➢ 35x 53 Performer tarp will cover 260 bales (120x70) stacked 8 high
➢ 15% is 39 bales with a loss of £1,300 @ £100/t
➢ Using Inland Tarps has a return on investment in the first year with the initial outlay of £939
➢ 38.5% profit on the investment year 1 (wheat straw at £135/t in Devon)
Average 7-8 year life expectancy
J-Hook Security
Super Cinch Tie Down System
Farming Farming
National
EDITOR
editor@farmingmonthly.com
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
editorial@farmingmonthly.com
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Shona Beedham
shona@farmingmonthly.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Mills
jennifer.mills@farmingmonthly.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Vicky Smith
vicky.smith@farmingmonthly.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com
PRODUCTION production@farmingmonthly.com Front cover credit: www.kingshay.co.uk
For editorial, general enquiries or to advertise please call +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com
Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537
UK based Digital Farming Magazine.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or publication. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as required and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies.
Full copyright applies. All rights reserved. ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital) Agriculture. Covered.
Borders family raise over £88,000 while shining light on suicide in Scottish farming
Personal imports ban factsheet
In April, the governmentbanned travellers from bringing all dairy and some meat productsinto Great Britain from the EU to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
This added to restrictions on the personal import of certain EU meat and dairy products that were already in place to prevent the introduction of African swine fever (ASF) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
The ban, which also prevents the introduction of other harmful animal diseases such as lumpy skin disease (LSD), remains in place to maintain the biosecurity of Great Britain and avoid a potentially catastrophic incursion of disease.
Ahead of the summer holidays, please find below a factsheet on the latest restrictions, as well as comments from Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman and UK Deputy Veterinary Officer Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro to supplement reporting.
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:
“Diseases such as foot and mouth disease, African swine fever and peste des petits ruminants present a potentially catastrophic risk to the UK’s farmers and food supply. This government will always do all it can to stop that from happening.
"Safety sometimes requires sacrifice, and so we have imposed restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports. These are essential to preventing the spread of disease and protecting the country.”
UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said:
“We extended restrictions on personal imports of EU food products following the rising risk of foot and mouth disease entering Great Britain.
“Foot and mouth, along with African swine fever and peste des petits ruminants, continues to present a significant risk to Britain’s food security and economy.
“I urge all travellers to follow the latest rules to help maintain the UK’s biosecurity and prevent a disastrous incursion of disease.”
Current restrictions
• Travellers are currently banned from bringing all dairy products and some meats from the European Union (EU) into GB. These restrictions aim to prevent the introduction of FMD and other harmful animal diseases such as ASF, PPR and LSD.
• It is illegal for travellers entering GB (not Northern Ireland) to bring with them lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.
• This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.
• The current restrictions wereintroduced in Aprilin response to rising cases of FMD in Europe, and to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Restrictions on travellers bringing back certain meat and dairy products were already in place to curb the spread of ASF and PPR in Europe.
• Travellers are also banned from bringing any meat, meat products, milk or milk-based products into GB from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
• Border Force will check for prohibited goods as part of customs checks. Travellers found with prohibited items must surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with such may be fined up to £5,000 in England or prosecuted across GB.
• The government continues to work closely with ports, airports and travel operators to raise awareness of the ban, including via prominent signage.
• The measures will stay in place until the personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB.
• The restrictions do not apply to travellers arriving into GB from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
• The measures apply only to personal imports, e.g. goods that travellers bring back with them from holiday. Commercial food imports must undergo other biosecurity requirements, including heat treatments and accompanying export health certificates signed by official veterinarians to mitigate the risk of diseases, such as FMD, ASF, PPR and LSD.
• More information for travellers arriving from the EU can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/bringing-foodinto-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products
Foot and mouth disease
• FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that can lame and, in some cases, kill cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
• FMD can be carried in animal products – including meat, dairy products and some processed food. The FMD virus can stay alive for months and can rapidly spread through contaminated objects and the movement of people.
• An outbreak of FMD in the UK could result in the culling of large numbers of the country’s livestock, and cost the UK economy billions of pounds in production shortfalls, lost trade and disease control. The FMD outbreak in GB in2001 is estimated to have cost £15 billion(in current prices) in disease control costs alone.
• FMD poses no risk to humans and there are currently no cases in the UK.
• Government experts have assessed the current risk of FMD entering the UK as medium.
Two-thirds of mega solar farms built on productive farmland, CPRE analysis reveals
Anew report from CPRE, the countryside charity, reveals that 59% of England's largest operational solar farms are located on productive farmland, while almost a third (31%) of the area they cover is classified as the nation's 'best and most versatile' (BMV) agricultural land.
The research examined the 38 operational solar developments that produce more than 30MW of energy. Despite national planning policy designed to protect high-quality farmland, more than half of these sites (53%) include BMV land, graded 1-3a under the official Agricultural Land Classification system.
CPRE's analysis found that across all operational sites, 827 hectares of BMV land has been covered by solar development. This area, equivalent to around 1,300 football pitches, includes 45 hectares of Grade 1 'excellent' land, 216 hectares of Grade 2 'very good' land and 566 hectares of Grade 3a 'good' land. A further 755 hectares of Grade 3b 'moderate' quality farmland is covered by solar panels.
Three operational solar farms – Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, Goosehall in East Cambridgeshire, and Black Peak Farm in South Cambridgeshire – are located entirely on BMV farmland.
The UK faces a huge challenge as it scales up solar capacity from 16.6 GW today to the government's target of 45-47 GW by 2030. Under current policy scenarios, 60-65% of this capacity could come from large-scale solar farms. These remove critical agricultural areas from food production for up to 60 years, potentially compromising the UK's food supply at a time of global uncertainty.
The concentration of high-quality farmland in eastern England has created a corresponding cluster of applications to build mega solar farms. Despite government projections that solar will cover only 0.4%
of UK land, the distribution is likely to be highly uneven. In the parliamentary constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham, for example, 7% of land is already covered by solar farms.
This approach to land use is short-sighted. Previous CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the roofs of suitable domestic and industrial buildings, as well as on car parks, could deliver 40-50 GW by 2035 and up to 117 GW by 2050.
CPRE is calling on the government to set a target for at least 60% of solar energy to come from rooftop solar, car parks and brownfield land, and to ban ground-mounted solar on Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land due to its scarcity.
The full report can be accessed here: https://www.cpre. org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Getting-solar-offthe-ground.pdf
CPRE campaigns lead and report author Jackie Copley said: 'The government's new Solar Roadmap sets out welcome ambition for rooftop solar deployment but does not go far – or fast – enough. CPRE's new analysis reveals a deeply concerning trend that threatens both rural landscapes and the UK's food supply.
'While there's common cause in achieving clean power, we must find solutions that unite rather than divide communities. The current approach, which has seen 59% of mega solar farms built on productive farmland, is short-sighted and wasteful. We're needlessly sacrificing irreplaceable agricultural land when rooftops, car parks, and brownfield sites could deliver even greater amounts of energy.
'This isn't just about protecting our countryside, it's about smart energy planning that brings people together around practical solutions that work for everyone.'
CPRE on the government's first year
Responding the government's first year in office, CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock said:
'In its first year, the Labour government has made encouraging steps toward addressing our housing crisis, including with the welcome commitment to building 180,000 social homes and a 'brownfield first' approach that prioritises previously developed land.
'However, significant concerns remain. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill threatens local democracy by reducing planning committees' powers, while the government's solar strategy risks needlessly sacrificing our best farmland for mega solar farms while rooftop solar remains neglected.
'The sequencing is all wrong. The ambition for a crossdepartmental Land Use Framework is great, but by the time it arrives we will have homes and infrastructure built in the wrong place. Our countryside faces unprecedented pressure to deliver homes, energy infrastructure, and environmental restoration simultaneously. None of this will be possible without a properly joined-up approach to land use.
'The government still has time to deliver a planning vision that serves the planet and people now and into the future. We urge ministers to think strategically about balancing the competing demands on our finite countryside, ensuring environmental protection isn't sacrificed for speed – or political expediency.'
Safer silage starts with smarter baling
As Farm Safety Week shines a spotlight on safer practices across the industry, one forage specialist is urging farmers to rethink how they wrap their round bales, not just for feed quality, but also for safety.
Lloyd Dawson, sales director at Silotite, explains that small changes can easily be made to make every day seasonal jobs safer and more efficient.
“Handling round bales might seem like second nature to most farmers and contractors, but it’s exactly these familiar tasks where complacency creeps in, increasing the risk of serious injury,” he says.
“We’ve seen how switching from traditional net wrap to net replacement film (NRF), such as Baletite, can significantly reduce those risks.
“Using film rather than net means bales can be more easily opened with a bale slice without the operator leaving the cab.”
When using NRF there is no need to climb out or get under the bale to remove netting, which is known to be one of the riskiest manoeuvres when handling up to a tonne of baled silage, particularly when working alone.
This also means there is less waste as the forage does not get caught in the netting, and the film is fully recyclable.
Beyond this, Mr Dawson says it makes bale stacking safer too.
“Bales bound and wrapped with film are more compact and uniform, which also helps when transporting and stacking,” he adds.
Safe stacking is crucial to prevent collapses that can cause serious injury or damage.
“When stacking round bales, we always recommend following HSE guidance: stack on level ground, no higher than three bales high and always use a stacking pattern that interlocks each layer to prevent movement,” explains Mr Dawson.
“The consistency and shape of a film-bound bale make this far easier to achieve.”
With farming consistently ranking among the most dangerous professions in the UK, small changes to routine tasks can make a big difference.
Using NRF not only improves forage quality and reduces waste, but also supports safer working practices, from the field to feed out.
A
thriving future for the nation's most iconic landscapes depends on resilient, productive upland farm businesses, declares a bold new NFU vision for the uplands.
The vision sets a course for long-term success and highlights how government and stakeholders can work in partnership with upland farmers – many of which are tenants – to deliver on nature and conservation targets, produce nutritious food for the nation, and safeguard the future of the family-run businesses at the heart of the rural economy.
It outlines a vision for:
• Upland farm business to be prosperous, resilient, diverse and innovative so they're able to support the environment and food production in tandem.
• Policy makers and upland farmers to work together to ensure farm businesses are fully recognised, valued, supported, and actively involved in shaping and delivering environmental outcomes.
• Recognition of the unique heritage and cultural value of upland landscapes as the backbone of proud, resilient rural communities where people live, work and visit.
• Upland farm businesses that deliver healthy ecosystems, climate mitigation and national environmental targets.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said:
"Upland farmers are the custodians of some of our most cherished landscapes. These landscapes, rich in cultural heritage, wouldn't be what they are without the farmers who've cared for them. You can't have 'sunlit uplands' without the people who made them that way.
Prosperous upland farms vital to UK’s iconic landscapes, says NFU vision NFU urges government to modernise food education in schools to improve future food security
The NFU is calling on the government to strengthen the UK's food security for the future by improving the quality of how food and farming is taught in schools.
With the curriculum under review for the first time in over a decade, the NFU is urging ministers to update subject content to better reflect the realities of modern farming and food production, particularly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects such as the popular GCSE Biology award.
Better education will not only support healthy, informed food choices from a young age, but also help close the skills gap by opening up new career pathways for young people at a time when the sector urgently needs skilled professionals in science, engineering and environmental management.
The NFU's key asks of the government as it carries out its review are:
1. An urgent review of GCSE Biology subject content and related subjects to better reflect food, farming and food security.
2. A commitment to improving the quality of food
"But the future of upland farming is under serious threat. The rapid decline in direct payments, uncertainty around the future of agri-environment schemes – which 49% of upland farm businesses are in2– and the impact of the family farm tax are putting their livelihoods at risk.
"Our vision sets out clear actions for how government and stakeholders can work with upland farmers to secure their future and protect the landscapes they manage. These farms produce climate-friendly food, deliver public goods like flood mitigation and nature recovery, and sit at the heart of rural economies. The roadmap is here, now we need targeted policies to unlock the full potential of upland farming."
education in all schools.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said:"The NFU is proud to call for an education system that gives the next generation a wider awareness of where their food comes from and the exciting career opportunities throughout the farm-to-fork journey.
"The government has repeatedly said that 'food security is national security'. If it truly believes that, now is the time to act. This curriculum review is a once-in-ageneration chance to improve how young people learn about food and farming, and we want to see that reflected across subjects like Biology, Geography and Food Technology."By improving the quality of food education now, we can secure a future where our children become the scientists, engineers and innovators who drive sustainable food production and environmental management.
"Young people deserve to leave school with a fair understanding of the many benefits British farming has to offer. We know this is a view shared both by teachers2and by tens of thousands of people across the country3who stand behind us too. It's time the curriculum caught up."
People consultant opportunity highlights change in agricultural sector
The agricultural industry is evolving and becoming more sophisticated through the integration of advanced technologies, datadriven decision-making, and sustainable practices. However, one key aspect is sometimes overlooked – the people to make it happen.
Recognising this, REAL Success is recruiting a new People Consultant to help drive leadership, HR support, and workforce development across UK agriculture at a time of innovation and change in the sector.
This opportunity demonstrates a growing focus on workforce development and education, reflecting a shift towards a more future-ready sector. The increasing demand for comprehensive HR, leadership, and management support in the farming sector reflects a growing awareness that the wellbeing of farm staff is crucial to the overall success and sustainability of the industry.
By bringing on a dedicated People Consultant, alongside its team of partners across the UK, REAL Success is investing in resources to foster a healthier, more productive work environment on farms across the UK.
“REAL Success is the UK’s only specialist consultancy offering a unique combination of recruitment, people development, HR support, and training exclusively to the agricultural sector,” says Founder and Managing Director Paul Harris. “And as demand for our work continues to grow, we’re looking for someone to join the team and grow with us.
“They will be joining a supportive team that cares about making a difference, not just on paper, but in the day-to-day lives of people who keep UK agriculture running.”
Working alongside Paul Harris and the REAL Success team, this full-time role directly responds to the growing demand for more support to farmers, from family liaison and succession planning to team dynamics, leadership and management training, and recruitment services.
"People are the heart of agriculture. Investing in their growth and well-being improves productivity and ensures a sustainable future for the industry," says Mr Harris. "Our new People Consultant will help us meet the increasing demand for HR and leadership support, enabling farms to thrive."
To apply or find out more, please visit People Consultant - Hybrid - REAL Success or contact James Harris on james.harris@real-success. co.uk
HIGH ENTRY FOR THE 2025 BRITISH PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Organisers of the British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival have announced a high number of entries for this year’s event, set to take place on 11th and 12th October 2025 at Allesley, near Coventry, West Midlands.
Over 240 of the country’s top ploughmen and women are all eager to compete for National titles with some also trying to win the chance to represent their country at next year’s World and European Ploughing Contests. This year’s strong turnout reflects growing interest in traditional and competitive ploughing, with entries spanning across a number of categories, from vintage tractors and horsedrawn ploughs to the more modern conventional and reversible classes.
“We are thrilled with the level of interest this year,” said Stephen Cheeseman, Chairman of the Society of Ploughmen. “It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Championships and the skill, passion and heritage behind the sport of ploughing.”
The Championships is a very traditional event and is held in a different part of the country each year and this time it will be held on a huge 100 hectare site which has been provided by the Brandreth Family and the Sir Thomas White Trust.
The two-day event will not only feature the country's best ploughing talent but will also host a large stand area on grass with agricultural companies selling everything you might need on a farm, from a spanner to a tractor; and a wide variety of shopping and craft stalls with everything you would expect to see at a country show.
There will also be demonstrations of steam ploughing engines and of new farm machinery; and displays of vintage tractors and equipment, so it’s a unique chance for visitors to see how farming has changed over hundreds of years, in a working environment.
While entries for ploughing are now closed, bookings remain open for trade stands, demonstrations, shopping, and crafts. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to industry leaders. This year’s main sponsors are Bridgestone/Firestone. Although ploughing entries have closed, bookings are still open for trade stands, demonstrations, shopping and crafts and there are also sponsorship opportunities available for both small companies or market leaders. Main sponsors this year are Bridgestone/Firestone.
The Championships promises to be a great day out and discounted advanced tickets are now on sale with early bird discounts available for a limited time. Further information can be found on www.ploughmen.co.uk
AHDB takes next steps in finding a solution to the farm data challenge
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has commissioned a proof-of-concept project as part of its ongoing work to find a solution to farm data sharing. The project aims to demonstrate a technical solution which puts farmers and levy payers in control of their data and how it is shared.
Focusing on environmental data to begin with, the proof of concept aims to show how farmers can share data from existing sources such as British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), processor data and feed data with a commercial carbon calculator for the purpose of conducting a greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment.
Adam Short, AHDB Data Programmes Associate Director, said: "More data than ever is being collected, recorded and shared by farmers – be it for themselves, the supply chain, regulatory or wider purposes. Increased demand for data raises questions about ownership and control, data
security and the value and benefits of sharing such information.
"AHDB has been engaging extensively with industry on the topic of data sharing and data governance over the last 12 months. We have also engaged with organisations around the world who have already successfully implemented farmer-led solutions for data sharing. Farmer trust for any potential system is paramount and is at the forefront of our minds as we move forward with the proof of concept."
Initial stages of the project will gather permissions for the various data access and sharing requirements and clearly outline their uses and limits. For example, farmer and processor permissions will be needed to gain processor data, and farmer and Rural Payments Agency (RPA) permission will be needed to gain BCMS data. Work will then begin on a system that will connect these data sources, and the data uses eg carbon calculators. At the heart of the system will be a permission centre which will be co-designed and tested by 15 farmers taking part in the project. The aim is this system will demonstrate real farmer control of data sharing.
Sarah Bell, Farmer and member of Farm Data Principles, said: "The pressure on farmers to add value by supplying production information due to legislation is inevitably going to increase. I am delighted that AHDB is working towards building a solution that helps farmers to supply this data once, in a time efficient way and use the data for multiple purposes. The work of Farm Data Principles is seeking to encourage all end users of farm data to be honest and transparent about how they use that data. Both our work and that of AHDB aims to put trust and accuracy at the heart of data processing and wherever possible save farmers time and effort."
As well as working with a small group of farmers on the proof of concept, AHDB plans to engage more widely with farmers and industry stakeholders to ensure levy payer voices are heard and any concerns or suggestions are considered. If you would like to contribute, emailenvironmentaldata@ahdb.org.uk
For more information on the importance of the data challenge and AHDB's work so far in this area, visit:ahdb.org.uk/the-environmental-datachallenge
North Devon Biosphere secures sawmill to support farmers and landowners with productive woodland management
Farmers and landowners across North Devon can now manage their woodlands more productively by using a sawmill secured by North Devon Biosphere.
The Norwood HD38 Lumbermax sawmill was subsidised through the Rural England Prosperity Fund via North Devon Plus and is now available to hire by woodland owners across the region to process their own timber.
Training at RHS Rosemoor was provided by Andy Dudley from East Midlands-based Global Machinery Solutions. He demonstrated how the sawmill can handle logs up to 95cm diameter using the hydraulic lift and precisely mill wood to required thicknesses.
Andy said: “Sawmilling is a sustainable way for farmers and landowners to produce their own timber for fencing, outbuildings. It can also produce additional income if sold as building supplies or furniture making for example.
“Global Machinery Solutions sells a range of sawmills – however, the HD38 can handle the largest logs ideal for professionals and hobbyists to make the most out of their timber. It’s fantastic to see Devon woodland owners being encouraged to learn this new skill to benefit their land and local environment.”
Andy Bell, North Devon Biosphere’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We believe 50% of the forest areain the region is not being managed, which is putting its long-term health and resilience at risk. However, having the Norwood sawmill now means we can now support more effective woodland management which is a real gamechanger for us.
“We’re looking forward to working with famers and landowners throughout this exciting new scheme and grateful to Global Machinery Solutions for their invaluable and continued support.”
To find out more about hiring the sawmill, email NaturalCapital@devon. gov.uk - or visit globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk/ brands/Norwood to view the full Norwood sawmill range.
T Farmer by name, farmer by nature
urning her back on a professional curling career has helped Beth Farmer have a clean sweep of her wellbeing
FOR somebody who has only just turned 25, Beth Farmer has already managed to fit an awful lot into her young life.
Coming from a farming family there can be no skirting around her hugely appropriate surnameshe was out lambing when her call-up came in 2022 for the Scottish national curling team.
Positive covid tests by more established players saw this young athlete out lambing in the morning and then, within 24 hours, landing in Canada for the World Women’s Curling Championships.
“Of course, it was a really exciting time,” recalls Beth, who says she fell into the sport because of her mother’s sister marrying into a keen curling family.
“I used to go to the local rink with my cousins as I was growing up and then started competing and getting picked for extra coaching.”
Beth, who grew up on a Kinross farm, was very much on a pathway towards the 2026 Olympics but decided to step off the rollercoaster of elite competition.
“I think the general public probably has no idea the kind of pressure athletes at that level are under,” explains Beth.
“It’s hard for everyone, but working within farming it was so difficult to keep other job options going alongside. Coaches kept encouraging us to keep up with careers remotely -jumping on a laptop between training sessions - but you can’t really do that when you are a shepherd!
“We were training five days a week during the day and that just couldn’t work with the farming lifestyle. Farming’s a job that you are either all in, or all out. You can’t just be dipping your toe in when there is livestock involved.”
Although it was a tough decision, Beth says returning to shepherding full-time was without any doubt the right move for her.
“It was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders,” says Beth.
“I still keep up with friends that curl at elite level but leaving that world behind has opened up all sorts of new opportunities and I am so much happier.”
Throwing herself into the young farmers’ club movement has helped plug the gap left by Beth’s exit from competitive sport.
She is current chairperson of Kinross JAC and was runner-up in the prestigious 2024 Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Young Farmer of the Year competition. Her club has named Farmstrong Scotland as its chosen worthy cause for the year and the organisation’s focus on physical, mental, and social wellbeing is something Beth, who has switched from freelance shepherding to working full time at Parks of Aldie Farm, is keen to promote.
“Rather than the girl who curls, I now want to be known for just being me and it’s been exciting to figure out who that is,” she explains.
“Stepping up in young farmers has been a big help in making that transition and I have been determined to take every opportunity that presents itself.”
Following on from her success in the Young Farmer of the Year competition, Beth secured a place on the SAYFC 2025 Agri & Rural Affairs StudyTourand come November will be jetting off on a two-week learning trip to Texas.
Closer to home and Beth has put her love of running to good use. Earlier this year she completed the Inverness Half Marathon to raise funds for SAYFC’s Big Build campaign to create a new national headquarters. She kept putting her best foot forward closer to home by encouraging local YFC members to ‘Run to Norfolk’ in aid of Farmstrong.
The idea came about because of an exchange with Diss Young Farmers’ Club in Norfolk, with members sponsored to clock up the equivalent of the 386 miles between the two clubs within a couple of weeks of intensive running around the local area.
“It’s been great to see people, some of whom hadn’t run before or who said they hated it, coming out and getting behind this Farmstrong fundraiser,” says Beth.
“It didn’t matter if they only wanted to walk to start off with, we all did it as clubmates and soon started knocking the miles off the more people got into it. It’s great to think some of those that got involved will carry on and keep running.”
Beth says the club running nights pushed people out of their comfort zones. She believes very strongly that the covid pandemic had a negative impact on all young people; but especially those who missed out on joining up and getting involved.
“I was that little bit older – my generation missed things like 21st birthday parties – but those younger ones never really got started socialising. Their school lessons went online and there was no making new friends at young farmers. It has definitely taken them longer to get involved and really start interacting. It’s been brilliant to see them coming onboard and getting more confident and sociable. The running really seemed to help get a good team spirit going.”
Money is still coming in for the run, but around £800 was raised.
“Supporting Farmstrong is really important to me,” says Beth. “Like a lot of people I heard about the farmers from New Zealand who came over to Scotland to talk about Farmstrong.
“Two of the things they spoke aboutconnectivity and exercise - really work for my own wellbeing.
“With curling being a team sport I always had company when I was playing or training. However, once I went back to shepherding I had to push myself out of my own space. I hadn’t stepped foot in a gym since my funded sessions ended but now I’m going three or four times a week on my own terms. I’ve met people from all walks of life - neither curling or farming - and we are like a wee family. Rather than learning from team coaches I’m learning from people from all sorts of different backgrounds and it’s great to talk about other things.”
With her family’s farm being sold, Beth has made a complete switch from helping at home and freelance shepherding to committing to full-time employment, a role which involves looking after 950 mule ewes.
“Giving up that control of being self-employed made me feel uneasy at first,” reveals Beth. “But actually it’s great to be part of a team and have the security of a regular wage.
“Ambition wise, I just want to take every opportunity that comes my way and keep learning; maybe making it to head shepherd one day. Of course, I would love my own farm, but I’ve learnt from curling that you can spend all your time fixed on the future and forget to enjoy the here and now.”
Trio & Tested: Three simple steps that helped Beth Farmer on the path to better wellbeing: Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Beth nearly didn’t enter Young Farmer of the Year but ended up taking the runner-up spot, meeting lots of new people and going on to successfully apply for a place on a study tour to Texas.
Live in the moment. Much of Beth’s early life was spent following rigid training programmes and preparing for competitions many months in advance. She has found it liberating to live her new life more spontaneously.
Connect with people from all walks of lives. Spending time with people away from the worlds of either curling or farming has been good for Beth’s wellbeing. She has learnt a lot from interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launch search for 2026 Ambassador
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society are looking to appoint a new Ambassador for 2026 to help support officeholders in promoting and meeting the aims of the Society.
The voluntary role will shadow the 2025 Ambassador at this year’s County Show and other Society events. They will also play an important role in the promotion of the work of the Society, the agricultural industry and rural life in Pembrokeshire.
The role was awarded to Alys Owens during last year’s show. Alys works for Castell Howell and lives in Haverfordwest. Alys is an active member of Llysyfran YFC and was Club Secretary last year, for which she was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. She is a cornet player for Goodwick Brass Band.
Tim Johns, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President, said, “The Ambassador role is an important one. In order to fulfil the role successfully the applicant must have excellent communication skills and an enthusiasm to carry out required duties. Knowledge of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show is desirable.”
Anyone aged between 18 and 30 and residing in Pembrokeshire can apply for the role. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview from 7pm on Tuesday, 19 August, at the County Show office. The successful applicant will receive an allowance of £200 and membership of the Society for three years.
Those interested in applying for the position will need to complete the online application form by the deadline at noon on Sunday, 17 August 2025: Show Ambassador | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society
*Previous Ambassador role holders are not eligible to apply.
Capital grants: "Educational farm visits key part of sustainability puzzle"
The government has announced on Thursday 3 July that farmers can benefit from £150 million in new funding via a new round of Capital Grants.
This is set to fund a wide range of on-farm projects – from tree planting and flood prevention to improved slurry storage and water filtration.
The government said that new items have also been added including assessing woodland condition, creating wildfire management plans, repairing drystone walls and hosting educational visits.
Soil Association Head of Farming Policy Gareth Morgan said:“Farmers need the support of both the government and the British public to make the changes necessary to transform the UK farming system to a profitable one that allows nature to thrive. So we are delighted to see capital grants reinstated for educational visits on farms. We know from the farms andFood for Lifeschools we work
with that when people better understand the realities of farming and the beauty of UK wildlife, they want to support nature-friendly farmers. Reconnecting people with where their food comes from is a vital piece of the sustainability puzzle.
“The renewal of funding for capital grants is also an encouraging sign that the government is committed to reopening an improved Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. Today’s news should give farmers a much needed boost in confidence that the government is still backing the nature-friendly farming plans so many farmers were making before the SFI closed. It also puts tree planting and hedgerow restoration back on the table after support for agroforestry was paused, which is a great result for farm resilience and nature. Defra must next ensure the SFI is revamped and reopened swiftly, and that both the SFI and capital grants are used to spark a true transformation to agroecological and organic practices across entire farms all around all around the country.”
The Wildlife Trusts' response to UK Government food strategy, England
UK Government has set out its food strategy for England. The strategy is clear that climate change, nature loss and environmental degradation present chronic risks to our food security.
With almost 70% of England farmed, we must tackle the nature and climate crises across the agricultural landscape if we are to build resilient and sustainable farming businesses fit for the future. As The Wildlife Trusts' vision for the future of farming -Food & Farming in the Nature & Climate Crises–highlights, the mechanisms to drive this much-needed shift to nature-positive farming exist across the supply chain, government policy and technology. Now is therefore the time to realise the ambition required across government departments to support this nature-positive transition.
Barnaby Coupe, senior land use policy manager at The Wildlife Trusts, says:"We welcome the Government's ambition for a sustainable and resilient food system, recognising that transforming our approach to food is critical to tackling climate change, nature loss and environmental degradation.
This is a key step towards achieving climate, biodiversity and environmental protections, unlocking opportunities to boost our nation's resilience and health, as well as creating thriving rural economies in the process. We now need rapid work across government departments, looking beyond the farm gate to bring healthy sustainable diets, fairer food supply chains and resilient nature friendly farming to life."
Food Strategy: Government backs local supply chains to deliver healthy food – but action still needed on UPF
The Soil Association has welcomed the government's new vision to use local supply chains to support healthy and sustainable diets in its food strategy – but has called for more action on ultraprocessed diets.
The Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner unveiled plans to back sustainable and local food production and make British diets healthier.
The Soil Association is currently running acampaigncalling for the government to use its food strategy to make whole and minimally processed foods more accessible and affordable – an ask nearly 20,000 people have backed in a petition.
Today's announcement takes one step towards making this a reality with government recognition of the importance of food culture and connecting people via local food partnerships - and with the minister speaking from a vibrant hub of Bradford'sSustainable Food Placesinitiative.
Support for partnerships such as this are a key ask of the Soil Association's ongoing campaign - and the charity is calling for government's next steps to include backing the Food for Life schools programme as a way of supporting local supply chains.
ThroughFood for Life Served Here, caterers are already meeting the vision set out by government today by driving up demand for British-grown, seasonal, and responsibly produced food – while also helping children to eat well.
However, the Soil Association remains concerned that the ultra-processed food industry is having too great an influence and may prevent this vision from being truly transformative.
Today's announcement comes just a few months after a Soil Associationinvestigationrevealed that the previous government backed down from its plans to encourage promotional deals on healthy, minimally processed foods after pressure from the Food and Drink Federation, which represents major UPF manufacturers.
The Soil Association was therefore hoping to see the new government act on ultra-processed foods – which make up two-thirds of British diets – via its food strategy.
But the charity remains concerned that the ultraprocessed food industry, which is heavily involved in the Food Strategy Advisory Board, is having too much of an influence on health policy.
Soil Association Campaign Co-ordinator Cathy Cliff said:"It is brilliant to see the government speaking from a market to give its support for local food partnerships with recognition that British diets need to change. This is a clear sign of the change government wants to see, which we very much welcome, and we hope to see policies coming from this vision that support short, sustainable, healthy supply chains like those being championed by Food for Life and Sustainable Food Places.
"But the government's vision for good food ignores the ultra-processed elephant in the room. This is perhaps unsurprising given the involvement of the UPF industry in today's announcement and after our recent investigation found the UPF lobby blocked the previous government's attempts to push shops to discount on minimally processed and whole foods.
"We can see from the government's vision and from recent action to roll out more free school meals that they want to support us to eat more fruit and veg. But we need them to do more to tackle the ultra-processed diet crisis by explicitly backing the minimally processed and whole foods we know are truly good for us. We cannot transform diets with a vision that doesn't prioritise healthy, fresh foods and ignores the way UPFs impact our health by displacing them."
Public support for action on ultra-processed foods
So far, nearly 20,000 people have signed the Soil Association's petition calling for the government to make minimally processed and whole foods accessible and affordable.
Also, in March 2025, the Soil Association surveyed public opinions on ultra-processed foods and lobbying tactics by the industry. Surveying a nationally representative sample size of more than 2,000 people, the charity found that most – just under 70% – people think more affordable whole and minimally processed foods would make it easier for everyone to eat healthy food.
In contrast less than two per cent of people said they "completely trust" food corporations to provide advice around healthy eating, with around half of survey respondents saying they do not trust them at all.
Welcome support for healthy food partnerships
The Soil Association welcomes the government's announcement, and the charity is particularly pleased to see recognition that health, sustainability, biodiversity and animal welfare need to go hand in hand. The government also set out its vision for improving the UK's food culture with connection to local food systems, such as Sustainable Food Places.
