Farming Monthly National May 2024

01 +/- 0.5% accuracy

02 No wearing parts

03 On site callibration

04 measaures through entire bale

05 Results are not afffected by dew falll

Withstand winds in excess of 100 mph

Super cinche quick release for easy tightening and dismantling

- Avergae losses of 15%, at 36 bale, £150 per ton, that is £2,700 for every 240 bales.

Make losses a thing of the past

Farming Farming

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Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK

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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.

Doff Portland wins Kings Award for International Trade

Doff Portland, best known as the UK’s only manufacturer of slug pellets, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for International Trade, recognising outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales.

Supplying both the farming and the amateur home and garden sectors, the Nottinghamshire-based company has grown its exports into Europe. With the awards acclaimed as the most prestigious business awards in the UK, Doff Portland is recognised for overseas sales growth of 300% over three years. Exports now represent well over 10% of the business.

Doff Portland CEO, Ben Shapiro says: “For our agricultural exports, the award acknowledges Doff’s success in France, which is testament to the market’s acceptance of our latest formulation of ferric phosphate slug pellets.

“We’ve recently launched the same formulation in the UK under the Firescale brand and look forward to continued growth in both markets.”

He attributes the company’s overseas success to the company’s established expertise in slug control manufacture and its continued innovation and investment.

“Our team has designed and registered a high quality, rain-fast pellet – formulated for British weather using British wheat, which is proving popular with farmers, both at home and in France,” says Mr Shapiro.

“Quick turnaround has been key, to ensure thousands of tonnes of product can reach farmers – whether in the UK, or on the continent, at short notice. We understand pest pressure is closely linked to weather conditions and a responsive service is critical.”

UK farmers gain from the export success, with slug pellets manufactured using British wheat which is then milled at the Nottingham plant. Doff Portland’s local sourcing and manufacturing methods mean the process has the lowest carbon footprint in the EU.

Mr Shapiro also points to the company’s growth in retail exports to the EU. Growth has resulted from the company extending its UK authorisations for slug control to over 15 EU countries.

This has facilitated the export of a wider product range spanning biocides, herbicides, and insecticides.

“Navigating the hurdles of Brexit over recent years has been a challenge, but it’s credit to the entire team and our suppliers that we’ve secured a portfolio of key authorisations and established ourselves in important EU markets with both retail and agricultural customers,” he says.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country.

Our Very own British Lifestylecolumnist, Olivia Shave, wins prestigious award!

e are so very proud to announce, that Olivia has won "Sustainability Champion of the Year, at the first ever National Women in Agriculture Awards 2024, which took place in the House of Commons recently.

The awards were organised as part of a network, that will bring women in the farming community, together so they can support each other and hopefully share

their experiences and their progress. The awards celebrate the female talent in agriculture and showcase those whom make a difference in this sector.

There are so many amazing women, who work really hard in agriculture and Olivia is most definitely one of them and deserves to not only share her experience but to be recognised for all that she does and the difference that she makes in the community. Well done Olivia for all that you do and for being such a special lady!

Sustainable Farming Scheme Ministerial Roundtable

welcomed, but must deliver meaningful change, says FUW

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed an announcement from the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs outlining his plans to create a Ministerial Roundtable which will consider the evidence and lead on the development of a revised Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

In response to the statement, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “One of our key asks following the consultation was to establish a small focused SFS design stakeholder group tasked with considering details of different elements of the scheme, along with payment rates and overall budgetary requirements.

“We therefore welcome today's announcement which outlines plans to establish such a group, providing us with a formal platform to scrutinise and rework the scheme so that it properly delivers for Welsh farmers and our rural communities. “However, I reiterate this message again; the scheme needs far more than touching up around

the edges. It needs a radical rethink and this group must now deliver meaningful change within the timeframe presented to us.”

The Cabinet Secretary’s statement also highlights how one of the first tasks of the Ministerial Roundtable will be to look at any further and alternative proposals to achieve additional carbon sequestration within the SFS.

“This development is also welcomed given the urgent need to evaluate the science around net zero and carbon sequestration to help develop the SFS. This element needs to take into account all actions farmers can undertake to make progress towards net zero in a sustainable way.

“The engagement we’ve had as a Union with the Cabinet Secretary and his officials to date has been positive and this statement reflects those discussions. The FUW is ready to burn the midnight oil to ensure we get to the right place before the end of the year, in order that this scheme is workable both economically and environmentally.” concluded Mr Rickman.

Final call for infrastructure project funding S

evern Trent is issuing a final call for all major infrastructure grant applications, as the funding window closes on 31 May 2024.

Through STEPS (Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme), farmers in pesticide priority catchments, can apply for up to £20,000 of match funding to invest in sprayer washdown and handling areas. A further £5,000 is available for those adding rainwater harvesting equipment to the roofed area.

Dr Adam Freer, senior catchment scientist at Severn Trent, says if projects are completed within six months, a further 25% of the cost of the washdown area is available, up to a maximum of £30,000.

A handling and washdown area provides a dedicated space where pesticides can be safely loaded into the tank, and acts as a safe area for housing and cleaning the sprayer.

“We’ve identified pesticides as one of three key concerns in our priority catchments, so we’re urging farmers to pursue funded options that prevent them reaching watercourses - as well as nitrates or cryptosporidium,” he says.

Severn Trent has found 40% of pesticide detections in watercourses are from handling in the yard, with the remaining 60% coming from the field. This is why the company is supporting efforts to install or improve sprayer washdown areas, as an effective way of eliminating pollution risk.

requirements, we know there’s always more we can do to protect water quality.”

After initial conversations with his local Severn Trent agricultural advisor, Mr Hunter Blair learned the farm sat in a pesticide priority area. His advisor, Robin Ransome, supported him with an application to replace a dilapidated barn with a new PWDA, as well as a 10,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank.

Mr Hunter Blair says: “Regulations are getting tighter around plant protection products used on-farm, so when the STEPS opportunity arose it was clear we could get ahead of the curve.”

To find out more about STEPS funding, contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www. STwater.com/STEPS

STEPS options include:

Pesticide catchment areas

• Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) for pesticides

• Riverside grass margins

• Biobeds and biofilters

• Alternative weed management in grassland fields

• Precision pesticide application equipment

• Pesticide washdown areas, including roofing –Application window closes 31 May 2024

Nitrate catchment areas:

The application deadline for other STEPS funding options remains open until 30 November 2024 and is available to all types of farms, for a wide range of land management improvements.

“For example, we’ve seen the funds being put towards cover crops, pesticide biofilters, livestock pasture pumps and loosening of compacted soil,” adds Dr Freer.

On-farm success

One farmer who has taken advantage of the PWDA funding is Alastair Hunter Blair, Herefordshire-based arable farmer.

With the farm running along the River Wye, pesticide management is a major consideration. He says: “We do what we can to prevent runoff entering the river. Although our spray and nutrient applications and management are well within legal

• Cover crops

• Grass margins

Cryptosporidium catchment areas:

• Livestock fencing along watercourses

• Hard bases for drinking troughs

• Roofed livestock handling and manure storage areas

• Constructed wetlands

• The main STEPS application window closes 30 November 2024.

How to apply:

Check you are in a priority catchment here: www. stwater.co.uk/steps

To increase your chances of a successful application, seek advice from your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser on what options would best suit your farm and make the greatest positive impact on the environment

Fill out your application online: www.stwater.co.uk/ steps before 30 November for STEPS.

Elevate Your Baling Season with PFC’s Premier Agricultural Solutions

As the baling season approaches, farmers know that producing high-quality hay is paramount for ensuring both the longevity of their livestock's feed and the profitability of their operations. This season, make PFC’s comprehensive product line your go-to for achieving exceptional results. PFC’s HarvestPro acid preservative, HarvestPro microwave moisture sensor, digital fixed-rate preservative applicator, and inland tarpaulins are designed to optimise every aspect of hay production. Here’s why integrating these innovative solutions into your farming practices is a gamechanger.

HarvestPro Acid Preservative: Safeguard Your Hay’s Quality

Ensuring the hay retains its nutritional value while preventing mould and spoilage is a significant challenge, particularly under lessthan-ideal weather conditions.

PFC’s HarvestPro acid preservative is a powerful solution that inhibits mould growth and maintains the hay’s colour, aroma, and nutrient content. This product acts as a shield against environmental factors that can degrade hay quality, giving farmers peace of mind. The most competitive product on the market combined with reliable strength to boot.

Using the HarvestPro acid preservative means your hay can be baled at a higher moisture content without risking spoilage. This flexibility allows for more timely harvesting, reducing the window for potential weather damage. By protecting your hay’s quality, you not only safeguard your yield but also enhance its market value, directly contributing to higher profits.

HarvestPro Microwave Moisture Sensor: Precision in Every Bale

Moisture content is critical in hay production. Hay that is too wet can mould and spoil, while overly dry

hay can lose nutritional value and become brittle. The HarvestPro microwave moisture sensor offers unparalleled accuracy in measuring moisture content in real-time as you bale. This state-of-the-art technology ensures that you can make immediate adjustments, optimising each bale’s quality.

With precise moisture readings, you can avoid the costly mistakes of baling hay that is too wet . A reading of +/- 0.5% accuracy places the HarvestPro moisture sensor as the market leader for moisture sensing technology. This not only protects your yield from losses due to spoilage or nutrient degradation but also maximises the efficiency of your harvesting process. The HarvestPro microwave moisture sensor ensures every bale meets the highest standards, providing your livestock with the best possible feed and enhancing your product’s market appeal.

Digital Fixed-Rate Preservative Applicator: Consistency is Key

Achieving consistent application of preservatives across your hay bales is crucial for uniform quality. PFC’s digital fixed-rate preservative applicator guarantees that the right amount of preservative is applied to each bale, regardless of baling speed or field conditions. This precision reduces waste and ensures that every bale is adequately protected. The applicator’s digital controls allow for easy adjustments and monitoring, making the process seamless and efficient. By ensuring a consistent application, you not only enhance the hay’s quality but also increase its shelf life and marketability. This technology acts as an insurance policy against spoilage, ultimately helping you secure better yields and higher profits.

Inland Tarpaulins: Ultimate Protection for Your Investment

Once your hay is baled, protecting it from the elements is critical. PFC’s

inland tarpaulins provide robust, weather-resistant coverage that shields your hay from rain, snow, and UV damage. These tarps are designed for durability and ease of use, ensuring that your investment is protected from environmental hazards. Resisting winds in excess of 100 mph and with super cinches making installation and tightening after stormy weather easier than ever.

By using inland tarpaulins, you can store your hay outdoors with confidence, knowing it will remain in top condition until it’s needed. This protection helps maintain the quality and value of your hay, reducing losses and maximising profitability. Whether you’re storing hay for your own use or for sale, inland tarpaulins are an essential component of your post-harvest strategy. Helping to save the average of 15% wastage that farmers experience when storing straw or hay outside and customers seeing a return of investment within 12 months of purchase.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment for a Successful Season

PFC’s agricultural solutions are more than just products—they’re investments in your farming success. The HarvestPro acid preservative, microwave moisture sensor, digital fixed-rate preservative applicator, and inland tarpaulins work synergistically to enhance the quality, consistency, and profitability of your hay production. By incorporating these advanced technologies into your baling process, you can significantly reduce risks, protect your yields, and achieve higher returns.

Don’t leave your harvest to chance. Choose PFC’s comprehensive product line and the PFC customer service e for a baling season that promises excellence, efficiency, and enhanced profitability. Ensure every bale is a testament to your commitment to quality and success.

RHUG ESTATE has received one of the first Royal Warrants of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen

The organic farm estate, based near Corwen in Denbighshire, is one of just seven businesses in Wales to have been selected for the accolade.

The 12,500-acre site had previously been honoured with a Royal Warrant of Appointment from the Prince of Wales – now King Charles III – for its sustainable ethos and overseeing the entire journey of its animals, supplying restaurants globally in addition to its own popular farm shop and takeaway.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “This is an incredible honour and testament to both the quality of our organic produce, notably the high-quality meat we supply all over the world, and the dedication of our fantastic team.

“Every year we strive to do better, to be more innovative, environmentally conscious, and responsible while raising the bar for organic produce in Wales, at home and on the international stage.

The grants were made to companies drawn from those previously holding a Royal Warrant of Appointment, which were first handed out in 1980. Companies were reviewed and 145 were chosen. Of those, seven were also granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The Queen.

“The Royal Warrant is a seal of approval; it gives us confidence and a platform to reach even further as we explore new markets and unveil new products.

“Whether it be in the café, our farm shop and drive thru or at Michelin-starred restaurants in London or the Middle East, our reputation is further strengthened by the Royal Warrant, so we are of course thrilled to be among the first to receive it.”

The document permits an organisation to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business in an appointed trading capacity and is granted for up to five years at a time as a mark of recognition for the ongoing supply of goods or services to the Royal Household.

Those holding Royal Warrants of Appointment represent a huge cross-section of trade and industry, from sole traders to multi-nationals, all united by a commitment to the highest standards of service, quality, excellence, and craftsmanship.

“Congratulations to all those who have received this accolade, we are honoured to be named among this select group and will work hard to maintain the very high standards that helped us to secure it once again,” added Lord Newborough.

For the full list of companies granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment, visit: https://www. royalwarrant.org

For more news and information including upcoming events and vacancies with the team at Rhug Organic Farm Estate, visitthe websitewww.rhug. co.ukand follow them on social media at @rhugestate.

NFU survey shows collapse in farmer confidence

The confidence of English and Welsh farmers is at an all-time low, a new NFU survey has revealed.

The Farmer Confidence Survey shows that short and mid-term confidence is at its lowest since records began in 2010. Because of this lack of confidence, production intentions have also plummeted with all farming sectors expecting to decrease production over the next year.

The relentless wet weather has played a big part, with 82% of respondents saying their farm businesses have suffered fairly negative (52%) or very negative impacts (30%), with mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms having taken the biggest hits.The survey was undertaken in November and December 2023. Since then, farmers have been battling relentless heavy rain through January, February, March and much of April. Were the survey undertaken again today, the results would be even worse.

Farm business profitability has also fallen with65% of respondents saying their profits are declining or their business may not even survive.

The NFU is calling for government to recognise the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest 18 months since 1836, warning that many farms may be unable to survive.

In itsGeneral Election Manifesto, the NFU has provided solutions that political parties can adopt which would work to reverse this breakdown in farmer confidence and help safeguard homegrown food production, including:

• Planning for and rewarding farmers fairly for their role in mitigating flood risk and committing to the proactive management of our watercourses.

• A smooth and seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are open to all farmers and growers, and ensure profitable long-term food-producing businesses.

• Establishing minimum standards to promote a fair and functioning supply chain.

• Developing and establishing core production standards that apply to agri-food imports.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “These figures paint a really stark picture. Confidence has collapsed after months of devastating flooding, unsustainably high production costs and low market returns, and against a backdrop of reduced farm support as we transition to a new Domestic Agriculture Policy and associated farm support.

“Any business owner knows that without confidence and a steady cash flow, businesses will struggle to re-invest and remain viable. We have already lost more than 7,000 agricultural businesses since 2019 – no one wants to see that increase, least of all our customers who really value the high quality, sustainable food British farmers produce. With climate change wreaking havoc on food systems across the world and geo-political tensions high, Britain cannot afford to lose its ability to feed itself.

“A lot is hanging in the balance ahead of the General Election. Political parties will rightly be focusing on how to reverse the cost-of-living crisis, and with food inflation still high and families struggling with food bills, supporting homegrown food production must be part of this.

“The good news is that there are solutions the current and future governments can adopt to help rebuild farm business confidence, from investment in our water management to developing core production standards for food imports.

“While we are seeing record lows in farmer confidence, I never cease to be amazed by our amazing farmers and growers; their passion, drive and ingenuity for the work we do. Innate tenacity means we do not give up easily. In the run up to this election, I urge all political parties to recognise this resilience and the crucial role we play in sustaining our nation. With their support we can do more to contribute towards our national interests – producing more sustainable, affordable food and renewable energy, driving economic growth, providing jobs, and delivering our national environmental ambitions.”

NFU secures win for Seasonal Workers Scheme

Following several years of campaigning by the NFU, the Government has announced a fiveyear extension to the Seasonal Workers Scheme which will help give many farming and growing businesses the vital certainty needed to boost our national food security.

The announcement was made as part of a package of measures in response to the Shropshire Independent Review into Labour Shortages1. It provides much needed confidence for businesses and applicants, while also addressing concerns about the

recruitment and upscaling of domestic staff.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “This will be a huge relief for the horticulture and poultry sectors that rely on seasonal workers and is a brilliant win for the NFU, which has been campaigning for a longterm plan for seasonal workers for some time.

“We have seen in the past how damaging shortages of workers has been, with approximately £60 million worth of crops lost in 2022 due to a shortfall of workers. We know that with the correct trading conditions there are significant opportunities for growth and thecommitment to a five-year

scheme is verypositive. Movingforward, it is vital to have assurance that the number of visas and the costs associated2with accessing them will continue to meet the needs of our food producers.

“Funding announced for further automation of packhouses is also welcome, along with the commitment to accelerate the development of robotic crop harvesters. It is important that these positive announcements are reinforced by the Government at its forthcoming Farm to Fork Summit, and that the industry and government can work together to drive growth for UK food and farming.”

UK farmers urged to clamp down on silage pollution

An agricultural risk expert is warning UK farmers to urgently check their silage clamps in the wake of a string of hefty fines for silage pollution.

Farmers in Devon, Somerset and Northern Ireland have recently been ordered to pay fines ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 after silage clamp leaks polluted local watercourses.

“With the silage season upon us, it is vital that farmers check their silage clamps now – before the first cut – to prevent highly-toxic run-off from entering nearby waterways,” said Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn at

agricultural insurance broker and risk management expert Lycetts.

“Silage effluent, which can be up to 200 times more toxic than untreated sewage, poses a significant threat to aquatic life, wildlife, and broader ecosystems.”

The Rivers Trust annual ‘State of Our Rivers’ report revealed in February this year that agricultural pollution contributes to 62% of waterways in England failing to meet good standards for chemical and biological pollution.

“It’s essential that all parts of the silage storage system, from pipes to tanks, are well maintained,” explained Wailes-Fairbairn. “Silage clamps and all drainage systems should be carefully inspected checked to make sure they are airtight and leakfree.”

A deep clean can more easily identify leaks but farmers should be careful not to damage protective lining, asphalt or concrete surfaces.

“Farmers should check that the floor is sound,” added Wailes-Fairbairn, “that cracks are properly repaired and that wall coatings and overlapping protective films are intact.

“Collection channels and drains should be regularly cleaned out to ensure they are watertight and drains flushed with water before filling the clamp, to ensure they are free from leaks or blockages. “After filling it, effluent levels should be regularly monitored and nearby watercourses checked for signs of pollution. “Farmers must be proactive in their approach to managing silage storage. The consequences of negligence are not only environmentally disastrous but also financially very damaging, as the substantial fines for pollution incidents are not covered by insurance.”

Lycetts offers comprehensive insurance and risk management services tailored to the agricultural sector, supporting farmers in meeting health, safety, and environmental standards.

Vertical Future discusses the potential of controlled environment technology at the UK Farm to Fork Summit 2024

The UK AgriTech company was invited to join the discussion at No.10 Downing Street to outline how innovation within the farming and food sector can help tackle current industry challenges

Vertical Future("VF"), a UK-based ControlledEnvironmentAgriculture ("CEA") technology company, today (14 May 2024) attended the UK Farm to Fork Summit 2024 at No. 10 Downing Street along with several industry leaders and policymakers. VF's Founder and CEO Jamie Burrows was personally invited to join a discussion on how collaboration between the public and private sectors can help tackle current challenges within the farming and food industry. VF designs, manufactures, and deploys intelligent, integrated, autonomous vertical farming systems globally with further use cases beyond food, such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, integration with greenhouses, and research and development for application in outer space (substantiated by a recent international grant with the UK Space Agency). With adaptability and integrity at the forefront, VF's systems deliver robust, reliable, and resilient CEA systems allowing produce to grow in any geography, regardless of seasonality and weather conditions.

barriers to innovation in the farming and food sector, including gene editing, automation, research and development, net zero innovation, and artificial intelligence. The expected outcomes include designing projects in partnership with the government to grow an innovative and resilient farming and food industry that meets its economic potential and recruits the next generation of farming and food leaders.

Farming in England is going through significant changes and has faced unique challenges in recent years. The severely wet past 18 months in the UK alone is just one example ofhow climate change-related extreme weather conditionscan have devastating effects on our domestic crop production. In response to that,the government is launching the largest ever grant totalling £427 million, with £220 million invested in productivity and innovation in farming, £116 million in slurry infrastructure, and £91 million in improving the health and welfare of farmed animals. The discussions at the UK Farm to

Fork Summit 2024 are of extreme importance to outline how the government and private sectors can cooperate and design a strategy that will boost sustainable growth and support the industry in a meaningful way.

Commenting on his contribution to the discussion, Founder and CEO of Vertical Future, Jamie Burrows, said:

"It was an honour for Vertical Future to have been invited to represent the vertical farming and CEA sector more broadly at this year's Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street. Public-private collaboration is key to the future of our food systems and innovative AgriTech companies such as ours can help propel the UK to reach its food security and environmental goals to not only survive, but thrive and prepare for an uncertain future.As a business, weconduct extensive R&D and commercial activities with a growing number of industry, governmental and academic partners across the world, focused on improving CEA economics and increasing the quality and availability of crops for end-consumers."

The breakout session hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak covered the opportunities and

Chief Plant Health Officer urges increased vigilance to sightings of Asian hornet ahead of summer season

• Call for public and UK beekeepers to keep watch and report any sightings of Asian hornets this summer.

• National Bee Unit on standby as record number of Asian hornets found in the UK in 2023 and 72 nest successfully destroyed.

• Asian hornets are a serious invasive species and pose risk to our native honey bees and insect pollinators.

The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer

Nicola Spence is on Monday 20 May, urging UK beekeepers and the public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of Asian hornet and report any sightings as we move into the peak summer season.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than our native wasps and hornets. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and insect pollinators.

Asian hornets are distinctive and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the forth abdomen section and yellow leg ends. They are much larger in size than our native hornets. Any sightings can be made via the Asian Hornet Watch App.

The warning comes after 2023 saw a record number of Asian hornets found in the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit attended every credible sighting, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations with the majority of nests found in Kent. The National Bee Unit continues to stand ready to respond quickly and effectively to any furtherpossible sightings.

The National Bee Unit continues to take action to eradicate the Asian hornet in the UK, and this spring rolled out trapping in areas where there was an increased risk that Asian hornet queens may have overwintered. The traps, which have the means to allow non-target invertebrates to escape, have been set at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire.

Asian hornets are not yet established in the UK. Early trapping is a key part of our surveillance for this invasive species and

fundamental to our eradication efforts.

Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Nicola Spence said:

“By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help ustake swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies andharm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by using ouronline report form. Alternatively, emailalertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.Please include a photograph if you can safely obtain one.

Identification guides and more information are availableand if you keep bees you should keep up to date with the latest situation on thegov.uk sightings pageand onBeeBase.

It is important to take care not toapproach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest.

This announcement coincides with the start of Chelsea Flower Show, where Defra is hosting an interactive exhibit highlighting the spread of Asian hornet and the risks to our honey bees and wild pollinators with the aim of raising awareness of the Asian hornet amongst gardeners and the industry.

Delay to Sustainable Farm Scheme in Wales is bad news for farmers, nature and climate, say Wildlife Trusts Wales

Welsh Government announced that Sustainable Farming Scheme has been delayed by a year.

Wildlife Trusts Wales believe this is bad news for farmers, nature and climate. The post-Brexit farm payment scheme offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put farming in Wales on a sound sustainable footing to address the interlinked climate and nature crises and ensure a viable future for Welsh farming.

The decision to delay the scheme comes at a time when Welsh farmers are suffering from the effects of months of heavy rain. This is placing farm businesses under increasing strain, which will only get worse as our climate changes. The UK Government's 2021 Food Security Report found that, "The biggest medium to long term risk to the UK's domestic production comes from climate change and other environmental pressures like soil degradation, water quality and biodiversity."

Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales says:

"The decision to delay the scheme simply prolongs the uncertainty at a time when farmers need to be rewarded for switching to sustainable farming methods which will benefit their businesses in the future.

Delaying measures to help farms adapt to our changing climate now only increases costs tomorrow and so is bad news for farm incomes. The scheme offers a great opportunity for farmers to be on the front foot to address the changing weather – to plant trees for shelter for livestock, to switch to herb-rich grasses which are less prone to drought, and to store water in ponds on farms.

"It's clear that the current food system isn't working for farmers, nature, climate and even consumers. We see nature in rapid decline

on some farmland, rivers polluted from agricultural run-off and many farmers struggling to make their businesses viable. Although the extra year will give further time for farmers' concerns to be heard, it is vital to be lead by science."

Most Welsh farms already have 6% tree cover and so do not have far to go to meet the proposals to reach 10% under the new scheme – trees benefit the farm through providing shelter for livestock, protect soil and to soak up flood waters. These areas do not have to come out of production because grazing beneath the trees is allowed.

Rachel Sharp continues:

"It is a critical time for farming in Wales and it's important that the new scheme is adequately funded. We need to see the whole scheme rolled out in 2026 as farmers need clarity on all tiers of the scheme including the 'Options' and 'Collaborative' tiers. Farmers need to know what payment rates will be available to plan for their business. This year will be critical and piloting new approaches is needed so that farmers can see what the new scheme looks and feels like. As 90% of Wales is farmland there is huge potential to harness nature to help store carbon and to hold back flood waters in revitalised natural habitats and to mitigate the impacts of climate change for the people of Wales. This would then demonstrate the value of giving taxpayers' money to farmers for public benefits that, in turn, support rural communities."

Nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across Wales, which is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.18% (one in six) of species are at risk of extinction from Wales. The abundance of land and freshwater species has on average fallen by 20% across Wales since 1994.

ENVIRONMENT: the North would benefit most from new hedgerows, CPRE research reveals

This National Hedgerow Week, new research commissioned by CPRE, the countryside charity, reveals which parts of England would benefit most from the creation of new hedgerows. Seven out of the eight areas with the highest hedgerow priority scores are in the northern half of the country. CPRE is calling on the government to target these areas to help deliver its commitment to create or restore 30,000 miles of hedgerow by 2037.

The analysis, conducted by the Organic Research Centre, considered historical hedgerow cover, the condition of existing hedgerow networks and levels of ongoing government support. Specially developed mapping techniques were used to identify areas with the most suitable habitat for hedgerow creation and restoration.

The areas that scored highest against all priority criteria are:

• North Northumberland Coastal Plain(Northumberland)

• HowgillFells (Yorkshire/Cumbria)

• Vale of Pickering (Yorkshire)

• Vale of York(Yorkshire)

• Southern Lincolnshire Edge(Lincolnshire)

• Trent and Belvoir Vales (Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire/ Leicestershire)

• Mersey Valley (Lancashire)

• Berkshire and Marlborough Downs (Berkshire/Wiltshire)

The new research also revealed a significant loss of hedgerow coverage from historical levels across two thirds of the country. Despite this, almost half of England has seen some degree of hedgerow improvement or creation. This

is a testament to the efforts of farmers, landowners and community groups including those funded by the CPRE Hedgerow Heroes project, which has worked with CPRE branches across England to restore 47 miles of hedgerow in the past three years.

Hedgerows have huge positive impacts on the environment. Previous research has demonstrated their role in reducing water pollution, improving soil quality, mitigating climate change, managing water flow and providing crucial habitat corridors for wildlife.

CPRE is calling on the government to:

• Target hedgerow creation and restoration towards the areas identified by the new research

• Develop an effective system for monitoring the quantity and quality of progress towards its hedgerow targets

• Improve access to funding opportunities

• Tackle ongoing threats to existing hedgerows

Emma Marrington, CPRE landscape enhancement lead, said: 'Hedgerows are icons of the English landscape and such an important part of the nation's heritage. Whether in the countryside, towns and cities, people love the sights and sounds of hedgerows near home.

'This is why it's so important for the government to deliver on its ambitious hedgerow targets. CPRE hopes that this exciting research will help inform where hedgerows across the country could be planted, restored and rejuvenated. Improving our network of hedgerows is a win for the environment, wildlife and the climate.'

Pictures by Mandy Jones

MS tells young farmers he hopes new minister will 'change direction' on controversial scheme

An MS has told a group of young farmers that he hopes the new Rural Affairs Minster will "change direction" on a controversial scheme.

Llŷr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, and is Plaid Cymru's Shadow Rural Affairs Minster, recently met with members of Ruthin YFC, to speak about his work holding the Welsh Government to account.

Mr Gruffydd said that Rural Affairs Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who replaced Lesely Griffiths in the role, has an "opportunity to push the reset button".

The Plaid Cymru MS added that it's his party's "priority" to demand that there is a "sustainable future for the Welsh family farm."

Llŷr Gruffydd said: "I would like to thank the members of Ruthin YFC for the warm welcome and the engaging discussion about the issues that affect them and about my role scrutinising and challenging the Welsh Government.

"The Sustainable Farming Scheme is front of mind for farmers across Wales, especially young farmers."

It is a priority of mine to ensure that the new Rural Affairs Minister changes direction and puts in place

a scheme that works for the agricultural community as well as for the environment. I hope and expect that he will do that.

"It's Plaid Cymru's overriding priority to demand fairness and a sustainable future for the Welsh family farm, and we are clear that the current proposals do not achieve Wales's climate change ambitions in a way that does that.

"The Sustainable Farming Scheme is one of many issues that are worrying farmers in Wales."

We have also seen the continued issue of bovine TB in Wales taking a devastating toll on the mental health of many people in the agricultural sector. "The regulations around NVZs is another factor that is having a real impact.

"The combination of all these issues is putting an enormous amount of strain on the rural community."

The Welsh Government needs to rethink it's approach in these areas in order to ensure that the demands it places on farmers are realistic. Failure to do so will not only undermine the viability of our rural communities, it will also undermine their critical role in achieving a more sustainable future for our environment."

Celebrating World Bee Day

The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) will join beekeepers, conservationists, naturalists and growers around the world in observing World Bee Day on 20 May 2024.

The BBKA’s 27,000-strong membership is actively involved in helping to safeguard more than 50 million honey bees. In addition to managing their hives for healthy bees, they produce honey, collect swarms and are on the front-line of protecting the UK’s pollinators from invasive, yellow-legged Asian hornets.

BBKA Chair, Diane Drinkwater, said: “We are passionate about bees and enthusiastically support World Bee Day by helping to raise awareness of the real and present threats facing these incredibly important insects. We all depend on bees and other pollinators to produce much of our food, and safeguard and enhance the biodiversity of the

world around us.”

The BBKA was created in this month 150 years ago and beekeepers’ associations have been planting commemorative trees in their apiaries to further support honey bees, bumblebees and many other species dependent on trees for food. Across the country, thousands of beekeepers’ lawns are sprouting buttercups, daisies, bird’s foot trefoil and clover as part of the No Mow May campaign to encourage gardeners to put their mower away during the month and let wildflowers flourish. The UK has lost 97 per cent of wildflower meadows since the 1930s, which has removed a vital source of food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Diane Drinkwater added: “Beekeepers are as passionate about the environment as they are their own honey bees, and less mowing encourages wildflowers to grow in a grass lawn which is beneficial to lots of pollinating insects.”

World Bee Day, created by the United Nations, aims to strengthen measures to protect bees, which are vital pollinators for almost 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species and more than 75% of global food crops. Despite their importance in supporting food security and biodiversity, bees are under significant threat worldwide from intensive and monocultural farming practices, landuse change and habitat loss, pesticides and rising temperatures linked to climate change.

The UK’s biodiversity indicator for pollinators (which uses bees and hoverflies as the key indicator species) has been assessed as showing long term decline since 1980 but as remaining stable in the short term.

New law banning routine use of farm antibiotics flawed by major weaknesses and loopholes

New legislation which comes into force on 17thof May bans the routine use of antibiotics on farm animals and their use "to compensate for poor hygiene, inadequate animal husbandry, or poor farm management practices".

Prophylactic use is also being restricted to "exceptional circumstances" [2]. These are major improvements in the regulation of British farm antibiotic use.

Unfortunately, the rules are far weaker than similar legislation introduced in the European Union in January 2022[3]. Loopholes and weaknesses in the legislation and how it is interpreted may allow the overuse of antibiotics on farms to continue.

Cóilín Nunan of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics said:

"Some of the new rules on farm antibiotic use are welcome and long overdue. Unfortunately, the government has deliberately weakened the legislation, in comparison to the EU's, and this will allow some poorly run farms to keep on feeding large groups of animals antibiotics, even when no disease is present. We are also concerned the ban on using antibiotics to compensate for inadequate animal husbandry and poor farm management practices may not be properly implemented."

Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, Professor Roberto La Ragione [4], Head of the School of Biosciences at the University of Surrey, said: "Antibiotics are critical to human and animal medicine, but the emergence of resistance is a global concern. Therefore, we must reduce their use to help stop the emergence and spread of resistance. We know that animal health and welfare are inextricably linked to our own, so it is vital that antibiotic resistance is tackled in humans and animals, and we can all play a part, from the scientific community to pet owners, vets, doctors, pharmacists, companies, farmers, and the government."

In response to the new legislation, the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics is calling on the government to:

• Ban group prophylaxis with antibiotics.

• Introduce mandatory antibiotic-use data collection.

• Set new, more ambitious targets for reducing farm antibiotic use. About 75% of UK farm antibiotic use is still for group treatments[5]. A targets should be set to reduce group treatments to less than 30% by 2030. A target should be set to cut farm antibiotic use by 40% by 2030.

• Major improvements to minimum husbandry standards are needed to reduce the need for antibiotics, including reduction in stocking densities, using appropriate breeds, improvements to diets and a shift to later weaning of piglets[6].

New legislation falling short on promises

Unlike the EU, the Westminster government has refused to ban the practice of feeding prophylactic or preventative antibiotics to groups of animals where no animals have been diagnosed as sick. In 2018, the

government stated in Parliament that it intended to implement the EU's restrictions on prophylactic use[7], but it never put forward any plans to do so.

Furthermore, statements being made by the government and regulators already raise serious questions about how well the legislation will be implemented in practice.

The government's regulator, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), has said that group prophylactic treatments should be allowed because some farms would need to make "improvements to farm infrastructure and management practices" to reduce or eliminate disease, and this can take time[8]. This suggests that in practice the VMD will allow some farmers to continue using antibiotics to compensate for poor farm management practices, despite the legislation explicitly banning such use.

The new regulations say that prophylactic treatments will only be permitted "in exceptional circumstances where the risk of an infection or of an infectious disease is very high and where the consequences of not prescribing the product are likely to be severe". This is a welcome restriction, based on an equivalent EU law.

However, when asked by Daniel Zeichner MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to clarify what is meant by "exceptional" use, Sir Mark Spencer MP, the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, said prophylactic use "would be permitted only where there would be a risk of infection or severe consequences if antibiotics were not applied"[9].

This suggests that prophylactic use could still occur quite frequently, since when animals are kept in highly intensive conditions, there is often a significant risk of infection. If the risk of disease occurring in intensive farming is viewed as being an exceptional circumstance, then prophylactic antibiotic use could effectively continue as before.

Mandatory antibiotic-use data collection is needed

The government has also decided against introducing mandatory antibiotic-use data collection, preferring to rely on data collected voluntarily by industry. In contrast, the EU began collecting mandatory antibiotic-use data for pigs, poultry and cattle last year, and will publish the first EU-wide report with the results next year[10].

The UK already has voluntary data collection, but most dairy, beef and sheep farms are not currently submitting any data to industry systems[11].

Cóilín Nunan said: "Not introducing statutory antibioticuse data collection is irresponsible and hard to understand. Accurate, reliable data is needed for every farm, as this helps minimise misuse and identify and promote best practice. The UK will now be lagging behind most of Europe when it comes to understanding how and why antibiotics are used on its farms."

Expanded and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive offer for farmers published

Full details of the expanded and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer available to farmers from July have been published by the government on Tuesday 21 May.

The expanded SFI offer will be open to new entrants for the first time and will initially comprise 102 actions, designed in collaboration with the agricultural sector, including over 20 new options to support more sustainable food production, – with payments for precision farming, agroforestry, a new and expanded offer for upland farmers and more actions for tenants on short-term contracts. Sticking to the plan for agriculture, the new actions will help farmers to reduce input costs and boost yields.

In addition, further new actions will support flood preparedness, helping businesses to become more resilient to the changing climate and challenging weather conditions.

The SFI works for all farmers, including tenant and upland farmers. With improved choice and payment rates, the current scheme is on track to be the most popular ever, with 23,000 applications received.

More than 50 simplified actions from Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier will be merged into SFI to streamline the application process for farmers. They include a number of actions where durations have been reduced from 5 to 3 years to align with the needs of tenant farmers.Inaddition to the expanded offer, the government has also launched a new digital tool known as‘Find funding for land or farms’to signpost customers toward the funding that is available to them.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

“I recognise that farmers have had to deal with difficult circumstances this year, which is why we have delivered on our commitment to provide further detail on the expanded SFI offer ahead of applications opening in July.

