quietly for the FAB scouts, the nationwide network of agronomists, growers and industry representatives who submit field samples from suspected late blight outbreaks throughout Britain, with exceptionally dry weather in April and May suppressing sources of primary infection. Remarkably, some potato-growing areas in the east of England didn't see conditions suitable for blight until mid-July and by then, the early sources of infection had already been held in check.

The first outbreak was in Ceredigion in mid-May, followed in mid to late June with outbreaks in Cornwall, Pembroke, Perth and Kinross, and Aberdeenshire.

The Hutton is home to the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), works in partnership with academics, industry and government in the UK and beyond to carry out scientific research to future proof the potato industry and support economic resilience and growth. It develops solutions that will help ensure the future of potato as a sustainable and profitable crop that provides nutritious food for all and supports the British economy.

Across the UK, 81 outbreaks were sampled by Hutton scientists in 2025 and more than half of these came from volunteer potato plants, not in commercial crops, that continued to grow in the warm and wet conditions from September onwards.

One strain of the pathogen, EU46, saw a sharp increase amongst the samples tested, making up 23% of all of the 300 FAB samples. However, it appeared in only seven locations, of which just two were conventional commercial potato crops, while the others were trial sites and organic crops.

These outbreaks caused by EU46 began in Wales and later spread to the Midlands and Derbyshire, possibly helped by Storm Amy. The fact that EU46 has become established in Wales suggests it may return in 2026.

Dr Cooke said that growers must stay alert: "EU46 has a known resistance to oxathiapiprolin, a key fungicide ingredient. All the FAB strains tested in 2025 were found to have the mutation that confers that resistance.

"However, unlike on the continent in 2023 and 2024, management failures were not reported which implies that growers are following industry and Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) guidelines correctly when implementing their blight control programmes.

"The absence of EU43, in which resistance to mandipropamid has been widely reported, was good news for the British industry, though the prevalence of the EU41 clone at multiple sites in Scotland will need to be closely monitored given last year's reports of it having reduced sensitivity to low doses of cyazofamid.

"Despite the doses in question being well below field rate, it does flag the potential for population shifts through selection.

Bearing in mind that the effective dose in the crop progressively reduces in the intervals between applications, growers need to avoid consecutive applications of any

fungicide product, particularly those with only a single active ingredient."

Other key findings from 2025 were: •

EU36 was again the most common strain, making up over 40% of samples. It is known for breaking down resistance in potato varieties and has shown signs of fungicide resistance in parts of Europe. In the past this clone was more prevalent in the east, but it has now spread more widely across the UK than in previous years.

•

EU37, which is resistant to the fungicide fluazinam, has almost disappeared, being found on just two sites in 2025, an encouraging sign that careful fungicide management is working.

•

EU13, resistant to metalaxyl, caused only two outbreaks, both on volunteer plants

Although this year's campaign received far fewer samples of suspected late blight than usual, Dr Cooke warns against complacency. He said, "It remains crucial that growers continue to alternate the actives in their spray programmes to reduce the threat of resistance developing. There is no place for block spraying.

"Cultivar resistance has become increasingly important to complement fungicides, and care should still be taken to maintain long rotations to reduce the numbers of long-lived sexual oospores in the soil plus managing other key sources of primary inoculum such as cull piles and potato volunteers."

James Lynott, Research Assistant on the Hutton team tested several fungicides for their efficacy against current strains and found that: •

Oxathiapiprolin: EU36 and EU41 remain sensitive; EU46 is resistant.

•

Mandipropamid: all UK isolates (the cultures grown from samples of late blight) remain sensitive, unlike some resistant strains found in Europe.

•

Amisulbrom, propamocarb, and fluopicolide: all UK isolates tested remain sensitive.

James also expanded DNA-based fungicide resistance testing during the season, reporting any issues immediately to give growers real-time guidance to optimise Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of late blight in line with the new UK Pesticides National Action Plan for 2025.

Dr Cooke stressed: "Care must be taken in 2026 to ensure that industry continues to follow FRAC guidelines on mixing and alternating active ingredients, in particular considering the loss of multi-site mancozeb products."

He emphasised three key actions for 2026: 1.

Rotate fungicides and avoid repeated use of the same active ingredient, especially with the loss of mancozeb from the market.

2.

Choose more blight-resistant potato varieties to reduce reliance on chemicals.

3.

Manage sources of infection such as volunteer plants, waste piles, and oospore contaminated soil.

These steps, which support a more sustainable, integrated approach to blight control, are essential as the pathogen continues to adapt and evolve.

Farming

| British Lifestyle

A Very Red Shepherdess Christmas Magic, Mayhem and a Whole Lot of Baubles on the Farm f you’ve ever wondered what happens when the North Pole meets a working British sheep farm, the answer is simple: glitter-flecked chaos with a generous side of Yorkshire puddings. For shepherdess and national treasure Hannah Jackson, aka The Red Shepherdess, Christmas is the one time of year when the farm is wrapped in as much magic as it is mud.

Between rogue goats nibbling Christmas trees, toddlers rearranging the baubles hourly, and the family belting out The Pogues at barn-shaking volume, Hannah’s Christmas is equal parts heartwarming, hilarious and unmistakably rural.

“He is SO into the baubles. We’ve finally taught him not to pull them off… most of the time.”

The goats finish the job after Christmas.

“They love eating the tree!”

Here’s how the festive season unfolds on the Jackson farm…

Wrapping: A Christmas Eve Extreme Sport

Roulade Rules - Christmas Pudding Drools

Every year, Hannah vows to be organised. Every year…

There are two types of people at Christmas: those who choose pudding, and those who choose happiness.

“I buy the paper in November… and still wrap everything at 1 am on Christmas Eve while Dan builds the presents beside me.”

Hannah, naturally, chooses happiness.

“Roulade every time, you won’t catch me near a Christmas pudding!”

It’s not procrastination, it’s a festive tradition.

The Most Excited on Christmas Morning? Everyone.

And yes, she’ll share. “Sharing is caring… even with roulade.”

“We are the definition of a CHRISTMAS FAMILY,” Hannah says.

Fairytale of New York: Tractor Edition

By Olivia Shave @Ecoewe

Some families sing carols. Others… scream The Pogues in a field.

“We were putting bales out when Dan blasted Fairytale of New York at full volume. I jumped onto the bale, and we screamed the lyrics at each other.

The sheep? Didn’t care at all.”

If that isn’t rural romance, nothing is.

Real Trees, Real Baubles, Real Damage Fake tree? Not on Hannah’s farm.

“REAL tree, better for the environment, and it smells like Christmas.”

Baby Jesse, however, has other ideas.

The dogs tolerate the humans shepherding in Santa hats because they receive treats, and absolutely no one is left out of the fun.

The Holiday, Miracle on 34th Street and a Sofa Swoon Once the animals are sorted and the house is temporarily calm, it’s movie time.

“The Holiday, I could watch it endlessly. But Miracle on 34th Street is pure childhood magic.”

Mince Pies? Meh. Chocolate Coins?

Everywhere.

Hannah shrugs.

“Take or leave mince pies. Dan doesn’t like them at

Farming

| British Lifestyle all. But chocolate coins? Everywhere you look.”

A very relatable Christmas snack strategy.

The Year Father Christmas Delivered…

Highland Cows Forget bikes and dolls, Father Christmas once delivered Hannah two Highland cows.

“We had to go on a treasure hunt across the farm to find them.”

Top that, Santa!

Christmas Dinner: Loud, Joyful and Deliciously Chaotic Thirteen people. Three meats. Sides for miles.

Yorkshire puddings, regardless of tradition.

“Dinner happens when it happens. We never reach pudding until the evening.”

And the sacred family ritual?

“We do a scratch card before eating. No idea why, we just do.”

Festive Treats for Every Creature The sheep don’t need much: “a mineral bucket does the trick”, but the rest of the animals have preferences: Goats → sprouts Pixie the Shetland & Minnie → carrots Pig → absolutely anything Alpacas → only their special feed, obviously Christmas dinner, farm edition.

Traditions: Glitter Trails, Bells and Mickey Mouse Waffles The Jackson Christmas is tradition-rich and joy-filled.

“We have a walking village nativity with a donkey, I ring a bell to wake everyone up, stockings at the door with a teddy, glitter trails from Father Christmas, Buck’s Fizz and Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast…and not forgetting the obligatory matching PJs” And yes, presents are opened before shepherding.

“I couldn’t possibly wait. Big kid energy.”

Family Photos Featuring… Everyone The annual Christmas dog photo is its own spectacle.

“It’s pure carnage. One year, we roped in the postman to take it.”

Matching festive headwear included.

Baubles Yes, Tinsel No “Tinsel has no place on my tree,” Hannah says firmly.

The kids, of course, immediately steal the baubles.

The Secret to Keeping Christmas Magical on a Muddy Farm For Hannah, magic comes from the moments, not perfection.

“Everything can wait. It’s not the end of the world if the sheep are seen half an hour later.

Christmas is about memories, snowy footprints in the house, reindeer food on the path, laughter around a full table.”

And the roast?

“I don’t cook it, so that’s one less thing to juggle!”

Hannah’s Christmas is loud, sparkly, muddy, joyful and overflowing with heart, the perfect blend of farm life and festive magic.

Follow Hannah's Christmas antics and family frolics over on Instagram @redsheperdess So, from me to you, I hope you’ve enjoyed my British Lifestyle column this year. Wishing you all love & peace over the Christmas period and a Very Happy New Year from me. See you in 2026”!

Farming

| Energy

New project will energy security with project facilitating a major international initiative to help Ukraine recover its energy security and rebuild a sustainable, low-carbon energy system by growing Miscanthus on abandoned land is launching in December 2025.

Miscanthus specialist, Terravesta, has announced the launch of the MERIT (Miscanthus Evaluation for Resilience, Innovation and Transformation) project, designed to help Ukraine’s energy recovery by transforming abandoned and contaminated land into a renewable energy asset.

Locally grown Miscanthus will be used to supply small to medium-scale power plants, decentralising the energy infrastructure and making it less vulnerable to attacks. Miscanthus will also provide raw materials for the domestic building materials sector, decreasing dependence on imports.

Supported by the UK government through its InnovateUkraine programme funded by the Farming

FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and UK International Development, the MERIT project will develop scalable Miscanthus supply chains and agronomic models to enable Ukraine to harness its potential for domestic biomass production while creating economic opportunities for Ukrainian farmers.

“There are two main goals of this project,” explains Florian Ilias, Terravesta managing director. “Energy system impact and socioeconomic impact. In the short term, the project enables local energy economies to flourish, using and cleaning war-contaminated land no longer fit for food production. In the long term, it supports Ukraine’s transition to a more secure, low-carbon economy.

“The project will also create jobs, sequester carbon, and restore contaminated land, as well as improving energy access and promoting social inclusion.”

The project brings together a strong international partnership. As lead partner, Terravesta is collaborating with Liverpool John Moores

| Energy

support Ukraine’s h Miscanthus biomass University as scientific partner, LLC Miscanthus Technology (Ukraine) as technology lead, and remote monitoring and agronomy partner LLC Fendt (Ukraine).

• •

A step towards energy independence and climate resilience “MERIT is about delivering practical support for Ukraine at a critical time,” says Florian. “By unlocking Miscanthus production, we can help Ukraine replace lost energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and build a secure, local biomass resource for heat and power.”

The project will demonstrate Miscanthus’s role in restoring degraded land, building climate resilience, and providing a reliable, low-input crop that supports rural communities in recovery.

Working with Ukrainian farmers and partners, the MERIT project will: •

Establish demonstration sites across various climate areas showcasing Miscanthus as a

•

sustainable biomass source.

Provide training, planting models, and agronomic support tailored to Ukrainian conditions.

Assess logistics, processing, and market pathways for Miscanthus-derived bioenergy.

Generate evidence on carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits to inform policy frameworks and support biomass adoption.

Supporting a sustainable future for Ukraine Scaling up Miscanthus cultivation will enable Ukraine to develop a home-grown decentralised renewable energy source that displaces fossil fuels. It also reduces vulnerability to energy disruptions, and contributes to Ukraine’s net zero goals, while regenerating soils and supporting biodiversity.

“MERIT represents meaningful, targeted action,” adds Florian. “It uses UK expertise to support Ukraine’s recovery, build climate-friendly energy systems, and empower farmers in shaping a sustainable future.”

Farming

| Energy

PORTEK LTD ADDS THE SOLAR-POWERED OWL BIRD SCARER TO ITS RANGE he UK's leading supplier of bird-scaring products for agriculture, ground care, and gardening has extended its range with the introduction of a new, innovative solar-powered deterrent.

Introduced this month, the solar-powered owl from Portek Ltd is a life-sized bird scarer that mimics the natural movements of a predator owl to deter birds and other wildlife from devouring crops, newly planted vegetables, flower beds or seeded lawns.

a motor-driven rotating head activated by built-in motion detection sensors.

As well as being solar-powered, the new product also offers the convenience of USB backup charging, and can be secured to a wall, pole-mounted, or filled with ballast and stood on a flat surface.

Made from water-resistant, durable materials, Portek's solar-powered owl bird scarer is designed to deliver years of service in all seasons and joins one of the most extensive ranges of bird scaring products available.

In addition to the solar-powered owl, Portek's range of bird-scaring products comprises banger ropes, free-standing wind-powered deterrents, the realistic hanging crow visual bird scarer, the Terror Kite and Terror Hawk kites, sophisticated laser devices and gas guns, and the Raptor audio bird scarer that emulates a distressed bird.

"Since the company was formed in 1987, Portek has always sought to develop and introduce products that fill a need, whether that be in farming, groundcare, forestry or gardening," says Morgan David, sales director at Portek. "Our bird scaring range is a prime example of this commitment, and with the introduction of the solarpowered owl, we are offering a new, highly effective, portable and value-formoney product that can be used in a wide range of settings to keep birds away."

As well as bird-scaring products, Portek supplies hoof supports for cows, wood processing and workshop tools, fencing and groundcare products, and agricultural spraying equipment, which are sold through a network of details spanning from Lands' End to John O'Groats and Northern Ireland.

Portek's solar-powered owl bird scarer, which has a recommended retail price of £389, features realistic, natural feather colouring and patterns, illuminating, life-like reflective eyes, an audible 'hooting' sound, and Farming

To find out more about Portek's solar-powered owl bird scarer, the Portek range and the location of your nearest dealer, visit www.portek.co.uk

| Energy

Corvus Energy Launches Next-Generation Marine LFP Energy Storage System orvus Energy, the world's leading supplier of marine energy storage solutions, today announced the launch of Blue Whale NxtGen, the latest addition to its NxtGen family of batteries. Designed for vessel applications where high energy content and density are critical, Blue Whale NxtGen delivers unmatched lifecycle cost, safety, and performance while maintaining modularity, scalability and unique level of digital services.

NxtGen Architecture and prolonged lifetime Blue Whale NxtGen empowers the industry to reduce emissions, optimize operations, and prepare for the regulatory and environmental demands of tomorrow. At the core is the full integration of Corvus' NxtGen architecture, which combines modularized design, cost efficiency and advanced BMS and analytics. In addition, cobalt free LFP cells with market leading performance and prolonged lifetime up to 15 years enable shipowners to lower capital expenditures and meet ESG targets. The BW NxtGen ESS will have a 1C charge / discharge rate which makes the product suitable for both energy and more power demanding operational modes.

Significant leap forward in marine energy storage "Blue Whale NxtGen is more than a new product launch — it represents a strategic step forward for Corvus Energy and the maritime industry. Without compromising on Corvus´ strong focus on quality, safety, security and sustainability, we are introducing contract manufacturing to optimize cost, stronger focus in China, more robust diversified global sourcing and the ability to swap battery cells without changing the product design" says Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy

"This platform strengthens our position as the trusted partner for green maritime solutions and ensures our customers' investments remain relevant as the industry continues to evolve."

Balancing sustainability with strong business value "Our customers are asking for solutions that balance sustainability with strong business value. Blue Whale NxtGen delivers exactly that — higher energy density, longer lifecycle, and simplified installation, all backed by stronger global presence with expertise closer to our customers. For shipyards this means more cost optimized supply chain, installation and technical support. For shipowners this helps us reduce life cycle costs, meet ESG commitments, and stay ahead of

regulatory changes without compromising performance," says Ole Jacob Irgens Head of Sales EMEA and Asia at Corvus Energy. "It's a platform designed not only for today's challenges but for the opportunities of tomorrow."

Blue Whale NxtGen will have Corvus' in-house designed 4th-generation Battery Management System (BMS), data ownership, and industry-leading cybersecurity standards that further strengthen operational trust.

The first projects will be delivered in Q4 2026.

Farming

| Buildings

Coton End Farm: A good job well done J Pink Construction took home the prize at the RIDBA Building Awards in the livestock category for businesses with a turnover below £3m. RIDBA livestock consultant Jamie Robertson has spoken to Daniel Pink to learn more about the project.

The RIBDA Building Awards may produce a wide variety of participants but there has been further interest to increase the breadth of applications from across the industry.

For 2025 this saw the introduction of an award for businesses with a turnover of below £3m. For the livestock category in 2025 the winner provided a heavy-duty project encompassing the range of skills and dedication required to deliver high quality into the agricultural environment.

concrete parlour ring in the UK, available at large cost at the other end of the UK. So DJ Pink constructed their own 1,220mm deep shuttering to deliver the rotary parlour base to +/- 3mm standard, which was credited by the parlour suppliers as 'the best they had seen in the country.

The parlour is flanked by two new cubicle houses with insulated glazed sectional doors on the external bays to provide maximum airflow in the warmer months.

The client at Coton End Farm had a clear target of better welfare and for them the job was all about quality and comfort for the cows.

Their trust that DJ Pink would deliver the quality they sought, saw off lower priced options. The parlour roof was fitted with composite sheeting to address the growing recognition of heat stress in UK dairy herds, while wide passageways with high welfare flooring detail and Easifix cubicles added to cow comfort. The two cubicle houses were fitted with mineral fibre roof sheets with covered open ridges, Ventair box profile on the sidewalls and space board on the gables. The build was completed with a new farm office, store room, Al rooms in blockwork, finished in render and painted with a resin coating.

Daniel Pink worked throughout the job with his two or three teammates and used an additional two people for the big concrete pours, laying out 120m3 in a day. Managing other trades on site as the fitting out started became a 'default job as Daniel was in the best position to coordinate tasks, although not part of the job description.

The four-man team at DJ Pink Construction Ltd and their work at Coton End Farm is that winner and they saw off local competition and the pricing nightmare that faces many building project suppliers, to win the company's biggest build yet.

The job included a first for the company with the installation of a rotary parlour and associated groundworks across 3,130 m2, which included piling into made-up ground and a 6.5 metre retaining wall as the ground sloped away to a new slurry lagoon. The lagoon measured 30m x 30m x 5.5m deep with an access ramp to one corner and a sump to provide an intake feed to a digester. A total of 198 stone vibro-piles were located across the site.

The parlour choice was already made but there was only one set of appropriate shuttering for the Farming

Working with others and maintaining flexibility would be a common requirement with on-farm

| Buildings The roof space has been designed for solar panels later, and the aesthetics of the whole build is clean and modern.

The project at Coton End Farm contains many aspects of quality design and build that are a credit to Daniel and the team, as well as a credit to the building industry and the client.

This work will be seen by many in the industry, including the processors and retailers who are keen to see investment in their supply chain. A good job projects as livestock operations are typically 365 days a year, with a requirement for site safety, continued access and a (mostly) unimpeded flow of farming materials. Their biggest challenge was to divert slurry flows from the existing sump to a temporary facility as the new slurry store and channels were put into place.

Slurry flows don't stop...

well done.

Credit: JAMIE ROBERTSON - RIDBA livestock consultant

A new system was laid into the floor to collect all the interior and external parlour water into an 8.8m3 tank that can be emptied as required into the slurry channels. All floor areas (approx. 2280 m2) were concreted with a bug roll finish for grip which was also machine grooved. Concrete flooring was recessed to eliminate any steps where rubber mats were to be fitted.

Environmental qualities All water from the roof area has been piped into two 300,000 litre water tanks and is pumped when required to a header tank under the mezzanine floor where it will be filtered using infrared to be reused again for wash down.

The slurry lagoon feeds the digester to produce electricity.

A sump above the lagoon catches slurry directly from the channels as it enters the lagoon which means the pump always has 2.0m depth of manure to use, with the overflow to fill the lagoon.

A new bore hole was provided on site, which is pumped into a header tank under the mezzanine floor and used for drinking water.

Farming

| Buildings

resh air is a natural disinfectant and improving air flow in your sheds will provide multiple benefits for years to come.

Fresh air is a natural disinfectant and improving air flow in your sheds will provide multiple benefits for years to come. Good ventilation is essential for calf health, acting as a natural disinfectant by helping to remove airborne pathogens and moisture.

College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Beef and Sheep Adviser, Gareth Beacom explains how improving airflow in calf sheds can deliver long-term benefits for animal welfare and farm performance.

With store calf prices rising by over 50% in the last 12 months ensuring the health and welfare of these calves has arguably never been more crucial. Whether calves have already been bought, are yet to be sold, or are being kept for grazing next year, their health over the winter months will directly impact their physical performance – and your bottom line.

“Ventilation is key to an animal’s health over the coming months,” comments Gareth. “The two Farming

key components of ventilation are that there is sufficient outlet and inlet areas and that the inlet is above the head height of the animal for effective ventilation whilst not causing a draught to the animals.”

Outlet ventilation The amount of outlet required in your shed depends on two key factors: the stocking density and the distance between the air inlet and outlet.

While this distance can be tricky to measure precisely, you can estimate it using reference points on the gable end, such as rows of blocks or sheets of tin. Once you’ve got a rough measurement, you can calculate the outlet size needed for your specific shed and the type of stock housed in it.

A general rule of thumb based on recommended stocking densities and a distance of 2 metres between the outlet and inlet is that animals over 500 kg require 0.1m2 per animal (as well as 0.04m2 for young calves). For example, a five bay shed approximately 23 metres long with a ridge gap of 0.2m (8 inches) will have an outlet of 4.6m2. This would be enough of an outlet for 46 cattle over 500 kg or 32 cows and calves.

| Buildings Ideally the open ridge would be left open to not restrict any air flow, however if it needs to be covered, to prevent rain coming in then the height of the cover should be 50% of the width of the ridge (i.e. if the ridge is 0.3m in width then the cover should be at least 0.15m clear from the roof).

Angled uprights from the ridge gap offer a great alternative to traditional ridge covers. They provide far better ventilation while keeping out most of the rain. If an open ridge isn’t an option, spaced sheeting can provide an effective outlet provided it is adequately spaced throughout the building.

Inlet ventilation Once you have calculated the outlet area the inlet area can then be calculated as the inlet area should be at least twice and preferably four times the outlet area (0.2 – 0.4m2 per animal over 500 kg).

To avoid draughts the inlet should be positioned above the head height of the animals. These are typically created either by spaced boarding or Yorkshire boarding along the length of the building.

Inlets along the sides of the building are usually sufficient unless your shed is excessively wide (over 25 metres in width), in that case inlets along the gable ends will be needed also. In comparison to spaced boarding and Yorkshire boarding, vented sheeting offers considerably less air flow and hence inlet for the building. Spaced boarding is generally achieved by a 100mm board with a 10mm gap in between. Yorkshire boarding is usually constructed using 150mm boards with a 50mm gap between. This allows more air to enter via the larger spaces and with the overlapping rows blocking most of the rain out also.

If designing a new shed, the positioning of the shed is crucial to maximise airflow. To take advantage of prevailing winds, the shed should be oriented at a right angle to the wind direction and placed away from obstructions such as buildings and tall trees. This setup enhances airflow through designated inlets. However, if it is an open sided building then the open side should be positioned wherever it gets the most protection from the prevailing wind whilst still allowing adequate airflow.

Improving ventilation on existing buildings If ventilation issues arise in existing sheds, several modifications can help alleviate the problem. One effective solution is to increase the size or efficiency of the air inlets by replacing spaced boarding or solid side sheets with Yorkshire boarding, to allow better airflow. Windbreakers are a flexible option to enable controlled ventilation while preventing rain from getting in. Alternatively, the bottom edge of the side cladding or sheets can be angled outward from the wall, creating a clear gap between the wall and the cladding. This design channels incoming air upward as it enters,

improving internal air circulation.

Modifying the outlet for ventilation can be more challenging, but there are practical solutions. One approach is to raise one or two roof sheets per bay to create additional outlet space. These sheets can be replaced with wider ones to allow for overlapping, which helps prevent rain ingress.

Alternatively, if the roof has a ridge cap, it may be possible to raise it or widen the existing gap to improve airflow. Both methods can enhance ventilation while maintaining weather protection.

Mechanical ventilation systems are becoming increasingly common on farms, with two main types in use, ventilation fans and extractor fans.

Ventilation fans draw in fresh air from outside hence a good outlet is essential. These are particularly useful in stuffy conditions when airflow is poor or when the sitting of a shed doesn’t allow for much natural ventilation. They can also be used where there isn’t enough of a stocking density in the building to create a ‘stack effect’ i.e. in calf sheds or understocked sheds.

Extractor fans on the other hand, assist with the extraction of moist air from the ceiling areas of sheds with poor outlets. These work better in smaller confined areas however various sizes of extractor fans are available.

While there is an upfront cost associated with ventilation improvements, the long-term benefits make it an extremely worthwhile investment. The health benefits from increased airflow can lead to increased daily live weight gain, reduced reliance on medication, and in severe cases, lower mortality rates. Considering the lifespan of most farm buildings, these gains are significant.

Fresh air acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to kill viruses and remove harmful bacteria and dust from the shed environment. Therefore, maximising the movement of fresh air through sheds is essential for maintaining animal health and overall productivity. It’s also important to remember that repairs to livestock buildings are tax-deductible, which can help offset the initial investment.

Gareth concludes: “Given the value of calves this year it is easy for any suckler farm, regardless size, to justify spending time and money on improving the ventilation of their sheds.” He adds, “Regardless of what type of livestock shed you are working with the target is always the same, maximise air flow and ventilation on a still day without leaving the animals exposed to a draft on a windy day.”

You can discuss all aspects of shed ventilation with a local CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser by contacting your local DAERA Direct office.

Credit: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) www.daera-ni.gov.uk Farming

| Farm Safety & Security

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he NFU inputted into a rural crime strategy roundtable with the Home Office, Defra and police leads in February 2025.

The strategy, published today by the NPCC (National Police Chief’s Council), identifies nine priority crime areas, including machinery theft, livestock worrying and theft, illegal hunting and poaching, and offences against protected species such as badgers, bats, and birds of prey.

recognises ‘the complexities of specific rural offences which are cross-border in nature, involve a significant degree of planning and co-ordination, often involve international networks and which have a substantial impact on rural communities’ .