Cathy added: "It is great to see the government recognising the importance of local supply chains and their role in building resilience while helping people to eat well. We look forward to seeing how this vision aligns with the farming policies that the government is also working on. We also welcome government recognition of the importance of ensuring people have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily and we urge the government to roll out a wholeschool approach to good food and back Food for Life which is already helping millions of children to eat better in schools. In Bradford, where today's announcement was made, Food For Life Served Here is helping the local council to serve 30,000 meals per day across 115 sites. This gives children a healthy and sustainable meal every day, with caterers cooking fresh food from scratch, serving British meat and buying regionally and seasonally to support Bradford 's local food economy."
T UK agriculture has “nothing more to give” in US trade negotiations
he UK farming sector has made it clear to government that it can shoulder no more pain on behalf of other sectors of the economy, as trade talks with the USA continue.
Delivering a united message, UK farmers said further agricultural concessions would cripple an already hard-pressed farming and growing sector which had already "done its bit" on trade with Washington.
It comes amidst serious concerns that the US will demand even greater access to the UK agricultural market in return for reducing or removing the additional 10% tariffs applied by President Trump earlier this year. A key concern is that this could include concessions for USagri-food items that have been produced using methods that are illegal here, and fail to meet the UK's high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.
At an extraordinary board meeting convened by the NFU, comprising of elected farmer and grower representatives across food-producing sectors, it was made clear that UK farming can give no more without suffering serious impacts on its own viability3.The board concluded that the deal UK-US agreed in May is the most the agriculture sector can carry.
This deal saw the UK livestock and arable sectors taking the hit in order to reduce significant tariffs on other sectors of the economy such as cars, steel and aluminium. At the time, the NFU recognised that this was a necessary burden to bear to protect the wider UK economy, but warned the agricultural sector could not shoulder any more as negotiations continued.
Now, the NFU is calling for a commitment that agriculture will not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations to reduce the remaining 10% tariffs and is asking the government to be prepared to walk away rather than risk our domestic food and farming sector.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:"It's understandable that the UK government wants to eliminate the 10% tariffs on all goods going to the US, but we have to ask – what is the cost?
"The US has made it crystal clear that they want greater access to our market for their agricultural produce, and it is not afraid to throw its weight around to get what it wants. But the UK agriculture sector has already done its bit, paying with access to our beef and ethanol markets to reduce tariffs on cars, aluminium and steel. We have nothing more to give.
"It's worth noting that our government has upheld its side of the deal announced in May, with legislation now in place to allow this additional access for American imports of beef and ethanol. Yet the US is dragging its feet to uphold its side of the bargain with no sign of the promised access to the US beef market.
"No one has been able to agree a deal which removes these 10% tariffs. We cannot continue to barter away critical sectors such as food production in pursuit of tariff reductions which may never materialise and that simply take us back to where we were before "Liberation Day".
"Our government has stood firm so far to protect our most sensitive farming sectors and to safeguard our high welfare, environmental and food safety standards. It has to continue to do so by taking further agricultural concessions off the negotiating table, or we run the serious risk of crippling our country's ability to produce its own food and undermining our food production values.
"And if push comes to shove and the US doesn't accept this, I hope our government would prioritise its own farming sector – the foundation of our nation's food security – over any further deal with the US, even if it means accepting the 10% tariffs."
Virtual fencing project off to good start on four Monitor Farms
The Monitor Farm Scotland virtual fencing project is well underway on four Monitor Farms, with farmers reporting positive experiences so far, despite some initial scepticism about the technology and how it would work in a commercial situation.
The four farms involved – Argyllshire, South Ayrshire, Stirlingshire and Strathspey – have 25 collars apiece from Norwegian specialist Monil and are testing them in their herds to assess the costbenefit in a two-year project.
So far, the farms have fitted the solar-powered collars, have trained their cattle to turn away when they hear the collar's signal for the virtual fence, and are using it to manage their grazing on the uplands and hills. The virtual fence is set using an app; the fence, individual animal location and movement, plus any escapees, are visible in the app. Fences can be moved and any breakouts managed remotely, with notifications sent when cattle don't move for a certain period.
in 5ha rotational paddocks on a 120ha upland hill. "We did have a mass break-out at one point, but we were able to manage it remotely and get everyone back. The system is like another set of eyes on the cattle, and it offers more reassurance and insight into cow behaviour too."
On the South Ayrshire Monitor Farm, cattle in the project are grazing areas of their hill which haven't been eaten by cattle for more than 20 years. John and David Andrew believe this will improve their grazing across their 450ha of hill land at Blair. David adds: "The collars and app make locating cattle much easier – we could spend hours looking for them in the past."
Coll-based farmer and former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright has been using the system for 18 months and discussed his experience at a Monitor Farm Gathering at the Royal Highland Show. Of the farm's 1,800ha, only a third was usually grazed, but the collars will mean that has and will continue to change, he said.
The Duncan family, Stirlingshire Monitor Farmers, are using the collars on cows on their hill farm at Inveruglas, which runs to 3,000ft and is 30 miles from their home farm. Bruce Duncan says: "We have been quite impressed at being able to locate the cattle and move them remotely. Our aim is to get them to graze in areas they wouldn't normally go to, and we are also going to see if we can use the cows and virtual fencing to tackle some areas of bracken infestation."
Islay Monitor Farmer Craig Archibald says he had some initial challenges as his cows were trained on the hill, which meant there was no physical barrier to help with the process, but after cattle were trained, it has been 'pretty good'. "It's working well, and I've been able to put the cattle on rough ground where they haven't been before. I've also got sheep grazing with them."
For Strathspey Monitor Farmer Calum Smith, virtual fencing means he can now graze his heifers
The system had allowed them to graze cattle tightly to tackle bracken, to exclude them from environmentally sensitive or dangerous areas, and may allow them to increase cattle numbers. He added that he and his son had been continuing their multi-paddock grazing system while away at the show. "We've been managing the cattle from afar, moving them into new paddocks every day."
Christine Cuthbertson, Monitor Farm Scotland regional advisor who is running the virtual Fencing project, said: "This is a really exciting project, and may transform the business of keeping cows in Scotland's hills and uplands. We will be assessing the cost-benefit over the next two years and will also be reporting the positives and challenges our four Monitor Farms find with the technology.
"It was great to hear what Rob is doing as he has been using the system for a while, and it's interesting to hear the changes the Monitor Farms are already planning to make in their businesses, only a few months into this project," she said.
Equestrian brandHarry Hallhas announced a record-breaking year, achieving 33 percent revenue growth in its 2024–25 financial year. The company's dual focus on retail and insurance has driven standout results, including over £1 million in additional retail revenue and arranging insurance cover for more than 100,000 horses and their owners across the UK.
This marks the third consecutive year of record growth for the business, which continues to expand its reach through the Harry Hall One Club - a growing community of horse owners and riders. Membership rose by 18 percent year-on-year, reflecting the brand's commitment to making horse ownership more affordable and accessible.
In a first for the industry, One Club members can now access rider fracture cover, helping equestrians manage the cost of treatment following an injury - part of Harry Hall's mission to provide practical, real-world support to the equestrian community.
Liz Hopper, Managing Director at Harry Hall, said: "We're proud to have achieved significant financial success this year. The Harry Hall team is committed to going beyond surface level to understand the challenges facing our equestrian community to ensure we have a genuine impact on reducing costs surrounding horse ownership.
"This year, we launched the inaugural Harry Hall Horse Census with the aim to deep dive into how horse riders
and owners are navigating economic challenges and the impact on horse ownership. As a result, we're working with insurers to develop a range of new products specifically designed to address the evolving needs of the equestrian community."
On the retail side,HarryHall.comsaw a surge in customer spending, with nearly £1 million more spent year-on-year as the company's in-house designed Harry Hall riderwear and Masta horse rugs continue to grow in popularity nationwide.
Harry Hall also deepened its social impact by naming Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) as its official charity partner for 2025. This follows a successful year supporting Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines (SAFE), which received over £10,000 in donations and products.
Beyond the equestrian world, the Harry Hall team recently volunteered at the West End Centre's community allotment in Bradford, supporting a charity that promotes inclusion and skill-building for disadvantaged residents.
"We're proud to support causes that align with our values," added Liz. "Whether it's through insurance, retail, or community work, we're committed to making a positive impact."
For more information about Harry Hall, its product range, and One Club membership, visitwww. harryhallinsurance.com
AHDB to host conference exploring retail trends and consumer perceptions of farming
Farmers, processors, retailers and industry stakeholders are invited to access key industry insightat an upcoming conference hosted by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
The meat and dairy focussed consumer conference will be held on 16 October, and alongside their insight partners, AHDB will showcase the changing consumer landscape, picking out key trends that are impacting the wider supply chain in the agricultural sector to help the industry maximise future growth opportunities.
Steve Evans, AHDB's Lead Consumer Insight Manager, said: "Building on the success of last year's conference, we're excited to share even more research and insights at another face-to-face event this October."
97% said the event improved their knowledge, and 81% of attendees said they would potentially make changes to their business/work within a business as a result of what they heard from AHDB at the 2024 consumer insight conference.
One 2024 attendee said: "Great thought-provoking content and with a variety of stakeholders gathered
to generate useful debate."
This autumn, AHDB's Retail and Consumer Insight team will be taking an in-depth look at consumer trust in British farming and sharing the latest consumer perspectives on health and nutrition.
Fresh insight from their summer analysis around consumer views on sustainability will be discussed, as well as a bespoke study into reinventing the milk aisle and a look at dairy trends in foodservice. AHDB's new primary research on the meat shopper journey will be shared, with that research picking out key opportunities and challenges linked to changing in-store meat shopping behaviours.
There will also be panel discussions, in addition to meat and dairy breakout sessions and opportunities for networking and delegate questions.
Steve added: "Our sessions will delve into the reasons behind consumers' perceptions, not only informing attendees on current consumer food trends, but more importantly how this might affect future meat and dairy demand."
To learn more and sign up for the conference, visit:https://ahdb.org.uk/events/retail-and-consumerinsight-conference-2025
First harvest report of 2025 is earliest for at least 19 years due to long dry spell
Long dry spells in the spring and recent hot temperatures mean that harvest is off to the fastest start since at least 2006 (earliest available harvest report), with multiple reports of winter barley being cut in June.
The first harvest report of the 2025/26 season, covering the beginning of harvest up to 09 July 2025, is released today. Produced with data collected by The Andersons Centre and compiled by AHDB, the report is based on a sample survey of farmers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and will provide figures on harvest progress throughout the harvest season.
Due to a band of heavy rainfall during the weekend of 05-06 July, there was a slight pause in combining, though harvest pace has since picked up. Winter barley harvest is progressing rapidly, owing to the dry weather either side of 05-06 July. However, progress is highly variable both within and between regions. Of those surveyed across the UK, 10 per cent of winter barley crops are reported to have been harvested.
While some oilseed rape has now been cut, no progress was reported by participants in this survey. Reports of yields in the earliest cut oilseed rape have been encouraging, though variable.
Due to the hot temperatures forecast for the coming days, growers are warned to be mindful of temperature claims when going into stores, so they do not incur cooling charges or even face a load being rejected, because its temperature is greater than 25 degrees.
Overall, it is estimated that 10 per cent of the UK winter barley area was harvested by 09 July 2025. This is ahead of the same time last year when harvest was 7 per cent complete, and the five-year average of 6 per cent complete at this point in the season.
Harvest is expected to continue progressing well in the coming fortnight, with winter barley harvesting already complete for some farms. There will now be a gap for many before winter wheat harvest starts, while some will move straight into harvesting oilseed rape.
"Given that we are at an early stage in the season, and that weather has been variable in the approach to harvest, there will inevitably be variation in farms across the country. As can be expected, some regions have only seen minimal progress at this point. As such, early yield data may well be skewed and should not be considered representative of the whole country. Information on quality is also limited at this point."
So far, progress has only been recorded in the Eastern and South Eastern regions in this survey. However – anecdotally- harvest has begun in other regions too. In the Eastern region, 38 per cent of winter barley is reported to have been harvested. This ranges from some farms that are yet to start to others who have now finished. In the South East, 19 per cent of the crop has been harvested.
For farms further North and West, harvest is expected to start early next week.
Straw volumes are proving a challenge so far this season, with some noticeably short crops due to the prolonged warm and dry weather.
Yields of winter barley have been reported as positive, despite the dry weather seen during the latter stage of crop development. Reported UK yields averaged 6.9 t/ha, up 2 per cent on the five-year average. Reported yields range from 6.8-7.0 t/ha. However, it can be expected that these figures will change as more data is collected.
Regarding quality, there is currently limited quality data available. More information will be published in the next harvest report, however initial specific weights in the Eastern region are good and are as high as 70 kg/hl in some areas. No issues with nitrogen levels have been reported. Moisture levels of crops harvested to date have averaged 13.6 per cent.
This is the first report of 2025. The second report of 2025 is scheduled for release on Friday 25 July.
Proceed
Proceed is a whole new category of seeding machinery. With an unmatched level of precision, it works with full capacity to fit every farmer’s needs. This one machine can increase the yield potential of a full range of crops, such as cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, peas, maize and more. Proceed simply offers more than any previous seeding machine, making farmers ready for a fast-changing future. One Machine. Many possibilities.
P Precision RTK-guidance transforms inter-row hoeing
recision RTK guidance has transformed the speed, accuracy, ease and effectiveness of inter-row hoeing on an arable farm in Suffolk which operates the latest Fendt tractors with VarioGuide RTK. Accurate to +/-2cm, the system on the 942 Vario is used to direct drill cereal crops in bands with a 6m Claydon Evolution, while that on the 724 Vario guides a 6m Claydon TerraBlade which is steered automatically using the tractor’s front wheels.
the standard 150mm-wide scalping blades sliced through the soil removing weeds between the seeded bands but leaving the crop intact. Operating at up to 12km/h, depending on field and soil conditions, it averaged 6 – 7 ha/hr, almost double the previous figure, and caused no damage, even at Growth Stage 32. All cereal crops on the Claydon farm are virtually weed-free, and the shallow soil mulch created by the blades helped to retain moisture.
“Our previous drill tractor had only basic RTK, so the TerraBlade had to be manually steered, which restricted forward speed but still reduced weed numbers by 65%70%” says Jeff Claydon. “VarioGuide RTK takes interrow hoeing to the next level and this season we used it on over 150ha, with higher output and improved weed control. Compared with cereals drilled on narrow/ conventional row spacings the 17cm banded rows at 32cm centres provided plenty of tolerance and gave us peace of mind that the crop would not be damaged.”
With weeds becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides and little new chemistry on the horizon the TerraBlade provides a low-cost, mechanical method of controlling them in combinable, bandsown crops. It is popular with farmers wanting to operate more effectively and efficiently, while organic and regenerative farmers also use it to reduce weed burdens and costs. Keeping the area between the seeded bands clear of weeds during the early stages of crop growth reduces competition for nutrients, light, air and water, so young plants grow strong and healthy.
The relatively dry weather in early April provided ideal conditions for the TerraBlade. Operating 1cm to 2cm deep,
Trials by a major agronomy company on another farm where grassweeds had become problematic after years of conventional crop establishment measured over 900 blackgrass seeds heads/m2 in an untreated area. Where herbicides were used in combination with a Claydon Straw Harrow and a Claydon TerraBlade researchers recorded just 13/m2, a 98.5% reduction. This gave a yield increase worth £256/ha, which quickly covered the implement’s cost.
Designed to work in direct drilled cereal crops established using Claydon trailed and mounted direct drills, the TerraBlade costs approximately £2000-£2500 per metre, a fraction that of more complex hoes. Available in widths to match Claydon drills, the TerraBlade’s simple design means that there is little to maintain, it will give years of reliable service, and the low operating costs allow it to essentially pay for itself.
See the TerraBlade in action at https://claydondrill.com/ video-gallery/terrablade-pin-point-accuracy/ Further details about Claydon products are available from authorised dealers, a list of which is available on the Claydon website (claydondrill.com/dealersdistributors). Alternatively, visit claydondrill.com and click on the product of choice.
Bogauldy, King Edward, Banff, AB45 3LX
Tel: 01261 821659
Hay Equipment
Primo Spreaders
Seeding Power Harrows
W Start grass weed battle now, Monitor Farm meeting hears
ith grass weeds an increasing problem on farms, the battle for control should be starting now. Visitors at the East Lothian Monitor Farm summer meeting heard how cultural methods should be the mainstays of control, with work beginning now to map the extent of the problem before harvest.
Speaking to attendees at the event, Scottish Agronomy agronomist Stevie Gray said understanding what grass weeds were present on farm and mapping where they were should be done now. "Brome is an increasing problem, and understanding which type of brome or grass weed you have may not seem like a priority. Use the next few weeks before harvest to get out and identify which brome or grass weed species are present on your farm as that will impact what you do next."
The East Lothian Monitor Farm, at Castleton near North Berwick has an increasing grass weed issue, with farmer Stuart McNicol facing high herbicide costs. Brome has built up on-farm for a variety of reasons, and this is now impacting on crop management decisions.
Stevie said: "Brome is being favoured by the increase in non-inversion tillage as its seeds are no longer being buried; we often find farms several years into a non-inversion tillage system running into problems with grass weed control. "Sterile brome is the main problem at Castleton, but other farms could have multiple types of brome or blackgrass, and some have different bromes in different areas of their farms."
them lightly with soil. Where meadow brome, rye brome, soft brome and/or rat tail fescue are issues, no cultivation is needed as these seeds will germinate successfully on the soil surface.
The next step is to choose the most appropriate cultivation method for the crop and level of grass weed seeds in the seedbank. "Non-inversion tillage is driving the increase in grass weeds on-farm. Ploughing rotationally gives a great 'leg-up' with all brome species as it buries the seeds and will give a good level of control."
He says the choice of tillage method is especially critical for winter barley as there are no post-emergence grass weed herbicides available. "Establishing winter barley with noninversion methods where you have a brome issue is not good practice as you can't do anything to control itthe weeds will come!"
Crop rotation and break crops should also be considered. "Oilseed rape offers the opportunity to use propyzamide which gives several months of activity against grass weeds. It can be applied in November once conditions allowand will still be active in February or March, giving a long window of control. It can also be used in winter beans."
Growers may need to factor in lower margin break crops such as winter beans in order to continue to use noninversion tillage, he says. "You can't always be growing the highest margin crops with the lowest cultivation costs. Break crops can help with being able to use noninversion tillage later in the rotation."
He recommends growers use an online Rothamsted Research publication called 'Which brome is that?' which is available on theMonitor Farm Scotland websiteto help identify what species is on-farm. "It's a good place to start as brome species can often look similar."
Control should start by considering whether you can go for a stale seedbed in affected areas. "It's not always possible, but if harvest is earlier this year, stale seedbeds mean you can get a good seed chit and spray off the emerged grass weeds with glyphosate. It's a really useful cultural control, especially when using noninversion tillage."
Knowing the type of grass weeds present will help achieve the best results from stale seedbeds, he says. Sterile brome, blackgrass and volunteer cereals will chit best after a light, shallow cultivation, which will cover
Any farms considering home-saved seed should be particularly careful to exclude areas with grass weeds from this. "It's crucial to identify where the grass weeds are before harvest, and to make sure there are no issues in any of the areas you plan to save seed from. Select your seed crops from the cleanest parts of the farm."
Taking these cultural control steps now are crucial as spring herbicides won't always be successful, he warns. "You won't get out of a hole with chemicals alone – you have got to use cultural controls. This is the time to start taking control of grass weed problems and making the right choices."
To view the report, visit: https://bit.ly/grass-weeds
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.
From 24/7 on site hose replacement service, to planned preventative maintenance, we can keep your business moving day and night.
Pirtek Cambridge
Tel: 01223 835 222
www.pirtek.co.uk/service-centres/cambridge/
Pirtek Ipswich
Tel: 01473 688 288
www.pirtek.co.uk/service-centres/ipswich/
Our specialised agriculture solutions
We supply a range of high quality products including:
– Malleable fittings
– Workshop fuel and lubrication
– Hydraulic hoses
– Fittings
– Quick release couplings
– Pumps and motors
– Valves
– Cylinders
– Irrigation
– Jet wash and washdown
– Spill control products
– Food grade parts
– Oils and lubricants
W Test soil pH ahead of new cropping cycle to boost yield
ith harvest 2025 underway, growers throughout the UK should be gearing up to test soil pH to ensure next season’s crops are given every opportunity to meet their full potential. That is the advice from ProCam’s Phil Burrell who explains that the post-harvest, pre-planting interval is the ideal time to test soils thanks to the ground being bare of crops. He also advocates testing nutrient availability to offset a potential rise in fertiliser costs which could result from rising political tensions in the Middle East.
“As one cropping cycle comes to an end, and growers start to get ready to drill next year’s crops, now is the ideal time to test soils, not just for pH, but also for residual reserves of N, P, K and S,” Phil Burrell, Plant Health Business Manager for ProCam explains.
“The fundamental factor to get right at this stage in proceedings is to ensure soil pH is as close to 6.5 as possible, as this is the optimal level for the availability of micro and macro nutrients,” Phil continues. “If soil pH falls below 6.5, meaning soils are too acidic, macronutrients such as phosphate, nitrogen and potassium will be locked up in the soil matrix and therefore be less available for uptake by the next crop in the rotation.”
Phil explains that at pH 6.0, the availability of phosphate falls to 52%, decreasing to 48% at pH 5.5. Similarly, N and K availability fall to approximately 77% at pH 5.5.
“According to the latest data, almost two-thirds (62%) of UK arable soils are below the optimum pH of 6.5,” Phil continues. “Likewise, one-in-three grassland soils are below their optimum pH of 6.0. Given the current political unrest in the Middle East, and the impact this could have on global fertiliser prices, it makes sense to test and adjust pH now, to ensure those nutrients already in the ground remain available for the next round of crops to utilise.”
There’s no silver bullet when it comes to unlocking crop yield Phil continues, but rectifying pH should be on every grower’s to do list, especially as low pH can easily and cost-effectively be resolved with the application of lime.
In addition to pH, N, P and K, Phil also urges growers to test for sulphur. “Sulphur and the efficiency of nitrogen are closely linked, with any deficiency in the former resulting in reduced nitrogen use efficiency,” he explains.
“Atmospheric sulphur deposition has fallen steadily since the 1970s when acid rain was at its peak, with 95% of soils now deficient. At the same time, only
55% of arable ground routinely receives a treatment of sulphur, while just 12% of grassland receives supplemental applications. Rightly or wrongly, many farmers assume the shortfall will be made up by applications of farmyard manure or slurry, but unless these inputs have been tested to assess their nutrient content, it’s impossible to predict with any accuracy if soils are receiving sufficient sulphur.”
Where sulphur is lacking, oilseed rape yields fall by an average of 0.5 t/h, while wheat output is reduced by an average of 0.35-0.4 t/ha. “Crop quality will also be affected, with OSR seed having reduced oil content and milling wheats less likely to hit their required protein target,” Phil adds. “Grass swards will also suffer, with lower dry matter yields and reduced protein production impacting milk and meat yields.”
To counter these effects, sulphur and nitrogen should be applied at a ratio of between 5:1 and 3:1 depending on the soil’s indices.
“Including sulphur also reduces the total amount of N required,” Phil continues. “For example, winter wheat requires an average of 240 kg/ha of straight N to achieve its optimal yield. This figure falls to 210 kg/ha when sulphur is added into the equation, and a further reduction to an average of 190 kg/ha is possible when nitrogen is applied in combination with S, P and K.”
In all scenarios, the three key steps to improving crop performance are:
1. Test soil pH and nutrient content on a field-by-field basis in the autumn and/or spring so that appropriate adjustments can be made ahead of cropping.
2. Carry out in-season leaf/plant tissue analysis to assess the crop’s ongoing nutritional needs.
3. Carry out post-harvest grain analysis to highlight any enduring nutrient deficiencies.
“Grain analysis from the 2024 harvest indicated that 60% of wheat crops were deficient in sulphur,” Phil adds. “This points to a significant shortfall in fertiliser programmes and is a clear indication that growers shouldn’t always assume that a ‘standard’ bag of fertiliser will be appropriate. Instead, soils should be tested, and the results scrutinised with the help of a FACTS approved agronomist who’ll be able to ground-truth the findings and devise a suitable nutrient programme for each field.
“Fertiliser spreaders should also be calibrated to ensure what could become an increasingly expensive commodity is applied accurately and in the right quantity. And where the relevant machinery is available, variable rate application maps, such as those produced by ProCam’s FieldSense platform, should be used to maximise the yield benefit and margin over input costs.”
MAXIMISE FORAGE QUALITY
Fixed chamber baler-wrapper combination
Maximising silage quality is crucial for return on investment. Proper preparation and sealing during storage prevent nutritional loss. With round or variable chamber baler-wrapper combinations, bales are sealed in seconds using advanced technology, including KUHN’s patented film binding and 3D wrapping.
Navigating new urea regulations with effective nitrogen management
Since April 1st, farmers in England have had to navigate new regulations around urea-based fertilisers, requiring changes in application practices to reduce environmental impact. Here, Yara's Crop Nutrition Business Manager, Nigel Hester, explores these regulatory changes and offers practical advice on navigating them, as well as the benefits of nutrient management planning and accurate fertiliser application.
The critical difference between compounds and blends
Unlike blended fertilisers, compound products enable more uniform application. "The main issue with blends is the compatibility of the raw materials used in the mix. Size and bulk density are the two key aspects, and shape can also have an impact on flow rates and spread pattern," notes Nigel.
cereals need 25-50 kg/ha, oilseed 50-80 kg/ha, cut grass requires 40 kg per cut and grazed grass needs 2030 kg per 100 kg of nitrogen applied. Amidas, when applied at 300 kg/ha, provides 42 kg of sulphur and 120 kg of nitrogen per hectare.
Sulphur deficiency reduces nitrogen use efficiency and impacts both yield and quality, even when visual symptoms aren't present. That means for farmers, it's a cost-effective and important nutrient to supply. Alongside looking out for pale yellowlooking leaves and carrying out tissue analysis, farmers are advised to carry out soil analysis and risk assessments to monitor for deficiency.
Recent testing highlighted this difference dramatically. When tray-tested, YaraVera Amidas, a compound sulphur-enriched granular urea-based fertiliser (40%N + 14%SO3), achieved a coefficient of variation of just 8% (anything under 10% is considered excellent), while a comparable blended product registered 44% variation. For farmers using the latter, this translates into yield and ultimately, financial losses. "While blends will always potentially be cheaper, I think the farmer needs to consider value for money. Investing in a product which is going to spread well and give an even feed to the crop is clearly of vital importance," he adds.
Meeting new regulations for urea-based fertilisers
The new regulations on urea-based fertilisers in England target ammonia emissions, which can cause air pollution and ecological damage when nitrogen moves from crop areas into sensitive habitats. For applications between April 1st and January 15th, farmers must now use a urease inhibitor with products like Amidas, a product which is called YaraVera Amipro. "This is all about ammonia loss and the idea behind this is to slow down the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, meaning it keeps the nitrogen in ammonium form which is less volatile and more available to the plant," explains Nigel.
The growing importance of sulphur
Another critical factor in modern crop nutrition is sulphur, which has become increasingly important as atmospheric deposition has declined due to reduced industrial emissions. "Back in 2002 when I started worked for Hydro Agri; the company that would become Yara, the majority of our products did not contain sulphur. Whereas today, the majority of our product range does contain sulphur. That's been very much a response to industry cleaning up its act," says Nigel.
Current crop requirements for sulphur are significant:
Best practices for optimal results
To maximise returns from any fertiliser investment, soil and manure analysis is advisable and application accuracy is essential. "FACTS qualified advisorswill beadvising farmers to dosoil tests regularly, to factor in the value of manures, digestate or whatever organic material may be applied, and do a full nutrient management plan," advises Nigel.
Withfertiliserpricestypically exceeding £400 pertonne, attention to detail pays dividends. "Spending money on spreader calibration and maintenance is money well spent in that context. Tray testing is probably the best bet because that would match the actual product the farmer's got and his actual spreader."
In terms of fertiliser choice, Yara has something to fit the bill within their product range, whether it's an N, NS, NKS, NPK or NPKS grade. Farmers are advised to choose a good quality product that best meets their needs and focus on applying it evenly to the crop. Looking ahead to a successful growing season Good farming practice begins with identifying limiting factors in soil fertility management. These factors might include sulphur deficiencies, phosphate levels, or micronutrients such as boron, which is particularly crucial for crops like oilseed rape. Proper assessment of soil structure and organic matter content are equally important considerations for optimal crop outcomes. "I would always recommend any farmer takes advice from a FACTS qualified advisor. With their guidance, farmers can achieve the best outcome possible and the best value for money from their fertiliser investment," stresses Nigel.
For farmers seeking additional information and advice, Yara has comprehensive resources on their website and social media channels, accessible by searching for "Yara UK and Ireland." Farmers can also get direct support through Yara's network of area managers throughout the UK and Ireland, which is complemented by strong distributor and agent relationships. Regular farming events hosted by Yara further enhance knowledge sharing and build community engagement.
GRASSLAND LEADERS IN
First harvest report of 2025 off to earliest start in 19 years
he first harvest report of the 2025/26 seasonhas been released,covering the beginning of harvest up to 9 July 2025.
Produced with data collected by The Andersons Centre and compiled by AHDB, the report is based on a sample survey of farmers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and will provide figures on harvest progress throughout the harvest season.
Weather conditions impacting progress
Due to a band of heavy rainfall during the weekend of 5–6 July, there was a slight pause in combining, though harvest pace has since picked up.
Winter barley harvest is progressing rapidly, owing to the dry weather either side of 5–6 July.
However, progress is highly variable both within and between regions.
Overall, it is estimated that 10% of the UK winter barley area was harvested by 9 July 2025.
This is ahead of the same time last year when harvest was 7%complete, and the five-year average of 6% complete at this point in the season.
While some oilseed rape has now been cut, no progress was reported by participants in this survey.
Reports of yields in the earliest cut oilseed rape have been encouraging, though variable.
Harvest is expected to continue progressing well in the coming fortnight. There will now be a gap for many before winter wheat harvest starts, while some will move straight into harvesting oilseed rape.
Olivia
Bonser,
AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Senior Analyst, said:
“Given that we are at an early stage in the season, and that weather has been
variable in the approach to harvest, there will inevitably be variation in farms across the country.
"As can be expected, some regions have only seen minimal progress at this point.
"As such, early yield data may well be skewed and should not be considered representative of the whole country.
"Information on quality is also limited at this point.”
Regional breakdown of progress
So far, progress has only been recorded in the eastern and south eastern regions in this survey.
However, harvest has begun in other regions too. In the eastern region, 38% of winter barley is reported to have been harvested.
This ranges from some farms that are yet to start to others who have now finished. In the South East, 19% of the crop has been harvested.
For farms further north and west, harvest is expected to start early next week.
Challenges with straw volumes
Straw volumes are proving a challenge so far this season, with some noticeably short crops due to the prolonged warm and dry weather.
Storage caution due to high temperatures
Due to the hot temperatures forecast for the coming days, be mindful of temperature claims when going into stores.
You do not want to incur cooling charges or face a load being rejected because the temperature is greater than 25°C.
Credit: AHDB www.ahdb.org.uk
AHDB welcomes new Strategic Cereal Farm Midlands - in Leicestershire
sbaston House farm, near Nuneaton, has been chosen as AHDB's new Strategic Cereal Farm Midlands – the first to be based in Leicestershire (part of the farm is the site of the Battle of Bosworth). Strategic Cereal Farms put cutting-edge research and innovation into practice on commercial farms in the UK, showcasing the results to farmers.
A fourth generation Leicestershire farmer, Will Oliver's family operation employs two full-time arable workers and comprises 650ha arable, with wheat, maize and winter bean grown in rotation, and 100 ha grassland and in environmental schemes. There is also an indoor poultry unit (150,000), with chicken manure used on the farm. 600 tonne of the wheat is used for poultry feed and the rest is sold to various other feed outlets.
Cover and catch crops, generally rye, vetch and clovers, are grazed by sheep that do not belong to the farm; Will Oliver has a good relationship with the shepherd. In recent years, the farm has diversified into glamping, dog walking and livery.
attend steering group meetings and share their journeys via key communication channels, including the AHDB website, social media and the farming press. Hosts receive support from AHDB staff, experts, researchers and consultants.
Will said: "I'm looking forward to hosting trials and demonstrations that will hopefully help find solutions to problems experienced by arable farmers, sharing the results so that everyone can benefit."
Will was Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year in 2022, as well as National Arable and Grasslands Awards Cereal Grower of the Year 2021. He is vice chair of the Maize Growers Association (MGA), vice chair of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Midlands Crop Board and sits on the national NFU board. He is also a member of AHDB's RB209 board.
