Farming Monthly National May 2025

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

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The Young British Farming Awards 2025 is Open for Entries and Nominations

The 2025 Young British Farming Awards is officially open for entries and nominations. Sponsored by Massey Feeds and Harpers Feeds, these awards are dedicated to celebrating the next generation of British farmers and the remarkable contributions they are making to the industry.

In addition to four returning awards, there will be four new awards for 2025. Eight winners will be carefully chosen by our esteemed panel of industry professionals across the following categories: Young Farm Worker, Young Handler Junior, Young Handler Senior, Young Farming Hero, Young Farmers Club, Young Farmers Club Community Hero, Young Farmers Club Leader and New Entrant of the Year.

The 2025 awards ceremony will take place at Cannon Hall Farm, home of the 2023 British Farming Awards Content Creator of the Year. The event will be hosted by prominent Farmer and Content Creator, Tom Pemberton. Speaking at last year's award ceremony, Kate Netherwood, or Massey Feeds said,"It has been a fantastic day, and we are really proud to sponsor and support these young people going forwards."Continuing the sentiment, Theia Farrow of Harpers Feeds commented,"We are pleased to support the Young British Farming Awards as we believe that the future of British farming is dependent on the next

generation. It is truly inspiring to witness the dedication and passion of so many young individuals entering the industry."

Our 2024 Young British Farming Awards Winners:

Young Farmers Club of the Year – Lanark & District Young Farmers Club

Lanark and District Young Farmers Club, based in Scotland, is a small but dynamic group with just over 50 members. Fourteen members travelled 3.5 hours to this year's awards, celebrating their proud win."Getting to the final shortlist was a huge achievement for us, and winning is a very proud moment,"said secretary Jennifer Hewitt. The club focuses on growth, inclusion, and supporting members through social and educational events. Annual highlights include the Tractor Road Run and Concert of the Year. Last year, they raised £10,000 for the 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' and prioritised wellbeing by training mental health first aiders, strengthening ties within their local community.

Young Farming Hero – Archie Steel

Fourteen-year-old Archie Steel from Eden Valley, Cumbria, has been named this year's Young Farming Hero for his dedication and passion. Archie runs his own flock of 50 sheep and plays a key role in his family's dairy farm, helping care for

240 cows and 140 heifers. Amid illness and staff shortages, he has taken on huge responsibilities, from 5am milking to vaccinations and daily care. Despite the workload, he maintains excellent school grades and works with Genus technicians on herd genetics. Archie said,"I'm very proud and happy to have won... I hope I can encourage more young people to get into farming."

Young Handler of the Year (Junior) – Elliw Grug Davies

Elliw Grug Davies from West Wales has been showing livestock since age four and is now Young Handler of the Year (Junior). She's earned top honours, including wins at the Royal Welsh Show, Aberystwyth, Brecon, and Beef Expo 2023 with her home-bred Limousin cross, Cowboy. Elliw is handson at her family's 35-acre smallholding and helps a relative during lambing in North Wales. Mentored by stockperson Jennifer Hyslop, she's refined her skills in showing and preparation. In 2023, Elliw sold home-bred Blaencwm Sam for £32,000, an impressive feat for her age."I can't believe it,"she said following the win."I'm so happy but very shocked."Her future in farming looks bright.

At just 13, Young Handler of the Year (Senior), Sebastian is a passionate ambassador for pedigree British Saddleback pigs. On winning the award he said,"I was very surprised to have won,"hesaid,"but so happy."Sebastian shows his herd nationwide and promotes the breed via BBC Countryfile and local media. A member of the BPA Junior Pig Club and Junior Reporter for the Southern Region, he even hosted a pig agility event to engage the public. Starting with four pigs at age eight, Sebastian now manages a herd with five sow lines and three rare boar lines, handling all feeding and care himself. In 2023, he became the youngest winner of the BPA New Pedigree Breeder of the Year.

The Young British Farming Awards not only recognises the achievements of these young agricultural trailblazers but also inspires the continued growth and development of the British farming industry for generations to come.

Celebrity Guests Unveiled for the Great Yorkshire Show

Celebrities from the farming world have been unveiled for the Ariat GYS Stage at the 166th Great Yorkshire Show.

For the first time, the celebrity Chat Shows and the Fashion Show, hosted by TV presenter Christine Talbot, will both be held on the Ariat GYS Stage. Expect a famous face or two to appear with the professional models in the much-loved fashion show!

See you favourite farming celebrities on the following days:

Tuesday– Helen Skelton

Wednesday– Rob and Dave Nicholson

Thursday– Matt Baker MBE

Friday– Peter Wright

Young Handler of the Year (Senior) – Sebastian Carr

F THE spectacular growth of a multi award-winning family business has seen it lay down new roots in Wales

resh and Tasty (FT) Microgreens is relocating to a larger, three-acre site at Glanllyn Farm in Wigfair, near St Asaph.

Husband and wife team Steve and Laura Holland launched the company in 2021 and have never looked back, supplying up to 50 varieties of microherbs and microgreens to restaurants, independent stores, pubs and cafes across the region, in addition to home delivery.

The company is expanding its operation into two ex-refrigeration shipping containerswith a polytunnel four times bigger than at their previous facility in Groesffordd Marli.

Diversification is key to their vision, notably an increase in production of edible flowers for cocktails, desserts, and wedding cakes, which also led to the unveiling of a new brand – Fresh and Tasty Microfarm.

It’s a far cry from their first base, the living room of their Old Colwyn Home, and the couple are “absolutely thrilled” to begin this next chapter in their journey.

“This is an exciting transition for us, as we move to a new location with a new name, new branding and a new direction – it was definitely a case of right place, right time,” said Laura.

and provides scope to do even more, without losing the quality and staying true to our ethos of sustainably growing delicious local produce which have proven popular with venues and retailers in North Wales and beyond.”

“We will of course still be producing microgreens but will be expanding the edible flowers side to meet demand, with plans to grow more fruit and heritage and baby vegetables in the future.

“The site is far more accessible for deliveries and visiting chefs and customers, the location is perfect

Their rapid rise saw the firm pick up several accolades including the Business Growth Wales Rising Star Award, and Food Awards Wales Welsh Produce of the Year title, as well as a nomination in the Business Resilience category of the upcoming Wales Food and Drink Awards.

With daughter Nina joining the team on an apprenticeship and plans to eventually create their own varieties and produce flavoured oils and pestos, Steve says the green shoots of four years ago have developed into a “solid, successful venture”.

“We have worked so hard but have had so much support and there are many people we must thank for helping us along the way,” he said.

“The Vale Grocer in Denbigh, Development Bank of Wales, Denbighshire County Council, Cywain advisory service and so many others, most notably Sam and Alex here at Glanllyn Farm.

“They created this opportunity for us and it’s fantastic; hopefully other farmers follow their lead in attracting and supporting growers, diversifying and all working together at a time when the industry needs it most.

“We can’t grow the microgreens and edible flowers fast enough and have already had a lot of positive feedback and interest from customers locally and in other parts of the UK, so we look forward to opening fully here at the microfarm later this year.”

Wishing them luck on the road ahead, Chris and Liz Kameen, owners of The Vale Grocer, said: “We’re so excited for Steve and Laura, they have been coming to Denbigh Farmers Market since we started, and we know just how much passion and energy they put into the business.

“The move to Glanllyn Farm and expansion to a Microfarm feels like a very natural next step for them and we know they will make the most of the opportunity. We are always on the lookout for new local suppliers and look forward to getting some of their produce into our veg boxes and shop - it will be top quality!”

For more information, visitNEW! MicroFarm | FT Microgreens | North Walesand follow them on social media at @ftmicrogreens.

Innovations and ideas at Fruit Focus

The fruit sector is at the cuttingedge of food production, and both growers and processors can learn about the latest innovations at Fruit Focus 2025, with ticket registration now open.

Held at NIAB’s world-class East Malling Research Station in Kent on 9 July, the event will showcase new technology as well as hosting working machinery demonstrations and sharing agronomic advice and business information.

Bringing together more than 1,500 visitors and over 100 exhibitors from thefresh fruit sector and wine making/ viticulture, the show will allow people in the industry to connect with leading product and service providers, alongside networking and exchanging knowledge.

production. We will also exhibit a new system of non-invasive disease detection in cherries.”

Another research tour will include presentations into improving raspberry propagation, genetic research to support commercial soft fruit breeding programmes, and managing the strawberry cool-chain, he adds.

Once again, the popular NFU Fruit Forum will provide an opportunity to discuss and debate key issues, challenges and developments within the fruit industry. And for those looking out for the latest innovations, live demonstrations will include autonomous equipment and robotics to ease labour issues and improve fruit quality.

“NIAB is once again delighted to be hosting Fruit Focus at our East Malling site,” says Scott Raffle, Knowledge Exchange Manager at NIAB. “It allows everyone to visit the UK’s longest established fruit research centre to learn more about the work we are doing to support the industry.”

There will be a wide variety of NIAB specialist research tours taking place throughout the day, including visits to the Produce Quality Centre, Research Vineyard and Plum Research Orchard, says Scott. “There will also be tours to find out about our research on precision orchard management and the use of hoverflies for aphid control.” A special tour of the NIAB stand will inform visitors of research into use of bait sprays for pest control, coir recycling, brown marmorated stink bug monitoring and strawberry decontamination to improve shelf-life.

“This will be the first year that visitors will have the chance to visit our growth rooms to learn more about how our crop scientists are working to produce higher yields of strawberries with fewer inputs (using vertical farming systems) to improve sustainability of

The opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, as well as connect with new industry contacts at the afternoon networking reception, should not be missed. It will be held on the lawn near NP Seymour’s stand between 3pm and 5pm, offering a selection of Britishwine, fruit and cheese, plusmusic by special guest, Irie J.

For those looking to earn CPD points, there will be the chance to collect BASIS and NRoSO points throughout the event. Not only will those registered with the organisations collect six points for attending Fruit Focus, but two points can be allocated by presenting membership cards at the relevant stand, with further points collected through the Knowledge Trails.

For more information or to book tickets / exhibition stands, visit www.fruitfocus.co.uk

NFU reaction to US-UK trade agreement

Following news of the US-UK trade agreement, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "We find ourselves in this position as a direct result of tariffs introduced by the US administration in April. This is not something anybody wanted.

"Since then, we have worked tirelessly on behalf of British agriculture, engaging closely with the UK government to ensure our farmers receive a fair and balanced outcome within this deal and that the public is not exposed to lower standard produce.

"We appreciate the government's efforts in listening to our concerns, particularly around maintaining high standards, protecting sensitive agricultural sectors and securing reciprocal access for beef.

"For several years, we've campaigned with the

UK's agricultural attachés in Washington for market access for British beef, a product globally respected for its quality and strong environmental credentials. These efforts have contributed to enabling the UK government to secure ring-fenced access for British beef exports to the US.

"However, the inclusion of a significant volume of bioethanol in the deal raises concerns for British arable farmers. We'll be engaging closely with our members to help them understand and prepare for the potential impact.

"Our biggest concern is that two agricultural sectors have been singled out to shoulder the heavy burden of the removal of tariffs for other industries in the economy. While we understand this, we also know that today is the start, not the end, of a process and UK agriculture cannot continue to shoulder such imbalances in future negotiations."

CLA responds to EU trade agreement: 'Deeply concerning' aspects of deal

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said:

"Is a bad deal better than no deal? It depends who pays the price.We sympathise with the fishing industry, as the government's concession will have a significant impact on fishing and coastal communities, as well as the marine environment, for many years to come.

"Although the EU is a key market for UK produce, and lower export costs would help make our goods more competitive for European consumers, signing up to allow the European Court of Justice to impose decisions affecting our goods is an unnecessary surrender of control. We need immediate reassurance that the UK will have a voice in the decision-making process in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.

"Cutting red tape on food exports and plant and animal health for trade sounds positive if unlikely, but tying us to an agreement that involves European Court of Justice oversight is deeply concerning and could hinder our ability to strike future trade deals with other countries."

F Search for farm and agricultural business employees deserving Long Service Awards launched by Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society

arm workers and agricultural business employees, who have been in service for 25 years on the same farm or with the same employer, are urged to apply for Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Long Service Awards 2025.

The President and Trustees of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society wish to offer inscribed Awards to both male and female workers who have not received a Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Long Service Award previously.

There were three recipients for the inscribed Awards at last year’s County Show: Gary Barber who has been employed by Pembrokeshire Farmers Hunt for 33 years; Robert Davies who works for Michael Morris and Sally Rees who works for Tom Goddard & Sons in Camrose.

The 2025 Long Service Awards presentation will take place on Wednesday, 20 August from 4pm, in the President’s Pavilion at the Pembrokeshire County Show and the Award recipient and guest will receive complimentary entry tickets to the show.

Tim and Margaret Johns, joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society this year said, “It gives us great pleasure as a Society to reward those who have been employed for such a

significant amount of time by one employer in the county. We recognise what an achievement this is and it deserves an award. We are very much looking forward to receiving applications for this year’s Long Service Award. The decision of the committee will be final.”

Conditions of the Award being given are:

1. The recipient must, on the first day of the Annual Show, have been in service for 25 years on the same farm continuously, or continuously in the service of the same employer within Pembrokeshire.

2. The employer must be a member of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for the present year.

For those eligible to apply please complete the online application form and return it by 31 July 2025. If you are unable to complete the form online please contact the Show office on: 01437 764331. To apply online please click here: Long Service Award | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society

Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales, will take place on 20 and 21 August 2025. Earlybird e-tickets and Society membership details are available on the website: www.pembsshow.org

Closing date approaching for postgraduate agricultural bursary award

Prospective postgraduate agriculture students have until the end of next month (30thJune) to apply for NFU Mutual's 2025 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, 56 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies.

The 2025 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 2025/2026 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.

Four promising postgraduate agricultural students from across the UK were selected to receive a 'Centenary Award' bursary from The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2024:

• Esther Rowntree: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge

• Jemima Brown: MSc International AgriBusiness and Food Chain Management, Harper Adams University

• Alexander Cumming: MPhil Crop Sciences, University of Cambridge

• Eleanor Cameron: MSc Food Security, University of Warwick

Talking about the scheme, Jim McLaren MBE, NFU Mutual Chairman, said:"At NFU Mutual we are passionate about protecting rural lives and livelihoods. Our Centenary Award aims to champion research and innovation for UK agriculture, whilst also supporting outstanding individuals who have a drive to make a difference to the industry in their future careers."

The application closing date for the 2025 award is midnight30th June.Information about the scheme, along with an application form, can be found on nfumutual.co.uk by searching 'Centenary Award'.

The award's webpage also contains details about 2024 recipients who explain their bursary support. Alternatively, anyone interested in the award scheme can contact the award's email address: centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk

Trust starts at the farm gate – renewed call for farmer host registrations

The countdown to Open Farm Sunday, the farming industry’s annual flagship initiative is well underway, with event organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) encouraging farmers not to miss out on hosting an event this June.

Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton underlines the importance of the day for providing a fantastic opportunity to develop deeper connections with the public.

“Inviting people on farm, no matter how few or how many, is a surefire way to help put public perception of farming on the right track,” says Mrs Shackleton.

“Our farmers produce nutritious food that we can fundamentally trust by maintaining incredibly high standards, all while working hard to farm sustainably and safeguard nature. These important achievements deserve showcasing,” she adds.

“Our LEAF Marque certified farms make a real difference to nature while producing nutritious food—dedicating at least 15% of their land to natural habitats that help restore ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of our landscapes."

“By keeping farming front of mind, Open Farm Sunday helps foster lasting trust and appreciation among consumers about the vital role farmers play in producing nutritious and safe food while working in harmony with nature,” she adds.

Registration and a wide range of freely downloadable resources and guidance is easily accessible via the Open Farm Sunday website. From webinar recordings to promotional materials, everything is designed to help farmers take part in a way which suits them and their farm, and make each event a positive day to remember for all involved. The LEAF team is on hand to provide ongoing support, while visitor numbers and timings can be easily managed through the free Trybooking online ticketing service.

“We know we can influence consumer attitudes – survey data from last year’s Open Farm Sunday shows that 87% of visitors left with greater trust in British farming, and 91% felt motivated to buy more British produce as a result.

“Our visitor research shows that farmers hold the key to people’s commitment to support British farming. By hosting Open Farm Sunday, you can turn that key and cultivate stronger community connections that promote farming’s commitment to a more sustainable approach while driving demand for produce grown and reared in the UK,” adds Mrs Shackleton.

To show the public what farming is all about on the 8 June, register to host an Open Farm Sunday event at www.farmsunday.org and help create a lasting, positive impression of the industry.

Unlocking water's potential to improve pig and poultry production

An innovative project aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity in the livestock industry through enhanced water technology is gaining momentum.

British agri-tech firm Oxcel has reported successful outcomes from Innovate UK-funded trials, confirming that its nano-oxygen-enhanced water technology delivers significant benefits for both farmers and the environment.

In collaboration with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Oxcel is leading the development of technology "Water-as-a-Service model" (WaaS).

This plug-in farm-ready solution is trialled in the UK's Eastern Innovation Zones1, with promising results in the intensive livestock industry.

Validated through trials at SRUC and by leading commercial farms, Oxcel's nanobubble system enhances dissolved oxygen levels in drinking water, supporting improvements in animal welfare, productivity and carbon efficiency – all without requiring changes to farm infrastructure.

Field trials with poultry producers reported reduced mortality, fewer abattoir rejections and increased carcass weights.

Pig trials across Northern England demonstrated faster growth rates, improved feed efficiency, reduced feed intake and pigs reaching slaughter weight up to five days earlier.

What is the impact?

By enhancing gut health and resilience, this technology enables farmers to achieve higher animal welfare standards, greater liveweight gains and better farm economics without disrupting existing infrastructure.

Oxcel's WaaS model removes the barriers of high upfront investments and maintenance, enabling easy adaptation and tangible returns.

Validated by Innovate UK-funded research, the commercial trials have shown that welfare improvements and profit increases can go hand in hand.

Scaling up for broader impact

Oxcel is now expanding farm partnerships and engaging with investors to scale this technology across the UK and beyond.

SRUC's research showed oxygen-enriched drinking water significantly improved broiler welfare indicators, including reducing hock burns and white striping, better feather condition and improved gut health.

These improvements support not only animal wellbeing but also higher quality protein production.

A practical and scalable solution for farmers

At the core of Oxcel's innovation is a simple, nanobubble delivery system that quadruples the dissolved oxygen content in drinking water.

Alex Leigh, Founder and CEO of Oxcel, said: "Farmers are the heroes of the food system.

"At Oxcel, we support them in raising more healthy and resilient animals, better profits and lower environmental impact.

"With easy-to-use technology, that fits right into existing setup, we are accelerating the transition toward more efficient and sustainable farming."

Dr Farina Khattak, Professor of Applied Poultry Nutrition at SRUC, said: "Water quality is vital for animal health, yet it is often overlooked.

"Our research demonstrated that oxygen-enriched water can significantly enhance both welfare and meat quality, offering farmers a practical, nonpharmaceutical solution to improve production standards."

Dr Fiona Short, Innovation Lead for Animal Health & Nutrition at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: "This project is an excellent example of how Innovate UK funding can successfully bring industry and academia together to validate innovative technologies that enhance livestock production."

Oxcel's technology is now patent-pending and the company is actively engaging with investors and partners to scale its impact across UK farming and beyond.

Reopened SFI Scheme Offers Short Window for Eligible Farmers Following NFU Legal Victory

Following a successful legal challenge by the NFU, Defra has reopened the Sustainable Farming Incentive offering a short but valuable second chance for qualifying farmers to apply.

David Kinnersley, Head of Agribusiness at Fisher German, argues that despite the small application window and extra restrictions, farmers are better off applying now than waiting until 2026 if eligible.

weeks’ notice would be given ahead of the SFI scheme closing.

“But when Defra closed the scheme without warning, the NFU was able to argue that the government should reopen it due to the incorrect messaging.

“The question is, what should farmers who had an application outstanding do now?

“It’s clear that the scope of applications is much more limited. Only farmers who had started applications within two months of 11th March 2025 are eligible –no new applications are allowed.

“Thanks to what was essentially a government admin error, certain farmers now have another opportunity to apply for SFI grants after the scheme was shut for applications in March this year.

“A misleading message on the SFI website when applicants saved their progress stated that their applications had been saved, would be accessible for two months, and that six

“Even then, only one application per farm is allowed, with a maximum value of £9,300 per year, with no additional land added to rotational actions after the first year.

“Despite this, applicants who think that they may be eligible should consider their options and seek advice, as the application window will be short.

“Waiting for an updated SFI scheme is risky, because the terms or eligibility criteria will likely be different.

“That said, the maximum value of the reopened scheme is quite low, so certain farmers may not think it is worth the effort.

“Defra has also suggested that a reformed SFI offer is being worked on and may be announced in the summer in partnership with stakeholders. It remains to be seen what this will look like or if it will happen on time, so it would still be a risk for farmers to hold out for it.

“We would encourage any farm which had an outstanding SFI 2024 application not to dismiss this second chance. With details of fresh schemes still unconfirmed, it would generally be better to apply than wait, but we would encourage farmers to seek expert advice ahead of doing so.”

NEW UK-EU TRADE AGREEMENT BRINGS SOME POSITIVES FOR SCOTTISH FOOD PRODUCERS - BUT KEY CONCERNS REMAIN, SAYS SCOTTISH LAND & ESTATES

The new UK-EU trade agreement can provide positive benefits for Scottish farming and food production – but concerns over biosecurity, farming standards and subsidy disparity remain.

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, made the comments following the announcement earlier today, which includes a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement designed to reduce post-Brexit trade friction, especially in food and drink exports. Routine checks on many animal and plant products will also be eased, including those moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The new agreement also includes provisions for closer cooperation on emissions trading, which could provide new market opportunities for UK-based carbon credits.

Eleanor Kay, Senior Policy Advisor (Agriculture & Climate Change) at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

seat at the table on regulation development in SPS areas but will have no veto. We would like to see a clear process for how standards are scrutinised and in that context, input from the Trade and Agriculture Commission will be important—not only for this agreement but also for those being negotiated with other partners, such as the United States and India.

"The Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement, which creates an EU-UK SPS Zone, is a notable step forward for businesses involved in food production and export. Reducing regulatory barriers and creating a permanent agreement will be welcomed by many in the sector. The removal of Export Health Certificates and many other checks will help reduce costs and delays, which have been particularly challenging for perishable goods. That said, it's important to ensure that these changes do not compromise our biosecurity. The UK's island status is an advantage we should seek to maintain, particularly given the presence of livestock diseases on the continent. The UK's ability to negotiate a limited number of exceptions to the rules should deliver this protection.

"It's also worth noting that while this agreement may open up easier access to EU markets for UK producers, EU exporters have not faced the same level of disruption in recent years, as the UK did not fully implement incoming border checks. That asymmetry has affected market confidence and competitiveness. In addition, the different subsidy regimes between the UK and the EU, particularly the operation of the Common Agricultural Policy, continue to raise questions about the relative position of UK farmers. These are areas we hope will be considered seriously as part of the ongoing Farm Profitability Review."

"We recognise the benefits of improving trade flows, but there are ongoing questions around the alignment of standards. The UK will have a

SLE also noted that the agreement introduces uncertainty around the future of gene editing legislation in England, as well as its potential implications for other yet-to-be-defined legislative developments.

Environmental and farming groups urge government

As farmers and growers up and down the country have been hit by continued dry weather, environmental and farming groups1have joined forces to highlight the importance of continued investment to build resilience, protect the environment and support homegrown food production, as the Chancellor prepares for the June Spending Review.

While the picture varies across sectors and locations, some farms have seen as little as 20ml of rain over March and April which is putting crops under strain and limiting grass growth for livestock. As the dry weather continues, British food production and the natural environment are once again under pressure.

Looking at how to minimise the impacts of more regular weather extremes on food, farming and the environment, UK governments have continually focused on the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes as a key way to both build drought

resilience and mitigate flood risks2.

However, the future funding for ELM schemes is uncertain. That's why the NFU and environmental groups have allied to call on the Chancellor to protect the farming budget in the upcoming Spending Review and ensure continued investment in environmental protections and a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.

This would enable investment in the health of our soils, such as through appropriate soil cultivation combined with the use of cover crops, buffering at field margins and tree planting, which would help combat dry weather by locking moisture into soils and retaining water over longer periods.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:"The ongoing dry weather underlines the importance of government investment in a resilient, sustainable farming sector. Water is absolutely vital to producing the food our country needs, and as we face increasing global uncertainty, our nation's food security has never been more important.

"In its recent report, the Climate Change Committee could not have been clearer about the risks to British food and farming and our environment from weather extremes3.The impacts of climate change are already being felt by farmers and growers, many of whom were under water only a few months ago and now find their soil dried out.

"That's why it's so important we build resilience into the sector. A key tool to doing that is the farming budget. This budget delivers so many government priorities –both in terms of food security and the environment, as well as offering value for money – which is why we are calling on the Chancellor to protect it."

Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive, said:"The threat of drought is a stark warning of how exposed our nature and farming are to the accelerating impacts of climate change. The government's own food security report has identified climate change and the loss of nature as the biggest medium- to long-term risks to our ability to produce food. Yet farmers are being asked to respond to these challenges without the

government to invest in resilient farming as dry weather bites

certainty of long-term investment.

"To build resilience and protect both food production and nature, the Government must, asa minimum, protect the farming budget at the June Spending Review. Over a 100,000 people have joined the RSPB in calling on the UK Government to protect and grow investment in nature-friendly, climateresilient farming."

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said:"Farmers and our natural environment are increasingly exposed to our see-sawing climate – from floods just a few months ago, to near drought this spring. Without proper investment, these extreme effects are only going to get worse.

So it's essential that the government commits to a healthy farming budget in the Spending Review, one that invests in nature and supports farmers to increase the resilience of their land, whether that's by restoring peat bogs, planting trees or growing cover crops and wildlife-rich field margins.

"As we have said repeatedly, while a shortterm budget cut may seem attractive given the country's finances, it'll only deepen the spending blackhole, putting a successful farming transition and our national environmental targets in jeopardy."

Lydia Collas, head of natural environment at Green Alliance, said:"Protecting the environment and feeding the nation are inseparable. We know that climate change is driving up people's bills in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Meanwhile farmers who lost harvests due to wet weather last year are now struggling with sustained lack of rain.

"To ease the pressure on the poorest families, who spend much more of their income on food, as well as farmers, the government must protect the budget for the Environmental Land Management schemes in the upcoming Spending Review."

Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network said:"Nature degradation could slash UK GDP by 12%, and in farming, that decline has already begun. Nature is the foundation of food production – as this drought makes painfully clear. If we

want farms to stay profitable and food to stay on shelves, we must tackle the climate and nature crises head-on.

"Investing in nature-friendly farming is essential economic policy. It strengthens soils, safeguards water, boosts resilience to floods and droughts, and keeps farming viable for the future. The solution is clear. What we need now is the funding to match the urgency."

Dr James Cooper, Head of External Affairs at the Woodland Trust, said: "Agroforestry (integrating trees into farming systems) will support landscape resilience and food security in the face of a changing climate. Trees can act as an insurance policy against drought by enhancing the crop microclimate, improving crop water efficiency, and reducing the impact of drought on yields.

"Government investment now in financial support and advice to farmers will help to build resilience into their business and protect future food production."

Thurlow Nunn Group Raises £16,000 for

Dementia UK Through Classic Car Treasure Hunt

The Thurlow Nunn Group proudly hosted a classic car treasure hunt on Sunday 27 April, raising an impressive £16,000 for Dementia UK.

The event formed part of the Group’s ambitious £150,000 fundraising target for the charity, which is the focus of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

Set against the backdrop of Norfolk’s scenic countryside, the event attracted motoring enthusiasts from across the region, combining the charm of vintage and classic vehicles with a spirit

of community and charitable giving. Participants followed a carefully planned route, solving a series of clues that tested both navigation and deduction skills, while enjoying a relaxed and engaging day out.

Among the standout vehicles taking part were a 1970s Aston Martin V8 Vantage and a Vauxhall Insignia proudly wrapped in Dementia UK branding. The event concluded with prizes awarded for “Best Turned Out Car” and for the team solving the most clues, with hampers generously donated by Goodies Food Hall of Pulham St Mary and Bakers

& Larners of Holt.

The event was made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of the local community, participants, and sponsors. A special thank you goes to CHS Alarms, Auto Trader, East Bilney Coachworks Repair Centre, Mattressman, Off Piste Agri, Bentwaters Park, Nick Brown Transport, A Plummer Building Contractors, Euro Car Parts, G W Topham & Son, and Duckworth Motor Group for their invaluable contributions.

This treasure hunt is one of many events planned by the Thurlow Nunn Group in support of Dementia UK. The Group, which was established in 1875 in Stowmarket, Suffolk, remains a family-owned and managed business now led by the sixth generation. The anniversary fundraising effort is held in memory of the late Chairman, John Thurlow and his wife Peggy Thurlow, both of whom passed away last year.

celebrations. Dementia is a cruel disease, which has a devastating effect on sufferers and their families. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to raise money to help support others affected by the disease.”

James Thurlow said, “Father was a dedicated and well-known figure in the East Anglian farming community; he was so proud of our family business and he would have loved being part of our

We invite you to join us in raising funds to support those impacted by dementia by visiting our JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ thurlownunngroup150

Tony Takes the Helm at Steve Birchall Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

In April 2025, Tony proudly took the role of company director of Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd, furthering the tradition of excellence set by his predecessor, Steve Birchall. After four decades of unparalleled service to the industry, Steve entrusted the company to Tony, who is dedicated to upholding the high standards and civility that have become synonymous with the brand.

Tony is not embarking on this journey alone. Stuart Birchall continues in his role as Managing Director, ensuring the delivery of top-tier services across the

UK. Together, Tony and Stuart are enthusiastic about this new chapter, committed to serving their loyal customers and reaching out to new potential clients. For any inquiries or quotes, Tony and his team are readily available to assist.

Tony has been an integral part of Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd since early 2006, honing his expertise under the mentorship of Steve and Stuart. His years of experience and dedication to the industry ensure that he is well-prepared to lead the company into the future.

At the beginning in 1985, Steve established the

Birchall Poultry Services Ltd,

Excellence and Expanding UK Operations

business on his own in his hometown of Lancashire with a small electric washer and a mini van. Over the years, he built the business into a wellestablished firm and became a role model to many within the industry.

Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd is renowned for its delivery of high-quality service. The team is always reliable, professional, and committed to meeting the demands of the industry. Despite being a small family business, every team member plays a crucial role and is approachable, ensuring personalised and attentive service.

Tony is eager to discuss any potential work opportunities and answer any questions regarding the services they can provide. Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd remains your trusted partner in the poultry service industry, ready to deliver excellence at every turn.

Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd offers comprehensive coverage across the entirety of the UK. They specialise in all types of poultry sheds, providing a wide range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each facility. Whether it involves extensive projects like strip and rebuilds, their team is equipped to handle it all. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every job is completed to the

highest standard, reinforcing their reputation for reliability and professionalism in the poultry service industry.