“The new expanded SFI offer gives farmers more choice, makes things easier and pays out more, so they can get on with the important job of producing high quality food in a sustainable way.”

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that the application window for CS Higher Tier, which

provides grants to help farmers protect, restore or enhance the environment, will open in the winter, with agreements starting in January 2025. We have been improving the offer, making it simpler and reducing the burden of seeking advice and endorsement.

We are developing even more actions and features to be added to the expanded SFI offer later this year, including an educational access action announced in January’s Agricultural Transition Plan update. These new actions will ensure farmers have greater choice and flexibility to produce food within SFI in a way that works best for them.

The announcement comes alongside the commitment made at the Oxford Farming Conference in January to increase payment rates by an average of 10% for SFI and CS agreements and introduce premium payments for actions that achieve the greatest environmental benefits. The doubling of management payments announced by the Prime Minister at the NFU Conference will be paid for the first time this Summer. It will be split across quarterly payments in the first year, putting an additional £1,000 in the farmers’ bank accounts.

In March, we ensured SFI applicants will only be able to put 25% of their land into six SFI actions that take land out of direct production, and we are now applying the 25% rule to actions in the expanded offer, including in-field grass strips, unharvested cereal headland, bumblebird mix and cultivated areas for arable plants. We will continue to consult with the sector and keep actions eligible for the cap under review.

Support for farmers

Today’s SFI announcement follows on from a major package of support for farmers and growersunveiledat the Prime Minister’s Farm to Fork Summit in Downing Street. This includes a new Blueprint for Growing the UK Fruit and Vegetable Sector, setting out how industry and government can work together to increase domestic production and drive investment into this valuable sector which is worth more than £4 billion to the UK economy.

We also published the first UK Food Security Index to ensure the government and sector is resilient to unexpected shocks to the market and extreme weather.

The government has committed to maintaining the £2.4 billion annual farming budget which will support farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably, while protecting nature and helping to meet our net zero ambitions. Our new schemes offer something for every type of farm, and a crucial part of their development has been to listen to farmers’ feedback.

Further information

SFI

• The SFI scheme pays farmers to adopt and maintain sustainable farming practices that:

• recognise the importance of food production;

• protect and enhance the natural environment and support farm productivity and resilience

• It does this while giving participants maximum flexibility as to how they achieve action objectives and taking an ‘advise and prevent’ approach to regulation and inspection that offers farmers help and support rather than penalising them for mistakes.

• From July, farmers and land managers will be able to access options currently available in Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT), actions from the SFI offer, plus new actions announced at the Oxford Farming Conference all through one scheme – which to keep it simple will be called the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

• Bringing the schemes into one place, with one name, means farmers can access the best of both offers, the flexibility of the SFI with the breadth, scale and ambition of CS MT, just with less paperwork.

CS Higher Tier

• Thissummer, we will publish CS Higher Tier information setting out who is eligible, how to apply and request specialist advice for Higher Tier actions alongside details of each Higher Tier action available to apply for

• Iffarmersare eligible to apply for CS Higher Tier actions, they will need specialist advice before they start their application, which they will normally get through Natural England or Forestry Commission. They may need additional advice from Historic England or the Environment Agency, depending on the actions they want to do.

• Later this summer, farmers will be able to start working with Natural England or Forestry Commission to prepare an application. This includes any feasibility studies or plans they may need to complete.

• Eligible farmers will be able to submit your online application for CS Higher Tier in the Rural Payments service this winter, with the first agreements starting from early 2025. Applications will then stay open throughout

the year, so you can choose when to apply. Agreements will normally start the month after your application is approved.

Controlled Roll Out

• Expressions of interest have now opened for those wishing to apply through the controlled roll out, ahead of the offer being fully self service in July.

• The RPA will invite a mix of customers into the controlled roll out at the end of this month to fully test the service and gather representative feedback.

• Ifyouwould like to be one of the first farmers to access the expanded SFI offer, you can complete a short expression of interest on the RPA websiteQualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

• Wewill then choose a select number of individuals to test the service and submit an application before we open the new offer to the wider sector.

• Applicationswill open to the wider sector, based on eligibility, on 22 July.

Find Funding for land or Farms Digital Tool

• The “Find funding for land or farms” digital tool can be found herewww.gov.uk/findfunding-for-land-or-farms

SFI Cap

• Farmers told us they want us to do more to safeguard domestic food production. To that end, in March, weplaced limits on the amount of land farmers can enter into 6 SFI actions

• IGL1 - Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management

• GL2 - Winter bird food on improved grassland

• AHL1 - Pollen and nectar flower mix

• AHL2 - Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land

• AHL3 - Grassy field corners and blocks

• IPM2 - Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips.

• We’re applying the 25% rule to 4 of the actions in the expanded offer, because they’re similar in nature to the 6 above. They are:

• WBD3 - in-field grass strips

• AHW9 - unharvested cereal headland

• AHW1 - bumblebird mix

• AHW11 - cultivated areas for arable plants

• New SFI applicants will only be able to put up to 25% of the total agricultural area of their farm into a combination of one or more of these 10 actions.

P Prime Minister Announces Major Support Package for British Farmers

rime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a comprehensive support package for British farmers at the UK Farm to Fork Summit held at Downing Street. The package aims to tackle the nation's agricultural challenges, with the UK currently producing only 17% of its consumed fruit and 55% of its vegetables. These measures are designed to enhance agricultural self-sufficiency and support farmers following a difficult season marked by adverse weather conditions and global supply chain disruptions.

Additional funding will support the adoption of renewable energy solutions on farms, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.

Sustainable Practices:

Support will be given to regenerative farming practices and alternative protein sources, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Key Measures Announced:

Financial Support and Stability:

The government will maintain the annual farming budget at £2.4 billion and introduce a £427 million grant to foster innovation and productivity.

The Seasonal Worker Visa Route will be expanded to ensure sufficient labour for the horticulture sector, addressing critical workforce shortages and supporting the timely harvest of crops.

Boosting Domestic Production:

Significant investments will be made in high-tech, controlled environment horticulture to increase domestic fruit and vegetable production, reducing dependency on imports.

A new framework for trade negotiations will be established to protect UK food standards and explore new export opportunities, ensuring British farmers can compete globally.

Investment in Innovation:

Up to £30 million will be allocated for precision breeding technologies to enhance crop yields and resilience, supporting the development of more robust and productive agricultural practices.

Investments in seafood science and innovation will be made through the UK Seafood Fund, promoting sustainable fishing practices and enhancing the UK's seafood industry.

Prime Minister Sunak expressed, "British farmers have shown incredible resilience in the face of recent challenges. Our commitment is to provide the necessary support to ensure their continued success and to strengthen our food security. By investing in innovation and sustainability, we can enhance our food security and showcase the best of British agriculture both at home and abroad."

NFU President Minette Batters praised the government’s recognition of the strategic importance of British agriculture, welcoming the new measures aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability. "These actions recognise the importance of coordinated action across government to support confidence, investment, and growth in British food," Batters stated.

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) also welcomed the initiative. A spokesperson said, "We are positive about the opportunity to enhance UK fresh produce production and food security. This initiative reinforces the need for a balance of imports to meet the diverse eating habits of our nation."

These measures underscore the government's dedication to addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector and ensuring a sustainable future for UK food production. For more details, visit the officialgovernment announcement.

Last chance to apply for national award for postgraduate agricultural students

Prospective postgraduate agriculture students have until the end of next month (30thJune) to apply for NFU Mutual's 2024 Centenary Award.

The leading rural insurer's annual award scheme provides bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected students who are undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture (master's or PhD) within the UK.

The Centenary Award was created by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual's 100th anniversary, with the objective of creating a legacy for the future. To date, 52 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies.

The 2024 award, which launched for applications in January, is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a master's or PhD course in agriculture in the UK, during the 2024/2025 academic year.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has also identified four areas of interest for eligible students.

At least one of these areas must form part of the applicant's postgraduate course:

• The application of science and innovative technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for UK farming businesses

• Building resilience and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of those living and working in the UK agricultural industry

• Tackling the risks of climate change, whilst maintaining food security, to improve the sustainability of UK agriculture

• Identifying opportunities for supporting nature and biodiversity in the development of farming and land management practices in the UK.

To select the award recipients, the judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a

real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader.

Talking about the scheme, Jim McLaren MBE, NFU Mutual Chairman, said:"NFU Mutual is committed to creating a positive and sustainable difference for those living and working in rural communities. Our Centenary Award supports passionate individuals to further their personal contribution to UK agriculture, whilst also championing research and innovation for the industry."

Prospective postgraduate students who think they may be eligible to apply for the Centenary Award can find all Information about the scheme, along with an application form, on NFU Mutual's website. Please visit nfumutual.co.uk by searching 'Centenary Award', or by contact the award's email address: centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk

Record breaking Munro challenge opens for entries

Scotland's leading agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), seeks avid adventurers to participate in an ambitious, and worthy fundraising feat.

Taking place on 21 September 2024, the challenge will involve a group of no less than 600 individuals split into teams of two or more, collectively ascending all 282 Munros within the same 24-hour window.

applicants will be entered into a ballot, choosing their desired area and level of difficulty on entry. They will be assigned either their first or second choice of location and a Munro suitable to their abilities. People of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in what will be an exhilarating team challenge.

Alisdair Caulfield, RHASS Director of Advancement,said: "The collective effort involved in this challenge will not only be a testament to community spirit, but it will also be a wonderful celebration of Scotland's rich rural heritage.

To succeed, each team is required to reach the summit of their selected Munro and return safely back down before the 24 hours is up, all while raising money for RHASS-funded projects aimed at those living and working in rural Scotland, safeguarding the rights of landowners, and preserving access to Scotland's breath-taking landscapes.

The challenge is part of the society's 240th anniversary year. Other activities include a yearlong audio and visual storytelling project, 240 Years of Stories, to contribute towards the legacy of Scotland's agricultural and rural community, and a series of Harvest Thanksgiving services will also take place.

RHASS will work with a range of partners to support participants in the run-up to the event, providing safety advice, training programmes, and guidance to ensure everyone is well equipped to take on the challenge.

Various resources will also be provided to support participants in their efforts to raise funds for the challenge.

In order to make sure all Munro's are covered,

"We are aiming to sign up at least six hundred participants to ensure that no one faces the ascent alone, the logistics in that alone will be no easy feat. Additionally, we have also set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target, which will help RHASS and our partnering beneficiaries drive positive change and leave a lasting impact on rural communities."

Munro-bagger Hollie Jenkins and her two spaniels Hugo and Spencer (@theedinburghspaniels) stepped up to support the drive for sign-ups, encouraging fellow dedicated hikers to take part in the daring challenge. Hollie met with members of the RHASS team to share her passion for hiking in the Scottish Mountains and discuss the importance of preserving Scotland's rural heritage. Speaking on the challenge, Hollie said: "As an avid Munro bagger, I am honoured to be part of this remarkable challenge and encourage everyone to take part in the amazing opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our country's landscape."

Land & Property Partner at Turcan Connell, Grierson Dunlop, said: "As sponsors of RHASS 2024, we are delighted to be part of the society's assortment of activities and look forward to supporting this ambitious challenge and creative fundraising initiative. The Mighty Munro Muster Is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to help our rural communities prosper, stay active and take in the immense views from our impressive Scottish mountains."

Those who think they can muster up the courage to take part can now sign up online at:https://rhass. org.uk/

Participants will receive a branded event t-shirt to wear during the climb and to capture that allimportant selfie at the top.

A Opportunities for UK pork exports highlighted by Mexican visit

n inspection of the UK pork sector by anofficialdelegation from Mexico has been labelled a 'milestone moment' in maintaining and expanding market access to the region for the industry.

The delegation of Mexican officials spent two weeks inspecting abattoirs and cold stores togather evidence on compliance with national and EU legislation on animal health and welfare, as well as food safety.

The inspection was hosted by Defra,working in close partnership with the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and industry. It was also supported by other UK and Devolved Government departments and agencies, including representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Mexico.

Mexico is one of the biggest pork importers in the world and consumes more pork than it is able to produce, with pork consumption increasing 4.7% per year from 2017 to 2022. AHDB analysis has also shown consumers in Mexico have a positive perception of British red meat in terms of quality, price and value.

Mexico officially opened its doors to British pork exports for the first time in 2021 and earlier this year opened its market furtherto include temporary access for pork offals and edible by products.

Ouafa Doxon, AHDB Senior Market Access Manager, said: "The overall objective of the inspection was to help

maintain the UK's market access to Mexico for pork and to increase the number of authorised exporters to ship product while widening the scope to include offal products which are in high demand in the Mexican market.

"AHDB plays a crucial role in facilitating these types of inspection visits as part of the journey towards maintaining and enhancing market access for our levy payers. The inspection visit from the Mexican delegationis not the end of the journey. It does, however, represent a significant milestone in the process of helping put as many of our pork exporters as possible in the strongest position to trade in this important market."

Susana Morris, AHDB Senior Trade Development Manager, said: "Mexico is an important market, with opportunities for pork offal products in particular. Our high-welfare, sustainably produced pork products are well placed to help meet Mexican consumer demand.

"Earlier this year we took part in the Expo ANTAD trade show in Guadalajara to showcase what the UK pork sector has to offer. Hopefully, the latest inspection visit will help pave the way to present further opportunities for UK pork exporters in what is a growing market in the region."

Further details about export opportunities for UK red meat and dairy in specific regions around the world can be found in theAHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.

Farmers urged to come together for arable extravaganza to boost morale

Organisers of one of the Midlands’ biggest agricultural events are calling for farmers to step away from what can be a ‘lonely business’ and come together next month to celebrate arable farming.

The Arable Event, organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink, is expected to see 1,500 farmers and industry specialists gather for a day of farm demonstrations, learning and socialising.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event and organisers say it will be even bigger and better and provide a crucial opportunity for farmers to come together as the industry suffers growing levels of mental health issues.

A study by Farm Safety Foundation found that almost 95 per cent of 450 farmers under the age of 40 regarded poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing the industry today.

Arable Event organiser Kelly Dolphin said: “This month is Mental Health Awareness month and what better time to call out to farmers to come together. The Arable Event is a great place to meet up with old friends and make some new ones over a relaxed drink or a bite to eat.

“Farming can be a lonely business, and it’s so important to sometimes just step away from your own work to interact with other people and find out what’s going on in the industry beyond your own farm gate.

“The speakers we have lined up are guaranteed to be both interesting and informative, and I’m sure the speakers’ tent will be the place to be.

“But there is a lot more for visitors to see and have

a go at, including tours of the seed trial plots, machinery demonstrations and trade stands.”

Clarkson’s Farm star and managing partner at leading consultancy Ceres Rural, Charlie Ireland will be the keynote speaker alongside influencer Olly ‘Blogs’ Harrison and Ryan Wooley, a technical support engineer for Morris Lubricants.

Olly, who became an “accidental YouTuber” at the start of lockdown and now has 120,000 subscribers to his channel, posts daily video updates about life on his farm and as a contractor near Liverpool. Free fast track tickets are still available to book and include entry into a prize draw sponsored by Mornflake. Visitors to the Arable Event can also collect BASIS and NroSO points.

Seed trial plots this year include a full complement of new and conventional winter cereals, including a wide variety of winter cereals including wheat, barley, oats, hybrid rye and triticale.

The trial plots have been expanded to showcase a range of fertiliser and bio-stimulant demonstrations with industry leading fertiliser manufacturers Yara, ICL, LKAB and Omex on site to provide advice on their product ranges.

The Arable Event takes place on 19 June at Woodlands Farm, which is part of Bradford Estates on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, close to Junction 3 of the M54. It starts at 9am and runs through to 5pm.

For more information and to register for a free ticket: https://www.thearableevent.co.uk/home

Ken Vincent, Co-founder with his wife Esme of Vincent Tractors & Plant, Celebrates 90th Birthday K

en Vincent, the visionary entrepreneur behind Vincent Tractors & Plant, marked a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, as he celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. Ken, alongside his beloved wife Esme, embarked on a journey in 1966 to build what would become a cornerstone in the local agricultural community.

"The journey with Vincent Tractors & Plant has been an incredible adventure, and I'm grateful for every moment, a lot of customers have become friends over the years" Ken Vincent reflected, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

The celebratory atmosphere at Vincent Tractors & Plant's Fraddon branch was palpable as old friends and new acquaintances gathered to honour Ken's legacy and toast to his enduring spirit. The event served not only as a birthday celebration but also as a testament to Ken's indomitable entrepreneurial drive, which laid the foundation for Vincent Tractors & Plant's success story.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey," Ken Vincent expressed with heartfelt gratitude, his voice resonating with warmth and sincerity.

Amidst the festivities, guests were treated to a captivating piece of history as they

admired the iconic Fordson tractor, a cherished relic with deep roots in the Vincent family lore. Originally owned by Ken's Aunt and Uncle, this historic tractor holds a special place in the annals of Vincent Tractors & Plant's heritage, as talked about in the company’s 50-year celebration video, www.vincenttractors.co.uk/ history. Recently acquired at auction by Chris Vincent, Ken's grandson, the Fordson tractor has undergone meticulous restoration, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy that Ken has built over the decades.

"Agricultural sales and engineering has been my life's passion, and Vincent Tractors & Plant has been my greatest joy," Ken Vincent remarked, his voice tinged with pride.

A highlight of the celebration was witnessing Ken's boundless enthusiasm as he started the engine of the Fordson tractor, a symbolic gesture that encapsulated his lifelong passion for machinery and his enduring connection to the roots of Vincent Tractors & Plant.

As Ken enters his 10th decade surrounded by the love and admiration of his community, we extend our heartfelt wishes for many more years of joy, laughter, and cherished moments with his beloved family and friends.

Sowing with the Help of Vacuum: Precise, Reliable and Fast 5

00 boxes of seedlings per hour instead of the previous 300 are being stocked by the Swiss organic nursery Jud Bio-Jungpflanzen (young plants) AG. This is thanks to a new seeder that uses a vacuum pump from Busch Vacuum Solutions. With each rotation of the seed drum, a precisely defined number of seeds fall into pre-cut hollows in cubes of soil, known as earth press pots. The machine at work here is called a soil blocking machine. Piece by piece, the soil cubes move further forward on a conveyor belt, the drum rotates continuously, and the next seeds fall into the prepared earth.

Automated seeding process

This process is made possible by vacuum. The seed drum has tiny holes, with spacing that exactly matches the hollows of the soil press pots. This makes sure that the seeds are optimally deposited. A dry MINK MM claw vacuum pump from Busch Vacuum Solutions evacuates the air from inside the hollow seed drum, causing seeds to adhere to the holes on the outside. These are then scraped off by a metal sheet above the soil press pots. Depending on the type of plant, different seed drums are available. Each is perforated differently and can be replaced as needed.

An employee uses an easy-to-operate touchscreen to set the vacuum required for each type of plant separately. This is important to ensure that the desired number of seeds is placed in each soil press pot. This in turn enables uniform growth of the plants for their later sale.

Once a box filled with soil cubes has been loaded with seeds, it is automatically sprinkled with sand to protect the seeds from drying out. The boxes are stacked and finally moved to a special germination room. Once the seeds have germinated, the pallets are laid out in the greenhouses, where the seedlings are grown.

On the modern soil blocking machine, there are only two employees at work. One checks, and the other takes care of the pallets. Vacuum makes it possible,” says Jud.

Vacuum makes it possible

Company founder Beat Jud was so satisfied with the vacuum-assisted solution that he bought the latest model of the soil blocking machine in 2019, again with the latest MINK from Busch. Now his team fills 500 crates per hour. “The new system is extremely fast and extremely reliable. I am more than satisfied that we have been able to increase our production to such an extent with the help of the system. This has enabled us to continue to meet growing demand. Maintenance of the vacuum pump is also very simple. We only have to check the oil and change the filters from time to time,” says the delighted entrepreneur.

Jud is impressed with the good contact with the vacuum specialists at Busch, who are always immediately available and quickly on site thanks to a nearby service branch. This is why he has now also signed a service contract with Busch: “If the vacuum pump isn’t running, I can’t work. If it fails once, it has to run again within four to five hours. Otherwise, we have a real problem. That’s why it’s great that Busch offers such fast service.”

Carrier XL 425-725 is a trailed disc ultivator, available in working widths between 4.25 to 7.25m. It can be fitted with 510 or 610mm discs, with adjustable disc angles. The sizes of the discs make Carrier XL 425-725 well suited for deeper cultivation, incorporating large amounts of crop residues or breaking up pasture. A wide range of front tools further increases the versatility of the machine. Learn more at vaderstad.com

Septoria flag leaf sprays need to balance risk and reward

Striking a balance between maximising crop potential and managing input costs will be the challenge for cereal growers approaching T2 fungicide sprays this month, experts say.

Much of the UK wheat crop has experienced turbulence during the growing season caused by difficult drilling conditions during the autumn or a wet spring hampering crucial fieldwork.

As a result, the quality of wheat crops varies from field to field across the UK as flag leaf sprays loom on the horizon.

Dr Aoife O’Driscoll, Plant Pathologist at NIAB, said: …In terms of disease pressure in current crops, it’s a mixed bag. From what we’ve heard and from what we’re seeing on the ground when it

comes to septoria, it seems to be a bad year for it.

…There is also a lot of brown and yellow rust being reported, but the issues of mildew and eyespot are not so prominent.”

Many T0 applications were abandoned due to weather or ground conditions, while timing T1 sprays appropriately has been a challenge.

This will impact product choice at T2, according to Mike Ashworth, Cereal Fungicide Product Manager at Corteva Agriscience.

…Wet conditions have exacerbated background levels of septoria in crops and users need to consider their choice of product,” he says.

…It may be that curative activity is needed on top of the requirement for long-term protection to ensure the plant is able to fight disease during the key yield-building weeks ahead.”

A further factor to consider is the expected return on investment of the T2 spray; the fungicide timing where farmers traditionally invest the most in chemistry to tackle disease.

Mike added: …This year it’s important to match fungicide spend to the potential of the crop. Where crops have limited potential growers are going to be looking for value for money in terms of disease control and product reliability.”

Predominantly used at the T2 fungicide timing, Corteva’s UnivoqTM arrests latent disease and protects the crop for the following four-to-six weeks.

Containing InatreqTM active with prothioconazole, and strengthened by Corteva’s patented i-Q4TM formulation, Univoq has provided consistent, robust protection against septoria and rusts for the past three growing seasons since registration.

A standard application of Univoq at the T2 timing is 1.25l/ha, but rates can be adjusted up to 1.5l/ha or down to 1.1l/ha depending on variety and disease prevalence.

Aoife said: …This season growers will be really looking at the cost of their programme and how much of a return they are likely to get from their investment, and Univoq should have a leadingrole to play. For many years in our trials it consistently shows excellent disease control which transfers into a yield uplift.

“For example, in years like 2023 where a dry June saw disease stopped in its tracks following T2 applications, Univoq still added around 0.3t/ha over its currently available competitors. In wetter years where the pressure is on to keep flag leaves clean, this yield advantage can reach up to 0.7t/ha.”

Nick Anderson, Technical Director at Velcourt, said: …Trials have shown us that Inatreq is one of the most effective active ingredients on the market against septoria.

…Year on year, septoria is the disease most likely to cost us money, so to that end, we will be using Univoq at T2 in many instances.

…We believe that using the Inatreq active molecule will deliver the most cost-effective disease control at T2 in the majority of situations.” Corteva has urged growers to follow its best practice application advice when applying products containing Inatreq active.

A new technical sales manager for LimeX

British Sugar has recruited Emily Whitmarsh as a LimeX Technical Sales Manager. She will service customers outside the beet-growing area, strengthening the team supporting the sale of LimeX from British Sugar’s factories to growers nationwide.

LimeX is the most widely used liming product by UK farmers. It is a byproduct of the sugar-refining process and is popular with farmers for its fine particle size and the presence of additional plant nutrients. One tonne of LimeX typically contains 9

kg of phosphate, 8 kg of magnesium and 6 kg of sulphur.

Emily Whitmarsh comes from a farming background. She completed a degree at Harper Adam University before beginning the MDS graduate development scheme. Placements at BASF, Greenvale and CFUK followed.

After spending a few years running a 1000-sow outdoor breeding unit near Bury St Edmunds with her partner, Emily was keen to return to a sales role when the opportunity to join the LimeX team became available.

“Friends on the MDS programme had spoken highly of British Sugar as a company to work for,” says Emily. “They are a big part of the agricultural industry in our area, and the role is a great opportunity to contribute to that by working with their customers.”

“pH is fundamental to soil health, which is a major focus for the industry. LimeX is a great product, and I’m looking forward to developing its opportunities in areas not traditionally associated with sugar beet.”

Glenn Carlisle, LimeX's national business manager, is delighted that Emily has joined the company. “Emily is a great addition to the LimeX team,” says Glenn. “Her appointment builds on our plans to expand LimeX sales beyond the beetgrowing area.

“We already have a loyal customer base among vegetable brassica growers as far afield as Cornwall, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Emily will support these farmers and develop opportunities in the broadacre arable and grassland markets.”

Bridging the generation gap: Seeds of agriculture’s future sown at commonwealth conference

Safeguarding the future for agricultural shows will come under the spotlight at a conference attended by delegates from all over the world. The key to continued success is, according to Australia’s Brendan Christou and Scotland’s Rebecca Dawes, talking to each other and - above all else - involving the next generation

Setting aside the ‘big names’ in the United Kingdom agricultural scene such as the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh many people’s image of a traditional agricultural show is naughty gymkhana ponies, tea tents and competitions ranging from dog with the waggiest tale to best beef bull.

Over 10,000 miles away in Brisbane, Australia, the city’s Royal Queensland Showground couldn’t be further removed from this bucolic image. It is home to a state-of-the-art events centre, top class hotel, as well as a vibrant destination dining and retail hub. The annual show, which takes place over nine days every August, attracts over 400,000 visitors and there is even a public holiday to allow people a day off work to attend.

Brendan Christou is the Chief Executive of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA). He will be flying into Edinburgh this summer to chair a session for leaders of shows at the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference. The event, which was launched by the late Duke of Edinburgh in 1957 - who remained president for 50 years until he handed over the reins to his daughter HRH, The Princess Royal - is hosted by different countries every two years. This year’s conference will be the first for six years because of the covid pandemic.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small an agricultural show is, they all have so much in common,” explains Brendan.

“While I hope our experiences in Queensland can provide inspiration to others around the world, there is no doubt that I will go home with some new ideas also. This is what the conference is all about, learning from each other.”

The key themes Brendan and the CEO session, which takes place over one and half days, will be addressing are:

• Relevance – connecting to ever-changing demographics and their expectations

• ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance responsibilities

• Balancing tradition, charitable purpose and financial sustainability

• AI - use of big data in events - facial, speech recognition, biometrics, mood recognition, movement analysis

• Leadership – specifically in volunteer organisations

• New generations of guests – customer experience expectations and changing desires

• The future of venues

At the same time as the CEO session, a special conference for the Next Generation (NG) which includes those aged under 30 to 45 from across the globe, will take place.

Rebecca Dawes, who has grown up on a beef and sheep farm, and now lives on a Scottish dairy farm with her husband, will be co-chairing the session with fellow NG Trustee, Breyton Milford from South Africa.

“Wherever you are on your leadership journey, whether a CEO like Brendan or a young volunteer at your local agricultural show, the conference offers opportunities for personal development, networking and building connections, expanding knowledge and shared learning,” said Rebecca

“I was lucky enough to attend the conference in Canada in 2018 as a next-generation delegate and got to experience this first-hand. This in turn has helped influence how we develop the programme of speakers and sessions, which this year will focus on leadership and connections. This includes professional cattle hoof trimmer Graeme Parker, who is renowned globally as “The Hoof GP” and is followed by over 6 million people on his social media platforms.”

The CEO and next-generation programmes will take place on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June, prior to the main conference. To find out more about the conference and tickets, visit https:// www.therasc.com/conference-2024/

Scientific review of farm sustainability recognises farmer knowledge and food production

Hundreds of farmers across nearly 200,000 hectares have informed a scientific review of sustainability metrics, creating benchmarks that demonstrate the benefits farms deliver.

The science protocol forSoil Association Exchange– which provides an environmental impact measurement to any farmer – has undergone a six-month review using two years of in-field experience from the 500 farmers working with the platform.

Led by independent scientists, the revision has nearly doubled the Exchange metrics across six core themes of soil, water, biodiversity, carbon, animal welfare and social impact.

The release of the new protocol this week follows recognition of the importance of farm data from Secretary of State Steve Barclay at

thePrime Minister's Farm to Forksummit, which Soil Association Certification Chief Executive Dominic Robinson attended.

The holistic metrics with Exchange cover everything from soil health and habitats to water and nitrogen runoff, and the importance of sustainable food security is also recognised.

The new protocol includes a food production measurement and biodiversity is measured where farming practices support wildlife – not just in areas set aside for nature.

These metrics are now being used to create benchmarks among Exchange farmers, allowing them to assess how they are performing in areas where there is no industry or government-led baseline. Crucially, this includes soil health and carbon sequestration.

Farmers will be able to see how they are doing compared to all other users and see how factors like enterprise type and geography affect the benchmark.

Fundamental for farmers to understand environmental impacts

Soil Association Exchange Chief Executive Joseph Gridley said: "Farmers are on the front line of the battle to produce food and restore wildlife in the face of climate change, so it is essential they are part of the solutions.

"The hands-on knowledge that only farmers hold has been combined with cutting-edge expertise from academics to develop the Exchange sustainability metrics. They recognise the wide range of services farmers deliver and that farm sustainability is about so much more than carbon.

"Not only do farms play the vital role of providing us with food, they also are habitats for wildlife and many act as a social hub. That is why we have almost doubled our sustainability metrics, which are backed by scientists and farmers and measure everything from soil carbon to food production and community engagement."

Norfolk farmer Jake Fiennes, Holkham Estate, helped to inform the science review as part of Exchange's farmer advisory board.

He said: "It is fundamental that farmers and growers understand their impacts on our environments. Baselining and data recording on all their actions can only better inform them to be better food producers. Using the metrics in the new Exchange protocol will not only improve our natural environments and the impacts that we have on them, but will also make farm businesses more resilient."

Farm data helps to create sustainable supply chains and efficient businesses

The new science protocol – which is available open source – has been designed to provide robust and transparent sustainability data to supply chains. It aims to better inform decision making around climate and nature within supply chains and help to spark more progressive relationships that incentivise farmers to

manage their land and produce food sustainably.

It can also provide the evidence to help corporate businesses who work with farmers with other reporting like the Taskforce on Nature Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets initiative.

Efficiency is a key focus across the protocol and new metrics have been added at the request of farmers to help them to better understand their use of phosphate and nitrogen.

This enables insights to use these resources better, allowing farmers to prevent pollution while potentially saving costs and improving plant growth by retaining these nutrients where they are intended.

Gridley added: "A key thing we have found and recognised with the Exchange protocol review is that a sustainable business is one that is efficient and thriving. The science proves that food production and nature recovery are not competing aims – but farmers need the right advice and the right data to make them work in harmony. We believe an informed farmer equals a successful one, for nature, climate, and food security."

The Exchange protocol has also responded to farmer feedback to recognise the unique characteristics of farms by allowing them to see contextual information to metrics. This includes catchment areas, nitrate vulnerable zones, and historic features amongst many more – all available as layers on the integrated farms maps within Exchange.

Many farmers have been invited to get involved through a corporate partnership with companies like Lloyds Bank, Riverford, Marks & Spencer and the Co-op.

Exchange can also work with farms or estates on a bespoke plan, or farmers can sign up online for free and start to add their own sustainability data. To get involved or find out more, visitwww. soilassociationexchange.com

Syngenta announces new appointment for new phase of its hybrid barley

Syngenta UK has appointed experienced hybrid seed trait marketer, Mark Shaw, as portfolio manager responsible for marketing its expanding range of Hyvido hybrid winter barley varieties.

In particular, Mr Shaw will spearhead the introduction of a new phase for Hyvido hybrid barley – named Hyvido Neo.

Hyvido Neo builds on the well-established benefits of Hyvido, including high and consistent yields, strong grass weed suppression and resilience to

different growing environments, says Mr Shaw, by introducing beneficial new traits.

The introduction of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance in the new Hyvido hybrid, SY Kestrel, is the first example of Hyvido Neo, Mr Shaw explains, but other developments are in the pipeline.

“Syngenta has a proven track record of more than 20 years in successful hybrid barley breeding,” says Mr Shaw. “Over this time, multiple improvements have been introduced into Hyvido, including better disease resistance and clear steps forward in grain specific weight.

“Now, farmers face a new set of challenges in sustainability and other areas. As well as the BYDV challenge, we are also focused on other traits such as water use efficiency. I am delighted to be joining the Hyvido journey at this exciting time.”

During his career, Mr Shaw has gained extensive experience in hybrid technology and seed traits, having previously worked as a marketing manager for North West Europe for a hybrid oilseed rape breeder.

He also worked in the crop protection industry in area management, which included experience in seed and seed treatments, as well as in the agricultural biotechnology sector working on soil pre- and probiotics. His first role after graduating from agricultural college was in farm management, before qualifying as an agronomist with a distributor.

“I’d like to think my previous experience in seed and crop protection, coupled with my practical farming and agronomy experience, provides an excellent foundation for this exciting new Hyvido phase.”

Beans boost from biofertiliser and disease control

Bean crops are set to race through growth stages as soil temperatures warm up. Although pulse crops can fix nitrogen, there is still gains to be had from Vixeran biofertiliser application with early fungicide treatments, advises Syngenta Technical Manager, Simon Jackson.

The high rainfall over the winter will have leached out much of the available soil nutrient, he warns.

“Last year’s bean trials revealed an average half a tonne per hectare more yield from a Vixeran application included in fungicide treatments.

“The trials showed that it was especially valuable to maximise the green leaf area, which enabled the crop to develop greater seed pod fill and overall yield.”

Beans play an extremely useful role in enhancing soil structure and adding fertility for following crops. Providing them with the readily available nutrient source of Vixeran biofertiliser now, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen direct into the plant, has been shown to be highly beneficial for the growing crop, Simon advocates.

Vixeran trials in the eastern countries, midlands and Yorkshire last year averaged a yield increase of 495 kg/ha in winter beans and 550 kg/ha in spring sown crops, from an application in an early flowering fungicide treatment.

This season, Simon has recommended a fungicide programme for winter beans incorporating an early Amistar application, followed by Elatus Era at first pod set. Where a third application is required, an additional Amistar application at the end of flowering can help keep foliage clean for longer.

“With the cool, very wet weather chocolate spot has been an issue in some autumn crops, along with

downy mildew. The early Amistar application has been a priority in those affected crops, but trials have also shown good effects of Elatus Era controlling chocolate spot where it has been used preventatively.

“As conditions turn warmer and drier, rust predominates as the key foliar disease in beans, where the preventative treatment with Elatus Era has proven especially strong.”

In combined PGRO and Syngenta trials last year, fungicide programmes incorporating Elatus Era and Amistar achieved the highest yields and the greatest margins for growers, averaging 4.5 t/ha with a margin over inputs costs of up to +£73.80/ha. Compared to two applications of Signum that delivered only 0.2 t/ha over untreated and failed to cover input costs.

“Like last year, spring bean crops have again been later sown this season, but growth is likely to be very quick once plants get up and away,” outlines Simon.

With yields compromised by the later sowing, including backward winter beans planted in the new year, he suggests a two-spray fungicide programme could deliver greater yields and margins.

“Targeting Elatus Era at first pod T1 has shown excellent and long-lasting disease control of both chocolate spot and rust. A follow up at T2 (three to four weeks later) with Amistar, at 0.5 to 0.75 l/ha depending on disease, will deliver robust and costeffective disease control.

“The addition of Vixeran with T1 applications will help increase nitrogen supply, which, this year may be more important in a quicker growing crop,” he adds.

MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE BLIGHT CONTROL REQUIRES CLARITY OF THOUGHT

With the withdrawal of mancozeb coming into effect later this year, and resistance to other fungicides already confirmed on the continent, UK growers will need to develop alternative protection strategies to control potato blight in 2025 and beyond. But recent regulatory changes mean this might not be completely straightforward.

Mancozeb is the mainstay multi-site fungicide active ingredient for the control of potato blight. Its approval is, however, confirmed to expire on 31st May 2024. As a result, the final date for the sale and supply of all products containing mancozeb will be 31st November 2024, with the final storage, disposal and use-up period ending on 31st November 2025.

Potato growers will therefore need to modify their blight protection programmes accordingly. And, although alternative active ingredients are

available, the rules and regulations surrounding their use and application intervals aren’t entirely straightforward and are further complicated by confirmed cases of resistance to some key actives on the continent.

“For example, instead of being able to apply three consecutive applications of CAA (carboxylic acid amide) fungicides, the latest FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) guidance is that these should now be limited to a maximum of two consecutive applications,” explains ProCam agronomist, Harry James.

“That’s a sensible recommendation based on the loss of efficacy of this group of fungicides on the continent, with crop protection manufacturers such as Syngenta going a step further by advocating the use of mandipropamid in alternation with fungicides with a different mode of action.”