Strategic Farm hosts identify goals and agree research questions to tackle during their sixyear tenures. They permit trials or demonstrations to be conducted on their farms, contribute to public-facing events on farms,
Will is already engaged with some research projects (BOFIN root ranger & pulse pioneers). Insecticides have not been used on the farm for six years. Although problems with Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle mean that Will is no longer growing oilseed rape, he is interested in bringing it back as a useful break crop.
Will's other areas of interest are precision farming/AI/ testing new technologies; biostimulants; organic manures (timing and comparison with bagged alternatives); managing fungicide resistance; tyre pressure and trafficking; optimising cultivations; undersowing maize for following wheat crop and comparing the advantages of maize versus wheat.
Henny Lowth, AHDB Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager, said: "We are excited to have Will Oliver joining our Strategic Cereal Farm network. Strategic cereal farmers are open-minded and receptive to innovative ideas. As they share their experiences with other farmers, they make a positive difference to farming in the UK. Will already has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and on-farm trials experience, and we look forward to working with him over the next six years."
Test requirements for specialized application equipment
At NSTS we are often asked about testing requirements for the wide variety of equipment that is used on farm, and in the other sectors we work with. Whether it’s a sprayer on a quad bike, an applicator treating crops for storage or the various pieces of equipment fitted to a potato planter, these are common types where questions are raised.
The straightforward answer is that for growers in crop assurance schemes, only the main crop sprayer, and if you’re using granular nematicides, this equipment is required to be tested annually, for all other equipment the legal requirements for timescales of testing can be followed. So for example if you’re a potato grower applying a liquid formulation of nematicide, the minimum timescale is every six years, after the initial test before it is five years old. This is also the same for powder applicators too. We would always recommend more frequent testing to help ensure all equipment can apply products safely and accurately.
use of ‘pedestrian’ sprayers, and it has recently been necessary to clarify what determines equipment that is classified as pedestrian. Some of these sprayers are either pulled along manually or have driven wheels, but the actual spraying system is as sophisticated as many much larger scale machines. The new requirements can all be found on the NSTS website.
In the amenity and horticulture sectors there is wide
Another question sometimes raised is the requirement for testing fertiliser spreaders. NSTS have had a protocol for testing spreaders since 2016 and many of the benefits are comparable to
why sprayers must be tested. Crop assurance schemes only require proof of calibration but the NSTS test takes this much further and includes a tray test to calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) to see how evenly the product is being spread.
There is no legal requirement for a spreader to be tested, unless it is applying a pesticide, but knowing the machine is spreading evenly will help ensure the whole field can utilise each product tested and applied.
Visitor Registration for GroundsFest 2025 Now Open
et ready—visitor registration for GroundsFest 2025 is officially open, and this year promises to be bigger, better, and bolder than ever before.
Returning to Stoneleigh Park from 9–10 September 2025, GroundsFest is more than just a trade show. It’s a high-energy, hands-on event where the latest kit, expert advice, and industry insight all come together.
Whether you work in landscaping, groundscare, local authority, turf management, estate maintenance, education, or sportsturf—GroundsFest is the one event you don’t want to miss.
Hundreds of brands. One event.
GroundsFest 2025 will bring together one of the most diverse ranges of exhibitors the industry has ever seen. From major machinery manufacturers and cutting-edge tech providers to landscaping tools, turf care solutions, commercial vehicles, and more—you’ll find hundreds of top brands all in one place.
Live, interactive demos
Try out the latest machinery and technology from top brands in real working conditions. You’ll also be able to experience Machinery Nation Live—a high-octane, entertainment-packed demo area brought
to you by the team behind the hit YouTube channel Machinery Nation. Expect thrills, power, and plenty of noise as they put kit through its paces in their own unique style.
Free education
Grow your knowledge with completely free training sessions and seminars. Led by industry experts, these sessions cover the challenges and innovations shaping the future of outdoor spaces, turf, and groundscare.
Live music festival
Once the demos and seminars wrap up, the GroundsFest festival begins. Live music, street food, bumper cars and great company—because the best conversations often happen away from the stand.
A place for everyone
From seasoned professionals to students just starting out, GroundsFest is a welcoming, inclusive event designed to inspire. Whether you’re looking for your next purchase, your next hire, or just a great day out with the team—this is your event.
It’s completely free to attend
Registration is quick, easy, and completely free. You’ll get full access to the demos, education sessions, live music, and more.
Whether you came last year and loved it, or this will be your first visit—GroundsFest 2025 is the event to mark on your calendar.
Free parking
GroundsFest 2024 offers free on-site parking for everyone. There is also a dedicated camping area, which should be pre-booked in advance. More information on staying in the camping area is available on the GroundsFest website.
A £10M agriculture innovation centre launched with a prestigious prizegiving for land-based learners
State-of-the-art Hwb Arloesi at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi was backed with more than £5.9m from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The two-storey carbon-neutral complex was built by Wrexham-based Read Construction and includes a library, classrooms, laboratories, a coffee shop, climbing wall, meeting spaces, atrium, a HE (Higher Education) centre and wellbeing hub.
Head of Llysfasi Elin Roberts said: “We’re thrilled to officially launch Hwb Arloesi and want to thank everyone for joining us today.
“This fantastic new facility has already made a great impression on both students and staff. From cutting-edge equipment to inspiring meeting rooms, academic spaces,
and workshops — every corner of the building has been thoughtfully designed to support innovation and learning.
“Students enrolling in our FE and HE Agriculture courses will benefit from outstanding teaching in a welcoming, stateof-the-art environment that’s truly one of a kind in the region.
“There’s never been a better time to choose Coleg Cambria for the next stage in your academic or professional journey in the farming and agriculture sector.”
During the event, attended by guest speaker Abi Reader - who won the Farming Hero: Flag for British Agriculture at last year’s British Farming Awards 2024the college held its Learner of the Year Awards.
Among the winners were:
• Welsh Studies Award –Tomos Morris
• Learner of the Year LandBased – Nichola Wright
• Foundation Skills in LandBased Studies – Best Endeavour – Charlie Hessian
• Livery Company of Wales Award – Rhys Pinder
• Student of the Year: Tilhill Diploma – Gabriella Francis
• Student of the Year: Royal Forestry Society – Matthew Whitehead
• Learners of the Year: Skills –Lottie Bailey and Abi Packer
The launch was conducted by Abi Reader and Bryan Williams and comes after Llysfasi unveiled a series of new HE courses for 2025/26.
Among them were Business and Business Environment, Managing a Successful Project, Principles of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Welfare, Land-based Machinery and Technology, and Rural Business Administration and Accounting.
VisitAgriculture < Coleg Cambriafor more information.
For more on Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.ukand
follow Coleg Cambria on social media.Alternatively, call 01978 515477 or email he@cambria.ac.uk
BRANCHING out in partnership with a carbon removals producer has created a sustainable method of maximising woodland usage and improvingsoil qualityat a leading college
Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and Llangollen-based BionerG have embarked on a “groundbreaking collaboration” to explore whether tree brash can become a critical resource for carbon removal in Wales.
The college has supplied the ‘brash’ - typically discarded branches and foliage resulting from forestry operations and stormy weather - which BionerG is processing using a cutting-edge approach involving branch logging followed by drying in their specialized pyrolysis units at the ECKO (Ecology Carbon Knowledge Outreach) Centre in Denbighshire, a facility dedicated to biochar production and environmental education.
Biochar isa type of charcoal produced through a process called pyrolysis, where organic matter like biomass is heated at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen.
This process creates a carbon-rich, porous
material that can be used as a soil amendment, acting as a sponge for water and nutrients, improving soil structure, and sequestering carbon.
Dewi Jones, Farm Manager at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, said the operation will make use of waste wood and help educate the next generation of farmers and forestry and agricultural workers on land management.
“We are in the early stages but long-term we will definitely see the benefits, as once the wood is turned into biochar it will have a positive impact on carbon neutrality and in nourishing the soil,” said Dewi.
“They are a very forward-thinking company, and this is another example of Llysfasi embracing new, sustainable techniques focused on the environment and innovation.”
BionerG will host open events on Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19 on ‘How to Future-Proof
Your Farm’ and is keen to hear from recent graduates and young people entering the sector who can explore opportunities available to them.
Reflecting on the partnership with Coleg Cambria, director Chris Clarke said their facilities and technology remove logistical challenges to collecting, transporting and processing tree brash to “significantly enhance its utility for biochar production”.
“This could unlock new economic and ecological potential, turning a forestry by-product into a central component of circular, restorative agricultural practices,” he added.
“Our preliminary studies found you can use half as much fertiliser if you mix it with biochar, so there are huge financial and environmental benefits according to our early testing.
“No other business in this sector is working in the way we are with the team at Llysfasi, which as it continues to develop will prove fruitful for both parties.
“They use the biochar for their land, and it is an educational tool, while from our side – and the open events will delve into this further – there are incentives for current and future farmers and landowners to capitalise on this process and the technology.”
Encouraging graduates to attend the upcoming sessions at the ECKO Centre, Chris said: "We are hearing regularlythat children from farming families, after they graduate, are looking to run efficient and sustainable businesses including investigating opportunities to diversify income as well as reduce costs.
“We can help with that as there are grants available if these farms show they are moving towards becoming more sustainable, using significantly less fertiliser will put them in a very strong position – we encourage people to get in
touch to find out more and come along and see it for themselves.”
For more on BionerG and the upcoming event, visit Biochar | Community | Sustainability | Consultancy and view the latest series of videos on their YouTube channel: Got To Make Enough BiocharYouTube. Alternatively, email chris@bionerg. com.
Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.
Gold Cup Glory for Harper Adams as Open Day Highlights Positive Future for UK Dairy
Confidence in the dairy sector was evident this week (Wednesday 3 July) as Harper Adams University welcomed over 600 visitors to the 2024 NMR RABDF Gold Cup Open Day.
The event marked the university’s landmark win of the UK’s most prestigious dairy farming accolade—the Gold Cup—celebrating excellence in herd performance, innovation, and sustainability.
Visitors toured the state-of-the-art Future Farm and heard from industry leaders offering technical advice and insight into the future of British dairy.
Opening the day, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee called the Gold Cup win “one of the proudest moments of my time at Harper Adams University,” and praised the teamwork and vision behind the achievement.
The upbeat tone was matched by keynote speaker and respected dairy analyst Chris
Walkland, who gave his assessment of the market.
“Lots of milk processors are holding their milk prices for August, so you should be all really positive about the next few months,” he told visitors.
Despite a 4.1% drop in the latest (1 July) Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction—the steepest decline in a year—Mr Walkland downplayed the impact for UK producers.
“I don’t think this market slide will affect your milk prices,” he said. “It’s a bigger issue for New Zealand. Yes, EU butter prices are down a bit, but cream is flying. It hit £2.85 and rose to £2.90 by the end of last week—that’s exceptional for this time of year.”
“If it weren’t for the insane amount of milk you’re producing, I think we’d be talking about a price rise, not a drop,” he added. “But processors don’t want more milk. They might hold off on increasing the price, just to avoid fuelling production further.”
Looking at farm incomes, Mr Walkland highlighted that May 2025 ranked as the second-highest month on record in terms of milk price multiplied by volume. “March is fourth highest, April seventh, January ninth, and June tenth. The highest month was December 2022. But back then, the money was flying out the window as fast as it came in. Now, hopefully, some of it is sticking to the sides,” he added.
He also reminded farmers of the upcoming Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) regulation— better known as FDOM—coming into force on 9 July. “If your buyer hasn’t issued a compliant contract by then, technically they’re breaking the law. You’re not—so don’t panic.”
“What it should do is give you more transparency around pricing—and the ability to complain a bit more easily,” he said.
RABDF Chairman Robert Craig, organisers of the prestigious event, said the Future Farm at Harper Adams is a fantastic example of how technology, innovation, and skilled people can work in harmony to improve productivity, health, and sustainability.
“This Gold Cup win is thoroughly deserved, and it’s great to see how academic research and commercial farming can come together to shape the future of our industry.”
Entries and nominations are now open for the 2025 NMR RABDF Gold Cup. The competition is open to all herd management systems, including block calving, grazing, and housed herds. All entrants must demonstrate outstanding herd health, fertility, and business management. More information can be found at https://www.rabdf.co.uk/gold-cup-comp
G Regenerative farming visitors 35% up at Groundswell 2025
roundswell 2025, which ran from 1-3 July, welcomed over 10,000 visitors to the Cherry family’s Lannock Farm near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. The sell-out regenerative agriculture event included over 400 speakers from around the world, including the ‘grandfather’ of regen ag, North Dakotan farmer, Gabe Brown. In addition to the diversity of topics and speakers on the 10 stages, visitors joined farm-wide practical demonstrations across the mosaic of farmland habitats hearing from hands-on practitioners about mob grazing, birdlife, hedgerow biodiversity, no-till potato growing and some had a magical foray into an audioscape of soil acoustics in the farm’s woodland.
maintaining living roots, maximising crop diversity, re-introducing livestock to the farm.
Keynote speaker Gabe Brown, the author of his world-famous book ‘Dirt to Soil’, shared his journey from conventional to regenerative agriculture, emphasising the importance of mimicking nature. He highlighted the significant improvements made to his 6,000-acre farm, including increasing soil organic matter, reducing erosion, and growing higher yielding crops without synthetic inputs since 2007, stressing the need for diversity, living roots, and animal integration.
Widely considered as THE immersive ‘regen ag’ event, content centred on principles of regenerative agriculture – minimising soil disturbance, keeping the soil surface covered,
Praising the spirit of the regenerative community he said: “When we regenerate soils, we regenerate people, communities and natural ecosystems. That's the kind of thinking that we need to scale. That's why it's so exciting to be here at Groundwell and see so many people want to take on this challenge. When we go home and look in the mirror, we have to realise that challenge
starts with each and every one of us. That's the kind of thinking that we need to scale, not more bureaucratic compliance checklists and subsidies.”
Interjecting policy into the collective conversation, Steve Reed, Defra Secretary of State attended the event on 3 July. He repeated the Government’s commitment to its £2.7 billion annual investment, over three years, for sustainable farming and nature's recovery. Funding for farmers through the Environmental Land Management Schemes increasing by 150% to £2 billion by 2029 and announced a £150 million capital grant round and a reformed SFI scheme due to reopen in early 2026.
Event Director, Alex Cherry said of the event, “It’s been a monumental few days. We are very proud of the whole team for delivering a successful event that brings together thousands of people with a shared mission of building a healthier farming and food system. It was incredibly heartening for all of us who have been involved in regenerative farming for many years now to hear Prince William affirming its importance, and making the connections
between farming, food and health. It feels clear Regen Ag is now in the mainstream. Amid the many challenges facing the sector, Groundswell is a wonderfully positive atmosphere, and many people leave the event invigorated with a sense of optimism for the months to come. “
Other Groundswell visitors included Honorary President of Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh who joined the Cherry family, Yeo Valley and other exhibitors for a tour of the site, meeting speakers, farmers and industry specialists to hear about the growing interest in regenerative farming practices.
It was a delight to welcome HRH, The Prince of Wales, who visited Groundswell for the first time in 2024. HRH dropped in to share a genuine, heartfelt endorsement of the event and the wider regenerative community.
Dates for your diary - Groundswell 2026 will be held 1-2nd July 2026
SIMMENTAL TRIPLE CHARM: DENIZES TRIXIE BELLE AND HER TRIPLETS
REIGN SUPREME AT 2025 GREAT YORKSHIRE!
S
uper Simmentals sizzled in the sun at the 2025 Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, 8th – 11th July, with the breed lifting the blue riband Interbreed Overall Individual Beef Supreme, and also the Interbreed Beef Team of Four.
Leading from the front, and again ‘wowing’ the crowds, was the star of the week in the shape of Denizes Trixie Belle 16, from Michael and John Barlow, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, shown with her unique triplet heifer calves. This incredible seven-year-old cow won the Simmental Supreme Championship in front of the breed judge Michael Durno of the noted Auchorachan herd, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Come Interbreed time in front of a packed ringside it was the turn of Mrs Brenda Wear, Blagdon, to tremendous applause, give the Overall Individual Beef Supreme Championship to Denizes Trixie Belle. Ring commentator, and well known auctioneer, Ted Ogden captured the sentiment of the crowd when saying, “we have never seen a cow with heifer triplets before being shown at the Great Yorkshire let alone winning the Show’s Supreme Championship. What an outfit, and well done to the Barlows.”
extreme, she has a tremendous top is very quare and good on her plates, has good legs and really walked. A good Champion and a tremendous outfit.”
Not finished there, Denizes Trixie Belle then teamed up with Fircovert Peacock, Fircovert Peggy, and Fircovert Rowenna, all from Paul Gunther, Felthorpe, Norwich, to win the prestigious Interbreed Beef Team of Four Championship. For the record, Denizes Trixie Belle’s prize list saw her win the Overall Simmental Supreme; Simmental Female Championship; the Overall Individual Interbreed Beef Supreme; part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four; and Reserve Interbreed Beef Pair.
The Simmental judging was held on the second day of the show and with a good quality entry of 20 Simmentals in front of Michael Durno. Played out in the morning sun and before the heat was truly turned up, Denizes Trixie Belle took the first step in her amazing show week when winning the Simmental Championship. Of his Champion, unique in so many ways, Michael Durno said: “We’ve seen the whole statement about the Simmental breed today in what it can offer maternally, and its terminal qualities. The Champion as a cow and in what she’s doing is really something. She’s big and correct in herself, carrying flesh whilst at the same time producing an abundance of milk, and rearing three calves! Not
The 80-cow Denizes herd has been prolific at Simmental Sales across the UK with a run of top prices, section wins, and a Championship win at Stirling. Two Overall Supreme Championships have been secured at the Royal Highland. However these wins at the Great Yorkshire were a first for the herd at one of the summer ‘majors’ in England. Commenting, John Barlow said: “It’s been an amazing show week and we’re humbled and delighted to win these Championships at the Great Yorkshire and with such an incredible cow. Showing Trixie Belle, and with her three heifer calves, has been really special, and it’s something unique that we may never see again in a show ring. The reaction and attention from fellow breeders, farmers, and the general public both at shows and world wide across the internet has been unbelievable and made it all so worthwhile. Winning these awards is really icing on the cake in what has been a memorable week for the family.”
With a little perspective, the odds of a cow naturally having and delivering triplet heifer calves are roughly 800,000-1! The triplet calves were all part of a natural production cycle with Trixie Belle
having been served naturally, and all three heifer calves being born with little assistance.
With all three calves in top order, it is estimated that Denizes Trixie Belle is producing some 30+ litres of milk per day which is not far off in line with the typical daily production of a dairy cow. A remarkable lady indeed!
Taking the Overall Reserve Supreme; Reserve Female Championship; and Overall Junior Champion were the East Anglian brother and sister team, and first time exhibitors at the Great Yorkshire, Marcus & Helen Searle, Kenninghall, Norwich with their heifer Guiltcross Ritzy. With some terrific breeding behind her, this classy young heifer is out of Brandane Kirsty who she was shown at foot with last year when ‘mum’ won the Simmental Championship and Interbreed titles at both the Suffolk and Royal Norfolk Shows. Ritzy is sired by the well known Woodhall Ferrari. Speaking afterwards, Helen Searle said: “Ritzy has been a special calf from day one and we just think she’s a very modern, stylish Simmental heifer. We’ve had a great week here in Harrogate and to win what we have in our first time at the show, and against some esteemed herds, is just fantastic.”
Echoing and adding to these sentiments, the judge Michael Durno said: “My Overall Reserve had length to her, carried good carcase characteristics, had a terrific top line, and is a very modern heifer. She had flesh and style, was a good colour and is just the type of heifer you’d love to have at home.
Taking the Simmental Male Championship, and featuring in the Interbreed Team and Interbreed Pair, was the January 2023 born Fircovert Peacock which was ably shown by Holly Lutkin. A Clonagh Latin Lover son this bull is out of Fircovert Kitty, a Horsfordmanor Bonus daughter. Peacock continues to strut his stuff in what has been a prolific summer with these latest wins adding to major titles at the Royal Norfolk; South of England; Suffolk; and South Suffolk Shows. Of his male Champion, Michael Durno said: This is a big, straight bull with his scale and muscling demonstrating the weight gain characteristics the Simmental breed is well known for. He had presence in the ring and walked extremely well.” In general comments the judge went on to say: “Today we have seen the maternal traits in the females along with eh beef qualities in the males. Commercially, whatever the system these dual purpose qualities bring versatility and add value.”
She has all the makings to turn into a super cow.” Next stop for Guiltcross Ritzy will be the upcoming Simmental English National Show within the Royal Lancashire later this month.
Another herd to enjoy a hugely successful show, and continue a fine 2025 summer run, was the Fircovert herd of another Norwich based breeder in the shape of the aforementioned Paul Gunther, Felthorpe. A little roll call of highlights saw the Fircovert herd win the Simmental Male Championship; have three animals in the winning Interbreed Team of Four; feature in the Reserve Interbreed Pair; and win the Simmental Group of Three.
Also in the winning Team of Four was the January 2023 born Fircovert Peggy, winner of the class for heifers born in that year. Peggy is by Williams Kaboom 19 and is out of Fircovert Ina, a Burghbridge Bradley 10 daughter. The fourth member of the winning Interbreed Team was Fircovert Rowenna, who had stood second in her class to the Junior Champion. January 2024 born, Fircovert Rownenna is entirely homebred being sired by Fircovert John, and out of Fircovert Ianthe, a Fircovert Chester 11 daughter.
Back in the bulls and standing Reserve Overall Male, and Reserve Junior Champion was the young shapely bull, Popes Rector 24 from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. This April 2024 born bull is by the herd’s €52,000 stock bull Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of Popes Dolls Lucy, a Camus Harold daughter whose breeding features Sterling Doll’s Holly purchased at the Boddington Dispersal Sale. Standing second in the same class was team mate Popes Rollo 24, another Clonagh Lucky Explorer son, and this time out of Popes Nellys Gypsy. Both of these Popes bulls are aimed at the October 2024 Stirling Simmental Bull Sales.
HRH The Princess Royal to Visit the Royal Welsh Show 2025
The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, will visit the Royal Welsh Show on Monday, 21st July 2025.
Attending in her capacity as President of The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), Her Royal Highness will participate in the RASC's Annual General Meeting, held at this year's Show. The Princess Royal will then tour the showground.
This will be Her Royal Highness's seventh visit to the Royal Welsh Show, having first attended in 1981. Her most recent visit was in 2022, and her return reflects her ongoing support for agriculture and rural life.
"We are absolutely thrilled that The Princess Royal will be joining us at this year's Royal Welsh Show," said Aled Rhys Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. "Her Royal Highness has long been a passionate advocate for agriculture and rural communities.
"We look forward to sharing with her the many
highlights of this year's event, including the exciting innovations and developments that have taken place since her last visit."
The Royal Welsh Show, held annually at Llanelwedd, remains one of the largest and most prestigious agricultural events in Europe. It celebrates the best of Welsh farming, food, and rural culture.
For more information, visit: www.rwas.wales
Get empowered with a farmer-led tree revolution
The Woodland Trust and Soil Association are urging farmers to get empowered and spark a farmer-led tree revolution using experiences from other farmers, particularly as there are positive signals from government with Capital Grants for agroforestry reopening.
The charities have published new advice on the payment options that remain available to farmers alongside tree-planting fact sheets on theAgroforestry Show website, where tickets for the September event are now on sale.
These resources provide information on how farmers can get started on benefiting from trees, which the evidence shows can protect food security by providing essential shade and shelter for livestock and crops amid increasingly extreme weather patterns.
The advice issued this week gives a taster of the knowledge exchange that will be available at the Agroforestry Show, which will feature inspiring speakers and in-depth discussions, live demonstrations, 121 advice sessions, and practical training. There will also be farm walks showcasing agroforestry in action, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.
Taking place at organic Woodoaks Farm in Hertfordshire from 10-11 September, the show aims to give farmers the skills, contacts and confidence to adopt or grow their agroforestry practices.
Helen Chesshire, Lead Farming Advocate at the Woodland Trust, said: "Farmers are on the front line of a changing climate and need practical solutions now. With more than a decade of experience of helping nearly 300 farmers establish agroforestry, we know that trees on farms will create resilient landscapes, enhancing livestock and crop performance. We also know that every farm business is different so there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to tree planting. For arable farmers, it could be buffer strips for flood management; for livestock producers, it might be shelterbelts for shade and browse. Having suffered the driest spring for 50 years and the warmest on record, browse from hedges and trees will be critical for many farmers where grass growth has stalled. Agroforestry also offers opportunities to diversify into new markets, be that fruit, nuts or timber, and to plant up unproductive land for wildlife.
"While government funding remains under review, we encourage farmers to get empowered and plan how to implement trees on their farms.From handson workshops to farm walks, live demonstrations, and expert talks, you'll discover practical solutions and cutting-edge ideas at the Agroforestry Show.
This unique event offers everything you need to implement a long-term solution for your farming business."
Soil Association Head of Agroforestry Ben Raskinhas helped to design the agroforestry project that is underway at Woodoaks Farm, which will host the 2025 show. While most of the farm's work with trees and woodland has been supported through government funding and crowdfunding, they have also planted trees and fencing for shelter belts using alternative funding streams via the Woodland Trust and show sponsors Sainsbury's and Lloyds Banking Group.
Ben said: "While the government reforms its SFI offer, farmers can still lead a tree revolution across the UK and future proof their farms. We all know we need more trees to cut carbon and save wildlife, but there are also long-term productivity benefits that mean agroforestry makes business sense. All farmers have trees on their farm and most could be making better use of those or adding to them to benefit their system. We urge the farming community to use our advice, come to the Agroforestry Show and ultimately learn from each other on how to find the right funding options and techniques to protect British food production and nature."
Emily Norton is Chair of AHDB and renowned commentator and strategic advisor on rural affairs with over 25 years of lived farming experience. She will be a panellist for the show's Question Time, which is being hosted by Farmers Weekly.
She said: "As a farmer I am always looking for solutions to help ensure my business can adapt to a changing climate, volatile markets, and new government policies. I want to build resilience so my farm can continue to produce food whilst restoring my natural capital.One solution I'm keen to explore further is agroforestry. The theory is that integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems can support commercial farming and production, through providing shading and shelter, and a wider range of products, such as nuts, fruits and timber, which are all products UK currently imports at high levels. This reduces risk and improves overall productivity per hectare. The environmental benefits are worth considering too, if it can mitigate air and water pollution, 'slow the flow' and the impacts of flooding, connect and create habitats, plus of course sequester carbon.I'm really excited to put these theories to the test at the Agroforestry Show, learning first-hand from other farmers how best to integrate more trees onto my farm."
The Agroforestry Show 2025 is supported by Sainsburys and Lloyds Banking Group.
For more information and to book tickets, visit:www.agroforestryshow.com/tickets
Potatoes in Practice 2025 programme announced
Potatoes in Practice, one of the UK’s premier field-based potato events, returns to The James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery farm on 7th August.
Potatoes in Practice is hosted by the Hutton through the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and Agrii and will bring together a wealth of knowledge from experts with the aim of enhancing sustainability and resilience across the potato growing and processing chain.
As well as trade exhibits, demonstrations and cutting-edge research, there will be a comprehensive programme of seminars covering the latest developments. The themes this year are modern breeding methods, sustainability, free living nematodes (FLN) and an update on pests and disease.
Professor Ian Toth, Director of NPIC, said, “Potatoes in Practice is a fantastic event where you’ll find commercial breeders showcasing the latest varieties, agronomists demonstrating what’s new in crop protection and researchers discussing their most recent findings. It’s the place to engage with all those involved in the growing and processing of potato to learn from as well as share information.
“Visitor numbers are growing each year and we are confident that everyone who comes to Potatoes in Practice will go away inspired by
what they have seen and heard and leave full of renewed optimism for the future of this vital industry.”
On the topic of modern breeding methods, Professor Ingo Hein of the Hutton will showcase modern genomics and explain how the development of markers is helping in the breeding of modern potato cultivars, and Dr Rob Hancock, Deputy Director of the Hutton’s Advanced Plan Growth Centre, will explore the opportunities and challenges in gene editing in potato.
Dr Michael Daniel, of B-hive Innovations will consider sustainability and the use of above and below ground information to monitor crop development, and Tom Land and Don Pendergrast from Agrii will continue the theme by reviewing technologies to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE).
A seminar sponsored by the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) will outline the challenges associated with FLN, followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session.
For an update on pests and disease, Martyn Cox of Blackthorn Arable Ltd will speak of the unexpected benefits for integrated pest management of no longer using the insecticide ethoprophos, and Dr Adrian Fox from Fera Science Ltd will examine the re-emerging threat of potato leafroll virus to seed potatoes.
Food for thought for everyone.
Early potato blight detection mobile app plan
Potato blight, one of the world's most devastating crop diseases, could soon be detected using mobile phones, thanks to a new app being developed by Welsh scientists.
Spearheaded by a research team at Aberystwyth University, the DeepDetectproject aims to develop a mobile phone app that uses artificial intelligence to provide early warnings of diseases in potatoes.
Potato crops are highly susceptible to diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes.
Late blight, caused byPhytophthora infestans, can wipe out entire fields, and lead to enormous costs and food shortages. It is responsible for 20% of potato crop losses and £3.5 billion in economic losses worldwide.
Traditionally, disease detection in crops has relied on manual inspection, a method that is time-consuming, expensive, and often subjective.
DeepDetect aims to change that by harnessing the power of machine learning to deliver accurate diagnoses directly to farmers' smartphones.
Dr Edore Akpokodje, a Lecturer in Computer Science at Aberystwyth University, said:
"Our goal is to empower farmers with a tool which is not only scientifically robust but also practical and easy to use, and which delivers instantaneous, location-specific disease forecasts straight to their phones. By integrating farmer feedback from the outset, we will ensure that this technology is grounded in real-world needs and challenges."
Potatoes are a vital crop globally and in Wales, where over 17,000 hectares are dedicated to potato farming.
Dr Aiswarya Girija from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University said:
"Potatoes are thefourth most important staple cropglobally, and optimal production is essential for a growing global population. Potato blight is therefore not just a farming issue - it's a food security issue.
"As well as threatening the stability of food supplies, potato blight drives up production costs and reliance on environmentally harmful fungicides. The system we plan to develop will be capable of detecting early signs of disease before they become visible to the human eye, allowing for timely and targeted interventions."
The project also aims to reduce the environmental and financial burden of widespread preventive spraying, which currently costs Welsh farmers up to £5.27 million annually.
Dr Akpokodje added:
"Addressing the challenge of early diagnosis of potato plant disease would boost productivity and reduce costs for farmers, while supporting more sustainable and targeted disease management. By decreasing reliance on pesticides, this approach benefits both the environment and the long-term resilience of the potato industry. The technology also has the potential for wider application across other crops, driving innovation in agricultural practices."
The first stage of the DeepDetect project is a comprehensive feasibility study, including market research to understand the limitations of current early warning systems and identify the needs of Welsh farmers. This stage will begin with the project team speaking to stakeholders and members of the public on the Aberystwyth University stand at the Royal Welsh Show this week.
The project team will then create an AI-powered prototype using image datasets of healthy and diseased potato leaves.
Once the prototype has been developed, the team will conduct focus groups and workshops with farmers and agronomists to refine the model and ensure usability.
The outcomes of this feasibility study, which is funded by theWelsh Government Smart Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme,will lay the groundwork for a national Early Warning System for potato blight, with potential to expand the technology to other crops and regions in the future.
| British Lifestyle
Rewilding Wellness Through the Garden Gate
In the dappled green heart of the Cotswolds, where the hedgerows hum and the fields ripple with old knowing, there’s a quiet movement taking root. It’s not a protest or a trend, but a remembering of soil, of stillness, of the land beneath our feet as a source of healing.
At the recent Regenerative Ark Summit, held among the stone barns and wildflower meadows of rural Gloucestershire, I had the good fortune to meet Lara Cowan, a woman whose presence felt as steady as the oaks that bordered the gathering. We shared a panel on Land, Wellness and the Future of Rural Stewardship, and it was there, listening to her speak, that I was introduced to the gentle revolution she leads through her work at The Botanic Shed. Where Gardening Becomes Ceremony
That is the essence of her practice. Gardening, here, becomes more than design; it becomes devotion.
The School of Nature
Lara’s philosophy comes most vividly alive through her School of Nature, a seasonal offering of workshops and retreats held in meadows, potting sheds, and ancient woodlands. Here, gardening becomes tactile therapy: where composting meets astrology, borage meets breathwork, and digging becomes a way back to the self.
She shared stories of women returning to the land after grief, burnout, or disconnection.
“So many come to us looking for a garden,” she said, “and end up discovering something much deeper.”