For a company that stands on a legacy of trust, reliability, and impeccable service, look no further than Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd. With Tony and Stuart at the helm, you can be assured of continued excellence and innovation. Contact them today to see how they can meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

ADAMA’s novel fungicide active ingredient, Gilboa™, classified as a new mode of action for arable crops

A breakthrough in fungicide innovation to enhance arable crop disease control and strengthen disease resistance management strategies

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK

Ltd., a leading UK crop protection company, has announced today that its novel fungicide active ingredient, Gilboa™, has been classified as having a unique mode of action for cereal crops by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC).

Gilboa™ is the trade name for flumetylsulforim, an imino-tosylpyrimidinone chemistry which has been classified as Group 32 by the FRAC. This novel mode of action in cereals targets nucleic acid metabolism, a biochemical pathway that has never previously been utilised by cereal fungicides. This significant innovation provides valuable protection against key diseases in cereals and oilseed rape, including septoria and sclerotinia, offering UK farmers a powerful tool for disease resistance management.

“Gilboa represents a major step forward in fungicide innovation, providing growers with an entirely new way to combat fungal pathogens in cereals and oilseed rape,” said Ben Miles, Managing Director, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK Ltd. “Its novel mode of action, along with its compatibility with existing fungicides, makes it a vital addition to disease management strategies.”

Fungal diseases such as septoria have developed increasing resistance to existing fungicides, reducing the effectiveness of chemistries including SDHIs, azoles and strobilurins. Gilboa’s new mode of action therefore offers farmers a much-needed alternative, helping them to protect crop quality and yield.

“Gilboa is a game-changer for UK and European farmers, as it represents a

breakthrough in sustainable disease control," Ben continues. “Its novel mode of action, which targets nucleic acid metabolism, provides much-needed diversity in fungicide options, which is especially critical as all recent cereal fungicide launches have been of similar modes of action.

“By expanding the range of active ingredients available to UK farmers, Gilboa provides long-term, reliable disease control whilst also reducing the risk of resistance development. This innovation empowers farmers with more effective, long-term strategies to protect their crops and secure their yields.”

Since its early development, ADAMA has conducted a significant number of trials which have shown that Gilboa consistently delivers outstanding results: “In wheat trials, Gilboa delivered superior septoria control compared to existing solutions,” Ben adds. “Gilboa also provided extended disease control, with a lasting effect of up to 35 days after final application. Trials also revealed that more than 70% of the flag leaf area remained green for a longer period after the last treatment, contributing to higher yields.”

Gilboa was submitted for registration in 2023 and is expected to receive approval in Great Britain in 2027 and in the EU in 2029, with further registrations planned for additional territories.

Field events will take place in the UK during June 2025, enabling customers to witness Gilboa’s technical performance firsthand.

Proceed

Proceed is a whole new category of seeding machinery. With an unmatched level of precision, it works with full capacity to fit every farmer’s needs. This one machine can increase the yield potential of a full range of crops, such as cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, peas, maize and more. Proceed simply offers more than any previous seeding machine, making farmers ready for a fast-changing future. One Machine. Many possibilities.

G

reat British Bake Off star Mike Wilkins has cooked up a storm by being the final guest of the first series of a podcast designed to celebrate farming families.

The 29-year-old from Wiltshire featured on Talking Crop, a podcast launched by Goodyear Farm Tires to celebrate farming families.

Mike and his family farm 650 acres at Nolands in Yatesbury, largely focusing on arable, and also carry out contracting duties on a range of neighbouring farms.

A fourth generation farmer, Mike shot to prominence last year as one of the contestants on the popular Great British Bake Off, with his experiences on his show –along with his involvement in the LGBTQ farming community – covered on the podcast. Mike said: "I truly believe farming families are so important which is why I felt privileged to feature on the Goodyear Farm Tires podcast.

"I feel blessed to have grown up, and to now be working, on the family farm and there are exciting times ahead.

"As well as keeping the arable side growing with crops such as wheat and barley, my sister (Chloe) and I are really passionate about the farm and we want to put our own stamp on it.

"We currently have a click and collect online shop and

Mike delivers perfect recipe for Talking Crop podcast Dry spring raises concerns for UK crop development despite promising start, say AHDB

After one of the best spring planting windows in recent memory, UK farmers are now facing growing concerns over dry weather conditions that are beginning to impact crop development, according to the latest analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

April saw just 56% of the average rainfall across the UK, with temperatures also well above seasonal norms. While this helped spring cereal planting progress swiftly, emerging crops – particularly spring barley – are now showing signs of stress.

Helen Plant, AHDB Senior Analyst (Cereals & Oilseeds), said: "While the dry conditions supported rapid spring sowing, the lack of follow-up rain is now putting pressure on crop development. We've seen variation across regions, with some areas benefitting from mid-April showers while others continue to struggle. This could affect yield potential if dry conditions continue in May."

AHDB's latest crop development reportshows a dip in

our long-term vision and dream is to have a full farm shop on site.

"If we could make that work, it would be a massive shift in the whole viability of the farm and that would be our generation's step change."

On his Bake Off appearance, Mike added: "It was the most wonderful experience and something I will never forget.

"Everyone was so friendly – both the team and fellow bakers – and it was everything I thought it would be and so much more.

"There had never been a farmer on Bake Off before which was surprising to hear because all the core ingredients of baking – flour, eggs, butter and sugar –can be linked so closely to farm produce.

"I felt really strongly about only using produce in the tent that was local and British and I was so overwhelmed about how supportive the programme team were in making that happen.

"I didn't think I was anywhere near the best baker in the auditions and still don't now but I think my story of the farming background was really appealing."

The Talking Crop podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

winter cereal condition scores through April. Winter wheat in good or excellent condition fell from 67% at the end of March to 60% by the end of April – though still well above the 45% seen this time last year. Winter barley and oats also saw minor declines, while winter oilseed rape improved slightly.

Low disease pressure has so far been a silver lining, thoughyellow rustis becoming more frequent in winter wheat and there have been reports of gout fly damage. The dry spell has also complicated weed control in some winter cereals.

Despite the recent challenges, early indicators suggest this year's winter crops are faring better than those in 2024, although they remain behind the strong seasons of 2023 and 2022. Initial signs for spring cereals are promising, though longer-term outcomes will depend heavily on weather patterns in the coming weeks.

AHDB will continue monitoring conditions closely, with the next crop development report due on Friday 30 May.

Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm meeting to tackle time management

Time management and onfarm efficiency are among the topics being tackled at the upcoming Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm summer meeting, which is now open for booking.

Monitor Farmer Bruce Irvine is looking to streamline his cattle, sheep and arable enterprises to find time to manage a new 32,000-hen layer enterprise at Sauchentree near Fraserburgh. An award-winning grassland manager, a super-efficient livestock and egg producer and a time management specialist will come together at the summer open meeting to discuss initiatives to make life simpler and more profitable for Bruce and his family.

The meeting, on Friday 6 June from 12.45-5.30pm, will start at New Aberdour Parish Hall, where Michael Blanche, Perthshire livestock farmer and Pasture Pod host, will open with a discussion on streamlining workloads and time management for busy farmers.

sevenmillion eggs weekly, will highlight whathe'slearned about efficiency and management through combining egg andred meatproduction.

As part of the enterprise expansion, Bruce is about to take on new employees. Michael Blanche along with Robert Gilchrist, chief executive of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, will discuss the management challenges of self and others when expanding a farm business.

After the introduction the meeting will continue at the farm where John Ritchie from Montalt Farm, Perthshire, who was Farmers Weekly 2023 Grassland Farmer of the Year, will explain how to save significant time on grassland management at Sauchentree. This will include different scenarios for subdividing areas for better pasture control, with an initial focus on a simple, easy set-up, then a look at how the system could progress towards higher pasture growth and optimising stocking densities.

Iain Chapman, farmer and managing director ofFarmlay, producer/packer ofmore than

Peter Beattie, Monitor Farm regional adviser says: "This summer meeting, which is open to all, will be an afternoon looking at 'streamlining Sauchentree' and will be useful for all farming businesses. There will be a lot to discuss, ranging from simpler grass management, to learning from chickens, and managing you and your team better."

With refreshments provided and a BBQ at the end, booking is essential for the meeting (via this link to Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/ bandbstreamlining); no dogs are permitted. Car parking is limited, so car share if possible, and for biosecurity please ensure vehicles, clothing and footwear are clean before attending. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy/waterproof footwear.

• Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm summer open meeting 'Streamlining at Sauchentree' on Friday 6 June from 12.45-5.30pm, starting at New Aberdour Parish Hall,New Aberdour AB43 6LH. A BBQ will follow the meeting, so booking is essential:https://bit.ly/bandbstreamlining

A Wheat yield loss leads to change in variety choice for brown rust control

battle with brown rust last year has seen Ollie Cook drop Crusoe from the rotation at Shillingford Farm in Oxfordshire and replace it with a new Group 1, SY Cheer, which has a better brown rust resistance score.

“I wouldn’t like to guess at the yield loss last season and although the Crusoe did make the protein for milling, it struggled on the specific weight because the high brown rust pressure resulted in smaller grains.

“As part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach I have SY Cheer in the ground this season which has an AHDB Recommended List brown rust rating of 6, better than Crusoe, with 3.

“Although no two years are the same in farming, rusts are our biggest problem in the wheat here at Shillingford. We are right in the middle of the Thames valley and get pretty warm in the summer but we do get septoria and occasionally mildew as well, however, it is variety specific.”

IPM measures

Jared Bonner Business Development Manager, BASF said, “Growing resistant varieties is a cornerstone of IPM, however, most conventional wheat varieties are moderately susceptible or susceptible to brown rust and growers need to be aware that once established in a crop, brown rust is very difficult to remove.“

“Regular monitoring of crops to ensure early detection and timely intervention is essential. Growers also need to be aware that brown rust cycles very quickly in warm weather, quicker than yellow rust,“ cautioned Jared.

Fungicide Selection

“One clear learning from the season 2024 was that focussing solely on septoria is not a good idea. Although in the UK septoria predominates, it is rarely in isolation and growers want to achieve broad spectrum disease control with their fungicide programmes.

Aoife O’Driscoll, Senior Specialist, Niab, agreed, “Brown rust’s infection efficiency is much better than that of yellow rust; it is 8 times more infectious. If you have brown rust then you need to treat it like a biosecurity issue, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.“

“Although last year’s early brown rust epidemic was unusual, even in more ‘normal’ years this disease should feature in T1 and T2 decision making, especially on susceptible varieties. The SDHI azole combination planned for septoria at these timings must also be effective on brown rust.

“Revystar XE (mefentrifluconazole + fluxapyroxad) gives effective broad spectrum control of septoria, brown and yellow rust,” said Jared.

Aoife explained, “As an azole, there is no question about it that mefentrifluconazole (Revysol) is the strongest azole that we have against brown rust and one of the strongest on septoria and yellow rust as well.

“In order to protect the two new SDHIs we have had in the last year, we should use them in combination with an azole; Revysol, as a broad spectrum azole that covers most of the target diseases really is the standout. Using Revysol in the programme is really important.“

Yield potential to protect as T2 fungicide decisions loom

Protecting yield potential in winter wheat crops should be a key consideration ahead of T2 fungicide sprays in May, Corteva Agriscience says.

A prolonged dry period has enabled crop protection programmes to be applied in a timely manner so far this spring, and in field walks across Yorkshire and Warwickshire this week, good control of septoria and rusts was evident.

“The UK’s main cerealgrowing regions have not experienced the sort of conditions diseases need to thrive, so wheat crops are generally looking good,” said Craig Chisholm, Corteva’s Field Technical Manager for Fungicides.

“With septoria still clearly evident in the base of the crop, we know that a couple of rain events can change the picture significantly. Protecting the obvious potential in the crop will drive recommendations for T2 sprays, and maintaining a robust fungicide programme will ensure growers see a yield response come harvest.

Dry in the Midlands

Corteva’s UK & Ireland Field Technical Manager, Sally Harris, said there had been no significant rain events in a field in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, for six weeks prior to her crop inspection on 25 April.

“Septoria pressure is varying from post code to post code depending on the variety, drill date and whether there has been any rain during the spring,” Sally said.

“Decisions will also take into account the wheat price, as we expect growers to be looking for a cost-effective solution to protect their investment if the weather turns wet in the coming weeks.”

A Yorkshire perspective

“From the crop of Cheer winter wheat in Wellesbourne we can see there is a reservoir of septoria in the base but the upper canopy is pretty clean.”

Craig and Sally agree that T2 decisions should weigh up a number of factors, including the yield potential, visible disease pressure, and the weather forecast.

“The four- or five-week period from T2 is vital in terms of building yield, so a robust T2 fungicide will act as an insurance policy against any rain which may come and raise disease pressure during that period,” Sally said.

Corteva advises that its UnivoqTM fungicide has been a proven, robust and reliable option against septoria and yellow rust over the past three seasons, giving growers the best chance of enhancing yields and optimising the return on their investment.

After walking wheat fields in North Yorkshire on Monday 28 April, Craig said septoria lesions were limited to the lower leaves.

“There is disease present, but it is contained lower down the plant and the T1 spray which has just been applied should do a good job at keeping it out of new growth,” he said.

“Untreated trial plots nearby clearly showed yellow rust could thrive, but in the crop it has been kept under control with a good T0.”

The rate can be adjusted from 1.1l/ha to 1.5l/ha to reflect the variety and level of disease risk.

“From a resistance management point of view, it is best practice to use alternating modes of action as much as possible,” Sally said. “The InatreqTM active molecule is unique and has no known resistance so works well in a programme that has already included an SDHI or azole, for example.”

A Ireland ahead of the curve with adoption of a more sustainable baling solution

s farmers face increasing pressure to improve sustainability and operational efficiency, many are turning to net replacement film (NRF) as a smarter alternative to traditional silage wrapping methods.

Long established across the island of Ireland, NRF, also known as the film-and-film system, is gaining more traction, as silage producers seek ways to enhance forage quality, reduce waste, and prepare for tightening environmental regulations.

Lloyd Dawson, sales director at Silotite, says improving silage quality, bale integrity, and feed value are key priorities for livestock farmers looking to maximise return on home-grown forage.

“Traditional net wrap systems have their limitations,” he says. “They offer little to no protective benefits and do not contribute to the ensiling process.

“However, the film-and-film method creates a higher holding force, producing tighter, more uniform binding.

“The extra layers of film, instead of net wrap, act as an oxygen barrier to preserve forage quality.”

Bale expansion, caused by poor binding, allows air to enter the bale, encouraging mould and causing valuable energy losses in the silage, Mr Dawon explains.

Baletite is manufactured using the same polyethylene (PE) material as bale wrap, meaning it can be recycled together, streamlining the waste process.

“For example, Silotite’s film-and-film solution, Baletite, uses layers of baler film instead of net, delivering improved silage protection and bale density.”

He says it also supports easier handling and feedout.

“Bales wrapped with Baletite can be opened cleanly from the tractor cab using a bale slicer, making the process faster and safer.

“Unlike net, which can tangle within the forage, Baletite peels away cleanly – making feeding more efficient and reducing contamination risk” Mr Dawson explains.

Ease of recycling

“This is a big win for farmers,” adds Mr Dawson. “Net wrap typically needs to be separated and disposed of differently, whereas Baletite can be bundled with wrap for collection, saving time and improving plastic recycling rates on-farm.”

One barrier to adoption remains contractor hesitation, with many farmers relying on external services for baling.

“Contractors don’t always see the full benefits – which are often realised post-baling,” says Mr Dawson.

“But for the farmer, the difference is clear: better quality feed, less spoilage, and more efficient dayto-day handling.”

With agriculture under increasing scrutiny to reduce its environmental footprint, tools like Baletite offer a practical step towards more sustainable forage systems.

“Baletite is a simple change that delivers big benefits,” concludes Mr Dawson. “It’s an investment in quality, efficiency, and sustainability –and it’s helping to future-proof livestock systems.”

For more information about Baletite or to discuss how the film-and-film approach could benefit your farm business, reach out Stuart Anthony, technical training manager at Silotite on 07836612691.

ICL acquires Lavie Bio, strengthening microbial ag solutions

ICL, the global plant nutrition specialist, has acquired Lavie Bio, a leader in the development of microbial-based agricultural solutions.

“This strategic move is a direct reflection of ICL’s vision to become a global powerhouse in agricultural biologicals, positioning ICL at the forefront of one of agriculture’s sustainable practices,” says Dr Elinor Erez, vice president of research and development at ICL.

It marks ICL’s fourth acquisition over the past 12 months, demonstrating its dedication to creating innovative, customised solutions for the farm sector. In January, the firm bought GreenBest, a UK-based manufacturer specialising in bespoke fertilisers for the horticulture, sports turf, and landscape sectors.

And last year it acquired Nitro 1000; a Brazilian developer of biostimulants, and CAF; a North American provider of bespoke agricultural formulations like liquid adjuvants and enhanced nutrients.

These strategic acquisitions sit alongside a $2.5m (£2.05m) investment in a cutting-edge new biological research and development centre in Israel. “This ties in with our overall strategy of developing groundbreaking products to improve global food security and sustainability,” notes Dr Erez. “It also positions the business for continued growth in new and adjacent markets.”

Lavie Bio is internationally recognised for its cutting-edge, AI-driven platform for the development of biostimulants and biopesticides. It

began working with ICL more than two years ago through the ICL Planet Startup Hub – a strategic investment focused on creating innovative biostimulant solutions for row crops facing various abiotic stresses.

Two projects are already in advanced stagesfocused on cotton and soyabean crops in the US and Brazil - leveraging Lavie Bio’s cutting-edge technology and ICL’s agronomic expertise and global footprint.

“Future products will be focused on improving soil health and reducing emissions, ensuring sustainable agriculture, with a lower carbon footprint,” says Dr Erez. “In addition, farmers will benefit from higher yields and resistance to different abiotic stresses, ultimately benefiting their bottom line in a volatile market.”

Key Benefits of the acquisition: MicroBoost™ AI technology: ICL will gain access to the MicroBoost AI platform, accelerating biological R&D and enabling the development of new products that deliver greater global benefits to end growers.

Global microbial collection: With access to more than 150,000 microbial strains, ICL will develop targeted, crop-specific solutions for different regions around the world.

Integration and next generation: By combining Lavie Bio’s talented scientific team and technology with ICL’s R&D expertise and global agronomic reach, ICL will strengthen its leadership in the biological sector and deliver the next generation of bio solutions.

F Trial plots at Arable Event are ‘real world’ examples

armers attending this year’s Arable Event will be able to see for themselves how crops perform under ‘real world’ conditions with a host of trial plots.

The crops on show in the trial plots reflect the reality of modern farming dealing with changing climate and often unfavourable weather.

Joe Wood, Seed Sales Manager at Wynnstay, said: “As with any farm we are driven by the weather, and due to the incredibly wet autumn drilling was delayed until October 30.

“But this is representative and means that farmers can assess a varieties suitability to our increasingly challenging autumn conditions, the plot tours are definitely one of the highlights of the

Guest speakers on the day include farming YouTube sensation Olly "Blogs" Harrison at 2.30pm in the Speaker’s Tent. With a social media reach of more than 350,000, including more than 147,000 on his YouTube channel @OllyBlogsAgricontractfarmer, Olly shares daily videos which provide a glimpse into the real-world challenges and triumphs of farming.

Arable Event, attracting a huge amount of interest from farmers.”

The plots this year, which are looked after by Wynnstay’s arable department, include a comprehensive selection of leading barley and hybrid barley varieties, oats, triticale, hybrid rye and multiple top-performing wheat varieties.

Plot tours hosted by industry specialists will give farmers a full and interactive overview of all market leading varieties, both new and old.

This year’s Arable Event takes place off Offoxey Road, Weston Under Lizard, part of Bradford Estates on the Shropshire/ Staffordshire border. It starts at 9am and runs through to 5pm.

Tickets are free and advance booking is recommended.

Other expert speakers include Roy Jackson and Claire Smith, both rural partners at WR Partners, Joe Lloyd from the rural research team at Savills and industry experts Gareth Jones from FMC and Mark Tripney from LKAB.

Organised by Wynnstay and Grainlink, the event provides valuable information to arable farmers ahead of the harvest and drilling season, and as well as the trial plots, will feature machinery demonstrations and informative and entertaining talks.

Free refreshments are included and BASIS & NRoSO points available to attendees. For more information and to register for a free ticket visit www.thearableevent.co.uk/

GRASSLAND LEADERS IN

Frustration as organic farmland in England remains static for a decade while Scotland celebrates six years of strong growth

The latest organic farmland statistics from Defra reveal a disappointing picture for England, Wales and Northern Ireland while Scotland enjoys its sixth year of fully organic land growth. Total organic farmland (including land in conversion) in Scotland increased by 13% to 131,500ha in 2024 – demonstrating its strong leadership on nature friendly farming – while England saw just a 1% rise to 502,800ha and Wales saw a decline of 11% to 68,300ha.

While there was positive growth in UK organic farmland in conversion with a 36% increase - again this was dominated by new entrants in Scotland –doubling (102% rise) organic farmland in conversion in 12 months to 26,500ha in 2024 - up from 13,100ha in 2023. England saw just a 7% increase at 19,600ha up from 18,300ha in 2023 and Wales experienced a sharp decline of - 45% from 4,200ha in 2023 down to 2,300ha in 2024.

Soil Association Organic Development

Advisor Adrian Steele said: "Scotland is continuing to lead the way on organic farmland and conversions with strong government support and ambitious targets to boost nature friendly farming. England is falling significantly behind with little or no discernible growth in total organic farmland in ten years and the freezing of the Sustainable Farming Incentives having an immediate impact on organic conversions.

"What is so disappointing is that the opportunity to supply the growing organic market is now being handed on a plate to farmers in the EU. Not only are our farming businesses missing out, but we are, as a country falling further behind in meeting our targets for increasing biodiversity.

"It is critical that the Government acts swiftly to replace the Sustainable Farming Initiative with a programme that will unlock the potential for UK home grown organic produce rather than stifling interest from farmers keen to adopt nature-friendly farming practices.

"But nine out of ten farmers, attending a recent webinar for those considering switching to sustainable, organic and nature-friendly farming, have expressed their frustration that the door has been shut on SFI payments which would support them to make the transition, discouraging them to commit without the reassurance that this offers.

"In the short-term the Government could put

organic back into the Countryside Stewardship scheme to provide an incentive for new entrants and the necessary maintenance support to avoid farmers losing faith and abandoning the sector."

The success of organic in countries like France and the Republic of Ireland have proved the importance of having successful agro-environmental schemes in place and strong leadership.

Adrian said: "There have been some positive conversations with Defra about an Organic Action Plan and its potential to mirror the success of many European countries and Scotland – but we desperately need to see this come to fruition."

Scotland

Scotland continues to lead the field on nature friendly farming and looks on track to achieve the Government's target of 10% of farmland farmed organically by 2026.

Total organic land (including land in conversion) in Scotland is now at 131,500ha, up from 116,600ha in 2021 - a 26% increase since 2021. Land in conversion in Scotland doubled (102%) in 2024 from 2023 at 26,500ha and the number of organic operators (producers and processors) in Scotland up to 530. The total land share in Scotland is now at 2.6%, up from 1.8% at start of this parliamentary term in 2021.

Soil Association Co Director Scotland Policy said: "This demonstrates a clear direction of travel towards more organic production in Scotland that delivers on Scottish Government agricultural policy objectives.

"What is now needed from The Scottish Government is an Organic Action Plan to support the sector with a range of policy measures to develop the market including the use of public procurement to increase demand, improved processing capacity, promotion of Scottish organic produce and investment in research, advice and training."

Wales

It's a mixed picture in Wales where despite some disappointing falls in total organic farmland, down 9% and a drop in farmland in organic conversion to 2,300ha the trend in total organic farmland remains upwards. Given the growth in the UK organic market and the pressing need for widespread adoption of climate-resilient and nature-friendly farming practices Wales has yet to deliver its full potential towards organic.

While the Welsh Government has recently reinstated its support for organic there's still uncertainty around what future support will look like yet and the ongoing absence of a conversion scheme is not helping confidence and is evidently a constraint on growth. There remains demand from farmers for organic conversion and a return to growth will be critical to deliver the Welsh Government's Sustainable Land Management objectives.

Strong demand for organic food and drink

Soil Association Certification Commercial Director Georgia Phillips said: "This looks like a repeat of last year's organic farmland stats, revealing sustained strong performance by Scotland where there is clear government support, and a lack lustre performance by the rest of the UK. It's a missed opportunity we must grasp for the UK to boost our organic farmland in line with the burgeoning organic market. By addressing this we will realise significant benefits for UK farmers, our health, nature and the environment.

"Demand for organic food and drink is on a trajectory with positive growth in 2024 at 7.3% taking the market to £3.7bn. And data for the first quarter of 2025 shows a continuation of the positive momentum, with further volume and value growth. We see double-digit growth for the organic market at 10% over 12 weeks, with unit sales +4.8%. If we count the 52 weeks to 22nd March 2025, the organic market has seen +8.9% value growth and +5.3% unit growth (source: NIQ Scantrack, Total Coverage, Organic Food & Drink category Soil Association defined).

"It is important that the right support and incentives are put in place to enable farmers to capitalise on this market growth and build the confidence needed to commit to transitioning to organic.

"We know that there are plenty of farmers who want to shift their system of production to be more in tune with nature. But they need the reassurance that the Government is committed to meeting its environmental targets and fully behind a sustainable and resilient approach to farming."

Claydon Open Days attract visitors from far and wide

Farmers and farm equipment dealers from across the UK have attended a series of Open Mornings and Afternoons hosted by agricultural machinery manufacturer Claydon, the European leader in direct drilling technology, at its factory and arable farm in Suffolk.

The events provided an excellent opportunity for farmers who already use the Claydon Opti-Till® System of crop establishment to improve the health of their soils, crop performance, yields and profitability to learn more from its designer, Jeff Claydon.

This was the first time that Claydon Open Days had been held since 2019, as the events planned for April 2020 had to be cancelled due to the COVID19 lockdown. Since then, the Claydon team have been fully focussed on developing new products to meet increasing demand from farmers throughout the world and expanding its global network of dealers and distributors.

“Following a five-year break the Claydon Open Days were reintroduced in 2025 due to popular demand, and we have been delighted with the positive response. Visitors travelled from all over the UK to learn more about improving soil health and reducing ‘per-tonne’ production costs, while maintaining or increasing crop yields to maximise income. These aspects are critical during a challenging time for the farmers and the businesses which supply them,” said Jeff Claydon, who founded Claydon Yield-o-Meter Ltd in 1981.

At a time when government support for farming is diminishing they also gave growers who are considering changing how they establish crops an opportunity to find out how to future-proof their businesses and achieve a better work-life balance by reducing the cost and time involved to as little as 20% that of plough-based or min-till systems.

Each session featured presentations by the Claydon team, a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s manufacturing facilities and a tour of the Claydon farm. Visitors were also able to view the latest Claydon machinery, including Hybrid and Evolution direct drills, front hopper and drill toolbar, NutriSeeder, Straw Harrows, TerraBlade inter-row hoe, TerraStar light rotary cultivator and Cambridge rolls.

The events included contributions from three guest speakers. Agronomist Dick Neale, Technical Manager for crop protection specialists Hutchinsons, discussed how Claydon Opti-Till® benefits soil health, James Lane, Digital Services Specialist for Omnia highlighted the advantages of using a standalone farm management system, while Grant James from Sea2Soil outlined how organic soil improvers can help conventional and organic farms.

“The future viability of the agricultural sector will depend on growers embracing more environmentally and financially sustainable crop production systems. Soil health is a key for farming businesses if they are to survive and thrive in an increasingly uncertain global market environment. To achieve that whilst containing costs, most will have to change the way they establish crops and look after their soils.”

Outlining the dilemma which farmers face currently, Jeff said that many who operate a conventional crop establishment system based on ploughing or deep tillage face financial challenges whilst adversely impacting soil health through overcultivation. He stated:

“Input costs are increasing whilst commodity prices and farm incomes are declining in real terms, which is unsustainable. The industry faces numerous additional challenges, including more frequent weather extremes, increasingly stringent environmental legislation, a substantial reduction in crop-protection products, increasing resistance issues with those that remain, plus a shortage of skilled labour. With greater public awareness of the countryside and environmental issues, such as soil erosion caused by poor agricultural practices, farming businesses must review how they operate and adopt a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally beneficial approach.”

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.

Great value hydraulic products and services for local farmers

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

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Our specialised agriculture solutions

We supply a range of high quality products including:

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Be prepared to prevent later season disease

Be prepared to protect cereal yields against possible unexpected increases in disease from the important flag leaf (T2) timing onwards.

That is the message from Syngenta fungicide technical manager, Jason Tatnell, who says Syngenta risk modelling has put spore levels of the UK’s main wheat disease, Septoria, above the long-term average across large parts of England and several key wheat-growing areas of Scotland.

After rain events, he points to risks from the splashdispersed disease increasing. However, he says new Miravis Plus fungicide technology, which set new benchmarks in Septoria situations prior to its limited launch last season, has underlined its performance in trials ahead of its increased T2 availability this year.

“The key point to remember about T2 is its purpose

is to protect crop green leaf area against disease during the critical yield-building phase,” says Mr Tatnell. “There might be 10 weeks between T2 in May and harvest, and every extra day that winter wheat flag leaf green area can be kept above 37%, yield increases by 0.15t/ha.

“For greater yield certainty, the T2 fungicide therefore not only needs to provide powerful disease control but also long-lasting protection. You only need to remember 2019 – when June downpours sparked a sudden Septoria onslaught in what had previously been a low Septoria season –to realise this.”

In line with this, Mr Tatnell says when new Miravis Plus fungicide technology arrived on the scene last season, it set new standards for yield in Septoria situations and in several key barley disease scenarios.

Now, new trials from 2024 in readiness for its increased availability in 2025 have underlined its responses, and should give growers extra confidence, he adds.

“Pre-launch trials between 2020 and 2023 showed a Miravis Plus-based treatment delivered in the

disease build-up, cereal growers urged

range of 0.3 to 0.5t/ha over competitor fungicides, with this performance advantage confirmed in the most recent AHDB fungicide performance results,” says Mr Tatnell.

“Usefully, a T2 application of Miravis Plus + Era (prothioconazole) in wheat has also resulted in reduction in Fusarium head blight and in DON mycotoxin. Using Miravis Plus + Era at T2 can make it more likely that a suitable T3 fungicide will keep the crop below a DON threshold. If rust is a concern, this can easily be targeted by adding Amistar to Miravis Plus + Era,” he adds.

In barley, Mr Tatnell says a Miravis Plus-based treatment has also given visibly improved green leaf area protection against net blotch and Rhynchosporium, while Ramularia control has been one of its standout benefits.

“Similar to the trend we’ve seen in wheat trials, results in recent internal and independent trials in barley in 2024 also confirm a yield advantage from a Miravis Plus-based treatment of up to 0.5t/ha over competitors,” he adds.

P Paul-Tech’s Soil Station ‘World’s First’ to Display Real-Time Nitrate Nitrogen Availability

recision agriculture company PaulTech has introduced a groundbreaking innovation that is set to transform crop nutrient management and fertiliser use.