Resistance to oxathapiprolin (Zorvec) has also been confirmed in some parts of northern continental Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, with the post-Zorvec application interval being reduced from 10 days to 7 as a result. It must also be used in alternation with a non-CAA chemistry.

“This will make it more labour intensive and time consuming to keep crops clean,” Mr James describes, “especially as this key active no longer provides a curative effect. Instead, it can only be relied on to deliver preventative activity which means sprays will need to be applied on time every time in order for crops to remain protected.

“To avoid any confusion that the new rules might introduce, and to ensure they don’t fall foul to the

same resistance woes that their European counterparts are already dealing with, UK potato growers should seek professional advice from their agronomist to help them devise a suitable blight programme for this season and beyond,” Mr James advises.

Growers should also be aware that although fungicide resistance hasn’t yet been confirmed in UK crops, the risk remains high and is further escalated by the shortfall in British seed potatoes which means there’s a risk of resistant strains being introduced by imported seed stock.

“The high incidence of foliar and tuber blight in continental seed crops means there’s a very real risk of resistance affecting British crops,” Mr James continues.

“For that reason, antiresistance strategies –alternating modes of action and limiting the exposure of any single active – must be followed from the outset.

“Keeping a close eye on resistance updates throughout the season will be essential, as will taking professional advice to devise a suitable spray programme, not least because the ever-changing legislative position and evolving resistance situation will make keeping abreast of the latest rules that much more complex.

“But, with careful planning, growers and their agronomists should still be able to achieve good levels of blight control and stay ahead of the threat of resistance. It must be stressed, however, that the key to reliable control will be to adapt programmes according to weather conditions and to use forecasting tools to determine when the threat of blight is at its highest. Cultural controls, such as

selecting varieties with better natural blight resistance, and taking extra care to remove volunteer potatoes from dumps and other crops in the rotation should also be factored into the equation.

“Nothing, however, will beat getting into the field and putting boots on the ground to assess the crop, the severity of disease pressure and if a blight infection has occurred,” Mr James concludes.

UPL gives away a biostimulant to boost protein levels in milling wheat

PL is giving away 20 ha of its biostimulant ARYAMIN to 50 farmers this spring. This is an ideal opportunity for milling wheat growers to trial an alternative method for increasing grain protein, says Gemma Nokes, head of marketing for UPL in the UK and Ireland.

Frequent reports of milling wheat contracts offered for harvest 2024 over £50 /t will focus farmers’ attention on hitting contract specifications. However, low soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) levels following the excess winter rainfall have exacerbated the annual challenge of achieving 13% grain protein.

“This season, whether a grower achieves their milling contract specifications could alter their crop’s profitability by over £500 / ha,” says Gemma Nokes. “It could be the difference between a superb performance in a challenging year or an average one.

“Farmers are increasingly questioning the sustainability and profitability of reaching 13% protein using additional nitrogen applications alone. This is where products like ARY-AMIN can help offer an alternative solution.”

Gemma explains that ARY-AMIN is a mixture of amino acids, nitrogen, and magnesium. It is specifically formulated for use from stem elongation to grain fill

and is compatible with all of the major T3 fungicide options.

“By providing the plant with ready-built amino acids, it can better use its resources, improve energy usage, build protein more quickly, and overcome stress,” adds Gemma.

UPL will support growers taking part in the trial with grain protein analysis to measure the impact of ARY-AMIN on protein levels.

To apply for 20 ha of ARY-AMIN, farmers should visit https:// goodgrowingclub.co.uk/ary-aminchallenge. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, May 27th.

Martin Lishman Unveils Next-Gen Grainmaster App

Crop Storage Specialists, Martin Lishman Ltd announces the launch of their new Grainmaster i2 Smartphone App

Since its initial release in 2019 theGrainmasterApp has revolutionised the grain moisture testing process. Complimenting the UK's most popularmoisture meter, theGrainmaster i2, farmers can quickly and securelylog moisture readingsdirectly to their smartphone. With just a few button presses, all measurements aresafely storedon their mobile devices, ready fordata exportwhen needed for crop assurance or managing conditioning systems. Gone are the days of losing paper notes or struggling to decipher the farm manager's handwriting.

After a successful five-year run of the original app, Martin Lishman is excited to introduce anenhanced versionof the app, now namedGrainmaster i2, aligning the app with the moisture meters name.

The new Grainmaster i2 app boasts a more intuitive user interface, an enhanced sample point measurement system, and superior data visualization capabilities.

Farmers will benefit from the improved sample point measurement system, which offersgreater precisionandease in monitoringcrop conditions. The app's enhanced graph display, and list view provideclearer, more detailedvisual representations of moisture and temperature data.

The new version is also designed to accommodate the vast array of screen sizes across mobile devices. This ensures that every user, regardless of

the device,gets the same experience and functionality.

"The initial release of the Grainmaster app exceeded all our expectations, becoming an indispensable tool for farmers. It has changed the way our customers track and manage grain moistures and temperatures," said Joel Capper, Managing Director of Martin Lishman Ltd. "With the launch of the new app, we're introducing substantial improvements that we believe will enhance the user experience. We're excited for our customers to enjoy these upgrades and for the app to continue to help farmers make informed decisions during the post-harvest stage."

The app maintains its innovative functionality formanaging multiple crop storesand tracking conditions of various marked locations. Colourcoded place-markers aid inidentifying areas of the storerequiring attention, making it easier to monitor and control conditioning systems effectively. This improvement can lead to more efficient cooling and reduced energy consumption.

The free app is available for immediate download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information on the Grainmaster i2, visitwww.martinlishman.com.

Martin Lishman Ltd. is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative agricultural products that meet the rigorous demands of modern farming. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, Martin Lishman is at the forefront of agricultural technology, providing award winning solutions that advance farm management and productivity.

Make bales of best quality,

Baled grass silage can be as good as clamped silage, says Volac silage scientist, Dr Mark Leggett, but it is essential to employ equal attention to detail when making it – starting by cutting grass at the optimum time.

Tailor the additive used to the bale %DM and to how long the opened bale will be exposed to air for at feedout, urges Dr Mark Leggett of Volac

“Cut grass at its nutritional peak, which is before heading,” says Dr Leggett, “rather than cutting when it’s older and lignified as often the case with bales. Also, wilt to the optimum dry matter (DM) content.

“Typically, 35-45% DM is considered optimum for baled grass silage. This might be appropriate for beef and sheep. But dairy farmers shouldn't be afraid to aim for the lower end of this DM range.

“This not only reduces wilting times, to reduce in-field nutrient losses, but a lower %DM also improves the fermentation and reduces the risk of heating and spoilage.

“Bales have a large surface area, so sealing rapidly against air is also vital with all %DMs to reduce heating and spoilage.”

Dr Leggett says it is also important to choose the correct type of additive to reduce losses in bale quality and DM.

“Tailor the additive used to the bale % DM and to how long the opened bale will be

exposed to air for at feedout.

“For lower % DM bales which will be eaten within a day, for example 35% DM or below on dairy units, where there is little risk of aerobic spoilage (heating), consider using Ecosyl 100 to preserve the bale by improving the initial fermentation.

“If bales will be open for two or three days

quality, scientist says

before being consumed, for example on beef and sheep units, focus on the initial fermentation but also on tackling spoilage and heating. In these cases consider Ecocool. This contains two beneficial bacteria, one for fermentation and one to target the yeasts and moulds that cause heating and spoilage. Alternatively, consider Double Action Ecobale, which

includes two bacteria, one of which is effective at fermenting drier material, plus a feed-approved preservative.

“It’s also important to store and stack bales correctly to avoid splitting. At lower %DMs don’t stack them too high. Above 35% DM, they can potentially be stacked three or four high."

Bales have a large surface area, so sealing rapidly against air is also vital to reduce heating and spoilage, says Dr Mark Leggett

U Don’t overlook the flexibility of spring crops

K dairy farmers are being reminded of the flexibility of cereals, following the unfavourable weather conditions faced this year, which for some may lead to lower quality grass silage.

Lientjie Colahan, silage technical support at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, says: “If you’re looking for a flexible feed option this year to bolster lowgrade silage, it’s worth considering the different options that cereals provide.”

Mrs Colahan explains that cereals are versatile crops that can be used in three different ways to bolster feed.

“The whole plant can be cut as silage, the grain can be left to mature slightly and crimped, or it can be combined and either sold on or fed as a concentrate,” she says.

Mrs Colahan says the third option is to leave the crop and combine the cereal to produce a concentrate feed, which can be sold on or fed to cows.

When explaining the benefits of wholecrop silage, Mrs Colahan says it offers a good source of fibre for the scratch factor in the rumen and starch, and complements early-cut, highly digestible grass well, for those who have been fortunate enough to have attained it this year.

“By including the straw fraction in your silage, the lignified stem provides less digestible fibre,” she explains. "When fed in a mix with highly digestible fermentable grass silage, the overall function of the rumen improves, because indigestible fibre stimulates rumination.”

If silaging wholecrop does not suit your system this year, there is also the option to crimp the crop when the grain is at a ‘cheddar cheese’ consistency.

Crimped grain offers a pure starch source which Mrs Colahan says is very rumen friendly. The fermentation of crimped grain means it has a less acute impact on rumen pH compared to ground wheat, reducing the risk of acidosis.

“If you have a situation where you have huge amounts of grass silage that isn’t the best quality, you may not need the scratch factor from the straw fraction of wholecrop silage, and crimped grain offers a rumen friendly starch source. If conditions are good the straw can be left to dry and then be baled for use as bedding,” she explains.

“Dried grain is easier to store, making it a more convenient option when it comes to management,” she explains. “Not only that, combining the crop offers straw as a secondary product which can be used as feed or bedding.

“However, it’s worth remembering that dried grain is a rapidly available energy source, and although it works well when fed in combination with rapidly available protein, it increases the risk of acidosis if the diet is unbalanced,” she says.

Depending on the weather, Mrs Colahan says that crimping should usually occur two to three weeks after you would cut wholecrop for silage and if you choose to combine then this would be two to three weeks following that.

However, with changing weather patterns, Mrs Colahan recommends farmers should walk fields weekly, increasing this to every three days ahead of harvest to ensure the chosen cut is done at the optimal time.

For more help and advice on making wholecrop silage or crimped grain, reach out to your local Lallemand representative, who can provide advice on using a crop- and condition-specific inoculant here: https://bit.ly/3UpvQYm

Baletite and SilotitePro Film&Film Combination Reduces Silage Losses and Improves

B

erry Global’s Baletite® and SilotitePro® agricultural films offer farmers a smarter solution to silage preservation. By using the Film&Film (F&F) bale wrapping method, farmers can optimise the way in which they wrap, store, and utilise crops.

Silage bales are typically bound using netwrap and wrapped with several layers of balewrap, sealing the silage and protecting it from the elements. However, if not used correctly, netwrapped bales can be prone to oxygen ingress, which can cause spoilage. Instead, F&F uses Baletite – a stiff, wide roll film –in tandem with SilotitePro, for a dual wrapping system with a high tightening force that can be applied by most modern combi wrappers, making it a highly effective alternative to netwrap.

The F&F wrapping system is applied on the bale in the opposing direction to the outer balewrap layers, cross wrapping the bale, helping to prevent oxygen ingress, and adding extra layers of protection around the mantle of the bale.

“We are continually looking for ways to add value for our customers, developing solutions that take advantage of the latest innovations in film and baler technology,” said Bart Geeraert, Commercial Director of Berry Global’s Flexible Agriculture business.

“Film&Film provides superior protection, ease of use, and easier recycling when compared to traditional netwrap. We have seen excellent results in the field with farmers already using the combination of Baletite and SilotitePro and we are sure that new users will see the same benefits in the quality of their bales.”

F&F has been shown to improve silage quality and reduce dry matter losses. By using this method, farmers have been shown to gain an additional 7.35kg of dry matter per bale, versus traditional netwrap techniques.*

SilotitePro balewrap uses multilayer Pro Technology to provide users with extra film length for fewer reel changes** and is now also available in a version that incorporates recycled plastic. Further efficiencies can be found with the film’s convenient, easy-to-remove polyethylene (PE) sleeve package that replaces bulky boxes and can be recycled with Baletite baler film and SilotitePro balewrap.***

When it comes time to remove the film, the absence of a netwrap layer allows it to be peeled away easily from the surface of the silage without becoming entangled in the net. Additionally, Baletite and SilotitePro balewrap films are made from the same PE material, eliminating the need for separation of crop plastic prior to recycling, unlike netwrap which typically cannot be recycled alongside balewrap.

The Baletite and SilotitePro F&F solution is included in Berry’s B Circular range of packaging and product solutions that leverage our engineering expertise and proprietary processes in the design for circularity to reduce products’ impact on the environment, focusing on helping brand owners meet and exceed their sustainability goals.

F&F is part of Berry’s five-pillar approach to sustainable agricultural films, alongside a commitment to consistent quality, reduced waste with sleeve packaging, lightweight films, and the integration of recycled content.

To learn more about Baletite, SilotitePro, and the Fi&F method, visit http://www.silotite.com

*In 2013, trials conducted by Dr Dave Davies, from Silage Solutions Limited, in real working farm conditions, demonstrated that F&F wrapped bales had:

• 7.5% less DM (Dry Matter) losses on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales due to an enhanced fermentation process.

• 80% less DM losses on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales due to mould formation on the bale.

• an overall 52% reduction on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales in DM losses.

For full details of the study please contact agrifilms@berryglobal.com

**Compared to Silotite Original 25μm, 1500m film.

***Where PE film collections exist.

O Largest ever agronomy zone for Cereals 2024

ver 600 individual crop plots from 25 exhibitors will give visitors to Cereals access to the very latest in crop breeding, protection, nutrition, and science on 11-12 June in Hertfordshire.

“The plots are looking well,” says Will Davies, farming consultant at Ceres Rural, who has overseen their agronomy and management. “The site has coped well with a challenging growing period, which is a credit to site manager Jonathan Backhouse, NIAB’s Shawn Coleman and our host farmers Alex Farr and Edward Wainright Lee.

“The plots will allow visitors to see first-hand varieties, nutrition, biological products and inputs, as well as new innovations and niche crops. And there are more exhibitors than ever - it’s a great opportunity to see all they have to offer in one place.”

Ceres Rural will be on hand to guide visitors though the event’s popular winter wheat and barley feature, as well as offering independent advice to visitors. “It’s great to be involved in this area of the show again. It gives us the opportunity to meet more people and hear their experiences of the year so far.”

So what will visitors be able to see?

KWS

KWS will be showcasing four new winter wheat candidates and three new winter barley candidates, plus new technologies in sugar beet breeding.

Selected from the breeder’s 10-strong winter wheat candidate list, KWS Vibe, KWS Arnie, KWS Solitaire, and KWS Mongoose will be representing

groups one through to four, respectively. KWS Solitaire will put confidence back in the group three market with its Cougar-free parentage and respectable septoria score. “We’re confident in it,” says Olivia Potter, technical manager for conventional cereals.

For bold yields, KWS Arnie will pique interest as the first KWS Extase cross, while KWS Mongoose offers the group four market the perfect combination of specific weight, yield, and orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance.

The breeder’s two-row winter barley candidates –KWS Heraclis and KWS Valencis – and six-row hybrid candidate KWS Inys - offer step-changes in their respective fields. “KWS Inys is our first entry into the hybrid barley game, and in NL2 trials it was the highest yielding,” explains Mrs Potter.

The breeder will also have a sugar beet offering, with a new cercospora-tolerant variety, Chyma KWS. “Listed by the British Beet Research Organisation, Chyma KWS has a good all-round disease package and a high yield (101% of controls),” says sugar beet agroservice manager, Martin Brown.

“Alongside our other newer technologies - Conviso Smart and Yellow Virus tolerance - the cercospora technology shows our efforts in breeding, and our commitment to the sugar beet market.”

NIAB

Putting plant science into practice, NIAB will be featuring over 20 different crop species across its 11 crop plot features.

“Cereals is a great opportunity to share the breadth of our research and practical farm innovations with growers and agronomists,” says NIAB’s head of

communications, Ros Lloyd. “As ever, we will have a team on hand to answer questions – be that on variety choice or regenerative principles, through to alternative cropping options, input strategies and so on.”

On the agenda will be the winter wheat and barley variety choice feature, with 32 listed and candidate varieties. And the 20m-long, 2m-deep soil hole will demonstrate the science behind regenerative agriculture - featuring a range of ‘sustainable’ crop options, including wheats and hybrid cereals, herbal leys and legume mixes, as well as grass and clover, and grazing mixes.

Cropping options in the face of climatic pressures will also be demonstrated in NIAB’s bi-cropping and protein crop features - including lupins, peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas – as well as a wheat blends and novel crop showcase.

As well as regen ag, NIAB’s showcase will address fungicide and nitrogen strategies – the latter exploring how alternative fertilisers, biostimulants, and biological products can help reduce soil-applied nitrogen. Diseases will also be addressed, with the latest on septoria as well as brown and yellow rust, and how natural diversity can improve disease resistance against disease like fusarium foot-rot.

Senova

Having had its biggest autumn for launching new varieties, Senova is focusing its spotlight on what’s coming in the winter wheat and barley market.

Taking a top spot on Senova’s plots is the breeder’s group three winter wheat newcomer, Almara. Recommended for the northern region, where it has given its best yield performance, it is also suitable for distilling, and meets biscuit quality requirements for both the domestic and export markets. Three new hard feed winter wheat candidates will also be on offer – Riley, Rufus and Memphis – all high yielding (105 to 106% treated – UK).

Barley growers will also want to check out winter feed barley candidates, Organa and Kitty. “Organa is a BYDV-tolerant two-row - there are currently no BYDV-tolerant two-rows on the market,” says managing director, Tom Yewbrey. “Kitty is very highyielding at 106% (treated - UK) with the highest specific weight of all candidates at 73.7kg/hl, and is resistant against strain one and two of barley yellow mosaic virus (BYMV).”

For those with an interest in pulses, triticale and oats, new and established varieties will also be on offer. Additionally, Senova is bringing the oat supply chain together with breeders from Aberystwyth and mill representatives in attendance.

Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF)

With six plots of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options on display at this year’s event, Mark Taylor, senior CSF officer for Yorkshire and Humber, says Cereals represents an invaluable opportunity

to demonstrate SFI actions to farmers.

“We’ll be on hand to talk about the management of these different options, the application, what they’re worth to farmers and how to integrate them into farming systems.”

The six plots include popular SFI options:

• Herbal ley;

• Pollan and nectar flower mix;

• Autumn-sown legume fallow;

• Spring-sown legume fallow

• Spring-sown bird mix;

• Spring-sown cover crop; likely to be made a new SFI option in summer 2024.

“We’ve got 23 SFI options available,” says Mr Taylor. “This summer, Defra is launching a further 100 options, of which a spring cover crop is very likely one of them.”

The SFI offering is applicable, practical, and realistic – and generating interest, but Mr Taylor’s key message is that the SFI will continue to evolve.

“We’re going to see developments over time with Defra reacting to changes in farming. And we’re really keen to have discussions with farmers, so encourage people to visit our plots and ask the questions.”

AminoA

With more growers looking to reduce artificial inputs like fertilisers and chemicals, the biostimulant manufacturer AminoA will once again focus its plots on high health, low input.

Oilseed rape (Ambassador), tricticale (Fido), and winter wheat (Typhoon) will be used to demonstrate how its highly concentrated amino acid biostimulants can improve soil microbiology, plant health, productivity, and nitrogen efficiency.

A standout feature of AminoA’s plots are the nitrogen strategy blocks, which comprise blocks of each crop, treated with three nitrogen application rates – no artificial fertiliser, 70kg/ha of soil-applied urea and 150kg/ha of soil-applied urea, each treated with a 100% natural L-a amino acid and nutrient biostimulant.

Side-by-side, the plots demonstrate the potential for artificial nitrogen reduction. “The plots are showing very little difference between the crops that received 70kg of artificial fertiliser and 150kg,” says managing director, Richard Phillips. “It demonstrates that growers can grow productive arable crops with much lower levels of artificial nitrates when you have an efficient nutrient strategy.”

Agrii

For many farmers, reliable varieties sit outside of the RL, and Agrii will be reflecting this in its wheat and barley plots, alongside a display of cover crops

and environmental mixtures.

Selected off-list will be two group four winter feed wheats – soft wheat LG Tapestry (Limagrain) and hard wheat Fitzroy (Secobra). “We wanted to include them in our Cereals offering because, from a sustainability angle, they are interesting in their disease resistance,” explains crop inputs specialist, Poppy Bunting. “Fitzroy has a really high septoria score (7.4 advisory), which is particularly important in the West of the country.”

Into winter barley and there will be an RL offering; the two-row malting barley Bolivia (Syngenta). “It’s a short, stiff, and really clean variety,” says Ms Bunting. “We also have a six-row hybrid on the plots; SY Armadillo (Syngenta), which we’ve chosen to support because of its very strong brackling resistance score – which feeds into our aim of selecting varieties to tackle the challenges our growers are experiencing.”

And for spring barley growers, Skyway (Nordic Seeds) will be one to look at, with its high yield, bold specific weight, and recent approval for the brewing market.

“We will also have our farm-saved seed team with us because we are seeing more enquiries around saved farm seed.”

Rothamsted Research

Rothamsted Research will be present with plots and scientists showcasing some of the institute’s latest research in crop breeding, gene editing, pathology and regenerative agriculture.

Bridging the gap between research and commercial farming, Rothamsted will demonstrate its work with camelina to produce a plant-derived source of omega three long-chain fatty acids. It will explore findings from its UK-first trials of low asparagine wheat, developed using a new genome editing technique. “We will be seeing gene edited crops in the field in the UK, probably in the next 2-5 years,” says Rothamsted’s head of communications, James Clarke.

“We’ll also be demonstrating our work around regenerative practices, like no-till, as well as how to make improvements to carbon sequestration. There is also an on-farm spore detection technology which is very important for growers because it will identify the disease-causing pathogen present and allow the grower to apply the right chemicals at the right time.

“Conversations with growers, and other people involved in the industry, are essential in informing and the application of science to create solutions that will be impactful.”

Elsoms Seeds

Returning to Cereals after a five-year hiatus, Elsoms’ crop plots will feature a scope of new varieties including the newly recommended group three winter wheat Bamford, says Elsoms’ marketing and communications manager Grant

Hawkins. “It’s a leading variety on the RL this year and it’s a big deal for us, and being in group three, quite a big deal for the industry.

“We’ve also got our soft group four Blackstone, which is newly recommended. It’ll grow well throughout the UK but is particularly suited to a northern area, and has malt distilling qualities – so good market potential.”

Winter barley will also feature with an old RL favourite; Bolton - a two-row feed type, and RL newcomer Buccaneer - a two-row malting type. Making an additional statement will be the breeder’s hybrid ryes, which are interesting for their biogas suitability.

Elsoms will also be looking to engage with growers and agronomists about responsive rotations – a principle which sees variety selection based on key focuses like climate change, reduced inputs, diversity and so on. “A lot of the varieties we showcase will represent these focuses.”

Corteva

Corteva will be focusing on biological products and crop protection technology. “We’ve got our sclerotinia-tolerant oilseed rape variety PT303 alongside our next-generation hybrid varieties PT315 and PT312,” says Corteva’s marketing manager UK & Ireland, Alex Nichols. “We’ve got plots of wheat and oilseed rape that have been treated with our herbicide range, and wheat plots treated with our Inatreq fungicide product.”

Corteva will also have plots demonstrating its biological products; BlueN – a biostimulant containing free nitrogen-fixing bacteria – and Kinsidro Grow - a foliar biostimulant combining humic and fulvic acids with key nutrients to increase chlorophyll and improve photosynthesis.

“We have these plots at Cereals to get the conversation going around plant health and resilience, the opportunities from biological products and how they differ from conventional crop protection,” says category marketing manager John Sellars. “And we can demonstrate that response on these plots – having crops at the event gives context to what we discuss.”

Corteva will also be unveiling its latest technology in crop protection, which undoubtedly will be a huge move for the industry.

Another focus will be on an up-and-coming marketgrain maize. Visitors can view rows of Pioneer maize set alongside a combine maize grain header. “There’s a small established area of grain maize and interest is growing,” says area sales manager, Johnathan Bellamy. “It will be of particular interest to farmers looking for alternative break crops and, when grown in the right area, it could be as profitable to any other break crops.

“We wanted to use Cereals to raise awareness of it as an up-and-coming UK market, as well as the

potential for grain maize in an arable rotation; because it is a late-planted spring crop, it could be useful in blackgrass control.”

Visitors will be able to discuss the whole agronomy of the crop – from site selection through to variety choice, establishment, protection, nutrition and the value of under-sowing. “We really enjoy Cereals,” concludes Mr Nichols. “It’s a great shop window for our products and team, and an opportunity to talk with lots of farmers and agronomists in one space.”

NPZ UK (LSPB)

Oilseed rape (OSR) sowing times and pulses will be a big focus for LSPB at this year’s Cereals, with a special guest feature and crop specialists on hand to help growers put their finger on the pulse. “A key focus is late-sown OSR,” says LSPB pulse product manager, Michael Shuldham. “We’re excited to be hosting Dr Ute Kropf, who has more than 40 years’ experience in OSR, for two talks about late-sown OSR and crop physiology.

To support these technical sessions, LSPB has comparison plots of its new RL candidate variety, Maverick, as late-sown and standard plots. “We want to show that late-sown OSR can avoid the main cabbage stem flea beetle migration,” explains Mr Shuldham. “But it will also show how getting the crop to the right stage before winter can improve yield potential.”

The team will also be showcasing a new spring green pea variety, Pangea. “It will be new to the descriptive list and following on from Carrington –which has done very well,” he adds.

“And we'll also have new winter and spring bean varieties on display with low vicine/convicine (LVC); a big focus for us in spring beans which can revolutionise pulse markets – reducing reliance on imported soya and adding a new market outlet.”

Amstel Agro

Amtsel Agro will be showing visitors how its range of mineral fertilisers and biostimulants can help improve crop resilience. A highlight of the firm’s crop plots is its trial work, says Dan Gulliver. “We’ve got side-by-side treated and untreated plots of wheat and oilseed rape, demonstrating the benefits of our liquid product SF-Y, which contains the most bioavailable form of silicon – orthosilicic acid.

“Silicon is an important element for plant growth and health; it assists nutrient uptake, frees up phosphorus in the root zone, strengthens cell walls, increases photosynthesis and resistance to pests, diseases and climatic stress. But frequently it is included in products as potassium silicate which isn’t very bioavailable to the plant, and therefore not as effective.”

Applied to OSR as a pest preventative - at two, four and six leaves – the OSR is visibly ahead of the untreated crops. And where the crop was treated at fertiliser intervals – T0 to T2 – it is even further

ahead. “We wanted to show it at minimum usage levels to represent farm application as closely as possible.”

Grainseed

Displaying conventional OSR varieties which lend themselves to farm-saved seed, a highlight of Grainseed’s offering will be its big plot of Pinnicle. “It’s the highest rated conventional variety on the RL, with good disease resistance and stem strength,” says seed specialist Ed Stanford.

“It was bred in the UK by Mike Pickford and is perfect for our conditions – he breeds for big pods with big seeds. United Oilseeds will also be exhibiting and able to give growers an independent view of varieties.”

To showcase breeding progress, Grainseed will also have a plot of an up-and-coming unnamed variety on display. “It’s important to keep growers up-todate with what’s going on in terms of breeding and market progression,” adds Mr Standford. “We’ll also have our show trailer, which will be a hub to discuss our maize and cereal crops, as well as our SFI mixes, alongside technical support on farm-saved seed.”

Limagrain (LG)

Next-generation crops and high-yielding varieties are a key focus for LG at this year’s Cereals. It has seventh-generation hybrid OSR varieties on display, including newl- recommended LG Armada and LG Academic, says arable development officer, Curtis Scarborough.

“They are two of the top three varieties – the third being LG Adeline. They have the added benefit of stem health, with LG Armada benefiting from Scleroflex – a great sclerotinia resistance package which allows for a wider spraying window. It gives growers flexibility at a time of year when it is often too wet to get on and spray.”

The breeder will also have the group four hard wheat, LG Beowulf on its plots, which boasts a new RL title. “It’s a very high-yielding variety and ticks all the boxes economically,” says arable technical manager Ron Granger.

“We also have the highest yielding two-row barley LG Caravelle (106% of treated control) – it’s a stepchange for yield on farm. It also has a good specification weight, good disease resistance, and good straw.”

For those looking at early drilling, LG Typhoon will be one to consider. “Growers aren’t going to hold back this coming autumn with drilling, so we really see this variety coming into play there.

“Our portfolio at Cereals is strong,” he adds. “We’ve got very erratic weather and conditions to produce crops under now. So the key thing is having crops which are consistent under that pressure.”

Save Up To 35% On Your Operational Grain Drying Costs Every Year

FCombine 4 key elements into your grain drier construction and functionality and you can save up to 35% on your operational drier running costs season after season.

That 35% saving soon adds up and it’s very achievable when you use a Perry of Oakley Savannah continuous flow grain drier combined with some key additional options.

The savings come from combining Hot Air Recirculation, Insulation, Automatic Grain Moisture Monitoring and PLC drier control. Using these four options allows the drier to run automatically at the optimal hot air temperature and speed to achieve the correct moisture content of the grain (no over-drying), while also recirculating the hot air which keeps your fuel costs down.

So how does it work?

The Hot Air Recirculation reduces your drier fuel consumption by up to 24%. The grain drier fuel savings come from the reduction in the amount of fuel the drier consumes to heat the air to dry the grain.

The cooling air, from the lower levels of the grain drier, which is unsaturated and of the highest temperature, is recirculated to the hot air side of the drier and remixed with the heated air.

Depending on the drier size, 25% to 30% of the warmest air in the drier is moved by the recirculation fan along transfer ducts to an additional plenum and mixed with the freshly heated ambient air.

The less air you have to heat, the more money you save.

Insulation of the hot and heated area of the drier also saves fuel due to minimising the temperature loss and therefore minimises the fuel required to achieve the necessary temperatures.

which makes the necessary adjustments to the drier temperature and the discharge speed of the drier. This prevents the quite large financial losses associated with over-drying grain such as decrease in weight, extra fuel usage, labour and electricity, for example. This means big savings and peace of mind can be achieved.

The system has been developed in-house at Perrys, including the writing of the algorithm so all the support you may need is in the UK.

The Savannah range of grain driers come with a touch screen PLC Control interface as standard. This can be accessed remotely via Wi-Fi enabling the drier to be monitored and controlled from anywhere with mobile coverage. This will save you labour costs as you no longer need to have your drier staffed while it is running and also give you peace of mind while you spend your time on other activities.

The Automatic Drier Moisture Monitoring utilises a Near Infra-Red technology that only requires calibration once a year (that’s a game changer in itself!). The moisture measurement is coupled with a self-teaching algorithm

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

The actual savings you can achieve using these options will vary based on several factors including hot air and ambient air temperatures, crop type & moisture, drier model and fan speed and the general ambient conditions. Contact Perrys today to run your real-life data through our Drier Cost Savings Calculator to see how much you could save on (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

A British Manufacturer

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

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

Claydon to launch two new products at Cereals 2024

Claydon, the European market leader in direct drilling technology with its Opti-Till® crop establishment system, will launch two new products at Cereals 2024 in Hertfordshire on 11 and12 June.

The Claydon Evolution Front Hopper and Claydon Evolution Drill Toolbar will be seen for the first time on the company’s stand (No.1112). This will also feature other products from the Claydon range; a 6m trailed Hybrid T drill, 9m Straw Harrow, 4m TerraBlade inter-row hoe and 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator.

CLAYDON EVOLUTION FRONT HOPPER

With a total capacity of 2750 litres, split 45/55%, the Evolution Front Hopper is pressurised to ensure reliable high-volume material delivery to the rear distribution heads. Twin metering units deliver either mixed or separated seed/fertiliser flows to the rear-mounted drill, a simple airline box selector diverting the flow of material to the distribution pipes or combining the total output into one pipe. An ISOCAN terminal controls

all front hopper functions and allows variable rate seeding, depending on the task controller and licence key.

ISOBUS compatible, the Evolution Front Hopper is supplied with small, medium or large diameter interchangeable metering wheels to suit a wide range of seeds and fertilisers. Weighing 730kg, it measures 2476mm wide, 1803mm high and 1619mm long, incorporates two hopper sensors providing ‘low level’ and ‘empty’ warnings, work lights, two road vision cameras, a toolbox and foldable front footstep. Options include 550kg of ballast, plus packer wheels with passive steering and wheel scrapers.

CLAYDON EVOLUTION DRILL TOOLBAR

The Evolution Drill Toolbar can be used in conjunction with the Evolution Front Hopper and is available in widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m or 6m. The standard specification includes one distribution head with 38mm seed delivery hoses, but a second distribution head can be optioned, allowing fertiliser to be supplied to either the front leading tine or rear seeding tine.

CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT

Claydon was founded by Suffolk arable farmer Jeff Claydon who designed the company’s first direct seeding drill to dramatically reduce the cost and time involved in establishing crops.

Since the V Drill was launched in 2003 Claydon has continued to develop and perfect Opti-Till®. This is a holistic approach to crop establishment which delivers consistent, high yielding crops at low cost for maximum profitability, combined with progressive improvements to soil structure and health.

Enabling farmers to meet their commercial, environmental and sustainability objectives, Claydon products are now marketed and sold to customers throughout the world. Approximately 60% of production from the company’s factory in Suffolk is exported to more than thirty countries, from Europe to New Zealand.

Increasingly relevant in the face of rapidly rising input costs, the Opti-Till® system is based around Claydon mounted and trailed drills from 3m to 8m wide, all of which incorporate the company’s unique leading tine technology, providing exceptional ability and versatility.

The Claydon range also includes 3m, 7.5m, 9m, 12.5m and 15m Straw Harrows which create a micro tilth in the top 30mm of soil for fast, even germination of weed seeds and volunteers. Robust, and effective, the Straw Harrow also rakes out and destroys weeds at the cotyledon/one‐leaf stage, removing a food source for slugs, breaking up their nests and desiccating eggs by mixing up and exposing damp chaff or straw to sunlight.

The 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator is a fast, effective stubble management and slug control tool which can also be used to level fields, improve drainage, and incorporate manures or residues.

Claydon TerraBlade inter-row hoes from 3m to 8m provide a low-cost, mechanical method of controlling weeds in combinable, band-sown crops, giving the potential to improve crop yields, drastically lower the potential carry-over of weed seeds and reduce the risk of more resistant types developing.

Further details about Claydon products are available from authorised dealers, a list of which is available on the Claydon website (claydondrill.com/dealers-distributors). Alternatively, visit claydondrill.com and click on the product of choice.

A New collaboration puts direct drilling at the heart of Cereals 2024

new partnership with Direct Driller Magazine at this year’s Cereals Event is set to help farmers incorporate regenerative practices into their management, in an era of increasing environmental and financial pressures.

Taking place adjacent to the main Cereals site, the new Direct Driller@Cereals demonstration arena will sit alongside an interactive seminar space, wildflower and cover crop plots, and exhibition stands profiling all the latest innovation in the no-till world, with the overall theme of ‘Regenerating Farm Profit’.

“By laying it out in an arena format, the aim is to showcase that regen is not just about machinery. It’s a part of the jigsaw, but there are also cropping and agronomic decisions to consider, for example. So we hope this format will highlight and bring that all together.”

Looking to the seminar programme, the line-up has been carefully curated by knowledge exchange partner BASE UK. Sessions include advice from farm business consultants and farmers on how large-scale farm enterprises can make money from the SFI as well as insight from ADAS soil scientist Kate Smith on soil assessments and management plans which help improve soils.

Clive Bailye, founder of Direct Driller Magazine, says the idea of the space is based around the format of the much-loved Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena. He hopes it will be an informative addition to the Cereals programme – particularly for large-scale, traditional farmers who may not know where to start when it comes to regenerative practices. “With Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) becoming very much reality and the practices involved in these schemes becoming more mainstream - and likely to become the norm - the ethos behind this new event is to help plug the gap, in terms of information, as there is no real blueprint," he says.

“While there are events that focus on regenerative techniques and practices — which are great — they can be a bit intimidating for farmers just starting out, so by hosting it at Cereals, we’re hoping to open it up to a wider audience.

“BASE has a heritage in regenerative farming and as we’ve been going for over 10 years,” explains BASE’s Rebecca Goodwin. “We’ve got a wide knowledge base within our members –from which we’ve generated most of the seminar speakers.

“The programme is based around four key topics – machinery, the SFI, cover cropping and nutrition – and the hope is that the conversations will inspire visitors to think about what they’re already doing, what is happening under their feet in the soil, and whether or not they could change this in the future.

“The idea is to have quite short sessions and then open the floor so farmers can get answers to the most important questions for their businesses.”

Separate tickets are required to access the arena and will include a VIP parking area, breakfast and lunch, as well as a chance to meet all the speakers at the networking lunch and reception at the end of each day.

“Feedback we’ve had from visitors over recent years has all pointed towards the need for more information on how regenerative methods and practices can fit within a traditional set up,” notes Alli McEntyre, Cereals event manager. “Therefore, we are so pleased to partner with the team at Direct Driller Magazine to provide a practical, costeffective approach to what can often be seen as blue-sky thinking.”