The NPCC has said new technology will aid intelligence-led policing, using advanced data analytics and crime mapping, with police already using technology such as drones to tackle wildlife crime.

The NPCC said these crimes ‘strike at the heart of rural life, undermining the economic and social security and stability of those who live and work there’.

National training programmes will be rolled out for tackling machinery theft, livestock crime and wildlife offences, with DNA analysis used to support investigations.

The strategic priorities align with the NFU’s asks on rural crime, and the activities that severely impact farm businesses and rural communities, particularly those around organised acquisitive crime, livestock

Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime, said: “Police chiefs recognise rural communities can feel isolated and vulnerable. The strategy will embed and strengthen visible policing within rural areas so those who live and work in the countryside are connected to their local police teams and feel as safe as those within urban areas.”

‘Delivery is key’ The NFU also welcomed recognition of other areas of concern for rural communities within the strategy – particularly fly-tipping – and the commitment to assist Local Authorities, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales with investigations, enforcement and prevention.

worrying, and livestock and machinery theft.

Rural policing teams have recovered more than £12.7 million worth of stolen machinery this year, including £825,500 worth recovered from overseas, leading to 155 arrests. Crimes are increasingly being carried out by organised crime groups the NPCC has said, requiring a coordinated response.

Complexity of rural crime NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said the launch of the strategy served as “recognition of the serious and organised nature of rural crime”.

“For too long, criminal gangs have exploited the countryside, targeting machinery, livestock and land with devastating impacts on businesses and families,” she said.

“The NFU has consistently called for a cross departmental rural crime taskforce, sustained funding for the National Rural Crime Unit and stronger legislation to protect farmers from theft, hare coursing and livestock worrying. It is positive to see government and police leaders acknowledging the complexities of rural crime and committing to intelligence-led policing, new technology and national training.”

In its strategy, the National Police Chief’s Council Farming

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “New powers to seize stolen assets, improved access to data and technology, and increased collaboration will help police forces make Britain’s rural communities against organised crime.”

The government has also committed to introducing legislation that will make it a requirement for all new ATVs and GPS units to have forensic markings in an effort to deter thieves, following sustained NFU lobbying for the scope of the Equipment Theft Act to be widened. Meanwhile, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords after passing its third reading in the Commons. Marking a significant milestone in the Bill’s journey following years of NFU lobbying, the Bill would see police given greater powers to crack down on irresponsible dog owners.

Welcoming the new three-year strategy, NFU Vicepresident Rachel Hallos warned that “delivery is key”.

“Farmers need visible policing, swift recovery of stolen equipment and sentencing that deters repeat offenders. A holistic, joined-up approach will make this effective, and we will continue to work with the Home Office, Defra and police forces to ensure this strategy translates into real protection for those who live and work in the countryside.”

| Farm Safety & Security

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he House of Lords has unanimously approved a Bill that aims to tackle livestock worrying which will now be sent to the King for Royal Assent, meaning it will be passed into law.

The NFU has been campaigning for this Bill since 2019. Through sheer persistence and the unwavering support of MPs and Peers and the public, we have now secured a Bill that gives police more enforcement powers, encourages responsible dog ownership, and provides justice for farmers and their livestock when they do sadly fall victim to livestock worrying.

Government plans to strengthen the law on livestock worrying were stalled when the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was withdrawn in 2023.

More than 10,000 people signed an NFU open letter, calling on the government to strengthen the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. The open letter called for an increase in fines and enhanced police powers to tackle the increasing incidence of dog attacks on livestock.

“This legislation will act as a real deterrent and will make a real difference to farmers and their livestock.”

The current law that makes livestock worrying a crime was passed in 1953. Since then there has been a lot of technological and scientific advancements that police can use to better tackle crime. The new Bill gives police new powers to take advantage of this, allowing them to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs they suspect of worrying livestock.

Police will now be empowered to detain dogs they suspect of worrying livestock where there’s nobody present to accept responsibility of the dog. Courts can now order offenders to pay the costs incurred by seizing and detaining a dog.

The Bill will allow for harsher punishments for offenders. Recognising that livestock do not live their entire lives within the confines of a field, the Bill will also make incidents that happen on roads and paths against the law.

Camelids will now be protected by the law. Justices of the Peace will also now be able to issue warrants authorising police to use all these new powers.

NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos

The Bill will cover England and Wales. Importantly, the new police powers can be used to investigate incidents of livestock worrying that happened before the Bill was passed into law.

NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said this latest development on the Bill’s journey to becoming law is a “huge step forward”.

The NFU would like to thank Aphra Brandreth MP and Baroness Coffey for guiding this important piece of legislation through Parliament.

“This is the culmination of many of years lobbying by the NFU and means stronger enforcement powers for the police and increased penalties for irresponsible dog ownership,” she added.

NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos added: "Attacks on livestock have a devastating impact on farmers, their families and their animals, and we have consistently called for stronger protections and tougher laws to reflect the seriousness of this issue.

How will the Bill help tackle livestock worrying?

The Bill has several important provisions that make the law fit for the 21st century.

“This legislation will act as a real deterrent and will make a real difference to farmers and their livestock.”

Farming

| Farm Safety & Security

FTS has reminded businesses about the importance of including lifting attachments in LOLER Thorough Examinations – after learning equipment had been hidden from CFTS Accredited examiners.

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Tens of thousands of attachments like side shifts, access platforms, and bale grabs are used with lift trucks, tractors, and telehandlers across the UK. Crucially, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require these implements to be inspected by a competent person like other lifting machinery – even if they’re only used temporarily.

As the body established by the UKMHA to

Farming

oversee the industry’s own Thorough Examination standard, CFTS is concerned that misunderstandings over these rules could leave companies at risk of prosecution, and worse.

Misunderstandings over LOLER rules CFTS Director Rob Fisher explains: “Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the duty holder to ensure all the equipment on their site is safe to use. That includes permanent attachments like rotator arms, as well as temporary ones like a safety cage.

“Worryingly, we’ve learned of cases where these attachments have been hidden while a thorough examination is taking place.

That’s dangerous, counterproductive, and

| Farm Safety & Security

leaves businesses exposed to unnecessary risk and prosecution if an accident were to happen. With the HSE’s 94% conviction rate, it’s really not worth it.”

Dangerous and counterproductive The UKMHA estimates that at least 22 different kinds of lifting attachments are commonly used across the UK. CFTS engineers carry documented Thorough Examination processes for each of them.

Common tests include assessing the security of attachment mounts, testing winch and chain brakes and chain and sling wear, inspecting general damage, and checking wear on plates and warning signs.

However, there is a distinction when it comes to fixed attachments. Under UKMHA guidelines, any attachment that is permanently fitted to the lifting equipment should follow the same inspection frequency as the equipment itself. Nonpermanent attachments must be inspected separately, at least twice a year.

To be a permanent fixed attachment, it must be hard fixed to the truck (bolted on).

However, a removable attachment will have quick release hydraulics and mountings.

Confusion over permanent and temporary attachments Rob Fisher adds: “Because of the kinds of work where attachments are used, they generally require more frequent inspections than the equipment they’re fitted to. This is another sticking point we frequently hear about, as owners assume that attachments only need to be checked as often as the truck they’re used on.

“To eliminate any doubt, my advice is to contact your nearest CFTS-accredited provider. They’ll give you expert guidance and advice, obligation free, so that you can stay safe, productive, and legally compliant.”

To find your nearest CFTS-accredited company, visit: https://www. thoroughexamination.org/postcode-search CFTS established a national standard for Thorough Examinations in the UK forklift truck industry. For more details, please visit www.thoroughexamination.org or call 01344 623 800.

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| Livestock

EXCITING NEW OFFERING FOR MEDAL-WINNING PERFORMANCE IN PRE-WEANED BEEF CALVES rusted dairy calf rearing partner Feed For Growth (Volac Milk Replacers) has now developed a new precision-formulated calf milk replacer product to improve healthy growth in pre-weaned beef calves sourced from commercial dairy units.

were available ad lib. In terms of weaning, milk was reduced initially to three litres and then two litres over 14 days. The calves were weaned after a total of 42 days on milk.”

Following a detailed review of modern beef farmer needs and recent practical on-farm trial work, innovative Olympian Instant at 22% crude protein, 20% oil comes with a balanced protein and energy profile – and an innovative gut health package.

The new Olympian Instant formulation also incorporates a new gut health additive proven to help drive healthy beef calf growth and development.

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Keen to assess the new product’s potential on farm, the Feed For Growth team studied the performance of preweaned beef calves reared on a commercial unit in Sussex. This practical work confirmed the potential of the new Olympian Instant formulation to deliver healthy calf growth up until weaning.

According to Dr Jessica Cooke from Feed For Growth (Volac Milk Replacers), dairy origin Angus beef calves born on the farm during January and February 2025 received a total of 30.5kg of new Olympian Instant milk replacer over 42 days and weighed 99kg on average at weaning.

“Growth rates were excellent,” she reported – “with calves averaging 0.95kg per day up to weaning at a total milk powder cost per kg of bodyweight gain of £1.73 (based on March 2025 costings). The total milk powder cost was £64.05 per calf, and this delivered 37kg of bodyweight gain from the start of the trial period until weaning. This demonstrates that with good management you can now achieve fantastic beef calf growth rates without having to feed excessive amounts of milk replacer.

“The farmer was delighted by the results and how cost effective they were – highlighting the potential of exciting new Olympian Instant to deliver exceptional performance.”

The calves were fed Olympian Instant twice daily via milk bars with teats (mixed at the rate of 150g powder plus 850ml of water to make one litre of mixed milk).

See table 1 for milk feeding plan. Thirty calves (10 per pen) were on trial.

“The calves were between two and five weeks old on entry to the unit. The arrivals weighed 62kg on average (range 44kg to 81kg) and 99kg on average (range 73kg to 130kg). In performance terms, the calves on trial achieved a daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 0.95kg per day (range 0.6 to 1.4kg per day) from entry until weaning.”

Dr Cooke added that water and dry starter feed was freely available and that the calves were gradually weaned.

“Fresh water (one water bowl per 10 calves), calf starter pellets (17% crude protein) and clean straw bedding Farming

Precision formulation specifically for beef calves

“Olympian Instant contains Progut Extra alongside butyrate – a gut health improver chosen specifically for its unique benefits for beef calves,” said Dr Cooke.

“Progut Extra supports the beef calf’s immune system and promotes beneficial gut bacterial growth. It is derived from the filtrated brewer’s yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is hydrolysed in a patented process to make the active substances in the cell wall more readily available. Progut Extra is also rich in soluble manno-oligosaccharides, betaglucans, nucleotides and peptides, which interact with the gut bacteria to promote better gut health and function.”

Dr Cooke added that new Olympian Instant also incorporates high-quality vegetable oils (a mix of palm, coconut and rapeseed) to help deliver enough energy (from fat and sugar) to fuel optimum growth.

“It’s important to include the right blend of fat sources to ensure optimum digestibility by the beef calf, as well as drive healthy growth. Rapeseed oil is particularly beneficial for beef calves. This is because rapeseed products are also rich in protein – with the right amino acid profile to promote optimum nutrient utilisation – as well as delivering beneficial energy content in the form of omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, improving growth and immune function.”

Dr Cooke added that it was important to appreciate that fats are comprised of short-chain, medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids.

“Initially the newborn beef calf will rely on the breakdown of the short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids for its energy source, with the digestion of long chain fatty acids becoming more efficient after about three weeks.

“Importantly though, this particular vegetable oil and fat blend won’t supress starter feed intake, delay weaning or slow the transition off milk replacer, which we know can negatively impact the development of a calf into an adult animal,” she stressed.

Finally, the addition of the proven garlic-derived Gardion health supplement, which has anti-viral activity and antibacterial properties; the accepted gut health improver butyrate; plus an optimum balance of vitamins and minerals completes the exciting pre-weaned beef calf nutrition package offered by the new product.

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| Livestock

CowToilet Launch in UK Could Cut Farm Ammonia Emissions by a Third

groundbreaking new technology, the CowToilet, is set to make its UK debut at Lamma 2026, offering dairy farmers a practical way to reduce ammonia emissions by up to a third, improve nutrient use, and enhance sustainability on-farm.

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Developed by Dutch agri-tech company Hanskamp, the CowToilet offers a unique solution for reducing on-farm emissions by separating cow urine and faeces, which, when combined, produce ammonia.

Using the simple fact that cows never urinate and defecate at the same time, the CowToilet collects urine directly from under the cow’s tail before it mixes with solid manure.

Farming

The CowToilet integrates seamlessly into a free-access out-of-parlour feeding station which can be installed in most cattle sheds. As a cow enters to eat, the CowToilet gently rubs against the suspensory ligament of the udder, triggering a natural nerve reflex that encourages urination. The urine is then collected in a sealed receptacle, removed by suction, and stored in an airtight tank.

Research by Wageningen Livestock Research shows that keeping urine and manure separate can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 38%, total nitrogen by 33%, and nitrous oxide by 18% compared with conventional housing systems “Ammonia is one of the biggest

| Livestock

environmental challenges facing the livestock sector,” explains Hanskamp founder Henk Hanskamp. “We wanted to create a system that works with nature, not against it – improving animal welfare and helping farmers meet environmental targets without adding to their workload. The CowToilet achieves this in a simple, natural, and effective way.”

In addition to reducing emissions, the CowToilet transforms waste into a resource. Nitrogen-rich urine can be reused as a natural fertiliser or even sold, while the remaining solid manure retains phosphate and organic matter for soil health. This separation allows farmers to apply nutrients more precisely, improving crop performance and reducing reliance on artificial fertilisers.

Separating cow faeces and urine also keeps housing cleaner and improves air quality, contributing to improved animal health and hygiene.

Developed in close collaboration with Dutch livestock farmers, engineers, and researchers – including Wageningen University’s Paul Galama – the CowToilet is already successfully operating on over 35 dairy farms in the Netherlands, delivering strong results and positive farmer feedback.

Each CowToilet unit is designed to serve 25 cows, and costs approximately £28,000 per unit (excluding installation).

“This technology is about more than compliance,” adds Mr Hanskamp. “It’s about giving farmers tools that make sense – improving the environment, animal health, and profitability. The CowToilet shows that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

To see the CowToilet in action, visit: https://hanskamp.com/en/solutions/ cowtoilet/ Watch the demo video: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=c7duvrYtEmk

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| Livestock

National Sheep Association welcomes progress of strengthened legislation on livestock attacks as it passes final stage in House of Lords he National Sheep Association (NSA) is celebrating the excellent news that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill has successfully passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords today (Friday 5th December 2025). This marks a significant milestone in the long-running effort to tackle dog attacks on livestock and is the culmination of extensive work by many dedicated individuals and organisations committed to protecting sheep farmers and their flocks.

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The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for final sign-off before moving on to receive Royal Assent.

NSA has consistently championed the need for stronger legislation to address the growing and deeply distressing problem of sheep worrying. Through years of evidence-

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gathering, direct engagement with policymakers and working closely with affected farmers, NSA has highlighted the financial, emotional, and welfare impacts caused by dog attacks. Today's development demonstrates real progress in securing meaningful change.

Importantly, the strengthened bill introduces several vital improvements for sheep farmers in England and Wales, including: Expanded police powers, allowing officers to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking livestock, even when incidents are not witnessed directly.

Greater clarity in the law, with updated definitions of livestock and attacks, ensuring modern farming systems and dog ownership patterns are properly recognised.

Strengthened penalties, helping reinforce the seriousness of livestock attacks and sending a clear signal that irresponsible dog ownership will not be tolerated.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "This is truly excellent news for sheep farmers across England and Wales. NSA has worked tirelessly to ensure the severity of livestock attacks is fully understood and is delighted to see the Bill progressing towards becoming law. We warmly thank all those who have contributed to achieving this milestone. The improvements contained within the legislation will provide farmers with greater confidence that incidents will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly."

NSA looks forward to the final steps of the legislative process and urges continued responsible dog ownership from the public, especially as more dog walkers take to the countryside during the upcoming festive period.

More information on sheep worrying by dogs can be found on the NSA website.

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MMT Services Ltd Lukers Farm, Grittenham Wiltshire, SN15 4JR Office Tel: 01666 511100 Mobile: 07717 781103 www.mmtservicesltd.co.uk

Mcknight Dairy Services Ltd Glenmaquin, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland, Eir F92 X8C1 Tel: +353 8764 81124 www.mcknightdairyservices.com

Office Tel: 01833 625361 Mobile: 07828532868 www.gawengineers.com

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How to select the right rumen-protected fat supplement to optimise your milk contract

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umen-protected fat supplements allow producers to target specific areas of cow performance at different stages of the lactation cycle while filling necessary energy demands.

Environmental variables, global trade volatility and changing consumer preferences have made forecasting future dairy production a fastmoving target. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, rumenprotected fat supplements, which have long been included in lactation rations as an energy source, are a valuable tool when fed strategically for dairy producers needing to remain agile to hit individual milk contract premiums.

Optimising for liquid-based contracts While C16:0 is the fatty acid that most efficiently drives nutrients towards milk fat production, producers on liquid-based contracts should target products with a higher inclusion rate of C18:1, such as Megalac, throughout the lactation period.

“Early lactation is particularly critical, as cows are at peak energy demand, and maintaining a highenergy, rumen-friendly diet will support milk volume and minimise the cow milking off her back,” explains Dr Kirkland.

When energy demands are not fulfilled, cows fall into a negative energy balance to meet the high energy demands of milk production, which has a knock-on effect on fertility. Research from the University of Nottingham indicates that for each 0.5-unit loss in condition during this period, conception rates can fall by around 10%.

“Feeding rumen-protected fats with C18:1 is essential to optimise milk volume while maintaining herd fertility,” says Dr Kirkland.

“This all comes down to the fatty acid composition and the effect an individual fatty acid has on a specific area of cow performance based on where she is in the lactation cycle,” Dr Kirkland explains. “Unlike other feed ingredients, rumen-protected fat supplements are not a one-and-done nutrient – they are multi-purpose and can realise a significant return on investment.”

C16:0 vs C18:1 fatty acids While there are five main fatty acids commonly found in ruminant diets, C16:0 (palmitic acid) and C18:1 (oleic acid) typically have the highest inclusion rate in rumen-protected fat supplements, with varying ratios of each one to target specific effects in the dairy cow.

C16:0 induces insulin resistance to increase the partitioning of nutrients to milk, which in turn improves milk and milk fat production, says Dr Kirkland. This makes it ideal for mid to late lactation. In contrast, C18:1 increases insulin, which increases the partitioning of nutrients to improve body condition. C18:1 also improves the digestibility of total diet fat, which increases energy supply and feed efficiency. This fatty acid has also been proven to boost fertility by promoting egg and embryo development, making it beneficial in early lactation, says Dr Kirkland.

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TH Engineering Bankfoot Farm,Dalswinton,Dumfries, DG1 1TG Tel: +44 78 0876 9630

| Livestock

Optimising for solid-based contracts Ultimately, solid-based contracts will benefit from yield, but need to do so in a way that doesn’t jeopardise quality premiums, says Dr Kirkland. Likewise, hitting solid-based premiums needs to be done without compromising cow health and fertility.

“In general, it is most appropriate to supplement with a higher-C18:1 product in the first 120-days of lactation to promote cow fertility, body condition and milk supply,” explains Dr Kirkland. “Once cows pass peak lactation or are back in calf, introducing a high-C16 product like MegaFat 88 drives higher milk fat and overall solids, optimising contract returns safely.

For producers seeking a balanced approach that maintains both volume and solids, a mixed product like Mega-Fat 70 can be offered throughout lactation.

Available tools to help optimise milk contracts for individual herds Ultimately, regardless of whether a farm is on a liquid or solid-based contract, they will likely benefit from having increased milk volume, says Dr Kirkland. And they will definitely benefit from their feeding strategy, promoting energy supply through early lactation.

To help individual dairy farmers determine how much fat they should be feeding and the most appropriate rumen-protected fat supplement to meet their milk production goals, VWFI has two calculator tools available. The Fat Calculator assesses whether a ration has a fat surplus or a fat shortage to meet the determined fat requirements of the herd for optimal milk production. The more comprehensive Fat Supplements Return On Investment Calculator 2.0 allows producers to enter detailed data points about their ration and milk production to find which type of rumen-protected fat will give them the biggest return on investment for their milk contract.

G. Kennedy and Sons Ltd - Agricultural Equipment 133 Tullaghans Rd, Dunloy, Nr.Ballymena,Co.Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT44 9EA Tel: +44 28 27 657 491 - www.gkennedyagrisales.com

“Rumen-protected fat supplements are more than just an energy source – they are a targeted tool that allows producers to fine-tune milk composition and cow performance,” explains Dr Kirkland. “By matching the right fatty acids to the stage of lactation and contract type, farms can optimise herd health and individual milk contracts to receive a higher return on investment for every litre of milk produced.”

Farming

| Livestock

Pearson Milking Technology The Smart Dairy Choice

stablished in 1948, Pearson Milking Technology is a third-generation Irish engineering company with over 76 years of experience designing and manufacturing milking parlours and dairy automation systems. From its headquarters in Athy, Co. Kildare, Pearson supplies herringbone, double-up, rotary, and rapidexit parlours to dairy farms in over 20 countries worldwide.

latest smart technology and data-driven innovation to help farmers improve herd performance, reduce labour, and enhance overall dairy efficiency.

At the heart of every Pearson system is a commitment to engineering excellence, cow comfort, and milking efficiency. The company combines decades of craftsmanship with the

Built on heritage, powered by innovation, and trusted by farmers globally, Pearson remains the farmer’s partner of choice — and The Smart Dairy Choice.

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Through continuous product development and close collaboration with farmers, Pearson ensures that each system is tailored to meet the demands of modern dairy farming — balancing technology with reliability in every design.

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Scott Technical Services

James Holding Dairy Engineering

Inskip, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 0UE Tel: 07983 686 449 pscott.technicalservices@gmail.com

Unit 18, The Gardens, Malton Road, York, YO32 9TN Tel: 01904 400449 www.jamesholdingengineering.com

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| Livestock

Impounded UK lamb consignments cleared to return to UK from Calais, confirms NSA he National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to reveal that a number of consignments of lamb being held at a Border Control Post (BCP) in Calais this week have now been released to return to the UK.

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NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "NSA wholly welcomes the news from Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss that she negotiated and agreed that French officials release the consignments of lamb impounded at the BCP yesterday evening (Wednesday 10th December). This release has been made on the agreement that none of the product contained in these affected loads can be consigned to go back to the EU. "I personally want to thank Christine and the CVO team for resolving this problem as quickly as they could. NSA was contacted by one of the processors involved earlier this week who had tens of thousands of pounds worth of lamb being held and was desperate for help to resolve the problem.

NSA contacted Christine, who was thankfully aware and working on it, and I also spoke to Defra to ensure the issue also had their attention. It was good that NSA was able to help build communication between the processor and officials.

"I would add my plea to processors and exporters affected that absolutely no attempt is made to re-present any of the product contained in the affected loads for re-export. If we want the support of our CVO and officials in the future we must not do anything to undermine agreements and trust. I would also make a plea to FSA that meat inspectors are fully aware of these Farming

risks and that they work with due diligence."

Several refrigerated lorries containing meat from UK processors were being held at the BCP, stopped after inspectors reported traces of wool being found on individual lamb carcasses.

The carcasses had previously been stamped as fit for human consumption by meat inspectors in the UK, on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

This latest rejection of consignments follows reports to NSA from other exporters of rejected loads with issues being identified such as parasitic damage to lungs and livers, and misalignment between the UK and EU on lead levels in offal. NSA questions if the situation is politically driven and related to the renegotiation of trade rules but appreciates that as a crucial market for UK produced lamb processors, we are bound by the BCP ruling.

Mr Stocker continues: "It is important that all exporters take note of this incident and be aware that inspections at BCPs over the channel are very thorough and appear to have become even tighter than normal, and we should present no opportunity, or reasons, for rejections.

"Defra will be discussing these issues with EU border control force with the aim of avoiding future disruption, but whether we like it or not they are the gateway to our marketplace."

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Take control of your dairy

Automate

Smart, Simple, Powerful ElectroMech Agri Limited 7 Tulnagall Rd, Donaghmore, Dungannon, Co, Tyrone BT70 3LR tel: 028 8776 7376 - www.electromechagri.com

boumatic.com Farming

| Livestock

Next generation mycotoxin remediator and endotoxin binder launched to UK and Irish dairy farmers new triple-action mycotoxin remediator and endotoxin binder – designed to help protect cow health and milk production against losses from toxins produced by moulds and bacteria in feed rations – has been launched by Volac.

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UltraSorb R 3.0, which is added to rations at the point of feeding, builds on the success of earlier generations of UltraSorb by covering a wider spectrum of mycotoxins and endotoxins, says Stephanie Doherty, Volac marketing manager for feed and forage additives.

These include certain newly-emerged toxins identified through Volac’s MycoCheck feed sample testing service, she explains.

And UltraSorb R 3.0 delivers improved binding and transformation of the most common mycotoxins, plus the addition of dedicated endotoxin-binding activity – placing it at the forefront of mycotoxin and endotoxin protection, she points out.

“Mycotoxins are harmful compounds produced by moulds that grow on various forage crops, and on other crops used in animal feed,” explains Stephanie. “Ingestion of mycotoxins can cause a wide range of animal health problems – including loss of body weight, reduced milk yield, and reproduction issues.

“Meanwhile, endotoxins are components found in the cell walls of certain bad bacteria, such as E. coli. These trigger an immune response in the animal, causing inflammation, which has a large energy requirement and so diverts this energy away from milk production and other important processes.

“By helping to protect herd health, evidence points to the inclusion of UltraSorb R 3.0 in feed rations delivering an extra 1-2 litres of milk/cow/day. This equates to a 5.5:1 return on investment at a milk price of 32p/litre.”

Pointing to the triple-action protection of UltraSorb R 3.0, Stephanie says: firstly, specially-selected minerals bind to various mycotoxins and endotoxins; secondly, yeast fractions transform and detoxify or bind to other more complex mycotoxins; and thirdly, biological active agents degrade Farming

mycotoxins that cannot be bound, such as DON and ZON, into safe forms. Additionally, she says the live yeast in UltraSorb R 3.0 also supports gut health.

“What’s important to realise is that, as well as mycotoxins and endotoxins causing obvious, visible symptoms in livestock, they also cause less obvious, hidden effects that are an ongoing drain on the animal’s health and productivity. These less obvious endotoxin effects include acidosis, heat stress, and compromised immune systems. And just because silage doesn’t look mouldy, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a mycotoxin problem.

“With over three-quarters of feed samples containing mycotoxins and endotoxins creating an unseen drain on productivity, farmers face a serious profitability challenge. Because these challenges are often invisible, farmers may not realise they have a problem, but with such high prevalence, they are very likely to be impacted,” she adds.