The Botanic Shed is not your typical garden consultancy. Based in Oxfordshire and reaching across the home counties, Lara’s work bridges horticulture with something older, something rooted in ritual, deep listening, and a reverence for what she calls “the more-than-human world.”
Her approach weaves together RHS-level horticultural knowledge with herbalism, geomancy (yes, earth energy work), and a strong thread of spiritual ecology. Her gardens are not merely planted, but co-created with place, guided by the land’s rhythms and stories.
At the Summit, Lara said something that stayed with me:
“The land doesn’t just feed us, it reflects us. And if we care for it well, it has the power to heal us, too.”
What struck me most was her insistence on listening to the land, to the energy beneath it, and to what each person truly needs from their outdoor space. It’s not about imposing a vision. It’s about drawing one out, respectfully and slowly, like coaxing a wildflower to seed.
A Neurodiverse Way of Seeing
Part of what makes Lara’s work so radically inclusive is her own lived experience of neurodivergence. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD and PTSD, she brings an acute awareness to how working with the land can serve as a regulatory, healing practice, not just for herself, but for the young adults she mentors, many of whom are neurodiverse.
“It’s about creating bridges,” she told me. “Between people and the land, and between people and themselves.”
From her School of Nature events to her hands-on garden design mentorships, she makes space for those who often feel overwhelmed or left out of traditional learning models. Here, pattern-seeking becomes a strength, silence a form of communication, and composting a metaphor for transformation.
From Garden to Sanctuary
Though her methods may sound ethereal, Lara’s work is anything but vague. The Botanic Shed offers full garden design, stewardship, and maintenance services, from soil restoration to orchard planning and wildlife schemes. But what sets them apart is the deep-rooted ethos behind every choice: no plastic, no pesticides, and always, a fierce love for native planting and natural rhythms.
One landowner turned a corner of their smallholding into a medicinal kitchen garden using Lara’s guidance. Another replaced their ornamental lawn with a regenerative wildflower meadow, integrating bee bricks into dry stone walls. These are not aesthetic choices, they’re ecological, spiritual, and social commitments.
“It’s about creating spaces that nourish people and the planet,” she said, something our rural landscapes sorely need more of.
Feminine Leadership in the Field
As farmers, smallholders, and growers, we’re increasingly being asked not just to produce, but to regenerate. The language of land is shifting, and so is the leadership. Lara’s presence and the rise of practices like hers signal a return to intuitive, relational stewardship.
“Sometimes it’s less about changing a garden,” she reflected, “and more about understanding what it already wants to become.”
That insight, delivered with grounded clarity, resonated deeply with many of us on the panel. In a world of metrics and management plans, Lara’s work offers a gentle challenge: listen first. Work with the land, not just on it.
Touching the Earth Differently
There’s a reason The Botanic Shed is drawing attention from regenerative farms, estates, and private landowners alike. It’s not just the beauty of the spaces they help shape, it’s the invitation they offer: to slow down, dig deep, and tend both soil and soul.
Whether through geomantic surveys, herbal medicine walks, or rose-hip tinctures brewed under the waxing moon, Lara’s work reminds us that the countryside is not just a backdrop to be managed, but a living, breathing teacher.
In a time when rural mental health is in crisis, and climate grief cuts deep, we need new ways of being with the land. We need more places where a potting shed becomes a sanctuary. Where a hedgerow can hold a woman’s story. Where nature isn’t curated, it’s honoured.
Cultivating the Future
Lara’s vision doesn’t end at the garden gate. Through the Botanic Shed, she is quietly building infrastructure for change, piloting patron-funded apprenticeships for young people, mentoring neurodiverse gardeners, fundraising for charities like Jamie’s Farm, and advocating for policy shifts that value land-based learning as preventive health care.
“We want to make land work cool,” she said with a smile. “Not just for those who can afford it, but for the young people who need it most.”
This is not just gardening, it’s cultural repair. A reclaiming of belonging. A quiet campaign for a more grounded, reciprocal world.
One Garden at a Time
Before leaving the Summit, I asked Lara what she hoped people would take away from her work. She didn’t speak of outcomes or targets. Instead, she said simply:
“Start by sitting in your garden and asking it what it needs. Then listen.”
That’s The Botanic Shed in a nutshell. Not a service. Not a brand. But an ethos. A way of remembering that the land we live on has always been our partner, not our project.
As the days shorten and the soil grows heavy with summer’s growth, I find myself drawn back to that idea again and again: that healing is not just something we wait for. It’s something we dig with our hands.
And in that quiet, earthy act, maybe, just maybe, we begin to rewild not only our gardens, but ourselves.
Connect with Lara here:
Oxon - Berks - Hamps - Wilts - Glos
Lara Cowan (44) 7747 600569
hello@botanicshed.com
Find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or you can also visit her website https://www. botanicshed.com
Borger’s Bioselect RC 40 Separator Shines at World Biogas Expo, Transforming Farm Efficiency and
Biogas Production
orger’s Bioselect RC 40 Separator will again be a main attraction at The World Biogas Expo in Birmingham on July 9th and 10th.
Designed and built by Borger, the acclaimed Separator has proved extremely popular with biogas plant operators, who use it to reduce undigested solid fibres in the liquid fertiliser, which can then be easily spread. The solid fibres can then be reprocessed or used for a variety of applications. The liquid phase, which is still very rich in energy, is conveyed into the fermenter by a Borger pump, whilst the solids are collected ready for transportation or reuse.
David Brown, Borger UK’s Managing Director, commented:
“The World Biogas Expo at the NEC benefits
from being a very focused show, which we have no hesitation in booking a stand. Pumps remain the key focus of our business, but in recent years, the success of our Separators for farm-based AD plants has been phenomenal. We look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces at our stand (H32) to talk through how our separators, pumps and macerators can enhance your biogas operation.”
A Separator from Borger recently helped a dairy farmer provide bedding material for his 240 cows, as well create useful feedstock for his AD plant.
The installation has created a 25% saving on storage capacity, and furthermore, the bacteria count in the cow’s milk has reduced to a very low level since the switch from straw to the green bedding.
CONSISTENT MACERATION OF SOLIDS. PROTECTING YOUR PUMPS AND SYSTEMS.
+ EVEN CUTTING SPEED
+ AUTOMATIC BLADE ADJUSTMENT
+ PIVOTED CUTTING BLADES
Plans submitted for Angus solar farm to power 15,000 homes
ES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has recently submitted a planning application for Bonnyknox Solar Farm, located on the outskirts of Arbroath, to Angus Council.
The 49.9MW solar development is proposed on land at Fallaws Farm, Arbirlot approximately 5km west of Arbroath. This site was selected following comprehensive assessments which found it to be well suited to a solar farm due to a lack of statutory environmental, archaeological and landscape designated areas nearby, the topography of the site which helps limit potential visibility, and viable access to a grid connection.
As part of the proposal, RES has also committed to enhancing the local road network by installing six passing places on public roads and making further upgrades to the private road network serving nearby properties and will be discussing with the Roads Authority should the project receive consent.
Claire Chamberlain, Senior Development Project Manager at RES, said:
“We are delighted to have reached this milestone with the proposal and would like to thank everyone who participated in our pre-application consultation. The feedback we received both from the community and statutory consultees has been instrumental in shaping the final design of the solar farm.”
The submission of the planning application to Angus Council follows comprehensive public engagement undertaken by RES including two rounds of consultation events attended by 70 local residents.
Key adjustments that have been made to the proposal to create the refined and final design include relocating solar infrastructure away from the southern fields to reduce visibility, as well as implementing buffer zones to safeguard nearby features while maintaining pedestrian access to the nearby landmark, The Guynd, to the north of the site.
Claire added:
“Bonnyknox Solar Farm has been carefully designed on a site specifically chosen for its strong suitability, to fit sensitively in the existing landscape whilst enabling the delivery of clean, low-cost electricity generation.
“We will continue to engage with Angus Council, the local community, and wider stakeholders as we await the outcome of the application and look forward to collaborating on the delivery of meaningful, long-term benefits that make a difference to the local area, should the project be consented."
All documents submitted as part of the planning application are available to view on the project’s dedicated website at www.bonnyknox-solarfarm.co.uk
BIOGEST Project Biometano Energy Recognized at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2025
Honored in "Net Zero Circular Solutions" Category
BIOP Own plant operation: 500 Nm³/h biomethane plant in Italy
Own Plant Operation with BIOP Green Gas
IOGEST'sproject Biometano Energy has been recognized among the top three finalists in the "Net Zero Circular Solutions" category at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2025. The ceremony, hosted by ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) and WBA (World Biogas Association), took place during the World Biogas Expo week in Birmingham, UK. The evening was presented by Rory Bremner.
The AD & Biogas Industry Awards and Gala Dinner, organized by ADBA and WBA, recognizes and celebrates achievements across the full spectrum of the anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry.
Biometano Energy is the first own plant operation project (OPO) under the new BIOP brand of the BIOGEST Group. BIOP holds a majority stake of 85%
in the awarded project, which is built using the BIOGEST-PowerRing technology. The facility operates a closed-loop system that converts over 75,000 tons of chicken manure and vegetable processing residues — primarily fennel waste — into renewable biomethane, organic fertilizer, and foodgrade CO₂. Future plans include the integration of photovoltaic systems to achieve energy selfsufficiency.
"Being recognized among the top three projects in the 'Net Zero Circular Solutions' category is a great honor and an important milestone for us. Biometano Energy demonstrates how innovative, circular technologies like our BIOP model can deliver real impact on both a local and global scale. We're excited to continue building momentum toward a carbon-neutral future."–Martin Hornhuber, COO, BIOGEST
AD and Biogas Industry Awards 2025winners revealed
he winners for theAD and Biogas Industry Awards 2025have now been revealed at a lavish ceremony hosted by Rory Bremner at the Birmingham National Conference Centre on Wednesday night, 9 July.
Run by theAnaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association(ADBA) and theWorld Biogas Association(WBA), the Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the global anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas sector across 11 categories. A lifetime achievement award was also presented to Brian Cox, of the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand, for his services towards the development of bioenergy in that country.
The Awards ceremony - the biggest to date in the history of the event - was held in the evening of Day 1 of theWorld Biogas Summit and Expotradeshow taking place at the nearby NEC, also organised by ADBA and WBA. The tradeshow was also breaking records in terms of both exhibitors and delegates, with over 3,500 visitors registered.
"Many congratulations to all the winners and highly commended of the 2025 AD & Biogas Industry Awards competition", said Chris Huhne, Chair of ADBA. "This year's record number of entries has reflected the growth and buoyancy of the sector worldwide and presented our jury – whom we thank for their dedication - with the difficult task of selecting winners among excellent submissions; to the point that they selected joint winners in three categories: AD Rising Star, Research and Innovation and Best Biogas Plant Under 1Mwe equivalent. It is worth noting that this is a set of categories which promises a great future for the global biogas industry."
"We were delighted to see so many entries from overseas being rewarded this year,", added Charlotte Morton OBE, WBA Chief Executive. "no more so than with the Life Achievement Award being presented to Brian Cox from the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand. For over 30 years, Brian has been a driving force behind the growth of bioenergy in his country – guiding the sector through uncertainty, elevating its voice in national conversations and
inspiring countless others along the way. No doubt all of our winners and highly commended will be among those who have benefited from the impact he has made through his unwavering belief in a sustainable future. Congratulations to him and to all of our winners, and thank you to our judges and all other entrants to this year's competition. Better luck next time! And keep up the good work."
The AD and Biogas Industry Awards 2025 Gold Sponsors:
Winners and Highly Commended entries are:
1. Health, Safety and Wellbeing
WINNER - Green Gas Solutions, SGN Commercial Services — 'MEDAL' Programme to Enhance Our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Protocols
2. Women in Biogas Award supported by Hexagon Agility
Highly Commended - Benly Liliana Ramirez Higareda, Consejo Nacional de Biogas AC
3. AD Hero of the Year Award supported by Future Biogas
WINNER - Ecogas New Zealand
4. Best AD/Biogas Support
WINNER - BioContractors Ltd — Helping Clients Reduce Costs and Maintain Energy Production Continuity
5. Net Zero Circular Solutions Award supported by SGN Green Gas Solutions
WINNER - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - A Role for Renewables in AD and Waste Management
6. Education Campaign of the Year
WINNER - European Commission -
Promoting Biomethane through the Power of Video
7. Best biogas plant below 1 Mweequivalent
JOINT WINNERS –Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) — The Creed Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), UK Jemena — Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant, Australia
8. Best biogas plant above 1Mweequivalent Award supported by Tem Energy
WINNER - Entsorga Italia Spa — Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Plant 'Le Cortine', Italy Highly Commended - Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd — Eco's AD Piddlehinton Facility, UK
9. Micro-AD Initiative
WINNER - BioTreasure — A Pioneering Start-up in Yemen Highly Commended - Aerosan — 8 Micro ADs on Public Toilets in Nepal
10. AD Rising Star Award supported by TEDOM
JOINT WINNERS -
Chinelum Dilivio Boma, Royal Renewable Energy Cameroon Ekas Barara, LR Energy
11. Research & Innovation
JOINT WINNERSCPL / Puragen — High-Sulfur Spent Carbon Reactivation for the Biogas and Biomethane Industry Wales & West Utilities — Maximising Biomethane Capacity via Smart Pressure Controls
Lifetime Achievement: Brian Cox, Bioenergy Association New Zealand, for his services to the development of bioenergy in New Zealand.
A T Bone & Sons Deliver Key Infrastructure for Audley End Grain Store
ince 1957, A T Bone & Sons have blended their strong agricultural roots with a progressive, can-do mindset to support farmers and rural enterprises as they adapt and diversify.
With decades of hands-on experience, they have grown into a dependable partner for rural businesses building their company from the ground up, quite literally. They bring a deep understanding of the land, the challenges it presents, and the potential it holds. What began with arable farming has evolved into a comprehensive offering of in-house solutions spanning groundworks, construction, infrastructure, and land development.
At the heart of A T Bone & Sons is a dedication to forging long-term relationships built on trust, collaboration, and shared principles. They work closely with forward-thinking clients to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to their specific goals
whether that involves enhancing infrastructure or revitalising underused assets. As the priorities of landowners have shifted, so too have they offering strategic guidance to help unlock new income streams and build resilient, future-ready rural enterprises.
From agricultural and equestrian builds to commercial groundworks and land transformation, A T Bone & Sons approach every project with the insight and understanding that comes from direct experience of working the land. That lived experience is what sets them apart. They don’t just deliver a service they offer practical, hard-earned knowledge drawn from farming, construction, and running equestrian and industrial operations.
Their vision is simple: to be the trusted partner for farmers and rural businesses aiming to grow, adapt, and secure their long-term future and that of the next generation. The future of British farming is built on solid foundations and that is
exactly what they are here to provide, because when one farm succeeds, the whole industry benefits.
The RIDBA Building Awards celebrate excellence in agricultural, industrial, and commercial construction across the UK, and A T Bone & Sons are proud to be finalists in the Farm Storage category.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Over the last 24 months, A T Bone & Sons have been working in partnership with Audley End Estates to design and construct a bespoke grain store and grain handling facility.
Following a period of design and planning, the
project broke ground in January 2024, starting with the creation of a new entrance. This was followed by a cut and fill earthworks in March, moving 25,000m3 of soil to create a plateau designed to help absorb the building and accompanying yard space into the existing topography.
The site was then filled with over 3,000 tonnes of crushed concrete before the foundations were laid, the drainage system was installed, and a soakaway constructed.
The grain store itself was designed to hold 10,000 tonnes, featuring a 12-metre lean-to on one gable end intended for machinery storage.
During the project, the client requested modifications to convert part of the lean-to into a 144m² insulated sprayer store, which was bunded and included an external washdown facility.
The client also aimed to harvest rainwater for farm use, so a 750,000 litre lined reservoir was designed and built, capable of pumping water to a 20,000 litre holding tank, accessible via a filling station in the sprayer shed.
To support grain handling operations, a 15m x 3m automated weighbridge system was installed, accompanied by a weighbridge office located at the front of the grain store, housing all the electrical software for the grain dryer and handling systems.
A cast-in-situ concrete intake pit with a 150 tonne capacity was constructed, along with a 200 tonne holding silo, a 65 tonne per hour dryer and a 120 tonne per hour handling system.
Midway through construction, the client recognised the
financial impact of ergot on their stored wheat and decided to expedite the installation of a colour sorter and rotary cleaner.
At the rear of the reception building, A T Bone & Sons fabricated and installed two tier mezzanine floors to house the colour sorter and rotary screener which enhances the quality of the client’s processed grain. Following processing, the grain is deposited in the designated stores via a system of overhead conveyors, enabling filling to heights exceeding five metres.
Additionally, due to an inadequate incoming mains supply, a 330 KVA generator was installed to power the grain handling system.
Supporting this, a 25,000-litre fuel tank with automatic feed to both the grain dryer and generator was installed.
Beyond the grain storage infrastructure, the foul treatment system was upgraded by installing a 25man Klargester unit, which was connected to the house and extended to another yard via a new feed. The outlet was bored directly under the main road to avoid traffic management complications.
HOW A T BONE CAN HELP
With first-hand experience as farmers, A T Bone & Sons understands the critical role that proper grain storage, drying, and cleaning play in preserving quality and maximising returns. Having managed their own grain through every stage—from harvest to storage and processing—they have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and efficiencies required in these systems. This expertise enables them to help clients design and build tailored grain handling facilities that meet specific operational needs.
They apply practical knowledge to create solutions that improve storage capacity, enhance drying efficiency, and integrate advanced
technology to protect grain quality.
Whether delivering a small on-farm storage upgrade or a fully automated grain handling system, A T Bone & Sons brings a farmer’s perspective to every project, ensuring that the facilities they design are not only functional but also cost-effective and future-proof.
By combining their agricultural background with design and build capabilities, they provide clients with more than just infrastructure—they deliver practical, hands-on solutions that optimise grain management operations.
Shortlist announced for RIDBA Building Awards 2025
record number of entries have been submitted for the RIDBA Building Awards 2025 with the category shortlists now available.
The awards celebrate the best projects and products across the agricultural, industrial and commercial building sectors by members of the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA).
A record 51 entries were submitted by 24 members across six categories with a judging panel of five tasked with picking out the best.
The panel (RIDBA consultants Martin Heywood, Nick Redpath and Jamie Robertson, Build UK’s Debbie Iley and honorary RIDBA member Geoff Simpson) spent several days deliberating over the entrants and scoring them.
Lead judge Martin said: “The standard of the entries this year has exceeded what we’ve seen for previous awards.
“My fellow judges and I always enjoy seeing the unique innovations and different approaches RIDBA members come up with, as well as the sheer hard work and pride they apply to every job.
“It’s been a real pleasure to see and judge all of the entries.”
The winners will be announced at an awards evening hosted by comedianLucy Porterat the Concorde Conference Centre, in Manchester, on September 19.
RIDBA chairman Simon Pelly said: “Thank you to every member who took the time to enter the awards.
“It’s great to see the enthusiasm for the event among the membership and that’s been confirmed by the record number of entries we received this time around, as well as the fact we’ve got more first-time entrants than ever before.
“Congratulations to those members who have made the shortlists. The rest of the board and I look forward to celebrating with you all at
the awards ceremony later this year!”
The shortlisted entries are:
Commercial category
• Avant 400,A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Aylsham Garden Centre,A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Briarwood Trade Counter,Curtis Engineering
• Barnsgrove,Jaques Int.
• Brocksbushes Farm Shop,S&A Fabrications
• Bouygues UK,Shufflebottom
• Tapstone,Tek Clad
• Goodwin & Tucker,Timmins Engineering
• Grimsby Town FC,Timmins Engineering
• Health Innovation Dudley,Traditional Structures
Farm storage
• Grange Farm,A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Woburn Farm Partnership,A.C. Bacon Engineering
• Audley End,AT Bone & Sons
• Northwold Farm,Colley Farm Buildings
• B. Gwatkin & Son,Jaques Int.
• Home Farm,JOHNSTRUCT
• Muck store,SA Mogg
• West Midlands Safari Park,SA Mogg
• Glenworth Scottish Farms,Timmins Engineering
• Pemberton Dairies,Wareing Buildings
Industrial and production
• Hitchcocks Business Park, C&R Construction SW
• Hornsey Steel Panels & Sections,Jaques Int.
• Breckland Group,MD Anthony
• Mezel Hill Barns,Nick Kenward Construction
• K14660 Shortland TJ Waste,Shufflebottom
• Edward Vinson,Timmins Engineering
• Pyramid Plastics,Timmins Engineering
• Walsall Waste,Traditional Structures
• Henco,Wareing Buildings
• Whitfire Shavings,Wareing Buildings
Livestock
• Seckington Dairies,C&R Construction SW
• Coton End Farm,D J Pink Construction
• Borderway Mart,Robinsons Group
• Kynren Aviary,S&A Fabrications
• Andrew Buckley,Timmins Engineering
• Andrew Knapton,Timmins Engineering
Residential and offices
• Wold Farm Garage,Colley Farm Buildings
• Stoney Ridge Farm,Tek Clad
• Cobblecrete,Timmins Engineering
• Ha’Penny Hatch,Traditional Structures
• YSB 3960 McDonald,Yorkshire Steel Buildings
New product or service
• AshGrid+,Ash & Lacy
• Ficep Gemini LS,Ficep UK
• Concave and Convex Crimp Curving Solutions,Hornsey Steel Panels and Sections
• Gemello® Revive,Steadmans Roofing & Cladding
RIDBA would like to thankHornsey Steel Panels and Sections,Kingspan,Steadmans,Ficep UK,CitationandFarming Monthlyfor their support of the RIDBA Building Awards 2025.
Codelocks has launched its Adjustable Gate Latch, giving locksmiths and facilities managers an easier way to control access through perimeter gates where the gate and post spacing exceeds the range of a traditional mortice latch.Jo Milne-Rowe, Managing Director at Codelocks said: “This new product is quite literally filling a gap that other products can’t. There are many scenarios where standard mortice latches won’t work, and often the space between the post and gate will change over time. Giving locksmiths and facilities managers a customisable option lets them create secure, reliable fittings that can be readjusted in the future without the cost of replacements.”
Non-standard gaps are a common occurrence in outdoor applications where the ground, weather and a multitude of changing factors can result in non-standard post spacing.
CL400 Mechanical, CL500 Mechanical, and CL5000 Electronic ranges of locks, giving installers a wide selection of suitable locks for different applications.
Codelocks’ easy-to-use product bridges these gaps with its manually adjustable bolt that can be extended or shortened by rotating it. Once installed, a locking faceplate prevents further adjustment to create a secure fitting and fastens the bolt at the desired length. It is adjustable from 12.5mm (8/16”) up to 20.5mm (13/16”), and to make readjustments the faceplate must be removed by a user with the access code for the accompanying lock.The latch is compatible with the
The Adjustable Gate Latch is part of Codelocks’ Gate Solutions range; a line of products designed and made for withstanding frequent use and outdoor conditions in residential and commercial settings.
Farming remains the deadliest profession in Britain, according to stark new figures released today at the start of Farm Safety Week.
In 2024/25 alone, 23 farm workers lost their lives on farms across Great Britain, a grim reminder of the sector's persistently poor safety record. Nearly half (48%) of the workers killed were over the age of 65.
The situation is no better in Northern Ireland, where five agricultural workers were killed over the same period, according to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
As the 13thannual Farm Safety Week campaign kicks off, the charity behind it revealed that, over the past 13 years, an average of 31 lives have been lost on our farms every year - 27 farm workers and 4 members of the public including children.
Farm Safety Week, the annual awareness-raising campaign run by UK charity The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) brings attention to the dangers farmers face every day growing food for the nation. In an industry that accounts for 1% of the working population, farming accounts for nearly 20% of all workplace deaths – this gives farming the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.
Figures, released today by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) showed that, in addition to the 23 farm workers, 4 members of the public lost their lives last year in Great Britain. Tragically, 2 of the members of the public killed were children – both of whom had accidents whilst using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Being killed by moving or overturning vehicles is again the main cause of fatality in the industry in 2024/25.
This annual campaign brings together voices from across the UK and Ireland to reflect on another heartbreaking year for farming families, with lives lost or changed forever and communities deeply affected. This year, the charity has broadened the scope of the campaign and is working with their antipodean counterparts - Farmsafe Australia - to share stories, learnings and make a joint call for simple changes to save lives.
While the agricultural sector has long been associated with high rates of injury and ill health, recent data suggests that meaningful progress is being made in improving farm safety.
Historically, the industry has faced alarming figures, with over 23,000 reported cases of long-term ill-health and serious injuries. However, there are now signs of a positive shift with the number of long-term ill health and serious injuries falling to 18,000.
Furthermore, according to rural insurer NFU Mutual, the number of farm accident claims in the UK dropped from 937 in 2023/24 to 894 in 2024/25. Though modest, this decline is a welcome indication that safety initiatives and awareness campaigns may be starting to have an impact.
Despite the encouraging reduction in claims and reported injuries, the causes of farm accidents remain consistent and concerning. Incidents involving moving vehicles, falls from height, slips and trips, and trapped body parts continue to dominate the statistics. In the past year alone,
these types of accidents cost rural insurer NFU Mutual over £48 million.
The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), the charity behind Farm Safety Week, continues to emphasise that reducing serious and fatal injuries is only part of the challenge. The charity highlights the need to address an underlying culture of risk-taking and complacency
Research carried out by The Farm Safety Foundation revealed that81% of farmers in the UK believe that 'complacency' –always having it done that way– is a major contributor to having a farm accident while 82% cite 'attitude' as the major contributor.
Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety Foundation manager explains:"'I've always done it that way' is a phrase we hear all too often.
Although confidence built over years on the land is a strength, it can also become a blind spot. When you start to underestimate the dangers of the vehicles, equipment and animals we know so well, we risk letting routine turn deadly. Experience should guide caution, not excuse it.
Over the years we have seen the attitudes and behaviours around farm safety in the UK and Ireland starting to change but the pace of change is slow Too slow for the families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents. Too slow for the thousands of farmers living every day with chronic pain, long-term illness, or life-altering injuries caused by the very work that sustains our communities. We cannot accept this as the cost of doing business."
Stevi Howdle, Executive Officer, Farmsafe Australia added:
"Farm safety doesn't stop at our fencelines. By working together globally, as advocates, researchers and industry leaders, we're able to share lessons, spot trends, and better understand which challenges are uniquely environmental, and which ones are part of a bigger global story.
That collaboration strengthens all of us. It means we can respond with sharper insights, smarter strategies and a shared commitment to making farming safer for everyone, everywhere."
Stephanie added: "This is year 13 of Farm Safety Week. Thirteen years of stories. Thirteen years of heartbreak. Thirteen years of lives changed forever.
And still, too many are relying on luck to get home safe. Luck is not a safety strategy. It's not a plan. It's not enough.
So here's my plea... to everyone working and living in the industry: please, stop and reflect. Look at your daily routine, your equipment, your mindset. Ask yourself, what can I do today to make my farm safer? For myself. For my family. For the people who work with me.
Change doesn't happen overnight. It starts with one decision, one action, one conversation.
We owe it to those we have lost. We owe it to those still living with the consequences. And we owe it to the next generation of farmers in the UK and Ireland and beyond."
For more information on Farm Safety Week visitwww. yellowwellies.orgor follow @yellowwelliesUK on Instagram/ Facebook/X using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek
NFU Combinable Crops Board member Matt Culleyshares the steps he's taking to reduce the risk of fire ahead of harvest operations, and urges others to stay vigilant.
With our sector shortly due to be fully immersed in one of the most important seasons of our calendar year, I’m sharing what myself and other farmers are doing to reduce fire risk to our operations moving forwards.
Plan ahead
Most of us have emergency plans for harvest time, but make sure fire risk is included.
There are many ways to prepare these and it may be prudent to get in touch with your local fire service to talk through any emergency plans. In this article, Jason Lawley, deputy divisional commander of Lincolnshire Fire Service, talks about how to assess fire risks. Read:How to prevent combine fires during harvest time
Keeping bowsers full of water and ready to go is a great idea to support emergency services in their work, especially when harvesting fields located some distance from fire hydrants.
For more information on how to help the fire service access on-farm water supplies, see:How to help the fire service access on-farm water supplies.
In the field
Harvesting and baling alongside other fieldwork can create sparks in field, so if temperatures soar again, I will be altering my harvest hours to minimise risks – whether that’s harvesting later at night or early in the morning.
Some farmers have also used theWhat3Wordsapp to record locations for each field gateway – this is a great idea to help emergency services locate a field in the event of an emergency, but just one way you can prepare ahead of further harvesting and in-field work.
Prepare machinery
I make sure I keep machinery serviced and well maintained, but as you’re all aware accidents still happen so keeping fire extinguishers on the combine, and tractors where possible, is important.
Some farmers in high-risk areas have kept any spare tractors with cultivators attached and ready to go where possible – just in case you need to urgently establish a fire break. However please do remain safe out there, in the event of an emergency always call the fire brigade. On-farm water supplies can be used to support emergency services, with either fire services carrying purpose-built adaptors for water bowsers or slurry tankers to access water or using makeshift pools/dams.
I’ll be looking at my combine’s header height, in stony fields particularly where the risk of sparks is high. I will be assessing the need to raise my combine header height slightly to prevent stone sparks from the combine. This is especially important where straw will be chopped, but for me I’ll be looking at this for highrisk fields, even where baling takes place, just to keep straw off the ground and away from stones for my baling contractors.
I may even look to reassess my combine speed where possible to reduce spark risk, but this will be at each farm’s discretion. Risk is different on every farm and it is down to us as farmers to balance the factors involved.
Storage plans
One thing I would recommend all farmers to do is to look at where you plan to store bales on farm, making sure they’re away from the public, where possible, to reduce any additional risk.
And finally at the end of the day I make sure I blow down the combine properly, even on a damp day. Where chaff builds up, this increases the fire “fuel load” heightening the fire risk.
Needless to say I wish you all a safe harvest and drilling season. It has never been more important to bring home the harvest safely, so let’s make sure we minimise risks and stay vigilant.
The NFU has praised the coordinated efforts of farmers, police, the industry and insurers after new figures from NFU Mutual found that the total cost of rural crime across the UK fell by 16.5% last year.
In its2025 Rural Crime Report, the insurer revealed that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £44.1 million in 2024, down from £52.8m in 2023.
The total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts reported fell by 35% to an estimated £7m last year, with GPS units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71% to £1.2m following their spike in 2023.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said these new figures demonstrate the “power of collaboration”.
“We’ve seen real progress through years of NFU lobbying –from the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to hare coursing reforms, and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendments Bill now moving through Parliament,” she added.
Joint efforts saw £4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery seized and recovered last year, with NFU Mutual working with the NRCU (National Rural Crime Unit) to share claims data and insights, helping to identify areas at risk and theft patterns.
High-value equipment targeted by thieves
Quad bikes and ATVs remained top targets for thieves in 2024 however, despite falling by 16% to an estimated £2.7m.
The estimated cost of tractor thefts reported to NFU Mutual also saw a rise of 17% to £1.5m as criminals sought out machines and their parts.
Likewise, trailer theft made a worrying resurgence, up 15% to £1.3m.
Elsewhere, livestock theft continued to remain high last year, at an estimated cost of £3.4m.
NFU Mutual said this form of crime has become 'highly organised', often involving 50 or more sheep in a single raid.
UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in 2024, down by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.
Protecting people, communities and farming
Rural crime costs are falling “thanks to the coordinated efforts of farmers, police, industry and insurers,” said NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos.
and out in the fields. These issues go far beyond lost income – they’re about protecting people, communities and the future of British farming.”
NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said: “In recent years we’ve seen rural crime becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature, with thieves willing to pull out all the stops to get what they desire, and sadly we saw that trend continue in 2024.
“Although we must stay alert, it's encouraging to see that the estimated UK cost of rural crime dropped 17% to £44.1m as we continue to collaborate with industry and law enforcement to tackle this urgent issue. But we know there is always work to be done when it comes to rural crime.”
Hannah said co-ordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are “crucial” for delivering a unified response.
“We can see from our new report that this unified response can bear real dividends. United, we can confront rural crime with strength.”
Worst affected counties by cost
Figures fluctuated across the UK, with Wales the only area to see a cost increase, up 18% to £2.8m. Northern Ireland and Scotland saw decreases, down 9% and 33% to £1.8m and £1.2m, respectively.
In England, the Midlands saw the largest decrease, falling 31% to £8.1m.
“However, these crimes are still causing real damage in our communities, and the threat remains very real. Long-term support for the National Rural Crime Unit is vital, alongside stronger commitments to cross-county border policing and proper tools and training for local forces.