The company has updated its innovative soil station – which monitors nutrient movement through the soil – to measure nitrogen availability in real time.

The breakthrough, which provides readings on a per-hectare level, is the first time this data is available to farmers through a reliable and proven nutrient-monitoring system.

It takes into consideration the amount of nitrogen applied as fertiliser and the naturally occurring nitrogen in the field to calculate the level of N available to the plants at any point in time.

According to Eve Plakk, Paul-Tech’s Product Manager and Co-Founder, the development is a direct result of feedback from Paul-Tech’s clients. She said: “One of the most frequently asked questions from our clients has been whether it’s

possible to see nitrogen quantities in kilograms per hectare.

“We’ve now reached a point in product development where we can show this – and not just total nitrogen, but the portion that is actually accessible to plants.

“This has generated great excitement among both current and potential customers. It’s a major step toward ensuring every fertilisation decision is informed and justified.”

The system works by monitoring and analysing the differing behaviour of anions and cations in the soil to determine the movement of nitrogen.

It can help farmers make more informed decisions about fertiliser applications, as well as alert them to incidences such as excessive leaching due to weather events.

Mikk Plakk, Chief Executive of Paul-Tech, added the ability to monitor nitrogen in real time is ‘globally unique’.

He said: “Various sensor technologies have been tested in the past to measure nitrate nitrogenin situ, ranging from multispectral cameras (NIR technologies) to ion-selective electrodes.

“But none of these solutions have proven reliable in real agricultural soils – they require frequent recalibration or only function within a very narrow moisture range.

“However, we can now collect this data and incorporate it into the graph view within our system.

“The NO₃-N graph is a powerful tool to help farmers decide whether fertilisation is needed at all, and if so, when.

“As a result, it provides vital insights into the precise nitrogen requirements of crops and can drive significant efficiencies within a farm business.”

Maximising sugar beet weed control in dry and hot conditions

The lack of rainfall is creating challenging conditions for sugar beet weed control, with large swings between night and daytime temperatures an additional risk factor.

While the dry weather helped growers expedite drilling, with most finished by the end of March, it has slowed crop development and left plants at different growth stages. Hot weather adds to the challenge of knowing when and what to spray for weed control, says UPL head of technical services Stuart Jackson.

“Continuing dry weather coupled with relatively high temperatures is leading to, in some cases, stressed, variable crops and difficult conditions to achieve successful weed control,” he says.

“It’s not in every situation. Where growers were able to get a good seedbed, drilled a little earlier, crops are generally looking healthy, and weed control has been good.”

Emerged weeds are generally pretty tough to control because they are waxed up and droughtstressed, adds Stuart. In these scenarios, we need to load more contact activity into programmes.

“Typical residual mixer partners, such as Venzar (lenacil), are less effective in dry soils, where root uptake is restricted, and should be replaced by more contact-acting herbicides.”

“For example, you can look to add products such as Shiro (triflusulfuron-methyl) and/or Vivendi (clopyralid) to base mixes of Betasana (phenmedipham), plus Bettix Flo (metamitron) + Efeckt (ethofumesate).

“Shiro will be helpful on polygonum weeds and brassicas, while Vivendi is stronger on mayweeds and black bindweed,” explains Stuart.

What about adding oil or insecticides?

Adding oil to herbicide mixes will help pep up weed control, but it can come at the cost of crop safety. Use the forecast maximum temperature on the day of application to help guide decisions, with anything over 21oC as the cut-off for not adding it into tank mixes, stresses Stuart.

“Where growers want to use oil at their own risk in temperatures above 21oC, cut rates to no more than 0.5 L/ha and spray first thing in the morning or the evening. If crops have flagged or flopped during the heat of the day, avoid spraying in the evening and leave them until the morning.”

With aphids arriving earlier than originally forecast at the beginning of May, many growers might need to tank mix an insecticide with their weed control spray.

The three insecticides available for use are Teppeki (flonicamid), Insyst (acetamiprid), and Sivanto Prime (flupyradifurone), all of which are compatible with the three-way mix of Betasana, Bettix Flo, and Efeckt.

“What we don’t know yet is the compatibility of Sivanto Prime with the bigger multi-way mixes where you add in Shiro or Vivendi. Insyst or especially Teppeki are better options if you’re looking to do that type of bigger mix.

“Obviously, you also need to consider advice around the sequence order of the insecticides, which says to avoid using two sprays with the same mode of action in a row. Depending on that, it may be the case of spraying the weeds first, waiting for a few days before spraying the insecticide to give more flexibility.

“If you are tank-mixing an insecticide, don’t add oil. However, it may be worth replacing the oil in these conditions with a biostimulant like Vitalroot to help the crop thrive. Vitalroot is a seaweed extract with phosphorus and potassium and can be used at 1-2 L/ha in conjunction with the broadleaf weed herbicide programme. It won’t pep up herbicide activity like an oil, but it will help with crop growth,” concludes Stuart.

Limited SFI application window to open

pplications for 3,000 unfinished SFI applications will be allowed to proceed, although these will be subject to restrictions.

The SFI scheme was closedto new applications without warning on 11 March 2025 due to the budget being reached. Those who had started an application, but had not submitted by that date, were unable to apply. This has now changed. SFI applications will be allowed for those who had started and saved their application within two month of 11 March but had not managed to submit. Around 3,000 partially completed applications, started on 12 January 2025 or later will be given a six-week window to complete their application.

These applications are subject to the following restrictions:

• only one application may be submitted per farm business

• agreements will be offered up to a maximum value of £9,300 per year for the duration of the agreement (excluding the SFI management payment, which would not count towards the value limit). This maximum value reflects the median average agreement value for existing SFI 2024 agreements

• agreement holders will not be able to add more land to ‘rotational’ SFI actions after Year 1 of their agreement

The reason given for these new restrictions are that as the budget has already been allocated and so the funding for these remaining applications will likely come from other areas of the Defra budget.

Further information about SFI uptake released on 8 May, the latest SFI uptake date was published showing the number of agreements and options chosen, as of 1 April 2025.

• Assess soil test soil organic matter and produce a soil management plan (SAM1 and CSAM1) was the most popular action with a total of 25,500,000 agreements in SFI 2023 and the SFI expanded offer for 2024, respectively

• The action covering the most land area (718,000 ha) under SFI 2023 was ‘No use of insecticide on arable crops and permanent crops (IPM4)

• Under the SFI expanded offer for 2024, the action covering the most land area (363,000 ha) was ‘variable application of nutrients’ (PRF1)

• The total number of businesses in the SFI were 32,600 as shown in the graph below

What next?

Further information on the SFI scheme will be available once the results of the Spending Review are published and digested.

In the interim, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) is due to open for applications, on an invitation basis, in Summer 2025. Most actions last for five years (with some lasting for 10, 15 or 20 years) care will need to be taken when selecting these, especially if a farmer is planning to apply for the SFI once it re-opens next year.

Source: Hannah McLoughlin - Trainee Analyst –AHDB - www.ahdb.org.uk

Record UK maize imports in March: Grain market daily

• UK feed wheat futures (Nov-25) closed at £180.45/t yesterday, down £0.90/t from Friday’s close. The May-26 contract fell £0.70/t over the same period, to close at £190.20/t.

• Domestic wheat prices followed movements in the Paris grain markets yesterday. Chicago wheat (Dec-25) gained 0.7%, while Paris milling wheat futures (Dec-25) fell 0.8% at yesterday's close. The stronger euro against the US dollar put pressure on Paris futures and supported Chicago futures.

• Nov-25 Paris rapeseed futures ended yesterday’s session at €488.75/t, up €0.75/t from Friday’s session.

• Chicago soyabean and Winnipeg canola futures (Nov-25) were up by 0.1% and 0.85% respectively. Soyabean oil and palm oil futures gained yesterday supporting the oilseeds complex.

n Thursday, HMRC published thelatest UK trade data, including figures up to the end of March. The updated data revealed a strong pace of maize and wheat imports for the 2024/25 season overall, as well as in March.

Maize imports in March reached 373.96 Kt, marking a 43.4% increase compared to February and representing the highest monthly import level in five years.

Season-to-date (Jul-Mar) maize imports totalled 2.36 Mt, up 22% on year earlier levels, and 27% on the five-year average.

In March, AHDB estimated fullseason imports would total 2.65 Mt. To reach this figure, the import pace would need to average 95.8 Kt per month, which is well below the 373.96 Kt imported in March.

Wheat imports in March, (including durum wheat) reached 243.85 Kt, which is a 25% increase compared to February.

Wheat imports (incl. durum wheat) totalled 2.4 Mt from July – March, up 45% on the same period last year, and up 74% on the five-year average. In March, AHDB estimated that fullseason wheat imports would reach 2.70 Mt. As such, in order to reach this estimate, imports would need to average 99.6 Kt a month for the remainder of the season.

AHDB are due to publish updated UK supply and demand

estimates at the end of this month. Any changes to expected full season imports, would likely also impact carry in stocks and the supply outlook into next season.

SOURCE: Yuriy Ruban - Analyst (Cereals & Oilseeds) – AHDB www.ahdb.org.uk

Test requirements for specialized application equipment

t NSTS we are often asked about testing requirements for the wide variety of equipment that is used on farm, and in the other sectors we work with. Whether it’s a sprayer on a quad bike, an applicator treating crops for storage or the various pieces of equipment fitted to a potato planter, these are common types where questions are raised.

The straightforward answer is that for growers in crop assurance schemes, only the main crop sprayer, and if you’re using granular nematicides, this equipment is required to be tested annually, for all other equipment the legal requirements for timescales of testing can be followed. So for example if you’re a potato grower applying a liquid formulation of nematicide, the minimum timescale is every six years, after the initial test before it is five years old. This is also the

same for powder applicators too. We would always recommend more frequent testing to help ensure all equipment can apply products safely and accurately.

In the amenity and horticulture sectors there is wide use of ‘pedestrian’ sprayers, and it has recently been necessary to clarify what determines equipment that is classified as pedestrian. Some of these sprayers are either pulled along manually or have driven wheels, but the actual spraying system is as sophisticated as many much larger scale machines. The new requirements can all be found on the NSTS website.

Another question sometimes raised is the requirement for testing fertiliser spreaders. NSTS have had a protocol for testing spreaders since 2016 and many of the benefits are comparable to why sprayers must be tested. Crop assurance

schemes only require proof of calibration but the NSTS test takes this much further and includes a tray test to calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) to see how evenly the product is being spread. There is no legal requirement for a spreader to be

tested, unless it is applying a pesticide, but knowing the machine is spreading evenly will help ensure the whole field can utilise each product tested and applied.

Flowgro Ltd.

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Farmstar Limited

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Present in Yorkshire & Lincolnshire farmstar.co.uk

N C Agricultural Services Woodlands West Knapton Malton YO17 6RL 07971 871383

CW Sprayers Ltd

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DJ Agri Services Ltd

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Neil Rowe Agric Contracting

The Old Granary, Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley Luton, LU3 3PS rowesgranary@aol.com 07836 588113

Merse Agriculture Ltd

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JH Agri

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Farmers seeking resilient, climateready crop options will find plenty of inspiration at this year’s Cereals Event, where more than 600 meticulously curated crop plots will showcase the latest in mainstream and alternative varieties.

Spanning everything from drought-tolerant cereals to novel protein crops and improved oilseed rape lines, the plots -created by 25 leading exhibitorsoffer a hands-on look at the future of UK farming.

Despite the dry spring, the site looked outstanding during the recent Crop Plot Open Day at Andrew Ward’s Heath Farm in Lincolnshire.

“We last hosted Cereals here in 2008,” says Mr Ward. “It felt like the right time to bring the show home; this year’s event truly highlights how innovation in crops and cultivation is evolving to meet new challenges.”

Set across 52 hectares, the event will feature over 400 exhibitors, 200+ live demonstrations, two full seminar days, and hundreds of crop plots covering the latest advances in agronomy, crop science,

However, for Mr Ward, the event is about more than just the latest kit or crop performance. “These shows bring people together,” he said. “Farming is facing big challenges, from market pressures to mental health, and we need spaces where we can talk, share, and support each other. Cereals is exactly that.”

Despite a ‘tricky’ season, Will Davis, partner and agronomist at Ceres Rural, a technical partner of the event, says the site is providing valuable insight for growers. “A wet autumn delayed drilling for many, and now we’re coping with very low rainfall this spring. But this site is forgiving, and we've got a strong establishment despite the challenges.”

Ceres Rural is also launching an exciting new Crop Challenge for students, pitting teams from top agricultural universities against each other in a winter wheat growing competition. Judged by Ceres and the AICC, the winning team will be crowned on 11 June, and awarded tickets to the 2026 Cereals at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds.

“These crop trials are more than just plots,” Mr Davis adds. “They show real-world performance under unpredictable conditions. Whether it rains or not, visitors will gain valuable insights into varietal response and agronomic strategy.”

So, what can visitors expect from the crop plots at next year’s event?

Corteva

Visitors to Corteva’s stand will see the real-world

impact of its R&D, from clover-compatible herbicides to disease-tolerant genetics - all designed to boost UK farm productivity and sustainability.

Corteva’s diverse plot features winter wheat, oilseed rape, white clover, and a new Pioneer maize hybrid, showcasing innovation across crop protection and seed development.

A highlight is ProClova, a long-awaited clover-safe herbicide for both new and established grassland. “It fills a major gap in weed control,” says principal biologist Eddie Bardsley. “Growers can now manage broadleaf weeds while retaining valuable clover, essential for livestock and soil health.” Also on show is Prograss, effective against docks, nettles, buttercups, and persistent weeds like hogweed and cow parsley.

In arable systems, Broadway Ultra, a next-gen cereal herbicide, provides strong control of grassweeds like annual meadow grass and a broad weed spectrum, key for modern weed management.

For oilseed rape, Corteva is showcasing resilient varieties with resistance to sclerotinia and verticillium wilt, two damaging and unpredictable diseases. “Built-in resistance offers peace of mind,” says Mr Bardsley.

Pioneer P68106, a new maize hybrid for biogas, forage, or grain, is also debuting. It features strong standing power, early maturity, and high dry matter yields—ideal for UK conditions.

Elsoms Seeds

Elsoms Seeds marks a significant milestone at this year’s Cereals Event, showcasing its largest-ever portfolio with 24 varieties, including new wheats, oats, and pipeline material tailored for UK growers navigating increasing agronomic and market pressures.

Caledon leads the line-up, a newly recommended spring oat that offers a 4% yield advantage over its closest competitor, boosting profitability for marginfocused farms. Building on the success of Bamford wheat, launched last year, Elsoms continues to strengthen its pipeline of high-performing varieties.

Two promising candidate soft Group 4 wheats, Sparkler and Heartwood, will feature in demonstration plots. Sparkler boasts high yields and excellent septoria resistance, while Heartwood offers exceptional untreated disease resistance and early maturity - ideal for regenerative systems and tight rotations.

Also on display is Blackstone, a low-vernalisation wheat allowing late drilling up to February without compromising performance, offering flexibility in unpredictable seasons.

Elsoms will also highlight its Responsive Rotations concept, launched in 2024, which prioritises system resilience over single-season yield. This approach focuses on flexibility, stress tolerance, and diversity, helping growers adapt to changing climate, policy, and market conditions.

“It’s not just end use that defines success,” says Toby Reich. “It’s how well a variety fits your system.”

Grainseed

Grainseed is spotlighting oilseed rape at Cereals 2025, with a strong focus on Pinnacle, the highestyielding conventional variety on the AHDB Recommended List. Thanks to favourable drilling conditions and lower cabbage stem flea beetle pressure, it has established exceptionally well this season, resulting in clean, well-developed crops.

“Pinnacle is a strong alternative to hybrids, offering comparable yields with added agronomic simplicity," says Neil Groom, technical director at Grainseed. "It has excellent disease resistance, particularly to light leaf spot; one of the most persistent threats throughout the season, and shows top-end intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt.”

Its robust disease profile makes Pinnacle wellsuited to tighter rotations, where disease pressure is more intense, especially from late-season verticillium wilt, which can lead to premature ripening and reduced grain fill.

Grainseed will also preview two new oilseed rape varieties progressing through NL1 and NL2 trials. Early in-house trial results suggest they may exceed Pinnacle in yield, oil content and disease

resistance.

Two SFI-compliant seed mixtures will also feature: A one-year legume fallow herbal ley for pollinators and a two-year option for integrated stewardship. Phacelia and wildflower strips will add ecological value and visual appeal.

Limagrain

Limagrain UK is marking its 60th anniversary with a strong line-up at Cereals 2025, showcasing new cereal and oilseed rape varieties bred for resilience, flexibility, and performance in changing UK conditions.

Heather Oldfield, Cereals and Pulses Product Manager, highlights two new Group 4 hard wheats, LG Defiance and LG Challenger, Candidates for this year’s AHDB Recommended List. “These wheats offer excellent disease resistance and high specific weights, showcasing our new direction in multi-gene resistance profiling,” says Ms Oldfield. “They’ve looked outstanding in the ground and in seed multiplication crops.”

Visitors will also see top-performing two-row winter barleys: LG Capital and LG Caravelle. “LG Capital, recommended last year, has shown yields up to 10 t/ha in the East and North,” she adds. “Strong disease resistance and consistent grain quality help growers manage risk in unpredictable seasons.”

Limagrain is also exploring future crop options as UK climate patterns shift. “We're improving genetics and trialling break crops like peas, beans, OSR CSFB resilience, and sunflowers to find viable, sustainable options for UK growers,” she adds.

On the oilseed rape side, Florentina Petrescu, Oilseed Rape Product Manager, introduces three newly recommended hybrids: LG Adapt, Magelan, and LG Avenger. LG Avenger is the first LG variety to include cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) resilience — a novel genetic trait developed to reduce pest damage at key stages.

“This forms part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach,” she says. “Combined with strategies like moisture conservation, drilling timing, and companion cropping, it gives growers a muchneeded edge in re-establishing successful OSR crops.”KWS

KWS is once again presenting its crop portfolio in its signature wheel layout at Cereals 2025, offering a comprehensive view of its latest innovations across winter and spring cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, rye, and oats. This year's spotlight falls on four newAHDB candidatewinter wheat varieties:KWS Grebe,Imrie,Fowlmere, andAintree, each chosen for their standout agronomic traits and market potential.

“KWSAintree is probably the most exciting,” says Olivia Bacon, UK product manager for wheat at KWS. “It’s a hard Group 4 feed wheat delivering 112% of control yields; an exceptional figure.”

Fowlmere,another Group 4, brings excellentspecific weight, while Group 2 newcomersGrebeandImriealso offer unique traits. “Grebe stands out for its orange wheat blossom midge resistance, which is rare in breadmaking wheats, and Imrie has Pch1 eyespot resistance, giving farmers more resilience in highpressure seasons.”

Disease resistance is a top priority for growers following last season’s high pathogen loads, and KWS’s new introductions are aligned with that demand. “Last year really exposed weaknesses in some varieties, so disease resilience is going to be at the forefront of many farmers' minds.”

Visitors can also explore a full suite of trait-led varieties beyond wheat, including sugar beet lineswith virus yellows tolerance and a variety withCercospora tolerance, as well as oilseed rape hybrids bred for vigour and reliability.

A new high-protein Group 1 candidate,KWSVibe,will also be on show. It offers higher protein content than Crusoe and amuch betterdisease package, ideal for quality-focused growers.

Premium Crops

Premium Crops will present various alternative break crops, combining technical and commercial opportunities. Plots will feature high erucic acid (HEAR) and high oleic, low linolenic (HOLL) winter oilseed rape varieties, which command substantial premiums due to robust end-market demand and well-established processing routes.

With contract prices exceeding £600/t, winter linseed is a compelling alternative to OSR. Technically, winter linseed avoids cabbage stem flea beetle risk, requires only 100–120kg/ha of nitrogen (roughly half that of OSR), and faces low disease pressure. Establishment is straightforward, with winter-hardy varieties like Attila performing consistently in Scottish trials.

Modern harvest practices, such as sharp knives and timing for dry days, have mitigated past concerns around linseed harvest. On average, linseed is harvested at or before OSR, helping to spread the workload.

Spring cropping options include spring linseed, red wheat, naked oats, bird seed mixes, and tailored cover crop blends. Many offer attractive market opportunities while supporting soil health and system resilience.

Linseed remains undergrown relative to UK demand, especially for animal feed markets valuing its omega-3 content. With stable pricing, Premium Crops calls for a 25–50% increase in cropped area to meet end-user needs. Visitors can also discuss regulatory challenges facing minor crops.

PGRO

PGRO will feature over 20 trial plots at Cereals 2025, focused on practical pulse crop solutions. Highlights include intercropping trials - like peas with oats or beans - to reduce disease spread and improve land use, plus comparisons of winter beans sown in spring at adjusted seed rates.

Growers can view managed vs. unmanaged fungicide plots to assess real-world impacts on disease resistance, and explore how higher seed rates can maintain winter bean performance when autumn planting is delayed.

Novel crops including winter peas, lupins, lentils, and BYDV-resistant lines will also be display. The DEFRA-funded NCS (Net Zero, Climate Smart) project, involving 17 partners and 200+ farmers, will be spotlighted. It examines how pulses can cut carbon emissions via intercropping, nutrition strategies, and pulse-based livestock feed. Early results from roasted beans show significantgains in protein digestibility, with the project already surpassing early targets.

The digital hub, Pulse PEP (led by ADAS), gives growers real-time research updates and opportunities to contribute insights. Partners will be at Cereals to discuss progress.

PGRO will also present the new ANSWERS initiative, a national bean nutrition study. While no trial plots are planned on site, researchers will be available at the stand.

PGRO’s Alek Ligeza invites grower feedback to shape future research: “Hearing what’s working, or not, is vital. It drives how we adapt, design trials,

and return to the data.” PGRO members can also use the free plant clinic service for pest, disease, or establishment diagnostics.

RAGT

RAGT marks a new chapter at Cereals 2025 following the acquisition of the Deleplanque Group, including Strube and Van Waveren. Its stand will feature a widecrop portfolio, from BYDV-resistant wheats and new winter oat varieties to UK-first sugar beet demonstration plots.

“This is new for us as a company, but something we’ve wanted globally for a long time,” says Helen Wilson, managing director at RAGT. Strube brings innovation to sugar and fodder beet breeding, focusing on disease and virus yellows resistance. Richard Cogman, MD at Strube UK, will be available to offer insights into growing sugar beet and resistance management.

Also on display is RGT Goldfinch, a newly recommended BYDV-resistant wheat. Plots will show its performance alongside non-resistant material. “It allows the virus to enter the plant but blocks replication, preventing serious yield losses,” says Ms Wilson. “It’s not absolute immunity, but it’s an essential tool now that seed treatments like Redigo Deter are gone.”

Goldfinch also carries 9s for yellow and brown rust, making it ideal for disease-prone areas. RAGT is also investing in climate resilience, developing waterlogging, salt, and drought tolerance through global breeding programmes for future-ready varieties.

Rothamsted

Rothamsted Research is spotlighting a powerful blend of agricultural heritage and genetic innovation, demonstrating how landrace varieties and modern gene-editing technologies are shaping the future of resilient farming.

Leading the charge is the historic Watkins collection of wheat landraces, assembled in the 1930s and now held by the John Innes Centre. “We’ve only explored about 40% of the genetic diversity in these lines,” says James Clarke, director of communications at Rothamsted Research. “They’re an untapped resource with immense potential, particularly for breeding climate-resilient wheat varieties that can withstand heat and drought.”

New technologies are accelerating the breeding timeline. "We’re monitoring wheat growth 24/7 and using advanced tools like gene editing to zero in on useful traits faster than ever," he explains. "Given the pace of climate change, we can’t afford to wait; we need these new varieties in farmers’ fields as soon as possible."

Among the innovations on display are low acrylamide wheat, designed to reduce asparagine,

a compound that becomes the potential carcinogen acrylamide when cooked, and high-lipid barley, which boosts nutritional value in animal feed while reducing methane emissions. “These innovations address both food safety and environmental impact - key concerns for food processors and livestock farmers alike,” notes Mr Clarke.

Beyond crops, Rothamsted is showcasing pest control strategies using semiochemicals, harnessing plant-emitted scents to influence insect behaviour. “We’re decoding the volatile organic compounds that attract or repel pests,” Mr Clarke explains. “It’s an elegant approach to pest management with huge potential for sustainable farming.”

Also featured is real-time fungal spore detection technology, delivering on-the-spot diagnostics to improve crop health and productivity.

Syngenta

Syngenta showcases a fully integrated approach to cereal crop production at Cereals 2025, combining new genetics, next-generation crop protection, sustainable packaging, and biological inputs.

The spotlight is on Miravis, a fungicide that consistently delivers yield gains by maintaining green leaf area and reducing crop stress under hot, dry conditions.

A dedicated disease zone will demonstrate integrated management from variety selection through to application timings. The company is presenting SY Cheer, a new Group 1 milling wheat, and two new Hyvido hybrid barley varieties in genetics. SY Quantock, positioned as the successor to SY Kingsbarn, brings grassweed suppression, nitrogen use efficiency, and strong yield potential. SY Kestrel is the first BYDVresistant winter barley on the UK market.

The 3D90 angled nozzle will be on display, offering 90% drift reduction without compromising coverage or efficacy. It will be accompanied by the Evopac packaging system, which is now widely compatible with EasyConnect. The latter offers faster sprayer filling with a translucent, centre-neck design. Syngenta’s biological line is expanding through NuelloiN and Vixeran, nitrogen-fixing inputs that improve nutrient uptake through foliar or soil applications.

A dedicated area will explore how ‘Every growing day counts’ with biologicals, says Kim Baker, marketing campaign manager at Syngenta Seeds. “By integrating seed, crop protection and agronomy, we help growers get more from every input, in real-world conditions.”

The Cereals Event takes place on 11-12 June 2025, at Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire LN5 0QE. Tickets are priced at £15 for both days of the event. For more information, visit www. cerealsevent.co.uk

AHDB champions smarter farming with data at the heart of Cereals 2025

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will examine how to use data to unlock arable business success on their stand (1050) at this year's Cereals event.

The stand will feature our biggest seminar programme at the event to date.

The AHDB team will also be on hand to demonstrate tools, products and services designed to help farmers make the most out of data.

Cereals 2025takes place on 11 and 12 June 2025 in Lincolnshire.

Henny Lowth, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager, said: "A shortage of data is not the issue. The challenge is developing ways to make sense of it to empower farmers and improve decision-making.

• A first-look at our new BYDV management tool for cereals

• Details on how the Environmental Baseline Project will deliver a fairer deal for farmers

• How we are making the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) work harder

• Farmer-led debates on cover crop selection and management (day one only)

• Ways to use Farmbench to identify and control production costs (day one only)

• An overview of digital tools to help select recommended varieties (day two only)

The tools on show throughout the event will range from simple in-field approaches to advanced computer models, with many under test at AHDB Strategic Cereal Farms.

Henny said: "From simple pest traps to the new interactive version of the Recommended Lists (RL), visitors will be able to get hands on and help shape the development of business tools for farmers."

"We are at the forefront of numerous activities in this field and are excited to showcase the latest developments on our stand at Cereals 2025."

The main stand focus is the "From data to decisions" seminars, which will take place on both event days.

These expert-led sessions will provide:

• The first insights from the 2025 Planting and Variety Survey

Key resources will also be available to pick up on the stand, including the RL 2025/26 booklet, the soil management pack, key RB209 sections and the Encyclopaedia of pests and natural enemies.

Free AHDB tote bags and the latest edition of ourArable Focuspublication will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The AHDB stand will also be part of the BASIS and NRoSO CPD point knowledge trails.

Further information about the AHDB stand, including the latest details of the seminar programme, can be accessed online atahdb.org. uk/cereals-event-2025

ProCam returns to exhibit at Cereals Event to help growers balance technology with agronomy

How to better manage this autumn’s cropping by balancing the use of technology with practical, boots-on-the-ground agronomic expertise.

This will be a key theme on the stand of agronomy firm, ProCam, who is returning to exhibit at this year’s Cereals Event (1112June, Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire, stand number 734) for the first time in over a decade. Also on the stand will be a free-to-enter competition with related prizes, ProCam says.

“Technology such as satellite mapping of field variability is becoming increasingly important to help growers farm more efficiently and sustainably,” says ProCam head of crop production, Mike Thornton. “However, it’s also important to recognise that technology is an aid to agronomic decision-making; it is not a substitute for it.”

keen to demonstrate how we can make technology such as satellite mapping more practical for growers, Mike Thornton of ProCam explains knowledge to deliver bespoke precision agronomy, without growers having to wrestle with the complexities of the technology all by themselves.

Farmers will also be able to talk to ProCam at Cereals about crop and variety selection plus drilling guidance for this autumn, says Mike Thornton

With this in mind, Mr Thornton says ProCam will be showcasing the capabilities of its SoilSense soil analysis and nutrient planning service and its FieldSense precision farming service for variable rate drilling and nutrition. It will also be explaining how ProCam agronomists combine such technologies with real-world agronomic experience, he says, to provide practical solutions tailored to individual farm needs.

“We’re keen to demonstrate how we can make technology more accessible to growers, allowing the grower and agronomist to combine their

“There’s no minimum field area to try with FieldSense. So we’re encouraging farmers to visit the stand and find out how we can help ease the pressure of crop management this autumn.

“Farmers will also be able to speak to us about crop and variety choices and drilling guidance. Too often, variety choice is made in terms of 1 or 2% extra yield potential, when other attributes of a variety can easily outweigh this.

“Similarly, seed rates can have a significant impact on weed suppression and yield potential – and these effects aren’t necessarily consistent across a field or from one variety or field to another. By utilising FieldSense with the agronomist’s knowledge of varieties and experience of individual situations, technology and agronomy can combine for the best results.”

Related to these themes, Mr Thornton says the free-to-enter competition on the stand, in partnership with RAGT Seeds, will offer the chance to win a free ProCam FieldSense consultation, free FieldSense Variable Rate Seeding up to a maximum of 25ha, plus up to 2 tonnes of seed from select RAGT varieties, including the newly AHDB recommended RGT Hexton and RGT Goldfinch. These varieties will be on demo plots at the RAGT Cereals stand (1108).

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Working demos set to impress at Cereals 2025

Farmers looking to buy new kit often want to see it in action before making such an important investment. And visitors to this year’s Cereals Event will have the chance to see a wide range of working demonstrations across both days, helping them to choose the most appropriate machinery for their needs.

“This year’s working demonstrations are shaping up to be some of the best we’ve ever had,” says event director, Alli McEntyre. “We’ve got an impressive range of machinery covering all specifications, applications and farm sizes - so whether you’re running a small mixed farm or a large-scale arable enterprise, there’s something for everyone.”

So, what can visitors expect to see at the show on 11-12 June? On top of the popular Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena live demos, there are several other demonstrations covering the breadth of arable operations.

Cultivation

Agriweld returns to Cereals 2025 with a focus on practical, efficient cultivation. As farmers face increasing pressure to balance performance with sustainability, it will showcase two machines: The Duo Disc and the Multi-Till 5T. Both are designed to support reduced tillage and one-pass systems, making them ideal for today’s cost-conscious, sustainability-driven farming operations.