Where dairy farmers identify a particular mycotoxin/endotoxin problem, Stephanie says UltraSorb R 3.0 can be added to feed rations at a dose of 20g/cow/day. In low-risk situations when targeting sub-clinical effects, she says a lower maintenance dose of 10g/cow/day can be used.

UltraSorb R 3.0 is available for ruminants in 25kg bags.

| Livestock

M²ERLIN Churchill Dairy & Parlour Services

James Holding Dairy Engineering

G&A Wallace Engineers Ltd

Goddards Farm, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AZ

Unit 18, The Gardens, Malton Road, York, YO32 9TN

Unit 17, Stainton Grove industrial estate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8UJ

Tel: 07885371731 office@churchillsdairyandparlour.co.uk

Office Tel: 01904 400449 James: 07807704884 info@jamesholdingengineering.com

Office Tel: 01833 625361 Mobile: 07828532868 www.gawengineers.com

The smart choice for robotic milking

Fernshire Ltd Chapmans Farm PristlingFULLWOODJOZ.COM Lane, Staplehurst, TN12 0HH Tel: 01580 891199 www.neguschaseltd.co.uk

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| Livestock

The modern calf feeder with individual calf feeding, whole milk system, intuitive control of the graphic display and many other features alfExpert is a calf feeder that has been developed to meet the latest standards in calf feeding. State-of-the-art feeding technology ensures that the milk for the calves is always freshly mixed. It does not matter whether milk replacer or pasteurised whole milk is used. CalfExpert prepares the milk automatically and individually for each animal.

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You, as farmer, remain completely flexible in your work schedule while calves are fed 24/7. The calf feeder takes your calf rearing management to a whole new level.

Intuitive operation via the graphic display and the link to the CalfGuide mobile app make it easier for you and your team to monitor your animals. All the information about your calves, status reports and alerts are at your fingertips in the app and directly on the calf feeder at all times.

Different feeding programmes form the basis of successful and performance-oriented calf rearing in automatic calf feeding. Labour savings and complete supervision included.

Individual animal feeding

Feed calves automatically.

Organise feed changes gently: milk mixed freshly and precisely matched to the calf.

For healthy and productive calves.

| Livestock Feeding a large number of calves with a fresh mix adapted to each individual calf is a major challenge.

CalfExpert makes it child's play.

Always freshly mixed The CalfExpert calf feeder mixes the milk fresh for each calf. Any residual milk is kept warm and flushed out of the system following longer drinking breaks. Other calf feeders work with a central milk supply. In milk stored this way at 40 °C, the bacterial count doubles every 20 minutes. In contrast, the CalfExpert guarantees maximum hygiene and feeding suitable for every individual animal.

Individual adaptation

We have accelerated the mixing process and the change of calves in the CalfExpert, thereby optimising utilisation of the HygieneStations.

Milk is mixed quickly and can be called up at the feeding station after just 3 seconds. Once the milk meal is finished, a switch is immediately made to the second feeding station. Here, a second calf can be fed immediately while the first is still satisfying its need to suckle.

In addition, priorities can be specified in the CalfExpert menu so that young or sick calves are given preferential treatment. The tried and tested flexitime programme ensures that meals are distributed very evenly throughout the day without clusters of visits to the stations. The result is reduced waiting times with high animal occupancy and a positive "visiting experience" for the calves.

Enjoy calm and compliant calves Since CalfExpert does not restrict feeding to certain times of day, calves can come and feed at any time.

Puckington TA19 9JD Ilminster, UK +44 7714 846987∙colin@rumitechs.co.uk www.rumitechs.co.uk

A central milk supply has another major disadvantage: modern feeding programmes (e.g. metabolic programming) require a higher CMR concentration (e.g.

160 g/l) at the beginning of rearing to stimulate performance. However, a lower milk replacer powder concentration (130 g/l) is necessary in the weaning phase. This individual animal feeding can only be achieved if the mix is prepared individually for each calf, as is the case with CalfExpert.

QuickChange logic for greater performance

K&M Dairy and Refrigiation

Clarkson Dairy Services

Trench SY12 0LR, Ellesmere, Shropshire

East Witton, DL8 4SQ Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Phone: 07912 763051 e-mail: karlmarkdairy@gmail.com Mark mobile: 07895 341595

Phone: 01969 623522 / 07703 535043 e-mail: info@clarksondairyservices.co.uk www.clarksondairyservices.co.uk

| Livestock

Your calves will no longer see you as a nurse and will therefore remain calm when people enter the barn.

Younger and weaker calves have all the time they need to consume their full ration.

As the CalfExpert also works with an intelligent credit logic, all calves have a feeding credit at a different time.

As a result, fewer animals crowd around the station. The anti-pirate milk valve ensures that stronger calves do not steal milk. The result: extremely uniform, relaxed groups of calves.

QuadroFlex: simultaneous and yet flexible feeding With the new QuadroFlex system, four calves can feed at the same time at two PowerMixers. The CalfExpert mixes the milk freshly when calves wish to drink. This means no tank supply system is required. The feeding quantity is determined precisely for each calf by maintenance-free sensors. If a calf requires a special mix e.g. including medicine or electrolytes, only the sister stall at the same PowerMixer is switched off.

Feeding continues at the second Power Mixer at both stations. This allows 120 calves to be fed at 4 HygieneStations. Thus the capacity of the CalfExpert has been increased by approx. 20 – 30 % compared to its predecessor H&L 100.

Flexible feeding programmes Modern feeding programmes should always adapt to the age and breed, personally set rearing goals and state of health of the calves. CalfExpert allows you to do all this in the optimum way.

Weaning process CalfExpert prepares your calves in a particularly gentle way for the intake of concentrate and roughage. It reduces the amount of feed at the end of rearing in small steps of 0.1 l per day and thus stimulates the development of the forestomach system.

8 feeding curves Farming

CalfExpert can be used to turn any feeding programme into reality. Feeding curves can be adjusted very flexibly in each of the 8 groups. Up to 16 "turning points" allow you to fine-tune your personal feeding concept down to the last detail. Or you decide in favour of one of the proven and pre-set CalfExpert feeding programmes.

Metabolic programming Intensive feeding in the first few weeks of a calf's life will usually lead to significantly higher milk production later.

However, the correct weaning of calves, for example after an ad libitum phase, poses particular challenges for every calf breeder. With CalfExpert, each calf is slowly weaned off high milk intake, in terms of volume as well as concentration.

Effective mixing of milk replacer powder Flexible feeding also means that a wide range of CMRs and additives have to be prepared in an optimum and lump-free way. The continuously variable PowerMixer ensures a soft start to avoid splashing and then stirs the milk replacer powder thoroughly. This means the calf receives its freshly mixed milk directly at the teat in just 3 seconds.

The feeding process can sometimes take longer where young or weak calves are involved. We prevent the separation of the milk replacer powder by slow permanent stirring. And if it gets colder, the heater in the mixer always ensures the mix is kept at a constant temperature, for no matter how long the calf needs.

Second milk powder chamber The new option allows the CalfExpert to feed two different types of milk replacer (CMR).

The milk powder compartment is at a 90° angle to the CalfExpert and feeds milk powder into the PowerMixer of the machine via a dosing augur on the side. The volume of 50 kg of CMR can be supplemented by a further 25 kg via the additional powder chamber. This

| Livestock gives the CalfExpert the largest milk powder storage capacity of any automatic feeder on the market, with a maximum powder storage capacity of 150 kg (2 x (50 + 25 kg)). Ideally, this is done in such a way that one type of milk replacer slowly takes the place of the other. This can make sense, for example, if a high-quality skimmed milk replacer is to be used in the first few weeks of life in order to promote the early development of the calves with highly digestible CMR.

powdered milk? This causes changeover stress with your calves and is likely to cause digestion problems.

"EvenMilk", our intelligent whole milk control, knows how much whole milk is available and how much is to be fed.

It makes sure that whole milk and CMR are mixed in balanced proportions even when whole milk quantities fluctuate daily.

Later, cheaper milk replacers can be used, whose ingredients (e.g. certain proportions of high-quality vegetable proteins) are intended to support the transition to ruminant.

A calf feeder is designed to make your work easier and perform continually for 24 hours. To achieve this it has to work reliably under the rough conditions of a calf stall, like the CalfExpert does.

Clean and reliable

Hose cleaning including the teat

Specific additive feeding Minimal doses of feed additives can be added to the milk diet in order to stabilise the gastrointestinal system. Sick calves can be treated with medicines in the milk. You can use two powder dosing units and two liquid dosing units. As with the milk programme, you can set different feeding curves for these additives as well. This means maximum flexibility for top calf health.

EvenMilk: intelligent whole milk feeding Whole milk is digested perfectly by the calf and results in the best performance. With the CalfExpert whole milk programme you can set whole milk proportions or supplement the whole milk in the feeing programme flexibly. What happens with your feeder when the whole milk supply has been used up? Does it then feed

All hose systems used to have deposits of contaminated milk because they had not been cleaned often enough or thoroughly enough. The HygieneStation rinses the entire milk hose through to the teat during longer drinking breaks. In addition, the complete milk system is cleaned several times every day. If the DoubleJug milk tank is used, the supply line to the CalfExpert is also cleaned automatically. This will reduce a calf’s exposure to bacteria, improve the health of the calves and save on manual cleaning.

Two cleaning agents To optimise cleaning even further, the CalfExpert can use two different cleaning agents: either alternate with

Farming

| Livestock each cleaning cycle or combine in one cleaning cycle (alkaline, rinse, acid, rinse). The cleaning agent pumps are fitted on the outside. They can thus draw directly from the tanks. This is safe and convenient. In addition, the CalfExpert generates automatic messages as soon as a canister is empty.

Fly shield as standard Two large doors protect the critical area where the mixer bowls are located. This keeps flies away from the milk and avoids problems in the milk system. The doors can be locked so children cannot be harmed or injured.

Integrated operating instructions The 7″ graphic display not only allows all calf data to be conveniently viewed.

Pressing the key with the book icon opens help texts and information from the operating instructions at every level of the application.

Ready to work whatever the weather Calves love the outdoor climate, your CalfExpert does too. It comes with a frost protection programme that is activated automatically as soon as there is a risk of frost. Sensors in every HygieneStation and in the CalfExpert mixing chamber measure the ambient temperature and then adapt the mixing temperature and intensity of the frost protection programme accordingly. You can clean the outer surfaces of the automatic feeder with water, since all the sensitive components are water spray-proof.

Simple maintenance

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Regular inspection of the technology is easy: you can test all the important CalfExpert components quickly and easily in the maintenance menu. You can also carry out calibration quickly yourself, because the software always tells you exactly what to do. We recommend that you have your CalfExpert serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. This provides you with the peace of mind that the automatic feeder will be ready for the next rearing cycle.

Automatic calibration The CalfExpert checks the flow rate of milk and water at regular intervals. ensuring a consistent amount of water for the calves without your needing to actively worry about it.

Although this unfortunately does not apply to the amount of powder, the machine will remind you as soon as calibration needs to be performed. However, with its Brix-TS option, CalfExpert compensates for deviations in the mix concentration, so that you are always sure that the calves have been fed correctly.

Smarter work – better performance Kill two birds with one stone: CalfExpert not only frees you up from tedious and strenuous work. Intelligent software and smart operation also increase feeding quality.

SmartKeys We deliberately avoid the use of touch technology and rely instead on the use of SmartKeys, meaning that a CalfExpert can be operated reliably even in frost, rain, with gloves or even dirty fingers. The illuminated

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SmartKeys guide you through the programme.

The completely new control software offers maximum clarity and simple CalfExpert operation. All calf data with individual feeding curve, alarm lists, technical parameters etc. can be viewed on the 7" display. The Wi-Fi connection also allows you to retrieve individual items of data on mobile devices and to receive push notifications in the event of error messages.

Higher income thanks to improved performance Calves supplied with a lot of energy start lactation at an earlier age and produce more milk later on. CalfExpert also provides you with the best prerequisites for optimum animal health. This means a lower death rate and more animals in the herd reared from your herd offspring. This in turn gives you the opportunity to select the offspring in a targeted manner and to sell surplus heifers at a profit. And last but not least: by saving working time, you are freeing up capacities on your farm that can be used profitably.

CalfGuide app CalfExpert comes with a WiFi interface as standard. The CalfGuide app allows you to access important information directly on your mobile phone. This includes the general calf feeder data and details of the calf lists with the entire calf history. You can easily modify calf information and feeding curves in the app. The CalfExpert also sends messages when the cleaning containers are empty, for example. A particularly practical feature is a health check, which allows you to objectively assess the health of your calves.

AmmoniaDetect Ammonia irritates the mucous membranes of calves, even in small doses. This can lead to bronchitis in the long run, which can soon turn into pneumonia. Ammonia is only perceived as an odour when it is already in the

harmful range. AmmoniaDetect is an electrochemical sensor that permanently measures ammonia levels in the barn air. It is installed directly in the lying area, protected from the calves by a pipe. CalfExpert analyses the measured values continuously and documents them in a chart. This enables you to optimise the ventilation of the calf barn and determine the best time for mucking out.

Gain time and flexibility Take care of your calves when YOU want and don't let them dictate your day. There are often other jobs and responsibilities to be taken care of in the mornings and evenings in particular: milking and feeding the cows, making breakfast for the family or taking your children to school... CalfExpert feeds your calves. You only have to monitor the machinery and the animals. And training is reduced to a minimum with the new HygieneStation.

Automated work routines With the CalfExpert, all employees know what they have to do and when. They perform checks, teat changes etc. at regular intervals. The CalfExpert generates timely notifications when whole milk and cleaning agents are running low. And the CalfExpert reports this a few hours before the containers are actually empty to avoid any mad rush.

A feeder that has growing potential With CalfExpert you can feed up to 100 calves at 4 stations, with QuadroFlex as many as 120 calves. Even if you feed fewer animals today, our modular system allows you to expand the calf feeder machine at any subsequent time with all the options available. So you save money now but can still make use of all the possibilities later.

Would you like to receive a quotation or individual advice? Our sales partners will be happy to assist you.

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| Livestock

BouMatic and Green Source Automation announce strategic partnership to revolutionize rotary milking efficiency ouMatic, a global leader in dairy innovation, and Green Source Automation, a pioneer in Teatspray & pre-stimulation robots, are proud to announce a strategic partnership in Europe that brings cutting-edge automation to rotary milking systems.

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Through this collaboration, BouMatic and Green Source Automation combine their expertise to equip all external rotary platforms with cutting-edge automated pre- and postdipping systems. - a breakthrough in milking hygiene and labour efficiency. This integration enhances udder health, reduces manual labour, and supports optimal milk quality.

The automated pre & post-dip system utilize precision robotics to apply udder care products to each teat with consistent coverage and timing, ensuring thorough sanitation before and after milking. During the preparation phase, the robot fully automates the pre-dip process by cleaning, sanitizing, and stimulating the teats—operating at speeds of up to 4.2 seconds per stall. Thanks to its exceptional cleaning performance and stimulation capabilities, it helps boost milk yield, accelerate milk let-down, enhance animal health, and improve worker productivity.

Designed for high-throughput rotary parlours, the system seamlessly synchronizes with rotary motion and cow indexing, delivering reliable performance with minimal operator intervention. Its modular design allows for easy installation and maintenance, while its datadriven operation supports herd health monitoring and compliance with milk quality standards.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering smarter, more efficient solutions to dairy producers worldwide,” said BouMatic CEO Steve Pretz. “By combining BouMatic’s precisionengineered rotaries with Green Source Automation’s proven technology, we’re setting a new standard for rotary milking performance.”

Green Source Automation General Manager, Casey Taboa, emphasized, “Partnering with BouMatic—the world leader in high-throughput rotary milking systems— allows us to combine our automation expertise with their industry-leading technology. Together, we are empowering producers to achieve unparalleled consistency, enhanced udder health, and significant reductions in labour demands.”

The automated pre & post-dip system will be available through the BouMatic dealer network, ensuring seamless access and support for dairy operations looking to modernize their workflows.

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Don’t risk ewe health pre-lambing we nutrition on the approach to lambing has a significant impact on flock performance, says Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco. If the feeding balance is right in late pregnancy, improvements will be made in colostrum quality and yield, along with lamb survival and vitality.

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“Around 75% of foetal growth takes place in the sixweek period prior to lambing. During this time, a ewe’s energy and protein requirements rapidly increase to not only ensure lamb development, but to also support colostrum and milk production,” explains Dr Bond.

Feeding a specialist pre-lambing supplement such as LIFELINE Lamb and Ewe on the approach to lambing can support the increasing energy and protein requirements of the ewe. It may also help with forage utilisation, preventing body condition loss and support ewes’ immune function and colostrum quality.

If ewes are not receiving adequate nutrition, several issues can occur. These include reduced lamb birthweight which increases the risk of hypothermia and mortality, reduced quantity of colostrum and milk production, pregnancy toxaemia, and delayed onset of lactation.

Dr Bond is keen to add that sorting ewes based on energy requirements does not have to be overly complicated or a huge burden on infrastructure.

“An example would be a thin ewe needing extra nutrients, that could be moved to be with higher demand ewes. This would mean grouping thin single bearing ewes with twin bearing ewes. Similarly, a thin, twin bearing ewe could be moved to be with ewes carrying triplets,” she says. “However, it is important to keep firsttime lambers in separate groups to adult ewes,” she adds.

Late pregnancy nutrition demands Along with a rise in ME requirements, a ewe’s protein demands will also have a notable increase during rapid foetal growth in the last six weeks of pregnancy – particularly in the last three weeks before lambing.

According to Dr Bond, protein deficient ewes will tap into carcase tissue from internal organs to support lamb development, which could have negative impact on future productivity.

“Malnutrition during the final stages of pregnancy can reduce lamb birthweight resulting in a longterm knock-on effect in the flock from reduced lamb growth rates. There is also research that has found lambs from ewes with inadequate nutrition during late pregnancy to have a reduction in fertility due to the impact on foetal ovary and testes development,” adds Dr Bond.

Sorting for body condition score To ensure a ewe’s nutritional requirements are being met, Dr Bond recommends body condition scoring throughout the year. She suggests this should begin around weaning to ensure the target body condition score (BCS) of 3 – 3.5 for lowland ewes (weighing 60-80kgs) and 2.5 for hill ewes (weighing 40-60kgs) is met by tupping. BCS should then be maintained or slightly increased during midpregnancy and target score be met for the final approach to lambing (3-3.5 for lowland ewes and 2.5 for hill ewes).

Ewes should be sorted at scanning based on the number of lambs being carried and BCS so that individual requirements can be met for the rapid foetal development period, with a final sort occurring six weeks before lambing.

“As lambing approaches a ewe’s requirement for metabolisable energy (ME) increases according to ewe liveweight, number of lambs carried and proximity to lambing. These varying factors make it essential to sort ewes based on individual energy needs,” explains Dr Bond. “For example, a 70kg ewe carrying a single, three weeks pre-lambing has a ME requirement of 12.6 MJ/ day, which increases to 16.7MJ/day with triplets – which represents a significant difference in energy demand.”

“Supplementing forage with high quality digestible undegradable protein (DUP) will support colostrum production and milk let down at lambing time, while protecting a ewe’s immune function,” explains Dr Bond.

“When choosing a delivery method, blocks or buckets allow for easy transport and make for a much cleaner supplementary nutrition system than trough feeding if conditions are muddy.”

When selecting a DUP block or bucket, choose a multipurpose supplement that will also provide other essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

“Research has shown that DUP supplements with the right blend of functional nutrients such as lactose, mannan-oligosaccharides and beta-glucans, will support a ewe’s immune function and enhance colostrum immunoglobulin content by up to 25%,” adds Dr Bond.

“This is a very effective way to provide pre-lambing ewes and lambs with the right nutrition for long-term flock performance,” she concludes.

Farming

| Livestock

What are the nine Scottish Monitor Farms planning for next year the final year of the current programme? t seems like no time since the current Monitor Farm Scotland programme launched at AgriScot in November 2022.

Since then, the nine Monitor Farm businesses have been involved in many projects, trials and on-farm meetings, all aimed at improving the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their businesses.

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With the programme being 'farmer-led, farmer-driven', each farm's management group and meeting attendees have been able to suggest and steer meeting topics, as well as encouraging each Monitor Farm to try new and different approaches.

It's the first Monitor Farm programme to run over four years, with the extra year allowing more time for developing and testing ideas and assessing practical outcomes. So what have the nine Monitor Farmers got planned for 2026, their fourth and final year?

Argyllshire – Craig Archibald, Craigens Farm, Islay; sucklers, store production, ewes and finishing lambs, plus spring barley for local distillery.

Being involved in the virtual fencing project has been a great benefit over summer, but lack of connectivity in autumn meant the 20 trial cows are now housed rather than outwintering. However, with ongoing work to solve technical issues, the second year of virtual fencing will see cows calve outside on extensive sand dunes – something now possible because Craig can create 'virtual fields' and find cows who have gone off to calve.

Investigations to find the best suckler cow for the farm will continue. With plenty of data, Craig will also be selecting those who have the traits to do well in virtual fencing to expand the project.

The new Mule flock – a Monitor Farm-driven change – will be assessed for performance, hoping for better productivity, growth and early finishing.

Soil health will also come into focus next year, especially compaction caused by geese, while the benefits of adopting rotational grazing will also become clearer.

Banff and Buchan – Bruce Irvine, Sauchentree, Fraserburgh; suckler cows and breeding ewes, taking progeny through to finishing, arable, plus new hen unit.

Next year is a big one for the Irvine family: "It will be 250 years of our family farming at Sauchentree – my daughters are the tenth generation."

Monitor Farm-wise, he will be looking at better use of grass, splitting fields to further develop paddock grazing.

"We also need to find a better risk management Farming

approach for forage crops, as I planted 30 acres of swedes this year and nothing grew." Being near the coast, the farm is on shallow, sandy soils which are drought-prone.

Deciding on EID systems for cattle is another focus.

Bruce is currently involved in trialling electronic boluses in his sucklers, hoping they could highlight events such as calving to help reduce workload.

Changing from organic to conventional two years ago, he wants to improve arable profitability which has dropped since conversion. Another focus is best use of muck from the 32,000 laying hens now on-farm.

Deeside – Duncan and Claire Morrison, Meikle Maldron, Banchory; commercial and pedigree sucklers, offspring sold as store, finished or breeding stock, plus sheep.

Duncan and Claire expanded their farm business this year, obtaining a tenancy on a neighbouring 160-acre farm. Happy with their technical performance and the system they have in place, this year has seen the Monitor Farm and management group concentrate on learning more about business aspects.

This has included sessions on using accounting package Xero on farm, hearing from a banker about what they look for in a business seeking a loan, and financial planning for the future. "They've been really interactive sessions with the whole management group, and for next year, I'm asking that group what they would like to do."

Duncan says one of the things he enjoys most with Monitor Farms is being able to visit other businesses and to discuss what they are doing. "You can hear about what people are doing, but never really grasp it until you see it with your own eyes – it gets you thinking."

Dumfriesshire – Richard McCornick, Barnbackle, Dumfries; commercial and pedigree sucklers, selling as stores and for breeding, breeding ewes with lambs sold off grass.

Last year's work using EBVs for selecting a new bull for breeding replacements will see his first crop of calves arrive at Barnbackle, while Richard also plans to start using sexed semen to breed replacements from his best performing commercial cows. As part of this, all his cattle now carry TruTest electronic tags which highlight heats and other health traits.

The sheep have been split into A and B flocks, depending upon performance, and Richard will also start to see the results of not breeding from his ewe lambs but waiting a year longer. "I think we will see them produce more, bigger lambs than if they were bred as ewe lambs. They should also get back in lamb more easily."

| Livestock The rotational grazing project at Barnbackle will progress further, and he's looking at different establishment methods for kale and swede winter forage crops, with discing and using the fertiliser spreader looking successful.

East Lothian – Stuart McNicol, Castleton, North Berwick; arable, with cover crops grazed by sheep over winter plus agri-tourism businesses.

Stuart had a very successful harvest, with all crops yielding well. His spring barley made malting grade, but with poor prices, the area grown will be reduced in 2026.

Instead, he will rent the land to a local grower for growing sprouts and cabbage.

He has been trialling cover crops for the last couple of years, but the dry summer and autumn has impacted growth this year. However, the three mixes – one farm saved and the other two being commercially available grazing mixes – are currently being grazed by Hebridean sheep.

With a brome issue, he has been doing more ploughing in addition to chemical control. This is a change to his usual min-till approach, but essential for weed control.

"I'd set out on the Monitor Farm programme to tackle net zero, but we haven't done that – and neither has anyone else. We've also been trying to reduce costs, but that is hard on this size of farm."

Roxburghshire – Robert Wilson, Cowbog, Kelso; purebred sucklers with offspring sold for breeding or finished, sheep and arable.

There has been lots of change at Cowbog, not least the end of a tenancy which has now become a contract farming agreement, with a proportion of the arable land converting to temporary grass leading to an overall reduction in arable in the business, allowing Robert to run cattle more extensively.

Calving period has been tightened, increasing the spring herd and stopping the autumn calvers. Doing this while trying not to lose production has been 'slightly like turning round an oil tanker,' he says.

Cow numbers are growing, and with a feeling that they only needed a maximum of 100 pure Hereford calves, an Aberdeen Angus bull is now being used on 20% of cows; the farm's first 'Black Baldie' calves are due in spring.

"That change of sire comes with an opportunity to reevaluate our marketing of stock," says Robert.

With the increase in cow numbers, he will be looking at what's best - increasing numbers or maintaining some extensiveness, while escalating winter silage costs will be scrutinised.

South Ayrshire – John and David Andrew, Rowanston, Maybole; sucklers, with progeny and bought-in stores finished, breeding ewes and arable.

A project looking at finishing cattle performance and costs will be a big focus for 2026 for the Andrews. It is following home-bred and bought-in stores who will finish from February onwards. "It will be interesting to see how the different batches and breeds compare," says David.

They are also going to be trialling finishing bull beef; autumn-born terminal-sired calves will be finished indoors over summer, taking pressure off summer grazing.

They are one of the four farms involved in the virtual fencing project and are keen to see how much more they can achieve with it in 2026. "It would be a thought to go back to not having it now," he adds.

Having fully set up their rotational grazing system, they plan to make more of it next year, having 'learned from their mistakes'.

"Overall, we are making tweaks and changes, trying to get the most out of every enterprise," says David.

Stirlingshire – the Duncan family, Lands of Drumhead and Blairfad; breeding sheep, with stratified system on hill and lowland, plus suckler cows, selling stores.

Grass productivity is a key focus for the Duncans, with a liming and reseeding programme started since becoming a Monitor Farm; they were unaware soil pH levels across the farm were so low. Next year will see more livestock performance results analysed; the family says better grass quality meant they sold more lambs fat this year.