“Farmers want to feel safe in their homes, their businesses
Of NFU Mutual agents surveyed, 92% believed rural crime was disrupting farming in their area, with 86% saying they knew farmers who had been repeat victims and 96% saying rural crime was negatively affecting farmers' mental wellbeing. The rural insurer urged farmers and their families to voice their concerns and seek support.
Visit our wellbeing directory to find support in your area. www.nfuonline.com
The modern calf feeder with individual calf feeding, whole milk system, intuitive control
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.
CYou, 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
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
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
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,
QuickChange logic for greater performance
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.
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&L100.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clean and reliable
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.
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
Hose cleaning including the teat
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 theDoubleJugmilk 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
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
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 surethat 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
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.
Heat stress insights protect cow welfare and productivity
On the heels of England’s hottest June on record, managing heat stress remains a priority for dairy units. Monitoring in-shed conditions using the TemperatureHumidity Index (THI), can help overcome summer challenges and reduce the effects on herd health and productivity.
Rising temperatures
Weekly summary reports, compiled using data from Galebreaker and Phibro Health’s online THI-Live tool between 9 June to 6 July, reveal troubling trends in cow comfort, as much of the UK experienced two heatwaves in a matter of weeks.
Average shed temperatures reached concerning levels, with some regions recording peaks over 30°C.
Worryingly figures from mid-Wales and the south of England showed THI exceeded 80, a threshold that signals severe heat stress. The south and the Midlands faced persistent heat stress, with the average THI remaining above 65 for most of June.
In these areas, cows experienced increased respiration rates, reduced standing and lying times, and greater water consumption, all indicative of severe discomfort.
Galebreaker’s animal welfare specialist, Chloe Rodriguez, urges dairy farmers to remain vigilant when critical THI thresholds are exceeded regularly.
“Prolonged heat stress not only impacts cow welfare it can severely affect conception rates. While decreased Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during hot weather
negatively influences milk yield, quality, and overall profitability,” says Ms Rodriguez.
“These effects may not become apparent until several weeks later when cows are tested for conception or milk quality, by which time it’s too late to address.
“Fortunately, adjusting management practices in anticipation of hot and humid conditions can help to mitigate these impacts."
Mitigation strategies
Regularly monitoring THI and prompt action are the best ways to diminish heat stress and protect cows from its worst effects. Recommendations to improve animal welfare include ensuring sheds are properly ventilated to regulate airflow.
Having access to a supply of fresh water will help prevent dehydration. Similarly, adjusting feeding schedules to take advantage of cooler overnight temperatures encourages greater intakes so cows have adequate nutrition. This can also be supplemented with feed additives designed to improve water retention.
Long-range outlook
The Met Office’s long-range forecast indicates continued extreme weather conditions, as
in-shed temperatures are expected to rise again as we move towards late summer. With the current trend of high THI readings likely to persist well into August and September, dairy farmers are advised to remain proactive in their management strategies.
“Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense – the dairy sector needs to prepare itself for the inevitable.
“With the right interventions, the impact of heat stress can be alleviated. Galebreaker is supporting farmers with data and advice to help protect herds and maintain productivity during the warmer months ahead," concludes Ms Rodriguez.
Modern and sophisticated design: every part of the GEA DairyRobot R9500 has been thought out down to the smallest detail. It is designed to optimise the milking process for cows and help you make the most of your time, ideal for all herd and farm sizes.
Smallest Box. Greatest Flexibility
Less space than you might imagine. With its 5.3 m² footprint and lowest box height, the compact box has the smallest space requirement on the market. When arranging multiple boxes, up to 40% of space can be saved compared to other milking robots. This reduces investment costs and increases profitability.
Whether it is a new shed, a retrofit, or modification of an existing milking parlour, plan the robot installation your way. The DairyRobot R9500 is your universal solution that can be integrated almost anywhere. For example, if you place your new milking robot in an old milking parlour, you can use the existing pit.
Quarter Individual Milking
Our automatic milking systems are designed to optimise milking efficiency by enabling quarterindividual milking. This advanced approach allows each quarter of the udder to be milked separately, ensuring maximum yield and thorough milking.
Quality Control at Every Udder
The GEA DairyMilk M6850 is the first somatic cell count system in the world to focus on each udder quarter individually during the entire milking process. This early detection system alerts you at the very first sign. That helps you
From cutting-edge milking systems and herd management tools to innovative feeding and barn equipment, GEA provide everything you need to enhance productivity and animal welfare. The comprehensive range of GEA products are designed for every farm size and type.
G. D. & M. DUNGLINSON
Brunstock, Carlisle, CA6 4QG
Tel: 01228 524918
www.dunglinson.co.uk
Negus Chase Ltd
Chapmans Farm Pristling Lane, Tonbridge TN12 0HH
Tel: 01580 891199
www.neguschaseltd.co.uk
Clarkson Dairy Services
Coverbridge Farm, Leyburn, DL8 4SQ
Tel: 01969 623522
clarksondairyservices.co.uk
Griffins Dairy Equipment
Unit 2 Burnside Ind Est, Turnpike Close, Grantham, NG31 7XU
Unit 1A, Mill Farm, Uley Road, Dursley Gloucestershire, GL115AD
Tel: 01453 860614
www.wdsl.co.uk
Chews Dairy Services
Daleside, Skipton, BD23 6LB
Tel: 07921 226859
DairyFlow
Wheatrig Farm, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock, KA3 2NG
Tel: 01563 532 111
www.dairyflow.co.uk
minimise treatment time, safeguard the healing process, and ensure the continuous productivity of your healthy herd.
One and Done Teat Cup Attachment
In all GEA automated milking systems the attachment arm swings under the cow‘s udder by making only one move. As pioneers of the 3D camera teat detection, GEA achieve a super fast attachment, with a minimum of movements. In the DairyRobot R9500, as soon as the teat cups are attached, all motors stop. The GEA so-called milk rack follows the cow’s movement - If a teat cup is kicked off, the short milk hoses make sure that it cannot fall on the floor and get dirty. Instead, it will be reattached immediately.
Whole Milking Process in One Liner
From stimulation to cleaning, milk harvesting, and posttreatment - this groundbreaking process streamlines the entire milking procedure, with a single attachment. Developed exclusively by GEA, this innovation offers unparalleled advantages for dairy farmers. Experience
the future of milking with GEAs In-Liner Everything technology.
Box Size Adjustment
As soon as a milking right has been detected via the ID system, the size of the box will be adapted to the size of the cow thanks to the adjustable feed trough. Thus, the udder is always at the same position allowing for fast attachment. This does not only save time, but also energy. By the way: You can allocate concentrate feed in individual rations.
Experience the flexibility of an automated milking parlour at your convenience, operating 24/7 and suitable for all herd sizes. Customise your setup with single or multi-box systems to maximise milking efficiency while improving milk quality and the well-being of your cows. Experience the future of dairy farming with the GEA DairyRobot R9500, designed to prioritise cow welfare, maximise milk quality, and streamline your farm operations.
Contact your local GEA Dealer or visit www.gea.com for further information.
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute invite farmers and livestock keepers to share thoughts on bluetongue disease
Researchers from The James Hutton Institute are inviting farmers in the Borders to share their views on bluetongue disease and its impacts at one of three workshops.
Affecting livestock such as sheep, cattle and goats, bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges. While it presents no threat to humans, the disease can cause fever, swelling and lameness in stricken animals, with serious cases resulting in abortion, malformation and death. In November 2023, the first case of a new bluetongue virus serotype (BTV-3) was confirmed in England after appearing in other northern European countries. BTV-3 has continued to spread since and, at the beginning of July 2025, the UK government introduced restrictions on livestock movements from England to Scotland due to the virus.
Hutton social scientists are keen to hear how these new restrictions and concerns about bluetongue are impacting farmers in the Borders. Using funding from EPIC Scotland, the team plan to host three workshops for farmers and keepers, each of which will run from 6:30pm to 9pm. The first will be held in St Boswells on Tuesday 29 July, with the others taking place in Carlisle on Wednesday 30
July and Lockerbie on Thursday 31 July. Findings from the workshops will be anonymously passed on to the Scottish Government and considered when deciding future policy around animal disease.
Research scientist Dr Niamh Mahon, who is part of the team organising the workshops, said, "As part of Scottish Government-funded research, we will be holding three workshops along the Scottish Borders with cattle and sheep keepers to explore their thoughts and concerns around BTV and the measures to combat the disease.
"It is important that the voices of farmers and keepers are heard, and key, anonymised findings will be shared with Scottish policymakers to help inform future disease control actions.
"We encourage any farmers or keepers with views on this important subject to come along to one of the workshops to share their thoughts and experiences."
Attendees will be provided with supper and reimbursed for their travel and childcare expenses. Numbers are limited, so those interested in attending should register by emailingcarol. kyle@hutton.ac.ukor calling 01224 395206.
Lely launches two new products and introduces the next generation in robot milking
Lely has upgraded its A5 Astronaut to improve functionality and reduce downtime, automating repetitive tasks such as changing milk filters.
It has also launched two new products – Lely Hub, a safety device to protect farmers’ data, and Lely Max, a centralised control room for large-scale robotic farms to decrease labour tasks.
Launched in 2018, the A5 now has 29,000 units in operation globally. The latest upgrade introduces several enhancements:
• A new operating system allows technicians to perform upgrades at the touch of a button and lays the foundation for remote servicing.
• Field trials of the A5 Next across 71 farms show reduced alarms, less downtime, and a 10% increase in milkings between alerts. The system also diagnoses issues and determines whether a technician is needed.
• A redesigned robot arm now features the 2+ teat detection system combining lasers and cameras to enhance visibility, improve attachment times and reduce stress during heifers’ first milking. It also provides valuable data on teat health and size, helping Lely centers recommend optimal liners.
• A fully automatic milk filter removes the last repetitive task—replacing filter socks. Instead, a back-flush cleaning system is used with a stainless-steel membrane, eliminating the need for filter socks and saving money. One filter can serve up to four robots.
• The A5 Next integrates with electronic ear tag identification to align with current regulations (in the UK EID will become mandatory for newborn calves from 2027).
• The Milk for Use feature helps improve colostrum quality. A low-pressure nozzle reduces foam and diverts colostrum into one of four sealed buckets to protect against flies.
The A5 Next will be available in the UK from July 2025. Existing A5 users can upgrade to the new software, although the automatic milk filter isn’t compatible with sand-bedded systems.
Lely Hub – boosting farm data resilience
For farmers using Horizon with A3 Astronaut or newer models, the Lely Hub offers advanced data protection by acting as a shield between the robots and the farmer’s computer or mobile.
This secure server-processor protects farm data from cyberattacks, power outages, and hardware failures.
It stores data securely, enables automated backups, and allows remote monitoring, support and upgrades.
In case of power loss, an external battery ensures Horizon remains active, safeguarding data integrity. If a computer is hacked or crashes, the Hub can quickly recover and restore the data.
The Lely Hub will support one to eight robots and Vector users from 2026, with future compatibility planned across all Lely products.
Lely
Max – centralised efficiency for large farms
From 2026, Lely Max will become commercially available for large-scale dairies with eight to 18 milking robots.
It centralises cleaning, cooling, and milk pumping, reducing labour and saving shed space by replacing robot rooms—currently one is required per two robots.
Milking and cleaning are performed independently using separate lines. This means robots can remain operational during servicing and cleaning.
Lely estimates this increases milk capacity by 5% on average due to shorter cleaning cycles and reduced cow milking waiting times.
As part of the design, chemicals are stored in a fire-proof side room with colour-coded containers and no-touch levers for enhanced safety.
Multiple vacuum pumps ensure system continuity; if one fails, others take over, minimising downtime and easing maintenance.
The three new products were released at the Future Farm Days in Maassluis on 24 June.
Speaking at the event, André van Troost, CEO Lely, said:
“Business continuity is crucial for our farmers. Both in terms of the reliability of the milking processes and digital resilience. Astronaut Max and Astronaut A5 Next are designed to provide farmers with stability in their dairy operations and offer futureproof automatic milking solutions.
“Furthermore, with the increase in digital services on the farm, data security is essential. Lely Hub supports our farmers by improving digital safety between Lely solutions and the internet.”
Kingshay report shows buoyant milk year
The last milk year was a positive one for dairy producers, with continued improvements in cow health and growing momentum in the organic milk sector, according to the latest Kingshay Dairy Costings report.
Although the dreadful weather over the summer of 2024 saw yields from forage drop sharply, the reasonably high milk price and lower feed costs meant margins remained firm. In fact, given the most favourable milk price: feed price ratio since 2001, the average margin over purchased feed (MOPF) was the strongest for a very long time, bar the milk spikes of 2022.
All reported health indicators saw year-on-year improvements. Mastitis dropped to 24 cases per 100 cows (down by two), and lameness from 37 to 34 cases per 100 cows. However, fertility last year saw a bit of a slide, most likely due to the poorquality forage. Calving intervals extended by a day to 394 days, and days to first service crept up by two days to 72.
The age of cows at exit is steadily declining, but the proportion of selected versus forced culls has increased again, year-on-year. And given the higher milk prices, the cost of poor fertility and health increased, both on a per-case and per-herd basis.
“This year housing-focused, all-year-round calving herds had the highest MOPF per cow at £2,937/
cow, and the highest margin per litre was achieved by the low to moderate-yielding organic herds, at 41.15ppl,” says Emma Puddy, farm services specialist at Kingshay. “When it comes to MOPF, we are still seeing large ranges, even within the same production systems, where groups of herds have similar goals.” Drawing on data from 1,064 conventional herds and 98 organic herds, the report showed a wide variation between the top and bottom quartile within each production system.
Organic herds made a strong showing after a difficult few years, with the milk price reaching a record high of 53.17ppl in March 2025. Milk from forage remains a key strength, with 44% of milk derived from forage compared to below 30% for conventional producers.
“It seems milk from forage is still very strongly linked to MOPF, with conventional herds in the top 10% for milk from forage achieving a margin that was 20% higher per cow and 14% higher per litre,” says Mrs Puddy.
“The best way for a farm business to see where they are successful and where they could improve is by putting their figures side-by-side with other producers in similar systems. We hope that by publishing this report we can help farmers to do exactly that, and to find ways to continue the positive trends we’ve seen.”
The full report can be downloaded at www. kingshay.co.uk
Sheep Lameness Halved on Welsh Farms in Collaborative Industry Project
Athree-year sheep health project between Sainsbury’s, Dunbia and MSD Animal Health, exploring the benefit of vaccination against endemic diseases following the NOAH Category One Livestock Vaccination Guidelines, has more than halved lameness levels across ten Welsh sheep farms — saving an estimated £54,000 per year1 and slashing antibiotic use.
Involving just under 6,000 ewes across hill, upland and lowland systems, the project, which started in 2022, aimed to cut flock lameness towards the 2% Farm Animal Welfare Committee(FAWC) target while lowering antimicrobial use.
Over the project’s duration, average flock lameness fell from 6.3% to 2.7%, thanks to rigorous application of the Five Point Plan — treat, cull, avoid, quarantine, and vaccinate — and ongoing monitoring using MSD Animal Health’s sheep lameness control planner.
The plan provides a clear framework for tackling lameness and, when implemented properly, builds resilience, reduces infection pressure and improves immunity,” said Sonja van Dijk from the MSD Animal Health Market Access Team.
“All ten farms improved their lameness control scores by 94%, rising from 12 to 23 out of 25 — and that translated directly into healthier sheep and financial gains.”
Before the project began, lameness was estimated to be costing the ten farms a collective £84,000 a year in lost productivity and medicine. By 2025, that had fallen to £30,000 — a £54,000 annual saving.
The benefits of vaccination with Footvax® also stood out. “Vaccination cost just £2.58* per ewe per year yet delivered savings of £11.42 per ewe per year — more than a fourfold return,” Ms van Dijk added.
Gerwyn Evans and his family, who farm 950 Welsh and Welsh cross ewes plus 220 ewe lamb replacements on a 640-acre hill unit in Tregaron, Ceredigion, were involved in the project and saw lameness prevalence drop from 8.8% in 2022 to just 0.8% by the end of 2024.
“We’re delighted that lameness has fallen to such a manageable level, especially through some of the wettest weather we’ve ever had,” said Gerwyn.
“This has always been our biggest flock health challenge — and our daughters were spending hours catching and treating lame sheep. But being part of the project helped us really focus on the issue. The difference has been transformative.”
They are now much stricter on culling repeat offenders and quarantine all incoming rams for at least four weeks. Gerwyn added: “Vaccination has made a huge difference too — we started Footvax® in 2023. It’s a nobrainer — vaccine is far cheaper than constant use of antibiotics, which we want to move away from anyway.”
Leisia Tudor, Agriculture Manager at Dunbia, said the project demonstrates the wider value of tackling lameness proactively.
“When you see the impact the Five Point Plan has had, it’s clear this is about more than just treating lame sheep,” she said.
“The farmers who are part of this project are seeing fewer losses, spending less time on treatments, reducing their antibiotic usage, and improving overall efficiency — all of which contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
“This kind of proactive health management is one of the aspects that contributes towards sustainable livestock production, and we’re pleased to be supporting farmers on that journey.”
*Based on three doses of vaccine in the first year (for replacement ewes) and one dose thereafter. Assumes ewe replacement rate of 20% each year.
NSA calls for easing of scheme restrictions as UK sheep farmers face grazing pressures due to the ongoing hot and dry weather
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has today (Thursday 10thJuly 2025) highlighted the urgent requirement to grant a temporary derogation for grazing certain environmental land options that are part of the Countryside Stewardship scheme in light of the exceptionally dry weather currently experienced by many parts of the UK.
In a letter sent to the Chief Executive of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), NSA has requested that earlier than usual grazing of land entered into the AB15 (two year sown legume fallow), and AB18 (improved grassland fallow) be permitted.
A prolonged lack of rainfall has significantly reduced grass growth across many parts of the country, and as a result sheep farmers are facing serious challenges in maintaining adequate forage for livestock. Grazing availability is critically low, the potential for producing adequate winter forage stocks is limited, and movement constraints due to current bluetongue controls are also affecting forage availability. NSA is concerned this could
impact animal welfare and the future productivity of farm businesses if some flexibility is not introduced.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "We would specifically request that the RPA consider allowing earlier-than-usual grazing on land entered into these two options that would usually provide valuable grazing in the late summer or autumn.
"Given the current circumstances, there is a pressing need to access these areas sooner than typically permitted under scheme rules. Such a derogation would help alleviate immediate forage pressures while still upholding the broader environmental aims of the scheme."
Temporary adjustments to grazing restrictions have been granted in previous years during periods of extreme weather, and NSA believes this is a justified and proportionate response to current conditions that would allow farmers to plan accordingly and take necessary action to support their livestock whilst maintaining compliance with their schemes.
KEY APPOINTMENTS AT VOLAC MILK REPLACERS LIMITED
Volac Milk Replacers Limited has re-organised its GB sales team, making two key appointments aimed at improving focus on customer needs and its ‘Feed for Growth’ advisory platform in Central England and Wales.
Alongside his role as Global Technical Manager, Ian Watson takes on additional responsibility for commercial operations in GB. He now heads up the ‘Feed for Growth’ team of business managers, in addition to overall responsibility for product formulation, recipe optimisation, labelling and new product development.
Fiona Moore, who holds a NOAH Certificate of Animal Health (NCAH), has joined the sales team as Business Manager for Central England and Wales. Having worked in a
variety of animal health and nutrition advisorybased sales roles in the UK livestock sector –with both primary manufacturers and the merchant trade – she brings a wealth of practical, farm-based technical knowledge to the role.
According to Volac Milk Replacers Limited Managing Director John Reynolds, these two key appointments strengthen the ‘Feed for Growth’ commercial team significantly.
“Having rigorously worked on our understanding of what’s important to our customers, these two new appointments reflect this insight. I’m delighted to welcome Ian and Fiona to the GB commercial team. They are experienced people, who are both relishing the opportunity to work closely with our trade partners to further develop our strong position in the GB milk replacer market,” he said.
Two Welsh Shearers team up to achieve a new British Shearing Record
On the hottest day in Wales this year, Gethin Lewis from Rhayader and Llyr Evans from Aberystwyth were successful on Saturday in their shearing challenge in achieving a new 8-Hour Two-stand British Ewe Shearing Record. Gethin was also successful in setting a new British Individual Record.
Shearing started at 7 am at Gethin’s family farm in Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, and after four shearing runs, the last ewe was shorn at 5 pm, with a combined total of 1,364 ewes shorn in 8 hours. The existing record was 1,075 ewes held by Martin Howlett and Jonny Roberts since 2019.
Both shearers were also up for the 8-Hour Solo British Record of 663 ewes held by Huw Jones from the previous week. Llyr shore 668 and Gethin became the new record holder, shearing 696 ewes.
Catching up with both shearers at the end of their successful attempt, Gethin said: “I’m delighted that our attempt was successful. It's been a 12-month journey preparing for today, but all the hard work has been worth it.”
Llyr agreed and said: “All roads led to today, and I'm proud of what we have both achieved - it feels great to be a British Shearing Record Holder.”
Speaking about the hot weather, Llyr added: “ The extreme heat made the challenge more difficult and at times during the day it was extremely difficult and we both needed to dig deep to get through to the end.”
Both Gethin and Llyr wanted to pay tribute to all those who had supported their attempt, speaking on behalf of both, Gethin said: “This record would not have been possible without the help and support of both our families. Thank you, it means so much to us both that we have achieved what we have here today. We’d also like to pay tribute to the support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually. From the farmers supplying the sheep, pen men that were here with us all day, the wool wrappers, and all our family and friends – a huge thank you.”
Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement at British Wool, said: "On behalf of British Wool, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gethin and Llyr on their incredible achievement. Setting a Shearing Record requires not only personal dedication and skill but also the collective effort of a strong support team. We commend everyone involved in making this success possible."
British Wool recognises the importance of promoting excellence in the shearing industry and celebrates milestones that reflect the hard work and passion of those within the farming and wool community.
The Welsh Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research were the nominated charities, with fundraising taking place during the day.
More information is available at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ gethllyrbritishrecordattempt
Slurry transfer system greatly enhanced with Landia pumps at Metcalfe Farms
At its dairy operation in the Yorkshire Dales, the introduction of new separators has given Metcalfe Farms the opportunity to futureproof the pumps it uses to transfer large volumes of slurry from its 2,000 (1,300 dairy) cows.
Separating slurry has undoubted benefits, but putting together a streamlined slurry transfer system covering three tanks, has presented plenty of challenges, especially with the need to feed the site’s 200kWh biogas plant.
Aside from the separators, one of first issues was to address the final pump in sequence that ultimately sends slurry (about 6% to 8% dry matter) about 120 meters (and 10 meters of lift) up to the 3,500m3 anaerobic digester.
Annoying bits and pieces inevitably
find their way into slurry, which was enough to make the pump block quite regularly.
“I used to dread coming down here to sort it out,” said Robert Metcalfe, who oversees all things engineering on the dairy side of the business.
“The pump did an okay job when working but wasn’t the best with solids. It wasn’t a pleasant job spending over an hour unblocking it each time; a two-man job, so all very time-consuming, especially having to retrieve it with a pipe because there was no clutch at the bottom.”
That’s all changed now with the old unit replaced by a Chopper Pump made by Landia, who also supplied an integrated guide rail and a bespoke pipework system for easy access and lifting.
Continue on page 100 —>
‘It is much a better design’
“Everything flows through so much smoother now,” added Robert. “It is much a better design. You don’t have to worry about any sort of pipe bending or extra weight of the added pipe. Generally speaking, the new pump doesn’t block, although just recently a large chunk of rope stopped it! But unlike before, it’s now a job for one person, and on this occasion, only took 20 minutes before simply lowering it back in again.”
‘Digestate from the AD plant provides significant benefits’
At the biogas plant, which is run by Iona Management Services, a second CHP (combined heat and power) engine has recently been added, which will help increase the amount of clean energy that is exported to the grid. Metcalfe supplies a slurryonly feedstock to the AD plant, and then buys power back at a discounted rate for its own use.
In the winter this is around 300 kilowatt hours, rising to 360 kilowatt hours in the summer.
In addition to providing power for the dairy and the sell-on to the grid, the digestate from the AD plant also provides significant benefits, as Robert Metcalfe explains:
to manage the slurry feeding task, with an existing longshaft Landia pump moved up from its existing task on another tank.
“We’ve had this pump since 2004,” added Robert Metcalfe, “which has understandably endured plenty of wear, but when tested by Landia engineers during a service, the 20-year-old unit was still happily pumping full pipe, which I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by. Now that we have separators, we can remove solid material to reduce our environmental impact.”
“The digestate does wonders for our grassland. We spread a little bit on the crops, but it’s mainly focused on the grass. This year we did five cuts over 1,000 acres. We hardly spend anything on chemical fertilizer now.”
Working closely with Landia to look at how best to integrate the new separators, a 22kW pump was chosen
To replace the old long shaft unit, a new 7.5kW Landia Chopper Pump has now been installed so that slurry levels don’t rise. Meanwhile, the existing Landia long shaft chopper pumps, which have already been in service for 20 years, since Metcalfe had its first shed, continue to work away.
‘Very strongly built’
Robert Metcalfe continued: “The pump at the front of the loop system that has been created gets plenty of pain, so no surprise it’s had some repairs over the years, but steadily pumping away, it, with the others, has ensured that the dairy’s channels never fill up. We’ve found that by keeping our channels narrow, the pumps keep them flushed out completely, whereas with wider channels, the whole thing would still need flushing out. Now that we have it all set up on timers, it’s seamless, so far less hassle.
“The Landia pumps are very strongly built things, and I like the fact that they are electric and quite modular, so
we don’t have to hook up to a tractor. This very much fits in with what we constantly work towards with fewer engines turning and less burning of diesel. One Landia pump we’ve had now for three years, and it’s never given us a bit of trouble.”
Over in the Metcalfe milking parlour, Robert has been glad to see the back of having to replace small vortex pumps that blocked or blew completely, even though the liquids are very watery.
Heexplained: “As soon as any foreign debris or plastics came into play, straining the pump,we were having to buy a new one almost every six months due to burnout or component failure,soastheyclearlyweren’t up to the job,I called Landia forhelp. Also, the pump(s) had been installed on winches and over time, blockages and sediment buildup forced us to keep raising the pumps closer to the top of the tank,which in turn meant we ended up with sediment right upto the mouth of thetank.
‘Since we’ve had it installed, we haven’t had to touch it’
Synching the pump operation, together with the investment in separators is just part of how Robert Metcalfe is helping focus on improvements to help take the diary part of the business forward, but without expanding too quickly. The dairy provides around 45 tonnes of milk per day to Paynes Dairies at Boroughbridge. Exceptionally high animal welfare standards for the Metcalfe cows continue to see a rise in yields.
“We now have a new 5.5kW Landia pump that just flies through any debris or solids, which are an inevitable part of dairy wastewater/slurry. Nothing settles out with this new, much faster pump. It’s absolutely spot-on, and what’s great is that it is completely automatic. Since we’ve had it installed, we haven’t had to touch it. You can configure it so that in this case it knows we want to keep this tank pumped out and empty. The sensor knows the tank’s dimensions and capacity. It is so much better than what we're doing before.”
“Going forward,” said Robert, “everything matters, even the little things. For all its benefits, we’d possibly consider sand bedding, but I don’t think our slurry channels would take it, and there’ such a big wear factor on pumps and machines. The sawdust we use is perfect, apart from the price!
“We’ve also been improving the lighting for our cows, again with some help from an automatic, dimmable system. Previously in hot summer spells, you could see that our cows were uncomfortable, which we don’t want. The milk output would drop. As well as the lighting, we’ve also put up new roof sheets to block out any intensive heat, which has made a big, positive difference.”
He concluded: “In time here we will probably phase out other brands of pumps as they come to the end of their life or cause problems, and just stick with Landia. I think it helps that they focus on pumps, rather than some who try to provide everything, plus we always get very good backup and no problems with the supply of spare parts.”
Tramspread launches new compact Contractor Trailer
lurry and digestate management specialist Tramspread has introduced a compact single-axle version of the popular Contractor Trailer engine driven pump unit.
The Contractor Trailer carries everything needed for an umbilical spreading system with a self-contained engine-driven pump unit, compressor for blowing out the drag hose, hose spool carrying cradle and storage for tools, couplings and sundries.
The new introduction fills a gap in the range for a more compact version, combining the same ability and performance with reduced dimensions to make it easier to navigate through narrow and uneven gateways and in awkward yards. The first to leave the factory has already been bought by a Scottish contractor.
“The twin-axle Contractor Trailer is ideal for most of our customers, but we are quite aware that access can be limited in some areas, for example in certain parts of Wales and Scotland,” explains Tramspread managing director Terry Baker. “We always aim to support our customers with products tailored to their
specific needs, so we have developed a compact and manoeuvrable Contractor Trailer which still incorporates all of the well-liked design features but carries one hose reel rather than two.”
The first Contractor Trailers were made for Tramspread’s own contracting division in 1998. These early single-axle models were replaced with the new twin-axle version for 2013 which was updated in 2022. All models are designed as a purpose-built unit rather than converted from a trailer chassis.
The new single-axle version can be fitted with a 175hp or 238hp six-cylinder FPT engine, Bauer, Doda or Cri-Man pump, compressors of 140 or 180CFM output and optional GSM or radio type remote control systems with associated high-tech features.
The 900-litre fuel tank has been repositioned underneath the engine and pump, and as always considerable thought has been put into operator convenience with suction and delivery hose connections at low level. The 1000m hose spool is loaded into its cradle from the front and quickly and easily secured with pins – no straps are needed. Generous toolboxes provide ample storage.
The sprung axle is fitted with 50k rated 435/50R19.5 tyres and air-brakes. The drawbar is configured to allow the towing tractor to carry a dribble bar in the linkage, allowing one operator to move an entire umbilical system. Total chassis length is 6.3m, which is over 2m shorter than the twin-axle model.
The full-range of options can be fitted, including a suction hose transport kit, sponge ball (pig) launcher and the new 360-degree camera which was introduced earlier this year.
ADOPT announces more funding and support to empower farmer innovation
More information has been released about the ADOPT Fund including confirmed funding rounds, timescales and how farmers can make the most of this opportunity.
This initiative, part of the Farming Innovation Programme funded by Defra and delivered by Innovate UK, aims to support farmer-led research and development projects with significant funding and expert guidance.
It offers farmers, growers and foresters in England the opportunity to trial and test practical solutions to on-farm productivity and sustainability challenges.
The next round of funding has been announced and it offers farmers the chance to apply for additional support for their innovations – however applicants have got until 25 June 2025 to apply for the Full Grant Round 1 of funding.
What is ADOPT?
ADOPT stands for Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies and is designed specifically for farmer-led innovation, helping farmers turn their ideas into practical trials.
The fund provides two types of grants:
• Support Grants: Up to £2,500 to help develop
ideas and bring in expert facilitators
• Full Project Grants: Between £50,000 and £100,000 for farmer-led projects
Farmers can apply directly for a full grant or start with a support grant to develop their ideas first.
Why ADOPT Matters
ADOPT focuses on testing and trialing ideas or solutions that are either new or not yet widely used.
It encourages farmer-led collaboration, working with other farmers, advisers, researchers and partners to significantly improve productivity, resilience and sustainability.
The fund aims to demonstrate to other farmers, growers or foresters how these innovations can benefit them through on-farm trials with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
What's open now?
Round 1 includes a full grant option for farmer-led, on-farm projects between £50,000 and £100,000, which closes on 25 June 2025.
Multiple rounds of both Support and Full Grants will run through the rest of 2025 and into early 2026.
The ultimate combination of raw power, versatility and precision. Easy to manoeuvre, delivering best-in-class cutting performance, STIGA Park can handle large multi-level grass areas with ease. The position of the deck ensures control and visibility around every corner
VARIANT 500 round balers get a performance boost thanks to MULTIFLOW HD pick-up
CCLAAS offers the most diverse range of round balers since entering the segment in 1978, covering the most varied and demanding customer requirements better than ever before:
•ROLLANT 520 RC fixed chamber baler with 14-knife cutting rotor and attractive priceperformance ratio.
• ROLLANT 630 RC fixed chamber baler as an innovation with 25-knife cutting rotor, MULTIFLOW HD pick-up, PRO cutting frame and ISOBUS operation.
• ROLLANT 630 RC UNIWRAP as a powerful, compact and soil-protecting baler/wrapper combination with 25-blade cutting rotor, PRO cutting frame and MULTIFLOW HD pick-up. Film binding is available as an option instead of net binding.