“We understand the challenges the industry is currently facing, and with our low disturbance cultivators, we hope to provide a solution with the versatility they offer,” says Brett Johnson from Agriweld. “Our minimum disturbance machinery promotes soil health and boosts yields, and our customers are already seeing the benefits of using these innovations to get more from their land.”

The Duo Disc is designed to offer exceptional performance in a variety of conditions, delivering precise soil cultivation with minimal disruption to the soil structure. Its compact design and robust build make it perfect for farmers looking for a reliable, efficient tool that enhances soil health while maintaining productivity.

The Multi-Till 5T offers unparalleled versatility for farmers seeking a machine that can handle multiple tasks in a single pass. It offers five combinations in one machine – discs only, legs only, discs and legs together, discs and agri-packer together, or all options combined. Combining the best of both worlds - efficient tillage and minimal disturbance, the Multi-Till 5T helps farmers reduce fuel costs and improve soil structure, all while boosting crop yields.

Drills

Returning for the fourth year at Cereals is UK Farm Agri, demonstrating the Taege DB300E for the first time. “The Taege DB300E was launched to the UK market in November, so this is its first appearance at Cereals,” says Neil Ford, Director at UK Farm Agri. “We’re excited to showcase its capabilities in a working environment.”

The DB300E – which is capable of handling mixed

seeds and rates with its double box direct drill - also qualifies for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), making it an accessible choice for farmers looking to invest in high-quality, cost-effective equipment. “It offers an affordable drilling solution for small to medium farmers,” explains Mr Ford.

Autonomous farming

As modern farming continues to evolve, AgXeed is helping lead the way in autonomous innovation, bringing its cutting-edge robotic systems to this year’s Cereals Event. Its products have been designed to reduce the environmental footprint that comes with traditional farming.

AgXeed will be demonstrating three of its advanced Agbots: The 5.115T2, 2.055W4 and 2.055W3, each designed for autonomous fieldwork across a range of tasks including seeding, spraying, and mowing. By taking on routine and time-consuming tasks, these robots free up valuable time for farmers, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

In addition, Crop Angel will have daily drone demonstrations in the Sprays and Sprayers Arena, featuring the Agras T50. This versatile drone can spread seeds and granules, or swap to the spray tank to allow liquid fertiliser and herbicides or pesticides to be applied. The T50 has CDA nozzles which allow the droplet size be changed to best suit spray conditions, and will automatically fly back to its exact take-off point for landing.

Telehandlers

Merlo will be bringing power and precision to the field with live demonstrations of its TF38.10TT. Built for versatility and strength, this telehandler is designed to handle the toughest agricultural tasks with ease.

“We picked the TF38.10TT because it’s a cracking machine for an arable-focused event like Cereals,” says Helen Selkin, marketing manager at Merlo. “It’s got the reach and capacity to make light work of stacking strawwhether you’re building a big outside stack or tucking bales away in a shed.

“What sets the TF38.10TT apart is its hydraulic frame levelling and boom side-shift, allowing operators to position loads with precision without needing to reposition the machine. This saves valuable time, reduces tyre wear, and improves efficiency - particularly useful in tight barns or uneven yards.”

Isuzu off road experience

The adrenaline-pumping Isuzu Off-Road Adventure is back! Inviting guests to take the wheel of a powerful new vehicle and tackle the purpose-built off-road course, with an instructor alongside, drivers will navigate challenging terrain, try out different driving speeds, and make use of advanced features.

To take part in the Isuzu Driving Course, visitors simply need to present a valid driving license on the day.

Scientists from The James Hutton Institute will share their research at Cereals 2025

Ateam from The James Hutton Institute, including scientists, researchers and geneticists from the International Barley Hub (IBH), will be taking part in this year’s Cereals event at Heath Farm, Leadenham in Lincolnshire, the leading technical event for the UK arable industry.

They will join over 600 suppliers, who will be exhibiting the very latest products, advice and information, offering live demonstrations and areas dedicated to agronomy, technology, machinery, business, education, environment and renewable energy to the expected 20,000 visitors to the event on 11th and 12th June.

Barley researcher, Malcolm Macaulay, said, “We always look forward to Cereals events as they provide a unique platform to communicate our science to the wider farming community.

“The International Barley Hub is a world leading centre of excellence in barley science. We work with international communities in science, research and academia, along with the UK barley breeding community, industrial and commercial sectors to bring scientific advances to the marketplace. Cereals provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with the full arable supply chain in one place and we look forward to two days of discussions and knowledge exchange based around our industry- focused research, innovation and new discoveries.”

This year, the Hutton stand will concentrate on the exploitation of locally adapted barley to mitigate the challenge of climate change.

Malcolm explained, “Our plots contain a collection of locally adapted (or landrace) barley from across

the globe, harnessing extensive genetic diversity, though it is just a small sample of the available diversity. Landrace lines are locally adapted to a range of differing climates and have been used to generate novel populations. These lines can be used for future sustainable production under a changing and unpredictable climate.”

An emphasis on increasing yield over recent decades has narrowed the genetic diversity of our major cereals. Along with intensive farming practices, this has increased both the vulnerability to rapidly evolving pests and diseases and dependency on high agronomic inputs.

In stark contrast to the widely grown, high-yielding monocultures typical of today’s agricultural landscape, locally adapted landraces from the large geographical area in which barley grows, along with wild barley from the near east fertile crescent, offer a rich source of genetic variants that have the potential to redress these vulnerabilities and dependencies.

The IBH, funded through the Tay Cities Region Deal (TCRD), is exploring how landraces and wild germplasm, already adapted to the wide range of environments from which they were originally collected, can contribute to future crop improvements. Researchers hope to decipher the underlying genetics that have driven barley’s adaptation to different environmental conditions to future-proof the crop in the face of climate change and the drive to reduce agrochemical inputs.

They will utilise natural genetic diversity in their barley pre-breeding programmes and pass on all interesting products to the plant breeding sector to evaluate and use as parents in their own breeding programmes.

The first single-sided battery-powered

Single-sided hedge trimmers offer numerous benefits, including a longer and lighter cutting bar, as well as improved safety. Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 150 R and HSA 150 T are the first single-sided hedge trimmers in the STIHL AP System, comparable in performance to the popular petrol HS 87.

Available in lengths of 75cm or 100cm, the HSA 150 comes equipped with a catcher plate as standard, increasing the speed at which the top of hedges can be cut.

Alongside the impressive performance, the HSA 150 also offers high levels of operator comfort. The new hedge trimmer weighs just 4.3 – 4.7 kg (without battery) and is comfortable to hold thanks to the ergonomic handle grips. The wide grip stance, combined with the central centre of gravity, allows the HSA 150 to be pivoted with ease, resulting in minimal strain to the operators’ wrists or arms.

The HSA 150 is quiet in operation, and thanks to its highly effective antivibration system, is suitable for long periods of use too. When cutting hedges with a petrol machine, the fumes can often collect within the hedge, resulting in a poor working environment for the user. Batterypowered machines such as the HSA 150 can eliminate this problem entirely.

Featuring 38mm tooth spacing, the HSA 150 R is best suited to annual pruning or hedge reduction work. Its lower maximum RPM of 3,200 also allows thicker branch material to enter the cutters efficiently. Alternatively, the HSA 150 T has a higher maximum RPM and smaller 30mm tooth spacing, making it better suited to ornamental or fine leaf hedges such as taxus, buxus or privet, where a fine finish is required.

The HSA 150 benefits from a new

gearbox design, consisting of a two-step planetary gear. This results in exceptionally high cutting performance and fast cold start up, as well as improved protection of the internal components thanks to the integrated slip clutch.

To help prevent the blades from jamming, the HSA 150 features an innovative antiblocking system that reverses the motors

battery-powered hedge trimmers in the STIHL range

rotational direction to unblock the blades, minimising product downtime and enhancing the efficiency of the tool.

The HSA 150 utilises the same friction optimised, double edged blades that feature on the HS 87 professional petrol models, resulting in long lasting sharpness, a consistently clean cut and ample durability for long cutting seasons.

When used with the recommended AP 200 S battery, the HSA 150 R has a maximum working time of 150 minutes, while the HSA 150 T’s maximum working time is up to 140 minutes.

To find out more about the STIHL HSA 150, visit www.stihl.co.uk

K Resilient & Ready graduates achieve

ingsplay Farming Company is the most recent participant of Corteva Agriscience's Resilient & Ready sustainable farming programme to be awarded LEAF Demonstration Farm status.

More than 70 industry representatives gathered at the farm in Calne, Wiltshire, in April to celebrate Nick and Lucy Tyler's commitment to integrated farm management (IFM) across their mixed dairy, livestock and arable enterprise.

The achievement was the culmination of three years' involvement in Resilient & Ready; an immersive package of training, technical support, trials, and mentoring, delivered by LEAF in partnership with Corteva.

Nick and Lucy manage an 850-hectare business in northWiltshire, on the Western border of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

Lucy, a qualified vet, and Nick, the third generation inhis family to farm atKingsplay, have 450 dairy cows plus 400 replacements and 400 Wagyu beef cattle,and are focused on optimisingthe health and welfare oftheir animals.

"The launch reflected Nick and Lucy's dedication and hard work to adapt their farming practices to implement IFM principles and strive towards delivering their goal of having a closed loop, balanced system," says Sally Harris, UK & Ireland Field Technical Manager at Corteva Agriscience.

Attendees enjoyed a guided tour to see the farm's agroforestry and conservation efforts and learn more about their community outreach initiatives, animal husbandry, and soil and crop health practices.

Three trees were planted to mark the occasion by the Tyler family, Sally, and LEAF's IFM Manager, Dan Stevenson.

LEAF Demonstration Farm status

The Tylers' ambition is to be fully self-sufficient in cattle feed byutilisinghomegrown crops and their own grazing land.

They joined the Resilient & Ready programme in 2023 and have undertaken changes such as using biological alternatives to nitrogen fertilisers, and refining farmyard manure management. They also launched an agroforestry project which incorporates both silvoarable and silvopasture systems.

"Nick and Lucy have embraced the Resilient & Ready process, taking part in various training courses covering communications, theCountryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme,and sustainable land management," says Sally.

The Tylers were named Mixed Farmers of the Year in the Farmers Weekly Awards last year, as well as receiving the Climate Positive Agriculture accolade at The Cream Awards.

Kingsplay is the fourth business to have taken part in the Resilient & Ready programme and rise to

LEAF Demonstration Farm status. Newhouse Farm in Hampshire, run by Andy Bason, and the Yattendon Estate in Berkshire, managed by Nick Down, were part of the first cohort when the programme launched in 2019.

Harriet and Ben Lowe at Newseat of Dumbreck Farm in Aberdeenshire also became part of the LEAF Demonstration Farm network in 2022.

"Resilient & Ready is an innovative programme that offers a range of practical support, training, networking and access to industry experts and new products with the aim of enabling farmers to develop more resilient businesses," explains Sally.

"They have achieved so much while also offering strong support to the other farming business in their cohort, sibling duo Byrony and Archie Graham at Lodge Farm in Essex."

Kingsplay will now join the network of farms that inspire and support other farmers and the wider community through sharing their experiences.

Warks Young Farmers

The next generation of farmers will showcase their talents and seek to attract young new recruits when they exhibit at a major agricultural show.

Members of Warwickshire Young Farmers clubs will celebrate all that farming life entails with a series of fun features at the Kenilworth Show, Warwickshire’s largest one-day agricultural event, which will take place on the Stoneleigh Park estate on Saturday, May 31.

Their stand promises to be a hive of activity, with a club showcase competition lined up alongside fun spectacles likely to include a bale or sack race. Members will also welcome their peers from the West Midlands Area of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) who will stage attention-grabbing farm safety and fencing competitions.

Katy Walsh, Chair of WYF, says members will give visitors a taste of the countryside and share information about the many events WYF clubs hold throughout the year, not just for people closely associated with agriculture, but for complete newcomers too.

The 25-year-old said: “We’re a dynamic rural youth organisation open to people aged 10 to 28 who are passionate about agriculture, the countryside and community life. With 10 active clubs across the county, there’s a place for everyone.

“We run a packed calendar of social events, including dances, rallies and charity fundraisers, that enables our members to gain leadership skills on their journey to personal development, make lifelong friends and contribute to their local community.

“Whether you’re from a farming background or simply have an interest in rural life, Warwickshire Young Farmers welcomes you. No prior experience is necessary - just bring your enthusiasm!”

Steeped in heritage, Warwickshire Young Farmers launched in 1937 and now has active clubs in Kenilworth, Brandon & Wolston, Coleshill,

Fillongley, Leamington Hastings, Long Itchington, Pailton, Shipston-on-Stour, Stratford & Studley and Wormleighton.

The organisation has 312 members, including a thriving juniors’ section with more youngsters joining every year. Club members engage in diverse activities, from farm visits and skill-building workshops to social events and community projects. They also showcase and develop their talents by taking part in competitions in livestock handling, cookery and public speaking.

The much-loved Kenilworth Show, which attracts around 12,000 people, has been running since 1947 and is organised by Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society (KADAS), a charity that supports, promotes and educates people about agriculture.

Show Director Charlie Weetman, whose son Bradley is Vice-Chair of KADAS, says the WYF hub will complement the Society’s ambition to pass on agricultural knowledge and passion to a new generation of farmers.

He said: “We aim to get more young people involved in the Society and involved in agriculture as a whole so we and WYF have something of a common goal.

“It’s really important that we help to attract and support the next generation of young farmers. We’re only too pleased for WYF to take up such a prominent area at our show. We expect it will be hugely popular with youngsters familiar with farming and newcomers alike.”

The show will boast an action-packed programme of main ring attractions and more than 120 trade stands will display a range of arts, crafts, jewellery, homeware, food and drink.

Bunning at the Royal Highland Show 2025

GT Bunning and Sons will return to the Royal Highland Show 2025 on the same larger stand as last year, displaying four manure spreaders suited to the diverse Scottish market.

This will include a trio of Twin Vertical Auger (TVA) single axle machines, showcasing the flexibility of the range. The smallest spreader is a Lowlander 75 MK4, which is suited to small farms and upland contractors who require a machine with modest dimensions to access tight gateways and yards. The Lowlander 75 has a carrying capacity of 9.5t and features the same robust build quality as the larger models in Bunning’s range.

Two Lowlander 120 spreaders will be on the stand – one is a TVA design and the other is the sole Horizontal Beater and Spinning Disc (HBD) machine on display. The Lowlander 120 HBD is capable of driving spread widths up to 24m, while the Lowlander 120 TVA is a Hybrid machine, offering increased output and

improved material shredding compared with standard TVA models.

The Hybrid option uses the Widebody auger design, increasing auger width to 1,830mm (standard is 1,500mm wide) and includes the large diameter bottom blades. The wider augers improve the flow of some products at high rates as there is no width limitation as it passes into the augers.

Furthermore, the Lowlander 120 Hybrid TVA spreader will be fitted with weigh cells. All Bunning spreaders, in both TVA and HBD design, are available weigh cell ready, with an optional Isobus rate controller system to improve application accuracy, allowing monitoring and live rate adjustment.

The final model at the show is a Lowlander 105 TVA, with all models built in the UK at Bunning’s modern Norfolk factory and sold with a three-year warranty as standard.

Fendt presents complete range at RHS

Fendt returns to the Royal Highland Show this year, showcasing its comprehensive range of wheeled tractors, from the fully electric e100 Vario series, right up to the 415hp, Fendt 942.

Further machines on the stand include Fendt 728, Fendt 618, Fendt 516 and Fendt 314. Alongside the tractors, Fendt will also be showing a Corus 5275 C PL combine with a 6.7m header – a popular model in the Scottish market – while its

high capacity Rogator sprayer and Rotana 160 round baler will also be on display.

“The Royal Highland Show is always a great event and one we enjoy exhibiting at with our dealers, and meeting new and existing customers,” says Fendt’s Ed Dennett. “As the show is over four days, it gives us plenty of time to discuss requirements with customers, understand their challenges, and provide solutions. The diverse range of machines on show highlights how we can cater for everyone across various markets.”

Likely to draw a large crowd are the two smallest tractors – the e107V and e107S. These two machines are part of Fendt’s fully electric e100 series and highlight the potential of these models to handle daily feeding tasks, or light field works, such as tedding and raking. Max power of 90hp is available from the e107V. The environmental benefits of these machines include minimal work

noise, lower emissions, and a quieter operator environment. Running costs are also much lower than conventional tractors and these can be cut further if the electricity is produced on farm.

“The e100 range continues to be improved on by Fendt engineers. The tractors can power all current implements and are set up to run electrically driven implements in the future. There is significant user interest in these models, not just from farmers, but in the horticulture, amenity and public sectors, too.”

A popular machine in the Scottish market is Fendt’s C series straw walker combine, with the 5275 C PL model at the show operating a 6-cylinder, 7.4-litre AGCO Power engine, offering 306hp.

The 5275 C PL features the unique hydraulic levelling system, which compensates for slopes of up to 20%, to ensure maximum efficiency when working on sloping ground. This means the combine will maintain high output as the threshing unit, separating and cleaning systems remain horizontal and can work at maximum efficiency.

“The Fendt C series is a popular mid-sized combine for farmers and growers that want control of when they harvest their crops for optimum quality. The terrain in Scotland can lend itself to the self-levelling option to prevent excessive losses when working across slopes. All settings are easily accessed through the 10.4” terminal, which will be familiar to Fendt users,” concludes Ed.

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.

Fantastic food, drink and countryside shopping awaits visitors at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show in June

TheRoyal Three Counties Show,one of the UK’s largest celebrations of our glorious countryside and rural life, is set to take place atThree Counties Showgroundin Malvern from13 – 15 June 2025,and this year’s show promises a feast for all senses, with a packed programme of exciting entertainment, in addition to delicious food and drink, carefully curated countryside shopping and – of course – thousands of animals and lots of family fun!

Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped presenter, chef and author,Matt Tebbutt, to the Food & Drink stage on Sunday 15 June. Matt, who has worked as a chef in some of London’s most prestigious restaurants and is a well-known face on some of the best-loved cookery and food shows on TV, will be sharing his expert tips and passion for fresh, seasonal produce. Expect plenty of delicious inspiration, foodie chat and a sprinkle of Matt’s signature charm.

Additionally, Murf will be joined on stage byWill Young, best known asFarmer Willand for his appearance on ITV2’s Love Island, who has captured the hearts of millions as a viral TikTok sensation, sharing the charm, humour and realities of life on his Buckinghamshire farm. TV presenter, author, smallholder and passionate traveller,Kate Humble, and star of Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm, young farmer and best-selling author,Kaleb Cooper, complete the Food & Drink Theatre line-up for 2025.

Every year, the Royal Three Counties Show showcases some of the UK’s very best food and drink producers. The abundant three counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire produce a significant amount of the UK’s annual harvest, and many of those artisanal producers and local food heroes will demonstrate the fruits of their labour at this year’s Show.

One of those local food heroes is Herefordshire’s very own award-winning chef,Anthony ‘Murf’ Murphy,one of four founders of the popular independent restaurant group, The Beefy Boys. Murf will host a new-lookFood & Drink Theatre(a gastronomic highlight of the Royal Three Counties Show), sharing his world-class, award-winning burger recipe, offering tips to recreate your own version at home, as well as aBBQ competition for local chefson Saturday 14 June, and a funBurger Schoolon Sunday 15 June. To celebrate the Show, Murf will has created ‘Three Counties Boy’, a brand-new burger developed in partnership with the Royal Three Counties Show, which fans can enjoy a first taste of at all Beefy Boys restaurants in the weeks leading up to the Show.

Murf will welcome BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and

Another new feature at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show is a host ofVIP food experiences.Relax with aBreakfast of Championsin the exclusive Members Lounge before the hustle and bustle of the show begins (£55 per person, Saturday and Sunday only). Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience with anexclusive VIP two-course lunchin the prestigious Members Lounge. Not only will you enjoy food that showcases the best of the three counties culinary delights, you’ll also receive a warm welcome from Farmer Will (Saturday 15) or Matt Tebbutt (Sunday 16, both £119 per person). After enjoying a busy morning at the Show, relax with anafternoon teaof delicious cakes, scones and unlimited tea and coffee in the exclusive Members Lounge, plus a warm welcome from BBC Countryfile’s, Adam Henson (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15, £79 per person). Tickets for all VIP experiences are limited and can be booked at:https://royalthreecounties.co.uk/whats-on/vippackages/

A brand-new Grain to Garden Barwill be the place to relax with a refreshing drink. Located in the new ‘Grain to Garden’ feature garden by Rupert Keys, Cherry Carmen and TASK Training Academy from this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival, three impressive agricultural grain silos have been

creatively repurposed into immersive spaces, demonstrating how farming heritage can be woven with the soft beauty of nature.The Old Bull Barsponsored by Westons and Wye Valley Brewery, will return for 2025 with a new look, offering the chance to sit back and enjoy a drink from Wye Valley Brewery or Westons Cider, without missing out on the action taking place in the Main Area, including theBolddog Lingsfreestyle motocross stunt display show, and The British Army’s Parachute Display Team –the Red Devils–who will be free-falling through the sky at speeds of 120mph on Friday and Sunday.

This year’s Royal Three Counties Show once again boasts afantastic line-up of food and drink vendors. Enjoy the buzz of the Show while you tuck into delicious pizza from Gloucestershire’s Kitchen Garden Pizza, mouth-watering mac and cheese by Herefordshire’s Mac Daddies Gourmet Mac and Cheese, or fragrant Tibetan Street Food from Nawa Kitchen. You’ll find Greek gyros wraps, slow roasted Welsh black beef, soft shell crab, frozen yoghurt, farm-fresh ice cream and more across the 22 food stalls lining the showground.

Foodies won’t want to miss a browse around theIndoor Food & Shopping Hallinside Severn Hall, which will host over 40 food and drink producers from across the UK (alongside arts and crafts, gifts and homewares). Here you’ll find everything from traditional South African Biltong by Bil-Tomm’s Biltong from Warwickshire, to delicious hand-made pies by Mud Pies from West Sussex, award-winning fudge by Dorset’s Flo and Frankies and delicious ice cream by Herefordshire’s Kelsmor Dairy.

Herefordshire is this year’s county host for the Royal Three Counties Show and to celebrate there is a new Herefordshire Small Businesses Marquee dedicated to showcasing local exhibitors, selling a

Valtra is set to exhibit at the 2025

range of local produce from decadent handmade brownies and cookies, to sewing kits, ceramics and art.

For the very best in countryside shopping, head to theRoyal Parade– which is even bigger and more luxurious for 2025 – to browse some of the finest luxury countrywear retailers, including Fairfax & Favor, and lifestyle clothing brands; Raging Bull and Cotswold Fox Clothing. You’ll also find local Herefordshire producers Gun Dog Gin, a Champagne Bar, ringside seating to keep shoppers close to the action taking place in the Main Arena and Equine Rings, and the glorious backdrop of the Malvern hills to complete the unique shopping experience.

For those familiar with agricultural machinery, the Royal Three Counties Show will host the latest, cutting-edge tech from big brand names at theMachinery Mile.Head here to browse the latest equipment from John Deere, Kubota, Caterpillar, Toyota, Massey Ferguson and Fendt.

All this, as well as theGrand Parade of Livestock(a highlight of the weekend which sees hundreds of animals led around the arena while commentators provide information about each breed), spectacular show jumping and 53 prestigiousHorse of the Year Show qualifying classes, the high-octaneSTIHL Timbersports Championships,over 101 free family activitiesto enjoy, plus interactiveanimal encountersfrom Attwell Farm Park – the Royal Three Counties Show offers a great day out this summer.

Advance day tickets to the Royal Three Counties Show cost £24.85 for adults and children under 16 are free. To book tickets, visitwww. royalthreecounties.co.uk/or call 01684 584 924.

Royal Highland Show and Royal Welsh Show

Valtra UK is proud to announce that we will be attending two of the UK’s most prestigious agricultural events this summer – the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Welsh Show.

Join us at the Royal Highland Show from 19th to 22nd June 2025 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, and again at the Royal Welsh Show from 21st to 24th July 2025 at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore our latest range of award-winning Valtra tractors, featuring our most up-to-date innovations and smart farming solutions. Whether you are a longtime Valtra customer or new to our brand, we invite you to get up close and personal with our machines and discover how they can power productivity and efficiency across a wide range of tasks – not just on the farm.

Our expert team will be available throughout both events to answer your questions, guide you through detailed product walkarounds, and share insights tailored specifically to your needs. We will also be supported by our network of local Valtra dealers, bringing with them valuable knowledge and community connections.

“We’re thrilled to be attending both the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh Shows this year,” said Sarah Howarth, Marketing Manager for Valtra UK & Ireland. “These flagship events are highlights in the agricultural calendar and offer a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our customers, share our latest innovations, and give visitors a closer look at the design, features, and craftsmanship behind every Valtra tractor.”

We look forward to seeing you there! Please keep an eye on our socials for more detail - https://www. facebook.com/ValtraUKandIreland and http://www. instagram.com/valtraukie

FRESH PRODUCE SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERT TO ACCELERATE COMMERCIAL GROWTH OF THREE AGRI-TECH BUSINESSES

FRESH produce supply chain expert Doreen Spikings has been announced as chief operating and commercial officer to accelerate growth for three agri-tech commercial research and development businesses, B-Hive Innovations, HarvestEye and RootExtracts.

The move will expand commercial operations to deliver solutions for global food supply chains through science-based projects including AI, genetics, sustainability and valorisation.

Doreen brings more than 20 years of experience in the fresh produce sector, with expertise spanning, production, operations procurement, technical and commercial strategy. Her career journey began at field level harvesting gem lettuce, before progressing through various roles building her understanding of global supply chains, sourcing, and crop yield optimisation.

Doreen has joined following three years as commercial director at Irish fresh produce grower and distributor Keelings, prior to which she also held commercial director positions at potato supplier Greenvale and Greenyard, a global supplier of fresh, frozen and prepared fruit and vegetables.

Doreen said: “My career has taken me to many amazing countries, such as Kenya, South Africa, New Zealand, where I have gained a broader perspective on global food solutions, from supply chains to sourcing and crop yield optimisation. From my experience, I can see how and where research-based solutions to real-world challenges have the potential to be enormously transformative.

“Having more recently focused on the commercial aspects of the fresh produce industry, I believe I can help accelerate B-Hive, HarvestEye and

RootExtracts growth portfolio, building on the fantastic work already achieved, and delivering solutions that offer tangible benefits for supply chains.

“Financial and environmental sustainability are two aspects that must be considered hand in hand when building global fresh produce solutions and I see this as a real growth opportunity for the business.”

Vee Gururajan, CEO at B-Hive Innovations, HarvestEye and RootExtracts said: “Doreen’s supply chain acumen adds the ideal requisite that we need to connect our solutions with commercial applications and globally accelerate growth through commercial R&D, IP creation and expand our portfolio of agricultural clients.

“Eight years since the inception of B-Hive, we continue to leverage research and innovation to solve problems for the future of food production that goes beyond our initial potato specialism, having expanded commercial offerings for more produce including strawberries, apples and onions, with exciting growth planned into new areas such as aquaculture.

“Crop insights system HarvestEye is growing globally and RootExtracts, which valorises potatoes into plant-based ingredients, is in the process of commercialisation. Doreen is well suited to aid this journey and build their respective commercial portfolios.

“Doreen is joining at a fantastic time, and we are excited at the rate of growth that is possible in 2025 and beyond.”

For more information visit https://www.bhiveinnovations.co.uk/

Applying nitrogen-fixing bacteria found to boost potato crop output

Applying a nitrogen-fixing endophyte bacterial spray in potatoes can boost leaf chlorophyll content, tuber numbers and tuber yields, replicated trial plots in Yorkshire have shown.

Conducted by agronomy company ProCam at the Stockbridge Technology Centre near Cawood last season, the trial tested the endophyte bacterial spray Encera, applied with an adjuvant at the tuber initiation stage in mid-June to maincrop potatoes planted on 2 May.

The work followed other successful results seen with the treatment in other crops, says ProCam trials manager, Rebecca Tunnicliffe. After application, Encera bacteria enter the plant where they fix nitrogen (N) and supply it directly inside the plant’s cells, Ms Tunnicliffe explains.

“Consistent with this nitrogen-fixing ability, results showed the Encera treatment boosted leaf chlorophyll levels by more than 5% compared with untreated plants in the trial by mid-July,” Ms Tunnicliffe says. “All other inputs of herbicides, fungicides and conventional fertiliser were kept the same on treated and untreated plots throughout the trial.

“By 23 July, tuber digs revealed that Enceratreated plants had gone on to produce an average of 10% more tubers, at 15.4 tubers per plant. But more importantly, the benefits continued through to harvest.

“Compared with untreated plots, Encera treatment resulted in an average 8.4% uplift in yield of tubers in the 45-65mm marketable size fraction, from 57.3 to 62.1t/ha.

“There was also a substantial 24.4% increase in the number of tubers in this marketable grade. And

total tuber numbers at harvest were similarly increased by a massive 25.9%. Maximising marketable yields is clearly central to potato profitability,” Ms Tunnicliffe adds.

Following this early stage work, Ms Tunnicliffe says ProCam will be adding to its knowledge about Encera in potatoes this season by testing it at a range of application timings, from in-furrow to late tuber bulking, to see whether this affects tuber numbers and yields. The effects of applying it more than once in the season are also being explored, she notes.

Meanwhile in Scotland, ProCam regional technical manager, Alistair Gordon, who advises on potato crops in Easter Ross and the Black Isle, has practical experience of using Encera on potato seed crops on-farm.

“With seed potato production, we’re not looking at total yield; we’re looking to burn the crop down early to produce smaller tubers,” says Mr Gordon. “So I was very interested in a product to increase tuber numbers in the seed sized fraction.

“As per the Yorkshire trial, Encera was applied once at tuber initiation to the seed crop potatoes. It was tank-mixed with the third blight spray. The grower was pleased with the results, and we’re repeating it again this season.

“Based on the results of the Yorkshire trial, I can see how Encera can also benefit ware crops. Another important reason for using an endophyte treatment is that it diversifies the N sources available to the crop, so that plants still have a level of N being provided even if soil conditions are too dry for traditional granular N uptake. We’re using Encera with the normal N fertiliser dose,” Mr Gordon concludes.

T A Life Woven with Quiet Strength

here’s a passage in Helen Rebanks’ A Farmer’s Wife where she writes about peeling potatoes at the kitchen sink, children coming and going, and the quiet hum of life happening around her — lambs outside the window, dinner on the stove, dogs underfoot. And I paused, not because it was dramatic, but because it felt like someone had written down a memory of my own.

This book isn’t a tale of glossy, curated countryside life. It’s an unvarnished, deeply tender reflection of what it means to live and work on the land, particularly as a woman, often unseen, rarely still, but central to everything. Helen writes with a gentle but unsparing honesty. And in doing so, she gives voice to so many of us whose days are made up of care and chores and countless small decisions that keep a family, a farm, a life going.