They have also changed sheep breeds, with a new Cheviot flock which they have enjoyed working with and plan to expand.

Their sucklers have been part of the virtual fencing trial, but connectivity issues have meant it has been of limited use this year. With this issue almost solved, they hope to make progress in 2026.

A new cattle handling system – suggested by Monitor Farm visitors – has made weighing much easier, with plenty of data now to assess. They are planning to use the data, alongside much more enterprise-specific costings, to focus on productivity and profitability of each enterprise.

Strathspey - the Smith family, Auchernack, Grantownon-Spey; commercial suckler cows, selling progeny as stores.

The Smith family are in the middle of a succession transition, with father, Malcolm, now working full-time off the farm and his sons Calum and Hamish full-time on the farm. Next year will see this progress further, with both sons growing their involvement and their contracting business.

The brothers have opted to use a Shorthorn bull on their cows in a change from a Limousin, and have recently bought a second Shorthorn, believing a native breed will suit their system better. Calum says: "We will be pushing forward with the Shorthorns in 2026."

Being part of the Monitor Farm virtual fencing trial has been a highlight at Auchernack, bringing production and environmental benefits. The family are looking forward to seeing how they can adapt its use and what they can achieve with it in 2026 having had a year's experience. "This year the grazing set up was a massive boost."

More on Monitor Farm Scotland Find out more about each of the Monitor Farms, read meeting reports and see trial results and project updates, as well as finding information about previous Monitor Farm programmes at https://www. monitorfarms.co.uk/. The website also hosts details of upcoming meetings and how to book your space.

Farming

| Livestock

Spring Calving Index brings choice across the breeds

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ith most autumn calving herds well through genetic selection, if not their inseminations, attention turns to the breeding months ahead for spring calving herds.

Those using the recommended Spring Calving Index (£SCI), which has been updated this month by AHDB, will find plenty of choice across the Jersey and black and white breeds.

Jerseys fair particularly well this time around, with their high-quality milk and small body size a particular attraction for the grazing based, block calving producers for whom this index was created.

VJ Outrup Luxi Luplus leads the way, edging the former front runner into second place. With an SCI of £606, this Jersey bull combines exceptional daughter maintenance with extended lifespan.

The Holstein bull, Peak AltaSeverus (SCI £596), drops to second place in this acrossbreed ranking, but remains a leader for weight of milk, fat and protein.

Holding firm in third, Denovo Invictus (SCI £589) continues to impress with low cell counts and outstanding fertility in his daughters. With 3,163 now milking in the UK, Invictus offers proven reliability across many herds.

Another Jersey bull, VJ Agarden Lutter Ludo, moves up to fourth (SCI £588), excelling in milk quality (fat and protein), and proving to be ideal for component-focused breeding strategies.

In fifth, Denovo Adderley (SCI £585) also delivers desirable fat and protein for Holstein herds seeking milk solids.

Winstar Graziano (SCI £575) transmits even higher weights of milk, fat and protein, also offering SCC improvement, and now stands in sixth position.

Seventh position is jointly held by Jerey sires, VJ Ravninggaard Huus Hamlet and VJ Boman Lasky Lando (SCI £567), both transmitting exceptional fertility and low maintenance costs for feed – key traits for spring block calving herds.

Two new graduate bulls complete the top 10: Peak Altasolace (SCI £563), bringing health and fertility benefits and VJ Adelgaard Nibiru Nicas (SCI £543), offering solid all-round performance.

Farming

Autumn Calving Index (ACI) In the Autumn Calving Index ranking, Peak AltaSeverus retains the top spot with an ACI of £736, combining exceptionally healthy daughters with high milk and solids production, and demonstrating his versatility by featuring high in all this month’s published lists.

New graduate, Peak Altasolace – a bull which also fares well for £PLI and £SCI – enters the £ACI ranking in second position, (ACI £686).

Offering excellent fertility and SCC improvement, he is a standout bull for healthfocused breeding.

Winstar Graziano holds third (ACI £683), continuing his reputation for milk components and SCC. Fourth and fifth positions go to Denovo Invictus (ACI £680) and Lars-Acres George Miller (ACI £669). Invictus shines for fertility and maintenance, while George Miller promotes daughter health.

In sixth, OCD Trooper Sheepster (ACI £662) transmits excellent fat solids and positive fertility, closely followed by SDG-PH Delux Dominance (ACI £657) in seventh, offering similar strengths.

Eighth place is shared by Peak Mauney and Denovo Adderley (ACI £653), with Mauney focusing on fertility and Adderley on exceptional solids.

Completing the top 10 is the long-standing Westcoast Guarantee (ACI £644), a proven sire promoting favourable SCC and mastitis resistance.

“These bulls are assessed in an across-breed ranking and it’s pleasing to see an equal split between Jerseys and black and whites at the top of this £SCI release,” says Victoria Ashmore, animal genomics manager, AHDB. “By making the assessment across all the breeds, producers who have crossbred herds are able to easily compare the performance of any dairy breed against another for their suitability in their block calving herd,” she adds.

“However, it’s important to remember that £SCI and £ACI cannot be compared with one another and equally, figures used to calculate these block calving indexes cannot be compared with any figures from the breedspecific £PLI lists.”

| Livestock

UK-bred Coyote leads the pack K-born and bred DeNovo Coyote P leads the pack in AHDB’s December genetic evaluations for young genomic Holstein sires, published today (2 Dec).

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This new entry bull, a son of Klassic P, is predicted to transmit an exceptional weight and percentage of fat (62.2kg and +0.30%) and has a HealthyCow index of £157. This helps earn Coyote a Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) of £871 and underlines the role of the UK breeding nucleus within the DeNovo programme, operated by Genus ABS. He is one of two UK-bred bulls from the programme in the top 10 and five in the top 30.

Climbing into second place is Badger Siemers Day Trip, a Sheepster son with a PLI of £870, thanks to an outstanding daughter Lifespan score of +180 days and superb figures for maintenance (22) and somatic cell count (-20).

In third place, Progenesis Preston, also

by Sheepster, moves up with a PLI of £867, offering impressive protein transmission at 41.7kg.

Up one position since August to fourth place is DeNovo 20723 Columbia, a high-ranking son of Leeds with a PLI of £864, excelling in milk yield at 1,140kg and boasting a tremendous Feed Advantage (FAdv) of 240kg. This means, Columbia daughters are expected to consume 240kg less dry matter in each lactation than daughters of a bull transmitting comparable milk production which has a FAdv of zero.

Adaway Beyond Fitness ranks fifth (PLI £862) and lives up to his name with a high daughter Fertility Index of +10 and a HealthyCow of £205.

AltaValuepack and Adaway Beyond Faithful, the latter being a herd-mate and maternal half-brother to the fifthranked bull. Both score strongly for HealthyCow traits.

The bulls ranked eighth and ninth are new entrants, DeNovo Charisma at PLI £856 also being a maternal half-brother to the number one bull, Coyote.

Charisma transmits high milk (1,122kg) combined with exceptional udder health (SCC -27, Mastitis -2) and a HealthyCow of £221. The other newcomer, Hendel Manson (PLI £853) is predicted to perform well for Lameness Advantage (3.1) and Feed Advantage (214kg).

Rounding off the top 10 is DeNovo 20893 Harmony, with the best Feed Advantage among the top 20 bulls at 291kg, a PLI of £845 and the highest environmental credentials of the breed, with an EnviroCow of 4.8.

Other new bulls making the top 20 include DeNovo Mascot (PLI £833), a maternal half-brother to Harmony, showing excellent udder health and the best daughter fertility in the top 20 at FI 12.9. Finally, two paternal half-brothers

by Dominance join the list: Genosource Youdontsay (PLI £827) with high solids production (92.9kg fat plus protein), and Progenesis Persimmon (PLI £826).

Marco Winters, head of animal genetics, AHDB, said: “All top bulls in this young sire ranking are predicted to transmit improved feed maintenance thanks to smaller body sizes – a highly desirable trait that reduces feed costs and contributes to a lower carbon footprint.”

For the complete list of available bulls, please visit the AHDB website.

Joint sixth with a PLI of £860 are Peak Farming

| Muck & Slurry

SAMSON UNVEILS THE TG PUMP TOWER: A NEW ERA IN SLURRY HANDLING TECHNOLOGY AMSON AGRO proudly introduces the TG Pump Tower, a next-generation slurry filling system designed to deliver unmatched flexibility, performance, and ease of use for modern agricultural operations Engineered specifically for the TG slurry tanker range, the TG Pump Tower combines robust mechanics with smart design features to streamline slurry transfer from storage to field.

Key innovation include

Built for versatility, the TG Pump Tower is ideal for both open and closed slurry storage systems as well as transport trucks. Its offset right-side mounting improves reach into deep or distant slurry pits, while the dual-joint hydraulic arm offers exceptional maneuverability. The single telescopic function ensures compact transport and a long telescopic reach of up to 2360 mm, with a round stainless steel inner pipe and a simple sealing system for easy servicing.

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Slide Valve System: Prevents dripping by ending of filling and eliminates mess around the storage or suction point.

New Radial Piston Oil Motor: Delivers high filling capacity—up to 8000 L/min!

Inspection Plate: Allows quick removal of foreign objects for uninterrupted operation.

Integrated Lighting & HD Camera: Enhances visibility and safety with lights at key articulation points and a Samson HD-camera.

Joystick Control: Offers proportional and on/off control for all pump tower functions, making operation intuitive and precise.

Optimised design and sustainability The TG Pump Tower also features centralized lubrication, black zinc-coated light housings, and SAMSON-designed FLEX HOSE for optimized durability and aesthetics. Hydraulic hoses are protected inside stainless steel square tubes, ensuring long-term reliability even in demanding conditions.

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| Muck & Slurry

Farming

| Machinery

New Holland C314X Electric Mini Track Loader Offers Emissionsfree, Low-noise Solution for Material Handling Challenges ell-suited for environments sensitive to noise and emissions and for working in proximity to people and animals, New Holland’s fully electric C314X compact tracked loader will be displayed alongside other machines from its Light Equipment lineup at Agritechnica 2025.

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"We launched the C314 two years ago, and it has become known for its excellent features. Today, we're developing an electric version to meet growing demand for quieter, more compact machines — reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation," says Francesca Asteggiano, Europe Construction Brands.

Like other models in the Light Equipment range, the C314X is designed and built inhouse as the zeroemission evolution of the diesel C314, which was announced in 2023.

The new machine combines the advantages of conventional mini track loaders – versatility, high performance and high maneuverability – with the benefits of electric drive systems, including zero emissions, significantly lower noise, immediate drive and hydraulic response, and a smaller carbon footprint.

The C314X, currently at prototype stage, is powered by a 23.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that in turn powers three electric motors, two for the driveline and one for the hydraulics. Across multiple applications, attachments, charging options and environmental conditions, the C314X matches the capabilities of conventionally

Farming

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Bomford Hawk 7T

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Proportional Controls

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Power Slew

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Telescopic Oil Cooler

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4 Point Linkage Mouting

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Electric Rotor Reverse

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1.5m Pro Cut Head

powered equivalents, with a greatly reduced total cost of ownership due to less maintenance needs, fuel vs electric power economy and no power consumption when idle.

With its radial lift boom design, the C314X has a rated operating capacity of 460 kg and a hinge pin height of 2.2 m. It is available in two undercarriage configurations, wide track with 250 mm rubber tracks and a total width of 1026 mm and narrow tracks with a total width of just 890 mm, that make the C314X the ideal fit for tight garden gates and doorways.

Intuitive electro-hydraulic controls mean the C314X is designed for instant operation: the operator simply steps onto the platform, and the machine is immediately ready to work.

It is a stand-on machine, so the operator simply steps onto the comfortable rear platform with its new ergonomic joysticks that allow a firmer grip while comfortably operating the machine in maximum safety. A blend of ultra-compact dimensions but powerful drive and hydraulic components make the C314X ideal for livestock and horticultural farmers, landscape contractors and residential construction operations, thanks to multiple compatible attachments to ensure full versatility to dig, load, drill and more.

Availability Deliveries will commence Spring 2026.

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

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1.2m Pro Trim Head

Oil Cooler, 3 Point Linkage Mounted

| Machinery

J Riley announces 2026 working demonstration

ervaet importer J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd will hold its biennial working demonstration in late January 2026. This ever-popular event is widely regarded as unmissable for those involved in sugar beet harvesting and the wider industry, as well as being an enjoyable day out with a now legendary hog roast.

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The latest Vervaet beet harvester range will be at work including both turbine and rollerbed versions of the Q-Series which remains the UK’s bestselling harvester by a strong margin, the unstoppable six-wheel Beet Eater 625 plus the Riley Beet Chaser conversion. Additionally, the Vervaet Quad 550 self-propelled slurry applicator, which has quickly taken the UK market by storm to assert itself in pole position, will also be shown.

The Riley business is well known for its refurbished harvesters, completing a large number to a very high standard each season. Visitors to the 2026 demo will be able to see a 2003 Vervaet 17-T harvester which has been given the full Riley treatment which includes a 672-point appraisal.

Refurbished harvesters are supplied with a warranty, giving the customer peace of mind, and parts are held in stock for Vervaet harvesters of all ages, meaning that a customer purchasing a 25year-old machine can rely on Rileys for backup. In this way the company offers something to suit every scenario, from a farm lifting its own fodder beet through to the largest sugar beet harvesting contractor running multiple new harvesters.

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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:

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The event will take place on Wednesday 28 January 2026 between 10:00 and 16:00 at Barton Farming

| Machinery

G-Drill hits the spot

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E-VA is to introduce a new disc drill specifically designed as a low cost means of establishing grass, grain and cover crops.

Responding to market demand, the company has developed the 3m G-Drill as a straightforward tool capable of rapidly generating a drilling zone, placing seed at a consistent depth and consolidating the seedbed with a weatherproof finish.

Central to this are two rows of 400mm diameter Vector scalloped discs. These are flanked by replaceable coulter boots which run in the shadow of the discs. Running at a 4° angle, this coulter arrangement generates a particularly narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance. The discs’ narrow pitch also means wear to is kept to a minimum.

The 3m G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm - ideal for drilling grass seed - or a 24 coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment.

The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement employed on the unit provides ultra-accurate Farming

contour following and therefore consistent seed placement. It also means the discs are able to kick out of harm’s way when obstacles such as stones are encountered as is often the case in old grass leys. While protecting the drill and ensuring precision depth control, the vibrating action of this set-up also ensures the creation of a tilth-rich, smear-free slot for the seed.

Crucial to providing consistent depth control as well as generating surface consolidation and suitable seed-to-soil contact, the G-Drill is equipped with a 450/500mm diameter Star Ring roller of the type found across HE-VA’s grassland machinery range. Proven in breaking up clods in cultivated ground as well as consolidating and closing the seed slot, it leaves a porous surface for weather to penetrate and seedlings to emerge evenly. A 600mm diameter flat roller can also be fitted.

The G-Drill is standard with a hydraulic, weight transfer / down-force kit, useful when drilling direct into grassland or stubble as it provides greater coulter penetration.

To suit different farming systems and soil types, the G-Drill can be optioned with:

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Shattaboard levelling paddles – useful when working into preprepared seedbeds to backfill dips and ruts, knock over molehills, level muck and rip out thatch in grassland A following harrow – for covering seeds in a direct drilled or cultivated situation

Metering & Distribution A Stocks Ag Turbo Jet is responsible for seed metering and supply to each of the coulters. Known for its accuracy and versatility with a wide range of crop types, it comes as standard with a 400-litre plastic hopper, although there is the option of a 1000-litre metal version for those looking for additional capacity. Twin digital brushless 12volt electric fans provide steady, easily-adjusted airflow. However, the applicator can be specified with an optional hydraulic fan for even greater volumes of air, a useful upgrade for those looking to predominantly use the G-Drill to sow cereals and pulses.

Stocks’ 4.3inch colour touchscreen i-CON controller provides automatic forward speedrelated rate control for ultimate accuracy. Variable rates can be applied according to mapping data.

An ISObus controlled option is also available if preferred.

“HE-VA’s grassland offering has seen significant growth over recent years, providing livestock farmers with a comprehensive range of machines to help improve productivity and increase grass

yields,” says OPICO’s HE-VA product specialist Glenn Bootman.

“Whether choosing the arable or grassland specification, we are confident in the G-Drill’s performance and reliability. Utilising a configuration of proven parts which have been tried and tested across the HE-VA portfolio for many years, operators can be confident in its versatility and reliability.”

There will be a 3m G-Drill at LAMMA in January, on the OPICO stand in Hall 6, stand 440.

A 3m G-Drill with 24 coulters and fitted with a Turbo Jet 8, 400-litre hopper and i-CON controller retails at £33,649 RRP.

Farming

| Machinery

Second-hand farming machinery leading property consultancy’s growing reputation for conducting farm machinery auctions continues to gather pace, with a recent auction in Oxfordshire demonstrating the strong demand for quality second-hand machinery and equipment across the agricultural sector.

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A farm machinery auction held by Fisher German near Banbury on behalf of client R & R Gardiner saw more than 200 lots go under the hammer which attracted buyers from all over the UK, as well as overseas.

Ginny Banham, a farm machinery auction expert in Fisher German’s rural property management team, said: “Considering the current agricultural climate, many farmers and landowners are increasingly choosing to sell machinery for a range of reasons, including retirement, changes in farming policy, farm restructuring, diversification, or even just the need to dispose of surplus equipment.

Ginny said Fisher German can offer on-site auctions supported by an online auction facility or alternatively provide online timed auctions.

She added: “It’s about understanding each farmer’s situation and finding the best route for them.

“For some, selling machinery can be a difficult decision to make - whether due to family changes, policy shifts, or the decision to step back from farming. We aim to make the process as smooth and positive as possible.

“With crop prices under pressure and changes to Inheritance Tax potentially coming in next year, many farmers are reassessing their assets and exploring options to strengthen their business resilience.

“Machinery auctions provide a transparent, efficient, and results-driven way to release capital from valuable equipment while meeting the specific requirements of sellers.

“We’ve seen growing demand for our service and continue to deliver strong results both financially and personally for clients right across the rural community.”

Paul Clayson, Consultant Auctioneer, added: “As Ginny says second hand machinery is selling well at present and we have definitely seen this recently. It is quite clear that the machinery doesn’t need to be the latest kit or necessarily the most modern, but it helps the selling price enormously if it has been looked after and is well presented and clean.

“Second-hand farm machinery is selling well at the moment. With the cost of new equipment continuing to rise, more farmers are turning to second-hand purchases and that demand is pushing prices up.

“It’s a challenging time for agriculture, but due to the strengthen in the second-hand machinery market that also creates opportunities for those who are looking to sell.

“We take a truly hand-held approach, making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for the vendor. For many, selling machinery is an emotive decision, and we do everything we can to support them throughout every stage.”

Farming

“Quite recently in a sale I was able to announce that all the tractors had just had a winter service with receipts available. This gave a purchaser some solace that the vendor cared for his machines. I have no doubt this contributed towards the items making premium prices.”

Fisher German’s rural property management team has developed a tailored auction service designed specifically to support farmers through every step of the process whether sales are conducted on-site or online.

Fisher German has almost 200 years of experience supporting the rural economy with their market insight and personal service providing results which meet the financial and emotional needs of those selling machinery.

For more information about Fisher German’s farm machinery auctions or to discuss upcoming auctions, contact the Machinery Auctions team on 01302 243933.

| Machinery

RVW Pugh – Montgomery

RVW Pugh – Holmes Chapel

Mellington,Churchstoke, Powys, SY15 6TQ Tel: 01588 620545 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Oakwood Park, Cheshire, CW4 8AX Tel: 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

T R Machinery Oak Tree Works, NI Park, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9LH Tel: 01952 936900 www.trmachinery.co.uk

Farming

Cranworth Farm Services

THE ALL-NEW X7.624 VT-DRIVE.

Cranworth Common, Cranworth, Shipdham, Norfolk, IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391 www.c-f-s.info

THE MOST RADICAL REDEFINITION OF X7.

Turners Agricultural Engineers Ltd Clover Meadows, Pencombe, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4RP Tel: 01885 400683 www.turnersagri.co.uk

Beneath the stunning design of the new bonnet, 240 hp and a torque of 983 Nm pulse at 1400 rpm for a robust increase in power and performance.

The Stage V engine, nestled within the tractors rugged chassis, reduces consumption and vibration. The advanced VT-Drive driveline and the front suspension with independent arms ensure traction, manoeuvrability and comfort. The control unit now has 5 programmable MyFunctions buttons, and the spacious semi-active suspension cab is topped by a new roof with 12 LED work lights that ensure 360° visibility even at night.

The new X7.624 VT-Drive wins the toughest challenge: outdoing itself.

£100 OFF!

GO WHERE OTHERS CANNOT

Quote CHAP100 with your order VALID UNTIL 31/01/2026

The BT500 Bale Transporter is a fantastic tool for moving round bales of hay or silage where a tractor is not available or if the ground is too wet for such a heavy machine.

Contact Your Dealer Cornish Tractors

J Bourne Tractors

Yorkshire ATV

Timberlake, Week St Mary

Valley Farm, Thorncliffe Rd,

Unit 3, Tong Park Ind Est,

Devon. EX22 6XG

Leek, ST13 8TG

Baildon, BD17 7QD

Phone: 01288 341326

Phone: 01538 224228

Phone: 07701 070156

www.cornishtractors.co.uk

www.jbournetractors.co.uk

www.yorkshireatv.com

BT500 Bale Transporter

www.chapman.co.uk

| Machinery

New Holland Launches Tech and Durability-boosted Roll-Belt™ Variable-Chamber Balers and New Compostable Nature’s Net Wrap ew Holland is building even more technology, connectivity and durability into its variable-chamber round balers with the new Roll-Belt™ 180 PLUS (producing bales up to 1.8m diameter) and 150 PLUS (up to 1.5m diameter). Multiple feeding options, strengthened components and upgraded technology mean maximum throughput and minimum downtime, helping customers do more in short weather windows.

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Agritechnica 2025 also marks the European debut of Nature’s Net Wrap—a compostable bale wrap developed by a Canadian company supported since early 2024 through a CNH investment. Now available to European farmers and fully compatible with all New Holland balers, Nature’s Net Wrap represents a major step forward in sustainable farming, helping save time, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

“With the Roll-Belt PLUS series, we’re delivering a smarter, stronger, and more connected solution for today’s farmers,” says Laurent Libbrecht, Global Hay and Forage Product Management.

“These machines are built to perform in the toughest conditions, while giving operators and

Farming

managers the data they need to make informed decisions in real time. And with our investment last year in the Canadian start-up Nature’s Net Wrap, they can also produce bales packaged in a way that’s more environmentally friendly.”

Where Technology Meets Performance The Roll-Belt™ PLUS models feature standard ISOBUS connectivity, enabling additional features to be unlocked when working with a compatible tractor. These include New Holland IntelliBale™ technology, which significantly reduces operator fatigue and boosts productivity by automating the Stop-Wrap-Eject-Start functions.

ISOBUS also allows direct connection to the tractor’s display or access through New Holland’s upgraded ISOBUS monitor options, such as IntelliView™ IV Plus, which replaces the former keypad-based interface with a modern, full-color touchscreen. This enhanced display provides a more intuitive, user-friendly experience, for faster access to key functions and real-time performance data. For even greater functionality, the IntelliView™ 12 monitor option introduces advanced multi-touch capability, faster response times, and seamless integration with New Holland’s FieldOps™ platform.

| Machinery

Connectivity compatibility means both in-cab operators and managers – on the move or in the office — can remotely track baler location and access individual bale data via FieldOps™. Two telematics options are available. Basic Telematics enables access to accumulated data via the FieldOps Mobile App or website. Advanced Connectivity provides additional agronomic data and field map access through the same platforms.

Durability by Design The Roll-Belt PLUS series introduces a new roll design with seamless construction and 3.5 times thicker material than on outgoing models, maximizing wear resistance.

For additional protection and increased lifespan, the PLUS series is equipped with triplelip seal bearings that provide a superior seal against dirt and contaminants. Upgraded high-tensile chains are standard on all Rotor Cutter and Rotor Feeder models, for the highest possible durability while keeping maintenance costs to a minimum.

Nature’s Net Wrap now available for Europe Well-proven in North America since sales began in 2024, New Holland European dealers can now supply Nature’s Net Wrap, developed by a farmerfounded Canadian firm.

Nature’s Net Wrap has been created to counter the environmental impact of plastic net wrap and twine, which accounts for around half of agriculture’s total plastic waste.

Made from plant-based biopolymers, Nature’s Net Wrap offers the same resistance and durability as traditional plastic net wrap, ensuring optimal bale protection. It has a significantly lower manufacturing carbon footprint and addresses key environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic net wrap. Unlike plastic wrap – which can be left behind in fields, contaminate soil and water, or become entangled in machinery such as bale processors and manure spreaders – Nature’s Net Wrap is compostable, reducing the risk of costly downtime and repairs. It helps farmers save time, reduce costs and environmental impact of their operation and offering a more sustainable bale packaging solution.

The material retains the typical characteristics of conventional net wrap in balers and over bale lifetime, but minimizes disposal concerns, being completely compostable. It is suited to all round baler makes and models and is available in 122cm or 129.5cm-wide rolls of 1,219m length.

Farming

| Machinery

Merlo UK Champions Innovation as Top Dealers Shine in 2025 Awards erlo UK opened the new year with a fresh take on its annual Dealer Conference, moving the entire event into a virtual format that felt far more energetic than anyone expected.

Over a brisk 90 minutes, Dealer Principals from across the country logged in to a session built around clarity, pace, and a touch of flair. Shaun Groom noted that the aim was to create something that matched Merlo’s innovative mindset, and from the feedback that rolled in, the dealers clearly felt it hit the mark.

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The conference reached its peak with the reveal of the 2025 Merlo Dealer Awards. Even without a physical stage, the moment carried real weight. A few days later, the winners came together for an awards dinner, giving everyone a chance to celebrate properly.

Here’s who stood out this year: •

Dealer of the Year

Cooks Midlands Ltd

•

Parts Dealer of the Year

Ramsay & Jackson Ltd •

Service Dealer of the Year

Hardwick Agricultural Engineers •

Agricultural Sales Dealer of the Year

Wiltshires •

Construction Equipment Sales Dealer of the Year

D A Forgie Each award highlights a different strength within the network, and together they show just how diverse and capable Merlo’s dealer community has become.

Merlo UK often talks about pushing forward, but moments like this show it in action. By trying new formats and focusing on genuine value for its dealers, the company keeps strengthening the partnerships that sit at the heart of its success. As farmers and contractors continue to demand more from their equipment and support teams, that steady commitment makes a real difference.