• VARIANT 580 / 560 with variable bale chamber for bale diameters of up to 1.80 or 1.60 m, with 14blade cutting rotor, PRO cutting frame and SMART DENSITY bale pressure control.
• VARIANT 585 / 565 with variable bale chamber for bale diameters of up to 1.80 or 1.60 m, with 17-
blade cutting rotor, PRO cutting frame and SMART DENSITY baling pressure control as well as largevolume, soil-protecting tyre equipment.
• CEREX 780 with variable bale chamber for up to 1.83 m bale diameter for a higher level in throughput, bale density and efficiency.
MULTIFLOW HD pick-up, 25-knife cutting rotor and PRO cutting frame are standard.
MULTIFLOW HD for significantly increased performance and efficiency.
From the 2026 product year, all VARIANT 580/560 and 585/565 models will be equipped as standard with the latest generation of CLAAS pick-up, the CLAAS MULTIFLOW HD with a working width of 2.10 m (1.90 m DIN raking width) and five controlled tine bars. Based on more than 90 years of experience in pick-up collection technologies, it enables even lower-loss crop feeding and a noticeably more constant material flow. Thanks to the new cam track, 20 per cent less drive is required and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. Removable strippers made of robust, durable plastic guarantee quick and easy access for maintenance work.
The 5-row MULTIFLOW HD pick-up demonstrates its outstanding pick-up quality particularly in silage applications. The strippers on the MULTIFLOW HD are also made of robust, durable plastic and the new cam track geometry significantly reduces maintenance work and costs. The HD variant also has a particularly strong pick up reel shaft with a diameter of 70 mm.
In all VARIANT models, both MULTIFLOW pick-up variants now have a pick-up speed of 146 rpm. This increases the raking performance by 20 per cent compared to the previous model, which enables higher driving speeds and therefore a significant increase in throughput.
VARIANT in the cloud: Digital machine management with a wide range of options in CLAAS connect.
All VARIANT round balers from CLAAS are now also networked via CLAAS connect in the app or on the web. New machines are stored directly in the customer's CLAAS connect as part of the machine handover. This gives them continuous mobile access to digital operating instructions, the lubricant guide and the CLAAS Parts Shop for ordering original CLAAS lubricants, wear and spare parts. This means that users have everything in one place - no more misplaced operating manuals and tedious searches for suitable lubricants and spare parts. This service is free of charge for VARIANT customers in CLAAS connect and is available in both the web version and the app.
CLAAS connect also offers comprehensive machine and farm management functions that also support forage harvesting. The integrated bale calculator, for example, enables the required net or twine to be calculated so that the right amount is always in stock. It is also possible to calculate the net or twine costs, which makes billing easier for contractors or intercompany use
Power+ Setting 2, Vario Gen6 Transmission, Power Beyond, Cab Suspension £168,500
Tines, Bout Markers
£57,500 +VAT
CLAYDON 4M CY DRILL
Hybrid Drill, 4m Working Width, 17000L Hopper
£53,500 +VAT 2021
STRAW HARROWS
HYBRID DRILL
Fendt 620 Vario delivers top results in the field and on the road
The top model in the Fendt 600 Vario series, the Fendt 620 Vario, achieved top scores in the independent DLG PowerMix Test for performance, efficiency and fuel consumption in the overall consumption, but also in the individual 14 test cycles.
The 4-cylinder AGCO Power CORE50 engine of the Fendt 620 Vario achieves a maximum output of 149.9 kW / 205 hp at the PTO and a maximum torque of 885 Nm at just 1,200 rpm, according to measurements by the independent DLG Test Centre. At 245 g/kWh (+ 29.3 g/kWh AdBlue) , the Fendt 620 Vario achieves the lowest diesel consumption in the 165 to 240 hp* power class of all tractor models tested by the DLG to date. This corresponds to a lead of 11 g/kWh compared to the previous best result and is therefore well below the average of the tractors tested in this power class. This means that "the Fendt is on average over 1015% more economical than all previous test candidates in mixed work and in the partial load range" concludes profi magazine in its practical report (6/2025)
concept of the Fendt 600 Vario series, which is designed for efficiency
The Fendt 620 Vario also achieves an absolute best result in the road transport test cycle. At 40 km/h, it only consumes 309 g/kWh of diesel (+ 34.9 g/kWh AdBlue), which corresponds to an advantage of 40 g/kWh compared to the previous best rating of 349 g/kWh in this performance class. At a speed of 50 km/h, the Fendt 620 Vario consumes 311 g/kWh (+35.8 g/kWh AdBlue) and is therefore significantly more economical than the average of the tractors tested to date. During transport, the Fendt 620 Vario reaches its top speed of 50 km/h at just 1,350 rpm, resulting in low fuel consumption. This makes it the most economical of all tractors tested to date in the DLG PowerMix 2.0.
At the same time, with this result, the tractor is only 3 g/kWh above the top score of the DLG PowerMix test for the Fendt 728 Vario from 2023. Profi writes about the consumption at nominal speed and corresponding power as well as maximum speed: "In terms of diesel consumption, the 620 has inherited a lot from its big brother 728 (profi 2/24): 229 g/kWh (+ 23.8 g/kWh AdBlue) at nominal speed and 221 g/kWh (+ 25 g/kWh) means efficiency." These low consumption rates confirm the efficient interaction between VarioDrive drive, the Fendt iD low-speed concept and the overall
Other features such as the comprehensive chassis and safety concept with hydraulic auxiliary brake, the suspension front axle and the pneumatically suspended cab, the trailer brake assistant and the automatic parking brake further characterise the machine as a transport talent.
More about the Fendt 600 Vario
"The Fendt 620 Vario has everything farmers need: compact dimensions, high manoeuvrability, efficiency and particularly low diesel consumption. In its performance class, the Fendt 620 Vario achieves the lowest diesel consumption measured - both for field work and transport," says Roland Schmidt, Vice President Fendt Marketing. "With only 309 g/kWh consumption at 50 km/h, our Fendt 620 Vario sets a new benchmark in efficiency, but is also easy on the farmer's wallet, because using less operating resources pays off after a short time and is also sustainable."
Tel: 01477 533560
www.rvwpugh.co.uk
www.trmachinery.co.uk
Turney Group to Represent Merlo from New Bredon Depot, Gloucestershire
Merlo UK is pleased to announce that Turney Group will represent the Merlo brand from a new depot in Bredon, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, from 1st July 2025. This follows the planned closure of P&D Engineering (Bredon) Ltd at the end of June, marking the retirement of Mike Pullen after 49 years in business more than 20 of which were as a valued Merlo dealer.
The Bredon depot will serve as a dedicated Merlo centre for the area, offering full sales and aftersales support for Merlo’s innovative range of telehandlers. Turney Group will also offer a range of groundcare and agricultural machinery brands at the site, but Merlo will be the sole telehandler franchise supported from this location.
proud to extend Turney’s coverage into Gloucestershire and Worcestershire,” said Phil Bush, Managing Director at Turney Group. “This new depot will allow us to build on our commitment to offering premium machines with exceptional service and support. We’re excited to bring Merlo’s innovative telehandlers to new and existing customers in the region.”
Turney Group is a main line dealer for many of the UK’s leading agricultural, horticultural, and arboricultural franchises. From its existing branches at Middleton Stoney, Princes Risborough and Weston on the Green, the business supports a wide customer base with equipment ranging from tractors and trailers to mowers and chainsaws. Founded in 1948 and celebrating 75 years in business in 2023, Turney Group brings a wealth of experience and customer focus to this growing Merlo territory.
Several members of the former P&D Engineering team will be joining Turney Group at Bredon, ensuring continuity and familiarity for customers, and reinforcing the company’s commitment to trusted local service.
“The Merlo brand will be a key part of our machinery offering from Bredon, and we are
Owen Buttle, National Sales Manager at Merlo UK, added: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Turney Group through the addition of their new Bredon depot. Their specialist team and long-standing reputation align perfectly with Merlo’s values of quality, innovation, and customer care. We’d also like to thank Mike Pullen for his decades of dedication to Merlo and wish him all the best in retirement.”
This latest appointment further strengthens Merlo’s UK agricultural dealer network, ensuring continued support for customers across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and surrounding areas.
RVW Pugh, Unit 2, Holland Business Park, Spa Lane, Lathom Lancashire, L40 6LN
Market Drayton
Shropshire
TF9 3UX
Cooks Midlands Ltd.
Unit 10 Horsepool Grange
Phone: 01630 653801 www.trmachinery.co.uk
Phone : 01695 816444 www.rvwpugh.co.uk
Elliotts Lane, Markfield LE67 9TW
Phone : 01530 249191
www.cooksmidlands.co.uk
Cooks Midlands Ltd. Unit 10Horsepool Grange
Elliotts Lane, Markfield
LE67 9TW
Phone : 01530 249191 www.cooksmidlands.co.uk
Tel: 07496 734212 www.cambridgetractors.co.uk
Massey Ferguson introduces the MF 8S Xtra
Massey Ferguson is proud to announce the introduction of its new MF 8S Xtra series, building on the success of the multi award-winning MF 8S models and featuring new styling, increased efficiency and even better operator comfort.
The MF 8S Xtra line-up features six models from 205hp to 305hp, with Engine Power Management (EPM) boosting power by up to 20hp. Impressive productivity is combined with top notch reliability for maximum uptime, and a low total cost of ownership ensures the best return on investment.
“Demand for tractors in the 200–300hp segment is strong and user expectations are high,” commented Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “While updating this series, Massey Ferguson consulted new and existing customers as well as dealers to ensure it has the capability to not only satisfy, but also to exceed the requirements of farmers and contractors worldwide. With the MF 8S Xtra, owners are getting more than just a tractor; this is a dependable and reliable partner with a specification and the latest technology to suit their modern agricultural needs.”
A step-up in performance
Since the MF 8S was introduced in 2020, continuous improvements have been made and new options increasing operator comfort, working efficiency and productivity have been added. In the cab, these include a Dual-Motion seat option, electrically adjusted external rear-view mirrors, a rear window demister and a revised microphone position. MF Technology upgrades include MF AutoTurn, MF Section Control for automatic control of up to 96 sections and AEF Isobus certification.
A Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) is available through MF By You, maximising traction for increased productivity while also protecting soils and reducing fuel consumption.
An enhanced service and warranty package protects the investment and reduces costs of ownership – more important now than ever before in today’s challenging financial climate.
Range
• Six models from 205–305 maximum horsepower, and a choice of Dyna-7, Dyna EPower dual-clutch or Dyna-VT transmissions for maximum versatility.
• AGCO Power 7.4-litre engines deliver more power, torque and performance while
maintaining high economy.
• Unique Protect-U design concept with a 24 cm gap to reduce cab noise, heat and vibration.
• Datatronic 5 touchscreen terminal provides full connectivity and control.
• Enhanced flexibility with optional Fieldstar 5 terminal enabling precision farming functions on a choice of screens.
Increased performance and efficiency
• New fan control software to boost efficiency.
• New optional reversible fan maximises cooling performance and reduces maintenance.
• New hydraulic valve decompression lever option for Efficient version ensures quick and easy implement changes.
• New LED 360-degree light option improves operation during long working days.
Enhanced operator convenience
• New steering wheel design with optional spinner ball for extra comfort.
• New optional Entertainment pack with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Focal speakers for best audio quality.
Reduced lifetime ownership cost
• Warranty and maintenance packages up to 5 years, for improved budgeting and business management*.
• MF Always Running* – a temporary replacement tractor from MF means owners can continue working with minimum interruptions while their own machines are being serviced.
*Terms and conditions apply and vary according to the market or country.
Ticket sales now open for Agritechnica 2025
Tickets for Agritechnica 2025 are now on sale in the official ticket shop—four months ahead of the event—and interest is high. An online survey shows that more than 75 percent of potential visitors have already committed to attending. Guided by the theme "Touch Smart Efficiency," Agritechnica 2025—the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery—will take place Nov. 9–15 in Hanover, Germany. With all 23 halls fully booked, the world's largest indoor trade fair venue will once again be operating at full capacity. Held in parallel, the Systems & Components event is held across three centrally connected, halls serving as the B2B marketplace for the international supplier industry in the agricultural and off-highway sectors.
The organizer, the DLG (German Agricultural Society), expects Agritechnica to host around 2,700 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and welcome some 430,000 visitors. This year marks the debut of the new theme day concept, held under the slogan "7 Days – 7 Topics," which will target specific professional visitor groups on each day of the show.
presented by FarmRobotix," located in Hall 21. Visitors will be able to explore advanced technologies in digital farming, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The exhibition area housing more than 100 exhibitors is clearly organized into themed zones.
Ticketshop now open
Visitors can now purchase tickets for Agritechnica 2025 in the official online ticket shop. A standard day ticket is priced at 29 Euros and a two-day ticket at 42 Euros. Tickets for the Innovation and Press Day on Sunday, Nov. 9, are available for 63 Euros. Admission to the two Agribusiness Days on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 10 and 11, costs 149 Euro per day. The organizer, DLG, recommends that visitors review the new "Theme Days" and ticket categories online in advance. For a small additional fee, visitors can purchase a Green Ticket, which supports local reforestation projects in Germany.
Visitor interest is already running high. Conducted in June, DLG's online survey of approximately 2,000 potential attendees from Germany and abroad indicated that 76 percent have already decided to attend the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery.
All leading companies in the international farm equipment sector have confirmed their participation in the world's largest trade fair for agricultural machinery. They are listed in the exhibitor directory which is already availablehere. At Agritechnica 2025, the exhibiting companies will showcase innovations and current strategies in key areas such as tractors, harvesting machinery, soil cultivation and seeding, crop protection and fertilization, as well as solutions for digital farming, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence.
The exhibition program is complemented by a technical program lineup featuring DLG's "Expert Stages", "Spotlights", pop-up talks, and networking events focused on smart efficiency, digital farming, agricultural machinery trade, alternative drive systems, and soil health. Innovative startup companies will showcase their ideas and products in the agrifood start-up area. Making its debut this year is the "Digital Farm Center –
For the first time, Agritechnica tickets are valid for free use of all local public transportation in the Hanover region (ÜSTRA fare zone) on the day of the visit.
Strong visitor interest in digitalization and automation
With some four months to go before Agritechnica 2025 kicks off, interest in the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery is already running high. According to the latest Agritechnica Tracker survey, 76 percent of respondents have already decided to attend the event, while another 22 percent plan to make a decision in the coming months. The survey gathered responses from around 2,000 potential visitors across Germany, Europe, and other key international agricultural regions.
Digitalization and automation emerged as top areas of interest among respondents. Around one in four expressed a strong desire to learn more about robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) at the show.
"The strong visitor response confirms that our guiding theme, 'Touch Smart Efficiency,' resonates with the spirit of the times," said Timo Zipf, Agritechnica project manager. "With the Digital Farm Center, we are creating a forward-looking space where industry professionals can explore the latest developments in automation, digitalization, robotics, and AI. These are key technologies for sustainable and competitive crop production worldwide.
New features for agricultural machinery dealers
Agritechnica 2025 will place a strong spotlight on the international agricultural machinery dealer trade. In addition to established offerings like "Workshop Live" presenting machinery repairs, the event will introduce several new features. This year, registered dealers can opt to be listed on the official trade fair website and app, making it easier for customers and exhibitors to find them.
Also new is the "Business Matchmaking" program, designed to facilitate targeted connections between dealers and exhibitors. Another highlight is the International Dealer Center in Hall 2, providing a dedicated space for global networking and business development.
Special Trains to the World's Leading Trade Fair
For Agritechnica 2025, agricultural organizations and travel partners are once again planning special train services within Germany to Hanover. Among them, the Rhineland Agricultural Association (RLV) will operate two special trains on Wednesday, November 12, and Friday, November 14. The first train will depart from
Cochem and travel via Koblenz-Lützel, Bonn, Cologne, and Wuppertal to Hannover Messe Laatzen. The second train will depart from Düren and travel through the Lower Rhine region to Agritechnica.
The travel agency Agrardienst Baden offers an extended weekend in Hamburg from Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16. The program includes a full-day excursion to Agritechnica in Hanover on Saturday, November 15. A chartered coach will take participants directly to the exhibition grounds.
Goldmann Touristikis offering bus tours in Germany to Agritechnica from November 12 to 14, departing from Stralsund, Rostock, or Schwerin, as well as from Karlsruhe, Mannheim, or Frankfurt (Main). The registration deadline is July 31, 2025.
Visitors from Switzerland can take advantage of an organized rail trip from Saturday, November 8, to Monday, November 10. The journey begins at Basel station and continues with Deutsche Bahn to Wolfsburg. The following morning, a bus transfer will take participants to the exhibition grounds.
THE POWER OF SILENCE THE STRENGTH OF MANITOU
Meet the MLT 625e.
The best selling 6m telehandler now 100% electric
Built for the modern farm, the Manitou MLT 625e delivers all the productivity of the best selling diesel MLT 625 without the noise, fuel costs, or emissions.
MLT 625e
Built in cable storage
Riverlea Ltd - WHITLAND
Riverlea Ltd - CRYMYCH
Riverlea Ltd - COWBRIDGE
Sharnford Tractors
Riverlea Ltd - RAGLAN
A.T. Best Handlers Ltd
A.T. Best Handlers Ltd
Ness Plant - Brechin
Ness Plant - Bridge of Allan
Ness Plant - Kinross
Massey Ferguson introduces next generation MF 1M series premium compact tractors
Massey Ferguson has launched two new MF 1M series premium specification compact tractor models, improving efficiency, performance and comfort in the sector.
The new MF 1M series replaces MF 1500 models and comes with the latest MF family styling, which first featured on larger MF 8S tractors. Initially there will be two MF 1M series models, both with extra performance over the machines they replace. The 25hp MF 1M.25 replaces the current MF 1525, while the 20hp MF 1M.20 replaces the current MF 1520.
As well as updated styling, which includes the distinctive MF sabre, new features include a factory-fitted cab, enhanced controls, a midPTO, external PTO controls for added convenience, more lighting options and new cutter decks.
“With the MF 1M series, we have combined advanced engineering with innovative design to create tractors that not only meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers,” explains Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “This demanding market sector increasingly requires machinery solutions that boost productivity while also offering improved operator comfort during long working days.”
The
MF 1M series
• Two new MF 1M series models of 20hp and 25hp
• Reliable and efficient 3-cyl engines with extra power and torque
• New nine-speed, three-range transmission increases flexibility in a wide range of applications
• New factory-fitted, air-conditioned cab for MF 1M.25 provides a comfortable working environment
• New joystick hydraulic control for improved operation
• Powerful hydraulics with high flow rates for demanding applications
• Generous hydraulic lift capacity up to 900kg allows use with larger implements
• External PTO controls increase safety and convenience
• New cutter decks offer additional grass discharge options
Significant updates increase productivity and comfort
The new MF 1M series models combine performance with exceptional operator comfort, making them ideal for professional use including within the municipal, equine and ground care industries.
Cab and controls
The optional factory-fitted cab is a comfortable and productive working environment.
A large glass area gives excellent, 360-degree visibility, and LED work lights front and rear are standard. The equipment list also includes air conditioning, heating, a rear wiper with an intermittent setting, and an electric rear window demister.
At the rear of the cab, a cable access point protects and seals around electric cables connecting rear-mounted implements.
A hydraulic control joystick enhances efficiency and reduces fatigue when operating attachments such as a front loader. USB and 12-volt sockets power electronic devices including smartphones.
Both new tractors feature an adjustable steering wheel, ensuring users can achieve a comfortable driving position.
Engine and transmission
The MF 1M.25 engine produces 33 per cent more torque at lower revs than some competitors with similar power, resulting in reduced operating noise levels and excellent fuel efficiency. The stepless hydrostatic transmission provides easily adjustable speeds for every task.
The MF 1M.20 features a new, nine-speed transmission, replacing the previous eight-
MF 1M | 20-25 HP
MODERN DESIGN WITH ROBUST PERFORMANCE
BUILT FOR DRIVER COMFORT
Cab or platform options with ergonomic controls
WIDE CHOICE OF TYRES
Agri, Turfe or Industrial Tyres
PRECISE AND SMOOTH OPERATION
Efficient 9 x 9 mechanical transmission or stepless hydrostatic transmission THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMPACT TRACTORS,
RVW Pugh Ltd
RVW Pugh Ltd
Crawfords - Writtle
Crawfords Charing, Kent
Crawfords - Ropley
Crawfords - Swingfield
Crawfords - Billingshurst
speed gearbox, and making it easier to achieve the ideal combination of engine and travel speeds whatever the application.
Capable hydraulics
Designed to handle modern implements, the MF 1M.25 has 900kg rear linkage lift capacity; 300kg more than the previous MF 1525 model. The MF 1M.20 retains the same 600kg lift capacity of the MF 1520, although an upgrade to 900kg is a new option.
The main hydraulic pump provides up to 20.9 litres/min of oil flow, and up to two spool valves can be specified to supply hydraulic-driven attachments. A separate pump produces 12.3 litres/min of oil flow for steering, ensuring that the total supply from the main pump is always available for powering implements.
MF 1M.25 models fitted with the optional cab are equipped with a dedicated joystick for enhanced hydraulic spool control.
For tractors with front loaders and similar attachments, the hydraulic spools can be midmounted, beneath the right-hand cab door.
PTO
The MF 1M.25 has a two-speed rear PTO with selectable 540/750rpm output. Fuel saving 540E is an option. The MF 1M.20 has a single 540rpm drive speed.
A mid PTO with 2,000rpm output is standard on the MF 1M.25, and an option for the MF 1M.20 model.
For increased versatility and ease of use, the MF 1M.25 has three PTO operating modes. These include Independent PTO, Stationary PTO and Auto PTO. In Auto mode, the PTO rotates during forward travel and stops automatically when the tractor stops or reverses. Auto mode also allows users to select the rate of PTO engagement and is recommended for tools such as fertiliser
spreaders. Normal is for applications such as rotary cultivating, with quick, positive activation. Soft is designed for implements such as mowers and grass tedders.
New external controls
The MF 1M.25 specification includes a rear fender mounted PTO switch, increasing convenience and safety for static PTO applications.
Safety with practicality
For operator protection, a ROPS is standard on both new models. The MF 1M.25 comes with a new, rear-mounted adjustable folding frame which maximises forward and side visibility, while the folded height can be matched to the headroom available.
Wide choice of wheels and tyres
The new Massey Ferguson tractors can be
supplied with a choice of agricultural, turf or industrial pattern tyres to suit the working environment.
Unique choice of grass discharge options
A new range of mid-mounted grass cutter decks brings additional options and features. For the MF 1M.25, customers have the choice of a 54inch or 60-inch cutting width, as well as side- or rear-discharge, and mulching options.
The latest drive-over cutter decks are easier to fit and remove for maintenance and save time swapping between tasks.
The MF 1M.25, with 150mm ground clearance, can drive over the decks simplifying the fitting process and allowing quicker preparation for grass cutting and other applications. Once the deck is attached, the cutting height is easily and quickly set by a simple lever.
S New factory reinforces Sands’ commitment to UK agriculture and manufacturing
ands Agricultural Machinery (SAM), the Norfolk-based selfpropelled sprayer manufacturer, has underlined its commitment to British agriculture and farm equipment manufacturing with a move to a completely new factory.
Over the past 50 years the company had gradually expanded on the site where it was founded, at Brumstead near Stalham. Here, Neal Sands built his first self-propelled sprayer for the contracting business developed from the family farm. Neighbours requested similar machines, and the first production Sands self-propelled sprayer was launched to the farming public at the Royal Norfolk Show in 1975.
facilities, and by offices, stores and the service department.
With business continuing to expand in recent years, Neal and his son Thomas had been seeking a new site on which to expand production and boost efficiencies. Following its purchase and considerable investment in redevelopment, the new facility, just a few minutes away, at Catfield, was officially opened in late May, following a move during December-January. Of the site’s 3.6ha (9ac), one-third is under cover, with converted or purpose-built modern buildings, significant investment in construction and conversion having been made before the move.
“We have created a layout which maximises production efficiency, where we can work on six machines at once and unfold 40m booms inside,” says Thomas.
“But we also have potential for future expansion, with sufficient space to extend production by another eight bays if required. The production facilities are complemented by significant investment in new shotblasting and painting
“As we make many components in-house, high steel quality is important, which justifies the investment in shotblasting and spray paint facilities, with a large part of that in a new electronic 2K mixing system. This also gives us the ability to strip back, shotblast and respray used machines where desired.
“Production efficiency has been boosted with the installation of six overhead cranes, plus smaller workbench units, while magnetic technology helps move large steel sheets, reducing the need for forklifts.”
Considerable investment has been made in environmental and energy-saving features –rainwater is harvested across the buildings, feeding two 25,000-litre tanks, and most roofs feature solar panels.
The parts department for machine construction and supply to customers is now under one roof, with a six-tier stacking system and full computer organisation. Some £2.6m of stock comprising 26,000 lines was moved from the former premises.
Currently the plant produces approximately three machines/month, but this is expected to rise to four. Approximately 4,000 Sands SAM sprayers have been built in just over 50 years, and can today be found across the UK and Ireland, and as far afield as Sweden and New Zealand. The current Sands range comprises models from 3,000-6,000 litres capacity with steel boom widths from 24-40m. Sands provides a full retail and support service, with after-sales, servicing and a trade-in route to a replacement machine.
The McCormick X5 range consists of three models which are the X5.100, X5.110 and X5.120 which can be configured to suit customers needs and requirements. The X5 tractor is a compact and manoeuvrable machine, the perfect partner for anyone requiring a strong loader tractor. It is equipped with a four-cylinder, 3.6-litre FPT engine which in the X5.120 generates up to 114hp. There are eight transmission options which start at a 12+12 transmission and lead up to the top of the range P3 transmission. The P3 transmission is fully robotised and can be optimised by the operator depending on the application. Maximum speed for all models is 40kph.
The X5 range has a simple and easy to use cab layout with all key functions colour coded and grouped together for easy operator identification. The M20iH loader is the preferred loader for the X5 range, this is produced by Sigma4 who are a McCormick partner company. All loaders can be configured with a choice of headstocks, boom suspension and flash hydraulic connections. When the tractor is equipped with a Smart Pilot joystick it combines transmission and loader control within one single joystick.
David Henderson Tractors Henderson House, Acomb, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4SA
Tel: 01434 601966
hendersontractors.co.uk
More grain tank volume, new engines and additional model for LEXION high-performance combine harvesters from CLAAS
In its 30th anniversary year, CLAAS is giving the LEXION highperformance combine harvester a makeover and introducing an additional model. The main changes are to the grain tank volume, engine power and cab. The LEXION 7500, LEXION 8700 and LEXION 6800 are also getting new engines.
At Agritechnica 1995, CLAAS took combine harvester performance to a new level in terms of power, efficiency and comfort with the LEXION 480. Today, 30 years and more than 75,000 LEXIONs built later, the four LEXION 8000, 7000, 6000 and 5000 series with their unique range of equipment inspire customers all over the world with their unrivalled harvesting performance and efficiency as well as maximum comfort.
With a view to the upcoming Agritechnica and the 2026 harvest, CLAAS is introducing a number of important innovations to the top combine harvester class. In addition to further improved performance, the focus is primarily on operator comfort.
The new LEXION 8500 / 8500 TERRA TRAC rounds off the lower end of the series, resulting in a narrower power range and giving customers a wider choice of suitable configurations in terms of engine power and grain tank volume. The new entry-level model in the LEXION 8000 series features the familiar MAN D26 six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 12.4 litres and 549 hp as well as DYNAMIC POWER and DYNAMIC COOLING - which is now also used in the LEXION 7500 / 7500 TERRA TRAC with a rated output of 466 hp. The 8700 and 8600 models, on the other hand, are equipped with the MAN D38 six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 15.2 litres, which impresses even more with its strong and stable torque as well as fuel efficiency. The rated output is 646 and 598 hp respectively.
In terms of separation, all models work with the APS SYNFLOW HYBRID system with a feed channel width of 1,700 mm, three drums, a 755 mm threshing drum and two axial rotors that are 445 mm in diameter and 4,200 mm long. The
LEXION 8500 / 8500 TERRA TRAC is equipped with five rotor concaves with a maximum rotor speed of 1,000 rpm, while the larger LEXION 8600 TERRA TRAC to LEXION 8900 TERRA TRAC models offer even more separation performance with six rotor concaves and a maximum rotor speed of 1,200 rpm.
LEXION 8700: Largest grain tank in its class.
In response to numerous customer requests, CLAAS is also increasing the grain tank sizes. The LEXION 8600 TERRA TRAC and 8500 / 8500 TERRA TRAC can now be supplied with either a 13,000 or 15,000 litre grain tank volume. The LEXION 8700 TERRA TRAC is now even available with the largest grain tank with a volume of either 15,000 or 18,000 litres and an emptying capacity of 180 l/s as standard, making it the largest grain tank in its class.
Cab with Apple CarPlay and new interior lighting.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 6.75 inch touch display, DAB+ radio receiver and Bluetooth will be available in the cab from the 2026 model year. A blow gun with a 2-metre-long spiralled hose is also available for quick and easy cleaning of fittings and the cab floor. Thanks to new interior lighting in the cab, working in the evening and at night is even safer and more pleasant. New storage compartments in the left-hand B pillar offer additional storage options.
From the outside, all LEXION models from the 2026 model year are recognisable by new LED rotating lamps and new rear lamps with a modern look, which also ensure greater safety in the field and on the road.
CLAAS will also be offering new operator and visibility packages for the LEXION from the 2026 model year. Each of the three equipment packages enables customised configuration of driver comfort, headlight and camera equipment with a wide range of features, such as leather upholstery through to swivel leather seats, wireless charging for smartphones, three LED headlight packages, electrically adjustable and
New Park Farm, Betty Haunt Lane Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4HR Tel: 01983 640421
www.mrickardagri.co.uk
heated rear-view mirrors and various camera equipment. In addition, a compressed air connection is available in the cab access area for cleaning the connections on the intake duct.
CEMOS driver assistance and machine optimisation combined.
With its combine harvesters, CLAAS has been a world leader in grain harvesting for decades. LEXION and TRION set the standard in the areas of self-learning machine optimisation and driver assistance. To make it easier for customers to configure the right CEMOS equipment, the available functionalities are bundled into three CEMOS packages:
CEMOS AUTO for 10 percent throughput capacity, significant learning effects and noticeably more driving comfort thanks to dialoguebased optimisation, automatic regulation of the forward speed and automatic crop flow monitoring. The menuguided loss sensor calibration is unique on the market.
ßClear job management: Jobs are conveniently created in CLAAS connect and called up on the CEMIS 1200. Orders can be documented and managed directly on the machine.
ßAutomatic documentation with CLAAS connect: Automatic documentation of field work is also possible without creating jobs for a complete database. Interpolated yield maps of outstanding quality can be created automatically from the machine's yield points.
CEMOS AUTO Plus for up to 20 percent performance optimisation and automatic optimisation of residual grain separation, cleaning and digital sweep control.
CEMOS AUTO Professional for more than 20 percent more output, including automatic setting of the threshing unit and camera-based, permanent optical monitoring, analysis and optimisation for maximum machine throughput with the best grain quality and minimum trash.
In addition, sales packages are also available for the cab equipment with a full focus on operator comfort, as well as for the areas of work lighting and external camera monitoring, which sensibly bundle various features and thus simplify the configuration of the desired machines.
Fully networked with CLAAS connect.
From machine configuration, purchase processing, access to product documentation and the lubricant guide, maintenance planning and documentation through to cross-manufacturer fleet management via DataConnect, yield maps and other smart farming applications: CLAAS connect also enables comprehensive networking for the LEXION with automated documentation and access from the office or from a mobile device while travelling:
ßPrecise track guidance: CEMIS 1200 as an intuitive steering terminal; whereby the optimum reference lines can be planned in advance in CLAAS connect based on the field boundaries and then used and shared.
ßReal-time information: Machine position and status as well as current machine data, settings and performance can be viewed from anywhere. This enables convenient navigation to the machine's operating location, for example. In addition, CLAAS connect informs the user how long the work in the field is likely to take - regardless of how many machines are currently working in the field. This allows harvesting operations and harvesting logistics to be optimally planned.
ßAnalyse and optimise: Detailed analyses enable optimisations and comparisons between different machines. Efficiency, performance and yield data can be analysed as a whole.
ßPrecise planning: The remaining working time per field can be estimated based on current performance data. CLAAS connect also provides detailed field overviews and satellite data for monitoring vegetation and pre-planning harvesting operations.