For the most up to date information and speaker line up, visit https://www.cerealsevent.co.uk/directdriller-cereals-agenda

O Bumper display for KUHN at Cereals 2024

ver 20 machines will be filling KUHN’s stand at Cereals 2024, including a debut for the new mechanical weeding Tineliner and Rowliner machines, alongside several recently launched products, including the Optimer L 12500, suited to CTF systems.

The Tineliner and Rowliner were briefly seen at Agritechnica and offer growers another option to reduce chemical usage while controlling weeds. The Tineliner range has three models – 6m, 9m and 12m – and is constructed from 1.5m sections with 48 tines across six rows. The Rowliner also features three models – 500, 620 and 660 – offering row widths between 500-800mm. Models on the stand at Cereals will be the Tineliner 12m, and 5m Rowliner 500 with 6 rows at 750mm widths, with Rowlink camera guidance and section control.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the wide selection of machinery on show demonstrates KUHN’s role as a specialist in the marketplace. “Our stand represents the breadth of our product range and how we are a full line implement manufacturer catering for a comprehensive range of arable requirements. Our expertise in the arable sector, and the addition of the mechanical weeding range, completes our crop care options.”

Growers after crop protection and nutrition products can view KUHN’s Metris 2 trailed sprayer, and the recently launched Aero 32.1 24m mounted boom fertiliser spreader, in the demo ring. The Aero offers users greater accuracy when spreading granular fertiliser, helping to reduce environmental losses on field edges, and the option to apply a lower quality fertiliser to accurate widths.

A selection of drills on show includes a Megant 602 R, Maxima 3 TIL E 8 row precision drill, Espro 8000 and a HR 3004 with a Venta 320-40 combination drill unit. Users assessing baling options have the recently launched VB 3290 round baler, and the SB 1290iD Optifeed, which features the Twinpact plunger system, offering 25% higher bale densities in dry crops compared to conventional large square balers.

KUHN will also be highlighting the benefits of its technology with the CCI 800 and 1200 Isobus interfaces that can operate a wide variety of implements through a single display, and the customisable CCI A3 joystick to arrange controls in one place.

Edd concludes: “Cereals offers us a great chance to meet new and existing customers in a relaxed show environment. With so many of our products on display, we can easily highlight the benefits and discuss future requirements.”

KUHN will be on stand 809.

First look at host of new John Deere products at Cereals

UK farmers will get their first look at John Deere’s new S7 Series combines at Cereals as the company showcases a whole range of product launches and updates announced in the past few months.

Hugely popular across the world, four new models are now available to arable farmers from the 449hp S7 700 up to the range-topping 617hp S790.

The 75t per hour machines sit between the smaller T Series and John Deere’s largest X9 Series models. In development, some of the best-loved features of the X9 Series have filtered across to the S7 Series, while operators also get a whole host of new technology designed to improve grain

It will be a busy two days of demonstrations in the Spray and Sprayers Arena as John Deere publicly puts three models through their paces.

The 24-metre R740i trailed sprayer and 36-metre R962i will be joined in the ring by the 340M selfpropelled sprayer, being exhibited at Cereals for the first time since after being launched at Agritechnica 2024.

Showcasing John Deere’s constant development of crop spraying technology, all three have the unique PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system, with benefits including fast filling for a fast turnaround and more hectares sprayed per day.

The sprayers also have Active Pause for fast yet relaxed chemical filling, Fast Direct Rate Control with more than 98% application accuracy, as well as automatic filling, automated agitation and multi-mode rinsing systems.

quality, operator comfort, and machine efficiency.

The premium cab is a spacious and relaxing place to work, and new automation features maximise crop quality while limiting manual intervention as much as possible.

The versatile new 5M will also be making its Cereals debut with the 5130M broadening the upper power class of the portfolio with a maximum output of up to 135 horsepower.

New PowrQuad PLUS and Powr8 transmission options for the 5M Series provide farmers with solutions for a wide range of tasks. The technology allows operators to experience continuous pulling power with smooth gear shifts within the selected group.

The sprayers have low running costs with no scheduled maintenance requirement and only half the moving parts of a conventional solution system.

Additional features include John Deere’s in-house developed Individual Nozzle Control system – reducing overlaps or misses to the minimum as well as helping reduce input costs –and John Deere ISOBUS control systems capable of variable rate applications, spot-spraying, documentation, and work planning with synchronisation to the John Deere Operations Center.

John Deere’s Tactical Marketing Manager, Chris Wiltshire, said: “It has been a busy six months of product launches and updates so we’re really keen to show farmers these machines and their technology up close.

“We’ve also got a couple of surprises in store which visitors will have to wait until the event to find out about, so there are plenty of reasons to come to the John Deere stand this at this year’s show.”

Visitors will be able to see the 8R410 tractor with stepless eAutoPowr – the first 400hp machine to gain the revolutionary gearbox – and the ability to offboard power to trailed implements.

Precision farming specialists will be on hand to showcase the raft of technological functionality available to John Deere customers, such as HarvestLab 3000, DataSync, AutoTrac, and AutoPath.

John Deere announced the launch of three new 9RX models earlier this year, including what is now the world’s most powerful production tractor offering a maximum power output of 913hp.

While the new models will not be at the show, tractor specialists will be on hand to answer questions about the range and their suitability for large arable operations in the UK and Ireland.

New Drainage Conversation - Sort out your wet patch at Cereals!

Farmers are invited to come along to the National Association of Agricultural Contractor's (NAAC) Land Drainage Hub to sort out their wet patch(es) at the Cereals event on 11-12 June 2024!

Conversations will be taking place both days at 10.30am and 1.30pm on the NAAC's Land Drainage Hub, to try and help resolve some of the unanswered questions on land drainage.

The 'Conversation about Drainage' will be taking place alongside the NAAC Drainage Hub, made up of company stands expert in land drainage. There will be a demonstration area, hosting a drainage trencher and plow and the audience will get to learn how the machines differ and operate, alongside discussion on the importance of drainage.

Commenting, Rob Burtonshaw, Farm Servicers Ltd and NAAC Land Drainage Chair said, 'We will be challenging the devastating impacts of climate change by looking how to offset increases in rainfall with appropriate water management systems. The past year has highlighted the vital importance of well drained land, and we have all seen the impact on improved trafficability, crop growth and yields.'

Speaking will be contractors Rob Burtonshaw, Farm Services, and George Firth, Lincolnshire

Drainage, with farmer Will Oliver reviewing the impact of drainage on his land on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border.

The team will aim to answer questions including:

• Why bother with drainage

• How will it help soil structure and management

• DIY or get a contractor in

• Costs and how long will it take to pay back in yield and benefits

• Where to start to get a scheme in the ground

• Do we need extra Government funding?

Jill Hewitt, NAAC CEO added, 'The benefits of drainage are proven, but the main obstacle is the investment cost. However, drainage is the building block of all soil management, and we will be calling on Government to review how to incentivise drainage to benefit productivity, flood protection and profitability on farm.'

This will be essential information for anyone considering if drainage could improve the land on their farm. Come and join the debate!

The Drainage Conversation will take place at the NAAC Land Drainage Hub at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Royal Highland Ohh: there truly is something for everyone at Scotland’s largest outdoor event

The 2024 Royal Highland Show is set to surprise and delight show-goers with ‘acres of epicness’

The Royal Highland Show, produced by Scotland’s agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) is, promising an unforgettable event for all attendees in it’s 202nd year.

Highlighting what might be perceived as the more unexpected elements of the show, from mountain biking displays to the interactive and immersive Honey Marquee, show organisers have created a buzz around the 2024 event with the launch its new creative campaign – The Royal Highland Ohh!

Captivating audiences with the delightfully surprising array of attractions and activities on offer at the show, some of the elements featured in the campaign include:

For the foodies: Stuffed full of food and drink, the show offers boundless opportunities to sample Scotland’s finest produce including cookery demos with top chefs and a huge choice of food vendors serving everything from haggis neeps and tatties (The Haggis Box), freshly prepared fish and chips and lobster rolls (Alandas) to crisp hot churros (Jordan Events) and Greek gyros. A treasure trove of culinary delights, visitors can also explore Scotland’s Larder in association with The Scotsman which brings together hundreds of brands offering cheeses, fruits, oils, chocolates, spirits and more.

For families: A key attraction for families, the RHET Discovery Centre is the perfect entertaining and educational base for younger visitors to the show. With a full programme of drop-in and bookable activities, kids can try their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow, learn how to cook with lamb, take part in guided sessions such as honey tasting, candle making and viewing bees, and so much more.

With a dedicated kid zone located in the Countryside Area, there is plenty of fun for all the family to enjoy including hands on skills training with Tree-ditions Woodland Crafts School, live Sealpin Gundogs demonstrations, Elite Falconry’s birds of prey flying demonstrations, and the opportunity to get involved with creating a large willow lantern with Wild Rose Escapes.

Tickets to the show for children age 15 and under are free of charge.

For the shopaholic: For the avid shoppers, a vast range of retail opportunities await spread across numerous shopping villages, offering clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village. Event attendees also might be surprised to find the Renewable Village, offering a variety of sustainable products and services including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal, biomass companies and more.

This year the Home and Gift Hall has had a layout revamp and now includes the Scottish Handcrafts Championships.

For the thrill seekers: Delivering the action and drama, sparks will fly in the heat of Farriery competition, equine entrants will be saddled up for show jumping and the daredevil BMX riders will be showing off their flips and tricks. Over in the forestry arena, visitors will be on the edge of their seats as they are entertained by axe throwers, live chainsaw carving, and pole climbers.

For the traditionalists: The many traditional aspects of the show will continue to provide weekend-long entertainment. Watch as the country’s top shearers battle it out for the esteemed title of Scottish National Champion or head to the main ring to see the Heavy Horse Turnouts. The spectacle of the Sixes taking place on Sunday is another one not to be missed.

For music lovers: For those wearing their dancing shoes, the West Stage line-up is not to be missed. Performances to suit all music tastes from folk rock and swing to reggae and opera will take place in addition to daily ceilidh sessions.

Additionally, tickets are available to purchase for the Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmers Bash which is back with eight live folk and country music acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June, including headline acts Tide Lines and Derek Ryan.

David Tennant, head of show for RHASS said: “While tradition remains at the heart of the show, the event is far from conventional. Each year we build and grow on the last with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.

“The show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, however, over the years the show has developed so far beyond that, and we are excited to put a spotlight on some of the elements that visitors might not expect to find over the weekend.

“Last year, we were delighted to welcome 217,000 people to the Royal Highland Show and we look forward to building on the events success as we welcome even more visitors, both retuning patrons and newcomers, to the venue for 2024.”

The Royal Highland Show has revitalised the format of RHS TV for 2024, which will now be produced as a 1hour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews, and stories. The programme will broadcast on Freeview channel and will also be available to watch on demand on the Royal Highland Show Website.

Having run successfully for over two centuries, The Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for RHASS.

Supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the 2024 Royal Highland Show will take place across four days at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, from 20th – 23rd June, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https:// www.royalhighlandshow.org

Bunning at the Royal Highland Show 2024

T Bunning and Sons will return to the Royal Highland Show 2024 on a larger stand, allowing the company to display a wider selection of its spreaders alongside an 18t version of the recently launched trailer range.

The new stand, on Avenue C, will display a Lowlander 175 HBD featuring Isobus with weigh cells for increased accuracy; a

Lowlander 120 Hybrid model with Widebody augers; and a small Lowlander 90 TVA, which will appeal to farmers looking for a costeffective option to undertake spreading works in-house.

Bunning is a regular at the annual event in Ingliston, and Ben Johnson, UK and Ireland sales manager at Bunning, says it is a great platform to connect with customers across the north of England, Scotland and further afield.

“The Highland Show is a valuable event in our calendar. It allows us the opportunity to catch-up with existing users that we don’t have the chance to see on a regular basis and meet new customers. With a larger stand, we can highlight the benefits of a wider selection of our machines to visitors at the show.”

Alongside the spreaders, it will be the first showing in Scotland for Bunning’s new trailer range, following its launch at LAMMA earlier this year. Bunning built its first trailer in 1963 but paused production in 2010 due to the increased demand for its spreader models. A recently completed factory extension has allowed additional production capacity to restart the line.

The model on the stand will be an 18t version, which has been built to order for its new owner. A redesigned tailboard, High Load BKT tyres, ADR axles with larger bearings, multi-leaf suspension, and a smooth internal body that is tapered to the rear by 100mm to help loads exit, are all standard features on the four-model range.

Ben concludes: “There has been a lot of interest in our relaunched trailer line and we are excited to bring it to Scotland for the first time. It complements the spreader range nicely and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors onto our stand this year.”

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

Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds. Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. When we look at buildings we should aim to replicate these basic principles of nature wherever possible. Remember that animals want in the basic form shelter from the wind, rain, shade from the sun, and plenty of fresh air. Ideally giving animals a shelter wall to be able to lie behind with a decent gap above for air to pass over. All air movements need to be above animal height so as not to create a draft.

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

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

In very high rainfall areas, special ventilated ridge capping’s can be supplied. For most situations, the best ridge treatment is still, simple upturned flashing, for these will make the outside air lift over the ridge of the roof. The base of any upstand should always be at a minimum 50mm (2” inch) back from the top edge of the roof sheet, so any water/rainfall that hits the inside of the upright flashing can then drip of the heal and drain away down the roof sheet.

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

Everything you need to know about the Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show is one of the most exciting dates in Scotland’s events calendar, celebrating the best of Scotland’s food, farming & rural life annually in June. If you are visiting for the first time, you might be wondering what there is to see & do, what to wear and more – in this blog, we explain everything you need to know about the Royal Highland Show!

As we all know, Scotland’s weather can be notoriously unpredictable, even in the height of summer!That’s why it’s best to come prepared –always check the weather before setting off on the day and be ready to experience all four seasons in one day! Essentials to take include a waterproof jacket, light layers, sensible footwear, and sun screen.

What is there to eat?

When is the Royal Highland Show?

The Royal Highland Show always takes place from the Thursday to the Sunday of the second last week of June. The Showground will be open from 7am - 8pm Thurs-Sat and 7am-6pm on Sunday!

What is there to see and do?

There is so much to see and do at the Show that it’s impossible to cover everything in one go! Witness top-class livestock strut their stuff, look on in wonder at the amazing displays of skill in the showjumping rings, shop till you drop at the variety of retail stands, sample Scotland’s Larder in the food hall, be thrilled by exciting farriery and pole climbing displays, watch the exciting action in the sheep shearing competitions – need we go on?!

What do I wear?

Food and drink are one of the most exciting parts of the Royal Highland Show experience. The food and drink hall, Scotland’s Larder, sees artisanal produce from Scotland on display, eat, meet and buy delicious tastes of Scotland.

Once visitors have sampled their way around Scotland’s Larder, they’ll be able to see the results of this year’s Scottish Bread, Honey, Cheese, Butter and Ice Cream Championships unfold. If you’re still feeling peckish afterwards, there is a fantastic selection of food-to-go stands on every corner of the Showground. The Royal Highland Show’s strict Food Charter ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food be served at the Show – from delicious venison burgers to tasty fish and chips, finished off with a bowl of Scottish strawberries bursting with flavour.

Which animals can I see?

The Show is the place to be if you are an animal lover – around 6,000 animals flock to the showground over the four days! You’ll be bound to discover some unique breeds you’ve never ‘herd’ of before.

Admire the moo-rvelous cattle, from the iconic Highland coo to the unique striped Belted Galloway. Stare at some special sheep –including what are known as the cutest sheep in the world, the curlycoated Valais Blacknose.

Watch in wonder as incredible equines canter past – from the towering Clydesdales to the tiny but strong Shetland Ponies. Witness everything from the magnificent heavy horse turnouts and impressive side saddle displays to exciting show jumping rounds and the hugely fun Pony Club games.

baby changing facilities throughout the showground, and there are hire stations for mobility scooters at the east and west gates.There is also a Changing Places toilet and Parent Room in the Highland Hall, and there are PAMIS Pamiloo facilities located around the showground.

Always an amusing sight to see, goat lovers can get up close to these cheeky creatures. Poultry fans can also go nose-to-beak with some of the finest feathered friends in the country.

Where can I stay?

Many visitors to the Show choose to stay in Edinburgh and hop on the bus or tram - the showground is perfectly located just outside of Edinburgh City Centre, next to Edinburgh Airport and within an easy drive of the M8 and M9 motorways. If you’d like to stay overnight close to the showground, there is hotel accommodation onsite at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. In addition, there is Moxy Edinburgh Airport, Hilton Edinburgh Airport Hotel, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel and Norton House Hotel & Spa all within easy reach.

Is the Show accessible?

The showground and its facilities have been designed with accessibility in mind – we want everyone to be able to experience a first-class day out at the Show.There is a dedicated disabled car park, and carers go free to the Show. There are

How to get here

The Royal Highland Show is located at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB. It is easily accessible from Edinburgh City Centre and from further afield across the country. It’s easy to jump on the tram to the Show - alight at the Ingliston Park & Ride stop and remember to wear comfy shoes as there’s a 15-minute walk to the south entrance. The bus is also a great optionhop on at any stops along the route, with the dropoff being on the A8 just outside the Royal Highland Centre.You can also drive to the Show, however you must purchase your car parking ticket in advance.

What is there to do with kids?

The Royal Highland Show offers tons of fun activities for younger visitors - it is also free for those aged 15 and under when accompanied by a paying adult! (Free tickets must also be reserved in advance online).

The Discovery Centre is run by the Royal Highland Education Trust and offers interactive sessions and activities for children to participate in, all while learning about the countryside and where their food comes from.

Kids will love getting up close to the animals and incredible machinery displays at the Show (just please don’t let them clamber on the displays!) The Countryside Area is also brilliant for little ones, with row boats, bird of prey displays and the honey, goat and poultry marquees – plus, new for this year is a fantastic Kids Zone complete with a woodland walk!

US Farmer John Kempf among other headline speakers announced for upcoming Groundswell Festival

Tickets have gone on sale for this summer’s Groundswell Festival.

John Kempf, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Advancing Eco Agriculture and host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast is set to present for the first time at this year's Groundswell event. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm looking forward to connecting with the many innovative UK growers I have had conversations with, sharing what we're learning at AEA, and learning about regenerative agriculture in the region.” John will be presenting several sessions at the show including an in-depth series for advanced practitioners of Regen ag.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh has also been confirmed as a speaker. HRH, who is Honorary President of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) visited the regenerative farming event last year and was inspired to return in 2024 as part of a panel discussing inspiring the next generation of sustainable food producers.

In 2023 Groundswell welcomed 6,600 attendees and maintains the friendly atmosphere by not expanding significantly year-on-year. The showground has also been reshaped to make it easier for visitors to navigate the 16 session venues and 300 stands, along with a brand-new glamping field and improved camping facilities.

“We are finding more and more attendees from non-farming backgrounds are showing an interest in regenerative agriculture and it’s a welcome stimulus to increase diversity and diversification into the industry.” says Alex Cherry.

Groundswell Event Director Alex Cherry said The Duchess’s return reflected the genuine interest she had shown on her previous visit. “HRH is knowledgeable about farming and has a real passion for encouraging the next generation,” said Alex. “We are all absolutely thrilled and honoured that she is returning, and I am sure she will make a valuable contribution to the discussions.”

Groundswell is a two-day event, taking place over June 26th and 27th, providing an opportunity for farmers and anyone interested in food production or the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative systems including no-till, cover crops and re-introducing livestock into the arable rotation - all with a view to improving soil health. In short, it is a practical show aimed at anyone who wants to understand the farmer’s core asset - the soil - and make betterinformed decisions.

It takes place on the Cherry family farm in Hertfordshire, where Paul and John Cherry admit their no-till farming system stemmed from an urge to avoid “bouncing around on tractor seats,” a move that ignited an obsession with improving the soils on their 2,500 acres.

Groundswell has a festival feel with overnight camping and various live acts in the evenings, making it a real social event with over 10,000 pints of beer served in the Earthworm Arms Bar last year.

A line-up of 250 speakers, including leading international soil health experts, experienced arable and livestock farmers and agricultural policy experts, will be attending this year’s Groundswell. Taking to the stage from Canada, will be regenerative farmers Derek and Tannis Axten, who have built a food-grade seed cleaning plant, flour mill, and packaging line on their farm to add value to their grain. Josef Holzer will be attending from the Austrian Alps, where he has developed the Krameterhof farm, a world-renowned permaculture showcase project. There will also be lots of practical demonstrations from direct drills and machinery innovators.

“Visitors always find the energy and enthusiasm at Groundswell contagious,” says Alex. “It creates a momentum that never fails to sweep people up in a feeling of positivity about the future of the agricultural industry.”

Professor Tom MacMillan is Elizabeth Creak Chair in Rural Policy and Strategy at the Royal Agricultural University and is helping to co-ordinate - through his involvement with the Agricultural Universities Council - a new discussion tent at Groundswell called The Study, hosted jointly with independent knowledge platform Agricology.

“We will be bringing 100 agriculture lecturers from universities across the country to share research results and hear from farmers, getting them out of the lab and lecture theatre, exposing them to fresh ideas. We’re teaming up to make sure agricultural degrees are bang up to date and that we’re equipping students with the know-how, critical thinking, and inquisitive mindset that farmers at Groundswell have in spades.”

Tickets are now on sale at www.groundswellag. com with the event selling out every year.

Targeted cultivations focus for Groundswell 2024

UHN’s popular Striger 600R strip-till cultivator will be a main feature on its stand at Groundswell, highlighting how growers can reduce soil movement to improve structure, along with lowering operating costs.

The Striger only works soil in precise narrow bands to match seed placement, leaving the rest of the field undisturbed, which not only saves fuel but improves the structure of the field.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says Groundswell is a key show for a growing market. “An increasing number of growers are looking to reduce soil movements through innovative cultivation techniques and models we are displaying highlight the versatility of the KUHN range and how it can be adapted to different field techniques.”

The Striger features a series of row units that are independent from the frame, with a depth gauge wheel at the front followed by an opening disc to cut through trash. Debris cleaners clear any surfaces residues from the strip before a leg loosens the soil between depths of 70-300mm. Following deflector discs prevent soil from leaving the strip before rear press wheels reconsolidate the planting line to preserve moisture.

“During a recent maize trial, the Striger was compared to a conventional establishment system. Key outcomes included significantly lower diesel use on the strip-till area to achieve the same end yield and improved plant establishment and early crop growth. Machine travel at harvest was also noticeably better, with fewer ruts, and water filtration had improved with less water remaining on the soil surface,” concluded Edd.

The Striger 600R will be joined by a Performer 4000 with SH 600 tank and seeding kit fitted. The SH 600 option was introduced last year and offers growers the ability to sow a cover crop in a one pass system.

KUHN will be on stand F42 in the Demo Field.

‘Building your soil for the future’ will be focus for ProCam at Groundswell event

sing attention to detail and the full agronomic toolbox to repair damaged soils – not least after this season’s incessant waterlogging – in order to restore soil life and improve soil health and resilience.

This will be a central theme for leading agronomy firm ProCam at this year’s Groundswell event (26 and 27 June, Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire, SG4 7EE).

Drawing on techniques such as ProCam’s bespoke soil analysis and nutrient planning service, SoilSense, together with the use of cover and companion cropping,

and even precision farming, ProCam experts will be on hand to help farmers looking to rebuild their soils for the future.

Allied to this, the incorporation of increasingly popular biological treatments, such as nitrogen-fixing endophyte bacteria, into programmes to reduce reliance on granular nitrogen fertiliser will also be discussed, as well as how to incorporate SFI options into rotations in sustainable and economically viable ways.

For more information, visit the ProCam stand.

nne Mair-Chapman farms alongside her mother and father on their tenanted 372 acre mixed arable and pedigree sheep farm in North Northumberland. She also does the office admin on a neighbouring organic estate. Whilst her main interest lies with the production of their pedigree flocks, she became increasingly aware of the distinct lack of knowledge and understanding of the “field to fork” process within her sons’ circle of friends, despite their rurality. This has since prompted her involvement with LEAF as the NE England Ambassador for Open Farm Sunday, the initiatives NFU Farmers for Schools and FarmerTime and to host regular farm school visits.

I’m lucky enough to have been born and raised on a farm, growing up just north of the Scottish Border in Berwickshire, where my father was a farm manager. We moved south of the border to North Northumberland in 1991, when the opportunity of a farm tenancy arose on Ford & Etal Estates, and as we approach our 33 year anniversary in May, you start to realise what a rollercoaster the agricultural industry as been through in that time! Mad Cow disease, headage payments ended, MAFF became DEFRA, Foot and Mouth, Blue Tongue, introduction of BPS, online applications, back to paper applications, Countryside Stewardship, fazed removal of BSP, delinking, BREXIT, COVID, everyone loves a farmer, War in Ukraine, crippling input costs, ELM and SFI options, carbon sequestration, tree planting, worries over food security and the good old weather (anyone seen spring this year?)….. is there any wonder my father went bald?!

Foot and mouth forced us, like many others, to re-evaluate our direction. Although we weren’t culled out, the day our flock of Greyfaced Mules left the farm was a tough one. 2 years with no sheep followed. Now, we all know that farmers like a bargain, and my father is no exception. He bought me 5 empty Suffolks ewes from another local farmer, successfully put them to the tup and the start of our pedigree flock was born. I remember that these ewes would frequently “change hands” between myself and dad when I was a poor student! Our flock today can be traced back to the 5 original ewes. Over the next few years,

we added Texels and more recently, my flock of Blue Texels and a small flock of Hebrideans and the newest editions, Valais Blacknose. We breed our own replacement ewes, selling some batches privately between June and August each year. We produce approx. 60 shearling Suffolk, Texel and Blue Texel rams for our local Kelso Ram Sale every September.

Like every farm, each season or month brings its own routine. For us, Lambing is in January and February, spring means sowing (still nothing in the ground as I write), weaning and shearing, summer is silage, hay and sheep showing, autumn spells ram sales, harvest and rams back in with the ewes and winter is a blur of feeding, scanning, pre lambing health routine and before you know where you are, you’ve seen in the new year and the lambing sheds are to prep!

Just to add to the mix, there is a hive of activity from mid May until one specific Sunday in June….. LEAF Open Farm Sunday! This year, on Sunday 9th June, we will be hosting our 4th Open Farm Sunday where we hope to welcome the public onto our farm for a fun filled day of learning and revelations and to celebrate all things British farming! During COVID, I took on a regional ambassador role for Open Farm Sunday covering NE England,

supporting and advising new and existing host farmers through the daunting process of opening their farm up to the public. And, because I’m an “all in” type of person, I took my own advice and convinced my parents and family that it was a great idea, and so it was! We started small in 2021 when COVID still ruled and social distancing was a thing, hosting an invite only event for my sons rugby teams and their families, welcoming 60 for a farm walk and a game or two of rugby afterwards! Since then, we have added collaborations with local businesses to provide catering and other farming/countryside interests such as wool crafters and spinners, artists, heavy horses and alpacas, all of whom have strong ties to our local area. Last year, to aid with our school visits, we added 2 composting toilets and opened our farm classroom (a redundant Gin Gang or Roundhouse) where we had a range of resources and our farming family history on display. In total we welcomed 257 through our gates in 2023 and I’d like to think we can do something similar for 2024!

Welcoming the public to our farm isn’t necessarily a thing that I have introduced, in fact, I grew up with mum and dad hosting local schools throughout the years, I’m told that the red tape was pretty much non-existent then! The reality is that we live in a world where the disconnect between farm to fork is worryingly evident, but through our own school visits and taking part in LEAF Open Farm Sunday, NFU Farmers for Schools, FarmerTime and our regional Childrens Countryside Days, I will strive to leave a positive lasting impact, one class at a time!

Make sure to visit a farm this LEAF Open Farm Sunday 9th June 2024, find your nearest one here https://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm

BIOFRESH SAFESTORE TO EXHIBIT AT SPOT STORE

Ahe UK's leading potato sprout control technology provider has exhibited at SPot Store on 14th May.

Biofresh Safestore will showcase its potato sprout suppressant system, which is in use at the event's hosts, Winters Lane Storage in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire.

Organised by GB Potatoes in partnership with Potato Storage Insight and SDF Agriculture, SPot Store aims to refine and fine-tune potato storage practices through on-farm research and learning.

During the day, visitors will hear about store design in terms of airflow and even temperature distribution, the results of a PCN trial and cold storage regimes such as Biofresh Safestore's ethylene-based system.

Ethylene gas has been proven to be the allround best solution for extending the life of potatoes without any chemical residue. In particular, it is the ideal replacement for CIPC as it meets all current regulations.

In the UK, ethylene has been used commercially since 2003 as an alternative to more traditional

chemical-based sprout suppressants.

Biofresh Ethylene Management Units operate using 99.95% ethylene supplied in cylinders, which fully satisfy CRD quality and HSE safety requirements.

Managed by a central control panel equipped with an easy-to-use HMI panel, Biofresh Safestore's system features sensors that regulate the distribution of the ethylene gas to ensure optimal conditions, regardless of store size or whether a single or multiple store site is being controlled.

"Winters Lane Storage has been using our system for several years now, and as visitors will hear, they are very pleased with how it performs and how easy it is to manage its sophisticated features," says Jeremy Barraclough, operations director of Biofresh Safestore. "We're really looking forward to the event and think it will be very popular indeed with growers and food processors looking to improve their potato stores."

For more information about the event or to register to attend, visit www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/ events and to learn more about Biofesh Safestore, visit www.biofreshsafestore.com

POTATO DAYS COMES TO THE UK IN 2024

New event for UK and Irish potato farmers and growers

Tbrand new twoday agricultural event will be held in the UK this year. Potato Days UK will be held at Nocton in Lincolnshire – at the heart of the Dyson farming business. Aimed primarily at UK and Irish farmers and growers, Potato Days UK will attract exhibitors from across the entire potato production value chain.

Potato Days UK is made by the DLG, the world’s foremost agricultural events organisation and part of the farmer owned and led German Agricultural Society. The DLG has global reach through its combination of shows and trade fairs, including major international agricultural machinery, equipment and technology event, AGRITECHNICA.

Dr Lars Huf, Show Director said “DLG’s experience in this sector is significant. Potato Days events have been held for several years in countries such as Turkey, Ukaine, Poland and China and are based on the highly successful Potato Europe

field days held annually in Germany, Netherlands, France and Belgium. Bringing technical and exhibitor stands with in-field demonstrations of harvesting, handling and cultivation equipment, these popular events attract many thousands of professional visitors and exhibitors from across Europe each year.“

Potato Days UK, which will take place on 4 and 5 September 2024, will be a free-to-attend event and offers visitors a unique and immersive opportunity to engage with the industry.

Greg Smith of the DLG said “We have listened carefully to the market and are delighted to bring Potato Days to Lincolnshire. Nocton Farm is an ideal location, accessible from across the UK and Ireland, and an excellent showcase for many aspects of innovative, research-led, arable farming – inclduing potato growing. We are very pleased to be working with key partners, including the main machinery manufacturers, industry organisation GB Potatoes

and many others, and are confident that this is going to be an exciting and successful new event –made by farmers, for farmers“.

A key feature of Potato Days are live, field-scale, demonstrations of cultivation, harvesting and crop handling, working on 12Ha of crops that are being specially grown for the event. In addition to indoor and outdoor exhibitor stands, trial plots showing new varieties and agronomy practices. A particular focus on agritech, research and innovation will run through the event, with a programme of talks, presentations and networking opportunities taking place on both days.

“As well as being able to see the latest potato growing machinery at work, visitors will be able to learn about the latest trends and issues affecting the industry. Potato Days will offer an ideal knowledge exchange and learning opportunity for all our visitors“ Huf added.

STRAWSON LTD ADDS EXTRA POLISH TO HAITH'S 20THANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The popularity of Haith's root veg polisher has been confirmed on its 20thbirthday with the company that bought the very first model taking delivery of the latest machine to run off the company's South Yorkshire production line.

Nottinghamshire site in 2004. This month, two decades later, Haith's engineers returned to Bilsthorpe to commission Strawson's latest root veg polisher, which has been installed as part of a brand-new receiving, cleaning, washing, and trimming line.

The UK's leading supplier of vegetable handling machinery installed its first root veg polisher at Strawson Ltd's

capabilities, improved barrel drives, the upgraded slip ring, externally mounted cooper split bearings and the optional water flume bypass for handling loose skin potatoes, which were first seen on the Mark II.

"We are very pleased to be making the 20thanniversary of the Haith root veg polisher that little bit more special," says Harry Strawson, director of Strawson Ltd. "We have a long-standing relationship with Haith and enjoy working with them. The quality of their machinery is fantastic; they're close by, their team is always personable, and we work very well with them. Our site has practically all Haith machinery, and over the last two decades, the polishers have been incredibly reliable and efficient. They've certainly helped us deliver an excellent product to our customers."

Since introducing the patented machine, Haith has sold over 500 root vegetable polishers. Today, they can be found on almost every continent, polishing potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, and celeriac.

The latest version of the root veg polisher - the Mark III - features several innovative features, such as Haith's unique direct motor drive system, direct drive brush rollers, Cleaning In Place (CIP), which allows the operator to set the time when the polisher is cleaned by the detergent dosage system, which prevents bacteria from building up. CIP is complemented by a zero slip barrel drive system, an air-operated discharge door with fingertip control and taper locks on all drive components. The Mark III also retains the automatic washdown

Duane Hill, Haith's managing director, adds: "We take great pride in developing vegetable handling solutions that people can trust. The polisher design is unique, and the fact that the machine can be found in North America, Australia, Japan, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, South Africa and India, as well as the UK, proves its popularity and reliability. I believe the Root Veg polisher is the most efficient on the market. In addition to being low maintenance, it can add value as its brush polishing system removes surface blemishes and grit from the eyes and indentations, thereby increasing yields by up to15%. We're delighted to have marked twenty years of supplying the root veg polisher and judging by our order book; it is still a very popular machine today."

For more information about Haith and its leading range of vegetable handling solutions, please visit www.haith.co.uk

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Late planting and slow emergence of potatoes in cold wet conditions could leave crops more exposed to the effects of stress at the all-important tuber initiation stage this season, warns Syngenta Technical Manager, Andy Cunningham.

“Research has shown that tuber initiation is one of the key points that potato plants can be impacted by stress,” he reported. “That could be further compounded this year if it coincides with the onset of warm weather in late May or early June.

“Studies have shown that routinely applying Quantis biostimulant at tuber initiation can help reduce stress on potato plants. It’s proven effects on temperature stress will be especially relevant this season.”

Andy recommended Quantis application when first tuber set is at, or before, small pea size. “This is a critical time for the potato plant’s development, as

they are particularly sensitive to stress. Weather conditions and temperatures at this timing will largely dictate how many tubers will be produced, and subsequently supported through to yield.

“Potato growers and agronomists will need to nurse them through with all the tools available, including nutrition, irrigation, blight protection and biostimulants to alleviate stress,” he advised.

Crop research at the James Hutton Institute highlighted: “Temperature has a pronounced effect on the formation of potato tubers: when the temperature is too high, potato plants form less or no tubers, which can greatly decrease yields.”

Quantis has been shown to adapt the hormone pathways that govern the potato plant’s response to temperature stress, thereby enabling it to continue function more efficiently and make better use of light and resources for growth.

“Growers should be prepared to always apply Quantis at tuber initiation, ideally at a timing where it can be tank mixed with a blight spray treatment,” advised Andy. Quantis is compatible with all Revus and mandipropamid mix blight sprays.

He advocated growers and agronomists continue to track temperatures through the growing season, to allow Quantis applications prior to heat stress as crops develop. Trigger points in potatoes are flagged when leaf temperature exceeds 25⁰C for more than three hours per day or above 30⁰C for any length of time.

The Syngenta Quantis Heat Stress Alert tool, that can be tailored for early warnings of temperature events on individual fields, is available free in the company’s myField app.

The latest model of Tong’s popular UniFill big bag and box filler has seen record demand in the first quarter of 2024. The advanced UniFill offers the gentlest filling of both big bags and boxes, resulting in a high capacity and versatile crop filling machine.

“The UniFill has always been a popular machine in our home and export markets,” says Charlie Rich, Sales Director at Tong Engineering. “The updated machine, which now features easy-to-use HMI touch screen controls, has seen a surge in demand with vegetable producers looking to fill both big bags and boxes on a regular basis.”

Featuring a unique, heavy-duty design, the UniFill features two lowering finger-flighted crop conveyors that cradle crop deep into big bags or boxes, ensuring the gentlest handling alongside even filling of both.

“We have updated our popular UniFill so that it’s flexible filling capabilities can now be easily selected and controlled with our unrivalled HMI touch-screen control system,” explains Charlie. “This means users can quickly change machine set-up, selecting their filling requirements from a

wide range of custom-determined bag and box sizes as well as crop types. In addition, when coupled with integrated weigh platforms, the UniFill can be programmed to fill to weight, with the option to add data capture and recording facilities to improve stock control and crop traceability.

“Demand for the UniFill continues worldwide, with the latest deliveries destined for Turkey and the USA,” says Charlie. “The introduction of our proven Auto-Touch HMI control systems across our box and bag filling range is bringing enhanced control alongside intelligent diagnostics and safety modules, resulting in exceptionally efficient and highperformance filling solutions.”