Her words are grounded — not just in the soil of the Lake District she calls home, but in something older, deeper. She

understands that rural life isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, a weight, and a love all at once. What struck me most isn’t just what Helen says — it’s how much space she makes for what is felt.

I grew up with hands in the sink and boots by the door, too. I know the rhythm of planning tea while bottle-feeding a runt, of listening for weather reports while packing school lunches. I know what it is to carry worry in your chest — about a sick ewe, or bills stacking up, or a child who needs more than you’ve got to give at that moment. And I know the strange, quiet joy of standing alone in a field at dusk, breath steaming, heart still.

Helen doesn’t dress any of that up. She doesn’t have to. A Farmer’s Wife is made of real things — tired bodies, deep love, home-cooked food, mental strain, soft victories. Her kitchen isn’t the kind you’d find in a magazine spread, but it is where life happens — where bread rises while children squabble, where dogs wait for scraps, where grief and comfort often share the same plate.

One of the most moving parts of the book is the way Helen gives weight to things many would overlook. The emotional labour of motherhood. The relentless multitasking. The way women so often hold the shape of the family — and the farm — while barely noticing the cost. She writes of love, not in grand gestures, but in the making of meals, the folding of washing, the showing up again and

again, even when everything aches.

This is not a complaint. It’s a recognition. And that’s what makes the book so powerful — it validates what so many rural women live, every day, without fuss or fanfare.

Helen also writes beautifully about food — not as an aesthetic, but as memory, as survival, as love. Her meals are simple, nourishing, and often shared at speed. But they matter. She reminds us that preparing food from what we’ve grown, raised, or gathered isn’t old-fashioned — it’s profoundly human. And in a world that prizes speed and spectacle, that reminder is more radical than it seems.

Reading this book, I found myself thinking about all the women I know — mothers, daughters, neighbours, friends — who hold so much and ask so little. Who gets on with it. Who build lives not in grand moments, but in a thousand quiet acts of devotion. This book is for them. For us.

It also gently challenges us to reflect on the invisible systems we participate in. Helen touches on the pressures of industrial food production, of social expectations, of the guilt we feel when we fall short of impossible standards. But she does so with kindness, not condemnation. Her message is one of care for the land, for our families, for ourselves.

If you live on a farm, or grew up near one, A Farmer’s Wife will feel like a hand held out — a reminder that you’re not alone in your tiredness or your tenderness. And if you’ve never known this life, Helen will guide you into it with warmth and honesty. She’ll show you the beauty that exists even in exhaustion, and the strength that grows quietly, year after year, in the face of mud, worry, and love.

There’s no romanticism here. Just the truth. But that truth is exquisitely beautiful.

The spring sun is soft on the fields outside, and the lambs are sun-gazing while their mothers graze with steady purpose. Tea is already prepped — it always is — and the washing’s been done, folded, and put away. It’s not magic, just a rhythm I’ve learned to carry well. Like so many women in farming, I wear a dozen hats without dropping one. Helen Rebanks understands that kind of life — the practical, loving, relentless reality of it. Her book is a quiet reminder that what we do matters. Not loudly, not showily — but deeply, and every single day.

Follow Helen on Instagram @theshepherdswife and head to her Linktree to order your copy of ‘The Farmer’s Wife’

Biolectric Nominated for 'Best Installer' at 2025 Renewable Energy Association Awards

iolectric, the leader in small-scale anaerobic digestion technology, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 'Best Installer' award at the 2025 Renewable Energy Association (REA) Awards.

The nomination recognises Biolectric's excellence in delivering on-farm renewable energy systems that turn slurry into clean, selfgenerated electricity.

With more than 450 digesters installed across Europe and the UK, Biolectric empowers farmers to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and boost sustainability using a proven

"Small-scale anaerobic digestion is so effective because it puts renewable energy production directly in the hands of farmers, turning a daily waste challenge into a dependable source of power, savings, and sustainability," said Gary Hague, UK Development Director for Biolectric.

In the UK, Biolectric's installations have been growing steadily as more farmers embrace the simplicity and benefits of onfarm anaerobic digestion andtransition to loweremission agriculture.

The Biolectric system uses only slurry to produce renewable electricity and heat through a closedloop, automated

process. The technology captures methane - a potent greenhouse gas - before it escapes into the atmosphere, turning it into a valuable energy source. The by-product, digestate, is also a superior organic fertiliser, helping to improve soil health and reduce reliance on artificial inputs.

"Our farmers often describe it as a no-brainer," Gary continued. "This nomination is for them - for believing in the technology, for leading by example, and for showing the agricultural world that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

"We're incredibly proud to be nominated. Anaerobic digestion is a win-win-win by helping farmers cut emissions, save money, and support a greener energy future. This recognition from the REA is a huge honour and shows that practical, farmerfirst solutions really do make a

The REAAwards highlight the most impactful innovators and organisations in the UK's renewable energy industry. Winners will be announced this June at a ceremony in London.

Biolectric continues to drive the shift toward sustainable, decentralised energy, one farm at a time.

Farming a key feature of leading biogas events

he annual World Biogas Expo and Summit are the world’s leading events solely dedicated to anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas, attended by industry leaders, policymakers and technology providers from around the world. With agriculture a key area of growth for the sector, farming always takes an important place within these gatherings – which will be held this year on 9-10 July at the NEC in Birmingham.

The World Biogas Expo, organised by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) in partnership with the World Biogas Association (WBA), will enable visitors to discover the latest innovations, trends and technologies available in the AD and biogas industry, with farming and land management products and services featuring among the 150 exhibitors’ displays and agriculture being discussed in the conference sessions.

A specific Expo side event to look forward to for the UK’s farming community will take place in the morning of 9 July. The Farmers Breakfast will bring together on-farm AD plant operators, farmers using AD coproducts such as biofertilisers, as well as farmers and landowners interested in developing new AD plants on their land.

Leading experts will explore the importance of a land use framework, as a mechanism to ensure a proper

balance between food security, nature preservation and clean energy; the central role of biogas in regenerative farming and the revenue stream to be had from ‘carbon harvests. They will also discuss how reduced chemical use through nutrient recycling pays dividends by reducing input costs and protecting biodiversity.

Meanwhile, the co-located World Biogas Summit will offer two days of high-level strategic debates on all the key aspects of this fast-developing sector. This year, this senior-level forum will highlight the increasingly significant role the biogas industry plays in providing solutions to global challenges such as food security and the need to decarbonise agriculture. Themed “from Waste to Wealth”, it will highlight the potential of AD and biogas to facilitate the transition to clean energy and the use of biofertilisers in farming, with a dedicated session on that topic in the morning of 10 July.

The Farmers Briefing, Expo and Summit will also provide ample opportunities to network and share knowledge and expertise. A must-attend for farmers interested in exploring how this rapidly growing industry can support the farming community.

Find out more at: www.biogastradeshow.com www.world-biogas-summit.com

Two hundred years loyalty at pump maker Landia from just a dozen employees

total of just 12 employees at leading pump manufacturer, Landia UK, have completed a combined service record of 200 years.

Leading the way in the year that Landia celebrates 75 years since it invented the world’s first Chopper Pump, is Liz Robinson, Operations Executive, who was there on day one of Landia UK with the late and fondly remembered Hugh Vaughan.

Behind the scenes as a truly dedicated Senior Mechanical Engineer, Dave Baldock has been at the Shropshire-based business for 27 years, whilst highly renowned Technical Projects Manager, Paul Broadhurst has clocked up a quarter of a century.

Vastly experienced Key Account Manager, Paul Davies has now been with Landia UK for 23 years, closely followed by stalwart Tony Challinor, Senior Technical Engineer, with 19 years’ service.

The effervescent Howard Burton (Technical Sales Engineer) has recorded 13 years at Landia, and the meticulous Tamas Rieder (Service and Aftersales Manager) has been with Landia UK for a decade.

Senior Mechanical Engineers Kieran Hilton and Jack Foster have clocked up 24 years’ service between them, whilst Josh Edge, Technical Sales Engineer, has recorded 11 years. Kieran, Jack and Josh all began as apprentices through Landia’s proven training program.

Dave Thomas (Service & After Sales Administrator) and recently appointed Office Manager, Sam Smith have both served Landia UK for 9 years.

Liz Robinson, Landia UK’s Operations Executive, commented:

“Two hundred years of service from such a small number of people speaks volumes for Landia UK. We are all for encouraging new talent to join us, and with Josh Edge, Jack Foster and Kieran Hilton now with us for well over 10 years each since joining as apprentices, shows the solid, rewarding career path we can offer.”

She added: “From the dedicated organisation at our Whitchurch office to keep everything together and moving forward, to the hard work of our sales and service engineers out on the road, we are extremely proud of this 200-year landmark.”

1phase/3phase Chicken farm system.

This system is a battery storage designed to give the farmer 3phase power without paying for a new upgraded supply from the DNO, it utilises lithium batteries recharged from the PV panels and diesel generator, it can also use the existing 1phase grid supply to the farm for recharging the batteries at night on cheaper rate electricity or as another back up failsafe system.

This system is NOT designed to feed power back to the grid, there is no direct grid connection to allow this.

Compulsory solar on new-build homes big win, says CPRE

esponding to the government's announcement that rooftop solar panels will become compulsory on new-build homes, CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock said:

'This is positive step and shows that taking climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of a thriving countryside. CPRE has long campaigned for rooftop solar panels to be made compulsory on all newbuild homes. The UK's millions of roofs have the potential to generate huge amounts of cheap and sustainable energy, slash people's bills and ensure we make

the best use of our finite supply of land.

'Net zero is non-negotiable, with solar power a key part of our energy mix. We urge the government to set a target for generating at least60% of the UK'ssolarenergy from rooftops.

'We've wasted the potential of our rooftops for too long, we still want to see rooftop solar rolled out across warehouses, car parks, and existing homes. At the same time, mega solar risks being allowed to damage natural landscapes and productive farmland. Today's announcement helps restore the right balance.'

CPRE responds to Parliament solar farms debate

esponding to today's House of Commons debate on solar farms, CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock said:

'The wave of applications to build mega solar farms across our countryside is creating a landscape lottery with as much as 7% of some constituencies under threat. These applications are all too often targeted at our best farmland and could take vital areas out of food production for as much as 60 years.

'Climate change is the single biggest threat to the countryside. When he spoke in today's debate, energy minister Michael Shanks MP was right to say that the government needs to

bring communities with it on the journey to net zero. It's clear we've got to build a clean energy grid fit for the future but the best way to achieve this by giving people a real say in decisions that impact them.

'The government's recent commitment to rooftop solar on car parks and new homes is a great start but the UK is still way behind. Recent research from the UK Warehousing Association shows installing solar panels on the roofs of just 20% of the UK's warehouses would double the country's total solar energy generation capacity. Meanwhile, CPRE's own research shows that while countries like Germany generate 80 per cent of their solar on rooftops, 84% of the UK's comes from good agricultural land.'

Hygiene and health made better by design

IDBA’s livestock consultant Jamie Robertson addresses the role building design and materials can playing in making cleaning processes more effective.

The livestock industry is a significant part of the global food industry and to that end the production of sustainable livestock that is safe to eat is a primary target.

We have also come to understand that our livestock systems are at their most efficient when the stock is healthy, and where the maxim of judicious medicine use might be ‘as little as possible but as much as necessary’.

A necessary ingredient for both safe food and healthy livestock systems is good hygiene, and the ability to practice good hygiene in facilities that are processing thousands of kilos of food, water, faeces and urine as a matter of routine. A tough target made easier by good design.

and timber boarding used in livestock housing floors and drains might be considered somewhat dull.

But that doesn’t mean they’re not an essential part of delivering a cleanable system. A good concrete crew is a tremendous asset to a retrofit or newbuild because they will understand the reason behind slopes, steps and good finishing of surfaces and joints.

In the early 1990s the UK poultry sector was clearly focused on hygiene practices following Edwina Curry’s infamous statement on salmonella in eggs.

While salmonella gained the spotlight, there was a larger zoonotic risk in poultry production in the form of Campylobacter jejuni - one of the four key global causes of human diarrhoeal diseases.

Working with the major UK poultry meat producer and processor at that time and applying the principles of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP), we identified one critical feature of broiler chicken housing which was increasing the risk of Campylobacter infectionthe age and condition of the concrete floors in each broiler house.

It was not possible to predictably clean every building to the required hygiene level to eliminate environmental transmission of Campylobacter between crops of birds.

The same procedures and the same professional cleaning crews could eliminate pathogens in some buildings and not others, based on the condition of the floors which typically reduced with age.

Floors and drains

Compared to galvanised steel, coloured plastics

The design detail of flooring and drains is there for a reason; to maximise health and welfare and to facilitate the efficient management of waste.

Resurfacing floors and, in particular feed areas, has clearly demonstrated a positive impact on health and hygiene. As with the example of Campylobacter jejuni in broilers, the difficulty of eliminating Cryptosporidium from dairy herds and particularly youngstock systems is because too many systems are very difficult to clean.

Pen floors and lower wall surfaces are frequently porous, with a million holes and cracks for pathogens to inhabit while the wash water and disinfectants are thrown around.

Figure 1 shows the use of parlour paint on the walls of a calf building. It’s an investment that will pay back though easier cleaning, more effective cleaning and use of chemicals, and a cleaner overall environment for the calves.

The same is correct for feed surfaces. Adult cattle have shown a clear preference for eating from feed surfaces where epoxy resin coatings are applied to the concrete base. Feed intakes go up and feed waste is reduced, with the apparent reasoning that a worn concrete feed base is saturated with old feed, moulds and mycotoxins, and are seldom cleaned and hygienic.

Calving pens

Lack of ease in cleaning is a significant impediment to the management of calving pens. Calving is the most stressful period in the annual cycle of a dairy cow. Added stress can increase the shedding rate of pathogens from the gut and respiratory systems, yet many calving pens are of a sufficiently large floor area that frequent and thorough cleaning is not practical.

A study of aspects of calf systems on 66 dairy

farms in Northern Ireland (Brown et al, 2021) included attention to the management of calving pens. The work specific to calving pens is further reported by Robertson & Cavill, 2022, and Table 1 describes hygiene and ease of cleaning of calving pens from the 66 farms.

Table 1. Hygiene and ease of cleaning in calving pens (n=66)

There was a significant link between the ease of cleaning and whether a farm had single space or communal calving pens. There was also a significant relationship between an increase in days between cleaning of calving pens and reduced daily live weight gain (DLWG) of calves across 37 UK farms reported by Hyde et al, 2021.

The data from farm studies indicates there are potential gains to calf health and performance from improved attention to detail and routines around calving pens, and facilities should be designed for more single pens with drains and hoses that assist rapid and effective cleaning. It should be no surprise that hygiene at calving is a critical control point in managing calf health.

Microbiology in livestock buildings

Maintaining good hygiene and health in livestock buildings is a major target for producers. The use of aggressive cleaning chemicals has been reduced in recent decades and there is growing concern that commonly used disinfectants are increasing the rate of microbial resistance in some species.

Aikumys et al, 2024, report on the wide range of pathogen species isolated in a commercial cattle breeding farm (Figure 2) and comment that while the use of aggressive chemicals can provide temporarily ‘clean’ surfaces, the process also eliminates beneficial and non-pathogenic

agents and may increase the rate of subsequent colonisation with antibiotic resistant pathogens.

The evidence is clear. Livestock production creates a biological soup at animal level, and building design and materials which aid the cleaning process will bring benefits to the producer, the livestock and the environment.

Figure 2. Isolation of main species from cattle building environment (Aikumys et al, 2024)

Two thirds of farm shops hit by rural crime in past year

New research from NFU Mutual has revealed that 67% of rural retailers have suffered from crime in the past 12 months, prompting the rural insurer to issue a warning for owners to take preventative measures to try and deter thieves.

Half of those who have suffered from retail crime say they had been hit more than three times within that period.

Of those surveyed, NFU Mutual reports that almost three quarters believe crime has increased over the past 12 months.

“Sadly, this latest report on rural crime comes as no surprise,” said NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos in response to the new figures.

“Farming families and rural businesses are feeling increasingly vulnerable and unsupported as rural crime continues to rise, on top of significant financial losses from the theft of essential farm equipment and the damage caused to local businesses, such as farm shops,” Rachel added.

‘You feel vulnerable’

Will Lacey, who helps manage and run Laceys Farm Shop in Buckinghamshire, described what happened when, in April last year, the farm shop was broken into overnight by thieves, smashing windows, stealing the cash drawers, and damaging CCTV, tills and computers.

He said: “They knew what they were doing. They went in, smashed the window and got what they wanted. They knew what they were looking for, they had a plan and did it very quickly and precisely.

“It left us feeling extremely frustrated and you feel vulnerable as it’s all on your land, your home and your livelihood. The yard is locked, the shop is locked, and security was in place – there was not much more we could do so it’s incredibly frustrating.”

Will said the family has since upgraded the CCTV system, have alarms in place and have changed their gateway entrance. NFU Mutual’s research found that 53% of those working in rural retail have taken security measures to protect themselves in the past 12 months.

Stronger legislation needed

Head of commercial at NFU Mutual Zoe Knight urged farm shop owners to stay vigilant.

“We have seen businesses make huge efforts to feel protected from crime, with both technological and physical security put in place – while we work closely with our risk management specialists to try and reduce the threat of other shops becoming victims.

“Farm shops have sadly been targeted in the past due to their remote locations, so it’s vital owners take all necessary and appropriate preventative steps to try and deter thieves.”

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said the NFU has long called for dedicated rural crime teams in every police force and fair funding for rural policing.

“We also urge the government to create a cross-

departmental rural crime task force and adopt stronger legislation to tackle theft and other crimes in rural areas,” she added.

“The government must recognise the severe impact of crime on rural communities and act now to ensure those who live and work in our rural areas are given the protection and support they need.”

Advice for retailers

NFU Mutual's Risk Management Service has issued the following advice for retailers to protect against shoplifting and break-ins:

• Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves–greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified.

• Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy,placing items that are high-value or which are more desirable to thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots.

• If possible, limit the number of high value items on displayand secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable area.

• Train staff to recognise shoplifting tacticsand ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence.

• Consider displaying signage in-storenotifying thieves that they will be prosecuted.

• Try to minimise cash takingsand use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a good quality compliant safe which is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm protected area.

• Ensure all doors and windows have good quality locks(to BS3621) which cannot be opened from the outside or from the inside without the use of a key.

• Always keep keys to doors, windows, and safes, in a secure location. Always remove them from your premises outside of business hours and limit their distribution among managers or staff.

• Consider investing in good shutters, grilles and bars on doors and windows.

• If investing in an intruder alarm, ensure it is installed by an NSI or SSAIB approved company, compliant to EN1350-1 and provides remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre.

• If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud with links to mobiles and/or remote monitoring, and meets requirements of GDPR.

• Be aware of cyber threatsand make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen.

• Consider hiring data protection specialiststo provide ongoing security of your data.

• Have a robust policy in place for responding to intruder alarm activations– i.e. don't let a keyholder turn up on their own.

New Safety Campaign - I am Vital to UK Agriculture

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has produced new stickers aiming to visually remind everyone to stay safe with a simple message, ‘I am vital to UK Agriculture – Stay Safe’.

The NAAC is asking its contractor members and the wider farming community to join forces and remind each other that we are all vital by placing stickers in prominent places. The sticker campaign is aiming to prompt more thinking about safety and remind everyone to act, whether that is always wearing a helmet when riding a quad bike, making sure PTO guards are always in place or perhaps switching off a machine before clearing a blockage.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC CEO said, ‘It is all too easy when under pressure to think that health and safety is all about paperwork and hassle. However, the number of fatal and serious incidents in farming continues to remain stubbornly high and the NAAC wants to visually remind everyone to protect themselves and colleagues. We urge everyone to use these stickers as a heads up to take that extra time to make sure a job is done safely and get everyone home to their

families at the end of the day.’

The NAAC asks that agricultural contractors, farmers and the wider industry come together to use the stickers as a visual reminder anywhere that will prompt action to stay safe. There will be a social media campaign to promote the stickers, which will be available from the NAAC stand (number 504) at Cereals event on 11-12 June 2025. To obtain stickers in the meantime, please contact admin@naac.co.uk P&P charges will apply.

The modern calf feeder with individual calf feeding, whole milk system, intuitive control

alfExpert is a calf feeder that has been developed to meet the latest standards in calf feeding. State-of-the-art feeding technology ensures that the milk for the calves is always freshly mixed. It does not matter whether milk replacer or pasteurised whole milk is used. CalfExpert prepares the milk automatically and individually for each animal.

You, as farmer, remain completely flexible in your work schedule while calves are fed 24/7. The calf feeder takes your calf rearing management to a whole new

Intuitive operation via the graphic display and the link to the CalfGuide mobile app make it easier for you and your team to monitor your animals. All the information about your calves, status reports and alerts are at your fingertips in the app and directly on the calf feeder at all times.

Different feeding programmes form the basis of successful and performance-oriented calf rearing in automatic calf feeding. Labour savings and complete supervision included.

Individual animal feeding

Feeding a large number of calves with a fresh mix adapted to each individual calf is a major challenge. CalfExpert makes it child's play.

Always freshly mixed

The CalfExpert calf feeder mixes the milk fresh for each calf. Any residual milk is kept warm and flushed out of the system following longer drinking breaks. Other calf feeders work with a central milk supply. In milk stored this way at 40 °C, the bacterial count doubles every 20 minutes. In contrast, the CalfExpert guarantees maximum hygiene and feeding suitable for every individual animal.

Individual adaptation

A central milk supply has another major disadvantage: modern feeding programmes (e.g. metabolic programming) require a higher CMR concentration (e.g. 160 g/l) at the beginning of rearing to stimulate performance. However, a lower milk replacer powder concentration (130 g/l) is necessary in the weaning phase. This individual animal feeding can only be achieved if the mix is prepared individually for each calf,

QuickChange logic for greater performance

We have accelerated the mixing process and the change of calves in the CalfExpert, thereby optimising utilisation of the HygieneStations.

Milk is mixed quickly and can be called up at the feeding station after just 3 seconds. Once the milk meal is finished, a switch is immediately made to the second feeding station. Here, a second calf can be fed immediately while the first is still satisfying its need to suckle.

In addition, priorities can be specified in the CalfExpert menu so that young or sick calves are given preferential treatment. The tried and tested flexitime programme ensures that meals are distributed very evenly throughout the day without clusters of visits to the stations. The result is reduced waiting times with high animal occupancy and a positive "visiting experience" for the calves.

Enjoy calm and compliant calves

Since CalfExpert does not restrict feeding to certain times of day, calves can come and feed at any time.

Your calves will no longer see you as a nurse and will therefore remain calm when people enter the barn. Younger and weaker calves have all the time they need to consume their full ration.

As the CalfExpert also works with an intelligent credit logic, all calves have a feeding credit at a different time. As a result, fewer animals crowd around the station. The anti-pirate milk valve ensures that stronger calves do not steal milk. The result: extremely uniform, relaxed groups of calves.

QuadroFlex: simultaneous and yet flexible feeding

With the new QuadroFlex system, four calves can feed at the same time at two PowerMixers. The CalfExpert mixes the milk freshly when calves wish to drink. This means no tank supply system is required. The feeding quantity is determined precisely for each calf by maintenance-free sensors. If a calf requires a special mix e.g. including medicine or electrolytes, only the sister stall at the same PowerMixer is switched off. Feeding continues at the second Power Mixer at both stations. This allows 120 calves to be fed at 4 HygieneStations. Thus the capacity of the CalfExpert has been increased by approx. 20 – 30 % compared to its predecessor H&L100.

Flexible feeding programmes

Modern feeding programmes should always adapt to the age and breed, personally set rearing goals and state of health of the calves. CalfExpert allows you to do all this in the optimum way.

Weaning process

CalfExpert prepares your calves in a particularly gentle way for the intake of concentrate and roughage. It reduces the amount of feed at the end of rearing in small steps of 0.1 l per day and thus stimulates the development of the forestomach system.

8 feeding curves

CalfExpert can be used to turn any feeding programme into reality. Feeding curves can be adjusted very flexibly in each of the 8 groups. Up to 16 "turning points" allow you to fine-tune your personal feeding concept down to the last detail. Or you decide in favour of one of the proven and pre-set CalfExpert feeding programmes.

Metabolic programming

Intensive feeding in the first few weeks of a calf's life will usually lead to significantly higher milk production later. However, the correct weaning of calves, for example after an ad libitum phase, poses particular challenges for every calf breeder. With CalfExpert, each calf is slowly weaned off high milk intake, in terms of volume as well as concentration.

Effective mixing of milk replacer powder

Flexible feeding also means that a wide range of CMRs and additives have to be prepared in an optimum and lump-free way. The continuously variable PowerMixer ensures a soft start to avoid splashing and then stirs the milk replacer powder thoroughly. This means the calf receives its freshly mixed milk directly at the teat in just 3 seconds.

The feeding process can sometimes take longer where young or weak calves are involved. We prevent the separation of the milk replacer powder by slow permanent stirring. And if it gets colder, the heater in the mixer always ensures the mix is kept at a constant temperature, for no matter how long the calf needs.

Second milk powder chamber

The new option allows the CalfExpert to feed two different types of milk replacer (CMR).

The milk powder compartment is at a 90° angle to the CalfExpert and feeds milk powder into the PowerMixer of the machine via a dosing augur on the side. The volume of 50 kg of CMR can be supplemented by a further 25 kg via the additional powder chamber. This

gives the CalfExpert the largest milk powder storage capacity of any automatic feeder on the market, with a maximum powder storage capacity of 150 kg (2 x (50 + 25 kg)). Ideally, this is done in such a way that one type of milk replacer slowly takes the place of the other. This can make sense, for example, if a high-quality skimmed milk replacer is to be used in the first few weeks of life in order to promote the early development of the calves with highly digestible CMR.

Later, cheaper milk replacers can be used, whose ingredients (e.g. certain proportions of high-quality vegetable proteins) are intended to support the transition to ruminant.

Specific additive feeding

Minimal doses of feed additives can be added to the milk diet in order to stabilise the gastrointestinal system. Sick calves can be treated with medicines in the milk. You can use two powder dosing units and two liquid dosing units. As with the milk programme, you can set different feeding curves for these additives as well. This means maximum flexibility for top calf health.

powdered milk? This causes changeover stress with your calves and is likely to cause digestion problems. "EvenMilk", our intelligent whole milk control, knows how much whole milk is available and how much is to be fed. It makes sure that whole milk and CMR are mixed in balanced proportions even when whole milk quantities fluctuate daily.

Clean and reliable

A calf feeder is designed to make your work easier and perform continually for 24 hours. To achieve this it has to work reliably under the rough conditions of a calf stall, like the CalfExpert does.

EvenMilk: intelligent whole milk feeding

Whole milk is digested perfectly by the calf and results in the best performance. With the CalfExpert whole milk programme you can set whole milk proportions or supplement the whole milk in the feeing programme flexibly. What happens with your feeder when the whole milk supply has been used up? Does it then feed

Hose cleaning including the teat

All hose systems used to have deposits of contaminated milk because they had not been cleaned often enough or thoroughly enough. The HygieneStation rinses the entire milk hose through to the teat during longer drinking breaks. In addition, the complete milk system is cleaned several times every day. If theDoubleJugmilk tank is used, the supply line to the CalfExpert is also cleaned automatically. This will reduce a calf’s exposure to bacteria, improve the health of the calves and save on manual cleaning.

Two cleaning agents

To optimise cleaning even further, the CalfExpert can use two different cleaning agents: either alternate with

each cleaning cycle or combine in one cleaning cycle (alkaline, rinse, acid, rinse). The cleaning agent pumps are fitted on the outside. They can thus draw directly from the tanks. This is safe and convenient. In addition, the CalfExpert generates automatic messages as soon as a canister is empty.

Fly shield as standard

Two large doors protect the critical area where the mixer bowls are located. This keeps flies away from the milk and avoids problems in the milk system. The doors can be locked so children cannot be harmed or injured.

Integrated operating instructions

The 7″ graphic display not only allows all calf data to be conveniently viewed. Pressing the key with the book icon opens help texts and information from the operating instructions at every level of the application.

Ready to work whatever the weather

Calves love the outdoor climate, your CalfExpert does too. It comes with a frost protection programme that is activated automatically as soon as there is a risk of frost. Sensors in every HygieneStation and in the CalfExpert mixing chamber measure the ambient temperature and then adapt the mixing temperature and intensity of the frost protection programme accordingly. You can clean the outer surfaces of the automatic feeder with water, since all the sensitive components are water spray-proof.

Simple maintenance

Regular inspection of the technology is easy: you can test all the important CalfExpert components quickly and easily in the maintenance menu. You can also carry out calibration quickly yourself, because the software always tells you exactly what to do. We recommend that you have your CalfExpert serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. This provides you with the peace of mind that the automatic feeder will be ready for the next rearing cycle.

Automatic calibration

The CalfExpert checks the flow rate of milk and water at regular intervals. ensuring a consistent amount of water for the calves without your needing to actively worry about it. Although this unfortunately does not apply to the amount of powder, the machine will remind you as soon as calibration needs to be performed. However, with its Brix-TS option, CalfExpert compensates for deviations in the mix concentration, so that you are always surethat the calves have been fed correctly.

Smarter work – better performance

Kill two birds with one stone: CalfExpert not only frees you up from tedious and strenuous work. Intelligent software and smart operation also increase feeding quality.

SmartKeys

We deliberately avoid the use of touch technology and rely instead on the use of SmartKeys, meaning that a CalfExpert can be operated reliably even in frost, rain, with gloves or even dirty fingers. The illuminated

SmartKeys guide you through the programme.

The completely new control software offers maximum clarity and simple CalfExpert operation. All calf data with individual feeding curve, alarm lists, technical parameters etc. can be viewed on the 7" display. The Wi-Fi connection also allows you to retrieve individual items of data on mobile devices and to receive push notifications in the event of error messages.

Higher income thanks to improved performance

Calves supplied with a lot of energy start lactation at an earlier age and produce more milk later on. CalfExpert also provides you with the best prerequisites for optimum animal health. This means a lower death rate and more animals in the herd reared from your herd offspring. This in turn gives you the opportunity to select the offspring in a targeted manner and to sell surplus heifers at a profit. And last but not least: by saving working time, you are freeing up capacities on your farm that can be used profitably.

CalfGuide app

CalfExpert comes with a WiFi interface as standard. The CalfGuide app allows you to access important information directly on your mobile phone. This includes the general calf feeder data and details of the calf lists with the entire calf history. You can easily modify calf information and feeding curves in the app. The CalfExpert also sends messages when the cleaning containers are empty, for example. A particularly practical feature is a health check, which allows you to objectively assess the health of your calves.

AmmoniaDetect

Ammonia irritates the mucous membranes of calves, even in small doses. This can lead to bronchitis in the long run, which can soon turn into pneumonia. Ammonia is only perceived as an odour when it is already in the

harmful range. AmmoniaDetect is an electrochemical sensor that permanently measures ammonia levels in the barn air. It is installed directly in the lying area, protected from the calves by a pipe. CalfExpert analyses the measured values continuously and documents them in a chart. This enables you to optimise the ventilation of the calf barn and determine the best time for mucking out.