The most important machine-related CLAAS connect functions are also summarised as packages for the customer and are available for TRION and LEXION:
Connect Package includes the 5-year Machine connect licence for displaying machine and service information in CLAAS connect and the Quantimeter for yield recording
ßConnect Package Professional extends the connect package with the GPS PILOT CEMIS 1200 including activations for RTK or SATCORE 15 use, TC-GEO functionality and order management.
ßThe full range of functions in CLAAS connect is available with the upgradeable farm-based licences. These are valid per farm and not per machine, and therefore enable a wide range of applications across several machines. All functions relating to automatic documentation and Precision Farming are covered.
AXOS 3 tractors for diverse farming applications
CLAAS has extended its range of agricultural tractors with the addition of the AXOS 3 series. With their powerful, efficient engines, large wheels, high payload and generously proportioned cab from a maximum height to the upper edge of the roof of 2.50 m, these compact tractors are positioned between the ARION 400 and the AXOS 200.
Compact tractors in the under-120-hp performance class spend a good 40 per cent of their operating hours handling materials and working around the yard. But they must also be capable of mastering field and grassland work. So not surprisingly, customer requirements are wideranging: compact dimensions, low height to pass through shed and barn doorways, uncompromising manoeuvrability, high payload, agile handling and excellent operator comfort, to name just some of the attributes tractors in this class are expected to provide.
The new AXOS 3 from CLAAS can do all this, and more. With four models, it is positioned between the ARION 400 and AXOS 200; as well as bearing the same DNA as the earlier AXOS 300 and CELTIS 400, it boasts outstanding performance data combined with a host of impressive features and unique equipment.
The AXOS 3 is powered by the fuel-efficient yet lively 3.6 l four-cylinder Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engine with modern Stage V exhaust gas aftertreatment. The four AXOS 3 models have outputs of 92, 103, 112 and 120 hp with maximum torques from 366 to 466 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm. The engine block and radiator panels – highly rated for their performance and reliability – are familiar from the NEXOS 200 and AXOS 200. Their widespread use in the CLAAS tractor programme means that spare parts availability and service capabilities are a given.
Machinery
The fuel tank holds 160 litres – enough for long, hard working days. Furthermore, these tractors are approved to run on hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs), enabling their carbon footprint to be significantly reduced. Two engine speeds can be saved by the operator and applied at the press of a button as required.
To transfer power to the ground effectively while protecting the soil, the AXOS 3 can be fitted with large rear tyres with an external diameter of up to 1.6 m (420/85 R38 or 540/65 R 38). Large front wheels guarantee maximum efficiency in fourwheel drive mode and precise manoeuvrability even on difficult terrain and when using heavy implements.
Engine speed reduction is provided by a modern, well-stepped six-speed transmission available in three versions to suit customer requirements and conditions:
12/12 (2 ranges) with mechanical reverser.
24/12 (2 ranges) with TWINSHIFT powershift transmission and REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser.
36/18 (3 ranges) with TWINSHIFT powershift transmission and REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser.
Top speeds of 40 km/h are achieved at a fuelefficient 1,750 rpm, and in models fitted with REVERSHIFT, you can shift using the clutch button on the gear lever instead of the foot clutch – shifting has never been so easy! Eleven gears are available between 5 and 15 km/h and overlapping gears ensure smooth shifting between the two or three ranges.
In addition to the mechanical hand brake, versions with 24/12 and 36/18 gears can be fitted with an optional electric parking lock which is activated via the REVERSHIFT lever to the left of the steering
wheel. Customers can also opt for SMART STOP, which enables the operator to stop and start without using the clutch pedal – a huge advantage during front loader and transport operations, and when baling round bales..
Distinctive cab
Designed exclusively for the AXOS 3, the cab has several distinguishing features that make the working day easier:
With 30-inch rear wheels (380/85 R 30), the overall height of the AXOS 3 remains below 2.50 m, enabling low entrances to be negotiated with ease.
The doors open up to 180 degrees to the front –enabling the operator to get in and out of the cab easily using the full door width of 88 cm; especially useful in confined spaces such as the feed passage. Furthermore, the doors latch open in the forward position, a feature shared with the earlier AXOS 300 and CELTIS 300. The latch can be released from both the inside and the outside.
The generously proportioned cab has ample leg room, numerous storage compartments and a fullsize passenger seat.
Large windows and a low bonnet ensure an excellent all-round view. An optional FOPS-certified transparent sunroof provides an optimum view up through the roof for front loader work. The front and rear windows swing open.
The LED lighting package with up to 10 LED headlights turns night into day and facilitates work in poorly lit sheds and barns.
Inside the cab, the retractable and adjustable steering console incorporating the instrument panel immediately stands out. Dynamic steering with adjustable steering ratio (optional extra) reduces the number of turns of the steering wheel between
the steering locks from 3.8 to 1.9 when operating at speeds of up to 10 km/h.
The right-hand side console houses the key control elements along with a bottle holder and a storage compartment. Additional generous storage areas and two USB ports are situated to the left of the operator. The electrohydraulic E-PILOT S can be installed in the right-hand side console for fingertip control of all front loader functions.
ISOBUS terminals such as the CLAAS CEMIS 700 can be installed in the cab for controlling ISOBUS implements.
Handles even the heaviest implements
With a payload of up to 3,600 kg and a maximum lift capacity of 5,300 kg at the rear (continuous lift capacity 4,000 kg), the AXOS 3 is not fazed by heavy implements. The optional integrated front linkage provides an impressive additional lift capacity of 3,240 kg. Up to four double-acting mechanical spool valves with a flow rate of 60 or 90 l/min are available for implements and front loaders, up to two of which have mechanical flow control.
The rear PTO can be optionally supplied with either two or three speeds and automatic PTO engagement/disengagement, while a 1,000-rpm front PTO is available to drive front-mounted implements.
Various models in the three CLAAS front loader series up to FL 100, FL 100 E and FL 100 C are suitable for the AXOS 3. They can be operated either by the mechanical PROPILOT four-way control lever or the electrohydraulic E-PILOT S. The latter actuates FASTLOCK and SPEEDLINK for hydraulic locking and unlocking of the front loader and its attachments, as well as automatic bucket return.
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
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.
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
ast month CFMOTO held its first demo day in the UK, welcoming over 70 customers and dealers to test ride their full range of ATVs and UTVs. The event, set in a dedicated off-road woodland featured steep inclines, descents and muddy pits, giving customers the chance to experience the performance and versatility of CFMOTO’s vehicles first-hand. For many, this was an opportunity to compare models in real-world settings, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Attendees were particularly impressed with the allnew U10 Pro UTV, which stood out for its capability to handle both demanding workloads and challenging terrains. Its modern features and robust power, practicality, and reliability demonstrate that it’s built for heavy-duty applications - all for only £18,000 + VAT (cab included)
The lineup included the popular agricultural machines including the UFORCE 600 UTV andthe CFORCE 625, CFORCE 520, and CFORCE 450 ATVs, but also gave customers the rare chance to experience the excitement of its powersport range – the ZFORCE 950 Sport, Gen 3
CFORCE 850 and CFORCE 1000 Mudder MV CFORCE which turns heads with its powerful engine and ability to handle tough, muddy conditions with ease.
The event wasn’t just about the machines, though. It also created a platform for customers to engage with CFMOTO UK representatives and dealers directly. In addition to the CFMOTO UK representatives, Lin Wul from the CFMOTO Global factory also attended the event to answer any questions.
Attendees valued the opportunity to discuss their specific needs, ask questions, and learn more about the machines they were testing.
Stephen Dargue, a livestock farmer from Cumbria commented, “It was great to see and ride the different models to compare them – I was particularly impressed with the U10 Pro buggy. We already run two CFORCE 520 quads on our farm and they are clearly built for the kind of hard work we deal with daily. They’re robust and perform exceptionally well.”
Dealers were equally impressed, highlighting the event’s smooth organisation and the chance to engage directly with their customers.
CFMOTO’s UK demo day has firmly established the brand’s position in the market. With a range of vehicles designed to meet the demands of British land management and off-road enthusiasts, they are proving to be a strong contender. For those looking for reliable and versatile machinery, CFMOTO has shown they’re well-equipped to deliver.
This event signals a bright future for the brand in the UK, and it’s clear they’re committed to supporting those who depend on reliable vehicles for daily work.
If you’re interested in attending a future CFMOTO Demo Day, you can get in touch with your local dealer at cfmoto.co.uk/find-a-dealer
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.
• St ag e 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.
Granada Park Motors, A4077, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1HW 01873 810304
Tel: 01953 528053
www.rangeandroad.co.uk
TOM TAYLOR ATV
Unit 16/17 Windmill House Ind Est, Sutton Road, York YO32 2RA 01904 758105
Quadcrate ATV innovations proven in the field
Quadcrate Ltd are well known for their ATV innovation which is helping Farmers and quad users in the UK, Ireland and several parts of Europe to carry small loads safely.
Their Quadcrate attachments are allowing quad operators to do more in less time, and are making these machines even more important on farms.
William Allingham founder says “if all Farmers knew how useful our products really are, they would all soon invest. Our implements are designed and proven on my family farm in Garrison and if they can help us they will help all quad users on any farm. We have over 100 Trustpilot reviews to date and they are all excellent.
One of our new products the Bubble cab is a weather protector for any utility ATV. We have 2 sizes available, standard and the Big Bubble cab.
We sold a Big bubble cab with other attachments to Stephen Sproule (see photo) from Castlederg who finds it to be a game changer.
Stephen unfortunately tumbled his quad and he said “the cab has helped me in tricky situations, it tipped over on steep ground. It would have been a different story if the cab wasn’t there, which shows the protection it gives you”
William is very confident that in time he can prove that with the combination of a safety helmet and his Bubble cab, that it does makes any quad up to 70% more safe when fitted.
William continued to say that “with all the accidents
and deaths on quads that this was the main driver in him desiging the Bubble cab in the first place. I was trying to increase quad safety but I can only sell them as a weather protector at the moment, till properly tested and proven.
A Our Hands-On Trial with the HiSun Electric UTV
By Marcus Sutton, Crosby Grange Farm, Northallerton
s working farmers who rely heavily on ATVs and UTVs to get around our land, we recently had the chance to trial a HiSun Electric UTV. We put it through its paces over a typical week of farm duties, doing the same jobs we’d normally carry out on our current 350cc Can-Am quad. Here's how it fared in real-world conditions.
First Impressions
From the outset, the HiSun impressed us with its quiet operation. Being fully electric, it was a pleasant change not having to shout over engine noise, especially when checking livestock or fencing where the quiet matters. The instant torque delivery made it feel responsive and lively, and it didn’t take long to feel confident behind the wheel.
Performance on the Job
The UTV handled the daily routine without issue carrying tools, feed bags, fencing gear, and more. With plenty of room for two people and a generous load bed, it carried full loads with ease and travelled smoothly even when fully laden. The steering was another standout feature: light, positive, and with a good lock, which made manoeuvring around tight field gates and buildings effortless.
We were particularly impressed by how it handled uneven terrain and off-road sections, maintaining stability and traction across rough pasture and wet gateways. Towing light trailers wasn’t a problem either, and it felt well balanced doing so.
What We Liked
• Whisper-quiet running ideal for working near livestock or in early mornings.
• Instant power when you need it great for hill starts or soft ground.
• Comfortable seats and smooth travel over rough ground.
• Easy to drive with light controls and user-friendly layout.
• Good travel speeds no problem keeping up with daily demands.
• Plenty of space for tools, feed, and fencing gear.
• Tows well and feels planted even when fully loaded.
What Could Be Improved
• The doors felt flimsy and sometimes got in the way when jumping in and out frequently.
• The parking brake is awkwardly placed and uncomfortable to use.
• Disappointingly, the front window doesn’t open, which would have helped with ventilation.
• There's no parcel shelf, which is a missed trick for odds and ends.
• The glove box is tiny and not much use for more than a few bits.
• Some of the dash switches felt flimsy and not as rugged as we'd like.
The Verdict
Would we consider buying one? Yes if the price is right. The HiSun Electric UTV delivered strong performance, practical design, and real usability on the farm. With a few tweaks to improve cab ergonomics and storage, it could easily become a valuable part of any farm’s fleet. It won’t be replacing our Can-Am quad just yet, but for jobs that benefit from quiet, clean-running power and load capacity, the HiSun is well worth a look.
3 models available
No Compromise on Power
Zero Emissions
Economical to Run
Less Maintenance
Quiet Operation
Yamaha celebrates 70 Years of Global Excellence
This year marks a monumental milestone for Yamaha as it proudly celebrates 70 years of trading. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name across continents, the company’s journey has been driven by a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and the people it serves.
Throughout the decades, Yamaha has continually evolved its product lineup, setting new standards in performance and design. Each generation of products has brought fresh innovation whether through cutting-edge technology, improved durability, or moving into sustainable methods of transport keeping the brand at the forefront of its industry. This spirit of innovation is not just about features; it's about understanding the needs and aspirations of real customers.
Customers around the world have formed deep emotional bonds with the brand’s products. Whether it's the thrill of using a new ATV for the first time, the trust built over years of dependable service, or the pride in owning something crafted to last, Yamaha ATV’s and Side-by-Side products inspire excitement and connection. There’s a quiet confidence that comes with knowing your equipment won’t let you down.
As it enters its eighth decade, Yamaha remains firmly focused on the future pushing boundaries, embracing change, and continuing to earn the trust of millions. The celebration of 70 years is not just a look back, but a powerful step forward, inspired by legacy and driven by possibility.
As part of our 70th Anniversary celebration, we'd like to invite our loyal and passionate customers to become a part of our digital archive, so that we can look back with pride as we move forward together. We’d love as many customers as possible to upload a photo of themselves and their Yamaha (or
many Yamaha's) to be immortalised in our digital archive by clicking this link and using the submission form on our website; https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/70thanniversary/
TGB Landmax Pro Full Cab: The Ultimate 1000cc
Workhorse Built for Power and Performance
The TGB Landmax Pro Full Cab is a premium 1000cc utility vehicle built to handle demanding workloads and offroad environments with comfort and control. Powered by a 997cc V-Twin EFI engine, it delivers an impressive 83HP and 89.9Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission and lockable front and rear differentials for unmatched traction and performance. Designed with full cab protection and equipped with glass front
and rear windshields, heater/ventilation, wipers, and solid side doors with sliding windows, the Landmax Pro ensures year-round usability in all conditions. Inside, you'll find a 4.3” TFT display, adjustable seating, multiple power outlets, and a 4500lb front winch as standard. The hydraulic tilt cargo bed offers up to 454kg of load capacity, complete with tie-down points, bucket holders, and a dump angle of 47°, making it perfect for agricultural, commercial, and recreational use.
Bruce Hopkins Limited
Shenington Airfield Oxon, OX15 6NW Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk
Argyll Engineers Limited
Tel: 0330 041 5141 Polarisbritain.com
Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited
Glenshellach Road, Oban PA34 4BH. Tel 01631 565 011 www.argyllengineers.com
Bruce Hopkins Limited
Newton Close , Park farm Wellingborough, Northamtonshire, NN8 6UW Tel 01293 673 900 www. dayandcoles.co.uk
Taylors Tools (KL) Limited
Shenington Airfield, Oxon OX15 6NW. Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk
Old Middlehill, Walterston, Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 3AD Tel 01446 311101 www.polaris-glamorgan.co.uk
Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited
R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs 8 Station Road
Wolferton, King's Lynn, PE31 6H Tel 01553 373015 www.polaris-kingslynn.co.uk
Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6UW Tel 01933 673 900 www.dayandcoles.co.uk
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
PATHCROSS ATVS AND WORKCROSS UTVS
Choose the Pathcross ATV 525/650/800/1000cc
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
ATV North Ltd
Chapman Hill Farm
Witton Le Wear
County Durham
DL14 0BN
Tel: 01388 488688
www.atvnorth.co.uk
AK Offroad 66 Glenshesk Road
Ballycastle Co Antrim, BT54 6PY
Tel: 07548 788592 or 07764 250425 www.akoffoad.com
Kirkland UK Griffins Farm Pleasure House Lane Maidstone, ME17 3NW
Tel: 01622 843013
www.kirklanduk.com
AL Agri Ltd
Haughs of Ballinshoe Forfar DD8 3TL
Tel: 01307 496679 www.al-agri.co.uk
Bill Davies ATV Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QF
Tel: 01568 613104
www.billdaviesatv.co.uk
John Drysdale Agricultural Engineers
Parkhouse Farm, Main Street, Kinross, KY13 9HN
Tel: 01592 840691
Readman Mowers
The Shed, Sand Lane, Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB
Tel: 01759 380 231 www.readmanmowers.co.uk
Mule Pro-FX HD Edition: The Ideal Working Partner
Kawasaki's 2025 lineup has introduced two new standout models to the UK market: the MULE Pro-FX and the Brute Force 450 T-cat. These vehicles cater to a diverse range of users, from agricultural professionals to recreational enthusiasts, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and utility.
Mule Pro-FX HD Edition: The Ideal Working Partner
The MULE Pro-FX's unique features including self-levelling rear suspension, built in bed lift kit, power steering, petrol engine and high ground clearance, make this new addition to the Kawasaki range the perfect companion for work and play.
Powered by a Kawasaki-built 999 cm3 liquidcooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine combined with a highly reliable continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering excellent driveability: throttle response and reassuring engine braking, adding to driver confidence when descending slopes.The layout has been carefully considered with user maintenance in mind, ensuring easy access to oil filter and air-cleaner filter, while an easy to reach air intake contributes to longer maintenance intervals.
A ground clearance of 300 mm reduces the chances of the MULE Pro-FX touching down which translates to greater accessibility and increased ride comfort. Additionally, doublewishbone suspension is used both front and rear to enable each of the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the
chassis. For an enhanced user experience Kawasaki’s high-grade electric power steering (EPS) system is speed sensitive, offering light steering effort at low speed, while reducing assistance as vehicle speed increases to ensure responsive steering.
Befitting for a high spec machine, electrically “selectable” 2WD/4WD and rear differential lock allow easy changing between drive systems to suit changing terrain and application plus the dual-mode rear differential provides maximum traction when locked and minimises ground disturbance when unlocked.
When go turns to slow front and rear disc brakes ensure strong, sure stopping power. The hydraulic disc system offers predictable performance, delivering brake power that matches input at the brake pedal. And with a load capacity of 453 kg (1,000 lbs) plus towing ability of 907 kg (2,000 lbs), the MULE Pro-FX is built for work – hard work!
Brute Force 450 T-CAT: Performance Meets Practicality
The Brute Force 450 T-cat is Kawasaki's first ATV to receive European WTVA approval for road-going certification, allowing it to be registered for both on-road and off-road use in applicable countries. This 443 cm³ CVT transmission-equipped machine falls within the T3b category, with a maximum legal road speed of 60 km/h.
Featuring a 24.4 kW (33.4 PS) singlecylinder, four-stroke engine that offers smooth and controllable power delivery, the vehicle's drivetrain includes electrically selectable 2WD/4WD and a differential lock
for maximum traction, making it versatile for various terrains.
The Brute Force 450 T-cat is designed with durability and functionality in mind. It offers a front rack capacity of 34 kg and a rear rack capacity of 68 kg. The vehicle also boasts a towing capacity of 476 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of work situations. Its compact body ensures easy manoeuvrability, while the independent suspension provides a comfortable ride. Take on any terrain with the Brute Force 450 – Built for What Drives You.
The launch of the MULE Pro-FX and Brute Force 450 T-cat in the UK reflects Kawasaki's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers. By offering vehicles that cater to both utility and recreational markets, Kawasaki aims to strengthen its presence in the UK and across Europe.
With the Brute Force 450 T-cat's road-going certification, it opens up new possibilities for ATV users in the UK. Its powerful engine and advanced drivetrain systems make it suitable for both work and leisure activities.
With their blend of performance, comfort, and utility, these vehicles are designed to meet the evolving needs of users across various sectors. Whether for work or recreation, Kawasaki's latest models offer reliable and versatile solutions for the modern user. Please contact your local dealer for further information or visit www. kawasaki.co.uk
Now is the right time to get a CAN-AM 2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ATV & SSV !
BKT tires for utility tractors reliable performance for farms seeking simplicity, versatility, and productivity
‘Wildcard’ tractors up to 120 hp are the most popular choice for small- to medium-sized farming businesses. This is why BKT offers a tire lineup speci�cally designed for these multi-purpose vehicles, suitable for multiple tasks from �eld to barn operations, from loading to transport.
In the agricultural scene, utility tractors, also known as ‘wildcard’ tractors, remain one of the most indemand and strategic solutions for small- to medium-sized farms.
Ranging in power from 70 to 130 horsepower, these vehicles are designed to efficiently tackle a wide range of tasks—from small open-field to light transport operations, as well as front loader handling and usage in confined environments such as barns, vineyards, and orchards.
In an industry where versatility is a key value, likewise, tire selection must follow criteria of adaptability, reliability, and durability. This is where Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) comes in, offering tailor-made solutions for utility tractors by combining advanced technologies and latest-generation compounds. Among BKT’s top-in-the-range patterns in this category, there are AGRIMAX RT 765, AGRIMAX RT 855, and AGRIMAX RT 65: three tires designed to meet all major operating needs.
Utility tractors—the essence of agricultural multifunctionality
Compact, easy-to-handle, and low in operating costs, utility tractors are an invaluable asset in day-to-day farm management. A key aspect of utility tractors is fuel efficiency. Indeed, advanced engines and thoughtful design enable these tractors to deliver high performance alongside low fuel consumption. These features, in addition to their adaptability to various types of terrain without compromising traction, make them essential for small to medium-sized farms or as wildcard tractors for contractors.
Ergonomics and driving comfort are other hallmarks of these tractors, especially when it comes to operating cycles, where handling is a vital element for this kind of machinery.
At the same time, also endurance is essential, especially when they have to cope with difficult terrain and demanding operating conditions, such as in tillage operations of small- to medium-sized
farms—e.g., plowing, tilling, and weeding, which require powerful traction and good grip even on loose soil. Or else, in transport and material handling operations that often require the use of a front loader attachment, as well as in barns and other delicate farm environments, where compactness and precision maneuvering are essential to perform tasks such as hay, manure, or equipment transport in tight spaces.
BKT's response: tires designed for every job
To best support all these operations, BKT has developed solutions that meet the specific needs of utility tractors. These tires stand out for high levels of traction and stability, featuring a tread pattern that ensures grip even in unfavorable ground conditions, while advanced compounds provide excellent wear resistance and reliability over time. This results in an extended life cycle, reduced maintenance costs, and lasting high performance even on abrasive surfaces or in combined usage. Another distinctive feature is a comfortable ride, made possible by reinforced structures and technical solutions for vibration absorption, which improve driving quality and reduce operator fatigue.
Among the most highly regarded BKT solutions for utility tractors are:
• AGRIMAX RT 765: Ideal for open-field applications, this tire provides excellent weight distribution and an optimal footprint to reduce soil compaction. It also ensures a
high level of self-cleaning properties.
• AGRIMAX RT 855: Versatile and highly performing on various terrains, this pattern offers high traction and excellent tear resistance. Its self-cleaning properties make the tire perfect for tractors that frequently move from the field to the road, providing significant benefits in terms of reduced downtime.
• AGRIMAX RT 657: This is a versatile, reliable product suitable for both soil tillage and road travel (some sizes are also suitable for grape harvesting). The tire ensures riding comfort and significant fuel economy—an excellent choice for those who need a versatile and reliable tire without compromising performance.
BKT alongside evolving agriculture
Adaptability to diverse operating conditions, ranging from soil tillage to road transport, but also jobs in more delicate environments such as stables, or forestry operations, make utility tractors key equipment for optimizing productivity and effective agricultural resource management.
With this in mind, BKT confirms its commitment to developing specific tires for every application. Tire patterns designed for utility tractor, indeed, fit perfectly with the company's philosophy of offering strong and highly performing solutions tailored to the effective needs of daily operations.
Haymaking season?
BKT presents its tire lineup specifically designed for these jobs
For any equipment, from tractors to balers and trailers, BKT has the right tire for every stage of haymaking designed for high performance, low fuel consumption, and minimal impact on the soil.
There is a different way of farming, one that starts in the mind, passes through the hands, and is reflected in the daily choices of those working in the fields with a vision for business.
This certainly goes for contractors who have opted to specialize in haymaking, turning a seasonal activity into a technical supply chain organized down to the smallest detail, where every stage from mowing to windrowing, from harvesting to storage is approached with the goal of transforming a seasonal cycle into a productive and efficient model.
Anyone dealing with these operations knows that we are talking of an industry where expertise in agronomy meets logistics and where each machine has a very distinct role. Thus, productivity is the result of finding the right balance of speed, precision, and respect for the land.
machinery but also tires that are designed to respond to varying operating conditions, high temperatures, dry and dusty or suddenly wet grounds, as it happens during summer storms and very tight time slots.
In this context, BKT steps in by providing a comprehensive range designed for specific haymaking needs. Whether it is about mid-range tractors or combined mowers, from tedders to high-density balers, or even to low-profile trailers and telehandlers each vehicle can be fitted with a solution that is tailored to improve overall equipment efficiency, reduce soil impact, and optimize transfers between fields.
BKT's solutions
More specifically, BKT offers a tire range designed to support every piece of machinery and every function with solutions capable of providing traction, flotation, stability, and riding comfort.
To support this complexity, you need robust
Some of the most suitable patterns are:
• AGRIMAX V FLECTO: a tire for high-power tractors featuring VF technology (Very High Flexion), which enables operation at lower pressures compared to standard tires while maintaining high load capacities and reaching high speeds. This solution improves traction even on permanent grassland and moderate slopes, at the same time reducing fuel consumption and tread wear.
• RIDEMAX FL 693 M: the ideal solution for farming enterprises operating over large areas that require efficiency even away from the field. This tire ensures stability, excellent load capacity, and low fuel consumption thanks to its low rolling resistance, while the reinforced bead and steel belts stand for superior durability.
reducing soil compaction and protecting crops from damage.
• FL 635: a radial flotation tire that is suitable for both road and field usage. The special block tread pattern has been developed for hay baler applications. Thanks to its footprint, which ensures excellent ground pressure distribution, FL 635 significantly reduces soil compaction while preserving the value of crops. The tire also provides superior selfcleaning properties along with durability and traction plus exceptional speed performance.
Every haymaking stage demands tight operating schedules and great precision. This is why BKT invests in developing tires that not only meet the machinery requirements but also the needs of professional operators, namely reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency, and respect for the soil.
• FLOTATION 648: particularly suitable for fieldand-road transport, as well as for tedders and round balers. The tread pattern allows the handling of very heavy loads at low pressures,
Choosing tires for haymaking means providing yourself with a strategic operating tool—a true lever to improve business performance, reduce downtime, and ensure a quality service to your customers.
BEDEO AND MONARCH DEFENDER PARTNER TO DELIVER LUXURY ELECTRIC CLASSIC DEFENDERS TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE
BEDEO, a leading innovator in electric vehicle technology and sustainable retrofits, has announced a strategic partnership with Monarch Defender –the internationally renowned restoration house known for redefining the Land Rover Defender through bespoke craftsmanship, bold design, and luxury execution. Monarch, powered by BEDEO, will be available to US-based clients, later in the year.
This collaboration brings together two forwardthinking brands with a shared vision: to preserve the Land Rover Defender’s legacy while preparing it for a cleaner, more conscious future. With BEDEO’s revolutionary in-wheel motor (IWM) technology and Monarch Defender’s deep expertise in luxury restoration and customer experience, the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender is now positioned to reach a new generation of drivers seeking sustainability without compromise.
Launched in 2024, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative introduced the world’s first electric
classic Land Rover Defender using in-wheel motor technology. Developed by BEDEO’s group company Protean Electric, this proprietary IWM system eliminates the need for bulky drivetrains, maintains the vehicle’s original kerb weight, and delivers whisper-quiet, zero-emissions driving. With a 75-kWh battery and an estimated WLTP range of 247 km (153 miles), it’s as capable as it is clean –and it's the only conversion technology of its kind currently available for classic vehicles.
“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO.
“Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people –and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.
“Monarch, too, are trailblazers as they become first company to offer in-wheel motors in their builds – a world first for any classic Defender company. Inwheel motors, in this application especially, have huge weight, space and off-road capability gains vs other electrification systems on the market. Through both the in-wheel motors and our wider electrification system, we [BEDEO] have created a package that makes iconic vehicles fit for a sustainable future. Now, and with Monarch Defender, we can now offer that to a wider audience in a way that feels personal, premium, and true to the spirit of the original.”
For Monarch Defender, this partnership marks an exciting and strategic step into electrification. Known for creating Land Rover Defenders that blend raw power, modern drivetrains, and elegant interiors, Monarch Defender has long catered to a global audience of automotive connoisseurs. The collaboration with BEDEO allows the brand to future-proof its vision, giving clients the opportunity to own Land Rover Defenders that are not only beautiful and bold – but built for the world ahead.
“As a brand rooted in heritage, design, and experience, we’ve always believed the Defender deserves to evolve with purpose,” said Akif Keskinof Monarch Defender. “We’ve also always aimed to elevate the Defender, not just restore it, and so partnering with BEDEO allows us to take the first step toward electrification in a way that
aligns with our values and our customers’ growing appetite for sustainability – without sacrificing what makes these vehicles so iconic. Their [BEDEO’s] in-wheel technology is truly visionary – it respects the Defender’s original character while opening the door to a cleaner, more future-ready experience. For our customers, it’s the best of both worlds –and for us, it’s a natural evolution of what we stand for.”
The first Reborn Electric: Icons Defenders available through Monarch Defender are expected to be available from next month, July 2025, with global support, full customisation, and premium customer service built into every stage of the process. To explore Monarch Defender’s bespoke restorations and global services, visit monarchdefender.com or contact info@monarchdefender.com Top of Form
For more information about BEDEO and its electric retrofit technology, visit bedeo.tech. To enquire about sales, collaborations, or becoming an approved partner installer, contact info@bedeo.tech.
Note: All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.
Isuzu UK is committed to clarity and transparency following the significant tax changes introduced in April 2025. While Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) and Capital Allowances (CA) legislation for double and extended cab pick-ups have shifted, classifying them as company cars for tax purposes, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, also known as road tax) remains at the commercial level of £345 per year, and VAT is still fully reclaimable on vehicles with a 1‑tonne payload for VAT‑registered businesses making fully taxable supplies.
Despite the shift in classification, VED for these vehicles continues to be charged at the commercial vehicle rate of £345 per year, offering continued affordability for business users.
Similarly, VAT remains fully reclaimable on all double and extended cab pick-ups with a payload exceeding one tonne, provided the purchasing business is VAT-registered making fully taxable supplies. These two core financial advantages provide essential ongoing support for businesses that rely on pick-ups for day-to-day operations.
As of 6th April 2025, newly registered double and extended cab pick-ups are now subject to company car BIK rates, which vary from 3% to 37% depending on CO₂ emissions. Zero-emission vehicles with payloads over one tonne begin at the lower end of this scale, with a 3% rate increasing by one percentage point annually until 2028.
However, a transitional period is in place. Pick-ups that were ordered, purchased, or leased before 6th April 2025 will retain their previous classification and benefit from the historic flat-rate commercial vehicle BIK treatment until disposal, lease expiry, or 5th April 2029.
Capital Allowance rules have also changed as of 1st April 2025 for corporation tax and 6th April for income tax. Double and extended cab pick-ups are no longer eligible for treatment as ‘plant and machinery’ and are now taxed in line with company
car writing-down allowances, which are calculated based on CO₂ output. These rates can be 6%, 18%, or 100% for zero-emission vehicles. It is important to note that expenditure must be incurred prior to 1st October 2025 to fall under the old regime.
Industry feedback gathered by Isuzu UK has revealed widespread misunderstanding regarding the extent of these legislative changes. Internal research and dealer insight show that over 71% of pick-up buyers, 68% of accountants, and 59% of non-Isuzu dealers are still uncertain about how the changes affect VED and VAT. This has led to frequent and unnecessary concerns, especially among professionals in agriculture, construction, and other commercial sectors who rely on pick-ups as working vehicles.
Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, commented: “As the Pick-Up Professionals, we and our dealer network are having the same conversations daily. We want to reassure the public and business owners that VAT remains reclaimable, and VED is still at the commercial rate. These benefits continue to support tradespeople, farmers, and fleet operators across the UK.”
The change in legislation originates from a Court of Appeal ruling, which found that double and extended cab pick-ups do not demonstrate a predominant suitability for transporting goods over passengers. As a result, HMRC has moved to classify these dual-purpose vehicles as cars for the purposes of BIK, CA, and deductions from business profits.