FOR MORE STOCK AND FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DAVID ON 07502 661861 Farming

| Machinery

YEAR ROUND

TELEHANDLERS

Contact your local Merlo Dealer to find out more: Stubbings Bros Ltd. TR Machinery Ltd TR Machinery Ltd Ventnor Burnside Business Park Oak Tree Works, Isle of Wight Market Drayton NI Park, Newport, PO38 2JN Shropshire Shropshire TF10: 01983 9LH 551443 Phone TF9 3UX Phone : 01952 936900 Phone : 01630 653801 www.stubbings-bros.co.uk www.trmachinery.co.uk www.trmachinery.co.uk

D.A. Forgie Lisburn BT27 5QB Phone: 02832 677736 www.forgie.com

D.A. Forgie Co Londonderry BT49 9DW Phone: 02877 722375 www.forgie.com

RVW Pugh, D.A.Forgie D.A.Forgie Mellington, Churchstoke, Lisburn, Co Londonderry, RVW Pugh, Cooks Midlands Ltd. RVW Pugh, RVW Pugh, BT27 5QB BT49 9DW Montgomery Powys.

Mellington, Churchstoke, Unit 10 Horsepool Grange Oakwood Park, Holmes Unit 2, Holland SY15 6TQ Montgomery Powys.

Elliotts Lane, Chapel, Cheshire Business Park, Phone : 02892677736 Phone : 01588 620545 Phone : 02877722375 SY15 6TQ Markfield CW4 8AX Spa Lane, Lathom www.rvwpugh.co.uk www.forige.com www.forige.com

Phone : 01588 620545 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

RVW Pugh Unit 2, Holland Business Park, Spa Lane, Lathom, Lancashire, L40 6LN Phone : 01695 816444 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Phone : 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Lancashire, L40 6LN Phone : 01695 816444 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

LE67 9TW Phone : 01530 249191 www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AX

Cooks Midlands Ltd Unit 10 Horsepool Grange Elliotts Lane, Markfield, LE67 9TW

Phone : 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Phone: 01530 249191 cooksmidlands.co.uk

Farming

Dealer Locator

| Machinery

Thurlow Nunn Standen Announces New Partnership with Amazone from 1st January 2026 hurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) is pleased to announce that from 1st January 2026, the company will become an official dealer for Amazone’s full agricultural machinery range. The agreement follows TNS’s comprehensive strategic review and represents a major step in strengthening its product portfolio and long-term market position.

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TNS, who are celebrating 150 years in business this year, are recognised as one of the leading agricultural machinery dealers, operating from five strategically located branches in Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. As a mainline AGCO dealer, TNS holds franchises for Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra tractors, along with a diverse range of complementary brands.

Amazone is known for its quality, reliability and technology-led innovation, offering a marketleading selection of implements and both liquid and granular applicators. This addition ensures TNS customers will benefit from an even more advanced and high-performance machinery lineup.

The new partnership forms a key part of TNS’s ongoing commitment to meet the changing needs of modern agriculture, ensuring the business remains strongly positioned to deliver a focused, high-quality offering for years to come.

As a key partner, TNS will hold stock across all depots, ensuring farmers can access Amazone equipment quickly and efficiently. This will be backed by TNS’s dedicated team, providing expert advice, product demonstrations and the exceptional aftersales support for which the business is widely known.

Harry Kester, Sales Director at TNS, commented: “This partnership marks an important milestone for TNS as we continue to futureproof our business and expand the depth and quality of products available to our customers.

Amazone’s reputation for engineering excellence and consistent innovation aligns perfectly with our strategy and our commitment to deliver exceptional value.

We believe this collaboration will strengthen our position across the region and provide significant benefits to farmers both immediately and in the long term.”

Matt Smith, Managing Director from Amazone added: “We are delighted to welcome TNS to the Amazone dealer family. As a customer focused business with a longstanding reputation for product support, TNS is well placed to ensure that customers continue to get the most from their investment in Amazone machines. We look forward to working in partnership with the TNS team to provide premium products backed by class leading support.”

www.brucehopkins.co.uk

Mobile: 07860 809708

Shenington air�eld, Banbury, Oxon OX15 6NW Farming

| Machinery

Cambridge Tractor Sales LTD 69 Aldreth Rd, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3PN Tel: 07496 734212 www.cambridgetractors.co.uk

Duncan Brassington Agricultural Sales & Services Ltd Banbury Farm House, Bridgnorth, WV16 6QN Tel: 01746 787983 - 07970 283674

Barlows Farm Machinery Unit 2B, Yew Tree Works, Congleton Road (A34), Marton, Macclesfield,Cheshire, SK11 9HN Tel: 01625 422489

www.brassingtonagri.co.uk

www.barlowsfm.co.uk Farming

| Machinery

Harvey Waters Engineering Trefula Farm, Trefula, Redruth, Cornwall, TR165ET Tel: 07786 861474 www.harveywaters.co.uk

Hall Farm Machinery West House Farm, White House Road Theberton, IP16 4WG Tel: 07872 916363 www.hallfarmmachinery.com

Farming

| Machinery

Kverneland adds Ancroft Tractors to the dealer network verneland Group UK is pleased to announce that Ancroft Tractors is to join its dealer network to sell, service and support the full Kverneland product range, effective from 01 December 2025.

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Headquartered at Berwick upon Tweed, Ancroft Tractors operates with two additional depots located at Kelso and Macmerry, giving the company extensive coverage throughout Northumberland, the Borders plus Mid- and East Lothian.

“We are really pleased to be given this opportunity to further develop our business with such a prestigious range of arable, grassland and feeding equipment,” said Ancroft Tractors dealer principal Tom Brown.

“Kverneland’s range provides our business with more opportunities to support new and existing customers that are looking for the best in grassland and arable machinery.”

first class mobile and workshop-based support. Its three depots provide extensive workshop facilities and yard space from which the business can continue to grow.

Along with Kverneland-trained engineers and an extensive stock of original parts, Ancroft Tractors is well-placed to ensure that existing Kverneland customers in the area will continue to be supported, without interruption.

Dan Crowe, Kverneland managing director, said: “We are pleased to welcome Ancroft Tractors into our dealer network, to continue to sell, service and support the Kverneland product range in these important locations.”

The Kverneland range includes an extensive selection of soil preparation, seeding and mechanical weeding equipment, plus grass and forage products, feeding and bedding equipment, fertiliser spreaders, sprayers and precision farming technology.

Ancroft Tractors operates with 12 service technicians across the business, providing Carter Excavators – Strength, Reliability & Value Strong and Reliable – Built to perform in tough conditions.

UK Importer & Parts in Stock – Fast access to spare parts, right here in the UK. Declaration of Conformity – Every machine meets UK and EU standards.

Simple but Effective Design – Easy to operate and maintain.

Expanding Dealer Network – Growing support across the UK. Range of Sizes Available – From compact 1-ton diggers to 3.7-ton models, all ready in stock High-Quality Components – Featuring trusted brands like Nachi and Casappa Pumps Eaton Drives, and Hydrocontrol Valves.

Affordable Quality – Premium components without the premium price tag.

Fully Equipped – Includes 3 buckets and Geith quick hitches as standard.

Peace of Mind Warranty – Backed by a 2-year warranty for total confidence.

Make Carter your first choice with money saving most of our range is at least 20% less than other leading brands.

Harvey Waters Engineering Trefula Farm, Trefula, Redruth, Cornwall, TR165ET TEL: 07786861474 www.harveywaters.co.uk

www.carterdiggers.co.uk

Farming

| Machinery

Case IH Optum 440 Recognized as ‘Upper Medium Size Tractor’ in Farm Machine of the Year Awards he ‘Upper Medium Size Tractor’ category winner in the 2026 Farm Machine of the Year awards is the Case IH Optum® 440, which leads a three-strong line-up of new tractors that extend the Optum range into the 360-435hp power sector.

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Formerly known as ‘Machine of the Year’, the Farm Machine awards are presented every two years during Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany. Thirteen categories are judged by agricultural technology editors from leading German trade publications, together with international colleagues from ten additional countries.

three new 360-435hp Optum models, headed by the Optum 440, feature an all-new design combining a long wheelbase with compact dimensions, creating the versatility to handle tasks from highspeed road transport to unballasted light field work or fully-ballasted heavy draft jobs.

Cursor 9 8.7-litre engines power a new 4x2 CVXDrive transmission with 60kph maximum speed for minimized travel time, plus upgraded braking to match. Other features include new independent front axle suspension and optional fully integrated central tire inflation system for fast road/field adjustment. Integrated precision technology comprises Connectivity Included (eliminating recurring connectivity subscriptions), telematics, ISOBUS compatibility and Tractor Implement Management (TIM). Case IH FieldOps™ simplifies management of machine and agronomic data.

“It’s fantastic to see the design of the new Optum 440 recognized with this ‘Upper Medium Size Tractor’ Farm Machine of the Year award,” says Franz Josef Silber, global product marketing medium horsepower tractors at Case IH.

Making their public debut at Agritechnica 2025, the

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“This is a design created in direct response to farmers’ feedback on what they want in a high-hp yet light, compact and manoeuvrable tractor.

Tunstall Tractors Ltd Foggy Gill, Fellend Kirkby Stephen,Cumbria, CA17 4LN David: 07817 832978 Chris: 07929 563907 Richard: 07765 883435

Marrs of Methlick School Brae Garage, Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, AB41 7DS 01651 806910

www.tunstalltractors.com

www.marrsofmethlick.com

Duncan Brassington Agricultural Sales & Services Ltd Banbury Farm House, Bridgnorth, WV16 6QN 01746 787983 www.brassingtonagri.co.uk

www.zetor.co.uk Farming

| Machinery

Vicon appoints Menai Tractors for North Wales and Anglesey

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icon has appointed Menai Tractors of Dinas, Caernarfon, to its dealer network, extending availability of the Vicon product portfolio throughout North Wales and

Anglesey.

Robert Jones, managing director of the familyrun dealership, said he was proud to have taken on the Vicon range, which gives the business access to a high-quality range of grassland machinery that compliments its New Holland tractor franchise.

“We’re delighted to add the Vicon portfolio to our business,” explained Robert Jones. “Vicon is a well-established premium brand with a strong reputation, and its extensive product range is going to be a great fit with the existing brands we already sell.”

For Menai Tractors, the Vicon range includes a comprehensive choice of mowers from plain disc mounted models up to 10m-wide, mowerconditioner butterfly combinations; single, twin and four-rotor rakes from 3.5m up to 15m; tedders up to 15.6m wide; fixed and variable chamber round balers; mounted and trailed bale wrappers; plus precision farming equipment including Tellus universal terminals.

With 14 staff and six technicians on the road, Menai Tractors is well-placed to provide a level of service and backup its customers have come to expect from such a hands-on dealership.

Dan Crowe, Vicon managing director, said: “We’re delighted to have added this wellknown machinery dealer to handle sales, service and support for new and existing Vicon customers across North Wales and Anglesey.”

Robert Jones of Menai Tractors with Vicon area sales manager Grant Williams.

Farming

| Machinery

Menai Tractors Ltd Dinas,Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5UG Tel: 01286 830 918 www.menaltractors.com

Farming

| Machinery

New Holland Enters New Tractor Category with Powerful T7 XD: Designed with Versatility that Answers Global Challenges

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ew Holland is launching a completely new series of T7 XD tractors, engineered to satisfy the specific needs of large-scale farmers and contractors.

The T7 XD represents a new high-hp category in the New Holland tractor line-up, with three models in the 350hp+ bracket that offer the flexibility to perform operations from ballasted heavy draft work to high payload haulage and combination front/rear implement tasks.

“The T7 XD will extend the compact design, versatility, and excellent power to weight ratio characteristics of our T7 family into the high horsepower segment”, explains New Holland T7 Global Product Manager, Richard Hollins. “The new range will appeal to customers looking for that all-round capability, from heavy field work, demanding PTO or hydraulic tasks, to high-speed haulage; the T7 XD has the features that can deliver this.”

Drivetrains designed for demanding tasks The 360hp T7.360 XD, 390hp T7.390 XD and Farming

435hp T7.440 XD are designed around a Stage V 8.7-litre FPT Cursor 9 six-cylinder engine mounted on a structural sump. This design minimises vibration and eliminates the need for support rails, keeping the tractor waist narrow, aiding manoeuvrability and forward vision.

Proven in established high-hp New Holland tractors, the Cursor 9 features an electronic variable-geometry turbocharger and intercooling to maximise fuel efficiency.

A 680-litre fuel tank is 13% bigger than on T7 HD tractors, while the Cursor engine’s service interval is extended to 750hrs, 50% longer than some competitors in this sector. A flat power curve ensures maximum power is always available, while peak torque is delivered at 1,400rpm, with the transmission electronically utilising this low engine speed figure to minimise fuel consumption.

When idling, engine speed drops to 650rpm, to further cut fuel use.

Standard on all T7 XD models is a new version of New Holland’s Auto Command™ CVT. Based on a proven 4x2 range design, it introduces a maximum 60kph travel speed, reducing road

| Machinery travel time and fuel use through operation at lower engine rpm. An external oil reservoir permits a lower transmission oil level to improve efficiency, particularly at high road speeds. Should it suit the application, a stepped manual control feature allows operation in a powershift mode.

A comprehensive braking package includes oilcooled inboard front brakes, powerful multi-stage engine retardation, featuring exclusive cylinder decompression, and the established New Holland Intelligent Trailer Braking System to reduce the risk of a jack-knife situation. To blend manoeuvrability with ride comfort and maximum implement handling capability, the T7 XD combines a wheelbase of 3,190mm, maximising stability, with a front end design that minimises the overall length.

A new Terraglide™ independent front axle suspension enhances driver comfort thanks to enhanced shock absorbing ability and anti-roll and anti-pitch logic.

Maximum gross vehicle weight is up to 19,000kg, where local legislation permits, enabling these tractors to handle large mounted and trailed implements on the road and make use of a new wheel weight design for convenient ballasting. Also available for the first time on a New Holland tractor is an integral central tyre inflation system. This allows increased flexion (IF) or very high flexion (VF) tyres to be operated at their lower recommended pressures when at work in the field, to lengthen tyre footprints, increasing ground contact, minimising wheelslip and pressure, and maximising fuel efficiency. With fieldwork complete, fast reinflation from the cab is then possible for road travel at maximum permitted speed, via a gear-driven high-capacity twin cylinder air compressor.

A new compact front linkage is fully integrated to ensure implements are as closecoupled as possible for excellent tractor balance and manoeuvrability. Its lift capacity is 6,100kg, and it is

complemented by two double-acting spool valves, plus optional 1,000/1,000E rpm PTO. At the rear, lift capacity is 8% higher than on the T7 HD, at 11,942kg, and up to five double-acting high-flow remote valves can be specified, with a power beyond supply optional. Hydraulic demands are met by a MegaFlow™ dual pump and energysaving dual circuit option, with 360 l/min total capacity, up 67% on T7 HD tractors.

Comfort and connectivity Complemented by the ‘Inspired by Nature’ body styling that connects all New Holland equipment, plus new LED leaf emblem tail lights, T7 XD tractors feature an enhanced Horizon™ Ultra cab with upgraded frame and refined suspension that further isolates the cab from any chassis movements and minimises cab roll. Visibility is improved thanks to a 260° front wiper sweep and new drawbar area lights built into the rear fenders.

‘Walk in’ steps provide easy access and exit, adjacent to a hand wash tank and integrated external toolbox storage, complemented by a large in-cab overhead locker. Cab noise level is just 68 decibels, and standard fitments include the IntelliView™ 12 touchscreen terminal, through which operators can set up and monitor the tractor and any ISOBUS implement. Functions include Baler Mode, which reduces cab motion when working with large square balers by constantly modifying front axle suspension travel to reduce cab movement and engine speed.

New Holland Intelligence™, the new generation of software that replaces PLM Intelligence, enables monitoring, recording and instant two-way remote transfer of operating and field data to the New Holland FieldOps™ online portal. With Connectivity Included as standard, owners can leverage data to identify potential efficiency gains and – with their permission – allow dealers to provide proactive support through monitoring, remote advice and system upgrades.

Farming

| Machinery

Speciality tractors gain extra efficiency and ease of use with new continuously variable transmission option

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assey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), is delighted to announce the addition of a continuously variable transmission option for its MF 3 speciality tractor range.

The MF 3 Speciality series includes five models from 75–115hp, each available in five working widths for specialised vineyard, fruit and orchard applications. The range already benefits from a choice of six mechanical transmissions, depending on model, but the new, DynaVT option for 105–115hp models will elevate the user experience, allowing them to fully concentrate on the application and their surroundings.

“Our MF 3 Speciality series is relied upon by specialist users worldwide, many in particularly demanding environments including hillsides and narrow vineyards,” explained Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “Continuing our commitment to answering the needs of all types of farms, we are extremely pleased to add this new transmission option, to provide an even better operator experience and increase working accuracy, efficiency and automation.”

MF 3 Speciality Dyna-VT •

New, continuously variable transmission for simple operation

•

Precise speed control from 0.1 to 40kph for precision applications

•

Automatic travel and engine management maximise fuel efficiency

•

Cruise control to maintain set speeds

•

Two engine speed memories add convenience

•

40kph maximum speed saves time travelling between sites

•

Available for models 105–115hp

Real advantages For tasks such as mowing, pruning and residue mulching, stepless Dyna-VT allows users to constantly optimise the travel speed to suit the conditions, while for fertiliser or crop treatment applications a constant speed is easily maintained whatever the terrain.

The new transmission comes with selectable automatic and manual operating modes. Automatic mode simplifies operation, allowing the driver to control the speed using the accelerator pedal while the engine and transmission are automatically optimised to keep engine revs low and save fuel.

Manual mode allows the operator to adjust the engine and transmission independently, to suit a preference or task.

Smart features to simplify operation

Farming

Cruise control brings advantages when operating on hilly or undulating terrain by automatically maintaining pre-set travel speeds, while the user focuses on the task in-hand.

Virtual operating speed ranges can be set, to suit field, yard or transport applications. Working within predefined low- and high-speed parameters makes precise speed control easier and increases accuracy during field operations.

Operators can adjust the permissible engine speed drop (engine droop) under load, within a range of 0–100%.

When a constant engine speed is essential, such as operating PTO- or hydraulic-powered implements, then a value closer to 0% can be selected. Where larger engine speed variations are permissible, then selecting a higher percentage and allowing revs to reduce further under heavier loads provides potential fuel savings.

Generously equipped The new Dyna-VT transmission has been designed to provide maximum operating efficiency whatever the desired working speed, and the maximum 40kph for transport is achieved at just 1,750rpm.

Dyna VT models come with 540, 540e, 1,000 and 1,000e PTO outputs. Electro-hydraulic speed selection is through the dashboard display.

The 3t rear linkage lift capacity is among the highest in the tractors’ size and type class. Hydraulic oil flow of 95 litres/min through four spool valves is standard, with up to eight couplers available as an option.

Ready for complex tasks In the cab, the MF 3 Speciality series’ straightforward operating concept is maintained. Air conditioning and CAT 4 filtration ensure a comfortable and safe cab environment.

The dashboard-mounted LCD display gives a clear view of all essential operating information. User-friendly menus are used to access and set-up tractor systems including engine and transmission management, PTO and hydraulics as well as automatic control sequences for headland turns.

Transmission operation is through a single main joystick, ideally located in front of the armrest. Using the multi-function joystick, the operator can shuttle between forward and reverse, activate the engine speed memory, select the drive take-up aggression and high or low ranges, or switch between manual and automatic transmission modes using large, practical buttons. A separate, smaller joystick on the main control panel provides convenient operation of hydraulic functions.

For maximum efficiency and productivity, the tractors come ISOBUS-ready. Guidance solutions are easily added in the form of MF EZ-PILOT or EZ-Pilot PRO steering systems, allowing the operator to focus on the work activity.

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE IN A COMPACT DESIGN

MF 1M | 20-25 HP THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMPACT TRACTORS, COMBINING MODERN DESIGN WITH ROBUST PERFORMANCE BUILT FOR DRIVER COMFORT

Cab or platform options with ergonomic controls RVW Pugh Ltd

RVW Pugh Ltd

WIDE CHOICE OF TYRES Agri, Turfe or Industrial Tyres

PRECISE AND SMOOTH OPERATION

Efficient 9 x 9 mechanical transmission or stepless hydrostatic transmission

is a global brand of AGCO Corporation.

Farming

| Machinery

The 2060T lifts more than just material – it takes your everyday working life to a whole new level

Our new powerful all-rounder - the T6025 Discover the great advantages of this robust and diverse machine!

• 6 m lifting height = achieve big heights • 2,5 t load capacity = super strong • 2 x 2 m class = compact and mavourverable LVS (Vertical Lift System) = high stability due to the unique driver assistance system

Test drive now at your Weidemann sales partner!

From the telescopic arm, compact design to the powerful drive, it gives you reach and power wherever you need it.

This is for everyone who wants to reach up high.

Great working comfort included:

• Easy entry and exit • Very spacious cabin • Optimal visibility to the rear with the panoramic rear window Lowering Assistant - for efficient and safe loading cycles

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Farming

www.dayandcoles.co.uk

| Machinery

New Case IH Precision Technology Offers Increased Flexibility, Efficiency and Operator Support ase IH is advancing precision technology for operators through key innovations such as SenseApply™ sense and act spray technology and Case IH FieldOps™ updates. By providing actionable insights and enhanced precision, these tech solutions deliver both increased efficiency and maximized profit potential.

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“Providing new, innovative solutions that can be easily integrated into current operations is critical in making operators more efficient and profitable,” said Jana Wolf, precision technology product marketing manager, EMEA, Case IH. “Our newest technologies are not only seamlessly incorporated into our equipment, but we are also launching new support tools that address common operator pain points.”

SenseApply Technology SenseApply provides the most versatile and economical variable rate application solution available today*. It offers unmatched multiseason functionality without compromising quality or reliability, and can cover more hectares in each operating window, meeting target application rates at up to 40kph.

Featuring a uniquely positioned, multispectral camera on top of the cab, SenseApply precisely captures field and plant images up to 42 metres wide and 15 metres in front of the device. SenseApply offers unparalleled flexibility with a range of application methods and includes lifetime access to Live VRA and a one-time activation fee for Selective Spray Green-on-Brown Spot Spray, eliminating both per hectare fees and annual fees for the life of the device. Selective Spray also delivers up to a 60% reduction in herbicides.

Integration into FieldOps and Raven Slingshot, SenseApply can easily align application plans to

individual agronomist’s recommendations.

SenseApply is now available as a factory fit or retrofit option.

FieldOps Case IH continues to enhance FieldOps, a comprehensive platform connecting all aspects of farming operations. The new feature AI Boundary Creation allows operators to quickly generate field boundaries using satellite imagery and machine learning, saving valuable time and effort. Accurate boundaries help improve efficiency, minimize overlap and ensure consistent data across machines and fields.

Operators can also utilize Boundary Management, which allows customers to draw and create digital field boundaries more efficiently. The easy-to-use digitizer tools such as Selection, Auto Detect, Polygon, Circle Offset Boundary, Split and Cutout help shape boundaries based on the operation’s needs.

To help operators troubleshoot issues, FieldOps users can now initiate Remote Display View with an existng Raven Display. By clicking “Connect to Display” on the overview page and inserting the seven-digit session code on the FieldOps website, users can now view and control in-cab display.

Users can open multiple remote view sessions simultaneously in separate browser tabs.

Farming

| ATV

Brute Force 750 / 750 SE

itting firmly at the top of Kawasaki’s ATV hierarchy, the Brute Force 750 range embodies everything the brand is known for: performance, real-world capability, and a no-nonsense, can-do attitude. Powered by a 749cc V-twin engine and equipped with electronic power steering, these flagship machines are designed to work hard, go further, and do it all with ease.

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With an impressive 37.3 kW (51 PS) on tap and a class-leading 58.1 Nm of torque, the fuelinjected V-twin delivers relentless pulling power and effortless acceleration. Whether towing, climbing, or pushing through challenging terrain, the Brute Force 750 feels unflappable.

For 2026, Kawasaki expands the lineup with the introduction of the Brute Force 750 SE, a model that raises the bar on standard Farming

equipment and everyday practicality. Hand guards come fitted as standard, alongside a robust front brush guard and a chassismounted Warn VRX 25-S winch, providing serious pulling power when conditions turn demanding. It’s a specification that underlines the SE’s all-season, all-terrain credentials.

Both standard and SE models benefit from electronically selectable two- and four-wheel drive, paired with double wishbone suspension at both ends. The result is a machine that

| ATV

For more information and to find your local Kawasaki dealer, visit WWW.KAWASAKI.CO.UK combines automotive-style control with the compact agility only an ATV can offer.

Thoughtful details elevate the experience further. Variable front differential control improves traction in the toughest situations, while a practical handlebar-mounted LED light is a small but telling example of Kawasaki’s attention to real-world usability.

Kawasaki’s current UK ATV range includes the Brute Force 750/SE, Brute Force 450 T-Cat, and the KFX90 ATV. For more information, visit www.kawasaki.co.uk or contact your local Kawasaki Utility Dealer.

When it comes to allround performance, durability, and sheer capability, the search for the ultimate ATV begins—and ends— with the Brute Force 750.

The Brute Force 750 is available in Grayish Blue, while the Brute Force 750 SE is offered in camouflage colourways.

Farming

| ATV

Yamaha ATV Specialists s newly appointed Main Dealers for Yamaha ATVs for North Yorkshire, Tom Taylor ATV can offer you a wealth of choice with their extensive range of New ATVs to suit your individual needs. All pre-owned ATVs are fully serviced in our own workshops to the highest standards, we aim to give you, the customer, that all important “peace of mind”. When your machine requires service or repairs, pick-ups and drop-offs can be pre-arranged. It’s just a phone call away. Specialists servicing Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am ATVs. Come and see us to

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view new machine in our showroom, deals always available or call Tom Taylor for a demo on 01904 758105 With over 40 years ATV experience, Tom Taylor knows how provide the best possible service and support to the industry. We have a comprehensive selection of ATV Accessories and Equipment available from • C-DAX ATV Equipment • LOGIC ATV Equipment • TFM TRAILERS • Longdog ATV Equipment • Chapman Machinery • Moose ATV Products • Data Tool Tracker Recovery Systems.