“Ease of operation and reliability are key to maintaining profitability throughout the vegetable handling process,” adds Charlie. “It is our aim to work closely with vegetable producers worldwide to achieve seamless and automated solutions spanning all handling requirements, large and small. The demand for our latest UniFill demonstrates an ongoing focus within the industry to maximise efficiency through automation.”

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

BRANSTON HELPS SUPPORTS FOOD SECURITY

Branston, one of the UK’s leading potato suppliers, has donated £10,000 to an agricultural training college in Alito, Uganda, as part of a new joint venture.

The college aims to teach farming skills to local people so they can grow their own Irish potatoes – a crop not previously grown at the college or widely in the region. After the first crop is grown, each student will be given five kilos of the Irish Potato variety to take home when they graduate this summer.

Branston is providing both financial and agronomist support for the first planting at the

college, and is aiming to dig 2,000 cubic metre water storage lagoons to allow for water irrigation, which will be needed if the rains during the wet season continue to be erratic. Several trials are also being carried out on a one-acre test site to provide a teaching plot for the college students and staff to learn about varying levels of fertiliser, planting densities and potato varieties.

Ian Arnold, interim project manager at Branston, recently visited Alito to oversee the land preparation and planting. He said: “This is a fantastic project and a great opportunity for us to give back to the local community at Alito and improve food security. Having access to affordable and nutritious food is crucial

UGANDA WITH TRAINING & INVESTMENT

throughout the world, so we’re delighted to be contributing to food security in Uganda.

“The college has mainly been training under 25s and their creativity has been brilliant, but the project is also focused on upskilling women in particular, and even provides a creche for those with young children to be able to access education while their children are cared for. We’ve committed to providing three years of training with the college, so we’re eager to continue to help support and educate the Alito community over the next few years.”

More than 100 staff and students participated in the planning on Ian’s visit. The majority of the

potatoes planted by them were Rwangume, a variety developed specifically to be grown in Africa, but the team is also assessing two more common European varieties, Arizona and Markies, to see how they fare in a hot climate.

Ian continued: “We’re hoping to get more of the Branston team out to Alito to oversee the training in action for themselves over the next few years. It’s a rewarding volunteering opportunity for people to learn more about how our work can help communities, and is an investment both professionally and personally.”

For more information on Branston visit: www.branston.com

Transformation of the British landscape through regenerative farming

Regenerative farming is a transformative approach that aims to restore and enhance ecosystems while producing food. The food system needs to transform rapidly at scale and approaches to producing, purchasing, and consuming food will need to shift to meet the scale of change needed. Food and agriculture, both in the UK and internationally, have played a key role in climate impacts, land and nature degradation and, while contributing to mass production of cheap calories, fall far short of supporting equitable healthy diets for all. Farming and food production, with their close relationship to land, livelihoods, and human wellbeing, are at the forefront of regenerative transformation, from nature restoration to carbon drawdown, to access to healthy, sustainable diets.

not yet have all the answers to implementing commitments such as sourcing from net zero farms.

The scale of agricultural transformation required to meet carbon and biodiversity goals in a socially just way requires significant investment and practice change.

Some businesses understand the need for a shift to regenerative agriculture in their supply chain but can be held back by the demand for cheap food and a focus on shareholder return. They also do

More farmers are adopting regenerative approaches, but face risks in doing so and they may need to move from producing a single crop to producing a range of products and services. For this to be viable, changes are needed within mainstream food retailer value chains such as longer term contracting, risk sharing and paying fair value to farmers. These retailers also need to work pre-competitively with their shared suppliers to deliver joined-up change.

Farmers across the whole UK food and farming sector need the space to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively if they are to learn together, scale new practices, work across supply chains and solve shared problems.

The future of food and farming will need to encompass environmental, social and economic outcomes as well as redefined value and risk distribution if we are to create a future-fit food system that provides everyone with nutritious affordable food, while ensuring farmers can earn good livelihoods and the environment is regenerated rather than exploited.

farmers who are doing so much in the regenerative agriculture space. Mel feels very lucky to be connected to and working with a group of wonderful farmers in West Somerset who give her the courage to go ahead, despite not farming herself. With very generous practical support from the already wellestablished Regenerative Farmers of America, Mel has set up Regenerative Famers of UK to capture, connect and share some of these farms and their stories.

Her main goal is to find ways to help scale up and speed up regenerative agriculture in the UK. It is important to her that there is no business or agenda attached to what she is doing – and wants to remain independent. Aiming to keep the criteria for being added to the map as simple as possible, Mel has focused on improving soil health and biodiversity which she believes are the two vital factors – and outcome driven rather than process driven - for being regenerative.

Since Jan 2023, Mel has had 111 farmers and growers of all sizes add themselves to the map, covering a total area of 89,000 acres. She has concentrated her efforts on Instagram and it has been such a privilege to share the incredible stories that come from these farmers – it has brought her to tears at times. I know there are many more out there, it is simply a question of her own capacity to get the word out.

Many of the challenges and barriers we face are both structural and cultural, so will need a great degree of collaboration and shared learning if solutions are to be found that work for all and can be catalysed quickly. We need to harness the momentum that regenerative agriculture has and ensure actors across the food system are collaborating and driving change together.

Mel Bradley has coordinated the Devon farming conference Rootstock and is very much a vital cog in the wheel in the recently released documentary film; Six Inches of Soil film which means that she’s constantly discovering amazing, inspirational

You can add your farm easily here: https://regenerativefarmersofuk.com/ map/

We are all aware of the many pressures that intensive farming has had on the British Landscape including contamination, erosion and compaction due to heavy agricultural machinery. Water sometimes has had to be used from rivers for irrigation. Wetlands have been drained for the creation of yet more arable fields and if we keep repeating this process the soil is stripped of its nutrients.

Humans have altered the British landscape from the beginning of civilisation either through agricultural practices, deforestation, roads, tunnels, mining to name but a few but time is running out, it’s time to take the bold move towards nature with regenerative farming because sooner or later it everyone will have too.

@regenerativefarmersofuk

Written by Olivia Shave

he future is electric, ADS-TEC Energy and Greenman Energy agree, as the two companies launch an initiative to drive energy decentralization of the energy sector. To start, Greenman Energy will install and operate the ChargePost at one of its Greenman OPEN supermarkets.

Greenman Energy is relying on the proven technology of the market leader ADS-TEC Energy for battery-buffered fast charging. ADSTEC Energy's flexibility gives Greenman Energy the ability to adapt business models as required and achieve a low total cost of ownership in the long term.

• Two large 75-inch LED displays for advertising and promotions Its battery storage system can be used bidirectionally to feed into the grid

• It can be easily integrated with renewable energies, such as local photovoltaic systems, for lower energy costs

• Like its complementary product, ChargeBox, ChargePost gives operators maximum independence and investment security.

Max Bley, founder and CEO of Greenman Energy, commented on the new partnership: “With ADS-TEC Energy's state-of-the-art ultrafast charging solution, we are taking a big step towards a more sustainable and efficient future and a big step closer to our goal of clean and smart mobility solutions.”

The company was won over by ChargePost’s unique advantages:

• It does not require costly grid upgrades or transformers

• Several ChargePosts can be combined to form a virtual power plant. This allows operators to provide lucrative grid services such as peak shaving and energy balancing as well as trading on the energy market.

• Its innovative and highly-integrated technology delivers up to 300 kW for EVs

• It has an integrated energy storage system with a capacity of up to 201 kWh

Based on more than ten years of experience with lithium-ion technologies, ADS-TEC Energy develops and produces battery storage solutions and fast charging systems including their energy management systems. Its battery- based fast-charging technology enables electric vehicles to charge ultra-fast even with weak power grids and is characterized by a very compact design. The company, based in Nürtingen, Baden-Württemberg, was nominated for the German Future Prize by the Federal President and was included in the "Circle of Excellence" in 2022. The high quality and functionality of the battery systems is due to a particularly high level of in-depth development and in-house production. With its advanced system platforms, ADS-TEC Energy is a valuable partner for car manufacturers, energy supply companies and charging station operators.

More information at: www.ads-tec-energy.com

pioneering online agency platform to connect landowners and renewable energy developers has been launched today.

Renewables Connect is the UK's first online platform for renewable energy projects and will provide a seamless matchmaking service between landowners, developers, and investors across the UK.

The company's online database will comprise land, sites, and projects for battery storage , as well as solar, wind, and hydrogen.

It will mean landowners can list sites at no cost to themselves. Land can be added to the database at any stage whether the site is considered to have renewable development potential, has planning consent, a grid connection secured or is currently operational.

Developers and investors will pay a subscription fee to access the interactive online database. However, new subscribers joining now will benefit from an initial 6-month free trial period.

Renewables Connect's founder, Keir Doe, MD of Keir + Co Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Town Planners said: "Through my work with landowners and developers across the UK, I see firsthand the challenges and frustrations which both parties are facing – landowners are often overlooked or bypassed, and developers are exhausting vast sums of money, resources and time searching

for suitable sites, only for sites to fall through or come to a dead end".

"With considerable uncertainties over the future of UK farming, including Single Farm Payments, commodity prices and the weather, we are seeing an increase in farmers and estate owners partnering with renewable developers – to secure lucrative and passive diversification income.

"Our aim at Renewables Connect is to facilitate and streamline the connection process between landowners, developers, and investors interested in leasing, disposing of, or acquiring renewable energy projects".

"In a collective push to achieve Net Zero, there is a pressing need to 'turbo charge' the renewable energy industry. While there is little we can do to improve the current grid capacity issues, our pioneering platform should be a game-changer in accelerating the connection between willing landowners, renewable developers and investors."

Landowners, farmers and renewable developers can promote their sites directly to investors and major energy developers and take back some control of the process. Developers and investors can search the online database using filters and the interactive map to help them find exactly what they are looking for.

For more information, visit: www.renewables-connect.co.uk

University researchers to unlock renewable energy & cut rice straw emissions in India & Philippines

ston University researchers are helping to make rice straw processing in India and the Philippines less environmentally damaging.

The University will be contributing to a new international collaboration, the Renewable, Inclusive Carbonnegative Energy (RICE) project, funded by Innovate UK Energy Catalyst programme to unlock renewable energy for rice farmers. Already the University has worked with UK company Straw Innovations in the Philippines and now the two are expanding their collaboration to benefit more of the continent.

Rice straw is a crop waste byproduct and each year across Asia 300 million tonnes of it go up in smoke when burnt after harvest. This releases emissions and air pollutants that triple risks of increased respiratory diseases and accelerate climate change.

India and the Philippines are the world's second and eighth largest rice producers respectively and together they produce 130 million tonnes of both rice and straw per year.

Aston University and Straw Innovations and will be collaborating with an Indian award winning small and medium sized enterprise, Takachar. The firm has developed small scale, low-cost, portable equipment which can convert agricultural waste onsite into higher value bioproducts such as fertilizer blends, chemicals and biofuels.

"The company will develop a super-sized version which is 10 times bigger than their current device, make it adaptable to rice mills, and will send it to Straw Innovations, so the two firms can test out different business models for farmer adoption/ benefit. Straw Innovations will also send their machines from the Philippines to India mid-project and the two countries will test out different business models for farmer adoption/benefit. And for the first time they will tap into the heat produced in the waste process to dry rice, instead of using diesel or kerosene.

University researchers will lead on assessing the sustainability of the project, calculating the greenhouse gas emissions savings of the new systems introduced by Straw Innovations and Takachar. Sustainability expertDr Mirjam Röderwill also engage with the farming community and rural stakeholders to quantify how the systems can increase farmer incomes, equality of opportunity, food security and decarbonisation benefits, whilst highlighting any trade-offs.

Dr Röder who is based at Aston University'sEnergy & Bioproducts Research

Aston Universityworking with UK company Straw Innovations and Indian enterprise, Takachar

Vidyut Mohan (credit: Breakthrough Energy Foundation)

Institute(EBRI) said: "Environmentally, rice produces 48% of all global crop emissions, due to methane from flooded fields. This is halved when the straw is removed and reduced further when its carbon is stored in biochar. We are aiming for carbon negative which means removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere or sequestering more CO₂ than is emitted.

"Our new research leads on from ourrice straw bio gas hub projectwith Straw Innovations, SEARCA and Koolmill and we're pleased to be building further relationships with new partners in India.

In January Biomass and Bioenergy published a paper about the topic written by Dr Röder, the director of EBRIProfessor Patricia Thornleyand Craig Jamieson of Straw Innovations called The greenhouse gas performance and climate change mitigation potential from rice straw biogas as a pathway to the UN sustainable development goals.

Craig Jamieson from Straw Innovations said "We've been pioneering rice straw work with the team at Aston University for the past seven years. We're delighted to continue that strong partnership and widen it to include Takachar in this new project.

"Takachar is a leader in making biochar from crop

residues and our partnership with them is very strategic. We look forward to combining our new improved straw harvesting technology with their scaled-up biochar production. It will be a step change, creating a new, more efficient system for carbon negative energy and soil improvement for rural communities across Asia."

Vidyut Mohan who founded Takachar said: "We are excited to partner with Aston University and Straw Innovations.

"Our combined solutions can significantly move the needle in reducing crop residue collection costs and biochar production costs for carbon removal."

Rice straw is a crop waste byproduct and each year across Asia 300 million tonnes of it go up in smoke when burnt after harvesthttps://tinyurl.com/ 2afjhhsj

To read The greenhouse gas performance and climate change mitigation potential from rice straw biogas as a pathway to the UN sustainable development goals visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S0961953424000254, Biomass and Bioenergy Volume 182, March 2024, 107072

aurice Golden MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Circular Economy, will host a Parliamentary Members' debate on biogas on 13 May, ahead of participating to a conference on biogas in Aberdeen, during which he will report back on the outcomes of the debate.

Organised by theAnaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), theADBA Scottish Conference2024taking place at the P&J Arena in Aberdeen on 23 May will also explore how the sector can support Scotland with meeting its environmental and economic objectives.

Ahead of the debate and conference, Maurice Golden said:

"ABDA plays a critical role in supporting the UK anaerobic digestion and biogas industry to thrive as part of our journey towards a more circular economy. "TheAssociation is an exemplar in representing a sector that contributes so much value to the global effort to meet our net zero targets.

"In addition to contributing to meeting our net zero targets the sector provides a host of economic opportunities which must be realised. Both the UK

and Scottish Governments must support the sector and work with ABDA in order todeliver the massive climate change and economic benefits."

Throughout the day, speakers will highlight the potential of AD and biogas to support Scotland's Net Zero ambition and achieve the country's 2045 emissions reduction targets.Gillian Martin MSP, Minister for Climate Action, the Scottish Government (SNP) will open the conference with a keynote address on the Scottish Government's vision for anaerobic digestion (AD). Later in the day,Rhoda Grant MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and the Islands (Scottish Labour) will discuss the opportunities that AD offers to the farming community in Scotland. This means that, in what will probably be a General Election year, representatives of Scotland's three leading parties will engage with biogas sector stakeholders.

The host of the conferenceChris Huhne, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and now Chair of ADBA said: "This will be a timely opportunity to set out the steps needed to speed up tackling climate change, and to engage with key decision-makers and stakeholders, whose expertise is crucial to the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, at this event."

Powerlift performance from Börger’s super strong mobile separator

örger’s BioSelect, which is designed for the easy and highly effective separation of slurry at farms and biogas/AD plants, is now available as a tailored mobile unit.

Suitable for a car or truck trailer, the new Powerlift Separator can be built (capacities between 25 m³/h and 150 m³/h), to suit a specific application(s).

The entire mobile set-up, including feed-pump, macerator, liquid-phase pump, control technology, as well as the Separator, is all designed and manufactured in one, compact unit by Börger.

The Powerlift can be extended hydraulically to a discharge height of more than 4.30m, so that even large dump trucks can be filled easily.

The Börger rotary lobe pump (benefitting from Maintenance-in-place) feeds the BioSelect, and at the same time sucks the medium to be separated through the macerator (a Börger Multi-Chopper),

which then shreds the fibres, depositing impurities into the debris collector.

Achieving Dry Solids (DS) content up to 38%, the Börger Separator is load-triggered, whilst the feed pump ensures that volumes do not exceed capacity. The high-density solids-discharge-pump determines the degree of thickness, so the user can (for example) thicken 4 per cent dissolved solids (DS) content liquid into 12 per cent DS, to make it suitable for a tanker. Likewise, liquid manure and fermentation residue can be thickened to 22 per cent DS, without making any mechanical adjustments to the machine.

Is it time to start loving louvres?

RIDBA has evolved into its present state from the original Farm Buildings Association (FBA), set up in the 1950s to promote collaboration around researchcand development in UK farm buildings.

ne major effect of the FBA was the sharing of ideas in areas such as crop storage environments, waste management, ventilation and, in later days, animal welfare.

The research facilities at the University of Reading, Wye College, the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh, Silsoe Research Institute and the sites managed by the Scottish Agricultural College (now SRUC) all competed and collaborated to develop and test new ideas.

The outputs were scientifically verified or rejected and were independent of commercial interests. Now, the FBA and the institutions that provided the drivers of development have gone. There have been one or two research and development farm building projects provided by private companies over the past 20 years that have made it to market, but the breadth of freely available and independently tested ideas has shrunk to almost nothing.

This is an unfortunate reality, especially as the world wakes up to the importance of energy efficiency, diffuse pollution, minimising losses, chemical and medicine use, and animal and human welfare.

There are areas of farm building design that beg for independent answers. Is it effective to use insulated roof cladding and when will there be positive payback? The manufacturers of certain rubber floor coverings claim significant reductions in diffuse pollution and improvements in animal health parameters. Are they true and does the product produce a sustainable cost/benefit to the private business user? Social pressure comes from the major buyers to provide, for example, more space for livestock. Are these requests that can become demands based on established facts or appeasement of society’s ideals? There is very little independent R&D capacity in far building design left in the UK, but where there is a lack there is opportunity.

Figure 7. Variable louvres on a cubicle house

Figure 1. Louvres on an early 20th century hay barn near Fort William

Figure 2. Louvres at street level

Researching ideas can be expensive but without the effort there can be little progress. The collaboration that has evolved between private companies and universities is to be celebrated, especially as both sides can have significantly different methods of operation. The focus farm model used across the UK has been very positive in promoting good practice and displaying new techniques to other producers. It is not, however, an easy environment to test out new building ideas, to carry out the applied research that was done before new ideas were presented to the industry in trade journals or the round of summer farm shows. But we could make it easier by carrying out more farm-based trials that are designed from the beginning to give a result, good or bad.

The ’value’ of insulated roof sheeting in cattle buildings can be estimated with theoretical models but the industry is nearly always going to want to see the proof from real materials on real roofs with real cattle below. Commercial companies can get tax relief for R&D expenditure and the farming community is not short of entrepreneurs who could provide the facilities to try out novel products and ideas. What is additionally required is rigour in defining what the project aims are, what needs to be measured, how, and for how long. Figure 1 shows a hay drying barn built in the early 20th century near Fort William in Scotland. The use of louvres is a clever design feature in a location with endless wind but also more than 180 days of rain1,500mm - per year. The inside of the building needs the ventilation, but not the rain. Figure 2 shows a modern use of louvres that can be seen in any city. It provides ventilation to machine rooms preventing the accumulation of heat. The multi-story car park in Figure 3 uses ouvres to provide natural light and ventilation, while the louvred door in Figure 4 is ubiquitous. Louvres can provide ventilation and minimise rainwater ingress from a simple design with no moving parts. Is there a good reason why they are hardly used in livestock buildings? There is no lack of wall cladding options for cattle buildings - often applied badly - but could louvres provide a practical option for producers? It would not be difficult to test the impact on cattle behaviour and indoor temperatures and humidity with some bays clad with louvres and others with more typical alternatives. Fixed louvres above a solid wall would be without doubt superior for livestock than a clear void above solid wall. The latter design creates significant turbulence at animal level inside the solid wall; the louvres would not. Fixed louvres provide a practical retro-fit in older buildings with windows, which are often either completely solid or gaping holes. The systems currently available (Figures 5, 6 and 7) use variable louvres with control over the degree of opening. Louvres could be designed to actively direct airflow over the backs of cattle during hot weather, with the significant attraction of requiring very little energy

input compared with fans. So, is time to start loving louvres? Just a bit of on-farm testing to make up for the lack of applied R&D can help to frame the future.

Jamie Robertson, RIDBA livestock consultant For further information email jamie@ridba.org.uk

Figure 3. Louvres for light and ventilation

Figure 5. Variable louvres on a calf shed

Figure 6. Variable louvres on a calf shed

Figure 4. Louvres for ventilation

Farm health and safety: It’s culture, not compliance

Agriculture has a shockingly poor health and safety record, but ensuring health and safety is embedded in the farm workplace culture could help significantly.

“There is too much emphasis on compliance –filling in forms, having a health and safety folder, posters and so on - and not enough emphasis on culture,” says Paul Harris, CEO at staff specialists REAL Success.

“Health and safety is a cultural issue; although we have legal obligations, if we’re going to try and change the health and safety record of the industry, we need to start by improving the workplace attitude.”

This involves ensuring good working conditions, sensible working hours and managing people with priority given to their safety. “There will always be more accidents if employees are tired, working with poorly maintained equipment, or in a culture where

The Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) has raised serious concerns over the recent decision by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to halt farm safety inspections, fearing the decision will pose significant risks to the health and safety of agricultural workers in the farming sector.

Speaking for the first time as Farm Safety Partnership Chair, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said:"We cannot afford to compromise on the safety of our farmers. The decision to halt inspections is deeply troubling and we urge the government and HSE to reconsider and continue to work collaboratively with farmers to help ensure they are compliant. We simply must prioritise the wellbeing of the nation's farmers and growers.

"The lack of public awareness surrounding this decision raises serious questions about their prioritisation of safety within the farming sector. While the HSE assures us that investigative inspections will continue in response to serious

unnecessary risks are accepted as the norm,” he says.

“We work on building great teams of people, but a great culture is needed to build great health and safety – happy farms are safe farms. This is important for leadership too; it’s the employer’s job to protect their employees.”

Quad bikes and ATVs are one of the leading causes of fatalities on farms, which was highlighted recently in a feature on Countryfile (7 April). “You can put people on courses for driving quad bikes safely and encourage them to wear a helmet, but if health and safety isn’t central to the culture of the business then no amount of courses will save lives,” says Mr Harris.

Accidents can have catastrophic impacts on people's lives, their families and their businesses. “Wearing a helmet can save lives – it’s simple - it shouldn’t be a compliance thing, it should be an attitude thing and cemented into the team from the top to the bottom.”

Mr Harris challenges the industry to think about health and safety differently: “Is it about compliance or culture? Does your workplace have a high-risk culture when it comes to health and safety?

“It’s not just about protocol, it’s about people too –they are the most important part of a business.”

incidents, the lack of all regular inspections, training and events leaves a notable gap in proactive and preventative safety measures that could prevent accidents and save lives.

"Agriculture has one of the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries in any workplace and to help bring this number down, as a sector we need to work on changing the culture of farm safety. This decision by HSE completely goes against that goal.

"We are calling on Defra and the Department for Work and Pensions to recognise the critical safety implications of this decision, urgently review the potential impacts and establish a clear plan to prioritise the safety of those in the sector.

"The FSP is committed to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of agricultural workers. We will be engaging in conversations with the government and the wider industry to support the development and implementation of policies and practices that safeguard the livelihoods of those working in agriculture."

TAG Safety Expert Checks raise £705 for The Farm Safety Foundation

The TAG Servicing Teams at each depot have been actively promoting Farm Safety by contributing £15 from every harvest machinery safety expert check throughout the winter to The Farm Safety Foundation. Prior to Farm Safety Week, which takes place from July 22-26, they proudly announced they have raised a total of £705 to support the foundation.

‘We continue to hear too many tragic stories of farming-related accidents, with a particularly high number of fatalities in the industry this year alone. Vehicle incidents remain the leading cause of deaths and serious injuries in British Agriculture, resulting in numerous major injuries such as amputations and fractures. Shockingly, UK Agriculture accounts for 16% of all workplace deaths,’ said Sophie from The Farm Safety Foundation.

qualified and expert team of technicians covering an extensive area from the Cotswolds across the West Midlands and Wales each conducting a comprehensive TAG Machinery Safety Expert Check with every service that evaluates all mechanical safety aspects of a tractor, including checks for track rod play, kingpins, wheel bearings, neutral start circuits, lights, and pick-up hitches. These thorough examinations aim to minimise accidents keeping machinery seen maintained to a high standard.

Improving safety in the farming workplace is crucial and can be achieved through raising awareness of safer working practices, providing education and training, and improving day-to-day working environments to mitigate injury risks. Ensuring wellfunctioning and maintained machinery is particularly critical for improving farm safety, especially given the wet weather conditions we have had.

Ensuring equipment is safe and meets the highest of safety standards is paramount. TAG has a fully

Agricultural vehicles, trailers, and equipment are regulated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Compliance ensures workplace safety, including proper maintenance and employee training. Vehicles used on public roads must meet the Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and the Road Traffic Act.

Richard Allard, TAG Group Service Manager, stresses the importance of machinery safety. TAG's team is qualified for LOLER Telehandler, Tractor & Loader Safety Checks, and TILLY Trailer Testing according to British Standards Institute (BSI) BS 14200:2023.

Know your machinery is safe, TAG offers a Safety Check starting from just £99+VAT. Contact your nearest TAG depot today at 0345 222 0456 to schedule a safety expert check. Together, let's prioritise farm safety and prevent avoidable accidents in our industry

Leading rural insurer urges farmers to protect themselves as long-term sickness across the industry increases by

11%

• ONS data shows record numbers out of work in UK due to long-term sickness

• Farm industry sees absences rise by 11% in last year alone

• NFU Mutual urging farmers to plan for the unexpected in order to keep farms running

Farmers should protect themselves from unforeseen time off with new figures showing long-term sickness across the industry has risen by 11% year-on-year.

That's the advice from leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, with the latest ONS datashowing that more than 2.8million workers across the UK are now economically inactive because of long-term illness – an increase of 700,000 in the last three years.

The agriculture sector has also seen an increase in the average number of days lost to absence, with statistics from the Sick Leave Report 2024* showing a rise from 230 days in 2022 to an average of 255 in 2023.

Worryingly, this is twice the UK average, and highlights the particular dangers associated with the sector. In fact, over the last four years, longterm sickness in the industry has increased by 44%, a huge rise on pre-Covid levels.

Some illnesses and accidents can leave farmers unable to work, impact production and in some cases put the farm's long-term viability at risk. But there are protection options available that can help with these unexpected issues or costs that arise.

David Nottingham, protection expert at NFU Mutual, said:"Farmers know more than most how unexpected events and illnesses can impact their business. While none of us like to think about it, having a safety net in place can make all the difference if the worst should happen.

"These unforeseen absences can put a huge strain on the farm, particularly if it is one heavily reliant on

just one or two people.

"However, there are a number of ways to guard against those problems to help secure the future of the farm and keep it running."

Critical Illness

Critical Illness cover gives you a lump sum of cash if you're diagnosed with a serious illness specified under the cover. It can be used to repay farm borrowings, pay for home adaptions, or meet other commitments you may need.

In the UK, last year's figures show there was £1.27bn paid out in Critical Illness cover3, with almost 92% of claims accepted, and the average pay-out totalling more than £66,000.

For farmers, this can provide a safety net that can be used to keep up payments against borrowings and could also prevent some having to take the painful decision to sell up.

Income Protection

Income Protection can offer regular payments if you are incapacitated and unable to work due to illness or injury.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says 10,000 people suffered from work-related ill health (new or long-standing) in agriculture, forestry and fishing over the period from 2018/19 to 2022/234.

David said:"Despite safety on farms constantly improving, life is unpredictable and accidents can still happen.

"Income Protection can provide the peace of mind that you still have an income so you can get help running the farm in your absence."

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Media Release

Organised criminals in the south are targeting industrial sites to steal copper cable, and we’re urging people to report crimes and any suspicious activity around industrial sites to police as soon as possible.

Thieves may target locations such as railway lines, electricity sub-stations, water/sewage works, hospitals, schools, building sites, scrap yards, storage yards, historical sites, cemeteries and war memorials, farms, solar farms, churches and battery storage.

The heat map attached demonstrates the areas in the south, including Hampshire, that have been most affected by cable theft in particular between 1 March and 26 April 2024.

Copper cable theft sees offenders use a vehicle to drag cable a number of miles before it is cut down and prepared for onward sale. This activity is highly dangerous and poses a serious risk to life, in addition to damage that is caused to street furniture during the process.

The financial impact is crippling, and it can also cause serious disruption to the country’s infrastructure, including transport delays, power cuts and loss of connectivity.

This type of crime has seen a 20% increase compared to last year, and is prevalent across a number of areas in the UK. There have been reports of offenders stealing cable, before returning to the offence location at a later date to carry out a further theft of the repaired cable.

Large volumes of cable have been reported stolen in the south from solar farms, and in April we received two reports of suspicious individuals intruding on solar farms in the north of Hampshire after dark.

Signs to look out for

• Unmarked vehicles at or near access points, construction or building sites. Most organisations have marked vehicles with visible company details, although some smaller companies or individual workers may not.

• Unfamiliar individuals loitering around access points, depot entrances or locations where at-risk items are located.

• Consider threat of internal crime – suspicious behaviour by employees/contractors.

• Check perimeter fencing for indicators of criminal reconnaissance such as markers tied to fencing. Check boundaries to look for gaps or damage which may be a sign of illegal access.

• Work taking place on construction or building sites outside of normal working hours. The local planning authority will know the hours attached to any planning consent within their area, so make an enquiry.

• Unlocked access gates into a building, construction or storage facility without any clear work taking place should always be investigated.

• Some criminals may use graffiti-style symbols to mark areas where there is cable, metal or other at-risk items suitable for stealing.

Prevention

• Ensure CCTV systems are working and that images obtained are of good quality.

• Check perimeter CCTV to make sure individual cameras are not obscured by trees or have been damaged and are still providing coverage of the appropriate perimeter points.

• Ensure any alarm monitoring company has up to date contact details and has an effective escalation process should suspicious activity be seen at a site.

• Check site access points to ensure they are secure. Report any insecurities or concerns you may have to the police.

• Report any suspicious activity, or activity which is outside what you would normally expect to see, however insignificant it may seem.

• Engage with the local community around your site and encourage them to report suspicious activity to.

• Suspicious incidents can be reported to police, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

What to do if your site is targeted

• It is crucial that you report this to police

• In the event of an emergency or a crime in progress, dial 999

• In a non-emergency situation, you can call police on 101, or use the reporting tool atwww. hampshire.police.uk

• Avoid touching or disturbing a crime scene

• If you spot any unfamiliar items that have been left at the scene such as tools, drink containers or cigarette butts, tell the police

• Take photographs of any footprints or vehicle tracks which do not belong to you or your teams

DURAPOST FENCING SYSTEM PROVIDES SECURITY SOLUTION FOR FARM

Birkdale’s Commercial DuraPost® was recently selected to create a new compound on a farm in Essex, as the galvanised steel fence posts could provide a reliable and secure boundary, to keep animals in and trespassers out.

In total, 129 metres of compound fencing was required at the farm site, at either 2.4 or 3 metres in height. The farmer has previously had issues with security and was looking for a strong fencing solution that would secure the animals and help to avoid anyone from climbing into the new compound.

Lemon Fencing, the contractor undertaking the task recommended DuraPost® Galvanised steel fencing because of its strength, durability and resistance to rotting and cracking. Specifically, Commercial DuraPost® was selected for its increased thickness and height options and this was eventually combined with timber close-board panelling.

Available for fencing projects up to 4m above ground and manufactured in the UK from 2.5mm thick galvanised steel, Commercial DuraPost® is highly weather and wind resistant. It possesses a superior strength-to-weight ratio when compared to other metal fence posts due to being manufactured from cold rolled galvanised steel with a patented H section profile.

Crucially, its light weight also means that it can be manoeuvred and installed easily, safely and with less manpower, saving valuable time on site for Lemon Fencing. It also enables more posts to be transported at once on weight limited vehicles. Finally, the fencing solution is also maintenance free and comes with a guarantee of up to 15 years.

Steve Potton, Managing Director at Lemon Fencing commented: “I would definitely recommend Commercial DuraPost® for similar installations. I have worked with DuraPost® fence posts many times before on both residential and commercial projects and they are quick and simple to install. For this specific project at the farm, Commercial DuraPost® was by far the strongest and easiest post to use for the size of the fence required.”

Available in a galvanised finish as standard, Commercial DuraPost® is also available to order with powder coated finish as required.

For more information the DuraPost® range, please visit: www.birkdalesales.com/pages/ stockist-durapost

“Crime against the countryside,” says The Countryside Regeneration Trust

Anational charity which promotes nature-friendly farming today issued an open letter to East West Rail (EWR), calling its plans to build a railway line in Cambridgeshire “a crime against the countryside.”

The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), which owns 400-acre Lark Rise Farm near the villages of Barton and Comberton, is calling for EWR to change its proposed route through regenerative arable farmland known as Westfield.

The charity has also raised concerns about ecological surveys carried out by EWR on its land.

The CRT is calling on EWR to work with them to protect the specialist habitat at Lark Rise Farm and to rethink its proposal for the southern route through Cambridgeshire.

Conservation Officer Vince Lea said: “We have written an open letter to EWR calling for action.

“The route will be disastrous for the Cambridgeshire countryside. It is the most

expensive of the options previously suggested. It has the greatest impact on biodiversity and on residents of south Cambridgeshire.

“EWR will take out a vast area of productive farmland, not just under the footprint of the railway line itself but all the surrounding land used during the construction or converted into 'mitigation' features. We would like to talk to them about the environmental impact and can share the results of our long-term monitoring of the site, with over 20 years of breeding bird surveys, winter bird counts, otter and water vole surveys, butterfly surveys and knowledge of rare arable plants.”

Tim Scott, the tenant farmer at Lark Rise Farm for 30 years, said: “We are in the 24th year of nature recovery at Lark Rise. We have numerous Red List Species, and we are in the top one per cent of our county for these species and most, if not all of these, will be lost because of the railway.

“I question whether this folly is needed at all, but all common sense would suggest the northern route is the more appropriate one.”

Take steps to protect your farm business from animal activists

As incidents of animal activism continue to rise within the UK agrifood sector, Aled Owen, a specialist agricultural solicitor who has firsthand experience of advising on recent cases, reinforces the importance of heightened vigilance and preventative measures.

“Animal activists are more sophisticated than ever before,” explains Mr Owen, partner in HCR Law agriculture and estates team. “And as recently highlighted by National Pig Association Chair, Rob Mutimer, they are increasingly targeting both farm businesses and processors.”

Mr Owen says that while encountering activists on your premises is extremely challenging, it is essential to remain calm in the heat of the moment and take the right steps to help protect your business.

“When activists are present on farm, it may be tempting to engage with them. However, it is crucial to refrain from doing so,” he explains.

“Prompt involvement of the police not only helps manage the situation but also eliminates the necessity for any commentary due to the incidence being ‘subject to police inquiry’.

“And, although activists have the right to protest, the methods they employ may sometimes lead to legal violations. It's therefore important to let the police handle these matters professionally.”

He advises that all farms and processors adopt more robust preventative measures to protect their operations and proactively mitigate potential disruptions.

“Security measures such as CCTV, security lighting, and fencing are essential. However, what often gets overlooked is the importance of thoroughly vetting potential employees,” says Mr Owen.

“I'd recommend conducting thorough background checks and scrutinising potential employees, especially when their experience appears questionable or misaligned with the job they are seeking, or when their qualifications do not match the job requirements.

“Make sure employment contracts include specific conditions that prohibit employees from working with third parties, as any breach of these terms constitutes fraud.”

He concludes: “Unfortunately, this is a problem that is unlikely to go away. I’d therefore suggest that all farm businesses and processors employ preventative measures and take the right steps in the event of being targeted, to help protect themselves and their businesses.”

NFU Mutual funded police officer takes up fight to stamp out livestock theft

The UK's first national livestock theft officer has launched a new initiative to tackle livestock theft.

Funding provided by the UK's leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has enabled theNational Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to recruit Martin Beck, who has 30 years of policing experience in the field, as its first UK-wide livestock theft prevention officer.

His new role involves gathering livestock theftrelated intelligence across the UK, though a new initiative code named Operation Foldyard. It will gather and share information on new theft trends and work with local police forces to build cases and help secure convictions.

Martin's appointment comes as the toll from livestock theft reached an estimated £2.7 million in 2022, according to the latest figures from NFU Mutual.

prevention officer and we are delighted to be providing funding for his new role.

Martin Beck said: "From my new base at the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), I will be working to ensure information is shared between the police forces and their key partners.

"To help coordinate activity, the NRCU is introducing Operation Foldyard, which will share intelligence between police forces and partners including in the farming industry.

"As the intelligence picture grows, I expect to see individuals involved in livestock theft targeted and disrupted.

"For many police officers, livestock theft is outside their crime-fighting experience, so part of my role is working with police forces across the country to help them understand the crime and how to investigate it so that more successful prosecutions can be brought.