It is important to clarify, however, that single cab pick-ups are unaffected by this change and will continue to be treated as commercial vehicles in all respects.
Oliver Garner, Head of Tax at Isuzu UK, added: “We understand these changes are complex. Our priority is helping customers navigate this evolving landscape with clear, factual guidance, particularly around order dates, payloads, and eligibility for transitional relief.”
Isuzu UK remains committed to supporting both customers and dealers through this transitional period. The brand will continue to engage with government and industry bodies and will provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Clear, accurate information remains central to Isuzu’s mission to serve working professionals across the UK.
KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is proud to highlight the recent efforts of esteemed dealer partner Moravian Motors Buckie, who supported a memorable day out for the Cullen Heritage Group by providing two of KGM’s rugged 4x4s, the Musso pick-up and 7-seater Rexton SUV, for an off-road excursion through the scenic forestry tracks of Bin Hill.
Organised in collaboration with Seafield & Strathspey Estates, the event gave members of the Heritage Group – many of whom are pensioners –the opportunity to enjoy an adventure that would otherwise have been out of reach. Thanks to the capability and comfort of KGM’s multi-awardwinning Musso and Rexton, the group was able to access remote areas of the estate with ease, navigating twisty and bumpy trails that showcased the vehicles' impressive handling and refinement.
The day was filled with smiles and stunning scenery, with panoramic views stretching from
Lossiemouth to Portsoy under clear blue skies. For many attendees, it was a dream fulfilled, with one delighted member saying, “That’s another one ticked off the bucket list!”
David Malcolm, General Manager at Moravian Motors Buckie, said: “It was a pleasure to support such a worthwhile community event. Seeing the joy it brought to the group really highlights how versatile and accessible the KGM range can be, whether it’s everyday driving or an adventure like this one.”
This event reflects the strong community spirit of KGM’s nationwide dealer network and reinforces the real-world capability of KGM’s 4x4 line-up. Both the Musso and Rexton continue to earn praise for their 70-year off-road heritage, comfort, and value for money, making them ideal vehicles for both work and leisure.
To learn more about the KGM range or to book a test drive, visit: www.kgm-motors.co.uk
Brace 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-newMAXUS T60 MAXcould 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.
Why act before April 2025?
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.
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.
This meansfour more years of lower tax rates, avoiding the costly hike that will hit post-April 2025 purchases.
How this impacts employers and employees
Employees: Higher Income Tax
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.
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.
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.
• 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD – Perfect for handling both off-road adventures and demanding work environments.
• 1,050kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity –Carry more, tow more, and get the job done with ease.
• Comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance –Includes a 5-year/100,000 miles vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK and Europe.
• Fuel efficiency and emissions – 9.1L/100km (WLTP) fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 239g/km.
Order now and beat the tax hike
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.
From only on business contract hire*
Available for immediate delivery
Available as standard
• 360° camera • Front and rear parking sensors
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Maximum Payload
1,050kg
£428.54 +VAT From only on business contract hire^ £589.56 +VAT per month per month
Tow Capacity (braked)
3,500kg
5
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 5 year Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included 8 year Battery Warranty
3,500kg Maximum Payload 620kg
From only on business contract hire* £428.54 +VAT per month
Available as standard
• 360° camera
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Available for immediate delivery
• Front and rear parking sensors
Maximum Payload 1,050kg 5 year Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included
Western Maxus Dundee | Bellshill | Broxburn | Govan 0333 241 6244 westernmaxus.co.uk Visit www.saicmaxus.co.uk or scan the QR code to find out more.
Subaru UK has once again partnered with the GWCT Scottish Game Fair and will be on show with their range of terrain-conquering all-wheel-drive SUVs this year, when the event takes place at Scone Palace, July 4th – 6th.
Subaru will also present the Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition. This prestigious event showcases the exceptional skill, discipline, and partnership between top gundogs and their handlers from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Additionally, the Rare Breeds of Scotland Sponsored by Subaru is a special celebration of the country’s most iconic and cherished native breeds, including
special gatherings of Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Gordon Setter, and Scottish Deerhound. These meet-ups offer a chance to speak with owners, breeders and experts who are passionate about preserving Scotland’s rare breeds and ensuring their future.
Subaru will also be on hand throughout the event, displaying their range of reliable and capable SUVs, including the new Subaru Forester. The brand will also offer attendees of the event to experience the Subaru brand's allterrain conquering range of vehicles on the challenging offroad course.
Lyndsey Flood, Head of Marketing at Subaru UK, said, “We are delighted to support the GWCT Scottish Game Fair this year, not only
displaying our vehicles, statically and dynamically on the off-road experience, but also supporting the Rare Breeds of Scotland and Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition. We look forward to welcoming outdoor enthusiasts, dog lovers and Subaru fans alike for this celebration of the Scottish countryside and conservation.”
James Gower, Managing Director of Stable Events, Organisers of The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Subaru UK back to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair. Their continued support for rural traditions and countryside conservation perfectly aligns with the values of the event. From their sponsorship of the Rare Breeds of Scotland to their backing of the Kronch Four Nations Gundog Competition, Subaru’s involvement brings both excitement and depth to the visitor experience.”
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair will be held from 4 – 6 July 2025 within the notable grounds of Scone Palace, near Perth, offering a rich mix of country pursuits, working dogs, cooking and all-round good entertainment.
Ahead of the UK media launch later this year and sales introduction in July, Suzuki is very pleased to announce official pricing for the new e Vitara – its first fully electric car. Priced from £29,999 for the 49kWh battery model with a 61kWh capacity version available too, the very highly equipped e Vitara will be available in both Motion and Ultra grades as well offering ALLGRIP-e as an option - Suzuki’s all-new four-wheel drive system.
Further specification and technical details of the e Vitara range will be issued closer to the public launch date.
OTR Pricing for the e Vitara is as follows:
• 49kWh Motion 2WD - £29,999
• 61kWh Motion 2WD - £32,999
• 61kWh Ultra 2WD - £35,799
• 61kWh Motion ALLGRIP-e 4WD - £34,999
• 61kWh Ultra ALLGRIP-e 4WD - £37,799
ALLGRIP-e is an electric 4WD system that utilises Suzuki's expertise in four-wheel drive technology, featuring two independent motors at the front and rear. This system not only provides powerful performance but also allows for precise control with excellent responsiveness.
ALLGRIP-e has been developed specifically for e Vitara and Suzuki is currently one of only a few brands to offer 4x4 as an option in the SUV EV sector. Suzuki has a vast experience of 4x4 technology and celebrates 55 years of ALLGRIP this year.
For customers looking at finance options, e Vitara will be available from launch with 0% PCP, payable over two years and with a 20% deposit. Taking the 61kWh Motion 2WD as an example, a deposit of £8,436 is required followed by monthly payments of £379 per month with the usual optional final payment required to keep the car at the end of the agreement.
As an additional and attractive offer for customers ordering their e Vitara before 30th September, Suzuki will provide a free Ohme home charger along with 10,000 miles home charging credit.
This evening, the OMODA 5 was named Best Value New Car at the prestigious Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards.
The Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards – formerly known as the Autotrader New Car Awards – are different from other car awards as the winners aren’t decided by the opinions of industry insiders, but by the people whose opinion matters most: car owners. This year, over 225,000 UK car owners completed an online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car, with their thoughts and opinions (obtained from real-world experience) determining the winners of 20 of this year’s 25 award categories.
Within the survey, car owners who have bought, driven and lived with their cars were asked to rate them according to a range of lifestyle factors. The OMODA 5, which is on sale from £25,915 OTR*, is an ideal choice for UK buyers seeking standout style, generous tech, and strong value. With bold, coupé-inspired looks and a premium interior featuring twin 10.25-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a full suite of driver assistance systems as standard, it rivals far pricier SUVs. A turbocharged engine delivers lively performance, while a seven-year warranty and RAC support offer long-term reassurance. Though fuel economy is average for the class, the OMODA
5 more than makes up for it with its specification, safety, and road presence – making it a compelling alternative to mainstream rivals.
Rory Reid, Autotrader’s YouTube Director, said: “It's not hard to see why the OMODA 5 is winning over buyers looking for the best ‘bang for their buck’. As well as some fantastic top-level features offered as standard, along with a very generous warranty, at such a reasonable price point, I can understand why it got such rave reviews. One owner told us: ‘It represents excellent value, especially with its 7-year warranty...The interior is really stylish, it’s practical, and easy to use and control. Frankly, it's brilliant.’ Congratulations, OMODA, for a thoroughly deserved win.”
Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, added: “When OMODA launched less than 12 months ago, we thoroughly researched the UK market to understand what UK buyers wanted from a value-centric, mid-size SUV, and adapted the pricing and specification to ensure it’d deliver. Today, collecting the ‘Best Value New Car’ award, I stand proud with our team, and with our Value. Every. Thing. ethos. It works, and resonates.”
* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing, June 2025
Renault has carried away a bumper haul of trophies from the 2025 Business Van Awards, after the Master and Kangoo were declared the winners in four separate categories, including the overall title of ‘Business Van of the Year’ for the fourthgeneration Master.
Now in their 13th year, the Business Van Awards are judged by a panel of experts focused on recognising the best vehicles for small and mediumsized (SME) van operators.
This year, the awards were dominated by the Renault Master, after it won not just the ‘Best Large Van’ and ‘Best Large EV Van’ categories, but also the overall crown as ‘Business Van of the Year’ making it the ultimate choice for any operator in this highly competitive sector.
On selecting the Renault Master for the first of its wins, Andrew Charman, Business Motoring’s Industry and Road Test Correspondent, said: “The Best Large Van winner is well deserved for a vehicle that has undergone a major update in all areas, with more technology and better efficiency
no matter which drivetrain one goes for.”
As the all-electric Master E-Tech was crowned the ‘Best Large EV Van’ thanks to its 285-mile range and generous cargo capacity, Charman continued: “The major update to the Master extends to the electric versions and the E-Tech is a significant improvement over its predecessor in all areas.”
There was success, too, for the Renault Kangoo ETech electric – last year’s winner of the ‘Small Van of the Year’ award – as it took the top spot in the ‘Best Small EV Van’ category.
Andy Picton, member of the judging panel and Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor at Glass's, explained: “The Kangoo E-Tech has the biggest range in this size of van. The latest model is available in two lengths and as a crew van, and the interior has been brought right up to date. It can fast charge to 80% in 40 minutes and is a worthy winner.”
The Renault Master is designed to go further, carry more and cost less, delivering enhanced efficiency, plus increased usability, space and
comfort. Available in a range of versions, it meets the needs of a wide array of business users. Spanning load spaces of 11 to 20 cubic metres*, with an extra-wide opening at the sliding side door and a longer load capacity than ever before, the Master’s payload capacity and volume redefine convenience in its class.
The pure-electric Master ETech electric is powered by a 105kW/300Nm motor and an 87kWh battery that provides a WLTP range of up to 285 miles. A 130kW DC fast charge adds 142 miles of range in just 30 minutes, while the standard 22kW AC charger tops up the battery from 10% to 100% in just under four hours.
charge can be achieved in around 43 minutes when using rapid DC charging at up to 80kW.
Available in a choice of wheelbases, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech electric offers a load volume of up to 4.2m3, a maximum payload of 764kg, 1,500kg of towing capacity, and a driving range of up to 186 miles. Its flexible charging means that an 80%
The Renault Master is available from £33,500 plus VAT or £37,500 plus VAT after PiVG for the E-Tech electric versions. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech electric is priced from £27,350 plus VAT after PiVG.
*20m3 available on Luton box conversions.
TRUCKING GREAT VALUE
The new Škoda Enyaq has added another award to its growing list of industry accolades by scooping one of the automotive world’s more unique awards. Thanks to its exceptional practicality and calming drive, the allelectric SUV and Coupé was named Best Car for Dogs at Autotrader’s annual Drivers’ Choice Awards.
Having already impressed countless judging
panels with its human-focused features, the Enyaq has now shown that it is just as well suited to fourlegged passengers and their owners. Unlike other awards decided by editorial panels, the Autotrader Drivers Choice Awards are voted for by real car owners, making them consumer-approved.
The Czech-built SUV and Coupé saw off tough opposition to take the top spot, with owners praising the Enyaq’s well thought-out interior design, large boot, and fastidious attention to detail. Commenting on the Enyaq’s win, Erin Baker, Autotrader’s Editorial Director, said: “The Škoda Enyaq is top dog when it comes to cars that can accommodate our four-legged friends. Owners rated it top for space and passenger comfort, and one owner commented: ‘it’s so easy to get in and out of, very comfortable to drive on a long run and it’s big enough to take the family and dog out too. Combined with the easy-to-use infotainment security and safety of the cars’ features make this one of the best cars I’ve owned.’ High praise indeed!”
The Enyaq’s award isn’t the first dog-related accolade to be won by
a Škoda model. The Kodiaq was named the best SUV for dogs by Parkers, the Octavia Estate was ranked number one for dog owners by Auto Express, the Superb Estate was awarded the best car for dog owners by Carbuyer, and Carwow named the Superb Estate and Enyaq as the best cars for dog owners.
Škoda’s relationship with dogs is a strong one. In addition to being the official car partner of Crufts for the past two years, the brand has also carried out research to improve the comfort of canine passengers. In March 2025, a study led by veterinary expert Dr Scott Miller found that dogs are noticeably calmer when travelling in electric vehicles (EVs) compared to petrol or diesel models.
comfort as a top priority when choosing a new car.
During the research, a dog’s heart rate was monitored while being driven at speeds of up to 70 mph in three Škoda cars with different powertrains. In the electric model, the dog’s heart rate rose only modestly from a resting 80 to 100 BPM, while it spiked to 120 BPM in the petrol car and 125 BPM in the diesel – suggesting increased stress levels.
A Škoda-commissioned survey also found that 53% of dog owners hit the road with their pets at least once a week, with 41% of owners placing pet
Further highlighting Škoda’s commitment to canine car care, the brand offers a wide range of official accessories designed for every model in the range. These range from special harnesses in four sizes, up to fully installed Pet Packs that combine a dog guard, rear bumper protector, and a double-sided boot mat.
A full database of Škoda media assets relating to the Enyaq and all other models is available at www.skodamedia.com
BYD has been revealed as drivers’ ‘Most Loved Brand’ at the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards. Unlike traditional industry awards, the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards are voted for by over 200,000 realworld car owners – proving that BYD has truly won the nation’s hearts!
In addition to ‘Most Loved Brand’, BYD was also shortlisted across six awards categories, including ‘Most Loved Car – ATTO 3’, ‘Best Value New Car –SEAL U DM-i’ and ‘Car Brand With The Best Tech’.
BYD officially launched in March 2023, and since then has launched five fully electric models and one plug-in hybrid, becoming the UK’s fastest growing brand and surpassing 25,000 sales in just over two years.
ride quality for the very competitive price is so impressive. It’s amazing value for money with no compromise versus competitors. I love it.’ High, and very well deserved, praise indeed.”
Just last week BYD launched its newest fully electric model: the DOLPHIN SURF. With a starting price of £18,650 – or £269 per month with a £269 deposit – for the entry-level Active model, the DOLPHIN SURF is BYD’s most accessible model yet. Combining sporty looks with a spacious, practical cabin full of the company’s trademark high-tech features, the DOLPHIN SURF is an ideal choice to revolutionise the compact-EV segment.
While BYD passenger cars launched in 2023, BYD has been present in the UK for over 10 years with its electric buses. The company now has more than 2,500 BYD electric buses on UK roads, with over 70% market share in London alone.
Rory Reid, Autotrader’s YouTube Director, said: “BYD’s really made waves since arriving on UK shores, and winning the most loved brand in just a few short years is a massive achievement and testament to the quality of the product. This came through loud and clear from our owners, with one telling us: ‘The quality of interior, the tech, and the
Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK, added: “It is a huge honour for everyone at BYD to be voted the nation’s ‘Most Loved Brand’, and the fact it’s been voted for by realworld car owners makes it even more meaningful. BYD’s growth has been rapid and I’m extremely proud of our achievements; it’s amazing to see the hard work of our UK and retailer teams coming to fruition.”
This year, over 200,000 UK car owners completed Autotrader’s online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car, with their thoughts and opinions (obtained from real-world experience) determining the winners of 20 of this year’s 25 award categories.
In its annual round-up of the best cars available in the UK, the 2025 Autocar Awards has named the Dacia Duster as its ‘Best Value Car’. The award underlines the outstanding value for money and versatility that has made Duster so popular with drivers far and wide.
The rugged SUV impressed the renowned magazine and website’s judges with its “chunky, fresh styling” which they describe as giving the Duster “far more than an economy feel” and “the sort of style you wouldn’t ordinarily expect from a budget car.”
On naming the Dacia Duster its value champion, Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, said: “The Dacia Duster capitalises on the seemingly obvious idea of offering buyers everything they need, nothing they don’t and just enough of the things they want. At a time when most new cars are becoming eyewateringly expensive, it’s no wonder that Dacia cars have become wildly popular with private buyers.”
He continued: “Don’t make the mistake of labelling the Duster as a bare-bones budget car, though. It’s a fashionable and popular SUV, for starters, and it really leans into the junior off roader feel with boxy yet confident looks, big wheels and an expansive bonnet. Hop in, and the angular dashboard and pillbox windscreen could almost fool you that you’re in a Defender.”
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK added: “Every time the Duster wins an award, it’s not just for its incredible value for money, but also for its style and practical design, inside and out. For us, value is not just about affordability, but what you get for your money. We strive to give our customers everything they need, and nothing they don’t, at the very best price. We’re proud to receive this award from Autocar.”
Available in a choice of generously equipped trim levels – Essential, Expression, Journey and Extreme – and with three powertrain options, including an advanced hybrid, the Dacia Duster offers a compelling blend of robust styling, a practical interior, and a comprehensive array of safety and driver assistance systems – all for prices starting from just £19,380 on-the-road.
The 4x4 version offers genuine ‘go anywhere’ capability, with 217mm of ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and a new 4x4 Terrain Control that offers a choice of five modes to match the prevailing conditions.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 and All-new SANTA FE win at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards 2025
Hyundai is celebrating a double success at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards with the IONIQ 5 crowned the Best Car for City Drivers and the Allnew SANTA FE named the Best 7Seater.
The Drivers’ Choice Awards, which were previously known as the Autotrader New Car Awards, differ from other awards in that they are decided by the people whose opinion matters most – car owners –rather than industry insiders. This year, more than 225,000 owners across the United Kingdom shared feedback on their vehicles in an online survey, with their insights determining the winners of 20 of the 25 award categories.
Respondents assessed their car across 16 criteria, including performance, reliability, appearance and running costs, and were also asked to assess their overall satisfaction, as well as how likely they are to recommend it to others, providing a comprehensive assessment of what they think of their choice.
Erin Baker, Autotrader Editorial Director, said: “A smooth drive and great visibility are two of the key features of the IONIQ 5, which make it the ideal choice for city drivers in this year’s awards. Owners told us they loved its combination of unique looks and practicality, with one saying: ‘It is a pleasure to drive, has all the power I could want, has great acceleration and ride comfort, looks fantastic and handles extremely well when I’m driving around town’.
“There was also high praise for the SANTA FE. With space, practicality and style in spades, owners love the quality of the car inside and out and the real ‘bang for their buck’, with one telling us: ‘I’ve owned many premium SUVs over the years, but the SANTA FE feels like it has everything the more premium brands offered as
standard, but at a fraction of the cost’.
“Congratulations Hyundai for two fantastic cars, which thoroughly deserve their recognition.”
The all-electric IONIQ 5 has been a serial awardwinner since its launch, immediately picking up the World Car of the Year title in 2022. The new version released last year showcased fresh exterior styling and interior design updates, plus offered an increased range of 354 miles, with Long Range 84kWh and Standard Range 63kWh battery pack options.
The All-new SANTA FE has won an array of plaudits since launch thanks to its blend of quality and practicality, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine in two Hybrid versions (with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive), and also a four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid. The package is enhanced by a striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a roomy interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while the variety of high-tech, practical features adds to its nature-meets-city appeal.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “It is always satisfying to win awards, but it is especially gratifying when they are decided by owners. And so we are particularly pleased that the IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Car for City Drivers and the All-new SANTA FE the Best 7Seater in the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice awards. There is no greater validation than earning the praise of the people who live with our vehicles day in, day out.”
For more information on all the cars in Hyundai UK's award-winning range, visit www.hyundai. co.uk
T KIA EV3 NAMED AUTOTRADER’S CAR OF THE YEAR FOR 2025
he Kia EV3 has collected two major award wins at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards 2025: ‘Best Mainstream Electric Car’ and overall ‘Car of the Year’.
The awards, formerly known as the Autotrader New Car Awards, feature 25 categories. Finalists and overall winners are determined by the real-world opinions of more than 225,000 UK car owners, who completed an online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car. Every vehicle is rated across 16 different criteria, from reliability and performance to appearance and running costs. Owners were also asked about their overall satisfaction with their car and how likely they would be to recommend it to others.
a massive hit with its owners. One told us: ‘This was my first ever electric car, and it really stood out among all the other EVs, particularly within my price bracket. It’s quirky, futuristic, packed full of brilliant features, and it’s really easy to drive. Plus, I can get the whole family in it with room to spare. We absolutely love it.’ Congratulations Kia on a very well-deserved win.”
The EV3 impressed UK customers for offering great value and a complete, refined package, with owners naming the model both the EV that represents the best of the best in terms of ‘mainstream’ vehicles, and the best car overall of 2025. The Kia EV3 is priced from £33,005 and offers up to 375 miles on a single charge* on the WLTP ‘combined’ cycle, a range of three competitively equipped trim levels, and space for five occupants.
Erin Baker, Autotrader’s Editorial Director, said: “It may be Kia’s most affordable current EV on sale, but the EV3 still manages to pack a premium punch. It scored top marks for the quality of its features which, combined with eye-catching looks and a great driving experience, has made the EV3
Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK Limited, commented: “The EV3 has received a glowing introduction since launch. Having already won UK and World Car of the Year for 2025, it’s even more encouraging to see real customers voting it their Car of the Year via Auto Trader. This opinion is demonstrated in the EV3’s current UK sales performance, being the best-selling EV in the retail market year to date and a strong contender across other channels. This positive recognition gives us and our dealer partners enhanced momentum as we continue to launch yet more customer centric EVs, such as the EV4 and EV5 coming by year end.”
Kia is no stranger to success at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards. Last year, the Kia EV6 was named ‘Best Car for Families’ and ‘Best Car for Dog Owners’, whilst in 2023 the Soul EV collected ‘Best Value Electric Car’, and EV6 was named ‘New Car of the Year’.
The EV3 is soon to be joined by the EV4 and EV5. Both models will embark on a nationwide tour of ‘Kia Electric Experience’ events across the Kia UK dealer network, starting 8 July, and showcasing the latest of Kia’s electric offerings to customers.
To make the most of the exciting return of a V8 engine to the Land Rover Defender, Milltek has developed a performance exhaust to enhance its sound which will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Developed to provide a visual and audible upgrade to the OCTA’s impressive 635hp 48v twin-turbo V8 engine, the Milltek exhaust is a particulate filterback system, meaning the OCTA’s valve control system is retained so there is no impact on emissions.
The twin 80mm ROAD+ system uses larger valves than the originals while preserving the valve control system, matched with a reflective rear silencer design but no centre resonator.
Optional Milltek GT100 exhaust tips available in polished black, brushed titanium and burnt titanium finishes are also available, or the original exhaust tips can be kept if a more subtle look is preferred.
Further details of other Milltek products to the Defender OCTA will be revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Defender OCTA will share the Milltek stand with an Ineos Grenadier plus the latest BMW M5 G90 and Porsche 992 Carrera fitted with Milltek’s new exhaust systems for high-performance hybrid models.
All Millek’s performance exhausts, plus the latest range of Milltek merchandise – from hats to hoodies and wall art to accessories - will be
available to buy direct from the Milltek stand during the Festival of Speed.
“This is the 20th year we’ve been at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and I think it’s going to be our best ever with exciting new cars and the biggest range of products to show performance car fans visiting,“ said Kev Hall, Technical Operations Manager at Milltek. “The Defender OCTA has been one of the most interesting projects our engineers have ever worked on, so we’re really proud to reveal the results of their hard work,” he added.
To ensure the highest quality and longevity, all Milltek exhaust systems are manufactured in T304L grade stainless steel and developed by highly skilled engineers at its production facilities in Derbyshire.
Full details of Milltek’s range of exhausts for ‘modern classics’ as well as the latest pick-ups and vans are available at www. millteksport.com
With the standard price of electricity dropping on 1 July, EV drivers will be able to charge their cars at home for less. But they could chop their charging costs by more than two-thirds if charging at home with Ohme.
From 1 July, the new Standard Variable Tariff for electricity will be reduced to 25.73p/kWh, making charging an EV at home cheaper than before. However, with Ohme, the UK’s largest and fastest growing home EV charging company, those charging costs could be even lower with one of the many offpeak and smart energy tariffs on the market.
EV-friendly tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go boast rates as low as 7p/ kWh meaning a typical EV driver could run their car for less than £10 a month.
Fully-charging a Volkswagen ID.5 with a 77kWh battery from 0% with an Ohme smart charger on a dynamic tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go could cost just £5.39 for its 344 mile WLTP claimed range. By comparison, the same charge on the new SVT rate from 1 July will cost £19.82 – more than three times more.
“Charging at home will always be the most affordable place for EV drivers to charge their cars and this lower electricity price is great news to help them reduce their running costs,” said Ohme CEO David Watson. “However, any EV driver charging at home should look at switching to one of the wide range of energy tariffs that drop those costs still further to help save them even more money.”
Over the course of a year for a typical EV driver covering 6800 miles a year, that means paying £437.41 for 12 months of motoring compared to just £119 on Intelligent Octopus Go. The same mileage in an average petrol car would cost more than £1000.
Ohme is the official charger provider for MercedesBenz, Volvo Cars and the Volkswagen Group in the UK and Ireland as well as Smart and Hyundai in the UK, it is also the official exclusive charger provider for customers on the Motability scheme, the largest fleet operator in the UK.
For more information go to: www.ohme-ev.com
Nearly a decade after its global debut, Nissan is launching the next generation of its unique e-POWER technology on the British-built Qashqai crossover.
Comprehensively re-engineered for even better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and elevated refinement and set for production in Sunderland, New e-POWER will further smooth the transition from fuel towards zero emissions.
First launched in the region four years ago, e-POWER was developed to deliver an electric-drive experience without the need to plug in - combining the smooth, effortless acceleration and refinement of an EV with the everyday convenience of traditional combustion power.
New e-POWER brings major improvements across every key area:
• Fuel consumption: reduced to 62mpg (WLTP) –best-in-segment figures, equating to a potential range of 745 miles
• CO₂ emissions lowered from 116g/km to 102g/km a 12% reduction compared with the current iteration
The range and convenience of diesel, with the refinement and responsiveness of an EV
At the heart of e-POWER is a unique principle which delivers real customer benefits: the petrol engine is used only to generate electricity which is distributed directly to the electric motor to drive the wheels, as well as to charge the battery if needed.
Unlike traditional hybrids, there is no complicated gearbox and coupling to combine petrol power and electric energy to drive the wheels, meaning response is instant and the drive is always smooth, just like an EV.And like an EV, the regenerative braking system on e-POWER converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, fed back into the battery.
New e-POWER takes this concept and elevates it further to deliver a best-inclass balance of performance, EV-like refinement and real-world fuel efficiency - but with the range and flexibility of a traditional combustion engine vehicle.
• Cabin noise: reduced by up to 5.6dB compared to previous generation – offering EV-like refinement
• +10kW boost in Sport Mode - delivering a more responsive and engaging drive
Comprehensive engine changes
At the core of New ePOWER is a newly-developed 5-in-1 modular powertrain unit, which integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a compact and lighter package. Combined with improvements to engine calibration and sound insulation, the system reduces both noise and vibration under load. Overall, power is up by 11kW, at a maximum of 151kW. The battery capacity is unchanged at 2.1 kWh.
Despite having a similar three cylinder 1.5-litre turbo configuration as the out-going version, the engine is all-new and is now dedicated to its application in e-POWER. It adopts Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion concept, which has lifted thermal efficiency to 42% - an exceptionally high level - by stabilising incylinder combustion, which enables the engine to operate more quietly and effectively at lower speeds. A new, larger turbo has been fitted which also brings efficiency gains, allowing a 200rpm reduction in engine speeds during highway driving, contributing to the
lower overall noise level.
The variable compression ratio technology found on the previous version has been rendered redundant by the other changes to the engine.
Additional engine efficiency has been generated by the change to 0W16 lubricating oil, reducing internal friction. Customers will also appreciate the new, longer service intervals which have been extended from 9,000 miles to 12,000 miles.
The net outcome of all the changes is that Qashqai equipped with New e-POWER achieves 16% better fuel economy in real-world conditions, and 14% improvement in highway fuel consumption versus the current generation.
David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region Research & Development, Nissan AMIEO, said “This new version of ePOWER reflects everything we’ve learned from developing electric motor drive systems for Europe. We’ve analysed what worked in our previous generations, what appealed most to customers, and reengineered the system to deliver maximum efficiency, lower emissions and a quieter, more refined drive - all with the same performance as a diesel. We are proud that New ePOWER now offers best-in-class fuel efficiency and emissions.”
the driving feel is entirely electric, with no gear shifts, no power lag, and minimal engine noise at low speeds. Yet, unlike a battery electric vehicle, refuelling takes place at any petrol station.
By removing the complexity of change, e-POWER acts as a true transition technology - giving customers the benefits of electric mobility with none of the friction. It’s built for drivers who want something better, but not something unfamiliar.
Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product & Services Planning, Nissan AMIEO, added “This generation of e-POWER is the result of combining our customer insights with Nissan’s vision for electrified powertrains. It takes further the promise of e-POWER by delivering much better efficiency without any compromise on performance. Best fuel efficiency and range – even on the highway – with a pleasant, refined, everyday EV driving. And all that, without changing the way we are used to live with a traditional vehicle. More than ever, it represents a seamless transition for our customers towards full EV and a key pillar of our electrification strategy.”
With a theoretical range of 745 miles on a full tank, New e-POWER goes further than many traditional plug-in hybrids - without the need for a charging cable or waiting for a full charge.
A smarter step towards electric
For many drivers, moving to a fully electric vehicle still comes with questions - about charging, range, infrastructure, and habit change. That’s where ePOWER comes in.
With its fully electric motor drive and no plug-in requirement, new e-POWER offers a clear, confident step into electrified driving - combining the smoothness and instant response of an EV, with the familiar range and convenience of an ICE. It delivers the experience of electric, without the perceived challenges and common misconceptions that can still hold some drivers back from switching to fully electric.
And because the engine never powers the wheels,
New e-POWER comes to best-selling Qashqai from September 2025
The Qashqai will also benefit from enhanced connected technology features – including Google built-in infotainment, which provides access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. New features include voice commands via Google Assistant, access to additional apps through Google Play, weather forecasts at planned destinations, and Nissan Trip Stories – allowing customers to easily record and share their favourite journeys via the NissanConnect Services app.
Additional technology improvements include increased driving intelligence with enhanced ProPILOT driver assistance features such as improved multi-lane autonomous drive interfaces for better traffic monitoring and awareness of surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, new e-POWER customers can expect lower total cost of ownership (TCO) thanks to service intervals which have been extended from 9,000 to 12,000 miles.
The latest Qashqai equipped with new e-POWER, which is built at Nissan’s state-of-the-art factory in Sunderland, UK will be available in European markets from September 2025. Rollout across Africa and Oceania will follow in the months ahead.
Work ready. Life ready. On or off-road ready. Isuzu’s awardwinning pick-up is equipped with even smarter styling, stronger performance and safer technology. Delivering the reassuring capability and durability you expect from Isuzu, our tough workhorse takes comfort and refinement to the next level.
Wherever, whenever, The New Isuzu D-Max is ready at our dealership. WWW.BANDBTRUCKS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01283 521522
B&B TRUCKS Castle Point Park, Staffordshire CULVERWELL-ISUZU.CO.UK 01580 880 567
CULVERWELL CARS Robertsbridge, East Sussex
DUCKWORTH ISUZU London Road, Boston WWW.GREEN4MOTORCOMPANY.CO.UK/ISUZU 02476 639100 GREEN4 MOTOR COMPANY London Road, Coventry STARTINTRACTORS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01827 880 088 STARTIN TRACTORS Ashby Road, Twycross YORKVANCENTRE-ISUZU.CO.UK 01904 470 170 YORK VAN CENTRE Station Lane, York