Gain time and flexibility

Take care of your calves when YOU want and don't let them dictate your day. There are often other jobs and responsibilities to be taken care of in the mornings and evenings in particular: milking and feeding the cows, making breakfast for the family or taking your children to school... CalfExpert feeds your calves. You only have to monitor the machinery and the animals. And training is reduced to a minimum with the new HygieneStation.

Automated work routines

With the CalfExpert, all employees know what they have to do and when. They perform checks, teat changes etc. at regular intervals. The CalfExpert generates timely notifications when whole milk and cleaning agents are running low. And the CalfExpert reports this a few hours before the containers are actually empty to avoid any mad rush.

A feeder that has growing potential

With CalfExpert you can feed up to 100 calves at 4 stations, with QuadroFlex as many as 120 calves. Even if you feed fewer animals today, our modular system allows you to expand the calf feeder machine at any subsequent time with all the options available. So you save money now but can still make use of all the possibilities later.

Would you like to receive a quotation or individual advice? Our sales partners will be happy to assist you.

DeLaval unveils faster, smarter, bigger milking robot model

DeLaval unveils the 2025 model of its voluntary milking system (VMS) V300 series. Developed in close collaboration with customers, the DeLaval VMS™ V300 2025 model incorporates the latest technology to make robotic milking better than ever – smarter, faster, gentler, and more flexible – through the introduction of several key features:

• More spacious milking robot: A larger box accommodates a wider range of cow breeds and sizes, providing greater comfort during milking.

• Flow-Responsive™ Milking: This new functionality sets a new standard for robotic milking by maintaining a steady pre-set teat end vacuum, resulting in a better milking experience for the cow and reducing milking time – with customers reporting a reduction of up to 40 seconds per cow per milking.

Additionally, several add-on features are available to further enhance the system:

• DeLaval Plus: Customers can upgrade to DeLaval's advanced digital services to enhance performance monitoring and control with premium management tools, analytics, and predictions.

DeLaval BioSensors Milk Cell Analysis (MCA): DeLaval's newly launched MCA sensor can be added as an optional feature to further enhance the milking experience. This revolutionary, compact sensor uses advanced optical technology to monitor udder health and count somatic cells in milk, helping farmers improve udder health management, milk quality, and detect subclinical mastitis early. It also aids in making dry-off decisions, reducing unnecessary antibiotic treatments, and promoting responsible dairy farming practices. The MCA seamlessly integrates with all VMS V300 milking robots and can work alongside other milk analysis sensors to provide

dairy farmers with precise and sustainable data.

VMS V300 2025 model: Smarter, faster, gentler and more flexible than ever, combined with a new design

The VMS V300 2025 model retains all the state-ofthe-art technology that makes the V300 range so popular, including the DeLaval InSight vision system and the DeLaval PureFlow milking system. DeLaval InSight – the industry leader in vision technologies – is powered by artificial intelligence, helping to ensure outstanding speed and accuracy for the VMS V300 series. Insight provides more precise teat location for efficient and accurate milking, which is particularly beneficial for cows new to robotic milking or those requiring special attention. Plus, the system continuously learns and improves with each milking, driving ongoing gains in efficiency and performance.

Hendrik Veldman, Development Manager Western Europe, DeLaval, says: "With the introduction of the VMS V300 2025 model, DeLaval takes another significant step forward in milking technology. This new model addresses the critical needs of modern dairy farmers by enhancing productivity, animal welfare, and supporting sustainable farming practices. Farmers can use the extra capacity for more milkings per cow, more cows per station, or more idle time for a stress-free operation. Overall, it allows customers to milk better than ever –that's what we call milking without compromise.”

The benefits of Flow-Responsive Milking

Flow-Responsive Milking will be included as a standard feature on new VMS V300 units starting June 2025. From Q4 2025 onwards, it can also be added to existing VMS V300 robots. This technology provides a constant, pre-set vacuum at the teat end throughout the entire milking process, regardless of the milk flow from the individual teat. By maintaining a consistent teat end vacuum, it ensures milk flows smoothly and efficiently, avoiding interruptions from vacuum changes that can slow down the milk flow and extend the milking time beyond what the cow can deliver. Ultimately, this results in shorter milking times. Farmers like Jeppe Ulvsbjerg from Ulvsbjergård in Denmark have reported saving up to 40 seconds per cow, with DeLaval test results showing an average time saving of 27 seconds per cow. This

technology also makes milking more comfortable for the cow. With fewer vacuum changes at the teat-end, there's less irritation, leading to fewer kick-offs. Additionally, because milking is more efficient, there's less on-cup time.

Jeppe says, “What we focus on the most daily is getting as much milk out of the cows as possible. When we started with the new milking robots, we saw an improvement in efficiency due to the camera and the robot arm, which was much smoother. We were able to milk around five more cows per milking robot. Now, after adding FlowResponsive Milking, we’ve seen yet another improvement in efficiency. We save between 30 to 40 seconds per milking, which corresponds to about an hour more free time per robot per day. We increase the [system] vacuum level, and as we increase it, it allows us to get a more stable [teat end] vacuum during milking. So, there is always a stable vacuum level at the teat end.”

Attleborough

Baconsthorpe Farm, Ellingham Road

Norfolk, NR17 1YQ

Capitol Sales: Steve Taylor - 07824 512511

Frome

Marston Park , Bulls Quarries Road

Tytherington, Somerset, BA11 5BS

01373 465941

Sales: Gary Grant - 01373 468722 / 07860 590701

Dairy Manager: Nigel Ellis - 01373 468707 / 07860 247367

Huntley

Ross Road,

Gloucestershire, GL19 3EX

01452 830303

Sales: Chris Newey (VMS specialist) - 01452 830303 / 07880 798475

Leading Edge Efficiency with GEA

Developed especially for dairy producers with large farms, the GEA DairyRotor T8900 rotary milking parlour can turn potential into productivity. That is easy thanks to the system’s extremely flexible design. Select the size and equipment that is just right for you, and let GEA help make your vision for the farm of the future a reality today.

The value of productivity

With GEA, you benefit from great throughput and performance. T8900 is tailored for superior performance and seamless processes right down to the smallest detail – from cow traffic through to process handling and milk flow. Designed especially for mid-sized to large herds, T8900 is the powerful rotary milking parlour in GEA’s DairyRotor series, providing you with custommade technology for outstanding productivity and efficiency.

Unparalleled comfort

ergonomics enable comfortable handling of daily routines. The system’s smoothly rounded, low-profile cabinets make milking a pleasure, allowing for fast cow flow in a calm and quiet atmosphere.

Consistently robust for continuous use

Imagine working in a clean, well-organised environment day after day. State-of-the-art

Investing in the future requires reliability. Across the board, T8900 components stand for reliability around the clock. In short, they’re built to last. Moreover, the system can be

From cutting-edge milking systems and herd management tools to innovative feeding and barn equipment, GEA provide everything you need to enhance productivity and animal welfare. The comprehensive range of GEA products are designed for every farm size and type.

G. D. & M. DUNGLINSON

Brunstock, Carlisle, CA6 4QG

Tel: 01228 524918

www.dunglinson.co.uk

Negus Chase Ltd

Chapmans Farm Pristling Lane, Tonbridge TN12 0HH

Tel: 01580 891199

www.neguschaseltd.co.uk

Clarkson Dairy Services

Coverbridge Farm, Leyburn, DL8 4SQ

Tel: 01969 623522

clarksondairyservices.co.uk

Griffins Dairy Equipment

Unit 2 Burnside Ind Est, Turnpike Close, Grantham, NG31 7XU

Tel: 01476 575447

Jace Supplies

Greenfields Farm, Crowborough Road,Lask Edge, Staffs. ST13 8QR

Tel: 01782 307415

www.jacesupplies.co.uk

Wooldridge Dairy Services Ltd (WDSL)

Unit 1A, Mill Farm, Uley Road, Dursley Gloucestershire, GL115AD

Tel: 01453 860614

griffinsdairyequipment.co.uk

www.wdsl.co.uk

Chews Dairy Services

Daleside, Skipton, BD23 6LB

Tel: 07921 226859

DairyFlow

Wheatrig Farm, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock, KA3 2NG

Tel: 01563 532 111

www.dairyflow.co.uk

ideally customised to suit your needs and budget. Choose from a wide range of GEA’s milking components for a strong and futureoriented investment.

Key Benefits:

• 32-120 milking stalls for mid-sized to large herds

• Flexible design: 75° or 90° stall position,

• V-shaped or parallel entrance

• Standard and Subway versions available

• Milking efficiency even for small herds: optional retention arms for the 2nd round

• Ideal operating and cow comfort

• Compatible with the full range of GEA milking clusters and attachment technology

• Optional integration of troughs for individualized feeding

• Convenient herd management with real-time data

Time-saving cluster attachment

comfortable operation while minimising physical strain. Meanwhile, milk meters and detacher controls continuously monitor the milking process.

Great comfort for your cows

With no sharp edges, the system’s smoothly rounded stainless steel surfaces provide an anatomically ideal environment for your herd. Your cows will quickly grow accustomed to the comfortable design of their modern milking place.

High-speed data management

All animal and system parameters come together in one high-speed network: from animal ID and real-time health data to milk yield – the T8900 rotary milking parlour can be linked seamlessly with GEA herd management software. The carousel parameters provide insights into new possibilities for production optimization: a wide range of feedback functions allows you to monitor the status of the ongoing processes at any time, including cleaning the milking cluster with the CIP technology.

The dairy team have an unobstructed view and easy access to the cow’s udders for quick and efficient attachment. The milking cluster is perfectly positioned to enable swift and

Unbridled productivity and outstanding efficiency for animal-friendly milking in 24/7 operation is what the GEA DairyRotor T8900 delivers along with performance at the highest level. Contact your local GEA Dealer or visit www.gea.com for further information.

Farmers Urged to Review Forage Stocks as Dry Weather Impacts Yields

Farmers are being encouraged to assess their forage supplies and plan ahead as continued dry weather affects grass growth and crop yields, following the driest spring in almost 70 years.

According to the Met Office, April was the sunniest on record, following a March that saw less than half the average rainfall. The Environment Agency has already issued a medium risk of summer drought, prompting concern among livestock advisors.

Richard Lane, dairy advisor and nutritionist at The Dairy Group, warns that the prolonged dry spell could affect forage availability later in the year.

"Silage cutting is underway and while quality looks promising, yields are back slightly on some farms due to the dry conditions. Grass growth has been steady rather than strong, and many farms are still buffer feeding to maintain milk output, helped by a good milk price. However, forage carry over is variable – for some it's a feast, for others a famine," says Mr Lane.

He adds that if rain does not arrive soon, there may also be challenges for spring reseeds and maize, with reduced moisture availability likely to impact growth and yields.

"While there's no need for panic, it's sensible for farmers to conduct a forage budget now and have contingency plans in place. On one of our client's farms in Somerset, they recorded just 36mm of rain in March and April, compared to 300mm in April 2024. If we don't see rain soon, moisture deficits could become a real concern."

Contingency options include speaking to arable neighbours about wholecrop if silage is short or looking at forage alternatives, such as moist co-products – which are often in good supply during the summer months and provide a cost-effective way to extend forage stocks.

Emily Keep, nutritionist at Duynie – the UK's largest co-product feed supplier and the exclusive UK distributor of C★Traffordgold® from this summer – says co-products can be a valuable addition to livestock rations, especially in years when forage supplies may be tight.

"Feeds like C★Traffordgold®, brewers' grains, and moist blends can all help extend forage and are incredibly palatable," she explains. "If forage is on the drier side or farmers are trying to use up older stocks, these feeds can help drive intakes. They're also nutritionally rich, sustainable, and provide a consistent feed option that supports production. C★Traffordgold®, in particular, is high in energy and digestible fibre, and has been proven to work well in both dairy and beef systems." She suggests inclusion rates of 5–8kg/head/day.

Brewers' grains and C★Traffordgold® also offer good fibre levels, with NDF contents of around 50–60% and 25% respectively, and protein levels of approximately 20–24%. "When included in a TMR, they offer a balanced source of fibre, protein and energy," adds Ms Keep. However, due to their short particle size, she advises feeding alongside a long fibre source to support rumen function.

Ms Keep also highlights moist blends such as Starch Pro and Power Mix as effective maize replacers in beef and dairy rations if maize yields have been affected by adverse weather.

"Our team of trained nutritionists and advisers are available to help farmers assess their current situation and discuss the feeding options that best suit their system – whether that's now or looking ahead to winter," she says.

Farmers are encouraged to act early, review forage budgets, and explore feed options to help avoid supply issues later in the year.

Livestock farmers urged to plan ahead in case dry spring weather continues

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is calling on livestock farmers to assess their feed requirements now because of the continuing dry weather.

According to the Met Office, the UK is experiencing the dryest spring in over a century, which can affect the development of both cereal crops and grass. With many cattle and sheep farmers relying on grazing during the summer, and harvesting silage for winter food stocks, now is the time to make plans to help mitigate against poor grass growth.

Katie Evans, AHDB Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, said: "There was a strong start to the grass growth season with favourable conditions. May tends to be a big growth month and early statistics have shown good growth rates achieved early in the month. However, the lack of rainfall, particularly in the driest regions where it hasn't rained for weeks, could significantly slow growth, reduce silage yields, and impact grazing availability.

"At this point, its worthwhile farmers assess both summer and winter feed requirements and start building contingency plans. This might include reviewing silage stocks, being prepared to cut earlier than usual to prioritise feed quality over bulk and considering fastgrowing catch crops for summer or autumn grazing.

"Grazing management is especially important during dry periods. Rotational grazing can help protect residuals and reduce plant stress, and where pasture supply is tight, using buffer or supplementary feeding early can protect sward recovery later in the season. It's about being proactive: resting paddocks, avoiding overgrazing, and planning to preserve pasture cover. These small decisions now can help maintain long-term resilience and avoid bigger challenges later in the year."

Where first cuts have been lighter than expected, farmers are encouraged to monitor second-cut potential carefully. Low regrowth due to dry conditions could mean later or reduced second cuts, and it may be more effective to shift management strategies, such as diverting poorer fields to grazing or introducing alternative forage crops.

Katie added: "It's also important to remember that young stock turned out onto short pastures can be at greater risk of worm burdens once rain does come. With less herbage intake and no built-up immunity, monitoring growth rates and using faecal egg counts will be key to prevent setbacks in performance"

The increasing unpredictability and occurrence of extreme weather events is seeing farming put under even greater strain. Data from the UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) suggests this is set to continue and the UK will have a warmer climate while the intensity and frequency of extreme events such as heavy rainfall, heatwaves and droughts will increase. Modelling carried out by AHDB on different temperature increase scenarios up to the year 2100 shows that immediate risks to farming now are that to productivity due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought, high rainfall and flooding impacting livestock and crop output.

Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment (Technical), said: "It's important to remember what makes these climatic changes so challenging is we are experiencing huge extremes. This time last year we were talking about the effects of a very wet season and now we are dealing with a lack of rain. This means any actions farmers consider will be very specific to their business, taking into account location, the type of land they have, as well as the type of farming enterprise they run. What is key is farmers start assessing the specific risks to their farm.

"Many farmers will already be aware of the risk of flooding on their farm, or experienced firsthand the impact of extreme rainfall, heatwaves and drought. However, it now needs to be a focus for all as we see more and more of these events. Everyone should be assessing their business and identifying potential risk areas and taking action."

For information and resources to help you manage dry weather conditions, visit:ahdb. org.uk/knowledge-library/weather

For more information on climate change adaptation, visit:ahdb.org.uk/climateadaptation-report

Scotland's Pig Sector Drives Forward with National PRRS Control and Biosecurity Programme

Scotland's pig industry is making coordinated progress in disease control and biosecurity, with over 160 farms now participating in a national Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) testing initiative and 76 farms undergoing detailed biosecurity assessments. This dual effort, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), forms part of the PRRS Control and Elimination of Swine Disease (PCES) project, managed by Wholesome Pigs (Scotland).

The initiative marks a major step forward in improving herd health, strengthening disease resilience, and building a clearer national picture of on-farm biosecurity strengths and risks. The PRRS work is creating the most robust dataset yet on disease prevalence and status, while the BioCheck. Urgent audits are offering timely insights into current practices and areas for improvement –both indoor and outdoor.

Alongside this, three regional producer meetings held in March 2025 confirmed strong interest from pig farmers in creating local forums to guide future control strategies. These forums, once the PRRS mapping data is fully analysed, will be producerchaired and help tailor approaches to different risk regions.

Looking ahead, the remaining PRRS testing and BioCheck.ugent audits will be completed as part of the next project phase. Annual vet-led reviews will then help monitor progress and embed longterm improvements. To support on-farm teams, simple and practical resources – including posters – are also being developed to promote awareness and encourage behaviour change.

Dr David Strachan, PCES Veterinary Manager, said:

"This project shows what's possible when industry and Government align around shared goals. We now have a solid foundation to tackle PRRS strategically, backed by science and shaped by farmers and vets on the ground."

A new herd categorisation system has been introduced to reflect both vaccination and infection status, allowing for clearer planning and benchmarking at both farm and regional levels.

Andy McGowan, QMS Board member and Director of Wholesome Pigs (Scotland), added:

"At a time when threats like African Swine Fever remain just across the water, these individual farm assessments and data-driven insights are vital to protecting our national herd. It's about giving farmers and vets the tools to have focused conversations and take meaningful action."

Early findings show that Scottish farms compare well to European counterparts, though common risk areas have been identified that mirror trends seen internationally. The PCES team is also exploring a potential voluntary zoning scheme for PRRS, with the aim of protecting high-health areas and driving coordinated improvement where risk is higher.

Dr Strachan concluded:

"We're already seeing the benefits of this collaboration – practical vet-led work, Government backing and strong QMS coordination. Together, we're setting Scotland's pig sector on a clear path to stronger disease control, better biosecurity and future industry growth."

Net zero beef is now a reality

Regeneratively farmed beef cattle could sequester more carbon than they emit, according to modelling results from a McDonald’s-sponsored project at FAI Farms. And the robust data behind this, produced by soil carbon specialist Agricarbon, will enable food-producing businesses to back up their net zero balance with solid scientific findings.

carbon baseline in May 2022 across three key fields, with results indicating a total carbon stock of 3,977t - an average of 107t/ha.

“When taken alongside our gross emissions, the results suggest that the farm as a whole is beyond net zero, which is in part due to low emissions, alongside carbon sequestration in our permanent pastures,” says Karl Williams at FAI Farms.

The four-year (2020-2023) trial transitioned the Oxfordshire-based 486-ha organic farm from a rotational grazing system to an adaptive multipaddock (AMP) grazing system. The carbon balance of the farm was calculated to be beyond net zero (-49.7t of CO₂e), thanks to a combination of relatively low emissions and carbon sequestration on permanent pasture. In addition, the cattle were healthier, soil structure was improved, biodiversity boosted, and staff were happier.

“We’ve known for some time that healthy soil can sequester high amounts of carbon, and it’s fantastic that these figures can form part of the growing global evidence to back this up,” explains Dr Harry Kamilaris at Agricarbon, which carried out the soil carbon analysis.

“Our data supports companies like McDonald’s with their commitmentsfor sustainable sourcing from carbon-rich and healthy soils.It allows them to reduce emissions in their supply chainby supporting farmers to introduce advanced grazing practices. And we can use FAI Farms’ approach to help farmers adopt these practices across the country.”

Agricarbon undertook the sampling for the soil

The transition to AMP grazing –whereby cattle are grazed intensively on tall pastures for a short period of time before moving, allowing long periods of rest for pasture to regenerate –increased grass yields significantly and enabled the farm to keep its stock outside all winter.

“We only bought in a small amount of feed for the 90 dairy store animals; the 80 suckler cows and followers were sustained purely from grazing and forage produced on the farm,” says Karl. “We do not use synthetic fertilisers, and have low bedding requirements due to outwintering the suckler herd.”

Laboratory soil analysis over the four-year trial showed that soil organic matter increased from an average of 7.6% to 9.2% at 0-10cm depth, and from 2.7 to 4.4% at 30-50cm depth. Active carbon increased by an average of 5% at 0-10cm depth and 81% at 30-50cm depth across the three key fields. This illustrates the importance of measuring throughout the full soil profile to provide a complete picture of the soil carbon dynamics beyond the topsoil alone.

“As soil organic carbon builds relatively slowly, our plan is to collect further data in spring 2027 to support the transition with transparent and robust datasets,” notes Harry. “This initial paper and baseline underpin the science; the data we generate from remeasurement will then underpin the integrity of carbon removals reported.

“This is an important step for the whole supply chain, enabling farmers and processors to reduce the overall carbon footprint of beef production and help them to meet net-zero aspirations.”

For more information visit www.agricarbon.co.uk or to read the full report visit www.faifarms.com/ mcdonalds-uk-amp-grazing-project

A couple more cows per herd each year would realise Scotland’s economic potential by 2030

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) continues to highlight the great potential of Scotland’s beef sector in its latest economic modelling on anticipated future domestic demand. Under the most realistic consumption scenario, the data estimates that by 2030 the UK would collectively need to produce 278,000 tonnes of beef on top of what it is currently projected to produce to achieve full self-sufficiency. This is a significant challenge given that domestic production is projected to decline by 8% from 2023 levels, while the UK population is set to grow by nearly 5% over the same period.

For Scotland to bridge this gap, this equates to around an additional 22,000 tonnes of beef, requiring approximately 79,000 additional cows at the current national average reproduction rate. This economic opportunity in Scotland is around six to eight more cows per herd or two cows a year per herd over the next three to four years, so that calves reaching the market in 2030 will be born in 2028 and 2029. The modelling suggests that achieving this would generate an additional £281 million in output and contribute £76 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Scottish economy.

This widening gap between UK supply and demand will lead to significant increases in net imports from elsewhere, projected to be 124,000 tonnes higher in 2030 compared to 2023.

Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, said: “Our evidence centre points to a clear growth opportunity by servicing domestic demand which, if we don’t seize, others certainly will through imports.

“We want the Scottish herd to grow by close to 80,000 cattle when compared to our projections which, when viewed at an individual farm level, translates to an attainable ‘couple more cows per

herd each year’. Nationally, this goal would see the herd return to the levels seen in the mid-2010s. With the strength in our beef prices at the moment, now is the ideal time to invest in this small growth.

“Self-servicing is best for our society, economy, environment and Scotland has the infrastructure to support this growth, with the processing sector currently operating at only 69-73% capacity. If our production continues to decline, it will intensify adverse knock-on effects across the supply chain from feed, haulage and auctioneers to processors, butchers and retailers, and finally consumers.”

Compounding this challenge is global market volatility. As climate change affects major beefproducing nations, the UK faces increasing risks to food security. A rise in global demand for UK beef could further exacerbate supply issues domestically, requiring even greater import volumes to balance the market.

With the UK already a net importer of beef, requiring 154,000 tonnes in 2023 and an estimated 164,000 tonnes in 2024, the projected 278,000-tonne shortfall by 2030 is a considerable increase on 2023 levels. Compared to 2023, it would be 81% higher, while it would be up by 69% on 2024.

Given that UK beef production is typically more efficient and lower in emissions than international alternatives, increasing imports contradicts global sustainability goals, including commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Kate continued: “Our sector provides multiple public goods, supporting our soils and biodiversity, financially sustaining our most remote and rural communities and nourishing our nation with our world-renown quality protein. It would be utterly perverse from a security, quality and environmental perspective to risk losing a critical part of our national food system and accept an increase in overseas red meat imports.

“There is no one silver bullet solution to reversing the decline in the national beef herd and increasing our productivity and no one group that is responsible for making it happen. It will take everyone – industry, government and people in Scotland – to slow down the production decline and meet out potential.”

Throughout May and over the summer months, QMS will be working with partners to raise awareness, engage with and support producers and traders, politicians and decision makers, and consumers to boost confidence in our at-home market opportunity and encourage action.

NSA prize giveaway eases shepherding task for lucky winners across the UK

Two further sheep farmers are benefitting from new shepherding equipment this spring, thanks to this year's National Sheep Association (NSA) prize giveaway.

Becoming the third and fourth lucky sheep farmers to win the prize of a cord free shearing handpiece are Emma Reid from Turriff, Aberdeenshire and Nancy Leaney from Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed. The prizes, worth more than £450 each, are kindly provided bysupplier of premium products to the animal industry, Rurtec Ltd. NSA will give 12 prizes away throughout 2025.

Emma started sheep farming in 2015 following a dispersal of dairy cattle when she purchased 250 breeding ewes to eat down the grass. Alongside her husband she now runs a flock of 220 commercial ewes along with 50 finishing cattle. The couple also run a bed and breakfast unit for 1000 pigs.

Emma is looking forward to the convenience the clippers will provide this summer. She says:"They are going to be ideal for dagging ewes pre tupping, and will also be of great use to carry with us whilst checking the sheep in the summer months for blowfly attack. We can simply catch the sheep and trim it quickly."

NSA member Nancy was stunned when she received the phone call to let her know she had been selected as a winner. She entered the competition having read about it on the NSA website.

Nancy and her husband have farmed for more than 40 years and are now supported by the next generation of her family on farm. Nancy explains their enterprise: "We farm inWestWales and favour North Country Mules as breeding females usingaSuffolk ram for flock replacements,replenishing the Mules every three or four years. Our flock is based on providing finished lambs for slaughter using Texel,Charollais and Beltex rams toproduce finished lambs."

Nancy has been a member of NSA for several years and says she has found being a member of NSA useful when they needed veterinarystudents to help on farm at lambing time."We also enjoy a day out at the regional events and are looking forward toNSA Welsh Sheeptaking place near

Hay on Wye this week. We really enjoy the Event farm tours, finding we can take away ideas for our farm,"she adds.

The newmobile clippers, Nancy says, will be very usefulwhen sheep away from home require attention and need to be cleanedup."I look forward to trying them out shortly,and am sure theywill be a valuablepiece of equipment to have on farm."

There are now eight more chances to win with NSA and Rurtec this year. Interested parties can learn more about the giveaway and enter by visiting the NSA websitewww.nationalsheep.org.uk/drawto enter the prize draw that is open to all UK sheep farmers over the age of 16. Both NSA members and non-members can enter, but entries are limited to one per person/email address.

NSA will be welcoming entries for the competition at its events taking place this summer as well as its usual stands at Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland, the Royal Highland Show, the Royal Welsh Show, and its presence at NSA Ram Sales.

It is a busy summer of activity for NSA with the return of popular NSA sheep events across the UK. NSA events offer sheep farmers a fantastic day out with NSA members receiving free or discounted entry. Visitors can enjoy NSA Welsh Sheep, NSA North Sheep, NSA Highland Sheep, NSA Sheep South West, and NSA Sheep Northern Ireland this summer. Find out more about NSA events atwww. nationalsheep.org.uk/events.

Further information on the Lanati Astron cord-free handpiece can be found on the Rurtec websitewww.rurtec.com

Family farming business wins King’s Award for International Trade

Afamily-owned farming business from Somerset has been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Based in Exmoor National Park,Shearwell Data Limitedwas established in 1992 and is a leading global supplier of animal identification and livestock management systems. It provides a range of products and services designed to assist livestock farmers in managing their herds and flocks. The products are developed and manufactured in the UK, then rigorously tested on the family’s own farms to ensure quality, reliability and ease of use.

Shearwell Data is one of 197 organisations nationally to be awarded a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise this year, announced on 6 May. The company was recognised for outstanding short-term growth. In the three years to September 2023, its total overseas sales grew by 69% to nearly £7million, representing almost a third of its annual turnover, with plans to further extend its export market reach over the coming years. Shearwell Data already exports to 35 countries and employs more than 150 people worldwide, with representatives in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and South Africa.

To celebrate their success, the founder of Shearwell Data has been invited to attend a royal reception with His Majesty King Charles III in the summer. The award itself will be officially presented to the company later this year by His Majesty’s personal representative in the county, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Richard Webber, farmer, founder and managing director of Shearwell Data, said:“We are delighted to have been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, it’s a great compliment. It is a

recognition of the hard work, determination and commitment from our staff and the support from our farming customers around the world. We had a vision and it has grown and evolved over the years!

“The Shearwell business has grown into a global business from very humble beginnings and a desire to provide farmers with the best quality products. Being farmers ourselves and having handson experience, we understand the need for products and support farmers can trust. In truth, our business has grown because of the fact farmers know we aim to provide excellent customer service and support.

“Winning this prestigious award will boost our profile and reputation in the industry, helping us to grow the business further – but we pride ourselves in taking a personal approach with our customers and that won’t change. When farmers call in, they will always talk to one of the team, never a machine.”

The largest employer within the Exmoor National Park, Shearwell Data provides tools that enhance the speed and accuracy of animal identification, improve record-keeping for both management and statutory purposes, and promote livestock health and welfare. With industry-leading tag retention rates and excellent customer support, the company’s founding ethos was, and continues to be, ‘working to help the livestock farmer’.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 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 59thyear, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

NSA Breed Society Forum provides timely update on genetic progress and disease impact

The National Sheep Association (NSA) welcomed its affiliated breed societies to an insightful day of knowledge exchange at Nottingham University Vet School on Wednesday (7thMay 2025).

Representatives from a wide variety of UK sheep breed societies joined the NSA Breed Society Forum, taking place as an in person event for the first time in more than five years.

A busy agenda saw the morning session begin with an update from Defra head of Exotic Disease, Gordon Hickman, on the ongoing bluetongue (BTV3) situation, current movement controls and its impact on upcoming agricultural shows and sales this spring and summer.

Discussion followed on the value of collaborative working to move the UK sheep industry forward together, recognising the part all the UK's varied breeds play in this and the ways we can work to improve and understand genetic traits. NSA was pleased to be joined by industry representatives to deliver this forward thinking information with presentations from Barrie Turne of Native British Lamb 365, a group of societies promoting the sustainability of the UK's Stratified Sheep system, Kate Phillips of Performance Recorded Lleyn Breeders, and Steph and Andy Ryder of Pedigree Livestock Services, looking at efficient and collaborative delivery of breed society activities.

sheep industry in its entirety, before the morning was completed with a talk from Sam Boon of Signet exploring the role of genotyping and genomics.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker attended the Forum and comments: "It felt good to be back for a face to face meeting with some of our breed societies this week for what was a topical event.Hearing from three very different models of breed societies on collaborating for a common purpose to seek efficiencies in an ever tightening world was refreshing and very positive."

The day continued with in depth look by Janet Roden from Innovis on the work of Breed for Ch4nge and how its learnings will support the

The afternoon was spent in the hands of a number of representatives and vets from Nottingham Vet School viewing the onsite abattoir and the vet school's liver and lung pathology workshop. Presentations were given on work being undertaken on Maedi Visna, foot rot, bluetongue and Schmallenberg disease, navel dressings and alternatives to iodine, and the work of the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group.

Mr Stocker concludes:"It was a fascinating, informative and friendly day and NSA's thanks go to everyone who was involved and attended."