"Livestock theft is also a cause of food crime and can present a risk to public health as the quality and safety of stolen meat products cannot be guaranteed.

"Livestock theft needs to be exposed for the harm it is causing, and the people involved are criminals. We are regularly seeing both small and large numbers of thefts across the country.

"While larger thefts can be high value and devastating for that farmer's business, finding one or two of their flock butchered in their fields can be just as distressing."

Matthew Screech, NFU Mutual's lead on livestock claims, said:"Livestock theft causes horrific suffering to animals which are often treated badly by thieves and sometimes even slaughtered out in the fields.

"Martin's experience as a rural police officer in Devon and Cornwall makes him ideally qualified to take up the role of the UK's first national livestock theft

"Livestock theft is no longer about single animals being stolen – it's now a highly organised crime often involving 50 or more sheep being taken in one raid. It can have a devastating effect on farming businesses, as well as causing huge worry to farmers about the welfare of their stolen animals.

"As the main insurer of the UK's farmers, we support a range of initiatives set up to tackle the growing menace of rural crime because we know it's an issue which deeply concerns farmers and country people."

NFU Mutual Livestock Security Guide:

• Ensure stock is clearly marked and records are up to date

• When possible, graze livestock in fields away from roadsor consider housing them inside

• Check stock regularly - and vary times of feeding/ check ups

• Consider a high-tech marking system

• Report information about livestock theft confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111www.crimestoppers-uk.org

• Report information about illegal processing to the National Food Crime Unit on 07800 028 1180www.food.gov.uk/contact/businesses/reportsafety-concern/report-a-food-crime

• Join a Farm or Rural Watch scheme to share information about rural crime in your area

• Ask neighbours to report any suspicious sightings to the police

• Dial 999 immediately if an incident is taking place - do not approach criminals

FOLLOW STRICT WEANING RULES FOR SURPLUS LAMBS

With exceptional demand for finished lambs driving prices up to all-time highs, sheep farmers are being encouraged to follow best practice guidelines when weaning any surplus spring offspring they have reared off the ewe.

“Having got these valuable extra lambs so far, don’t switch off now and run the risk of compromising their finishing potential at grass. Make sure you get weaning right,” urges Dr Jessica Cooke from Volac Milk Replacers.

Dr Cooke says that any surplus lambs fed on Lamlac milk replacer should only be weaned when they are at least 35 days of age, weigh 2.5 times their birthweight and are consuming 250g of solid feed per day for a three-day period.

“Lambs are born with an immature digestive system, so in early life they cannot digest anything but milk. The lamb’s digestive system must undergo considerable development to be able to cope when it moves from a predominantly milkbased diet to a more complex grass-based feed.

“The speed of this digestive system development is

not controlled by the lamb’s age or weight, but rather by the diet it is fed, and the physical and chemical processes associated with its digestion. It is therefore essential that alongside the milk feed the lamb always has access to fresh water. In addition, a quality creep feed should be offered fresh at least once a day,” she advises.

She adds that effective development of the digestive system, specifically the rumen, will ensure that when the lamb is weaned – and the milk portion of its diet is removed – it will be able to match its energy requirement through the intake of solid feed alone. This will prevent any setback in growth or performance at grass.

“Weaning of surplus lambs reared artificially is most successfully achieved when Lamlac is withdrawn abruptly, if lambs are old enough and that intake of solid feed is adequate. Lambs should have been eating solid feed for at least 10 days and be making use of the drinking water supply,” she says.

Once all surplus lambs have been weaned it’s time to thoroughly clean all feeding equipment – bottles, feeding buckets or computerised machine – before storing it safely for next season.

For further information on successful surplus lamb rearing, visit: www.lamlac.co.uk

Welsh farmers urged to be vigilant for signs of Bluetongue

Wales' Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers in Wales to be alert to signs of Bluetongue as we enter a period where animals are at an increased risk of contracting Bluetongue virus from midges.

Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas, and midges are most active between April and November.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so any suspect cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Further information on the clinical signs of Bluetongue and action to be taken can be found here: (Bluetongue virus (Btv) | GOV.WALES)

The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs or effects at all, for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield or reproductive losses, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.

Farmers can help prevent the disease by:

• responsibly source livestock

• practicing goodbiosecurityon your premises

• remaining vigilant

Keepers considering importing animals or biological products, for example germinal products, from BTV affected countries or out of disease control zones should consult their vet to check if this is permitted, and on the risks of doing so. This should always be done before deciding to import or move animals.

All businesses should have a contingency plan for both responding to disease outbreaks on their premises and if they might be in a disease control zone. Contingency plans should include details of where animals are

normally slaughtered to check that abattoir is designated.

Richard Irvine, Wales' Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "As we enter this period where animals are more at risk from Bluetongue from midges, I would urge all keepers to take action now to protect their herds and flocks to keep disease out, be aware of how to spot Bluetongue and report any suspected cases immediately".

"Wales has never had a case of Bluetongue –but – with past cases in England and in Europe we are encouraging people to be vigilant and prepared for Bluetongue to strike again."

Your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office should be contacted immediately on 0300 303 8268if you suspect Bluetongue in your animals. APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.

Further information and resources on the current bluetongue situation are also available on: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/ bluetongue-virus/

Pioneering partnership to improve swine health

The Pirbright Institute is partnering with researchers at The Vaccine Group (TVG) in Plymouth on a new project that sets out to control African swine fever (ASF).

Pirbright researchers are collaborating with TVG to accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines against the deadly contagious disease.

ASF, prevalent on every continent except South America and Antarctica, poses a significant threat to domestic swine and wild boar populations, including endangered species such as babirusa and pygmy hogs.

Research Council (BBSRC), part ofUK Research and Innovation (UKRI), researchers led by Dr Chris Netherton, head of Pirbright's African Swine Fever Vaccinology research group, in collaboration with Dr Jeremy Salt (CEO) and Dr Michael Jarvis (CSO) at TVG, aim to revolutionise ASF vaccine development.

Dr Salt (CEO) said: "We're excited TVG is joining forces with The Pirbright Institute to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in swine health. Our expertise in vaccine technology, combined with Pirbright's groundbreaking research in African swine fever, presents a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against this devastating disease. Together, we're committed to developing innovative solutions that will benefit both animals and communities globally."

Despite movement restrictions, the virus continues to spread rapidly across Europe and around the world, threatening global food security, causing substantial economic losses, and devastating biodiversity and farmer livelihoods. In 2022, the UK's pig and pork export market was valued at over £623 million, which would likely be lost in the event of an outbreak.

Traditional vaccine methods have proven ineffective , prompting the need for innovative solutions.

With funding from theDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)and theBiotechnology and Biological Sciences

The project adopts a novel approach, utilising bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) as a platform for developing ASF vaccines, leveraging recent advancements in ASF vaccinology and porcine immunology. By harnessing TVG's expertise in herpesvirusbased vaccine platforms, the team hopes to catalyse the development of safe and effective ASF vaccines.

Dr Chris Netherton said: "The data generated by this project on the immune response to ASFV infection will interest researchers studying other swine pathogens like porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, swine influenza virus, and classical swine fever virus. Through our collaboration with TVG, The Pirbright Institute is not only helping to fight African swine fever, but also revolutionising vaccine development. By harnessing bovine herpesvirus 4, we aim to create safer, more effective vaccines for global pig protection."

The project is expected to take 18 months and will identify a novel vaccine candidate.

N NEW ORGANIC MINERAL BOLUS LAUNCHED

ettex has announced the release of the first organic EnduraBol bolus which will offer six trace elements in a resin coated formulation, providing up to six months of supplementation with a measured release rate.

“This new bolus is approved by Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) and is suitable for those farming under Soil Association guidelines. The formulation provides high levels of iodine, copper, selenium, cobalt, zinc and manganese to help balance potential deficiencies,” says Emily Hall from Nettex.

The bolus has been designed with single point erosion to enable a consistent and measured release of nutrients over a 180-day lifespan.

“A small circle at the end of the bolus releases the minerals more evenly than if the whole surface were to erode. This also ensures the bolus

continues to deliver the optimum release of nutrients throughout the whole period,” adds Ms Hall.

A unique resin coating has been used for the Endurabol Organic product to protect the structure of the bolus and to make it easier to administer.

“The resin coating has multiple benefits. It protects the bolus from being chipped or broken, prevents moisture compromising the nutrients, and helps it to slide down the animal more easily,” she says.

The ingredients offered by the bolus help to support improved muscle growth and performance whilst supporting the uptake of vitamin B12 to provide extra energy.

“This bolus is an excellent option for organic producers looking to support and improve animal health whilst maximising growth, development and performance,” concludes Ms Hall.

A Super Trooper secures debut supreme championship and 8,400gns top for Bullandcave herd at CCM Limousin highlight

sparkling supreme championship and 8,400gns (£8,820) top price coup was achieved by North Craven’s Mark Nelson with a well-bred July, 2022, bull on his first-ever appearance at CCM Skipton’s annual Craven Limousin Day pedigree highlight. (Wed, May 18)

Mark, who runs the Bullandcave herd at the farm of the same name in Clapham, saw his home-bred Bullandcave Trooper first tapped out as winner of its intermediate show class, then intermediate male champion, before progressing to become first male, then overall supreme champion courtesy of Welsh show judge Llyr Hughes, Pabo herd, Anglesey.

Trooper is an embryo son of Hunters Hall Nutcracker, himself by the renowned Plumtree Fantastic, sold privately by Nottinghamshire’s Paul Cairns in 2011 for £40,000 to another well-known North Craven breeder Ian Handley, Gunnerfleet herd, Chapel-le-Dale. The 16,000gns Nutcracker himself has impressive credentials, having bred multiple show-winning calves and also responsible for leading performers in the beef classes at last year’s Agri Expo.

Trooper’s dam is the Gunnerfleet Hicks daughter, Hunters Hall Retha, a 12,000gns Red Ladies Day acquisition, with the adjudicator clearly impressed with his chosen supreme when describing the bull as “a proper Limousin with real shape and class to produce both commercial and fat cattle for the modern-day market.”

He will now have the opportunity to do just that in the Ribble Valley with new owner Thomas Robinson, of Catlow Farm, Slaidburn, who has made several past Craven Limousin Day purchases and farms with his parents, Tom and Ella, wife Lucy and daughters, Olivia, 14, and ten-year-old Freya.

The family runs a 120-strong commercial herd, on which Trooper will go to work in the hope of producing showpotential calves and solid commercial types suitable for the store market. “He is a long, solid bull and appealed to us on the strength of his good EBVs and easy calving potential,” explained Thomas.

The judge further praised what he deemed “an excellent commercial show of well-presented cattle,” turning to fixture regulars and multiple past prize winners James and Sarah Cooper, Tomschoice herd, Hill Top Farm, Dacre, for his overall reserve supreme champion, also an intermediate bull class winner, then intermediate and

male reserve.

Their Tomschoice Trademark is a smart December, 2022, bull by the Kaprico Eravelle son, Tomschoice Lexicon, since sold to Norbreck Genetics for stud and now the number one bull in Northern Ireland for genetics and easy calving. From the Netherhall Jupiter cow, Tomschoice Nasturtium, Trademark found plenty of support ringside when also heading to the Ribble Valley and the Towler family, Grindleton, for second top call of 7,400gns.

The Coopers also consigned the third prize winner in the same show class, Tomschoice Tanqueray, another Kaprico Eravelle grandson and November, 2022, calf of Tomschoice Solace, bred with use on heifers in mind from Tomschoice Rayoflight, herself by Goldies Nicholas. Tanqueray was also appreciated by a spirited ringside, selling at 6,800gns to A Cussins & Sons, Kirbymoorside.

Cumbrian regulars and multiple past ticket winners, the Priestley family, again travelled down from Cracrop Farm, Kirkcambeck, with their usual quality offering and followed up on recent successes with another solid trade at Skipton.

Top of their consignment on price, again at 6,800gns, was a stylish July, 2022, third prize intermediate bull, Brontemoor Theo, a Goldies Northstar son bred from Lodge Hamlet and Burndale Cyclone bloodlines through the home-bred Brontemoor Paloma. Theo also headed to the Ribble Valley when catching the eye of R Gill and Sons, Sabden.

A second intermediate bull from the same home, the September, 2022, Brontemoor Theheatison, by Cowtham Justice and bred from the Millgate Invest daughter, Brontemoor Omylove, also dam of the 17,000gns Brontemoor Riffraff, made 5,100gns when joining fellow exhibitors, the Shaw family’s Pleashaw herd, Shelley, Huddersfield.

The Priestleys – Steven and Ruth and their children, Richard and Sarah– also did well with junior bulls, the best of which at 6,100gns was another third prize winner, Brontemoor Ute, a February, 2023, son of Shatton Pedro, going to Norfolk with JW Peacock, Wymondham, while making 3,600gns was the January, 2023, Brontemoor Utah, also by Shatton Pedro and knocked down to Craig Matkin, Belper, Derbyshire.

Charles Stanton, Whitewell herd, Cow Ark, Clitheroe, produced a second prize bull and reserve junior champion, Whitewell Ulysses. His January, 2023,

Westpit Omaha son, from a flush from Procters Mfanita, with calving ease and growth in mind, sold locally to Joe and Nancy Throup, Draughton, at 3,800gns. Whitewell also sold a quartet of cows either with calves at foot or in-calf at 3,100gns, 2,800gns, 2,500gns and 2,300gns.

Flying the Red Rose flag when presenting the junior male champion were the aptly named Joe and Hannah Lancashire, Limehill herd, Clowbridge, Burnley, with Limehill Unionjack, a January. 2023, son of Smithy Pluto, bred from the Coredale Fabregas cow Limehill Leah. The bull claimed a creditable 3,500gns when returning to Lancashire with D Robinson, Heywood.

The Lancashires, who took over from Hannah’s grandfather, Jack Ormerod, a decade ago, retaining the herd prefix, also sold their March, 2019, Smithy Pluto, the junior champion’s sire and third in the senior bull class, for 2,700gns. The purchaser was M Gore, Harden, Bingley.

Hitting 3,900gns was the first prize senior bull and senior male champion from John Clayton, Bentleybrook herd, Wyke, Bradford, with his June, 2019, Brockhurst Philip, acquired at 17-months-old from the Brockhurst reduction sale and who has since produced some solid pedigree and commercial progeny. With daughters retained in the herd the reason for sale, the bull joined IT Manning, Wrexham.

Susan Field, Cornfield herd, Burnley, made 3,600gns with a February, 2022, senior bull, Cornfield Tyson, by Wilodge Cerebrus, out of a Foxhillfarm dam, which travelled to Cumbria with PS Escolme, Kendal.

Back with the intermediate bulls, Garrowby Farms, Bugthorpe, York, who retained their 2023 crown at the previous day’s Northern Limousin Extravaganza, claimed 4,500gns with a second prize intermediate bull, Garrowby Tanacka, an October, 2022, son of Trueman Pharrell, bred from a Gunnerfleet Hicks-sired cow. Tanacka went to North Craven with Skipton regular Jeff Pickles, Chapel-le-Dale.

The Kirklees Shaws were themselves among the prizes when standing runner-up in an intermediate bull class with their April, 2022, Tomschoice Percy son, Pleashaw Ted, out of a home-bred dam by Hartlingtontop Joe. Ted goes to Upper Nidderdale with John Harker, Lofthouse.

All yearling bulls bar one sold, with two, both March, 2023, sons of Procters Major, hitting 2,500gns twice from the Oddacres pen of local Embsay breeders, John and Claire Mason, and daughter Annabel, who continues to serve as North East Limousin Breeders Club secretary.

One of them was a junior bull runner-up, Oddacres Upton, bred from the Gallois cow, Oddacres Marriot, which joined repeat local buyer John Lancaster, Bordley, followed by Oddacres Urmat out of the Saphir-bred cow,

Oddacres Organza, which found another returning buyer in Brian Coates, Cowan Bridge.

Another first prize junior bull was consigned by Lincolnshire father and son, William and Michael Morton, Blackfriar herd, Norton Disney, Lincoln. Their May, 2023, Blackfriar Uri, by the Gunnerfleet Hicks son, Gunnerfleet Lion, and a maternal brother to last year’s reserve female champion, sold for 2,200gns to TH&K Wood, High Birstwith.

Top price among the ladies was 3,500gns for the first prize maiden heifer and female champion, Lowflan Totty, from Ian Wilson and Carol Wood, Mansriggs herd, Ulverston. The wide, stylish May, 2022, calf is by the Tallyrock Nick son, Lowflan Razor, sold for 9,000gns in 2022, bred from an Aultside Hulk daughter, Lowflan Olive, still going strong and now with a tremendous bull calf at foot. Totty joined CCM trainee auctioneer and surveyor, Ed Dews, who hails from Walton, Wakefield.

The runner-up in the same show class and female reserve from Carl Stephenson, Pikestone herd, Bishop Auckland, the July, 2022, Whinfellpark Lomo daughter, Pikestone Tori, made 2,350gns, the third prize winner from the Swales family’s Swales herd, Balk Thirsk, 1,850gns.

The same home was also responsible for the first prize cow in-calf outfit, the January, 2022, dam, Swale Truelibs, sired by the easy calving Middledale Numpty and due to Swale Tarron, which made 2,300gns, the family swelling their purse by a further 3,300gns with a junior bull, Swale Usher, a February, 2023, Numpty son, bred out of a Norman Jockey-sired dam and sold to George Fleetwood, Mirfield.

A cow and calf outfit from A&V Brown & Sons, Hollyberry herd, Foggathorpe, Selby, topped its section at 3,100gns. The dam is the January, 2021, Emslies Galileo daughter, Hollyberry Snow, from the Carmorn Voney female bloodline – Voney was an Interbreed champion at Balmoral two years running - also with lines to the 29,000gns Ampertaine Abracadabra. Snow fell with her December, 2023, heifer calf by the home-bred Hollyberry Stevie to RS Howard & Sons, Guide, Blackburn.

The annual showcase, again supported by The North East Limousin Breeders Club, with Skipton NFU once more the keynote sponsor, saw 53 head presented for sale, of which 45 successfully found new homes.

Top prices and averages – the majority up on the yearwere: Senior Bulls to 3,900gns, av £3,570 (2023 £3,661), Intermediate Bulls to 8,400gns, av £5,088 (2023 £3,661), Junior Bulls to 6,100gns, av £3,150 (2023 £2,873), Maiden Heifers to 3,500gns, av £2,403 (2023 £1,630), Cows Incalf/with calves at foot to 3,100gns, av £2,940 (2023 £2,388).

BouMatic is innovating in sheep milking with a brand new automatic detacher system developed specifically for sheep milking : OviTIMER

To meet the specific needs of dairy sheep farmers, BouMatic has developed a brand new automatic milking cluster detacher system, operating on a timer. Drawing on our technical expertise and experience in sheep milking, we offer a modern, simple and effective solution to meet the needs of high-performance sheep farms. OviTIMER stands out on the following points:

• Precision– Milking times can be set second by second and easily adjusted directly on the OviTIMER control box, which has a large backlit display. More than 10 different milking time settings can be saved and you can switch from one setting to another during milking to suit all sheep, whatever their stage of lactation.

• Ergonomics– Numerous automatic functions and configurable features ensure quick, gentle milking: automatic cluster start-up, control of each cluster individually, automatic swing-over and stall control.

• Simplicity– the OviTIMER LED button provides clear information on the milking status of each animal, simplifying the milker's work: colour change according to the selected milking time, flashing at the end of the timer, cascade lighting of clusters during automatic milking, etc.

• Compatibility- OviTIMER is compatible with most existing installations and easily adapts to different parlour configurations and cluster types.

This makes BouMatic a major provider of milking solutions for small ruminants, thanks to its expertise and the implementation of innovative technical solutions for gentle, quick and complete milking. Following on from the OviMAX milking cluster, the new OviTIMER automatic detacher system has now been added to the BouMatic range of solutions for milking sheep.

Availability

OviTIMER is already available on the European market through the BouMatic dealer network.

H Stateside boost to helpUK dairy exports be cream of the crop

elp to grow UK dairy exports in the US has been given a boost with the appointment of a new in-market specialist.

Victor Willis, who has more than 25 years retail and manufacturing experience in the dairy sector, has been appointed as Vice President of Market Development (USA) by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and will be its new dairy products representative in the US.

The role, jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), will see Victor working closely with dairy exporters to help grow further opportunities for the sector in the US market.

The programme was developed in consultation with industry, facilitated by the industry-led Dairy Export Taskforce, ensuring activity developed fully addressed the sector's needs.The programme includes helping develop the export capability of UK businesses and championing their products on the global stage. The taskforce represents industry and is supported by industry bodies such as the AHDB, the NFU and Dairy UK. DBT and DEFRA are also represented on the taskforce.

The US is the UK's second biggest dairy export market andAHDB analysishas highlighted further opportunities over the next decade with increasing levels of cheese consumption.

Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), said: "The US is an important market for UK dairy exporters and we have identified further long-term opportunities to build on the successes our industry has already achieved.

It comes after the Government launched its new Dairy Export Programme last November, committing to providing specialist resource in priority markets for the sector and maximise the opportunities presented. The programme was the result of the Government's decision at last year's Farm to Fork summit to invest £1 million in the dairy sector–as part of a wider package to support agriculture, food and drink–to boost UK dairy exports, especially among small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

"A key part of driving that growth is the support of having a strong in-market presence and we are delighted that Victor has joined the team to work withUK dairy exporters to help fulfil their full potential in the important US market. His wealth of experience in developing market strategy, brand development and product innovation will be invaluable."

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said: "Our dairy levy payers have told us how much they value AHDB's work to support exports and want to see more of it.The additional Government money announced last year was welcome in complementing AHDB's annual investment in providing tools and support to help drive dairy exports forward.

"The collaborative approach between AHDB and Government to drive UK export growth is well established and Victor's appointment is a further demonstration of our shared commitment to helping ensure our dairy exports thrive on the global stage."

Further details about export opportunities for UK dairy in specific regions around the world can be found in the: https://ahdb.org.uk/trade-and-policy/export-opps/ regions/NorthAmerica

A ADF Milking Ltd awarded King’s Award for Enterprise 2024

DF Milking Ltd has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise 2024 in Innovaon for their unique and innovave milking technology, ADF InVent.

Established in 2009, ADF Milking specialises in developing milking systems for the dairy industry. The company has developed ADF InVent, a patented automated vacuum control technology that improves animal welfare and increases milking parlour efficiency.

yields and faster milk let-down.

ADF Milking Founder James Duke is delighted with the news of achieving the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise. “With our ADF InVent technology we’re proud to have a product that will really add value to dairy farm operaons, both in the UK and around the world. And we have managed to achieve that with a simple and cost effecve soluon that is suitable for any dairy farm.”

“A product’s success is based on the value we give our customers. And I’m pleased to say that our high level of sales and posive customer feedback suggests that ADF InVent connues to give value to dairy farmers by improving cow welfare and longevity. We believe we have a truly revoluonary product, and achieving the King’s Award has confirmed that for us.”

As it is impossible to have personalised milking liners for each cow, ADF Milking has designed a soluon whereby vacuum is monitored within the mouthpiece chamber of the milking liner. If a threshold vacuum level is exceeded, clean filtered air is admited, ensuring opmum milking condions for the cow and protecng animal welfare.

With the innovave ADF InVent milking cluster, venng is completely unique to each cow and each teat size. Larger teats may need minimal venng as opposed to smaller teats on heifers that may need more venng. The ADF InVent milking cluster vents on the right teat, at the right me, for the right length of me. To be able to treat each teat as an individual is the key to ADF Milking’s success with this product as it is the only one on the market. Dairy farmers using ADF InVent to milk their cows have reported less teat trauma, calmer cows, higher milk

This is the third royal award that ADF Milking have achieved. The company also holds a 2020 Queen’s Award for Internaonal Trade, as well as a 2013 Queen’s Award for Innovaon.

ADF Milking is one of 252 organisaons to be recognised with a presgious King’s Award for Enterprise for their contribuon to Internaonal Trade, Innovaon, Sustainable Development and Promong Opportunity (through social mobility). Announced today (Monday 6th May 2024), ADF Milking has been recognised for its excellence in Innovaon.

Now in its 58th year the Award programme is the most presgious business award in the country. The awards celebrate the success of excing and innovave businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services, delivering impressive social mobility programmes, or showing their commitment to excellent sustainable development pracces.

S Stamp Out Sheep Lameness This Summer

heep farmers looking for lameness management advice this summer will be able to access a range of practical support tools when the industry places the focus on better disease control.

Throughout the warmer months, veterinary professionals and animal health product advisers will highlight how to stamp out flock foot problems; providing a range of tips to help sheep farmers kickstart their own disease management protocols.

According to recent MSD Animal Health survey data, from 966 UK sheep farmers conducted early in 2024, more than 50% of the national flock is struggling with more than 2% of sheep showing signs of lameness1. 17% of flocks are wrestling with more than 5% of their sheep flock lame1. Only 61% of sheep farms claimed to have a formal lameness control policy in place1, with only 19% of flocks following the full FAI Farms Five-Point lameness reduction plan after a veterinary diagnosis of any infectious disease cause.

commitment, this proven2 plan gives sheep farmers a clear framework for managing lameness effectively because it builds natural disease resilience within the flock, reduces the disease challenge and spread on the farm, and improves flock immunity through vaccination.”

“The sheep industry has made great strides recently but must maintain momentum if it is to bring flock disease prevalence down to the industry target of less than 2% of animals lame. And the

later summer months – typically around weaning time – is a great time to start implementing the industry-accepted Five-Point Plan for reducing sheep lameness,” said Dr Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health.

“Implemented correctly and given long term

Dr Baxter-Smith added that consistent and sustained implementation of the Five-Point Plan involves treating affected animals promptly; culling persistent offenders; avoiding the propagation of infection when sheep are gathered together; quarantining any bought-in stock; and implementing routine vaccination against footrot, the most common infectious disease implicated in sheep lameness.

“In addition, more widespread adoption on farm will also help the sheep sector cut its use of antibiotics for foot infections.”

Sheep farmers are generally keen to get on top of any flock lameness issues, but sometimes feel helpless and often find it difficult to know how and where to start.

“Sheep farmers are making good progress, but by continuing to demonstrate how whole-hearted adoption of all five points of the plan brings results over the longer term, we can all join the march towards the step change that is needed.”

Farmers looking for practical advice can visit the MSD Animal Health stand at the Royal Welsh Show (in late July) and at NSA Sheep 2024 (30th July 2024). Bespoke help on how to implement the Five-Point Plan will also be available from veterinary professionals and Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs).

FUW welcomes long awaited grant support for slurry storage infrastructure

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the announcement made today (29 April) by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, that two funding schemes to support on-farm investment will shortly be opening with an allocated budget of £20 million.

FUW President Ian Rickman commented:

“Despite concerns we’ve raised previously in terms of this promised funding as a proportion of the estimated overall costs to the industry of over £360 million, this long awaited support will be welcomed by many in light of the recent wet weather.”

The announcement follows a recent Extreme Weather Summit during which the FUW President made a call for urgent capital grant funding in light of the challenges farmers are facing whilst attempting to increase their slurry storage capacities.

planning applications and associated documents as soon as possible.

“We also called for derogations and flexibility around certain scheme requirements. It is therefore encouraging that Rural Payments Wales will consider potential derogations on a case by case basis for those who are finding difficulties in meeting certain contract requirements as a result of the prolonged wet weather.

The maximum grant value offered through both the Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants - Yard Coverings Scheme will increase to 50%. The Cabinet Secretary encourages applicants to consider preparing their

“This statement shows an example of co-working where our concerns result in prompt action from the Welsh Government. We sincerely hope that this positive engagement continues in the context of other fundamental policy developments,” added FUW President, Ian Rickman.

Easing slurry storage issues with Bauer separation solutions

When dairy farms set out to address a shortage of slurry storage capacity, installing a separator is one of the most positive and effective solutions, because with the liquid fraction extracted and pumped to a lagoon, only fibrous material remains to store in bulk.

“A dairy unit with an existing storage problem or looking to increase herd size will gain 20-30% more capacity by installing a separator,” points out Adrian Tindall of Bauer. “Separation also allows these different materials to be stored and applied to the land in the most appropriate way.”

Separated materials also provide more consistent nutrient analyses than slurry, so they can be applied at the appropriate rate to reduce reliance on bagged fertiliser, while conforming to Nitrate Vulnerable Zone restrictions where necessary.

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

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

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

Bauer is a long-established specialist in the manufacture of screw type separators for both agricultural and industrial applications, with an emphasis on performance, durability, low running costs and easy servicing.

“All our separators are built with a cast iron housing that contains a heavy-duty stainless steel screw and stainless steel screens,” Mr Tindall points out. “They have few moving parts and components are hard-wearing for a long and low-cost service life.”

Screens with a choice of slot sizes suit different materials and the weighted discharge flaps are adjustable to create sufficient resistance in the raw material for liquid to be extracted efficiently at good throughputs.

Bauer’s agricultural separator range includes the 2.2kW S300, 5.5kW S655 and S855 (the first two able to operate on a three-phase electricity supply), and a 7.5kW Green Bedding version of the S855 capable of achieving the higher dry matter levels needed to create a soft cubicle bedding material from the fibrous fraction of slurry.

There is also the unique Plug & Play mobile solution with any of the full-size separators installed.

Motor size apart, the principle difference between these machines is the length of the separation chamber, which influences throughout; the S300 is rated at up to 16cu m/hr, the S655 at 20cu m/hr and the S855 at 30cu m/hr – in all cases, output on the day is greatly influenced by the consistency and make-up of the material.

V Successful close to the financial year for Vogelsang

ogelsang GmbH & Co. KG (Vogelsang Germany and subsidiaries) breaks the 200 million euro mark and reports annual sales of 202 million euros in 2023. This represents an increase in sales of around 17 % compared to the previous year – driven in particular by the Agricultural Technology, Biogas, Wastewater and Transport Technology business divisions.

“We are delighted to have once again significantly exceeded our sales expectations in 2023 and that we can report such a record year,” says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director of Vogelsang GmbH & Co KG. He also says: “Our broad product portfolio and our international focus make us crisis-proof, even in fastchanging times. Therefore, together with our dedicated employees, we are celebrating our 95th year since the company was founded.”

Successful product launches

With new and modified products such as the BlackBird trailing shoe system with a working width of 30 meters and the SwingMax5 Slide trailing shoe system with a working width of 24 meters in the agricultural sector, as well as the new generation of PreMix solid matter feeders in the biogas segment, Vogelsang responded to the market's high demand for innovative and tailor-made solutions. In addition to the biogas sector, the

Harald Vogelsang Managing Director Vogelsang management team

HiCone progressive cavity pump is also used in other branches of industry.

Expansion of the workforce

Last year, the company gained around 120 new employees worldwide – including 25 trainees. Vogelsang is currently training around 75 apprentices and dual students and was awarded the “TOP TRAINING” quality seal by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023. Last year, Detlef Ruhmke and Michael Brinkmann also joined the management team. Harald Vogelsang: “Supporting our customers with our technology and expertise is what continues to drive us in 2024. And that’s why we are always working on further innovative solutions and engaging with users to further expand our product portfolio in line with demand.”

This year, the internationally active family business will once again be represented at a number of trade fairs, including IFAT from May 13-17 in Munich, ACHEMA from June 10- 14 in Frankfurt am Main, as well as EuroTier and EnergyDecentral from November 12-15 in Hanover.

For more information, visit: vogelsang.info

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS

Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain:

As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment. The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.

Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

Contact us at:

01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info

vogelsang.co.uk

J New Kumm slurry tanker demonstrations

Riley Agri is the sole importer of the premium Kumm Technik slurry tanker range which is new to the UK. The company is currently undertaking a demonstration tour with a Kumm KTR 20.5m³ twinaxle tanker equipped with a Bomech Farmer 15m trailing shoe applicator.

The tanker’s specification includes a fourtonne capacity adjustable drawbar, airsuspension and Michelin 800/60R32 tyres with central tyre inflation. The tanker itself is divided into two chambers. In the field the rear compartment is emptied first maintaining weight transfer to the drawbar, a feature which comes into its own when working on undulating ground. Additionally, air can be released from the front axle suspension system for 90 seconds to transfer more weight onto the tractor.

The KTR features a double-hinged 8” filling arm which can be adapted to fill from a tanker docking station or lagoon. The macerator and stonetrap are mounted ahead of the 9000 litre/min pump and application rate is

controlled via the Kumm touchscreen display, although the tanker is also Isobus compatible.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the KTR range of Kumm tankers,” says Sion Williams, sales director for slurry equipment at J Riley Agri. “Michael Kumm built his first tanker after being unable to find a machine on the market which was suitable for his contracting business in Germany. Now 15 years later, Kumm Technik is known for its high-quality tankers. The KTR range runs from 14 to 30m³, and we can also supply the KTS 30m³ articulated road tanker which is fully UK compliant.”

“We have the 20.5m³ KTR tanker available for demonstration, fitted with a 15m Bomech Farmer trailing shoe applicator,” he continues. “This tanker maintains an accurate application rate even when applying lower volumes thanks to the rotary lobe pump and 8” flow-meter working with a three-way valve which directs the correct volume to the boom and sends the excess back to the tank.”

For more information and to book you Kumm demonstration please call Sion Williams on 07919 214788.

Case IH Unveils Precision Technology Updates at Agrishow Featuring New Case IH FieldOps App

Purposefully designed to be a simplified and streamlined all-inone operations management solution, Case IH FieldOps empowers owners and operators to manage and visualise their multi-branded fleet at anytime from anywhere.

Case IH is unveiling the FieldOps app, a new all-in-one mobile and web solution purposefully designed for farmers to connect, view and manage their operation. FieldOps provides real-time access to agronomic, machine, and operational data, connecting farmers to their machines, fields, teams and partners and empowering them with actionable insights.

The new FieldOps app comes at a critical time with the exponential growth of connected machines. Driven by the digitisation of agriculture, connected machines allow farmers to access vehicles through the cloud to drive more profitable and productive operations. These also allow dealers additional access to

better service machines, minimising downtime and maximising operational efficiency.

There are still, however, severe limitations for those in remote areas of the globe in connecting their machines and operations. Without a mature cellular or terrestrial network for these remote operators to utilise, their options for digitisation and connected fleets are significantly restricted.

Case IH has taken a significant step in enhancing connectivity options for operators worldwide. Through a strategic collaboration with Intelsat, a renowned leader in satellite communications for over 60 years, Case IH is ensuring that operators, regardless of their location, can fully utilise the functionalities of Case IH FieldOps with consistent and reliable internet access.

"At Case IH, we prioritise the seamless integration of precision technology for our customers," said Marco Lombardi, head of

Case IH EMEA. "With Case IH FieldOps, we have created a centralised digital platform that simplifies access to data, enabling operators to make data-driven decisions, ultimately driving operational success."

Key features of Case IH FieldOps include:

• Data Visualisation:Instant access to realtime agronomic data and machine insights, including precise location and duty status, current machine parameters, estimated job completion time, 24-hour history, and more.

• Machine Analytics:Users can proactively monitor machine health and quickly spot high-priority issues while staying informed with customised notifications.Data can be viewed for any specific field over individual seasons and years, enhancing operational efficiency

• Remote Viewing of In-Cab Display:Deeper machine monitoring and easy coordination with operators, including functionality to suggest changes.

• One Simple & Comprehensive

Solution:Case IH FieldOps centralizes tools from the AFS Connect platform into one streamlined management solution, using data from farm operations, even for those with multi-branded fleets. This makes it easier for farmers to access their field and farm data in one platform. Case IH FieldOps is designed to be simple and understandable for users with any level of experience.

"Case IH FieldOps was developed by farmers, for farmers," added Lombardi. "We worked directly with customers, incorporated their feedback, and developed streamlined processes that make sense for them and the way they work. The resulting platform is intuitive and easy-to-use from beginning to end."

The Case IH FieldOps mobile and web app is currently in its final stages of development and testing, with a full release expected later in the year. Visit CaseIH.com for more information, and to be the first to get notified when Case IH FieldOps is officially live.

DEVELON Launches New, Expanded Digital Platform

To meet increased demand, DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has introduced the latest iteration of its fleet management system - MY DEVELON: a new digital platform for managing construction equipment.

“Using the MY DEVELON app or on a web browser, customers and dealers can access and manage maintenance and operation data for their DEVELON construction equipment,” says Kevin Lynch, Marketing Communications Manager at Develon Europe. “Customers can remotely check the status of their equipment and communicate with their machines by sending certain messages.”

New Features

Some of the newest features now available on the MY DEVELON platform offer the ability to download service tools and get personalized quotes for parts for DEVELON equipment.

“We provide a menu for customers to request a quote for DEVELON genuine parts from their local dealer,” Kevin Lynch says. “It is a very useful resource for customers. They can select the parts they want to receive a quote on and send it to their dealer. Additionally, customers can subscribe to our exclusive digital services.”

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Increased Telematics Usage

More dealers and customers are utilising telematics systems, according to data tracked by DEVELON. Although some customers can be intimidated by the amount of data, DEVELON and its dealers are working hard to develop training programs that help educate customers on how to navigate the system. This starts with DEVELON dealers using brief, streamlined training materials, which are very effective with sales specialists.