Kodiak 700 – A force of nature. From £11.520.00 Kodiak 450 – The beauty of work. From £8,640.00 RVW Pugh Ltd Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel Cheshire, CW4 8AX Tel: 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

TR Machinery Burnside Business Park, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3UX Tel: 01630 653801 www.trmachinery.co.uk

Stirling's Powersports East Fulton House, Darluith Road, Paisley, Linwood, PA3 3TP Tel: 01505 382222 www.stirlingspowersports.com

#DRIVENBYRESULTS Farming

RVW Pugh Ltd Mellington, Churchstoke Montgomery, Powys SY15 6TQ Tel: 01588 620545

| ATV

ATVTRAC HIGHLY COMMENDED AT SCOTTISH AGRICULTURE AWARDS

t the recent Agriscot awards that took place as part of the 2025 Agriscot Event in Edinburgh last month, ATVTrac was delighted to be presented with a ‘highly commended’ award in the product innovation category, most notably as the only security focussed product shortlisted for the awards.

this award and recognition from Agriscot. To be shortlisted in the product innovation category as the only security-based product is great recognition of the support we receive in Scotland. This is particularly important, because rural theft is present everywhere, with tracking playing an everimportant role in machine security.”

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Focusing specifically on ATVTrac Lite, the brand’s value-focussed security tracker, the core attributes of the technology were acknowledged as part of the shortlist, with GPS and Radio Frequency technology seen as important and proven innovations for farmers and land owners looking to keep their ATVs, side-by-side and machinery safe.

ATVTrac Lite stands alongside the brands ‘fullfeature’ offering, designed to concentrate primarily on security, still offering GPS and Radio Frequency technology for full–protection, backed up by a dedicated team behind the scenes, that has seen more than £17 Million worth of machinery recovered across the group since inception.

ATVTrac’s Rupert Archer-Smith, commented, “We’re naturally delighted to receive

For more information on ATVTrac and ATVTrac Lite visit www.atvtrac.co.uk

Can you see your asset? We can!

See your asset anywhere, anytime 24/7

24/7 Real-Time Monitoring

GPS & RF Tracking

Theft Response Team

Recognised

By Insurers

Unlimited

Notifications

Lifetime Warranty

We can see your ATV, UTV, 4x4, Farming Equipment and more

 hello@alltrac.co.uk |  +44 (0) 1327 317 980

www.atvtrac.co.uk Farming

| ATV

SERIOUS ABOUT WORK

Corvus Terrain DX4 and DX2. The first UTVs made in Europe bring together pioneering sustainability and advanced technology. Constructed for the hardest off-road work in agriculture, livestock, forestry, groundscare and construction.

Highly adaptable, the Terrain features a 3-cylinder 24hp Yanmar Diesel engine for excellent fuel efficiency and range.

• Stage V emission compliant • Road legal to T1a/T1b tractor regulation with top speed of 40mph/65kph • Power steering • Full cab and heater options, including air conditioning Supported by a specialised dealer network throughout the UK and Ireland.

To find your local dealer, visit www.bossorv.co.uk

Highland Leisure Sport Ltd

ABREY AGRICULTURAL

Pamphillions Farm, Purton End, Debden CB11 3JT

ACE ATV

Anderson Agri

Woodgate Road, Stoke Prior, Woodgate, Bromsgrove B60 4HB

Granada Park Motors, A4077, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1HW

Unit 20, 44 Lurganeden Road 01799 543208 01527 578668 01873 810304 Cromarty Firth Business Park, Pomeroy, Dungannon Invergordon, IV18 0LT Co. Tyrone, BT70 2TS Tel: 01349 854620 Tel: 028 8775 8419 www.highlandleisuresport.co.uk

John Drysdale

DAVID TAYLOR GARAGES

TOM TAYLOR ATV

Unit 16/17 Windmill House Ind Est,

Sutton Road, York YO32 2RA Agricultural Engineers 01904 758105 Park House Farm Main Street, Kinross KY13 9HN Tel: 01592 840691

www.andersonagri.co.uk

WWW.BOSSORV.CO.UK

01597 810188 • SALES@BOSSORV.CO.UK

Smithfield Tractors

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

Bill Davies ATV

Paxtons – Head Office

Year Warranty†

| ATV

Dealer trip to CFMOTO HQ in Hangzhou, China FMOTO’s top-performing UK and Ireland dealers travelled to Hangzhou, China recently for an inside look at CFMOTO’s global headquarters, providing a unique opportunity to see first-hand the engineering, innovation and craftsmanship behind the machines they work with every day.

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Inside One of the World’s Leading Powersports Facilities

close view of the full production process. From advanced engineering and design to assembly and quality testing, the trip offered a detailed understanding of the state-of-the-art standards that shape every ATV and UTV in the CFMOTO range.

This deeper insight strengthens the knowledge for dealers bring back to their customers, helping them give clearer, more informed advice across the CFMOTO product range.

Test Riding Upcoming Models A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to test ride the latest machines. Experiencing performance developments and enhancements directly allows our dealers to understand exactly how future models are evolving. This knowledge can be shared confidently with customers as new releases approach.

Connecting With CFMOTO’s Engineering Team Our dealers also met the engineers and leaders behind the brand, gaining visibility into the development pathway for future products. These conversations help ensure that the needs of the UK & Irish market remain part of the ongoing discussion as CFMOTO continues to expand its global presence.

Exploring Hangzhou and Shanghai Beyond the factory, dealers explored the mega-cities of Hangzhou and Shanghai, experiencing a taste of Chinese culture and gaining a broader understanding of the environment that drives CFMOTO’s ambitious growth.

Recognising Excellence Across Our Dealer Network The visit reflects our continued commitment to supporting and recognising the dealers who are pivotal in driving the growth of CFMOTO and it is thanks to their hard work that we’ve achieved the position of number one market share in the UK ATV/UTV industry.

During the visit, dealers explored CFMOTO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, gaining a Farming

We are proud of what our dealer network has accomplished and grateful for the commitment they continue to show. This trip is one way of saying thank you and celebrating the shared success that has brought CFMOTO to the forefront of the market.

| ATV

Can-Am generation of LAMMA

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brings the next ATVs to the demo zone

AMMA 2026 will see the UK show debut of the Can-Am Outlander Electric and it will be showcased in the LAMMA Demo Zone in Hall 10.

The Outlander Electric is powered by Rotax’s E-Power powerpack, which is the same as the one that powers BRP’s electric motorcycles and snowmobiles, delivering 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque and up to 80 km (50 miles) of range in optimal conditions. It features instant throttle response, selectable ride modes (Normal, Sport, Work) and charges from 20 to 80 per cent in just 50 minutes using a Level 2 charger, so there is less down time for the machine. In addition, it has the Can-Am DNA on full display with 830kg of towing capacity as well as the same carrying capacities of the Outlander HD5 and Outlander HD7, which are 55kg on the front and 109kg on the rear. It also has the ability to be customised to handle numerous jobs with the help of more than 120 accessories, which include the new LinQLite accessories, auxiliary lights with the new 10” LED bar and a complete cargo offering, to name but a few.

Yorkshire ATV Ltd Unit 3 Tong Park Industrial Estate Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD Tel: 07701 070156 www.yorkshireatv.com

For more information about Can-Am in the LAMMA Demo Zone visit https://www.lammashow.com/ lamma-demo-zone Farming

Now is the right time to get a CAN-AM

2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ATV & SSV !

5% discount & £250 voucher off genuine accessories all Can-Am Traxter models MY23 and MY24.

Traxter STARTING FROM £15,499, OUTLANDER STARTING FROM £9,299 Warranty offer valid until 31/01/2025. Valid for the purchase of a Can-Am Traxter Model year 23 and model year 24. © 2025 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc (BRP). All rights reserved. The BRP logos are registered trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. BRP reserves the right at any time to discontinue or change specifications, price, design, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Photos taken outside the European Union, on private and authorised terrains. Respect the environment and ride only to authorised locations. Always ride responsibly and safely.

Richard Jones ATV

Range and Road LTD

Unit 5 The Old Foundry, Victoria Road, Kington, HR5 3DA TEL: 01544 350256 www.richardjonesatv.co.uk

Neaton Business Park Norwich Road, Watton IP25 6JB TEL: 01953 528053 www.rangeandroad.co.uk

| ATV

The Ultimate Off-Road Gift Guide For 2025

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olaris unveils its top picks from its latest 2026 off-road apparel & accessories collection, showcasing a range of new products and refreshed favourites ideal for the festive season.

With the holidays now fast approaching, Polaris reveals its ultimate 2025 off-road gift guide featuring a curated selection of its latest riding gear, lifestyle apparel and premium accessories that make the perfect gift for fans of the brand and off-road enthusiasts alike.

Carefully selected to suit every type of rider and budget, Polaris’ 2025 Gift Guide ensures every off-road fan can ride prepared and in style this winter.

The latest Polaris Off-Road apparel and accessories collection, featuring all the products featured in the gift guide, is available now via the official Polaris dealer network.

2025 Polaris Off-Road Gift Guide NEW RZR Helmet – Racing Replica Colours Inspired by the RZR racing spirit, this premium helmet delivers certified protection (ECE 22.06) in an eyecatching replica design. Featuring an injection-moulded thermoplastic shell, removable and washable lining, and an adjustable micrometric buckle, it’s built for performance and comfort on every ride.

Tenacity 4.0 Helmet – NEW Olive/Black Colourway Combining modern style and premium protection, the Tenacity 4.0 Helmet is both ECE 22.06 and DOT certified, and designed for maximum airflow and comfort. The helmet features a shock-resistant, injection-moulded thermoplastic shell with a removable breath box and inner liner. With ProClip quick-release functionality on the chin strap, toolless adjustable roost shield, and full-helmet through-flow ventilation, it’s the perfect choice for riders who want style and comfort without compromising on safety.

509 Kingpin Goggles – NEW Red Colour Built for the off-road, the 509 Kingpin Goggles combine premium materials and affordability with quick-change lens technology so riders can easily run the best lens tint for the riding conditions, as well as durable metal tear-off posts for rugged reliability. The oversized cylindrical lens delivers optimal peripheral vision in all terrains.

509 MX6 Goggles – NEW Radiant Teal Colour Engineered for dirt with an ultra-wide field of view, antifog coating and anti-scratch performance, the MX6 Goggles feature a secure 45mm strap with silicone grip Farming

and a quick-change latch system for seamless adaptability on the trail.

Hybrid Hoodie – NEW Navy Colour The perfect crossover between warmth and versatility, the Hybrid Hoodie combines a sporty design with an 80g quilted front and soft interlock-knit sleeves and hood — ideal for casual wear or layering on chilly rides.

Also available in black.

Polaris Campfire Mug An essential for every adventurer, this black ceramic mug featuring the Polaris logo is made for mornings at the trailhead or evenings by the campfire.

Paddock Umbrella A practical addition to any kit, the Polaris Paddock umbrella with branded logo and emblem keeps you covered whatever the weather brings.

Losi RZR Rey Remote Control Car - 1/10 4WD Brushless Bring the thrill of Polaris performance anywhere with this officially licensed 1/10 scale Losi RZR Pro R remote-control car. Featuring realistic suspension, LED lighting, BFGoodrich tyres, and Raceline wheels, it’s the ultimate off-road toy for kids and adults alike.

OGIO 9800 RIG Roller Bag Built to withstand the toughest travel demands, the OGIO 9800 Rig Roller is the industry’s most elite kit bag for travelling. Polaris branded with blue details and emblem, the Rig Roller features OGIO’s Structural Load Equalizing Deck (SLED) System for better durability and handling, along with adjustable dividers, several LID multi-use compartments and a padded interior for added helmet and gear protection. The telescoping pull handle and oversized wheels with extra clearance make it easy to manoeuvre and extra durable.

Belt Change Tool Kit A must-have for every off-road toolkit, the Belt Change Tool kit includes all the essential tools riders need to get back on the trail quickly, all packing neatly into storage compartments within the travel pouch.

Essential Kit Be ready for any situation with this all-in-one kit, featuring jumper cables, a portable Trail Tech air compressor, ratchet and tow strap, tyre plug kit, first aid supplies, duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties and microfibre rag — all conveniently stored in a durable Polaris-branded case.

From technical riding gear to everyday essentials, the Polaris 2026 Off-Road Gift Guide makes it easy to find the perfect present for the off-road enthusiast in your life.

BOOK YOUR TEST RIDE TODAY

Bruce Hopkins Limited

Shenington Airfield Oxon, OX15 6NW Argyll Engineers Limited Tel 01295 680 711 Glenshellach Road, www.brucehopkins.co.uk Oban PA34 4BH.

Lindstead Farm Garden Machinery Tel 01631 565 & 011 Thewww.argyllengineers.com Garage, Linstead Parva, Halesworth, IP19 0AA Tel 01986 Bruce785272 Hopkins Limited www.polaris-halesworth.co.uk Shenington Airfield, Oxon OX15 6NW. Tel 01295 680 711 43 Hempstead Road, www.brucehopkins.co.uk

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

Kings Langley, WD4 8BS Tel 01923 268 355 Clwyd Agricultural Limited www.taylorstools.co.uk

Terfyn Buildings, Caerwys Road Dyserth, Rhyl LL18 6HT. Tel 01745 571 018 www.clwydagri.co.uk Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6UW Tel 01933 673 900 www.dayandcoles.co.uk

FINANCE AVAILABLE ACROSS NEW 2025 POLARIS MODELS TRADE-IN’S ARE WELCOME, TALK TO YOUR DEALER

Halls of Bromyard Tenbury Road, Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL Tel 01885 489 199 www.hallsofbromyard.com LJ & CA Cannings Challow House Farm, Main Street, East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9SR Tel 01235 763 103 www.ljcannings.co.uk Taylors Tools (KL) Limited 43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley WD4 8BS Tel 01923 268 355 www.taylorstools.co.uk

Tel: 0330 041 5141

Polarisbritain.com Terms and conditions apply.

Farming

Choose the Pathcross ATV 525/650/800/1000cc

PATHCROSS ATVS AND WORKCROSS UTVS Discover the exceptional from a global leading powersports manufacturer.

Unleash the power with V-Twin engines. Tackle the most rugged trails and rough terrain. Enhance your ride with advanced suspension and electronic fuel injection. Enjoy the comfort with a cab, heating and air conditioning.

Satisfy all your expectations with the Workcross 525/650/800/1000cc

GO BEYOND ROADS. GO TO YOUR DEALER AK Offroad

Conagri

AL Agri Ltd

Kirkland UK

Bill Davies ATV

66 Glenshesk Road Ballycastle Co Antrim, BT54 6PY Tel: 07548 788592 or 07764 250425 www.akoffroad.co.uk

Burston Court, AMIA House, Burston Lane, Crediton EX17 6LB Tel: 01392 984258 www.conagri.co.uk

Haughs of Ballinshoe Forfar DD8 3TL Tel: 01307 496679 www.al-agri.co.uk

Griffins Farm Pleasure House Lane Maidstone, ME17 3NW Tel: 01622 843013 www.kirklanduk.com

Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QF Tel: 01568 613104 billdaviesatv.co.uk

Catley Engineering Ltd New Farm, Desford Lane, Peckleton, Leicestershire, LE9 7RB Tel: 01455 698087 www.catleyengineering.co.uk

Distributed by: Farming

John Drysdale Agricultural Engineers Parkhouse Farm, Main Street, Kinross, KY13 9HN Tel: 01592 840691

Readman Mowers

Agri Service

The Shed, Sand Lane, Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB Tel: 01759 380 231 readmanmowers.co.uk

The Workshop Denne Hill Farm, Womenswold, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6HD Tel: 07484 120086

| ATV

Workhorse on a Budget: Why the Aodes 650 Punches Above Its Weight Review of the Aodes 650 UTV

By Marcus Sutton, Farmer – Crosby Grange Farm, Northallerton

he Aodes 650 UTV is possibly the lowest-priced machine on the market, yet it comes packed with features you’d usually expect on far more expensive models. It offers a full cabin with heating, wipers, and lighting, along with switchable 4WD and differential locks. Inside, you get 12v and USB charging sockets, a practical opening windscreen, positiveshutting doors, comfortable seating, a wellpositioned steering wheel, cup holders, and handy lockers. There’s even the option of a touchscreen media centre, which is a nice modern touch.

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Powered by a strong 56hp engine, the Aodes 650 delivers more than enough performance for everyday farm use. It’s economical, quick, and nimble, with excellent low-down torque for when you really need pulling power. Whether tackling steep inclines or towing, it copes with ease.

Payload capacity and towing capability are both impressive, adding to its versatility.

On the farm, we put the machine to use carrying tools and materials, fencing, and towing tasks. In every case, it handled the work with comfort and confidence.

In essence, I could start looking for things to knock it, but the truth is, for a little over £12,000, it would be unfair. That’s the price tag of many used machines from the well-known brands. This is a winner for the money – it’s brand new and comes with a very good and comprehensive warranty.

For me, it’s difficult to find fault with this machine, especially considering its price tag. It represents outstanding value for money. My only reservation would be around long-term service and dealer support, but that will depend on the local network.

Overall, the Aodes 650 UTV is a well-built, capable, and affordable workhorse that does everything asked of it without complaint.

Farming

| ATV

D

Farming

Farming

| ATV

UXV 700 Pre lau

he 2026 Kymco UXV 700i is a utility UTV designed to meet the demands of the UK and Irish utility market. Built by Kymco, a company known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the ATV and S x S industry, this model is set to redefine the standards for utility UTVs. Whether it’s for agricultural work, hunting, or simply exploring rugged terrains, the Kymco UXV 700i is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and versatility. Ideal for farmers, equestrian, forestry and utility customers.

The UXV 700i EPS side-by-side is equipped with a 695cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine, giving it plenty of power and Torque , this side-by-side is capable and responsive.

Thanks to this readily available Torque, you have a machine very capable of hard work on the Farm.

Safety

The UXV is designed with meticulous attention to both equipment and storage. Its efficient suspension smooths out uneven terrain, allowing you to travel in comfort across the most challenging conditions..

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The safety was also a priority in the design of this side-by-side. High-performance brake discs were installed to ensure effective braking and to cut engine power when necessary. This means you can rely on powerful brakes to give you complete control and optimal safety during any off road environment.

Engine Farming

The UXV is agile and responsive, offering an exceptional driving experience that takes the stress out of the most challenging working conditions.

Comfort

Storage In terms of storage, the UXV stands out. It offers various practical storage spaces, such as a lockable glove box, a central storage

| ATV

unch Information compartment, under-hood storage for plenty of Tools and a waterproof box under the driver's seat. Plus a tipping tailgate with a 200kg capacity. This allows you to travel well-equipped and in one load.

Gears The UXV 700i EPS gear selector offers five options, allowing you to handle any situation. You can choose between low range, high range, neutral, reverse, and park, ensuring optimal range and versatility.

Pulling Power In terms of pulling power not only does the UXV come with hitch and electrics as standard. A heavy duty winch with remote control is also part of the set up.

through our manufacturing partner DFK these include Full or ½ cabs with Heaters and Wipers.

Cabs and Heaters

Backed up by Kymco UK with a non-declining 2 Year Warranty. Subject to Service and Inspection.

There are a selection of accessories available

Warranty

Farming

| TYRES

A story of continuous trust BKT tires have accompanied the Scaglia family's operations for over 6,500 service hours, achieving high-value technical results in terms of both performance and reliability

he long history of tradition and passion that has distinguished the Scaglia farming business for nearly a century continues its tale intertwining with the technology and high reliability of BKT tires.

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A family of Breeders from the beginning rooted in the Italian Turin area, namely in Rivoli, who have implemented over the years a thorough transformation and modernization process, while remaining faithful to the 100% Piedmontese quality of its livestock farms. This confidence is reflected in choosing the best partners for its operations, such as the decision made four years ago with the Merlo telescopic handler equipped with BKT CON STAR tires in size 400/70 24 158 A8, which have accompanied Scaglia for a total of approximately 6,500 service hours.

CON STAR has been used in very different operations: forage transport, bulk material handling, and barn activities requiring numerous short-range maneuvers, often on wet or slippery surfaces. This

Farming

| TYRES

mix of uses is a severe test, highlighting the actual quality of an agricultural tire. The features most appreciated by operators were lifting stability, constant traction even on uneven ground, and casing strength–all of which have a direct impact on safety and operational continuity.

The extraordinarily high-value technical results obtained in the fields by CON STAR were studied and analyzed by BKT's Field Engineering team through a thorough end-oflife tire inspection to detect possible critical issues, particularly on the front axle. Despite some maintenance and patch-and-plug repairs on the product, the analysis revealed a state of utmost tire performance at the end of its life cycle.

As far as wear is concerned, the inspection highlighted a state of uniformity that, over time, contributed to maintaining correct axle balance during loading and load-lifting operations. It was also found that the presence of various abrasion and impact marks—typical of usage in agro-industrial applications such as in Scaglia's case–did in

no way affect the product’s performance and durability, thus confirming its high quality and technology.

"It is important to note that the tire sidewall is particularly difficult to repair, as it is a flexing area. And this is a fundamental point that clearly tells the quality of a product, especially on the last millimeter of its use," comments Piero Torassa, Field Engineering Director, BKT Europe. "It is precisely these aspects that have contributed to safeguarding the overall structure of CON STAR and enhancing its ability to ensure high performance throughout its entire life cycle, resulting in the product totaling approximately 6,500 service hours in four years."

Building on its experience with BKT and the excellent results achieved, Scaglia has decided to renew its trust in CON STAR once again and to continue its activities by leveraging a trusted partner that will support the company's operations for thousands more service hours and for many more years to come.

Farming

| Motors

TV STAR NICK KNOWLES NAILS NEW ROLE AS ISUZU AMBASSADOR

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suzu UK is delighted to announce that television presenter, writer, and musician Nick Knowles has officially joined the Isuzu family as a brand ambassador, a partnership that brings together two household names synonymous with hard work, reliability, and getting the job done right.

A familiar and much-loved face on British television, Nick Knowles has built a long-standing career centred around helping people, championing community projects, and fronting a wide variety of factual and entertainment programming.

bricks and mortar, both are tough, dependable, and built to last. We’re thrilled to have Nick join the Isuzu family. Nick’s passion for all things construction is infectious, and this partnership really builds on a strong foundation.”

As part of his ambassador role, Nick will be driving The New Isuzu D-Max STEEL Edition, a special edition model that blends strength, practicality, and a bold modern look, perfectly reflecting Nick’s personality and working lifestyle. His vehicle is fitted with an impressive list of accessories, including an electric roller shutter, bed rug, sports bars, grille lamps and rooftop lightbar, bonnet protector, bonnet lift, tailgate assist, wireless charger, wind visors, tow bar and 13-pin towing electrics, everything a true hands-on professional could need from work to weekend adventures.

It’s a pick-up that combines the strength and reliability that Isuzu is renowned for, with the style and features today’s drivers demand. Whether it’s hauling gear to a building site, supporting one of Nick’s many hands-on projects, or heading out on a weekend adventure, the D-Max STEEL Edition is ready for whatever he throws at it.

His can-do attitude and hands-on approach have earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most relatable and down-to-earth TV personalities; qualities that align perfectly with the Isuzu brand and its ruggedly dependable D-Max pick-up.

Nick’s connection to the building and construction industry runs deeper than his television work. As the host of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Master Builder Awards, proudly headline sponsored by Isuzu UK, Nick celebrates the skill, commitment, and craftsmanship of the UK’s tradespeople. His long-standing support for the trade makes him a natural fit for Isuzu, a brand trusted by builders, farmers, and professionals who demand reliability every day.

Speaking about the partnership, George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, said: “Nick Knowles and the Isuzu D-Max go together like Farming

Nick Knowles, English television presenter, writer, and musician, commented: “I’ve always admired people and brands that roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, and that’s exactly what Isuzu is all about. The DMax STEEL Edition fits my lifestyle perfectly; it’s tough, reliable, and stylish. Whether I’m heading to a filming location, supporting a project, or taking on a personal build, the D-Max has everything I need.

I’m really proud to partner with a brand that shares my values and supports the hardworking tradespeople who keep this country running.”

Nick’s collaboration with Isuzu as an ambassador marks another step in Isuzu UK’s commitment to championing those who work hard, think practically, and are driven to do, the very people the D-Max was built for. With its reputation for dependability, safety, and capability, the D-Max continues to be the pick-up of choice for professionals and adventurers alike.

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JAECOO 7 NAMED ‘BEST FAMILY CAR’ AT SCOTTISH CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

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AECOO UK’s momentum in its debut year shows no sign of slowing, as the JAECOO 7 secures the title of Family Car of the Year 2025 at this year’s Scottish Car of the Year Awards Scotland’s foremost automotive honours.

JAECOO has established a clear presence across the country, and we remain committed to delivering design-led, comprehensive-as-standard and highvalue SUVs. As we look ahead to 2026, we are prepared for the next chapter and the opportunities it will bring.”

Judged by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), a respected collective of professional motoring journalists who regularly test and review new cars for national and regional publications, the 28th edition of the awards recognised standout models across a range of competitive categories. In awarding the JAECOO 7, judges highlighted its balance of comfort, space and value, noting that it brings all the right attributes to shine in a busy family SUV segment.

From becoming Leasing.com’s Overall Car of the Year to being named Carwow’s Brand of the Year 2026, JAECOO UK’s debut year has been defined by strong, consistent momentum. With more than 22,000 JAECOO 7s now on UK roads – and having been the UK’s best-selling Chinese car in October, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)** – prices start from just £30,115 OTR*, with the JAECOO 7 SHS priced from £35,165 OTR*.

Ally Ballingal, ASMW President, said: “The JAECOO 7 was named Best Family Car for its impressive blend of space, comfort and value.

Judges highlighted its flexible interior, generous boot and family-friendly practicality. Strong safety tech and a smooth, assured driving experience helped it shine in a crowded segment. With its smart design and standout equipment levels, the JAECOO 7 proved an ideal modern family allrounder.”

Looking ahead, the next addition to the JAECOO family, the JAECOO 5, will introduce the brand’s first pure electric model, with the compact SUV offered in both EV and ICE versions. The JAECOO 5 is available to order now from £24,505 OTR*, while the JAECOO E5 starts at £37,505 OTR*, with all models available through the growing OMODA&JAECOO UK retailer network and supported by the company’s comprehensive 7year/100,000-mile warranty.

Held once again at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Edinburgh, the Scottish Car of the Year awards have been a key moment in the UK’s annual motoring calendar since their founding in 1997. Closing a landmark first year for JAECOO in the UK, this latest accolade reinforces the brand’s values and reflects an increasing demand for cars that combine strong design, generous technology, and exceptional value.

* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing, November 2025 **SMMT, smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations

Gary Lan, CEO of JAECOO UK, said: “Once again, we are proud to announce another significant accolade for JAECOO before the end of the year. Marking this achievement here in Edinburgh, as we approach our first full year in the UK, makes the recognition even more meaningful.

Farming

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DACIA HIPSTER NAMED ‘DESIGN OF THE YEAR’ AT THE 2026 TOPGEAR.COM AWARDS

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he recently revealed Dacia Hipster Concept has been named ‘Design of the Year’ at the 2026 TopGear.com Awards, beating a field of striking supercars and bold upmarket SUVs to take home one of the night’s most coveted honours.