RUMA Agriculture calls on UK livestock sectors to take part in NEW survey on vaccine availability

RUMA Agriculture wants to gather insights to build a deeper understanding of the impacts vaccine supply issues are having across livestock and aquaculture sectors to help ensure readiness to respond when shortages occur

The Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance has today launched an online survey designed to gather insights from vets, farmers and SQPs about the vaccines shortages that have been a growing source of concern for UK livestock sectors over recent years.

The RUMA survey is now live and will close on Friday 27 June at 5pm. Vets, farmers and SQPs are all encouraged to share any vaccine supply insights by answering a set of questions that aim to build a picture of what supply challenges each sector has been facing, and the short and long term impacts of these disruption issues. The survey can be accessed via this link:https:// forms.office.com/e/D6EYM81Mip.

challenges, including potential disruptions from Brexit.

Cat McLaughlin, RUMA Agriculture Chair, says: “Vaccine shortages and disruption to supply, is not something that can be solved overnight. We know this is a complex area with many variables at play, and therefore we want to use the insights we gather from this survey to work directly with livestock sectors and the roles that work in the industry, to explore the best way to ‘cope with’ shortages until solutions can be found for the medium and long term.”

Cat continues: “RUMA Agriculture, alongside many other industry stakeholders, has contributed to a number of meetings held recently by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to address the concerns around the shortage of certain vaccines and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on this important issue moving forwards.

Vaccines play a key role in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of animals and limited or no supply, which is something that has been reported more frequently over the past few years by numerous livestock sectors, can have widespread implications on animal wellbeing. This could include an increase in antibiotic use to manage conditions that may otherwise have been prevented with vaccinations.

The vaccine production process is a timesensitive biological process with potential for delays and variability. The supply chain is vulnerable to many factors which can include batch failures, too little supply being imported or developed to meet demand, sometimes recalls, increased demand to support disease outbreaks, as well as manufacturing

“What we do know is that delays in vaccinations can lead to an increased risk of disease outbreaks, and this can be a source of much worry for animal owners, SQPs and veterinary practices who are working hard to maintain the high standards of animal welfare that the UK is known for. We have listened to the concerns of our members and that’s why we are launching this survey - the insights from which will enable RUMA Agriculture to work directly with affected sectors to explore what management strategies can be developed to help ensure everyone is as prepared as they can be to respond to supply issues when they do occur.”

Responses to the survey are anonymous. In due course RUMA Agriculture will publish anonymised headline findings to help support the ongoing focus on addressing vaccines shortages.

Call for Pig Farmers to Share Impact of Zinc Oxide Ban

Pig producers are being urged to complete a short survey aimed at understanding how the ban on therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) is affecting piglet health and performance across the UK.

The industry-wide survey, run by Roam Technology — a global, science-driven specialist in hygiene, disinfection, and performance solutions — takes just five minutes to complete. It focuses on the practical, on-farm consequences of removing ZnO, particularly around post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), and seeks to gather insight on how farmers are adapting their management and biosecurity practices.

All responses will remain anonymous. Farmers have the option to provide their contact details if they wish to be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 gift voucher of their choice.

Nigel Bennet, Livestock Area Manager for Northern Europe at Roam Technology, says the effects of the ban are becoming increasingly apparent.

“Zinc oxide almost acted like a sticky plaster — masking underlying problems in piglet health. Now that it’s been removed, we’re seeing a rise in challenges, especially around PWD, which can impact growth rates, welfare, and farm economics,” says Mr Bennet.

“Producers are doing their best to adapt, but the loss of ZnO has left a significant gap. We’re hearing from farmers who are struggling to maintain consistency in piglet performance, despite trying a range of nutritional and hygienebased solutions.

“What we’re finding is that tackling PWD now requires a much more holistic approach. Hygiene is absolutely critical — right through from farrowing into weaning accommodation. Clean pens, effective disinfection protocols, and reducing pathogen load in the environment can make a big difference,” adds Mr Bennet.

“Equally important is the health and nutrition of the sow. If piglets don’t get off to a strong start, their resilience at weaning is compromised. Ensuring sows are well managed and piglets receive enough high-quality colostrum can help build that essential early immunity.

“This is why it’s so important we gather a broad picture of what’s happening on farm. The more insight we have, the better we can support the industry in developing targeted, sustainable approaches to piglet health — whether that’s improving biosecurity, optimising housing, or enhancing gut health through other means,” Mr Bennet says.

“We really encourage everyone working with pigs to take five minutes to complete the survey. Their feedback will be invaluable in helping shape future advice and innovation,” he says.

The survey is now live and will be open until 13 June 2025. Complete it here https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/Q3X3W6K

Slurry transfer system greatly enhanced with Landia pumps at Metcalfe Farms

At its dairy operation in the Yorkshire Dales, the introduction of new separators has given Metcalfe Farms the opportunity to futureproof the pumps it uses to transfer large volumes of slurry from its 2,000 (1,300 dairy) cows.

Separating slurry has undoubted benefits, but putting together a streamlined slurry transfer system covering three tanks, has presented plenty of challenges, especially with the need to feed the site’s 200kWh biogas plant.

Aside from the separators, one of first issues was to address the final pump in sequence that ultimately sends slurry (about 6% to 8% dry matter) about 120 meters (and 10 meters of lift) up to the 3,500m3 anaerobic digester.

Annoying bits and pieces inevitably

find their way into slurry, which was enough to make the pump block quite regularly.

“I used to dread coming down here to sort it out,” said Robert Metcalfe, who oversees all things engineering on the dairy side of the business.

“The pump did an okay job when working but wasn’t the best with solids. It wasn’t a pleasant job spending over an hour unblocking it each time; a two-man job, so all very time-consuming, especially having to retrieve it with a pipe because there was no clutch at the bottom.”

That’s all changed now with the old unit replaced by a Chopper Pump made by Landia, who also supplied an integrated guide rail and a bespoke pipework system for easy access and lifting.

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‘It is much a better design’

“Everything flows through so much smoother now,” added Robert. “It is much a better design. You don’t have to worry about any sort of pipe bending or extra weight of the added pipe. Generally speaking, the new pump doesn’t block, although just recently a large chunk of rope stopped it! But unlike before, it’s now a job for one person, and on this occasion, only took 20 minutes before simply lowering it back in again.”

‘Digestate from the AD plant provides significant benefits’

At the biogas plant, which is run by Iona Management Services, a second CHP (combined heat and power) engine has recently been added, which will help increase the amount of clean energy that is exported to the grid. Metcalfe supplies a slurryonly feedstock to the AD plant, and then buys power back at a discounted rate for its own use.

In the winter this is around 300 kilowatt hours, rising to 360 kilowatt hours in the summer.

In addition to providing power for the dairy and the sell-on to the grid, the digestate from the AD plant also provides significant benefits, as Robert Metcalfe explains:

to manage the slurry feeding task, with an existing longshaft Landia pump moved up from its existing task on another tank.

“We’ve had this pump since 2004,” added Robert Metcalfe, “which has understandably endured plenty of wear, but when tested by Landia engineers during a service, the 20-year-old unit was still happily pumping full pipe, which I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by. Now that we have separators, we can remove solid material to reduce our environmental impact.”

“The digestate does wonders for our grassland. We spread a little bit on the crops, but it’s mainly focused on the grass. This year we did five cuts over 1,000 acres. We hardly spend anything on chemical fertilizer now.”

Working closely with Landia to look at how best to integrate the new separators, a 22kW pump was chosen

To replace the old long shaft unit, a new 7.5kW Landia Chopper Pump has now been installed so that slurry levels don’t rise. Meanwhile, the existing Landia long shaft chopper pumps, which have already been in service for 20 years, since Metcalfe had its first shed, continue to work away.

‘Very strongly built’

Robert Metcalfe continued: “The pump at the front of the loop system that has been created gets plenty of pain, so no surprise it’s had some repairs over the years, but steadily pumping away, it, with the others, has ensured that the dairy’s channels never fill up. We’ve found that by keeping our channels narrow, the pumps keep them flushed out completely, whereas with wider channels, the whole thing would still need flushing out. Now that we have it all set up on timers, it’s seamless, so far less hassle.

“The Landia pumps are very strongly built things, and I like the fact that they are electric and quite modular, so

we don’t have to hook up to a tractor. This very much fits in with what we constantly work towards with fewer engines turning and less burning of diesel. One Landia pump we’ve had now for three years, and it’s never given us a bit of trouble.”

Over in the Metcalfe milking parlour, Robert has been glad to see the back of having to replace small vortex pumps that blocked or blew completely, even though the liquids are very watery.

Heexplained: “As soon as any foreign debris or plastics came into play, straining the pump,we were having to buy a new one almost every six months due to burnout or component failure,soastheyclearlyweren’t up to the job,I called Landia forhelp. Also, the pump(s) had been installed on winches and over time, blockages and sediment buildup forced us to keep raising the pumps closer to the top of the tank,which in turn meant we ended up with sediment right upto the mouth of thetank.

‘Since we’ve had it installed, we haven’t had to touch it’

Synching the pump operation, together with the investment in separators is just part of how Robert Metcalfe is helping focus on improvements to help take the diary part of the business forward, but without expanding too quickly. The dairy provides around 45 tonnes of milk per day to Paynes Dairies at Boroughbridge. Exceptionally high animal welfare standards for the Metcalfe cows continue to see a rise in yields.

“We now have a new 5.5kW Landia pump that just flies through any debris or solids, which are an inevitable part of dairy wastewater/slurry. Nothing settles out with this new, much faster pump. It’s absolutely spot-on, and what’s great is that it is completely automatic. Since we’ve had it installed, we haven’t had to touch it. You can configure it so that in this case it knows we want to keep this tank pumped out and empty. The sensor knows the tank’s dimensions and capacity. It is so much better than what we're doing before.”

“Going forward,” said Robert, “everything matters, even the little things. For all its benefits, we’d possibly consider sand bedding, but I don’t think our slurry channels would take it, and there’ such a big wear factor on pumps and machines. The sawdust we use is perfect, apart from the price!

“We’ve also been improving the lighting for our cows, again with some help from an automatic, dimmable system. Previously in hot summer spells, you could see that our cows were uncomfortable, which we don’t want. The milk output would drop. As well as the lighting, we’ve also put up new roof sheets to block out any intensive heat, which has made a big, positive difference.”

He concluded: “In time here we will probably phase out other brands of pumps as they come to the end of their life or cause problems, and just stick with Landia. I think it helps that they focus on pumps, rather than some who try to provide everything, plus we always get very good backup and no problems with the supply of spare parts.”

EnviroSystems Celebrates Dual Award Win for Sustainability and Business Leadership

nviroSystems, a leading UK specialist in animal bedding, teat care, and slurry inoculants, has won Business of the Year and The Green Award at two prestigious ceremonies held last week (6 and 9 May, respectively).

The Business of the Year award was presented at the National Women in Agriculture Awards, held in London on 6 May. Sponsored by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), the award celebrates a female-led agricultural business that demonstrates consistent year-on-year growth, operational efficiency, financial strength, and a forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation.

Later in the week, EnviroSystems received The Green Award at the North West Family Business Awards, recognising family businesses that show outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Founded by Liz Russell in 2001, EnviroSystems has grown steadily over the past two decades. Today, it employs a diverse team — with a strong contingent of women — who continue to lead and drive the business forward.

The company is best known for its award-winning product, EnviroBed — a hygienic, sustainable

bedding made from 100% recycled paper crumble. Dried to 95% dry matter using renewable heat, EnviroBed offers dairy producers an environmentally friendly, low-carbon alternative to traditional bedding. The innovation also earned EnviroSystems a Queen's Award for Enterprise, recognising its significant contribution to sustainable agriculture.

Commenting on the recent wins, Liz Russell said: "I'm incredibly proud of these two prestigious awards and of our team — none of this would have been possible without them.

"I started the business from a blank sheet of paper, with a vision to create high-quality bedding for dairy cows using a by-product from the paper industry. That invention became EnviroBed, and it's still going strong today — now made using renewable heat at our production site at Foggs Farm in Lancashire and our plants in Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.

"From day one, we've been passionate about developing sustainable solutions that genuinely make a difference on farm, while building a business that values innovation, diversity, and environmental responsibility. To be shortlisted alongside so many well-known companies at both award ceremonies was an honour — and winning two awards is a truly proud moment for us all."

Philippe Barabinot appointed Group Market Director at SAMSON GROUP

AMSON GROUP is sharpening its strategy and focusing on growth. As a result, some changes have been made in the management team, and Philippe Barabinot has been appointed as the new Group Market Director.

overseeing the commercial development of the PICHON and SAMSON brands. In his new position, he will be based at the Group’s headquarters in Viborg, Denmark, and will be responsible for leading and aligning the global market strategy across all business units.

Since January 2022, Philippe Barabinot has served as Regional Sales Director for France and Belgium,

“In this new role, my main focus will be to accelerate growth for both the SAMSON and PICHON brands, as well as for the Group as a whole,” says Philippe Barabinot. “In a competitive and complex market environment, we see both challenges and clear opportunities to gain market share and strengthen our position.”

Philippe Barabinot also sees strong potential in the Group’s product portfolio: “Our strength lies in the quality of our machines and the precision of our application tools. By continuing to integrate this quality into all our operations and communications, we can further promote our brands and bring added value to our customers.”

NRM builds on success of BASIS Classroom course with 2ndmodule

ollowing impressive feedback on its first BASIS Classroom course on analysis of soil nutrients,NRMhas continued the series with a module on soil carbon, livestock manure, and slurry. Available to all BASIS registered agronomists and FACTS qualified advisors, the laboratory analysis series has been created by NRM’s expert agronomists to help advisers and farmers move beyond basic soil nutrient analysis and gain a deeper understanding of soil health and nutrient management planning.

Module 2, “Soil Carbon, Livestock Manure, and Slurry”, is live on BASIS Classroom now and earns 2 BASIS points for every completion. The BASIS CPD year closes at the end of May, so this is an ideal time to catch up on any outstanding points requirement.

‘Organic materials and carbon play a vital role in soil health,’ saidDr Sajjad Awan, Soil & Crop Nutrition Agronomist at NRM and co-author of the course. ‘Taking care of soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) through careful management and regular analysis helps improve the functioning of our ecosystems, increase the soil’s capacity to produce food, and protect water and air from pollutants. To help farmers manage levels effectively and efficiently, part 2 of our course on understanding laboratory analysis data focuses on SOM, SOC, and the analysis of livestock manures and slurries, providing the skills needed to interpret lab results and

apply them in practical nutrient planning.’

BASIS reports that the statistics from module 1, “Laboratory Analysis 1: Soil Nutrients”, were outstanding, with 97% of candidates who had taken the course stating that it was either good or excellent.

‘97% of candidates said they would find the information from module 1 of NRM’s course useful when working in a practical context. This is exactly what we hope for, as this is what these courses and BASIS Classroom are all about,’ said Thomas Vaughan, Commercial Manager & Environment Lead at BASIS. ‘Additionally, of this number, 68% reported that the course was excellent—anything above 50% for this measure is impressive. From a BASIS perspective, this sponsored course has been very well received by our membership, particularly among those holding a FACTS qualification. The positive feedback was recently acknowledged at a FACTS committee meeting, highlighting its value and relevance to the industry.’

“Laboratory Analysis 2: Soil Carbon, Livestock Manure, and Slurry” is available exclusively for BASIS members as part of BASIS Classroom, and will be available for 12 months. Participants who complete the 30 minute course will earn two CPD points, enhancing their expertise and helping maintain professional credentials.

KUHN appoints Clapham Agricultural to its dealer network

KUHN Farm Machinery has strengthened its dealer network in the north of England with the appointment of Clapham Agricultural Engineering Limited as a full product line dealership.

Clapham Agricultural is run by Ed and Debbie Clapham and the move reinforces KUHN’s presence in a key grassland and livestock region. From the dealership’s base at Ripponden, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, Ed said he’s excited to grow the KUHN brand across his area.

“KUHN machinery is well-respected and popular, and I think there’s great potential to get more machines onto farms. KUHN’s bedding and feeding lines, alongside its extensive grassland kit, should be of interest to users.”

Speaking of the appointment, Karl Ridsdale, KUHN’s area sales manager for northern England, said: “I’ve known Ed for several years and his dedication to providing a first-class service, with particular focus on aftersales, fits well with KUHN’s vision for its dealer network. The area Clapham Agricultural will cover is predominately livestock, so our product range will dovetail nicely with what farmers are requiring.”

Alongside Clapham Agricultural, Ed and Debbie run Harry Travis, a dairy engineering and supplies

Ed Clapham, Clapham Agricultural, and Karl Ridsdale, Area Sales Manager for Northern England at KUHN, agree the new partnership.

business from the same Ripponden site. Ed believes that many dairy producers will already be familiar with the service they receive from this business.

“Customers using our dairy business will know the service and proactive attitude we have. We take this ethos into our agricultural work and I’m confident that farmers will want to see how KUHN machines, sold and supported through our dealership, can help them. This partnership means we can now provide support from grass through to milk.”

•

Jim Price Machinery Ltd

Farmore Mills, Craven Arms, Shropshire

SY7 9QG

01588 673746

www.jimpricemachinery.com

Southam Agricultural Services Station Road, Southam, CV47 2DH 01926 813426 www.southamagri.co.uk

Readman Mowers

The Shed, Sand Lane,Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB 01759 380 231 or 07860 684 597 www.readmanmowers.co.uk

Veryard Machinery Sales

Blackworthy Road Castle Cary, Somerset 01963 351089 / 07860 479700 richardveryardmachinery.co.uk

ABREY AND SON LTD

Pamphillions Farm

Debden, Saffron Walden CB11 3JT

+44 (0)1799 543208 www.abreyagricultural.com

Mowing

STIGA Park Front Mowers

The ultimate combination of raw power, versatility and precision.

Easy to manoeuvre, delivering best-in-class cutting performance, STIGA Park can handle large multi-level grass areas with ease. The position of the deck ensures control and visibility around every corner

Merlo appoints RVW Pugh to cover South Lancashire territory with new depot at Lathom

Merlo UK is pleased to confirm that from Thursday 1st May, following the administration of former dealer Malpas Tractors earlier this year, longstanding Merlo partner RVW Pugh Ltd has been appointed to take over the South Lancashire territory with a new RVW Pugh depot at Lathom.

An authorised Merlo dealer since 1997, RVW Pugh has developed a strong reputation for customer service, product expertise, and a loyal following for Merlo telehandlers. Their knowledge of the range and commitment to aftersales support makes them ideally placed to ensure continuity for existing Merlo customers in the area.

Operating from their head office in Churchstoke, Powys, and with depots at Holmes Chapel in Cheshire and Newport in Shropshire (TR

TheARION600and500range-thenewmid-rangestandard Assistingyou,whereveritisneeded. Oneofourmostpopulartractorshasjustgotevenbetterthankstoahostofnew functionsdevelopedbyourengineersinconsultationwithARIONdrivers. Afterall,theyworkinthefieldeveryday,sotheyknowexactlywhattheywant. https://www.claas.co.uk

Machinery), RVW Pugh will now expand their footprint by operating from the former Malpas Tractors site at Spa Lane, Lathom.

In a move that will offer reassurance and continuity to local Merlo customers, several former Malpas Tractors staff members have joined the RVW Pugh team at Lathom, bringing with them valuable local knowledge and established customer relationships.

Owen Buttle, National Sales Manager at Merlo UK, commented: "RVW Pugh has been a key part of the Merlo dealer network for over 25 years, and their expansion into South Lancashire ensures Merlo customers continue to receive the support and expertise they expect. Their commitment to the brand, depth of product knowledge, and seamless integration of local staff at Lathom demonstrates exactly the kind of dealer partnership we value."

Robert Pugh, Managing Director at RVW Pugh Ltd, added: "We are proud to extend our Merlo territory and bring our experience and customer focus to South Lancashire. The team at Lathom, including familiar faces from the previous dealership, are ready to support customers old and new with sales, service, and parts. We're excited about the future and committed to providing a smooth transition and exceptional support to Merlo users in the region."

This appointment further strengthens Merlo UK’s dealer network across the North West and reinforces its commitment to ensuring robust coverage, continuity of service, and exceptional product support for all customers.

LATEST USED STOCK

More power, enhanced features and simplified technology for Case IH Magnum tractors

Three new 390-435hp models in CVT or powershift and fully-wheeled or Rowtrac (385/405) versions / Remote display viewing allows performance monitoring, operator assistance / New FieldOps™ platform links agronomic insights and machine data / Users can unlock machine potential with Connectivity Included and subscription free tech

Case IH Magnum tractors for 2025 feature enhancements to power, transmissions and hydraulics enabling users to do more with each pass while maximizing efficiency. Connectivity and precision technology upgrades further enhance productivity, offering benefits such as remote monitoring and instant record-keeping.

Three models ranging from 390-435hp (max)

Powered by FPT six-cylinder Stage V 8.7-litre engines, the new Magnum lineup comprises:

• Magnum 355: 390hp, boosting to 410hp

• Magnum 385: 417hp, boosting to 435hp

• Magnum 405: produces a straight 435hp without boost

Transmission updates for tailored operation

Magnum tractors are available with a choice of a 21F/5R PowerDrive full powershift or Case IH's

continuously-variable CVXDrive transmission. The Magnum 385 and 405 models can also be specified in Rowtrac configuration, which features rear track units.

Enhancements to the PowerDrive full powershift include a brake-to-clutch feature that disengages the transmission when the brake pedals are depressed, enhancing stopping safety and precise movement when manoeuvring or attaching implements. When the brakes are released, the tractor accelerates to its previous speed, and the operator can set and choose from three ratio settings between brake force and tractor deceleration, features that bring CVT-like convenience and operating function to the full powershift.

Additionally, refinements to the tractors' Automatic Productivity Management feature enhance the operator's ability to fine-tune settings according to personal preference and working conditions. Through the Case IH Pro 1200 display, users can adjust the acceleration rate, make 15% speed changes to the target speed, and alter upshift sensitivity and aggressiveness rate settings, and there is also a new aggressiveness button on the armrest, all helping ensure the tractor's operating characteristics are matched to individual tasks. Operators can also now toggle directly between field and road mode, for faster adjustment between travel and fieldwork.

Hydraulic upgrades for higher implement performance

New horizontally-mounted electrohydraulic remote valve assemblies provide increased reliability, an improved hydraulic power curve and maximum oil retention. The power beyond fitting has been relocated for better access, and new 0.5-inch and 0.75-inch pressure relief lever-assisted couplers make connecting and disconnecting hydraulic pipes easier. Colour-coded self-closing coupler doors with corresponding decals protect each coupler and ensure the correct connection. A second hydraulic return port for applications requiring lower pressure is a dealer-installed accessory.

The optional front hitch now features mid-mount valves with a higher-performing valve slice, providing 20% more maximum pressure-side flow (120 l/min) for enhanced lift performance. Additionally, a new dual-line hydraulic trailer brake delivers smoother braking and enhanced stopping power and comfort compared to single-line systems.

New, simplified precision technology

Like several other Case IH models, Magnum tractors are now available with three technology packages, allowing customers to select the best fit for their operation.

Magnum tractors are also available with AccuSync, which allows multiple machines to connect within a field, sharing data such as A-B lines and coverage maps.

The latest Case IH Pro 1200 display is now offered in a dual format for

applications requiring two screens. The large, bright Pro 1200 display is subject to reduced glare in all lighting conditions, and can be remotely viewed by the owner and dealer for monitoring as well as operating and service support.

All new Magnum tractors come with Connectivity Included, unlocking the machine's full potential through connected services and FieldOps™ for the lifetime of the modem –with no recurring subscription fees. Additionally, when linked to a customer account, new Magnum models enable qualifying existing machines to be upgraded toConnectivity Included at no extra cost*. With FieldOps™, the new all-in-one data management app and web platform, customers gain near realtime access to both their machine and agronomic data. This simplifies monitoring, planning and evaluation, streamlines workflows, and maximises efficiency.

Stubbings Bros Ltd. Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 2JN

Phone : 01983 551443

www.stubbings-bros.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Mellington, Churchstoke, Montgomery Powys.

SY15 6TQ

Phone : 01588 620545 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Burnside Business Park Market Drayton

Shropshire

TF9 3UX

Phone : 01630 653801 www.trmachinery.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

CW4 8AX

Phone : 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Cooks Midlands Ltd. Unit 10 Horsepool Grange Elliotts Lane, Markfield LE67 9TW

Phone : 01530 249191 www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Unit 2, Holland Business Park Spa Lane, Lathom Lancashire, L40 6LN

Phone : 01695 816444

www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Cheffins sees largest vintage auction in firm's 200-year history as sale grosses over £3.2 million

East Anglian-based auctioneer, Cheffins, has seen its largest vintage sale to date when over 3,500 lots went under the hammer, grossing over £3.2 million in total. Hosted on the 25thand 26thApril at Cheffins' dedicated sale ground at Sutton, near Ely, the auction saw some of the world's most unusual vintage vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and collectors' items go under the hammer, at Europe's largest sale of its type.

The sale was led by a Foden D Type timber tractor steam waggon, dating from 1928, which achieved £305,520 well over its estimate of £230,000 - £250,000. This was followed by a 1928 Sentinel 'Super' steam waggon, which achieved £123,280, when it was sold to a collector from Hampshire.

Among the over 400 tractors on offer, an immaculately restored 1982 County 774 saw the highest price, when it sold for £83,544. This was followed by a New Holland TM 120 which was offered with only 88 hours from new, and which sold for £69,980. Other high prices achieved included £63,248 for a 1977 County 1174; £62,176 for a 1991 John Deere 4755; £56,000 for a 2000 John Deere 6910 PowrQuad 50kph and £53,600 for a 1919 International Mogul 1020.

There was also a series of collectable cars and motorcycles sold, with high prices achieved. A 2016 Subaru WRX Sti with only 124 miles from

new made £48,240, and a 2002 Toyota Hilux EX made £16,080. Similarly, a rare 1939 Panther M95 motorcycle was sold for £8,064 and a 1916 BSA Model H achieved £7,840.

Tom Godsmark, Director, Cheffins says: "This was Cheffins' biggest vintage sale to date, we saw over 900 bidders registered online from across the globe, with sales to the UK, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Australia and the USA to name just a few. This auction goes to show the continuing interest in vintage and classic tractors and historic and collectable vehicles, with a strong contingent of new buyers in attendance looking to acquire collectors' items either as an investment, for use or just for preservation. Cheffins is celebrating its 200year anniversary this year, and this was a fantastic way to kick off the vintage calendar for 2025. We saw a number of record prices achieved through all of the sections and are now looking forward to the next vintage sale which we will be hosting in July."

The sale took place on Friday 25thApril (live and online auction for literature, models, bygones etc) on Saturday 26thApril (tractors, motorcycles, automobilia, vehicles, implements etc) at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT. The next Cambridge vintage auction will take place on the 18thand 19thJuly.

For more information, please visitwww. cheffins.co.ukor call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.

Agrikel Unit 1B Rookery Farm, Silver Street, Besthorpe, Norfolk, NR17 2LD

Tel: 01953 450279

www.agrikel.com

Jim Price Machinery

Farmore Mills, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9QG

Tel:01588 673746

www.jimpricemachinery.com

David Henderson Tractors

Henderson House, Acomb, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4SA

Tel: 01434 601966

Farming

hendersontractors.co.uk

RVW Pugh Expands Operating Area

RVW Pugh Ltd, farm machinery dealer for many well-known brands and Massey Ferguson franchise owner for Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Mid-Wales has expanded its operating area to the North of the UK.

Due to the sad closure of Malpas Tractors, RVW Pugh Ltd has expanded into the Lancashire area for Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec, Vaderstad and AVR customers. RVW Pugh Ltd has a dedicated Area Sales Manager for this area, as well as a depot for parts sales, warranty enquires and repairs and maintenance work in Lathom.

RVW Pugh Ltd has been the main dealer for Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec, Vaderstad and AVR in it’s current areas for many years and has employees with a wealth of knowledge of these machinery and accessory ranges.

The company has retained the employment of former Malpas Tractors staff members, who have knowledge of the local area and the local market. RVW Pugh Ltd will also be taking on the warranty commitments for the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec and Vaderstad branded machinery.

The depot is open for AGCO parts, along with a wide range of tools, wearing parts and other merchandise for day-to-day farming jobs.

Robert Pugh, Managing Director of RVW Pugh Ltd said, ’We are delighted to be able to take on the Lancashire area for the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec, Vaderstad and AVR brands, as well as welcoming our new team members to the company.’

Emma Pugh, Business Manager for RVW Pugh Ltd added, ‘We have a new depot for the Lancashire area, and would encourage any former customers of Malpas Tractors with outstanding warranties with the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec and Vaderstad brands to contact us with any queries they have.’

Timberlake, Week St Mary Devon. EX22 6XG

Phone: 01288 341326

www.cornishtractors.co.uk

The Chapman FM PRO ATV Flail Mower comes fitted with a electric start Honda iGX800, fuel injected engine as standard, boasting a huge 25HP and EFi technology for maximum efficiency. The most powerful ATV Mower on the marketconquer the most demanding growth with ease.

Phone: 07701 070156

www.yorkshireatv.com

Massey Ferguson introduces next generation MF 1M series premium compact tractors

Massey Ferguson has launched two new MF 1M series premium specification compact tractor models, improving efficiency, performance and comfort in the sector.

The new MF 1M series replaces MF 1500 models and comes with the latest MF family styling, which first featured on larger MF 8S tractors. Initially there will be two MF 1M series models, both with extra performance over the machines they replace. The 25hp MF 1M.25 replaces the current MF 1525, while the 20hp MF 1M.20 replaces the current MF 1520.

As well as updated styling, which includes the distinctive MF sabre, new features include a factory-fitted cab, enhanced controls, a mid-PTO, external PTO controls for added convenience, more lighting options and new cutter decks.

“With the MF 1M series, we have combined advanced engineering with innovative design to create tractors that not only meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers,” explains Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “This demanding market sector increasingly requires machinery solutions that boost productivity while also offering improved operator comfort during long working days.”

The MF 1M series

• Two new MF 1M series models of 20hp and 25hp

• Reliable and efficient 3-cyl engines with extra power and torque

• New nine-speed, three-range transmission increases flexibility in a wide range of applications

• New factory-fitted, air-conditioned cab for MF 1M.25 provides a comfortable working environment

• New joystick hydraulic control for improved operation

• Powerful hydraulics with high flow rates for demanding applications

• Generous hydraulic lift capacity up to 900kg allows use with larger implements

• External PTO controls increase safety and convenience

• New cutter decks offer additional grass discharge options

Significant

updates increase productivity and comfort

The new MF 1M series models combine performance with exceptional operator comfort, making them ideal for professional use including within the municipal, equine and ground care industries.

Cab and controls

The optional factory-fitted cab is a comfortable and productive working environment.

A large glass area gives excellent, 360-degree visibility, and LED work lights front and rear are standard. The equipment list also includes air conditioning, heating, a rear wiper with an intermittent setting, and an electric rear window demister.

At the rear of the cab, a cable access point protects and seals around electric cables connecting rear-mounted implements.

A hydraulic control joystick enhances efficiency and reduces fatigue when operating attachments such as a front loader. USB and 12-volt sockets power electronic devices including smartphones.

Both new tractors feature an adjustable steering wheel, ensuring users can achieve a comfortable driving position.