“When a customer purchases a new machine, our dealership sales specialists provide some basic training about telematics with the customer,” says Kevin Lynch. “When the customer leaves with the new machine, the customer has a telematics profile. The customer can log in and start tracking the new machine immediately.”

One of the most popular features of telematics services today, according to Develon, is the ability to receive codes from machines. Dealers and customers can subscribe to receive notifications when a DEVELON machine requires service. This allows dealers to proactively engage with customers and their machines, thereby optimizing uptime protection.

“Our telematics offering helps keep our customers’ machines working the way they were intended,” Kevin Lynch says. “Dealers and customers can better remotely monitor machines to ensure they are in good health and can schedule routine maintenance to ensure it’s done when it’s needed.”

The MY DEVELON app is available for download from popular app service providers. Current users of the DEVELON Fleet Management system should replace the current app by downloading the new MY DEVELON app. They can log in with their same credentials.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

NEW & USED STOCK

KUHN and APE UK announce partnership

KUHN Farm Machinery has become the first machinery manufacturer to partner with Agriculture Plastics Environment UK (APE UK) to support responsible management of agricultural plastics and improve the recycling from farms.

APE UK is a non-profit organisation focussed on improving the management of agricultural plastics, by engaging with farmers, core members of the supply chain and the agricultural industry, to support recycling and sustainability when disposing of the products.

Ian Creasey, APE UK’s CEO, says the goal is for industry-wide collaboration.

“Less than 30% of used agri-plastics are recycled in the UK, and APE UK’s objective is to build a national plastics recovery and collection scheme to increase this to 75% within five years. We are engaging with the farming sector and government to incentivise agri-plastics recycling and support the development of cost-effective recycling services for farmers and growers. As an industry, we can’t continue to ignore the impact managing plastic waste incorrectly has on the environment.”

The initiative requires a collaborative approach and KUHN has already taken steps to ensure waste plastic is easier to manage, with film binding introduced on its standard and combination balers. By removing net binding and creating one waste product, farmers can save time and be more efficient when sorting the waste.

KUHN’s grassland product specialist, Rhodri Jenkins, says the company is committed to making the recycling process easier for farmers. “Our wide product portfolio means users are handling plastics daily, whether that’s chemical cans, baler twine or bale wrap. If we can help promote more efficient and cost-effective ways to manage these waste products off farm, then we can start to make the current problem part of the solution.”

Rhodri continues: “Through innovative technology, such as our 750mm stretch-film rolls that have a much higher pre-stretch ratio compared with wider conventional rolls, we can cut

film costs by up to 37%. This has a value to the farmer at both ends of the chain as it is more costeffective to buy and there is less waste to dispose of.”

Building awareness around the initiative in agriculture and horticulture, while engaging with farmers and government, will create buy-in across

partnership to improve agri-plastic recycling

the whole industry. APE UK has partnered with agri-plastic producers, as well as distributors such as Carrs Billington, Mole Valley and Wynnstay.

KUHN will be exhibiting at the Welsh Grassland event, where more information on the partnership, and innovative ways to reduce wrap use, will be

available to visitors. On the KUHN stand will be an FB 3135 with film binding, and an FBP 3135 with film binding and 3D wrapping. Alongside this will be FC 3125 and FC 3115 mowers, a GF 8703 tedder, a GA 8131 rake, while a RW 1810 wrapper will also be at the event.

Bobcat Products Make Exciting Debuts at Hillhead 2024

Bobcat is showing new products for the first time at the Hillhead 2024 Exhibition in Hillhead Quarry in Buxton in the UK from 25-27 June 2024. They include the Super Compact TL25.60 telehandler, the T86 compact track loader and the S650 skid-steer loader. The stand display will also include the topof-the-range T40.180SLP 18 m telehandler, the L85 compact wheel loader, the E10z, E27z and E60 mini-excavators, T590 and S76 compact loaders and models from the Bobcat portable power, compaction and material handling ranges.

John Christofides, Regional Sales Director for Bobcat EMEA, said: “We are very much looking forward to the Hillhead exhibition, where visitors will be able to the see the very latest from Bobcat. As our stand at Hillhead will show, Bobcat offers solutions for all types of job sites both big and small, for customers in construction, rental, quarrying and many other industries.”

The New TL25.60 Super Compact Telehandler

As the smallest machine in the range, the new TL25.60 brings the number of rigid frame telehandlers from Bobcat for construction, rental and general handling to 13 models. The new

TL25.60 telehandler has been designed for simplicity of use, excellent stability, optimum comfort and safe operation in any type of application. The TL25.60 is powered by a 75 HP Bobcat Stage V engine. The machine has a lift capacity of 2500 kg, offers a maximum lift height of 5.9 m and a maximum reach of 3.3 m. The BobTach carriage (manual or hydraulic) increases versatility by allowing the TL25.60 to utilise attachments designed for the Bobcat loader range.

John Christofides continued: “Because job sites are becoming ever tighter on space, telehandlers must also become more compact and agile. We have designed the TL25.60 to not only meet this demand but to be the best compact machine on the market, with the same cab that is used in larger models in the range.”

Top-of-the-Range T86 Compact Track Loader

Delivering a higher engine and hydraulic output, the Bobcat T86 is the most powerful compact loader the company has ever built. The T86 uses a well-proven Stage Vcompliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine –producing 78 kW (105 HP) at 2600 RPM. Just like all R-Series loaders, the engine is mounted inline with direct drive, which improves the cooling capacity of the engine and hydraulic components.

This change increases reliability in high-intensity applications such as road construction and forestry work.

John Christofides commented: “The T86 has set new industry standards in every area, from in-cab comfort and safety to available power and attachment versatility. The T86 takes what is possible with compact loaders to a whole new level.”

New Version of S650 Skid-Steer Loader

Hillhead provides the first sight in the UK of the new S650 Stage V skid-steer loader, which has been developed for use in European markets. The D24 engine in the S650, which features a Bosch fuel-injection system, delivers a power output of 55.3 kW (74.2 HP), providing superior performance while adhering to strict emission regulations.

The S650 loader has a vertical lift path, combining a lift height of 3.1 m, with a rated operating capacity of 1227 kg and a tipping load of 2455 kg for truck loading and pallet handling. Its wide attachments range also opens up many new applications where very high lift capacity, but with a compact-sized loader, are important.

Bobcat Compact Wheel Loader Range

The L85 on the Hillhead stand and the L75 model were launched in 2021 and 2022, respectively, marking Bobcat’s entry into the Compact Wheel Loader market and the company’s portfolio has recently been extended with the introduction of the new top-of-the-range L95 model.

With the expanded compact wheel loader portfolio, Bobcat has the largest loader selection of any manufacturer in the world. Bobcat compact wheel

loaders are ideal for construction, landscaping, rental, aggregates, industrial, waste, recycling, road work, snow removal, maintenance and many other applications, including agriculture.

In the L85, high performance is assured by the combination of the powerful Bobcat engine and the hydraulics. This is complemented by the high stability, breakout, push and pull forces and a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments. There are multiple Bobcat loader attachments approved for use on the L85, including a general purpose bucket, light material buckets, a combination bucket, pallet forks and angle broom and snowblower attachments, making the L85 a truly multi-purpose machine.

A Growing Product Range

With the addition of the S650, the Bobcat range offers 12 skid-steer loader models, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the T86 top-ofthe-range model. Bobcat also offers an extensive portfolio of mini-excavators from 1.0 to 9 tonne, including two electric models and a new range of rotary telehandlers, complementing the wide selection of rigid frame models.

As will be reflected by the stand at Hillhead 2024, Bobcat has recently introduced a full line of forklifts and warehouse equipment, alongside a complete portable power range of air compressors and electrical generators. Bobcat also offers a range of ground maintenance equipment, including compact tractors, mowers and turf equipment, alongside a comprehensive line-up of light compaction products, including rollers and vibratory plates.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com

Kverneland UK offers more Siloking feeding options

Ahost of updates are available across Kverneland’s Siloking feeder range, including a new range of batterypowered eTrucks, a stepless auger gearbox on trailed models and the ability to run self-propelled diesel models on HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

This second generation of Siloking eTruck models now includes capacities from 12-20 cubic metres, and unlike its predecessor, the latest range has been designed from the outset around a robust, high-tech 20 cube model.

The revised design concept is said to make it easier to produce smaller eTruck models, using the same engineering featured in the range-topping 20 cube machine, rather than upscaling a 12-cube model into larger capacity versions.

With a high-tech approach, the eTruck sheds its former lead-acid battery power in favour of advanced battery technology with lithium ion phosphorous cells, creating a 96-volt batteryelectric vehicle (BEV). This advanced BEV technology affords low-noise, zero-emission feeding that can deliver from two to four mixings

without recharging, and offer a projected battery life of 3,000-5,000 full charge cycles.

The eTruck uses Siloking’s 4.0 SelfLine cab, though centrally mounted at the front of the eTruck chassis. Prices start at £188,000 for the 12 cubic metre capacity eTruck 2012.

High capacity TrailedLine mixers, which offer twin and triple auger designs, are available with Variospeed – a stepless gearbox that is said to require less horsepower to drive and need a lower start-up torque to engage. It is a development that

allows larger capacity mixers to be operated without the need for ever more powerful tractors.

Three pre-defined auger speeds can be selected to suit cutting, mixing and emptying, with push-button control available, along with remote activation from the telehandler used for loading. The benefits of Variospeed can include reduced fuel consumption, easier speed changes for enhanced mixing efficiency, plus lower driveline vibration.

BKT takes the field with POWERTRAILER SR 331 A new tire for transportation activities combining fuel economy and durability

The new All Steel radial tire made by the Indian multinational has been specifically designed for agricultural road transport operations

BKT officially unveils

POWERTRAILER SR 331, the All Steel radial tire, which has been announced a few months ago and is taking the field among the company’s flagship products. As a matter of fact, the leading Off-Highway tire manufacturer has a portfolio of more than 3,600 products making it the most comprehensive tire range available on the market.

is a positive contribution in favor of the environment" - comments Piero Torassa, Field Engineering Manager at BKT.

This tire features also good flotation properties that help reduce soil compaction by preventing soil damage and preserving its structure. Meanwhile, the lower rolling resistance ensures savings in fuel consumption and, as a result, in costs.

POWERTRAILER SR 331 is the novelty the agricultural world has been waiting for: a solution specifically designed to meet the evolving needs that are typical of trailer and tanker transport applications. It is indeed particularly suitable for road transport operations, ensuring excellent performance and efficient operations.

"POWERTRAILER SR 331 is a highly innovative and superb solution in terms of performance, especially on the road, exceeding our expectations and showcasing BKT’s commitment to providing high-quality products. By means of this new tire, we want to ensure a superior level of the overall end-user experience. In fact, compared to similar solutions available on the market, POWERTRAILER SR 331 distinguishes itself for its durability and strength, but it actually stands out as a synonym for fuel economy. This

Another key feature of POWERTRAILER SR 331 is its excellent stability, even at high speeds, during the most demanding handling situations, such as cornering or traffic circles where significant weight transfer occurs. Moreover, the AllSteel construction ensures excellent transportation performance even at high load capacities, whilst the special sidewall rib provides excellent protection against impacts and tire rubbing effects. In addition, the hexagonal bead with chafer reinforcement makes sure that the tire perfectly fits to the rim.

Also not to be underestimated are the operator’s advantages, who, thanks to the multi-block tread design, can benefit from excellent driving comfort and smooth roadability, even in wet conditions. Besides, the tread design ensures uniform wear, reducing tractor-induced vibration phenomena.

POWERTRAILER SR 331 is just the latest innovation from BKT, confirming the company’s remarkable progress in its research and development activities aiming at advanced solutions to meet the complex demands of farming transportation.

HB Dennis bags five-star reviews with TreadReader

HB Dennis Airside Service has boosted transparency and bagged rave customer reviews with TreadReader’s DriveOver ramp tyre measurement system.

Based north of Dublin, close to the city’s airport, the garage specialises in Land Rovers and operates a low-volume, high-quality business model.

It installed TreadReader’s DriveOver ramp in May 2021, following a recommendation, and has found it to be not only a precision tool for assessing tyre condition, but also a boon for customer service.

“In the past, I’ve known incidents where people don’t believe you when you say their vehicle needs new tyres. They think you’re just trying to sell them something,” says HB’s director, Laurence Poole. “The system gives us a lot of transparency.

width of the tyre and 50-60mm around it, the system achieves a level of accuracy and consistency far greater than conventional analogue and digital gauges, or competitor systems which only take a single-line scan.

It generates a printout of all four tyres, which we give to each client. They can see a 3D image of the tread, which highlights different zones across each tyre and displays the depth. It’s really quite a thorough and clever piece of kit.”

“The ramp is positioned at the front of the workshop, so the camera shows the vehicles coming in, which adds an extra layer of evidence for the client. From an operational perspective, it speeds up our ability to do a tyre tread inspection and the accuracy is excellent.”

Each scan carried out by the DriveOver ramp inspects up to 400,000 measurement points with accuracy to within 0.2mm. By scanning the full

TreadReader DriveOver is suitable for all workshops, car dealers and tyre suppliers, irrespective of the size of the operation.TreadReader Drive Over is available as a surface mounted system, as fitted at Airside Service which requires no groundworks or a flush in-ground system.

For Laurence, the DriveOver ramp’s chief benefit is customer service. He describes an occasion where a client wanted to check whether their vehicle actually needed new tyres, and the system was able to provide an immediate and definitive answer in seconds.

“We had a client come in one day who had been told, by a different garage, that they needed new tyres. We said, ‘just drive over this; it’s a free test and it only takes a moment’. I looked at the results and said ‘no, you don’t need new tyres’.

“We got a five-star Google review because we were honest, and they became a regular client. This just gives us that layer of transparency and honesty that we need in the industry. It’s been a great tool for us.”

The garage is planning to expand into airport parking, offering a concierge collection service with ‘while-you-travel’ vehicle repairs. It intends to install an additional DriveOver ramp at its forthcoming offairport parking site.

SChanging of the guard for Suzuki ATV

uzuki GB has announced a change to the management support team for its ATV products and national network of Authorised Dealers.

James Tonks has been promoted to Sales Manager for both Suzuki’s ATV and Marine product groups and steps up to replace the long-serving Harvey Day, who is retiring after 21 years with the Japanese manufacturer.

Joining Suzuki GB in 2003 as an Area Sales Manager, Harvey has been an integral part of Suzuki’s continued success and growth in the agricultural and land management industries, with its KingQuad range of ATVs. Indeed, in recent years, he has overseen product planning for both Suzuki’s ATV and Marine product portfolios.

Harvey’s retirement has paved the way for the promotion of James Tonks, who has been with Suzuki since starting on the Sales Desk in 2019. He then moved into an Account Manager role in October 2020 and in that time he has built up an excellent rapport with

Suzuki’s Dealers throughout the UK.

Commenting on his time at Suzuki, Harvey said, “I can’t quite work out where the last 21 years have gone! It’s been an absolute pleasure working for the best company in the industry and I would like to thank all of my customers past and present for their support. We’ve had some real fun.”

James Tonks said, “I am super-excited about my new role, and I couldn’t have asked for a better handover from Harvey. He is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people I have ever met, and I wish him well for his retirement.”

Mark Beeley, Head of ATV and Marine for Suzuki GB, summarised by saying, “Although we are very sad to see Harvey go, this is a positive change, and I am sure James will do brilliantly in this new role. I would also like to pay tribute to Harvey’s contribution to Suzuki over the last 21 years, which has been fantastic. He will always be part of our team,

but I hope he can now enjoy more time on the golf course!”

Suzuki’s range currently comprises of three core versatile models; the KingQuad 500 and 500XP as well as the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes independent suspension and power steering). The range also includes special edition 500XPZ and 750XPZ models, which come with alloy wheels and in two unique colours – True Timber Kinati Camo and Matt Rocky Grey.

These robust utility ATVs are the culmination of years of refinement and their high levels of technical specification and ease of handling

give riders confidence on any terrain, making them suitable for several applications including hill and lowland farming, estate management and use on equestrian properties.

Suzuki’s position as one of the leading suppliers of ATVs to the UK agricultural and land-management markets is further strengthened by its security package that includes the CESAR forensic marking system from Datatag and a Thatcham accredited tracking and immobiliser system from Datatool as standard.

For more information on Suzuki’s KingQuads, visit:atv.suzuki.co.uk

Corvus coverage in Cornwall

BOSS ORV has announced the appointment of dealer J&R Agricultural Engineering Ltd. in Cornwall as the latest to join the Corvus team. J&R Agricultural is a tractor and machinery sales and repair business incorporating ATV and UTV sales and service. The company is based in the Looe area in South East Cornwall and has over thirty years in the industry covering Cornwall and South Devon. They will sell and support the full Corvus Terrain range of diesel and electric UTVs.

“I would like to give a big welcome to Jonathan, Ann-Marie, Richard, and all the team at J&R Agricultural Engineering.” Says BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “Their joining in the Corvus dealer network perfectly fits our goal of providing Corvus coverage, sales, and service into the furthest reaches of the UK.”

J&R says they pride themselves on their personal touch with sales and service being predominantly

covered by the same people, giving a seamless connection to the end user. This, they say, has proved to be a very successful approach in securing future business and building a good relationship with customers. Something, they add, that they think is disappearing with many larger dealers these days.

“Phil Everett at BOSS ORV is also focused on personal service and customer care,” says J&R’s Jonathan Philp, “which appealed to us at J&R and we were delighted to be given the opportunity to offer the range of Corvus UTV’s to our customers. With our first DX4 full cab model arriving and being retailed the very next day, we are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with BOSS ORV and the Corvus brand.”

For more information you can call 01785 561046

E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv. co.uk

Polaris Off Road announces new £1000 demo offer on the RANGER Diesel

Polaris UK is pleased to announce a new offer on the full-size RANGER UTV lineup: Any customer who demos a full-size diesel model receives a £1000 contribution towards their purchase*.

The Ride and Save offer – available now and running until 31st August 2024 – invites customers to experience the versatility and reliability of Polaris RANGER UTVs on a test ride. To qualify for this promotion, customers need only to visit their local authorised Polaris dealer and book in for a demo test ride of a RANGER Diesel.

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK said:“We know that seat time is crucial when making a well-informed purchasing decision. With our new demo offer, customers can be sure they have made the right choice with the added bonus of a discounted purchase price. This year sees our strongest RANGER lineup ever, so we hope this new retail offer will appeal to potential customers who want to experience this first-hand –regardless of whether they're completely new to the brand or existing customers who are considering an upgrade."

With over 20 years of RANGER DNA behind it, the 2024 Polaris RANGER line-up embodies unparalleled performance and durability. Continuously pushing the industry forward, the fullsize RANGER range boasts class-leading towing and payload capabilities and with the introduction of the RANGER Diesel in 2019 – the result of two years of research and development, fuelled by direct customer feedback -, the RANGER line-up stands as a testament to Polaris’ commitment to cutting-edge technology.

RANGER DIESEL

Durable, dependable and capable, the RANGER Diesel is the ultimate utility workhorse designed and engineered purely for the European markets. Boasting 24.8hp and 40.8 ft.lb of torque; a towing capacity of 1134kg; 730kg payload capacity and features including but not limited to Polaris' On-Demand all-wheel drive, electric power steering and Active Descent Control, the RANGER DIESEL performs to the highest standards for years to come.

*Terms and conditions apply. For for full terms and conditions visit:www.polarisbritain.com/promtions

Tom French and His Honda 520 T

hree Lincolnshire-based shepherds who previously relied on a mixed brand fleet of ATVs were so impressed by the arrival of a new Honda Foreman TRX520FA6 earlier this year, that they now run three of them.

Livestock farmer and contract shepherd Tom French has his own flock of 300 ewes and their lambs and looks after 17 additional flocks each of up to 500 lambs fattened on multiple sites within a 15-mile radius of his Whaplode base. Tom’s own sheep are mainly on grass pasture, but the other 7,000 lambs feed on vegetable and salad crop stubbles after harvesting. Some are owned by a local, large-scale farming operation and the rest are brought in to be fattened on a b&b arrangement. The sheep are mainly Texel cross, and Suffolk cross Scotch Half-bred, and lambs are Beltex crosses.

Three shepherds on ATVs

“We rely on a fleet of three ATVs,” explained Tom. “One is used from dawn to dusk every day, moving electric fences to control grazing across all the sites where we have sheep. I use my own machine to travel around the fields and check the livestock, and it’s also used for fencing when a second machine is required. The third ATV is owned and ridden by a contract shepherd who works with us frequently. When we move flocks of 500 sheep between sites or when health checks or treatments are required, then three shepherds and their dogs plus all three ATVs are needed.”

Challenging, rutted terrain

There are few steep slopes in the region, but the working environment is extremely demanding, especially after a wet vegetable harvesting season

when tractors and trailers leave deep ruts. “We couldn’t look after so many sheep without the ATVs and their ability to transport supplies and equipment over soft, uneven ground,” continued Tom. “We have to be able to erect and dismantle fences every day and check the livestock regularly, whatever the weather and ground conditions.”

This winter and spring, the persistent wet weather made ground conditions especially challenging. “Some shepherds use 4x4 pick-ups, but there is no way that they would be suitable for travel across our wet vegetable stubbles,” he added. “Tractors could be used for some jobs, but they are impractical for electric fencing and livestock checks, and the extra ruts they cause would be unacceptable.

“We have access to a large diesel, side-byside UTV, but it’s too big and heavy for this sort of work, and when it becomes stuck then retrieving it is difficult. That’s why ATVs are essential. Without them we couldn’t do what we do.”

Full change to Honda

Until recently, the fleet included two Honda Fourtrax TRX420 machines plus one of a competitor brand but, in January this year a Honda Foreman TRX520FA6 was chosen to replace one of the TRX420s. “We always got on well with the TRX420,” said

Tom, “but we found that the extra pulling power of the bigger model, as well as its increased ground clearance due to the wishbone suspension, give it a significant advantage for carrying loads and pulling trailers in the exceptionally muddy conditions. There is no need to increase engine revs or take a run up, as there is plenty of torque to keep the machine moving. It’s very easy to ride.”

a mechanical five-speed transmission with high and low speed ranges, and selectable automatic or manual gear shifting modes. Power is transferred efficiently to the wheels through reliable shafts, rather than belts or chains that require frequent maintenance.

“Most of the time we use automatic mode, leaving us free to concentrate on the terrain and everything around us,” commented Tom. “On vegetable stubbles we almost always select 4wd due to the deep ruts and loose or muddy soil. Low range and manual gear shifting are preferred for collecting the electric fencing using a wrapper mounted on the rear load rack, as it gives us precise speed control. On deep rutted ground, then we also lock the front differential which ensures maximum traction. The new TRX520FA6 ATVs as well as our previous Hondas have electric power steering. I wouldn’t buy an ATV without it now, as it makes riding much easier on undulating terrain and reduces rider fatigue.”

Dependable back-up

Tom and his team were so impressed by the new Foreman TRX520FA6 that they immediately traded in the remaining ATVs for two more of the big Hondas. “We bought them for their ability to perform so well in this year’s difficult conditions, but it’s also an advantage having three the same. If one is away for servicing then it’s easily replaced by either of the others, and users can jump on any of the machines and be completely familiar with the handling characteristics and controls,” he added.

Powerful and reliable

The Foreman TRX520FA6 is Honda’s flagship utility ATV, powered by a reliable and efficient liquid-cooled 518cc petrol engine. Drive is through

Honda main dealer, MKM Agriculture Ltd with depots in Bedfordshire and Suffolk supplied the ATVs. “We first dealt with the team in 2019, and were impressed by the dealer’s attitude and friendliness,” said Tom. “We were looked after by Sales Specialist, Benn Shields. He responded quickly dealing with our enquiries and explained differences between various brands and models without trying to push us towards anything unsuitable. When we approached him wanting to upgrade to the new TRX520FA6 models he offered us a fair price for the trade in machines, so the cost was quite reasonable.

“We will use MKM Agriculture when parts and servicing are needed too.”

Tom expects to keep his Foreman TRX520FA6 for three to four years, but the ATV used for fencing will be upgraded annually due to its much higher workload. “Our previous Honda Fourtrax 420 remained completely reliable after three years of heavy use and required much less maintenance than my competitor brand machine which had worked half as many hours,” Tom confirmed. “The Hondas are designed for a demanding working environment, rather than for leisure and are strongly made. Since using Hondas we have never had a breakdown or had to weld up a cracked frame or load racks. Now that I’ve got a Honda and experienced the better build quality and performance for myself, I wouldn’t have anything else.”

Kawasaki Brute Force Enjoys Major Updates For 2024

The established benchmark for the maximum performance sector of the ATV market, Kawasaki's 750 cm3 V-Twin Brute Force has been significantly updated for 2024 with new – even more purposeful – looks plus an array of practical and welcome standard spec additions.

Undergoing its first major update in a number of years, the 2024 model retains the universally praised high-performance 750 cm3 VTwin engine and tough, durable chassis that has made it a longtime-success, bringing it up to date with new, more powerfullooking "tough & rugged" styling.

In terms of that distinctive new look, new fenders, a new grille, a new 3D emblem, and various carefully considered design touches throughout give the

machine an eye-catching, advanced yet unmistakable tough look that makes it clear this model is still at the top of its class ready to take on all challengers.

That enhanced equipment includes TFT colour instrumentation, all-LED lighting (including a new handlebarmounted LED light), furthering the Brute Force 750's evolution into a more modern adventure and hard working ATV offering sports ability along with all-dayworking utility features.

• Southam Agri. Services For more information

The clear, easy-to-read 11cm (4.3inch) high-grade full-colour TFT LCD screen sits at the centre of the handlebars, making it simple for the rider to see speed, odometer, and other relevant information while a new LED light mounted to the handlebars turns with the 'bars and is complemented by highly effective LED headlights. And

for people to see you forging ahead, red LED rear lights are also part of the new spec. In terms of that spec, the new Brute Force will be available in European Kawasaki ATV dealers for 2024 in either a distinctive Grayish Blue colourway or Camouflage with the "camo" model enjoying the additional benefit of handguards as standard fitment.

Refreshed too, the newly designed front and rear carriers feature compatibility with the

KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) system while both include built-in tiedown points, while the rear plastic cover also incorporates antislip grooves to help keep loads in place.

Whatever the use – recreational or utility – the Brute Force owner is likely to spend many hours in the saddle, so electronic rider aids remain a core function with electrically selectable 2WD-4WD and the welcome assistance of electronic power steering while the ondemand front differential control makes directional changes plus tough climbs and descents precisely controllable.

With front disc brakes, and a fully enclosed rear brake plus double wishbone long travel suspension front and rear, the 2024 Brute Force has a standard spec that is the envy of the competition. Add an impressive inventory of tried and trusted genuine accessoriesplus that lusty work and play hungry water-cooled, fuelinjected, CVT equipped 750 cm3 V-Twin engine - and the 2024 Brute Force is set to fiercely protect its place as the default dominant leader of the ATV pack.

Isuzu UK proudly announces its outstanding feat of success at the prestigious Trade Van Driver Awards 2024, where the Isuzu D-Max clinched the coveted title of ‘Vehicle of the Year’ for the first time, along with securing the esteemed ‘Best Workhorse Pick-up’ award for the 12th consecutive year, cementing itself as the go-to commercial vehicle.

Trade Van Driver magazine unveiled the winners of the 2024 Trade Van Driver Awards, known as the Oscars of the trade van sector, showcasing the pinnacle of excellence in the industry for the 13th year running. With rigorous judging by expert panellists and readers who are actively engaged in the light commercial vehicle sector, the awards are a testament to the quality and performance of the winning vehicles.

In 2024, Isuzu D-Max secured the most prestigious title at the award, ‘Vehicle of the Year.’ The winning vehicle has to be outstanding in multiple categories, including range, value, capability, reliability, and practicability. Having a proven record of each of these, with the brand expansion to the lifestyle market and the recent announcement of the DMax BEV, Isuzu has ticked all the boxes to claim the highest title at the Trade Van Driver Awards this year.

"For the first time in the history of the Trade Van Driver Awards, a 4x4 pickup truck has won our top prize. The D-Max has blossomed from being a small player to a rising star in its sector. Models now go from the basic ‘farmer’s entry-level’ model to the outrageous Arctic Trucks AT35 edition and traders are obviously fast cottoning on to the merits of the D-Max as sales were up a massive 36% last year." said Matthew Eisenegger, Editor at Trade Van Driver.

Following the prestigious ‘Vehicle of the Year’ win, Isuzu D-Max has also been recognised as the ‘Best Workhorse Pickup’ in the market. The Japanese pick-up has now won this award for 12 consecutive years, proving decade after decade its toughness, practicality and reliability, key factors for people

requiring their pick-up to withstand the toughest of jobs.

Commenting on the ‘Best Workhorse Pick-up’ award, Eisenegger added: “Giving Isuzu a deserved double win, the D-Max takes this prize, as it has done every year since our awards started.

Even lower variant models in the range come with a stunning array of standard specifications and at a reasonable price too. Traders know full well that when they choose the D-Max, they will get a tough, durable off-roader that can take any amount of punishment and will plug on regardless for years with no problems.”

Alan Able, Isuzu UK Managing Director, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to receive the ‘Best Workhorse Pick-up’ award for the 12th year running. Winning this category is a testament to the unparalleled durability and performance Isuzu has been consistently delivering over the years. What’s more, the D-Max has also won the most prestigious award from Trade Van Driver, the

‘Vehicle of the Year’ title, marking a significant milestone for us. With the great availability of the D-Max, our customers won’t have to miss out on the proven award-winning pick-up.”

The Isuzu D-Max continues to impress with its rugged reliability, exceptional performance, and versatility, making it the top choice for tradespeople and fleet operators across the UK. With its reputation for durability and capability, the D-Max stands as a symbol of excellence in the pickup truck segment.

For more information about Isuzu UK and the award-winning D-Max range, visit www.isuzu.co.uk/ vehicles.

KGM MOTORS UK GO BEYOND EXPECTATION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW TORRES EVX

KGM Motors UK is delighted to announce the launch of Torres EVX. The C+ segment battery electric vehicle (BEV) shares the same brand-new platform of its Torres 1.5 G-Di turbocharged petrol engine variant, which was released in February 2024.

Torres EVX blends futuristic design with the robust nature of a traditional SUV, combining urban sophistication with rugged off-road capabilities. Its innovative technology and class-leading load space of 1,662 litres make Torres EVX a highly efficient choice for both city driving and off-road adventures, merging electric power with exceptional performance.

Embodying KGM's design ethos of "Powered by Toughness" Torres EVX features modern, confident lines and distinctive elements like horizontal LED daytime running lights, offering a blend of strength and sophistication.

Inside, the Torres EVX mirrors the layout of the Torres ICE, providing a sleek and spacious environment with a focus on driver visibility and convenience. The ergonomic dashboard and dual 12.3-inch digital interface minimise clutter to maximise control.

Powered by a BYD lithium iron phosphate blade battery and utilising 'cell to pack' technology, Torres EVX achieves a driving range of 287 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, suitable for daily commuting and long-distance travel. Torres EVX also includes GSR safety features complainant with EU regulations, such as intelligent speed control and safety speed assist.

Kevin Griffin, managing director of KGM UK, said; “Torres EVX is our next SUV in electric vehicle innovation. It builds on our advancements and proud SUV heritage by integrating cutting-edge technology,

unparalleled safety features, and exceptional performance, representing a significant leap forward in mobility solutions.

“We are dedicated to providing drivers with a premium driving experience that seamlessly integrates luxury, versatility, and electric performance, and Torres EVX does just that. It stands as a marker towards our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence in the UK market and leading the charge towards the future of electric mobility."

Built on a versatile platform designed for multiple drive trains, Torres EVX allows drivers to embrace the brand's SUV and 4x4 heritage while experiencing the latest in EV technology. Equipped with a 3-in-1 EV motor system, BYD blade battery, integrated 3-in-1 power conversion module, and 'shift-by-wire' toggle switch for gear control, Torres EVX ensures both safety and convenience.

Torres EVX also comes with a 1 million km battery warranty*, allowing customers to drive

with confidence on every journey. Plus, customisable and fast charging enhances the driver's charging experience, and a vehicle-toload (V2L) connector provides power for outdoor appliances straight from the car's battery.

The spacious interior offers comfort and contemporary design, complemented by standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, front USB and AUX ports, TomTom navigation, and wireless phone charging. Torres EVX K40 also includes a 3D 360˚ 'surround view' monitoring system that ensures safe and easy parking.

With ample cabin and load space, Torres EVX sets an industry standard for luggage capacity and storage ranging up to 1,662 litres. Additionally, it boasts a towing capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes and competitive approach and departure angles for off-road driving.

The decisive progress Audi is making in premium sustainable mobility is embodied by the new Q6 SUV e-tron quattro and SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro, which are open for UK order today and priced at £68,975 (MDP) and £92,950 (MDP) respectively. Notable as the first Audi production models to be built on the advanced new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Q6 etron and SQ6 e-tron move the needle for the Vorsprung durch Technik brand in virtually every area, from performance, driving range, and charging to design, dynamics, and technological sophistication.

Among the headline attributes for the first phase of launch models are a driving range of up to 381 miles, superfast charging at up to 270kW courtesy of 800-volt technology, and exceptional connectivity, infotainment, and driver assistance systems facilitated by the increased computing power of new E31.2 electronic architecture.

“The Audi Q6 e-tron represents the true embodiment of Vorsprung durch Technik as we take the next step in our transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility,” commented

Andrew Doyle, Director Audi UK. “It’s arrival not only brings huge advancements in battery recharging, on-board technology, and driving dynamics, but also signals the start of Audi’s most ambitious product initiative in history.”

From launch in the UK, two models will initially be available to order: the Q6 SUV e-tron quattro and SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro. The former is available with a choice of Sport, S line or Edition 1 specification options, with the flagship S model available in Edition 1 specification.

Later in 2024, the model line-up will expand to include an entry-level variant called the Q6 SUV etron (£59,975 MDP). This rear-wheel drive version uses a smaller 83kWh (gross) battery pack. It will be joined by an additional rear-wheel model called the Q6 SUV e-tron performance (£63,475 MDP), which will use the larger 100kWh (gross) battery.

NB: Official test (WLTP) figures for electric range and consumption for the Q6 SUV e-tron and Q6 SUV e-tron performance powertrains are not yet available.Please consult an Audi Centre for further information.

New powertrain naming structure

The launch of this pivotal new electrified Audi will also herald the introduction of a simplified naming convention for the powertrain-related element of the brand’s model classifications, replacing the existing tiered numerical structure.

The entry-level, rear-wheel version of Audi’s midsize electric SUV will simply be designated as Q6 e-tron Sport, S line, or Edition 1. The more powerful rear-wheel drive version will be classified as Q6 e-tron performance Sport, performance S line or performance Edition 1.

The Q6 SUV e-tron quattro drivetrain will power the first phase of UK launch models. With motors mounted on the front and rear axles driving all four wheels, they will be fittingly named Q6 e-tron quattro Sport, quattro S line, or quattro Edition 1.

The SQ6 e-tron quattro

With 490PS, a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.4 seconds and all-wheel-driven agility courtesy of its twinmotor configuration, the SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro is another worthy standard bearer for the timehonoured Audi S badge in its transition to the electrified age. Engaging launch control unlocks the maximum power output of 517PS, reducing the 0-62mph sprint to 4.3 seconds. As the second variant to spearhead the new SUV’s UK introduction, it will be available as the SQ6 SUV etron quattro Edition 1. Additional equipment for the flagship S model includes adaptive air suspension, a panoramic roof and OLED taillights.

Exceptional infotainment and equipment levels

The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display, which is a standard feature of all Q6 SUV e-tron models, is the cabin’s technological focal point. It has a curved design and incorporates the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch screen. All Edition 1 models combine this with a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger touch display. It enables front-seat passengers to stream content and use infotainment and navigation features completely independently thanks to its Active Privacy Mode, which prevents it from distracting the driver while on the move.

This state-of-the-art infotainment system forms part of an impressive level of standard specification across the line-up, which includes the new integrated Audi app store giving access to a wide range of popular third-party apps, MMI navigation plus, Audi connect internet-based services, wireless smartphone charging, and the Audi Assistant. This new, deeply integrated, selflearning digital voice assistant is AI-supported and, via an avatar in the MMI, can be used to vocally control numerous vehicle functions. It understands more than 800 voice commands and continuously

learns from user behaviour.

Technology specifically geared towards aiding the driver while on the move is plentiful too, including assistants for everything from parallel parking and exiting junctions to reversing out of perpendicular spaces into flowing traffic and changing lanes on multi-lane carriageways.

Naturally, comfort is prioritised just as highly, with the Sport specification also including highlights such as sport seats in twin leather upholstery, comfort key for keyless entry, heating for the front and outer rear seats and steering wheel, and threezone climate control with comfort remote preconditioning. This useful feature enables cabin warming or cooling to be initiated remotely well before the vehicle is occupied.

S line models retain their Sport counterparts’ standard comfort suspension and combine this with a wheel upgrade from the Sport model’s 19-inch 5twin-spoke to a 20-inch 5-arm-structure design. They naturally also feature the much-loved S line styling hallmarks inside and out, including a new flat top and bottom steering wheel.