Announced at a ceremony in London last night (25 November), the award recognises the Hipster’s distinctive, functional and refreshingly honest approach to design. The win is particularly notable given that the Hipster was revealed to the public only a few weeks ago, yet has already made a major impact with its simple and essential vision for electric mobility. without being monastic, the size unlocks a virtuous circle of weight saving and the range is small but all you need around town.”

The Dacia Hipster Concept embodies the brand’s belief that great design doesn’t have to be complicated. At just three metres long, it combines real usability – four proper seats, a flexible boot and lightweight construction – with strong, instantly recognisable proportions. It’s a car designed to be practical, affordable and relevant to real life, rather than an exercise in excess.

From its simple horizontal front end and strap-style door handles to its recyclable Starkle® body protection, every detail of the Hipster serves a purpose. Inside, the emphasis continues on smart thinking and space efficiency, with vertical glazing, a bench-style front seat and Dacia’s ‘Bring Your Own Device’ philosophy keeping the car connected and cost-effective.

David Durand, Dacia Design Director, said: “Hipster has won against some seriously cool and beautifully designed cars this year, which makes this recognition even more meaningful. It shows that simplicity and honesty still have the power to stand out. Hipster proves that good design isn’t about adding more. It’s about focusing on what really matters to real people.”

Jason Barlow, Editor-At-Large, TopGear.com, said: “The Hipster addresses a significant issue: even cheap electric cars are still too expensive to work as mass mobility solutions. So, this award isn't just because we love the way it looks, it's because it represents a shift in priorities. The interior is basic Farming

The Dacia Hipster Concept represents the next step in the brand’s mission to make electric mobility accessible to all. With its compact footprint, clever packaging and minimal environmental impact, it offers a genuine alternative to the ever-larger, ever-heavier cars that dominate today’s roads.

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CHERY TIGGO 8 CROWNED OVERALL CARWOW CAR OF THE YEAR 2026 ommanding top honours at Carwow’s prestigious ‘Car of the Year’ Awards 2026, the CHERY TIGGO 8 has been crowned overall Car of the Year, securing one of the UK’s most respected automotive accolades just months after launching in the UK.

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Across 13 driver-led categories, each Carwow award represents a trusted mark of quality and a powerful endorsement from respected industry experts. In awarding the CHERY TIGGO 8 the top title, judges hailed it as the best-of-the-best, commending its spacious interior, generous specification and exceptional value as standout features for families seeking a modern seven-seat SUV. Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer at Carwow, said: “CHERY’s debut to the UK market could hardly be more impressive. The TIGGO 8 is one of those cars that seems almost too good to be true – it’s a premium-feeling SUV with loads of space for seven occupants, a cutting-edge hybrid system, all the luxury kit you could want… yet it costs about the same as a European hatchback. If a Chinese car was ever going to conquer the market, it should be this one – it’s unbeatable value and feels like so much more than a budget family bus.”

The Carwow ‘Car of the Year’ Awards celebrate vehicles that achieve outstanding expert ratings and demonstrate genuine innovation. With more than ten million car buyers using Carwow each year – and one of the world’s largest automotive YouTube audiences – the judging team draws on decades of experience reviewing and testing thousands of vehicles annually.

This accolade was complemented by another: the plug-in hybrid CHERY TIGGO 8 CSH was named Hybrid Hero, recognised for its outstanding Super Hybrid powertrain and its compelling mix of performance, practicality and value – a smart choice for UK buyers.

Gary Lan, CEO of CHERY UK, said: “Earning not one but two titles in carwow’s ‘Car of the Year’ Awards is an incredible achievement – but being named overall Car of the Year goes even further.

It’s a genuine endorsement of what the CHERY

TIGGO 8 stands for and how it helps drivers ‘Find Your Happy’.

“These [Carwow] awards show just how strongly the car has resonated with both experts and customers, and they give us a superb platform for continued growth in the UK as we prepare to introduce the flagship CHERY TIGGO 9 early next year.”

Developed by Chery International’s global engineering team, the CHERY TIGGO 8 has been set up for the UK’s demanding roads, and offers buyers a smart, comfortable new choice in one of the UK’s most popular segments.

With further TIGGO models confirmed for the UK market next year, CHERY’s UK plans continue to accelerate, building on the early success of the

CHERY TIGGO 7 and 8 models during the company’s first few months in the UK. The CHERY TIGGO 8 is available with two powertrain options and two trim levels – Aspire and Summit – with prices starting from £28,545 OTR* for the 1.6-litre pure petrol variant and from £33,545 OTR* for the plug-in hybrid.

All CHERY models come with the brand’s comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, alongside an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery and RAC Home Start as standard for the first year.

Vehicles are available through CHERY’s growing nationwide dealer network. * All prices correct at time of writing, November 2025.

Farming

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race yourself, because tax talk is about to get (almost) exciting! Big changes are on the horizon for double cab pick-ups in the UK.

From April 2025, these workhorses of the road will no longer be classed as commercial vehicles for tax purposes.

Instead, they’ll be taxed as cars, significantly increasing Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) liabilities for businesses and employees alike. However, there’s still time to act and lock in the current, lower tax rates.

If you’re considering a new pick-up, there’s no better time to make your move – and the brand-new MAXUS T60 MAX could be the perfect choice.

The BIK reclassification: what’s changing?

Historically, double cab pick-ups have been treated as vans for tax purposes, meaning they benefited from a fixed-rate, low BIK tax regime.

However, under the revised rules coming into effect from April 6, 2025, these vehicles will be taxed as cars.

This means that instead of paying a fixed low rate, drivers will be taxed based on CO² emissions and list price – a change that could see costs rise dramatically.

This will also impact capital allowances, reducing the overall tax efficiency of these vehicles.

Companies that rely on double cab pick-ups for operations should plan ahead to avoid financial strain.

The future of double cab pick-ups This reclassification is part of the government’s broader push to encourage lower-emission vehicles.

While electric alternatives are on the rise, sometimes you just need a proper pick-up to get the job done.

That’s why acting fast is key to locking in the best financial deal while you still can.

Meet the MAXUS T60 MAX: your perfect pre-deadline pick-up If you’re in the market for a new double cab pick-up before the tax changes kick in, the MAXUS T60 MAX is an outstanding option. Don’t miss out on competitive contract hire and finance lease options available.

This pick-up combines power, practicality, and enough tech to make even your most gadget-obsessed mate jealous.

Key features of the MAXUS T60 MAX: •

2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine – 500Nm of torque, giving you the strength to tackle the toughest jobs.

There is a crucial window of opportunity for businesses and individuals who order, lease, or purchase a double cab pick-up before 31st March 2025.

•

8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD – Perfect for handling both off-road adventures and demanding work environments.

Vehicles secured before this deadline will continue to be taxed as vans until at least April 2029, or until they are sold or the lease ends.

•

1,050kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity – Carry more, tow more, and get the job done with ease.

This means four more years of lower tax rates, avoiding the costly hike that will hit post-April 2025 purchases.

•

Comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance – Includes a 5-year/100,000 miles vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK and Europe.

Employees: Higher Income Tax

•

Fuel efficiency and emissions – 9.1L/100km (WLTP) fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 239g/km.

For those who drive a company-provided double cab pick-up, the BIK reclassification could lead to thousands of pounds in additional tax liabilities each year.

Order now and beat the tax hike

Why act before April 2025?

How this impacts employers and employees

For higher-rate taxpayers, the difference is substantial, making it essential to secure a vehicle before the deadline.

Employers: increased National Insurance contributions (NICs) With BIK values increasing, employers will face higher NICs for each double cab pick-up classified as a car.

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With deliveries available from Spring 2025, securing a MAXUS T60 MAX now ensures you lock in the lower BIK tax rates and avoid any financial nastiness down the line.

The clock is ticking. If you want to keep more of your hard-earned cash, act now. The new tax regime is coming whether we like it or not, but you can at least beat it at its own game.

| Motors

From only

£428.54

+VAT per month on business contract hire* Reclaim VAT on this vehicle Available for immediate delivery Available as standard • 360° camera • Front and rear parking sensors • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Maximum Payload

1,050kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

*Based on 6+59 payment profile. 10,000 miles per annum. Maintenance not included.

Business users only. At the end of the agreement you will not own the vehicle.

Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Must be registered by 31st December 2025.

From only

Use code FM25 for FREE first service

£589.56

+VAT per month on business contract hire^ Low BIK Available as standard • 360° camera • Air suspension • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Vehicle-to-Load capabilities (use to power electrical devices)

Max. WLTP Range (combined)

267 miles

Maximum Payload

620kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

8 year Battery Warranty

^Based on 6+59 payment profile. 10,000 miles per annum. Maintenance not included. Business users only. At the end of the agreement you will not own the vehicle. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Must be registered by 31st December 2025.

Visit www.saicmaxus.co.uk or scan the QR code to find your local MAXUS dealer Farming

From only MAXUS BONUS* £3,000

£428

AVAILABLE .54 ON THE ULTRA per month VERSATILE T60 MAX on business contract hire* +VAT

Reclaim VAT on this vehicle

Available for immediate delivery Available as standard • 360° camera • Front and rear parking sensors • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Maximum Payload

1,050kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

Use code FM25 for FREE first service

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

*Based on 6+59 payment profile. 10,000 miles per annum. Maintenance not included. Business users only. At the end of the agreement you will not own the vehicle. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Must be registered by 31st December 2025.

Find a dealer: HTC Croydon / HTC Van Centre 93 Beddington Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4TD 0344 891 0000 htcvancentre.com/maxus

Sandicliffe 127 Nottingham Road, Stapleford NG9 8AU 0115 671 0050 sandicliffe.co.uk/maxus

Maxus Northside – Doncaster Balby Carr Bank, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 8DE 01302 639360 maxus-northside.co.uk

Sherwoods Maxus 3 Crowther Road, Crowther Industrial Estate, Washington NE38 0AQ 0191 357 2002 sherwoodsmotorgroup.co.uk/maxus

From only

£589

+VAT .56 per month

on business contract hire^ Low BIK

Available as standard • 360° camera • Air suspension • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Vehicle-to-Load capabilities (use to power electrical devices)

Max. WLTP Range (combined)

267 miles

Maximum Payload

620kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

Use code FM25 for FREE first service

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

8 year Battery Warranty

*Based on 6+59 payment profile. 10,000 miles per annum. Maintenance not included. Business users only. At the end of the agreement you will not own the vehicle. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Must be registered by 31st December 2025. ^Based on 6+59 payment profile. 10,000 miles per annum. Maintenance not included. Business users only. At the end of the agreement you will not own the vehicle. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Must be registered by 31st December 2025.

North East Truck & Van Cowpen Bewley Road, Billingham TS23 4EX 01642 370555 northeasttruckandvan.com/maxus Rygor Maxus Unit 5, Worton Grange, Reading RG2 0TG 0330 311 9879 rygor-maxus.co.uk

Visit www.saicmaxus.co.uk or scan the QR code to find out more.

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uzuki once again achieves good recognition from What Car? magazine, this time the brand was awarded RunnerUp in the Best Used Car Scheme category in their recent Used Car of The Year Awards issue.

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Judges were looking for various leading aspects of a manufacturer’s scheme to consider it as overall winner and Suzuki finished in second place by ‘the narrowest of margins’; these aspects included a long period of warranty cover which is up to 10 years / 100,000 miles for Suzuki cars, a full and comprehensive mechanical check, comprehensive breakdown cover as well as good hybrid and EV cover.

Suzuki certainly ticked all the boxes with its latest Approved Used Car Programme which is now also available for customers buying a used car from one of its 24 franchised dealers in the Republic of Ireland.

All customers choosing a Suzuki Approved Used Car that’s reached the end of its standard manufacturer warranty can benefit from one-year additional Suzuki warranty cover. For all Suzuki car owners Suzuki offers up to 10 years’ warranty free of charge, activated by the customer once their new car reaches the end of its manufacturer warranty period of three years / 60,000 miles and has its annual service completed within the Suzuki Dealer network.

Farming

The warranty stays in place until the next qualifying service and is simply renewed again up to a maximum vehicle age of up to 10 years / 100,000 miles. Major components are covered; and should a customer decide to sell their car between services and within the 10-year qualifying period, the warranty can simply be transferred to the next owner – again free of charge.

The recently launched e Vitara model also has up to 10 years EV battery warranty included with eight years manufacturer followed by a further two which are service activated.

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koda Auto has built 100,000 units of the all-electric Elroq compact SUV since production began at the start of the year. The anniversary car is an Elroq vRS in Hyper Green. As the first production model to feature the brand’s Modern Solid design language, the Elroq is assembled on a flexible line that also builds the Enyaq and the MQB-based Octavia. This allows the carmaker to produce both electric and ICE models on the same line to quickly respond to customer demand. The Elroq is proving popular with customers and experts alike: in the first three quarters of 2025, it ranked second among Europe’s best-selling BEV models. It has also garnered numerous international honours, including the Red Dot Design Award, and was recently crowned ‘German Car of the Year 2026’. The 100,000-unit milestone underscores the strong, continuing demand for Škoda’s battery-electric SUVs, the Elroq and Enyaq.

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Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, says: “Producing 100,000 Elroqs in under a year of series production is a major achievement for the whole team. It also reflects rigorous preparation and targeted adaptations to our production processes. From the outset, we’ve fully leveraged the flexibility to build battery-electric and ICE vehicles on the same line.

The result is clear: the tremendous response from customers highlights the excellent manufacturing quality of cars ‘made in Mladá Boleslav’.”

Škoda Elroq: among Europe’s best-selling BEVs In the first three quarters of 2025, Škoda Auto delivered nearly 120,000 BEVs globally. In Europe, both models ranked in the top ten electric cars, with the Elroq second and the Enyaq sixth. The Elroq is the best-selling BEV in the Czech Republic, Denmark and Slovakia, and ranks among the top three best-selling BEVs in Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Great success for the Elroq in Germany, Škoda’s largest single market In Germany, Škoda’s largest single market, the Elroq was the best-selling electric vehicle in October, with 3,320 registrations, and it was also Europe’s overall best-selling electric car in April, July and October. The Elroq’s success is reflected not only in strong customer demand but also in a growing list of international awards, including the renowned Red Dot Design Award. Recently, the compact SUV was named ‘German Car of the Year 2026’. A jury of 40 leading German and international journalists first selected five class winners from 80 new vehicles before the Elroq prevailed against its four remaining rivals in the final round. It scored particularly well for quality and environmental characteristics, as well as for its price–performance ratio, handling and drivetrain.

Farming

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•

Driver and passenger safety achieves 88% with top scores awarded in the rear impact, occupant interaction and side mobile barrier tests

•

85% attained in Child Occupant safety, with top scores awarded in Child Restraint System (CRS) installation check and lateral impact

•

Top scores awarded for Lane Support and Seatbelt Reminder performance

ubaru Europe, a subsidiary of Subaru Corporation, announced today that the new all-electric Subaru Solterra has achieved the maximum five-star overall rating in the 2025 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The Subaru Solterra registered scores in all four assessment areas (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist) that stand above the minimum threshold required.

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In the Adult Occupant assessment area, the new Subaru Solterra achieved excellent results, scoring maximum points in the rear impact, occupant interaction and side mobile barrier tests thanks to good protection across all critical body areas. Tests showed that the passenger compartment stayed stable in the frontal offset impact, with dummy readings confirming good protection of the knees and Farming

femurs for both the driver and front passenger.

Solterra also demonstrated that occupants of varying sizes and seating positions would receive a similar level of protection. Tests on the front seats and head restraints showed good whiplash protection in a rear-end collision, while the design of the rear seats also indicates a good level of protection for passengers in the back.

For the Child Occupant assessment area, the new Subaru Solterra has attained the maximum points in Child Restraint System (CRS) installation check and lateral impact, while almost attaining maximum points in frontal impact based on 6 and 10-year-old child occupants. Protection in the frontal offset test was rated as good for the 6-year-old dummy, contributing to the Solterra’s strong overall crash test performance for child occupants. In the side barrier impact, all critical body regions were well protected for both child dummies.

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The Solterra is equipped with the Rear Seat Reminder system, which alerts the driver to check the rear seats if a rear door was opened before driving, helping prevent a child or infant from being inadvertently left in the vehicle. All child restraint types for which the Solterra is designed could be correctly installed and properly accommodated in the vehicle.

The Subaru Solterra attained maximum points for Lane Support and Seatbelt Reminder performance, while almost attaining maximum points in the AEB Car-to-Car assessment. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system performed well in tests of its reaction to other vehicles, contributing positively to collision avoidance. The lane support system (i.e. Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert) gently corrects the

vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of the lane and also intervenes in some more critical situations.

A package worth exploring.

FORESTER

£1,000

2.9%

3 YRS

3 YRS

DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION*

FREE SERVICING**

APR REPRESENTATIVE†

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE#

We typically receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to International Motors Finance Ltd. This may be a flat fee or percentage of the amount you borrow. Vehicle shown is a Forester 2.0i Touring, OTR price of £44,795. Model shown includes optional special paint finish at £695.

Jeffries of Bacton

Culverwells

Jeffries Of Bacton Mr. P Jeffries & Mr. R.B Jeffries. Trading as Jeffries of Bacton acts as a credit broker and not a leader.

E.O Culverwell LTD. (R/Bridge), Trading as Culverwells acts as a credit broker and not a lender

01449 781 131 Station Garage, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 4NF

FIND THE BEST FORESTER PACKAGE FOR YOU

01580 880 567 Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Suffex, TN32 5DG

SUBARU FORESTER fuel economy and CO2 results (WLTP): Combined 34.7mpg, CO2 emissions 185g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes & may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption achieved in real life conditions & CO2 produced depends on a number of factors including accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles & vehicle load. Offers available until 31.12.2025. Stock subject to availability. Subaru reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Private customers only, not available in conjunction with any other offers. Excludes Personal Contract Hire and Business Contract Hire. Available at participating dealers only. *£1,000 Subaru Deposit Contribution (incl. VAT) on a 2.0i Limited, Field or Touring Forester. Minimum 20% deposit. †Credit is subject to status. Must be 18+. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to International Motors Finance. This credit offer is only available through Subaru Finance provided by International Motors Finance Limited, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, 31.12.2025. ^The Lithium-ion Traction Battery is covered by an 8 year / 100,000 miles (whichever is sooner) Warranty. **Free servicing offer applicable when you purchase a brand-new Subaru Forester, Crosstrek or Outback. All services should be taken at the relevant service intervals - either 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes sooner. All Subaru (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary services must be completed by an authorised Subaru Retailer. The customer’s failure to redeem the services within the designated mileage or time will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Available to retail customer only. Does not cover any non-service related parts or repairs or general wear and tear. Servicing is transferable with the vehicle. of International Motors Limited. #A comprehensive 3-Year Recovery and Assistance Programme is included, valid in the UK and Europe.

Farming

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he Renault Master has once again proven its class-leading credentials, winning ‘Large Van of the Year’ for the second year running at the prestigious What Van? Awards

2026.

In addition, the fully electric Master E-Tech was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Zero Emissions Van category, reinforcing Renault’s commitment to sustainable transport.

The winners were announced today at a glittering ceremony held at the Hilton London Bankside. The annual awards celebrate the best vehicles and products across categories that showcase the latest trends and innovations, as well as the businesses and individuals making outstanding contributions to the light commercial vehicle sector.

Presenting the award, James Dallas, Editor of What Van? said: “The Renault Master is practical, refined, handles well on the road and possesses a cabin that provides a comfortable working environment. Built on a muti-energy platform means operators can find the best Master for their missions.”

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Adam Wood, Managing Director and Country Head, Renault Group UK, said: “Winning Large Van of the Year for the second-year running is a fantastic endorsement of Renault Master. Its combination of versatility, efficiency, and the choice of traditional or fully electric powertrains makes it the ideal partner for a wide variety of UK businesses.”

As this latest award proves, the Renault Master continues to set the benchmark in the large van segment.

Designed for maximum practicality and efficiency, it offers load spaces ranging from 11 to 20 cubic metres.

Its enhanced payload capacity and user-focused design deliver unmatched convenience for operators.

The Master E-Tech electric features a 105kW/300Nm electric motor paired with an 87kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 285 miles. DC fast charging provides 142 miles of range in just 30 minutes, while a 22kW AC charger fully recharges the battery from 10% to 100% in under four hours.

The Renault Master range is available from £33,500 plus VAT, with the Master E-Tech from £37,500 plus VAT after PiVG, offering businesses an efficient, flexible, and sustainable solution for their transport needs.

For more information on the Renault Master range, visit https://business.renault.co.uk/ master-range/renault-master.html

| Motors

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GM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is delighted to welcome Baden Powell to its dealer network. Based at 101– 103 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN16 2JX, the family-run business brings more than 90-years of trusted experience to the KGM brand.

Founded in 1933 by engineer Baden Powell and his wife Dora, the business began as a bicycle shop before expanding into motor repairs in the 1940’s. During the Second World War, Baden applied his skills to military vehicles, developing the engineering expertise that would become the backbone of the business. By the post-war years, car ownership in Scunthorpe was on the rise, with the focus turning entirely to motor vehicles.

Today, the dealership is proud of its long-standing reputation for professionalism, reliability, and friendly customer service. Many of its loyal team members have been with the company for decades, with three for over 40-years, reflecting the family values and commitment that continue to drive the business forward.

With its appointment as a KGM dealer, Baden Powell will showcase the complete model line-up, including the flagship 7-seater Rexton SUV, the award-winning Musso pick-up, the versatile

Korando, compact Tivoli, and the all-new Torres HEV and Actyon HEV, as well as the bold fully electric Torres EVX. Customers will also benefit from a dedicated after-sales centre and parts support, ensuring continued care long after purchase.

Simon Powell, Dealer Principal at Baden Powell, said: “We’re proud to represent KGM in Scunthorpe and across North Lincolnshire. Our family business has always been about delivering quality, trust, and good value, and KGM reflects those same values. This is an exciting new chapter for us, and we look forward to introducing both new and existing customers to the KGM brand.”

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director at KGM Motors UK, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Baden Powell to the KGM dealer network. Their heritage and strong reputation in their local community make them a fantastic partner for the brand. Their appointment strengthens our presence in North Lincolnshire and ensures more customers can experience the quality and capability of the KGM range.”

For more information or to book a test drive, visit: www.kgm-motors.co.uk

Farming

| Motors

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dding to its already stacked cabinet of UK awards, the Kia EV3 has been named ‘Compact Crossover/Small SUV of the Year’ at the Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards.

Founded in 1997, the Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) awards celebrate the best cars on-sale today. The awards are voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), with trophies for cars across multiple categories, and a live awards ceremony taking place at the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club in Edinburgh.

More than a year on from its UK launch, the EV3 remains a popular choice in the UK, standing out in the highly competitive compact crossover market.

The EV3 is Kia’s third best-selling model in the UK so far this year, sitting behind the Sportage and Picanto.

Offering a range of up to 375 miles* on a single charge, the Kia EV3 blends long range and high levels of family-suitable space into a compact package, currently Kia’s most compact EV built on its electric-Global Modular Platform. This platform allows for a totally flat floor, with the 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery pack stored below the cabin, boosting overall space and giving the EV3 a real sense of space, regardless of seating position.

Ally Ballingall, ASMW President: “The Kia EV3 took home the Compact Crossover/SUV award for

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delivering big-car capability in a smaller, more affordable electric package. Judges were impressed by its strong range, punchy performance and class-leading practicality. Its wellexecuted cabin, generous tech and confident road manners set it apart from rivals. With standout value and maturity beyond its size, the EV3 proved a clear winner.”

2025 has been one of Kia’s busiest years in its 34year UK lifespan, welcoming new, cutting-edge EV models to sit alongside the EV3, such as the EV4 and EV4 Fastback, the EV5, and Kia’s first ever ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV), the PV5 – offered in both Cargo or Passenger variants. Beyond EVs, Kia has also welcomed a facelifted version of its best-seller, the Sportage, to the UK, and will soon launch the new Stonic and the K4, an all-new entrant to the C-segment hatchback market. First examples of the EV4, EV5, PV5, new Stonic and K4 are all due to arrive to UK customers before the end of the year.

Kia has also been busy dominating the sales charts in 2025. Currently Kia ranks as the fourth best-selling brand in the UK so far this year with more than 103,000 new cars sold. Kia is also Scotland’s third best-selling car brand, with a 6.8% share of the Scottish market. The Sportage remains a firm favourite as the UK’s second bestselling car year-to-date, and the UK’s best-selling SUV. Kia has sold more than 43,000 so far in 2025.

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he all-new BMW iX3 has been crowned Top Gear Magazine’s 2026 Car of the Year. The prestigious accolade was presented to the first Neue Klasse model at the publication’s annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the best cars launched over the past twelve months.

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setting new benchmarks in performance, range and technology while introducing a cuttingedge design language. Its advancements will shape the entire future BMW product portfolio and will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027, starting with the BMW i3 Saloon, which begins production in the second half of 2026.

The BMW iX3 impressed judges with its allnew design, class-leading driving dynamics and the multitude of innovations it ushers for the brand. Handing over the trophy, Paul Horrell, Consultant Editor of Top Gear Magazine said, “The iX3 is wholly new. Above and beneath. Bumper to bumper. Ground to cloud. It has the magic 500-mile claimed range, an entirely new interior concept, but most importantly it drives like a BMW ought to - not like a bulky EV crossover, or soulless digital first zombiemobile. BMW's cars have always strived to be at the tip of mainstream excellence - the iX3 puts them back where they belong.”

On receiving the award, David George, CEO, BMW Group UK and Ireland said, “The launch of the new BMW iX3 represents more than just the debut of an exceptional new model it signals the start of an exciting and transformative chapter for our brand. We are thrilled to receive the prestigious Car of the Year award for this milestone moment and would like to thank the entire Top Gear team for this special recognition.”

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is priced from £58,755 OTR and can be preordered from retailers nationwide with first customer deliveries taking place on 7 March 2026. To learn more about the new BMW iX3, please click HERE.

The BMW iX3 once again raises the bar – Farming

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ameel Motors UK, the official distributor of Farizon in the UK, has officially inaugurated its flagship site in Park Royal, London.

Farizon Park Royal, located on the busy A406 North Circular near the Hangar Lane Gyratory, serves as both a prime Farizon dealership and the national headquarters for the brand and the distributor in the UK. The formal opening was marked by a ceremony attended by industry executives and guests, as well as senior representatives from the global head offices of Jameel Motors and Farizon Auto.

Jameel Motors UK has invested £1.3 million in a comprehensive refurbishment of the site to create a high-tech, customer-focused environment featuring state-of-the-art retail, aftersales and parts facilities. It is the first dealership in the UK for the international independent vehicle distributor and is a statement of intent as it embarks on a strategy of growth across Europe.