Moving up to Edition 1 specification introduces sport suspension and brings another wheel upgrade to a 21-inch 5-Y-spoke design in metallic black, which contrasts with red brake calipers and is complemented by a black styling pack. The standard LED headlights are upgraded to Matrix LED units incorporating redesigned daytime running lights, offering a total of up to eight active digital light signatures.

As well as the inclusion of the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger touch display, the Edition 1 equipment list also adds interior refinements such as super sport seats in diamond-stitched Dinamica microfibre and leather combination upholstery, Dinamica microfibre trim for the upper and lower dashboard elements, full electric front seat adjustment, and a front-seat massage function.

In keeping with its position as the performance flagship of the range, the SQ6 e-tron quattro Edition 1 combines additional equipment, including S-specific adaptive air suspension, panoramic roof, OLED taillights and S-specific exterior styling.

Added technology with Sound and Vision Pack

Sport, S line, and Edition 1 versions of the Q6 SUV e-tron quattro will be equipped at no extra cost with the new Sound and Vision pack for orders placed before June 30, 2025. It will be offered as an optional extra (£3,195) for the Q6 SUV e-tron and Q6 SUV e-tron performance variants. It includes the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with headrest speakers, the Augmented Reality HeadUp Display, uprated USB ports with increased charging capacity, and the Ambient lighting

package plus, which incorporates a dynamic interaction light (IAL) supporting the car's interaction with its occupants and spans the interior and cockpit as a broad arc.

Please see below for launch model technical data and a comprehensive overview of standard equipment trim by trim.

*Order before June 30, 2025 to receive inclusive Sound & Vision pack with the Audi Q6 SUV e-tron quattro. After this date the pack will be available as an optional extra at additional cost (£3,195). UK customers only.

Audi Q6 SUV e-tron UK specification key features by trim

Sport

• On-board charger up to 11 kW (AC)

• On-board charger up to 270 kW (DC)

• Mode 3 and industrial connectors

• e-tron charging system compact

• Electrically-powered charging port (AC & DC)

• Second charging port (AC)

• Plug & Charge (conditions apply)

• Heat pump

• 19" x 8.0J | 9.0J 5-twin-spoke 'dynamic' style graphite grey, gloss turned alloy wheels with 235/60 | 255/55 R19 tyres

• Comfort suspension

• LED headlights plus including digital daytime running lights

• LED rear lights pro, including dynamic rear indicators and illuminated light strip with animated coming and leaving home function

• Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, automatically dimming on both sides

• Logo projection light in door mirrors

• Electrically opening and closing luggage compartment lid

• Contrast bumpers in Mythos black metallic paint finish

• Roof rails in black

• Front Sport seats in Twin leather with integrated headrests

• Heated front and outer rear seats

• Three-zone automatic climate control including comfort remote preconditioning

• Heated, twin-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with touch control and shift paddles

• Softwrap in Twin leather with contrast stitching

• Upper and lower interior elements in leatherette plus

• Ambient lighting package (white)

• Progressive steering with servotronic

• Audi drive select

• MMI navigation plus with high resolution 14.5" OLED touchscreen colour display

• Audi virtual cockpit plus with 11.9" OLED colour display

• Audi connect navigation and entertainment (three-year subscription)

• Audi assistant

• Audi App Store and Smartphone Interface

• Phone compartment with wireless charging

• Comfort key with safelock

• Parking system plus with 360° display

• Park Assist Plus

• Adaptive cruise control

• Intersection, turn, rear turn, cross traffic and swerve assist

• Lane change assistant and exit warning system

• Lane departure warning

• Top View Camera

• Sound and Vision Pack* including:

Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound and integrated headrest speakers

Augmented reality head-up display

Ambient lighting package plus including dynamic interaction light

Increased charging capacity for USB ports

*Order before June 30, 2025 to receive inclusive Sound & Vision pack with the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro. After this date the pack will be available as an optional extra at additional cost. UK customers only.

S line (over Sport)

• 20" x 8.5J | 10.0J '5-arm' structure style, graphite grey, gloss turned alloy wheels with 255/50 | 285/45 R20 tyres

• S line exterior styling and S line bumpers in contrasting Mythos black metallic

• Red S line rhombus badging at rear

• Privacy glass

• Headlining in black cloth and 'S' embossing for front sport seats

• Heated, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel flattened on top and bottom with touch control, shift paddles and 'S' badging

Edition 1 (over S line)

• 21" x 9.0J | 10.0J 5-Y-spoke 'dynamic' style, metallic black, gloss turned Audi Sport alloy wheels with 255/45 | 285/40 R21 tyres

• Sport suspension

• e-tron sports sound

• Matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights including eight active digital light signature options

• Black styling package plus

• Red brake calipers

• Full Paint finish

• MMI 10.9" front passenger touch display

• Front Sport seats plus in Dinamica microfibre/ leather combination with diamond stitching

• Electrically adjustable front seats with pneumatically adjustable lumbar support and massage function

• Softwrap in Dinamica microfibre with contrast stitching

• Upper and lower elements in Dinamica microfibre

• Proactive passenger protection system for front, sides and rear

Audi SQ6 SUV e-tron UK specification key features by trim

S Edition 1 (over standard Edition 1)

• S adaptive air suspension

• S exterior styling

• Digital OLED tailights including communication light and offering eight active digital light signature options

• Panoramic sunroof

• Front Sport seats plus in Fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching

• Electric steering wheel adjustment

• Adaptive cruise assist plus with steering intervention

• Sound and Vision Pack

Hyundai Motor Company today reaffirmed its global design leadership by winning a prestigious 2024 Red Dot Award for the SANTA FE in the Product Design: Cars and Motorcycles category.

By winning one of the world’s top three design awards, Hyundai Motor demonstrates the excellence of its customer-centric, lifestyledriven design.

“We feel a tremendous sense of honor to receive acknowledgment from the Red Dot Design Awards for these significant vehicles and innovations,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design. “This recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication exhibited by our team of visionary designers, who poured their unwavering passion and commitment into this project, alongside our collaborative engineers at the R&D center. It highlights the remarkable competitiveness of Hyundai’s design identity within the global market.”

With its ‘Open for More’ design concept, the fifth-generation SANTA FE midsize SUV accommodates outdoor pursuits by offering a class-leading, terrace-like living space at the rear made possible by its extended wheelbase and enlarged tailgate opening. This longer wheelbase also facilitates enhanced third-row seating, ensuring a comfortable ride.

The all-new SANTA FE features a boxy shape and distinctive silhouette derived from its long wheelbase and wide tailgate area. The front of the vehicle creates a grandeur with its high hood, H-shaped headlamps and bold fenders. The H-shaped design elements reinterpret Hyundai’s ‘H’ emblem. The lengthened wheelbase accommodates a bold roofline, powerful volume around the fenders, sharply defined wheel arches, shortened front overhang and 21-inch wheels. The rear end is balanced and simplified with H-shaped taillights.

The interior offers generous living space and a terrace-like feel when the tailgate is open. The foldable second- and third-row seats provide

class-leading interior space. The refined interior emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines with an H-motif design. High-tech features include a Panoramic Curved Display and dual wireless charging. Sustainable materials are incorporated, including recycled plastic and ecofriendly leatherette. The colors of the interior and exterior are inspired by natural light, bringing inspiration and vitality to everyday life and adventures.

Hyundai Motor also won a Red Dot Award in the Product Design: Outdoor and Camping Equipment category with its Multi-Lantern. This versatile product combines two features to cater to different user needs. It functions as a portable flashlight for outdoor activities and can also transform into a warm color mood light when used with a translucent light diffuser.

The Multi-Lantern reflects the company’s aim to create products that users will cherish for a long time, incorporating familiar materials as design motifs to provide a fresh, updated look. For the Multi-Lantern, the designers used the ‘Horongbul,’ a Korean traditional light, as a motif, which visually and symbolically conveys a sense of stability and warmth to users through its shape and visual elements.

The Multi-Lantern has an intuitive, user-friendly interface that prioritizes convenience and usability. Its operation is practically effortless, with no complicated settings, just relying on a single button. Its practical features include USB C-type charging and wireless charging. When fully charged, it can provide a maximum brightness for up to five hours and a minimum brightness for up to 35 hours.

To ensure durability and versatility, the MultiLantern has been certified as dustproof and waterproof with an IP65 rating. This certification guarantees that the product can withstand harsh external environments and inclement weather conditions without any issues.

Hosted by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, the Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. The award breaks down into three different disciplines — Product Design, Brand & Communication Design and Design Concept — to better appraise the diversity in the field of design. The Red Dot Award: Design Concept invites designers, design studios, companies, and universities to challenge the status quo and present their most exciting design concepts and prototypes to an international panel of design experts. For more information about Red Dot, please visit https://www. red-dot.org/

Isuzu UK is excited to sponsor the final of the fourth-oldest national cup competition in the world, the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

On 4 May regular Irish Cup finalists Linfield face Cliftonville, who are looking to win the trophy for the first time since 1979. The match has attracted significant interest as the two teams will compete in front of a sell-out crowd of 15,000 at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

The Isuzu D-Max reflects many of the key characteristics in the competition. Rugged determination and dependability are paramount to the success of both teams’ path to the final, as well as the D-Max being a reliable workhorse. Complete with a payload of over one tonne and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, the Isuzu D-Max is the perfect teammate.

Ahead of the final, Regional Sales Manager at Isuzu UK, Alan Coyle, said: “It is a privilege to be partners of the Irish Cup for the second year. Our values of strength, resilience and dependability have been reflected in the efforts of both teams to reach the final. This year’s final promises to be a historic occasion and I am very excited to see how it plays out.”

The Pick-Up Professionals are embarking on their second year as partners of the historic competition, and it is set to be a historic final as the teams last met each other in the decider exactly 90 years ago. The two stalwarts of Northern Ireland football promise to deliver excitement and drama as the intriguing story of their journeys unfolds.

Linfield are hoping to claim their 45th Irish Cup, while Cliftonville are looking to break a sequence of 45 years without an Irish Cup win. And there was little to separate the teams in the race for the Irish Premiership title this season as Linfield finished second and Cliftonville third.

Stephen Bogle, Head of Commercial Operations at the Irish Football Association, said: “We strongly welcome Isuzu UK’s enthusiasm and participation in domestic football in Northern Ireland. We have a great contest on our hands given the history of the two clubs, coupled with the 90year-long wait for them to meet again in the final, and it makes for a truly enthralling spectacle.”

Isuzu UK is heavily engaged with football in Northern Ireland, with dealerships getting actively involved with their local clubs, many of which include sponsorship deals and promotional matchday activations. Consistent with the Pick-Up Professionals’ goal of driving domestic football across the UK, Isuzu is also the title sponsor of the Isuzu FA Vase and Trophy.

Isuzu UK, the leading name in rugged and reliable vehicles, unveils groundbreaking findings from its latest research study, shedding light on the deep affection pick-up, 4X4 or SUV owners have for their cars, compared to those who drive other vehicles.

The study, commissioned by Isuzu UK and conducted by leading research experts, surveyed a diverse cross-section of British drivers to uncover their feelings and attitudes towards their cars and found that two-thirds (65%) of pick-up, 4X4 or SUV owners LOVE their wheels, compared to just 43% of owners of other types of vehicles.

The results are nothing short of astounding, showcasing the passionate bond between pick-up, 4X4 and SUV owners and their vehicles.

According to owners of vehicles different to pickups, SUVs and 4x4s the main reasons they dislike their cars are because they are too small (25%), look cheap (25%), lack the fun factor when driving (24%) and don’t have any modern features (22%).

One in five (20%) hate the fact that their car uses too much fuel, while a further 19% say it is simply an uncomfortable drive and doesn’t speed up quicker enough.

Isuzu. Do not miss out on the love affair that bigger vehicle owners enjoy.

Owners of vehicles different to pick-ups, SUVs and 4x4s aired their grievances, with nearly a quarter (24.5%) bemoaning their car's size, while 23% found their rides lacking the fun factor.

George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, weighed in on the findings, stating: "Our study underscores the enduring appeal of the Isuzu DMax pick-up, the epitome of rugged versatility. It’s no surprise that pick-up owners are head over wheels in love with their vehicles. The D-Max offers unmatched performance, style, and reliability,

making it the natural choice for those who demand more from their drive. It can even pick-up their mood."

It’s no surprise that nearly a quarter (23.5%) of those surveyed yearn for a fresher set of wheels, dreaming of the day they can upgrade to a newer model. Over three-quarters (77%) of participants cited cost as the primary barrier to upgrading, while 14% found themselves stuck in the habit of driving the same car for years.

In contrast, a staggering 65% of pick-up, 4X4 and SUV owners professed their adoration for their vehicles, showcasing a remarkable attachment to their wheels.

In fact, pick-up, 4X4 and SUV owners are 21% more likely to love their car if it is a rugged, reliable

With one in ten (10%) admitting they regularly feel car envy, it is clear that the grass is greener on the pick-up, SUV and 4x4 side of the road.

Do not let car envy get the best of you! Join the ranks of pick-up, 4X4, and SUV owners who have found automotive bliss with Isuzu UK. Find your nearest dealership today and experience the thrill of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up for yourself at www. isuzu.co.uk/find-a-dealer.

This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Isuzu UK and conducted by Prospectus Global in March 2024.

INEOS Automotive has launched the Grenadier Commercial in the UK, a customised version of the 4X4 that qualifies owners to reclaim VAT and receive lower benefit in kind (BIK) tax rates.

Replacing the existing two-seat Utility Wagon in the model line-up, the new Grenadier Commercial features a full-length flat floor with a robust floor-toroof cargo barrier behind the two front seats, and can carry a standard 1,200mm x 800mm Euro pallet. Aimed at those who need a 4X4 for professional use, the vehicle has a braked 3.5tonne towing capacity, more than 2,000 litres of load space and 5.5 tonnes of winching power for recovering itself or other vehicles.

The Grenadier Commercial will be immediately identifiable by the features that qualify it for VAT exemption, which includes replacing the rear passenger windows with aluminium panels, blacked out glazing on the 30:70 split rear doors

and permanently disabled chassis mounting points to prevent a second row of seats being added.

George Ratcliffe, Commercial Director, INEOS Automotive, comments, “Customers in the UK have been asking for this addition to our model line-up since we launched in 2022, so we’re pleased to make this available so quickly. The versatility of the Grenadier platform allows this level of modification without any compromise to the driving dynamics or off-road capabilities.”

Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the INEOS Grenadier is the ideal companion for those who need a hardworking vehicle that still provides modern comfort and refinement. The backbone of the Grenadier is a full box-section ladder frame chassis, with heavyduty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case and up to three locking differentials. It is powered by a BMW 3.0-litre turbo-charged inline six-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine, which has been specifically calibrated for this application.

The Grenadier Commercial will be built in Hambach, France, at the manufacturing facility INEOS Automotive acquired from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021, with conversion undertaken in the UK by Pontypool-based engineering specialists EDC Limited.

The body-on-frame construction of the Grenadier has provided huge versatility for customisation, with the five-seat double cab Chassis variant of the Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up aimed at specialist vehicle converters and commercial body

builders worldwide starting production later this month.

Prices for the Grenadier Commercial will start at £51,931 excluding VAT and OTR, with orders opening on 2 May 2024. Customers can register their interest at https://ineosgrenadier.com/en/gb/ grenadier-commercial-register-interest.

To find out more about Grenadier prices, technical specifications and options, visit www. ineosgrenadier.com.

Kia UK has won a brace of awards at the coveted AM Awards 2024, for the EV9 and Sportage.

The AM Awards are independently judged by AM’s readers and then analysed by an expert panel of judges before being audited by UHY Hacker Young. The awards ceremony was held at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on Thursday, 2 May.

EV of the Year – Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 won the top electric car award, as ‘EV of the Year’. Judges praised the fully electric seven-seat SUV for its uncompromising space, comfort and premium-grade equipment.

Tim Rose, Editor of AM, said: “Kia has brought many superb new cars to the UK in recent

years, but the fully electric EV9 is its most exciting yet. Even though it is Kia’s highest priced model ever, our dealer readers are confident there’s a place in the market for it and voted it the best new ‘EV of the Year’. The EV9 is a truly impressive large electric SUV that is ideal for bigger families which want to cut their carbon footprint without compromising on space, comfort and premiumgrade equipment.”

Winner of both the ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘UK Car of the Year’, the EV9 is Kia’s latest flagship model. The SUV is available with three trim grades and six- or sevenseat configurations. Built on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), the car benefits from outstanding practicality, ride quality, and performance. With a standard 99.8kWh battery residing in the base of the car and 800V charging capability, the EV9 is capable of up to 349 miles* of range

from a single charge and 154 miles of range added from a 15-minute recharge**, when using the fastest charge points.

Used Car of the Year – Kia Sportage

The Sportage – Kia’s most popular model across the UK and globally – won ‘Used Car of the Year’ for the second year in a row.

Tim Rose commented: “Yet again the Kia Sportage has been voted by our dealer readers as the best used car in the market. Thanks to its practicality, comfort, standard equipment and reassuring warranty they know it will attract buyers, so there is always plenty of demand for this forecourt favourite. It is a standout winner.”

The Sportage is often listed in the UK’s top ten bestselling cars list. Spanning five generations, the

Sportage is the quintessential family SUV offering practicality and efficient powertrains, with the latest generation available with electrified engine options to further enhance its already impressive economy.

The Sportage won ‘New Car of the Year’ in the 2022 AM Awards, followed by ‘Used Car of the Year’ in 2023.

Awards success

Kia was the previous winner of AM Awards’ ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in both 2023 and 2022. Adding to the brand’s awards success was the Niro EV, which was shortlisted for ‘Used EV of the Year’ in the AM Awards 2024.

The Niro EV is one of the UK’s most popular and bestselling fully electric cars available today, with a noteworthy range of up to 285 miles* from a single charge.

Nissan’s iconic electrified family SUV takes a further step into the wild with the introduction of the new N-Trek variant, aimed at daring and adventurous families with a love of the great outdoors.

Slotting into the X-Trail range between the NConnecta and Tekna grades, N-Trek adds design elements that enhance the model’s sense of nononsense robustness. There are new protective lower bumpers front and rear, with a gunmetal finish and integrated LED foglamps, while new 18inch diamond-cut gloss black alloy wheels combine with gloss black wing mirrors and dark roof rails and trim to give the N-Trek a stealthy, purposeful stance.

Inside, new water-resistant, wipe-clean upholstery reflects the adventurous spirit of N-Trek buyers, who are more likely to return to their car after sporty activities outdoors in all weathers – so whether they’re trail running, mountain biking or just splashing in muddy puddles with the kids, customers can jump into their N-Trek with less concern for the upholstery.

To complement the added robustness of the X-

Trail’s five- or seven-seat interior, the N-Trek comes with rubber floor mats and a reversible boot-liner. Naturally, the X-Trail’s existing wide range of accessories is also compatible, including towbars, roof bars, bike racks, and a cargo area organiser.

Paint options for the X-Trail N-Trek consist of Gun Metallic or Champagne Silver in metallic, while Pearl White, Diamond Black and Ceramic Grey are available in pearlescent. Pearl White, Champagne Silver and Ceramic Grey are also available in twotone configurations, each with a black roof to match the mirrors.

The addition of the N-Trek to the X-Trail line-up brings a new dimension of appeal to Nissan’s iconic family SUV. The model is exclusively available with Nissan’s pioneering e-POWER or e4ORCE powertrains, which use an efficient turbocharged three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with variable compression ratio technology to generate electricity and charge the car’s battery.

On the e-POWER two-wheel-drive variant, the battery powers a single motor connected to the front wheels, while the advanced e-4ORCE allwheel drive powertrain employs a motor at each

axle. The e-4ORCE system can adjust power application 10,000 times per second according to the available grip, maximising traction on slippery surfaces.

The X-Trail’s e-POWER and e-4ORCE powertrains deliver the smooth, seamless drive reminiscent of a pure electric vehicle, combined with the confidence to tackle challenging conditions on or off-road, all without the need to recharge. And now, with the N-Trek’s purposeful and practical updates, the X-Trail is even better suited to adventurous families, encouraging them to go further, “get dirty”, and have even more fun outdoors, no matter the conditions.

Explaining the X-Trail N-Trek, Arnaud

Charpentier, Region Vice President Marketing & Mobility AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), said: “We started the development of the X-Trail NTrek with the simple motto: Let’s Get Dirty. It captures the spirit of a core group of X-Trail customers who embrace adventure, the outdoors and want to use their vehicle to enjoy time and adventures together. The XTrail N-Trek has been designed for them. It has a striking look thanks to unique N-Trek design details, as well as its new waterresistant interior and appealing two-tone paint options. They all combine to make a compelling formula. And with Nissan’s pioneering electrified powertrain which combines e-POWER and e-4ORCE –electrified adventures await.”

The Renault Symbioz joins a proud line of family cars, almost 60 years after the launch of Renault 16 with its spacious and functional design, and 40 years after the revolutionary Espace, an adaptable vehicle just 4.25m long but able to carry seven people.

An interior continuing the heritage of Renault family favourites

Launched in 1965, the Renault 16 was designed to stand apart from the competition, premiering a new body style with hatchback access to the boot. More versatile than any of its contemporaries, Renault 16 included a bench seat with a 'holiday travel' position. It met the needs of families looking for a car that suited their lifestyles, while keeping pace with rapid social change.

Since then, Renault has continued to innovate with family cars that move with the times. This was true in the 1980s with Espace, a car that started a revolution with its groundbreaking one-box design and modular layout. In the 1990s, Renault did it again with Scénic, the first compact MPV. Designed to resemble a cocoon, Scénic featured an interior dedicated to passenger wellbeing.

Symbioz shares this same DNA. Able to adapt its boot and passenger compartment to family needs, with useful technologies and compact dimensions that are also ideal for city driving, it joins a long line of versatile models that reflect our changing needs. Showcasing Renault's new design language, Symbioz follows on from the recent Scenic E-Tech electric and is the latest all new model in Renault’s product offensive.

The best of the C segment

Combining the best of Renault C-segment vehicles in modular design, connectivity and efficiency, packed with expertise and intelligence, Symbioz is able to meet the highest standards of onboard comfort on both short and long journeys. It is consequently aimed at a broad customer base. First and foremost, it is a car for families looking for space and efficiency with modular, contemporary design. It is also built for corporate fleet owners, looking for a level of electrification while keeping TCO on a tight rein. For both categories of customer, Symbioz delivers an uncompromising winwin.

Positioned below Austral, Symbioz gives Renault stronger entry-level presence in the C-segment. Just 4.41m long, this new model completes the E-Tech ‘hybrid’ range already comprising Arkana (4.57m) and Austral (4.51m), while expanding the E-Tech 'electric' range with Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric. It confirms the coherence of Renault's strategy, to address a full range of user requirements by building a dual range with dedicated platforms.

Symbioz is packed with the best of Renault technologies. It features the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, as well as the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof and up to 24 new-generation driving aids for optimised safety and driving comfort.

With boot capacity of up to 624 litres – exceptional in a car of this size – and a modular layout with a sliding bench seat that folds to create a flat floor, Symbioz is on a par with the best in its class. At the same time, it remains compact and agile. Designed for both city traffic and family life, Symbioz is ideally versatile.

A new family car that is both eco-friendly and economical to run, Symbioz weighs in at under 1,500 kg. Featuring the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain, it stands with the best for fuel consumption and emissions

with exclusive, ultra-efficient technology that has been continuously improved since its launch in 2020.

After Arkana, Megane E-Tech electric, Austral and Scenic E-Tech electric, Symbioz completes the range of compact Renault vehicles, as the last vehicle in the Renaulution offensive on the C segment.

Modern, sophisticated design

Built on the extended version of the CMF-B platform, Symbioz is a vehicle of well-balanced proportions. Even the rear overhang, with its promise of boot space, adds to the flow of the overall design. The rear end complements the modern, assertive prow, with its high, horizontal bonnet and vertical lines.

Sophisticated, modern design

The sculptural traits of Renault's new design language, visible at the front and rear of Symbioz, frame the smooth, simple lines of the side panels. The clean edges of the front and rear panels catch the light, structuring the faceted shapes to sophisticated effect. The new Renault logo is omnipresent in a variety of forms. It features as complete in the centre of the grille, split in two vertically for the light signature, or turned into a graphic pattern on the radiator grille.

New exclusive wheels

Complementing its design, Symbioz features large 19inch wheels on techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine. The sharply drawn lines create a dynamic graphic effect, making it look as if the wheel is turning, even when the vehicle is stationary.

A piercing gaze

The tapering headlights give the car a piercing gaze. A black strip running between the lights gives the frontal area a more pared-back look, while also making the vehicle seem wider. This black strip mirrors the lower body-coloured strip, with the mirror effect also being visible in the pattern of the strips.

An original rear end

The rear end is sculpted, generous and dynamic, catching the light continuously. The lights make the car look wider, giving it a strong visual presence while allowing it to slip through narrow passageways. The vertical tailgate holds out a promise of generous interior space.

A palette of seven shades

Symbioz is available in a range of seven colours, including the new vibrant shade of Mercury Blue. The iconic Flame Red is offered free of charge in the configurator, which also includes five other colours: Arctic White, Oyster Grey, Diamond Black, Ceramic Grey, and Iron Blue.

Life on board: a generous, light-filled living area

Without sacrificing its compact exterior dimensions, Symbioz offers generous interior space, combining a

modular layout with a sliding bench seat and a wide range of features contributing to onboard comfort, such as the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof and power tailgate. A multi-skilled, multifunctional car, it is also a ‘living area’ for the whole family.

A sophisticated cocoon

The Symbioz dashboard structure is finished in special soft-touch paint on the techno version, and a blue gradient pattern on the techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine versions. The lower part of the fascia is finished in a sporty high-tech fabric on the esprit Alpine versions.

Specific upholstery for each version

The top two trim levels have their own specific upholstery, expressing a distinct personality in line with the target customer profile. On the techno version, the seats are upholstered in a thick fabric with a discreet embroidered logo, yellow top-stitching and yellow and grey piping. Continuing the design cues specific to this version, the seats on esprit Alpine versions feature blue top-stitching and embossed TEP side panels, while the backrests and seat cushions are upholstered in the same sporty high-tech fabric as the inner door panels and dashboard.

A unique balance between size and space

More compact than most C-segment vehicles (4.41m long and 1.79m wide), Symbioz is built to deliver an agile performance with no trade-off on interior space or load capacity, this being one of its key strong points. Symbioz is the ideal blend of family versatility and urban agility.

Exceptionally modular

The rear bench is designed to slide over 16 cm, creating knee room of 221 mm for passengers at the rear, while also maintaining a boot capacity of 492 litres in this configuration. When the rear seats are not occupied by adults, the bench seat slides forward to increase boot capacity to 624 litres, and up to 1,582 litres when the rear seats are fully folded (60:40). The boot has no lip, making it easy to access the flat floor and load even the bulkiest items. This is a particularly welcome configuration for a family model.

Symbioz also boasts 24.7 litres of storage space inside the cabin, including 7 litres in the glovebox alone.

For charging and connectivity, two USB-C sockets are provided at the front, with two more at the rear. All versions – techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine – also include an wireless phone charger as standard.

A practical power tailgate

With boot space one of its key strong points, Symbioz also features a power tailgate with hands-free opening. From the inside, the driver can open and close the boot using the dedicated dashboard button. From the outside, the driver can use the button on the boot, the hands-free card or simply swipe a foot under the sensor on the rear bumper.

Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof

Premiered on Rafale and Scenic E-Tech electric, the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof uses ‘AmpliSky’ technology to do away with the need for a blind. The completely active system darkens the sunroof in segments on demand, using PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology, where the molecular structure reacts to an electric current. Maximum protection can be provided immediately, with a ‘wow’ effect created by each segment of the sunroof darkening in turn. This smart glass sunroof can even be controlled by a switch or by voice command using Google Assistant.

The driver and passengers can choose between four sunroof positions: fully transparent, fully opaque, transparent front and opaque rear, or vice versa. The Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof also limits the greenhouse effect in the passenger compartment to maintain onboard thermal comfort in both summer and winter more effectively than a mechanical blind. Further, the sunroof dims automatically when the driver turns off the ignition and leaves the vehicle. When the vehicle is restarted, Solarbay returns to its most recent setting.

The feeling of space and light is further amplified by the large, glazed area and increased headroom. The unique design does away with the need for a mechanical or electric blind and increases headroom by 30 mm. This is important for passenger comfort and also for limiting vehicle height in order to improve efficiency.

Google Assistant, it includes many other apps (50 or more depending on the country and version) via the Google Play catalogue.

Customised apps

Renault is deploying exclusive connected services, based primarily on partnerships with developers and content creators. Some of the apps accessible via the OpenR Link multimedia system include: Waze, Amazon Music, Vivaldi, Radio Player for Renault and more.

My Renault app

With the My Renault mobile app, the car stays within easy reach at all times. For example, users can download apps from the OpenR Link system, or remotely activate the horn and indicators, making it easy to find the vehicle in a crowded car park. Further, for a stress-free driving experience, users can check their mileage and remaining range in real time. My Renault also makes it easier to manage maintenance, providing information on key servicing times and letting users schedule appointments directly from the app.

Packed with the best of Renault technology

Although Symbioz is an entry-level C-segment vehicle, it features the best in technology, whether it is regarding connected equipment, driving aids or powertrains.

OpenR Link, a standard setter

Symbioz features the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, based on Android Automotive 12, as standard on all models in the range. With its smart Google functions, OpenR Link is able to make pertinent suggestions for navigation and interior ambience, based on the driver's habits. OpenR Link has been a standard setter since its launch with Megane E-Tech electric, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for wireless connectivity. Its central 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen allows drivers and passengers to take full advantage of a connected world of content and services. A second 10.3-inch screen facing the driver displays driving information.

The world of Google

Easy to use, hyper-connected and continually updated, the OpenR Link system delivers an experience as intuitive as that of a new-generation smartphone. Alongside Google services such as Google Maps and

Remote updates

With this level of system connectivity, users can stay up to date without visiting their workshop or dealership. With FOTA (firmware over the air) technology, the vehicle operating system receives automatic updates.

Harman Kardon sound

The Harman Kardon hi-fi system includes nine speakers (two tweeters and two woofers at front and rear and a subwoofer in the boot). The system offers an immersive sound experience developed by Jean-Michel Jarre, a renowned artist, composer and author who is also a pioneer of electronic music with a passion for technology . Five programmes are available to customise the mood: Studio, Podcast, Concert, Immersion and Club.

Customisable interior mood

MULTI-SENSE settings allow for the variation of numerous parameters of the vehicle, both of a technical nature (such as the steering feel) and related to the ambiance within the cabin, such as adjusting the onboard mood lighting. Accessible using the touchscreen or a button on the steering wheel, they let users choose between four views, five widgets (interactive apps or thumbnails) and eight lighting colours for the digital dashboard screen. They also provide a choice of 48 colours for the LED ‘Living Lights’ mood lighting strips on the dashboard and door panels. To create a more relaxing mood, the colour of the lighting is adjusted automatically every 30 minutes based on the circadian cycle (24-hour biological clock) and time of day (cool colours during the day, warm colours at night).

Driving aids

Launched in 2023, the Human First Program embodies Renault's commitment to improving safety for drivers, passengers and other road users all over the world, through a host of technological advances. Reflecting this ambition, Symbioz is on a par with the best in terms of passive and active safety providing equipped with six airbags and up to 24 new-generation driver aids (ADAS).

Autonomous driving

Active Driver Assist is a level 2 autonomous driving system, an upgrade of the well-known motorway and traffic assistant, already available in the Renault range. Here, the system becomes context-aware, extending its scope beyond motorways. It combines adaptive cruise control including Stop & Go with lane centring assist and traffic sign recognition to create a smart system. By integrating these functions with geolocation data and specific mapping, the vehicle is able to drive autonomously, even if the driver is required by law to maintain contact with the steering wheel. This function comes into its own in traffic jams, for example, where it contributes to a less stressful and more comfortable driving experience.

Traffic sign recognition

Drivers can also activate traffic sign recognition with the excess speed warning independently of Active Driver Assist. This function then displays the current authorised speed limit on the instrument panel and on the navigation screen. If the vehicle's speed is higher than the recognised speed, a visual warning is displayed. A button on the steering wheel lets the driver activate the speed limiter, cruise control and adaptive cruise control to adapt automatically to the legal speed limit.

A new button to the right of the steering wheel – My Safety Switch – lets drivers activate or deactivate their preferred settings for no fewer than six ADAS at the same time, at the touch of a button. The customised settings include whether to activate the function, to what level, to allow sound alerts, and so on.

E-Tech full hybrid powertrain

Renault Symbioz features the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain. Highly efficient and therefore economical to run, it delivers the comfort and silence of electric driving in town, without the need for charging.

Uncompromising choices in technology

Over 150 patents have been filed for E-Tech full-hybrid technology. Tapping into Renault's expertise in Formula 1, particularly in energy recovery and regeneration, it delivers dynamic and efficient performance. The seriesparallel hybrid architecture combines two electric motors, a 36 kW e-motor and an 18 kW HSG (Highvoltage Starter Generator) with a 94 bhp 1.6-litre fourcylinder petrol engine mated to an intelligent multi-mode clutchless dog box and a 1.2 kWh battery.

Rear Automatic Emergency Braking

One of the main driving aids on Symbioz is the rear emergency braking system, which is also used for reversing manoeuvres. When the ultrasonic sensors detect a potential obstacle (such as a pedestrian, cyclist or pole), the system emits a visual and audible warning. If the driver fails to react, the system applies emergency braking for two seconds to avoid a collision. The system is operational when reversing at speeds of between 2 and 6 mph.

Safety Coach: personalised advice for more responsible driving

To support drivers and reduce the risk of accidents, Symbioz includes Safety Coach, a function designed to raise awareness of driving behaviour and practices. It scores their driving style on a scale from 0 to 100, taking account of speed, course and safety distances, and provides personalised advice, both in terms of driving and the use of ADAS, to suggest areas for improvement.

Customised settings

The gearbox has four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the main electric motor. The E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain combines operation of the combustion engine and electric motor in up to 14 different ways for optimised fuel efficiency.

Emphasis on electric operation

Symbioz always starts off in electric mode. On the motorway, the powertrain is designed to allow the combustion engine to drive the wheels directly. With this Renault technology, Symbioz optimises fuel consumption on all terrains, with a WLTP cycle calculated at 4.6 litres/100 km.*

Continuous optimisation

The powertrain has been constantly optimised since launch, particularly in terms of software management. The aim is to improve fuel consumption and driving comfort, especially on the motorway. Symbioz features the new 'E-Save' function, which is activated by a button by the steering wheel on the dashboard and maintains a battery charge of at least 40%. This ensures optimum performance when driving uphill, for example.

Predictive hybrid driving

Symbioz also includes predictive hybrid driving, a function that maximises use of electric power over combustion power for lower fuel consumption. Using data provided by the connected mapping function, it takes account of topography (hills, descents, etc.), journey time and traffic. This data is processed in advance by the battery management system, allowing it to maximise the use of electric power. A driving summary is available in the form of a bar chart detailing consumption and the distance travelled in all-electric mode.

Isuzu UK is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new dealer programme, ARB HUB, in collaboration with ARB UK. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Isuzu's commitment to providing premium service and 4x4 accessories to Pick-up Professionals’ customers across the UK.

Under the ARB HUB programme, a selection of dealers from the Isuzu network will undergo specialised training and transformation to become dedicated hubs for ARB 4x4 accessories. These ARB HUBs will offer a comprehensive range of ARB products and services, catering specifically to the needs of off-road and vehicle camping enthusiasts.

The ARB HUB programme represents a significant milestone in Isuzu's ongoing commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and expansion into the lifestyle

sector. With the support of ARB UK, the Japanese pick-up brand can further engage in the market of adventurers, providing them with premium accessories, whether taking on the most difficult terrains or camping in remote locations.

ARB, an Australian brand renowned for its high-quality 4x4 accessories, offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to enhance offroad capabilities and vehicle camping experiences. From off-road suspension systems and underbody protection to rooftop tents and camping accessories, ARB products are trusted by adventurers around the world for their durability and performance.

Darren James, Group Resource Director at IM Group, commented on the launch of the ARB HUB programme: "We are thrilled to introduce the ARB HUB dealer programme, developed together with ARB UK. This initiative underscores our commitment to providing our

customers with the best-in-class products and services while expanding our presence in the lifestyle market."

Matt McConaghy, Commercial Director at ARB UK, shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Isuzu: "We are excited to work with Isuzu UK on the ARB HUB programme. This initiative will enable us to reach a broader audience of off-road enthusiasts and provide them with access to our premium range of products and services."

Since the introduction of the latest generation Isuzu D-Max in 2021, followed by the New-Look model in 2023, Isuzu has been at the forefront of the lifestyle market, offering customisable vehicle options to meet the diverse needs of customers. The introduction of the latest D-Max VCross model further solidifies Isuzu's position as a leader in the pickup truck segment, combining premium features with the legendary toughness and reliability that Isuzu vehicles are known for.

For more information about the ARB HUB programme and to find a participating dealer near you, please visit www. isuzu.co.uk

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