Customers will be provided with comprehensive aftersales support to ensure they are fully supported throughout their Farizon ownership. The new workshop features the latest diagnostic and servicing technology, with two inspection ramps installed and capacity to add two more to meet growing demand. And to ensure minimal downtime for customers, a fully stocked parts and accessories department will provide immediate access to key components.

As well as its flagship dealer, the site also serves as the new head office for Farizon Auto UK. More than 30 staff are based at the site across sales, marketing, product, and network development functions, supporting the continued growth of the brand across the country.

Scott Fogharty, Dealer Principal at Farizon Park Royal, said: “Our flagship site is a significant step in establishing strong roots for the Farizon brand in the UK. It reflects our long-term commitment to providing customers with exceptional quality of service throughout their purchase and ownership journeys, all of which is supported by first-class facilities and expertise. This opening represents just the beginning of an exciting new phase for Farizon and Jameel Motors in the UK.” Jameel Motors UK’s Farizon Park Royal site is the sixth franchised retail site to open across the UK, adding to Heathrow Van Centre, SMV Commercials in Street, Brian Currie Van Centre in Milton Keynes, and Rygor Auto in Reading and Oxford.

The Farizon SV

Farizon Park Royal’s sales team will focus on supporting sole traders, businesses and fleet operators as they transition to electric vans. It will offer tailored finance and fleet solutions, along with advice on commercial and home charging options through partnerships with ChargePoint and Hypervolt. Customers can also receive specialist guidance on bespoke cargo-carrying solutions to ensure every Farizon van is configured to their exact operational requirements.

With a comprehensive demonstration fleet, visitors to Farizon Park Royal will have an opportunity to explore and test drive the complete Farizon SV line-up, which includes nine different combinations of body configuration and battery option. To help customers experience the vehicle first-hand, the site is offering noobligation 48-hour test drives.

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The born-electric Farizon SV introduces a range of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a hidden B-pillar design and cell-to-pack battery packaging, combining to deliver market-leading real-world performance, versatility and efficiency. With a payload of up to 1,350 kg, load space up to 13 m³, and an ultra-low loading height of just 550 mm, the SV sets a new benchmark in the medium-to-large van segment.

A single, highly specified trim level includes premium features as standard, such as a payload monitoring system, heated seats, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, 360-degree surround view, and a full suite of ADAS safety systems. The SV has also achieved the highest five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The model range starts from £40,000 + VAT (including the Plug-in Van Grant) and is available with 67 kWh, 83 kWh or 106 kWh battery options. Its efficient all-electric powertrain produces 170 kW (231 PS) and 336 Nm of torque, delivering a WLTP range of up to 247 miles (combined). A 20 to 80 per cent charge can be completed in as little as 36 minutes.

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he all-electric Farizon SV large van has been named ‘Zero-Emissions Van of the Year’ at the prestigious What Van? Awards 2026. The accolade was announced during the annual awards ceremony was held at the Hilton London Bankside on 3 December.

An independent panel of judges, drawn from respected industry bodies, selected the Farizon SV after evaluating all eligible electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) introduced to the market this year. They were joined by members of the What Van? editorial team, who also had first-hand experience of all contenders under consideration.

The judges assessed each entrant against factors including efficiency, running costs, driver appeal and overall suitability for commercial operations.

The Farizon SV The award-winning Farizon SV model line-up starts from £40,000 + VAT, including the Plug-in Van Grant. It is available with the option of 67 kWh, 83 kWh or 106 kWh batteries, and its efficient, allelectric powertrain produces 170 kW (231 PS) of power and 336 Nm of torque. The SV delivers a WLTP range of up to 247 miles (WLTP combined cycle), while a 20 to 80 per cent top-up charge can be completed in as little as 36 minutes.

The van features a host of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a unique hidden B-pillar design, and cell-to-pack battery packaging,

James Dallas, Editor at What Van?, said: “Built on a skateboard platform, the innovatively-designed Farizon SV is both versatile and a practical load lugger.

In addition, Farizon should be applauded for making safety a priority in developing the van. The UK is a key market for the brand and the opening of its flagship dealership in London’s Park Royal shows it is ready for business.”

Calum James, General Manager – Farizon Auto UK, said: “Winning What Van?’s ‘Zero-Emissions Van of the Year’ accolade is a tremendous endorsement of the born-electric SV’s considerable strengths.

The development goal was to develop a truly world-class electric large van that’s built for business. This recognition from such a respected panel reinforces that we are delivering on that promise for van operators and drivers across the UK.” The What Van? award follows closely behand the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Awards, which saw the Farizon SV come in second place, a significant achievement for the first model designed for Europe from a brand that is new to the global market.

which combine to deliver market-leading real-world versatility and performance. With a payload of up to 1,350 kg, load space up to 13 m3, and an ultralow loading height of just 550 mm, the SV sets a new benchmark in the medium-to-large van sector.

A single highly-specified trim level includes several premium features as standard, including a unique payload monitoring system, heated seats, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, 360-degree surround view, and a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety systems. The SV has also earned the highest five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

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ord Pro has secured its fourth International Pick-up Award title in the fifteen year history of the election with its newly developed Ranger PHEV. It’s the first time that a hybrid drivetrain has been honoured by the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) jury, which are members of the International Van of the Year Award (IVOTY) group.

The election of the overall pick-up truck winner for 2026/27 was decided after an extensive on-road/off-road test programme held in Bulgaria last month. Here, there were a number of other 4x4 Double-Cab candidates in contention for the main prize, namely INEOS, Foton and Maxus, the latter two Chinese brands, which all impressed the judging panel with their performances during the exercise.

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As it transpired, Ford accumulated most marks with the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster second and the Foton V9 third.erformance with even greater efficiency and lower fuel “In delivering outstanding, class-leading performance with even greater efficiency and lower fuel costs for everyday journeys, the new Ranger PHEV seamlessly combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75 kW batterypowered motor. A choice of EV driving modes means you can drive on petrol, battery power, or a combination of the two. And with 281 PS of power, 697 Nm of torque, and up to 3500 kg maximum towing capacity – there’s no compromise to the iconic toughness and hardworking capability of Ford Ranger,“ explained Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY & IPUA. The announcement and trophy handover was made at the Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner at EurExpo, Lyon, France on 19 November. On receiving the coveted prize from Jarlath Sweeney, Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro Europe said: "We are incredibly proud and honoured that the new Ford Ranger PHEV has been named the International Pickup Award winner for 2026/27. Having won with the all-new Ford Ranger in 2024, we deeply value the recognition the jury has now given to the electrified plug-in hybrid model, demonstrating the consistent excellence and

innovative spirit that defines the Ranger lineage.

Pick-up customers rely on the capability of their vehicle to get the job done, and this recognition further validates that the Ranger PHEV doesn't just match the uncompromising performance our customers expect from a Ranger - it elevates it. With its electrification, the Ranger PHEV delivers even more, including the innovative Pro Power Onboard feature, which transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source. This significantly enhances productivity and utility on any job site, truly making it an ultimate partner for businesses across Europe."

On complementing the winner, one of the judges said: “The Ford Ranger PHEV competed against a diverse bunch of competitors (and good and interesting ones) for the IPUA award 2026/2027. But in the end, the Ranger proved to be the best all round and it has a smart driveline. If BEV’s not (yet) possible, go for PHEV.” “This is the fourth occasion that the Ford Ranger in various incarnations has won this prestigious award, firstly in 2013, then in 2020 and the title was shared with the Volkswagen Amarok in 2024. Therefore Ford is the outright leader in its field, both with most IPUA accolades and consistently topping the European sales charts,” added Jarlath.

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INEOS GRENADIER REPORTS FOR DUTY WITH MÜLHEIM FIRE AND RESCUE

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hree specially converted INEOS Grenadiers have been handed over to the fire and rescue services of Mülheim an der Ruhr in Germany. The two Grenadier Station Wagons and one Quartermaster double cab pick-up have undergone modifications to enhance their suitability for search and rescue teams in a region heavily affected by extreme flooding and landslides in recent years. One of each bodystyle has been modified with a portal axle system, raising the ground clearance and maximum wading depth.

designed and manufactured accessories including:

The 4X4 was chosen for its robust characteristics, its capability over challenging terrain, and its versatility - carrying fire service personnel and bulky kit to wherever its needed. Feuerwehr Mülheim an der Ruhr’s new first response and reconnaissance vehicles have been supplied and modified by LETECH GmbH & Co KG in Welzheim, an INEOS retail partner since 2021.

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Roof rack – in reflective yellow – carries standby light bars as well as arc lights and working lamps.

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Multi-function rear ladder with 20L cannister holderfor additional water or diesel.

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Rock-sliders with steps and hi-lift jacking points

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Larger BFGoodrich KM3 Mud Terrain tyres

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40mm LETECH X Reiger Suspension Lift Kit

Inside, a set of drawers has been integrated to provide additional secure storage space for operational equipment, while essential advanced communication technology was installed by Brockmann.

One Grenadier and the Quartermaster have also been fitted with LETECH’s portal axle kit, forged beadlocking alloy wheels and a tyre pressure regulation system. Lifting componentry away from the wheel hubs enhances the Grenadier’s already classleading ground clearance from 264mm to 450mm and wading depth from 800mm to 1,050mm.

"The region has suffered severe flood disasters in recent years, including the catastrophe in the Ahr valley and Eschweiler in 2021," explains Dr. Michael Lülf, Fire Director of the Mülheim an der Ruhr professional fire service and Deputy Head of the fire service. "It’s critical that we are able to get our crews and their kit across disaster-stricken terrain to carry out urgent life-saving work. We chose the INEOS Grenadier after an intensive selection process for its off-road ability, cable winch, auxiliary power, and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. The Grenadier is a unique emergency vehicle for extreme conditions.”

LETECH have finished the red vehicles with hi-vis emergency markings and a variety of in-house Farming

Christian Blank, INEOS Automotive’s Regional Director Europe, comments: “We are proud that the people we rely on, rely on Grenadier. Our fire and rescue services need a vehicle they can trust in any environment. This shows how versatile the Grenadier is for a wide variety of professional service operators in the most demanding sectors. Already immensely capable out of our Hambach factory, it’s clear that Grenadier’s body-on-frame construction lends itself to further specialist modifications.”

The INEOS Grenadier was launched in 2022 as a truly global 4X4 that combines rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour.

Followed a year later by the double cab Quartermaster pick-up, its body-on-frame construction provides huge versatility for customisation and in just the first year since launch has seen deployment with fire, police and on/offshore rescue services.

For further information, please visit www. ineosgrenadier.com

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Hyundai TUCSON Awarded Best Used Car Over £18,000 at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2025

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aving already earned a strong reputation as a new car, the Hyundai TUCSON has now been recognised as one of the UK’s finest pre-owned vehicles, winning Best Used Car Over £18,000 at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2025.

The awards, organised by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), were handed out at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s Dalmahoy Hotel, and it proved to be a memorable evening for Hyundai, with TUCSON being named Best Used Car Over £18,000. The awards were decided by Scotland’s most experienced motoring journalists and road testers, and after crowning SANTA FE Large Car of the Year, and IONIQ 5 N Performance Car of the Year in 2024, Hyundai was recognised once again.

Since its launch in 2021, TUCSON has been a fixture in the UK new cars top-sellers list, and last year alone it accounted for 35% of the 91,800 cars Hyundai sold here. It’s available with a 160PS T-GDI petrol engine, as well as a 48V mild hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and has picked up an array of awards from leading media outlets including Top Gear, Auto Express and Carbuyer.

This isn’t TUCSON’s first recognition in the used-car category either; it was also successful at the 2025 What

Car? Used Car Awards, where it was commended for its practicality, quality, driving experience and value.

Hyundai makes it simple to buy a pre-owned TUCSON with confidence through its Hyundai Promise and Approved Used Programmes. Hyundai Promise cars are under 36 months old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, and come with a minimum 24-month warranty, which can be upgraded to five years. Approved Used TUCSONs (under 80,000 miles) come with the balance of the manufacturer warranty if less than five years old, or a retailer-supplied warranty if older. All vehicles include a minimum of 12 months’ roadside assistance. A wide range of models are available to browse online at used. hyundai.co.uk, with prices starting from around £10,000.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “The TUCSON has been a favourite with new car buyers for many years, so it’s fantastic to see it recognised in the pre-owned market too. Stylish, practical, and enjoyable to drive, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a used SUV – and with the Hyundai Promise and Approved Used programme, buyers can enjoy added peace of mind”.

For more information on all the cars in Hyundai UK’s award-winning range, visit www.hyundai.co.uk

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“CHARGE CLOONEY”, “VOLTY MCVOLTFACE” AND “EVIE,” BRITS’ NEW NICKNAMES FOR THEIR BATTERY VEHICLES, REVEALED

s Britain drives toward an all-electric future ahead of the 2030 new car deadline, new research from Isuzu UK reveals just how deeply the nation’s relationship with its vehicles is being transformed. From affectionate nicknames to newfound pride in maintenance, electric vehicle (EV) owners are showing more emotional and personal connections with their cars than ever before. The study highlights that the quiet, eco-friendly nature of EVs has sparked a wave of enthusiasm across the country, changing not just how people drive, but how they feel about their vehicles.

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With all new cars due to become electric vehicles by 2030, half of (50 percent) of Brits admit that the charged-up cars are changing their relationship with vehicles.

One in five (17 percent) admit they clean their vehicle every week because they have pride in it, while 15 percent make a point of taking their motor for a regular check-up because they care for it more.

A third (33 percent) say they like cars MORE now because they are greener, with a quarter (24 percent) feeling closer to them because they are not as noisy.

In fact, researchers from Isuzu, who commissioned the research ahead of the release of its new D-Max Farming

EV which is the first fully electric, fully capable pickup in the UK, found that the nation’s love for electric vehicles is growing so rapidly that almost two thirds (59 percent) would push friends and family to get one, especially as one in twenty (five percent) admit they like EV owners more than other drivers.

But the nation's affection for electric vehicles doesn’t end there, 58 percent say they have an emotional bond with their car so much so that almost half (46 percent) regularly give their motors nicknames with ‘Evie’ (29 percent), ‘Herbie’ (15 percent), ‘Sparky’ (13 percent) and ‘Yoda’ (10 percent) the top choices.

Nine percent use the car’s quiet performance as a nickname with ‘Silent Ride’, while eight percent play on the charging methods with ‘Electron’ and ‘Voltaire’ (eight percent) also mentioned in the survey.

In classic British style, one in fourteen (seven percent) draw inspiration from current affairs with ‘Volty McVoltface’, ‘Charge Clooney’ (seven percent) and ‘Jolt Travolta’ (four percent).

Other names that feature in the top 25 list include ‘Lighting’ (six percent), ‘Hushmobile’ (five percent), ‘E-motion’ (four percent), ‘Chargezilla’ (three percent) and ‘Sparky McChargeface’ (three percent).

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In fact, a third (32 percent) say that having an EV means that you’re likely to be a good potential partner because you’re environmentally minded and have similar tastes (25 percent).

TOP NICKNAMES FOR EV CARS, ACCORDING TO DRIVERS: 1. Evie – 29% 2. Herbie – 15% 3. Sparky – 13% 4. Yoda – 10% When it comes to how Brits pick a nickname for their vehicle, 38 percent like to choose one that starts with the same letter as the make of car, while 25 percent use the model to create a tag.

5. Silent Ride – 9% 6. Electron – 8%

Family names (24 percent), playing on the colour (13 percent), using a childhood nickname (12 percent) and picking a name from their favourite TV show or film (10 percent) are other ways the nation uses to pick a name for their motor.

7. Voltaire – 8%

But our love for our cars doesn’t stop at nicknames; almost half (49 percent) admit that they regularly talk to their car, with 55 percent going a step further and saying they talk more to their vehicle than to their loved ones.

10. Volt – 7%

Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, George Wallis, said: “Brits clearly have a real spark when it comes to naming their EVs, from Charge Clooney to Volty McVoltface, it’s great to see people forming such strong emotional connections with their EV vehicles.

13. Whisper – 5%

8. Charge Clooney – 7% 9. Precious – 7%

11. Ghost machine – 6% 12. Lighting – 6%

14. Hushmobile – 5% 15. Watts Up? – 4% 16. E-Motion – 4%

At Isuzu, we’re getting ready to plug an EV gap with the upcoming D-Max EV, the first ever, fully electric, fully capable pick-up. It’s designed to keep the power, toughness, and capability our owners love and conduct itself well in all conditions.”

17. AC/DC-Angelo – 4% 18. Zip – 4% 19. Jolt Travolta – 4%

With pre-sales due to begin later in 2025, the New Isuzu D-Max EV is the first fully electric pick-up in Europe to offer a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and full-time 4WD. The research also discovered that there are new rules of etiquette around charging points with ‘Don’t park in a charging spot if you’re not charging’ (44 percent), ‘Move your car as soon as it’s charged’ (43 percent), ‘Be patient while waiting for your car to charge’ (36 percent) and ‘Don’t unplug someone else’s car without asking’ (31 percent) all making the list.

And it seems that car charging points are perhaps surprising spots for finding romance, with more than half (53 percent) of people saying they are the

20. Silent but deadly – 3% 21. Chargezilla – 3% 22. Sparky McChargeface – 3% 23. Watt Smith – 3% 24. Zap Efron – 3% 25. Morgan Freecharge – 3% This research of 2,000 Brits was commissioned by Isuzu UK and conducted by Perspectus Global in March 2025.

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Hyundai CRATER Concept Makes Global Debut at AutoMobility LA 2025

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yundai Motor America presented the global debut of the CRATER Concept adventure vehicle during a press conference at AutoMobility LA 2025 in Los Angeles, California. CRATER Concept is a compact off-road SUV vehicle that visually expresses capability and toughness. It is a design exploration that captures the spirit of adventure. Inspired by extreme environments, the CRATER Concept was conceived at Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI) in Irvine, CA. The vehicle has been crafted with the spirit of XRT, including design elements that showcase protection and connectivity, as seen in Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 XRT, SANTA CRUZ XRT, and PALISADE XRT PRO production models.

Hyundai CRATER Concept

AutoMobility LA 2025

Design Highlights | Art of Steel

The CRATER Concept will be viewable throughout AutoMobility LA 2025 media days, as well as Los Angeles Auto Show public days from now until Sunday, November 30. CRATER Concept will be featured alongside Hyundai’s full range of awardwinning vehicles, including the all-new 2026 Palisade SUV, IONIQ 5 electric SUV, and newly announced IONIQ 6 N high-performance sport sedan.

The Art of Steel exterior design language transforms the strength and flexibility of steel into a language of sculptural beauty. Inspired by Hyundai Motor’s advanced steel technologies, the material’s natural formability reveals flowing volumes and precise lines that evoke the distinctive aesthetic quality of steel powerful, gentle and timeless.

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The rugged new CRATER Concept stands as a rolling embodiment of Hyundai’s commitment to designing even more versatility and emotion into future XRT models. But this concept is much more than that, too.

“CRATER began with a question: ‘What does freedom look like?’ This vehicle stands as our answer,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design. “It is a vision shaped by our unending drive to explore — to inspire our customers to explore deeper and embrace the impact of adventure.”

Exterior Design Theme: The Impact of Adventure

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CRATER Concept’s exterior design was guided by a clear goal: to shape a rugged and capable form that reflects the landscapes that it's inspired by.

This informed every detail — from the chiseled bodysides to the bold skid plates — resulting in a concept that visually communicates strength, resilience, and purpose.

A wide, functional skid plate stretches across CRATER Concept’s underbody, not only for added protection, but to visually anchor the vehicle. Its sheer surface and robust form express protection and capability.

Compact Concept’s Proportions

The roof platform is imagined as the ideal mounting point for auxiliary lighting, additional storage, and other off-road accessories.

CRATER Concept’s proportions reflect an adventurous spirit. Built on a compact monocoque architecture, CRATER Concept has been designed to go anywhere.

Adventurous Silhouette CRATER Concept is highlighted by its bold silhouette, complemented by its steep approach and departure angles which support serious offroad exploration.

Hexagonal Faceted Wheels CRATER Concept’s 18-inch wheels were inspired by envisioning a hexagonal asteroid impacting a sheer metal landscape, leaving a fractal crater in its aftermath. The design evokes an off-road spirit, blending ruggedness with precision. The wheels are clad in generous 33-inch off-road tires, enabling superior traction and ground clearance for performance in all environments.

Roof Platform

Limb Risers A pair of cables stretching from the front hood to the roof promise added protection from lowhanging branches on narrow and overgrown trails.

Sheer Fender Design A sheer fender design emphasizes CRATER Concept’s robotic and sculptural character through wide and prominent shoulders with sheer surfaces.

Pushed to the extreme, this design feature reinforces the vehicle’s confident, planted stance, showcasing Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ exterior design language.

Protective-Utility-Case-inspired Rocker Panel The rocker panels’ construction both suggest protection and utility, reinforcing the vehicle’s readiness for any terrain.

Wide Skid Plate Parametric Pixel and Indirect Lighting Farming

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CRATER Concept’s unique lighting signature is three-dimensional in form, creating a layered effect that adds depth and precision. Indirect lighting softly illuminates surrounding surfaces.

Off-Road Lights Auxiliary lights mounted on the roof feature Hyundai’s gradient parametric pixel theme.

Hidden Exterior Gems • •

Customizable Interface for Every Journey By leveraging a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approach, Hyundai suggests a flexible and customizable digital experience that adapts to various situations and individual user preferences.

Dynamic Head-Up Display CRATER Concept’s full-width head-up display is a cutting-edge, multi-function display that includes a novel rearview camera mirror feed.

One of CRATER Concept’s built-in recovery hooks performs double duty as bottle opener.

Crash Pad with Ambient Lighting

The vehicle’s side-mirror cameras double as flashlights. They can be removed from the vehicle in emergency situations to capture breathtaking views or even record exciting adventures.

The unconventional dashboard’s crash pad is shaped like a bent metal sheet, wrapping around the form. Subtle perforations allow soft light to glow through, creating a refined and distinctive aura unique to the concept.

Interior Design Language: The Curve of Upholstery The interior of the CRATER Concept has been designed for tech-savvy adventure seekers who prize rugged, function-first design and flexibility.

Inside the CRATER Concept, technical shapes are wrapped in soft-yet-durable materials, resulting in a stylish, natural integration that delivers comfort, support, and practicality in any environment.

Simultaneously tough yet warm, the CRATER Concept’s singular interior design starts with its high-brow crash pad, which bridges the vehicle’s exterior with its interior.

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Functional and Expressive Details Strap-inspired design elements are paired with ambient lights in an accent color. These details add energy and visual depth to CRATER Concept’s sturdy and practical character.

Structural Interior Expression A functional roll cage outlines the cabin, adding tension and strength, while integrated grab handles ease ingress and egress. This exposed structural element provides a reassuring feeling of safety, reinforcing that CRATER Concept is built for confident exploration and resilience.

| Motors Supportive Seating for Exploration CRATER Concept’s seats feature wraparound forms that are a departure from traditional bucket seats. These seats are combined with three-dimensional padding that provides stability and comfort during rugged journeys. Cylindrical cushions and a supportive headrest offer ergonomic comfort, while ample side bolsters stabilize the body during offroading. A four-point seatbelt system hints at enhanced restraint and safety in off-road scenarios.

Steering Wheel A center-mounted pixel display reimages driver interaction on the squared-off steering wheel, while terrain mode buttons suggest quick switching to Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT modes.

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First aid kit (passenger side)

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Fire extinguisher (driver side)

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Removable Bluetooth center console main speaker

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Hidden aperture light at the dashboard edge reveals a playful light signature

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Easy-to-reach cylinder-type center controls are mechanically linked to visual indicator lights

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CRATER MAN is a symbolic character integrated throughout the vehicle, offering playful storytelling through ‘hidden surprises’ and interactive design elements

Dune Gold Matte Color CRATER Concept’s green-gold matte exterior paint draws rich inspiration from California’s coastal terrain, where sun-faded sagebrush and golden grasses meet rugged cliffs and windswept canyons. Its modern, youthful edge hints at the adventurous spirit of surf culture, desert drives, and the outdoor lifestyle that defines Southern California experience. Pops of anodized orange on key touchpoints add contrast while imbuing a playful personality.

Black Ember Interior CRATER Concept’s interior material palette has been designed to withstand the demands of offroading through California's diverse landscapes.

Every texture and surface is made to be used, not just admired. This is a cabin ready for boots, sand, grit, and gear. Like a well-worn jacket, it will purposefully adapt and patina over time, molding itself to the journey while standing strong against the elements.

Off-Road Design Cues Accents of Orange The Hyundai CRATER Concept includes key functions for tackling rugged terrain and seeking new adventures. A tactile, gear-type multi-function Off-Road Controller has been designed for full and intuitive control, front and rear locking differentials, and traction and braking management — all part of the concept’s expressive off-road narrative. A terrain mode selector features SNOW, SAND, and MUD preset settings designed to suggest optimized performance across varied terrains.

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Downhill brake control

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Trailer brake control

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Compass

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Altimeter

Vibrant orange highlights inject energy and fun into the cabin while connecting the interior to the outdoor world by evoking memorable off-grid elements like desert sunsets and campfires.

Material Highlights A black leather base sets a neutral tone for the cabin, allowing a deeper connection with nature.

Black Alcantara adds a tactile, grounded feel that speaks to control and comfort in motion, subtly evoking California’s gritty sandstone. Brushed metal accents introduce a layer of industrial toughness, complementing the interior’s rugged yet refined aesthetic. Topographic patterns are etched into select surfaces, speaking to the very soul of off-road journeying, serving as a visual narrative of exploration and discovery.

Farming

READY TH E N E W I S UZ U D - MA X V- C ROSS CO M M E RCIAL

FOR DUTY VAT F U L LY R EC L A I M A B L E

10 0 % C A PI TA L A L LOWA N C E

ROA D TA X O N LY £ 3 4 5

B&B TRUCKS Castle Point Park, Staffordshire

STARTIN TRACTORS Ashby Road, Twycross

WWW.BANDBTRUCKS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01283 521 522

STARTINTRACTORS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01827 880 088

CULVERWELL CARS Robertsbridge, East Sussex

YORK VAN CENTRE Station Lane, York

CULVERWELL-ISUZU.CO.UK 01580 880 567

YORKVANCENTRE-ISUZU.CO.UK 01904 470 170

DUCKWORTH ISUZU London Road, Boston DUCKWORTH.CO.UK/ISUZU 01205 725 700

DRIVEN TO DO

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: 26.9 - 24.4 (10.5 - 11.6); Mid: 33.6 - 31.4 (8.4 – 9.0); High 39.2 - 37.2 (7.2 – 7.6); ExtraHigh 32.5 - 31.0 (8.7 - 9.1); Combined 33.6 - 31.4 (8.4 - 9.0). CO2 emissions 220 – 235g/km. Visit Isuzu.co.uk for more information.