Engine and transmission

The MF 1M.25 engine produces 33 per cent more torque at lower revs than some competitors with similar power, resulting in reduced operating noise levels and excellent fuel efficiency. The stepless hydrostatic transmission provides easily adjustable speeds for every task.

The MF 1M.20 features a new, nine-speed transmission, replacing the previous eight-speed gearbox, and making it easier to achieve the ideal combination of engine and travel speeds whatever the application.

Capable hydraulics

Designed to handle modern implements, the MF 1M.25 has 900kg rear linkage lift capacity; 300kg more than the previous MF 1525 model. The MF 1M.20 retains the same 600kg lift capacity of the MF 1520, although an upgrade to 900kg is a new option.

The main hydraulic pump provides up to 20.9 litres/min of oil flow, and up to two spool valves can be specified to supply hydraulic-driven attachments. A separate pump produces 12.3 litres/min of oil flow for steering, ensuring that the total supply from the main pump is always available for powering implements.

MF 1M.25 models fitted with the optional cab are equipped with a dedicated joystick for enhanced hydraulic spool control.

For tractors with front loaders and similar attachments, the hydraulic spools can be mid-mounted, beneath the right-hand cab door.

The MF 1M.25 has a two-speed rear PTO with selectable 540/750rpm output. Fuel saving 540E is an option. The MF 1M.20 has a single 540rpm drive speed.

A mid PTO with 2,000rpm output is standard on the MF 1M.25, and an option for the MF 1M.20 model.

For increased versatility and ease of use, the MF 1M.25 has three PTO operating modes. These include Independent PTO, Stationary PTO and Auto PTO. In Auto mode, the PTO rotates during forward travel and stops automatically when the tractor stops or reverses. Auto mode also allows users to select the rate of PTO engagement and is recommended for tools such as fertiliser spreaders. Normal is for applications such as rotary cultivating, with quick, positive activation. Soft is designed for implements such as mowers and grass tedders.

New external controls

The MF 1M.25 specification includes a rear fender mounted PTO switch, increasing convenience and safety for static PTO applications.

Safety with practicality

For operator protection, a ROPS is standard on both new

Cut

models. The MF 1M.25 comes with a new, rear-mounted adjustable folding frame which maximises forward and side visibility, while the folded height can be matched to the headroom available.

Wide choice of wheels and tyres

The new Massey Ferguson tractors can be supplied with a choice of agricultural, turf or industrial pattern tyres to suit the working environment.

Unique choice of grass discharge options

A new range of mid-mounted grass cutter decks brings additional options and features. For the MF 1M.25, customers have the choice of a 54-inch or 60-inch cutting width, as well as side- or rear-discharge, and mulching options.

The latest drive-over cutter decks are easier to fit and remove for maintenance and save time swapping between tasks.

The MF 1M.25, with 150mm ground clearance, can drive over the decks simplifying the fitting process and allowing quicker preparation for grass cutting and other applications. Once the deck is attached, the cutting height is easily and quickly set by a simple lever.

Readman Mowers The Shed, Sand Lane, Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB 01759 380231

KUHN machines available for

The latest round of applications for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) are due to open at the end of May and several KUHN machines are eligible for funding. If successful, these grants contribute towards the purchase cost of the machines, helping farmers and growers to justify the investment and increase farm productivity.

KUHN’s Rowliner interrow hoe with Rowlink camera guidance, and three of the small seed hoppers in the SH range all meet the requirements set by DEFRA. Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 are available for single items within each theme – productivity, slurry management, animal health and welfare. The government says that £46.7m will be available across the three themes in a competitive process.

The KUHN machines are in the productivity theme, which is designed to improve farm efficiency and profitability. Of the 66 items available, funding items FETF7, 6m interrow hoe, and FETF207, air drill for establishing cover crops, are applicable. Both items are eligible for an up to 50% contribution to the purchase cost (capped at £25,000).

for latest FETF grant funding

KUHN’s Rowliner interrow hoe with Rowlink camera guidance meets the requirements by using live camera imagery to distinguish between the row crop and weeds. The minimum 6m wide machine could secure the maximum funding, depending on the purchase price.

Models in KUHN’s SH range that comply are the SH402, SH4080 and SH600. Stipulations of the funding include electronic metering; models that can be mounted to various makes of cultivators or drills; sow small seeds for cover crops; a minimum of 300litre hopper capacity; and a width of 3m or more. Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable product specialist, says these grants could be ideal for farmers and growers to justify investments at a tough time.

“Any financial support towards purchasing a machine that can improve efficiencies, increase productivity, or allow greater flexibility is worth considering. The SH hoppers are popular additions to cultivators and drills to apply small seed crops in the same pass, reducing diesel use and releasing time for other jobs.”

Applications for the FETF 2025 grants open on Thursday 29 May 2025 and will close at midday on Thursday 10 July 2025.

Kubota adds Value Line Steering to its guidance portfolio

Kubota (UK) Ltd has introduced an entry-level auto-steer package to its range of guidance solutions for agricultural and ground care machinery.

Priced from £5520 (ROI €6000), and sourced through Topcon, the kit is called Value Line Steering and is available through the Kubota dealer network. A wide choice of accuracy options are available to suit operational needs and budgets, which extend from 15cm pass-to-pass accuracy down to 1cm – the latter when using an RTK signal.

The Value Line Steering kit includes the XR-1 GNSS receiver with built-in gyroscope and accelerometer, XW-1 electric steering wheel and 10in, XC1 in-cab touchscreen terminal. Integral software has eliminated the need for a mechanical wheel angle sensor, simplifying installation and setup.

“This new kit offers customers a price-sensitive package that delivers auto-steering functions to improve operational efficiency and reduce operator

fatigue,” explains Jonathan Rook, Kubota UK’s product manager for agriculture. “The Value Line Steering kit brings affordable precision to any Kubota machine equipped with a steering wheel.”

Through Value Line Steering, operators can get access to any steering pattern required, including straight, centre pivot, curved and custom guidance lines. In addition, more advanced features such as Steer-to-Boundary, Guidelock and Headland Turns are also available, along with basic ISOBUS implement control.

The EGNOS Value Line Steering kit is priced at £5520 (ROI €6000), while those seeking higher accuracy can opt for an RTK Value Line Steering kit, costing £7545 (ROI €8200). The latter requires a 12-month RTK signal subscription costing £650 (ROI €700).

While the Value Line Steering kit can be selfinstalled, an optional installation service is available, costing £695. The Topcon Value Line Steering kits come with two years warranty and two years customer support.

Agricultural machinery firm’s founder presented with prestigious industry award

Jeff Claydon, who founded successful Suffolk-based agricultural machinery manufacturer Claydon-Yield-oMeter Ltd in 1981, has been recognised by The Institution of Agricultural Engineers for his ‘Contribution to the Land-Based Sector’. The prestigious award was presented at the organisation’s Annual Awards Ceremony in Warwickshire by Dr. Mark Moore, President of the only professional body for those working in engineering, science and technology roles in land-based industries.

Still family-owned, Claydon Yield-o-Meter Ltd, is the European market leader in direct drilling technology which is used to establish agricultural crops. The company designs, evaluates and manufactures Claydon Opti-Till® direct drills, straw harrows, rotary cultivators, inter-row hoes and mole drainers at its factory in Wickhambrook near Bury St Edmunds, where it employs over 60 local staff and benefits the UK businesses that supply it.

“It is a real honour that the IAgrE has recognised my contribution to the agricultural industry since founding Claydon Yield-o-Meter,” said Jeff. “It has been an exciting, often challenging, journey and in those early days I could never have imagined that the company which bears my name would reach the position that it is in today.

“As an arable farmer who has always been interested in agricultural machinery I have constantly experimented to find new ways of operating more efficiently and effectively. The machines which I and my team have developed over the years have helped our customers to benefit from that expertise.

“I believe that the role of technology will grow significantly as Claydon continues to develop and move forward. Our latest drills already incorporate the ability to place crops, companion crops, fertilisers and crop protection products in one pass, which will help the farming industry meet the challenges of the future. I think we have a design set for the next quarter-century but will always be looking ahead.”

Jeff Claydon has managed the family farm at Wickhambrook since 1970 and founded Claydon Yield-o-Meter to manufacture the revolutionary Claydon Yield-o-Meter which he had designed. The first device to provide an accurate ‘real-time’ readout of crop yields on a display in the combine cab, it helped farmers to analyse the performance of

their crops before grain left the field and was fitted to combines across the UK and Europe.

In the early 2000s global commodity prices dropped significantly to world levels which made combinable crop production uneconomic due to the cost of ploughing and traditional establishment methods. In response, Jeff developed the Claydon V- Drill, which was instrumental in securing the future of the Claydon family’s farm. Launched commercially in 2003, it was followed by the SR, Hybrid and Evolution drills, along with a range of other crop establishment machinery.

The company has continued to develop and perfect its Opti-Till® system, which provides savings of up to 60% in time, labour, fuel and cost compared with a plough-based system, and 40% less than minimum-tillage. Farmers all over the world now use it to establish combinable crops across the widest range of soil types and conditions, often placing multiple seeds, fertiliser and micronutrients in one pass. In addition to cost savings there are many environmental benefits to using the Claydon system, including improved soil health and structure, lower carbon emissions and reduced soil erosion.

Claydon Yield-o-Meter Ltd is being steered into the future by Jeff’s sons, Oliver (Operations Director) and Spencer (Commercial Director), who heads a Commercial Team which has developed the company’s export sales to the point where Claydon machinery is now used in over 30 countries, from Europe to New Zealand. Enabling farmers to transition from slow, expensive, energy-intensive traditional methods to a much faster, highly efficient and more sustainable approach Opti-Till® fits perfectly with the current drive towards regenerative agricultural practices.

Yamaha ATV Specialists

s newly appointed Main Dealers for Yamaha ATVs for North Yorkshire, Tom Taylor ATV can offer you a wealth of choice with their extensive range of New ATVs to suit your individual needs. All pre-owned ATVs are fully serviced in our own workshops to the highest standards, we aim to give you, the customer, that all important “peace of mind”. When your machine requires service or repairs, pick-ups and drop-offs can be pre-arranged. It’s just a phone call away. Specialists servicing Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am ATVs. Come and see us to

view new machine in our showroom, deals always available or call Tom Taylor for a demo on 01904 758105

With over 40 years ATV experience, Tom Taylor knows how provide the best possible service and support to the industry. We have a comprehensive selection of ATV Accessories and Equipment available from • C-DAX ATV Equipment • LOGIC ATV Equipment • TFM TRAILERS • Longdog ATV Equipment • Chapman Machinery • Moose ATV Products • Data Tool Tracker Recovery Systems.

Burnside Business Park, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3UX

Tel: 01630 653801

www.trmachinery.co.uk

East Fulton House, Darluith Road, Paisley, Linwood, PA3 3TP

Tel: 01505 382222 www.stirlingspowersports.com

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

D.A. Forgie

CFMOTO’s First UK Demo Day a Great Success

Last month CFMOTO held its first demo day in the UK, welcoming over 70 customers and dealers to test ride their full range of ATVs and UTVs. The event, set in a dedicated off-road woodland featured steep inclines, descents and muddy pits, giving customers the chance to experience the performance and versatility of CFMOTO’s vehicles first-hand. For many, this was an opportunity to compare models in real-world settings, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Attendees were particularly impressed with the allnew U10 Pro UTV, which stood out for its capability to handle both demanding workloads and challenging terrains. Its modern features and robust power, practicality, and reliability demonstrate that it’s built for heavy-duty applications - all for only £18,000 + VAT (cab included)

The lineup included the popular agricultural machines including the UFORCE 600 UTV andthe CFORCE 625, CFORCE 520, and CFORCE 450 ATVs, but also gave customers the rare chance to experience the excitement of its powersport range – the ZFORCE 950 Sport, Gen 3 CFORCE 850 and CFORCE 1000 Mudder MV CFORCE which turns heads with its powerful

engine and ability to handle tough, muddy conditions with ease.

The event wasn’t just about the machines, though. It also created a platform for customers to engage with CFMOTO UK representatives and dealers directly. In addition to the CFMOTO UK representatives, Lin Wul from the CFMOTO Global factory also attended the event to answer any questions.

Attendees valued the opportunity to discuss their specific needs, ask questions, and learn more about the machines they were testing.

Stephen Dargue, a livestock farmer from Cumbria commented, “It was great to see and ride the different models to compare them – I was particularly impressed with the U10 Pro buggy. We already run two CFORCE 520 quads on our farm and they are clearly built for the kind of hard work we deal with daily. They’re robust and perform exceptionally well.”

Dealers were equally impressed, highlighting the event’s smooth organisation and the chance to engage directly with their customers.

CFMOTO’s UK demo day has firmly established the brand’s position in the market. With a range of vehicles designed to meet the demands of British land management and off-road enthusiasts, they are proving to be a strong contender. For those looking for reliable and versatile machinery, CFMOTO has shown they’re well-equipped to deliver.

This event signals a bright future for the brand in the UK, and it’s clear they’re committed to supporting those who depend on reliable vehicles for daily work.

If you’re interested in attending a future CFMOTO Demo Day, you can get in touch with your local dealer at cfmoto.co.uk/find-a-dealer

Corvus Terrain DX4 and DX2. The first UTVs made in Europe bring together pioneering sustainability and advanced technology. Constructed for the hardest off-road work in agriculture, livestock, forestry,

Highly adaptable, the Terrain features a 3-cylinder 24hp Yanmar Diesel engine for excellent fuel efficiency

Stuart Taylor International

Lane Ends Cottage, Nightfield Ln,Balderstone, Blackburn BB2 7LJ Tel: 01254 813175

M Rickard Agri Services LTD

DJS Hydraulics

Readman Mowers

Supported by a specialised dealer network throughout the UK and Ireland. To find your local dealer, visit www.bossorv.co.uk

www.stuarttaylors.com

ABREY AGRICULTURAL

Abrey Agricultural

Pamphillions Farm, Purton End, Debden Essex, CB11 3JT Tel: 01799 543208 www.abreyagricultural.com

New Park Farm, Betty Haunt Lane,Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4HR

Tel: 01983 640421

www.mrickardagri.co.uk

ACE ATV

KP Agri LTD

Pamphillions Farm, Purton End, Debden CB11 3JT 01799 543208

The Workshop, Llandow, Cowbridge, CF71 7PY

Unit 1 & 2 Heol Penrhyn Llandygai Industrial Estate, Llandygai, Bangor, LL57 4YH

Tel: 01407 238070

www.djshydraulics-agri.co.uk

George Agar

Woodgate Road, Stoke Prior, Woodgate, Bromsgrove B60 4HB 01527 578668

Tel: 01446 792786

www.kpagri.co.uk

The Shed, Sand Lane, Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB

Tel: 01759 380 231

www.readmanmowers.co.uk

DAVID TAYLOR GARAGES

Anderson Agri

Agricultural Engineers

Granada Park Motors, A4077, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1HW 01873 810304

Church Road Farm, Church Road, Ravenscar, Scarborough YO13 0LZ

Tel: 01723 870966

www.georgeagar.co.uk

44 Lurganeden Road

Pomeroy, Dungannon Co. Tyrone, BT70 2TS

Tel: 028 8775 8419

www.andersonagri.co.uk

John Drysdale Agricultural Engineers

Park House Farm Main Street, Kinross KY13 9HN

Tel: 01592 840691

TOM TAYLOR ATV

J&R Agricultural Services Ltd

Unit 16/17 Windmill House Ind Est, Sutton Road, York YO32 2RA 01904 758105

Trelarnick, Pelynt Looe, PL13 2LB

Tel: 01503 272762

Mobile: 07946 367165

Quadcrate ATV innovations proven in the field

Quadcrate Ltd are well known for their ATV innovation which is helping Farmers and quad users in the UK, Ireland and several parts of Europe to carry small loads safely.

Their Quadcrate attachments are allowing quad operators to do more in less time, and are making these machines even more important on farms.

William Allingham founder says “if all Farmers knew how useful our products really are, they would all soon invest. Our implements are designed and proven on my family farm in Garrison and if they can help us they will help all quad users on any farm. We have over 100 Trustpilot reviews to date and they are all excellent.

One of our new products the Bubble cab is a weather protector for any utility ATV. We have 2 sizes available, standard and the Big Bubble cab.

We sold a Big bubble cab with other attachments to Stephen Sproule (see photo) from Castlederg who finds it to be a game changer.

Stephen unfortunately tumbled his quad and he said “the cab has helped me in tricky situations, it tipped over on steep ground. It would have been a different story if the cab wasn’t there, which shows the protection it gives you”

William is very confident that in time he can prove that with the combination of a safety helmet and his Bubble cab, that it does makes any quad up to 70% more safe when fitted.

William continued to say that “with all the accidents

and deaths on quads that this was the main driver in him desiging the Bubble cab in the first place. I was trying to increase quad safety but I can only sell them as a weather protector at the moment, till properly tested and proven.

Paxster delivers for Sandwell Council

Sandwell is a metropolitan borough in the West Midlands comprising six Black Country towns. When Sandwell Council wanted to upgrade their spraying fleet, they were looking for something more modern to replace the traditional combustion ATVs they were using. They made the decision to look for suitable environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Precisely fitting the bill, they have taken delivery of two Paxster eCompact Utility Vehicles. These are part of a range of electric vehicles built with sustainable manufacturing in Norway.

Fully road homologated and featuring an ultra-small turning radius, the Paxsters are easy to drive with intuitive controls and a semi-open cabin to shield the driver from the elements. This offers greater comfort while allowing maximum visibility to complete the task safely. At the core of the eCompact is a large 10kWh 50v LiFePo4 electric battery, powering sustained performance and reliability. There is also enough power to charge rechargeable battery tools in the field, providing up to 3kW of additional charging power. Thanks to the narrow-body design, the Paxster eCompact is highly manoeuvrable and ideal for navigating tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. With its ample cargo space, robust chassis and a 240kg payload capacity, it is suited to an exceptionally wide range of applications.

Sandwell Council Paxsters came fitted with low volume, high efficiency sprayers from Nomix Enviro. The Nomix VMU is a vehicle-mounted Total Droplet Control (TDC) herbicide application system, which can be fitted to virtually any type of vehicle. The (TDC) systems deliver highly targeted herbicide application, with pre-mixed herbicides that are safe and easy to use, offering a wealth of benefits to local authorities.

The Paxsters were supplied by Midlands based ACE ATV Ltd. who took Sandwell Council from their initial requirement brief to on-site vehicle installation. Paxster units can be ordered with a host of options and have up to ten years’ manufacturer’s warranty. They are distributed to UK dealers by Staffordshire based BOSS ORV who specialise in off-road and utility vehicles in all fuel types ranging from heavyduty diesel machines and electric ATVs up to 6seater UTVs. For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

Noel Turley Autosales Loughrea / Powerland Ireland

Bruce Hopkins Limited

Shenington Airfield Oxon, OX15 6NW Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk

Argyll Engineers Limited

Tel: 0330 041 5141 Polarisbritain.com

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited

Glenshellach Road, Oban PA34 4BH. Tel 01631 565 011 www.argyllengineers.com

Bruce Hopkins Limited

Newton Close , Park farm Wellingborough, Northamtonshire, NN8 6UW Tel 01293 673 900 www. dayandcoles.co.uk

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

Shenington Airfield, Oxon OX15 6NW. Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk

43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley, WD4 8BS Tel 01923 268 355 www.taylorstools.co.uk

David Evans Agricultural Ltd

Clwyd Agricultural Limited Terfyn Buildings, Caerwys Road Dyserth, Rhyl LL18 6HT. Tel 01745 571 018 www.clwydagri.co.uk

Old Middlehill, Walterston, Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 3AD Tel 01446 311101 www.polaris-glamorgan.co.uk

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited

R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs 8 Station Road

Wolferton, King's Lynn, PE31 6H Tel 01553 373015 www.polaris-kingslynn.co.uk

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6UW Tel 01933 673 900 www.dayandcoles.co.uk

Halls of Bromyard Tenbury Road, Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL Tel 01885 489 199 www.hallsofbromyard.com

LJ & CA Cannings

Challow House Farm, Main Street, East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9SR Tel 01235 763 103 www.ljcannings.co.uk

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley WD4 8BS

Tel 01923 268 355 www.taylorstools.co.uk

Honda UTV Boosts Efficiency and Sustainability for Family-Run Cotswolds Farm

Other tasks for which David and Churri rely on the Hondas include pulling their Logic trailer moving fencing materials and other equipment, and during lambing season sheep and lambs are moved in the trailer between the yard and fields. A mobile sheep handling unit is towed by the ATVs too. “For those sorts of lighter tasks the Hondas have completely replaced our tractor and link box, and on their low-pressure flotation tyres with a mounted sprayer they are the best option for tackling ragwort and thistles in sensitive grass areas.”

Bomb-proof and reliable

Last year, the oldest ATV was part-exchanged for a brand new Fourtrax TRX420 4wd. “Our Hondas have been bomb-proof and totally reliable, so buying another from our local dealer, TH White was the obvious choice,” said David. “We like the simple, proven manual foot gearshift, but the biggest update was the inclusion of power steering which makes a huge difference to rider comfort.

Following their purchase, David and Churri were approached by Honda, asking if they and their farm could be featured in the 2024/25 ATV marketing campaign. “It sounded interesting and a bit different to our normal activities. We can’t fault the Honda ATVs or back-up provided by our dealer, so were quite happy to be involved. It’s amazing how many friends and farmer colleagues later commented that they had seen the adverts and recognised us.”

Pioneer UTV trial

successfully taken over some of the smaller jobs for which we previously relied on the much heavier farm telehandler. Being able to carry two people around the farm safely and in comfort is also an advantage, and an optional roof and front screen gives a degree of weather protection, which Isabel and I both appreciate. We were suspicious of whether the Pioneer could be a practical solution to start with, but having had it for a few months now, we would really miss it if we went back to just having the ATV.”

David agrees. “It brings many advantages, and I believe we get maximum benefit running it alongside the ATV, having both machines available and being able to choose the most suitable for any task. It’s almost as manoeuvrable and quick as the ATV but not quite, so if we had to choose between one or the other then the ATV would probably remain.”

Through their involvement with Honda, David and Churri were also invited to trial the Pioneer 520 side-by-side UTV. “We considered various types of UTV several years ago, but nothing available then suited our situation,” continued David. “Competitor brand diesel models were just too heavy and slow for livestock handling, but the Honda Pioneer 520 is quite different. It has a similar 520cc petrol engine and transmission to the largest Honda Foreman ATVs, and even though it has two proper seats and a rear load platform capable of carrying over 200kg, it’s only a little wider and heavier than our TRX420 ATV, so we were keen to see how it performed.”

The Pioneer 520 arrived in early November and quickly proved popular. “Unlike the ATV, I don’t have to swing my leg over the seat getting on and off, which is much easier and more comfortable,” said Churri. “It feels stable and handles our steep slopes with ease. The rear load bed is ideal for carrying tools and supplies. We used it this winter for transporting firewood, and for taking containers of water to troughs out in the fields. It has

Loyal to the brand

The family has no set replacement policy for its Honda ATVs. “Hondas have great longevity, and we have proved on this farm that they are incredibly reliable, so we don’t feel we have to change them often,” David said. “Fuel consumption is reasonable for the work that they do, they never use any oil, and daily checks are straightforward.

“Since the first Honda arrived on our farm, the ATVs have taken over many lighter tasks previously performed by our tractors, and as well as cheaper ownership and running costs, the ATVs on their low ground pressure tyres cause less ground damage too.

“Having become such an important part of our management system, we wouldn’t want to be without our Honda ATV or the Pioneer UTV now.”

Protect Your ATV & Powersports Vehicles with ATVTrac – Now Available at 158 Performance

tay in control and safeguard your ride with ATVTrac, the marketleading tracking system designed for ATVs, UTVs, and powersports vehicles. Whether you're looking for advanced theft protection or a budget-friendly solution, we’ve got you covered!

158 Performance is an Approved Dealer & Installer!

ATVTrac – Premium Protection for Your Vehicle Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your vehicle 24/7 via a user-friendly app with instant security alerts.

Insurance Approved: Thatcham S7 accredited –potential savings of up to 15% on insurance premiums!

Theft Response Team: In partnership with Securitas, providing a nationwide recovery service.

Advanced GPS & RF Technology: Works even in hidden locations like garages or containers.

New! ATVTrac Lite – Affordable GPS Tracking Solution

Want a cost-effective way to keep tabs on your vehicle?

ATVTrac Lite offers GPS-only tracking – a simple, budget-friendly option to monitor location and movement.

Ideal for riders who don’t require full RF recovery or insurance accreditation but still want peace of mind!

Pricing & Subscription Options:

ATVTrac (Full Version): £399 (Includes 1-year subscription + lifetime warranty)

Subscription Plans:

• Monthly: £9.99

• 1 Year: £99

• 2 Years: £179

• 3 Years: £229

ATVTrac Lite (GPS-Only): £259

Subscription Plans:

• Monthly: £5.99

• 1 Year: £60

Financing Available: From £43/month for 12 months, or ATVTrac lite from £30/month for 12 months including the ATVTrac unit, 1-year subscription, and professional installation by 158 Performance!

Don’t leave your vehicle unprotected – secure it today!

Contact 158 Performance for orders & installation:

Email: sales@158performance.co.uk

Call: 01778 341144

Visit: www.158performance.co.uk

J&S Montgomery, a well-established and respected Yamaha dealer, announced its strategic expansion into the Lanarkshire region through the acquisition of DKR Agricultural Services, based at Coulter, near Biggar

This acquisition marks a significant step in J&S Montgomery’s growth and will bring the full range of Yamaha products, along with their renowned customer service, to a wider customer base.

DKR Agricultural Services has built a strong reputation within the Lanarkshire farming community, and J&S Montgomery is committed to building upon this foundation. The acquisition will see the Coulter premises become a key location for J&S Montgomery, offering sales, service, and parts for Yamaha products.

Alister Shanks, Group Sales Manager for J&S Montgomery said, “This is an exciting time for J&S Montgomery. Expanding our trading area into

Lanarkshire provides us with an excellent platform to serve the local farming community. We recognise the strong relationships DKR has built, and we are committed to providing the same high level of service and support that J&S Montgomery is known for, now with the added strength of the Yamaha brand, it looks forward to welcoming new and existing customers at their expanded locations and continuing to support the agricultural sector in Scotland with premium Yamaha products and exceptional service.

To find out more about the Yamaha full range of ATVs and J&S Montgomery, visit the links below: www.jsmontgomery.co.uk

www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/atv-side-by-side/

Now is the right time to get a CAN-AM 2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ATV & SSV !

Trelleborg Tireslaunches new TM900 ProgressiveTraction range

Trelleborg Tires expands its agricultural tire portfolio with the launch of the new TM900 ProgressiveTraction®, a solution specifically developed for highhorsepower tractor applications. Designed to meet the growing demands of today's agriculture, this new range delivers enhanced performance, greater efficiency, and maximum traction where it's needed most: on the soil.

At the core of this new tire is Trelleborg Tires' proprietary ProgressiveTraction® technology, an award-winning innovation recognized for its effectiveness in modern farming. Its unique double-edge lug delivers superior grip and stability, providing up to 17% more traction than competitor tires, helping professionals increase productivity, reduce fuel consumption, and lower overall operating costs.

The wider base of the ProgressiveTraction® contributes to a significant reduction in vibration, ensuring a smoother ride while further optimizing fuel efficiency and supporting up to 20% extended durability against competitionin heavy-duty operations and during prolonged work hours.

With its innovative lug design, the TM900 ProgressiveTraction® offers excellent self-cleaning properties, maintaining powerful traction and preventing mud build-up to maximize efficiency in all field conditions.

In addition, the tire's optimized lug angle and shape provide exceptional road behavior, delivering increased stability and safety during transport, both in and out of the field.

Consistently with the entire Trelleborg agricultural tire range, all Trelleborg Tires are developed to deliver maximum traction and extended durability through high-quality engineering. Featuring advanced tread patterns and premium compound materials, they are built to maximize the productivity and efficiency required by modern farming, ensuring long-lasting performance even in the most demanding conditions.

"Trelleborg tires are engineered to evolve alongside the agricultural industry.As tractors become more powerful and farmers face greater challenges, it's essential that tires do more than just carry the load: they must actively enhance performance, protect the soil, and boost operational efficiency," commented Alessio Bucci, Global Product Marketing Director Trelleborg Tires."The new TM900 ProgressiveTraction® embodies this vision, delivering maximum traction, reduced vibration, longer life, and exceptional behavior across all conditions."

With the launch of the TM900 ProgressiveTraction®, Trelleborg Tires continues to support agricultural professionals with innovative, field-proven solutions built to face the real challenges of modern agriculture.

Seasons of Change

April winds are down, and it is the perfect time to reflect on all the work we have done. Across our sectors, we have seen significant developments and innovations. We have been meeting busy farmers and construction professionals across the world, discussing how BKT tires can meet their ever changing needs.

Smart Tires for Seeding Season

As Spring rolls across temperate climates, it’s prime time for seeding, and farmers are relying on BKT tires to get the job done. In particular, our AGRIMAX V-FLECTO tires offer low soil compaction, all thanks to the innovative VF (Very High Flexion) technology used. This means that they can bear heavy loads with a lower inflating pressure. Our AGRIMAX RT 955 tires also provide excellent stability and traction, and durability, making them ideal for row crop seeding, spraying and even harvesting.

BAUMA was a Big Hit

BKT were proud to return to Munich for BAUMA, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery. We showcased our innovations, including our brand-new MULTIFORCE BK T92, our MAGLIFT LOADER, and our giant tires, demonstrating our commitment to providing reliable solutions for industrial and OTR professionals. It was also great to engage with visitors through our Euroleague Basketball and Eurocup exhibits. From the court to the jobsite, BKT has you covered!

The Rise of Used Tractors

With running costs for farmers getting increasingly higher across the world, the used tractor market is rapidly expanding. It is becoming more common, particularly for smaller and family-run farms to go for used tractors rather than buying new machinery. Therefore, they can be an essential solution for many farmers. However, depending on the age of the tractor,

there could be higher operational costs, environmental deficiencies and maintenance costs.

BKT presents AGRIMAX PROHARVEST VF: the new high-performance tire for combine harvesters

In modern agriculture, which is increasingly focused on optimizing yields and preserving soil health, the harvesting season is one of the most critical moments. Heavy equipment such as combines does their job under often difficult operating conditions, and tires are subject to intense and continuous stress. This means a twofold challenge: on the one hand, ensuring operational efficiency while at the same time protecting the soil from damage caused by compaction.

Against this backdrop, Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has recently developed a new tire for the purpose of tackling the challenges associated with harvesting needs by combining high performance, reliability and eco-friendliness.

During the harvesting phases, load variations due to grain tank filling and emptying can cause considerable stress on the tires, leading to accelerated wear and, at worst, to damage such as cuts or punctures due to residue or debris on the ground. In addition, soil compaction is a major concern for farmers, as heavy machinery can damage the soil structure, reducing crop yields in the long term.

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST integrates advanced technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability: thanks to the VF (Very High Flexion) technology, the tire can carry up to 40% more load than a standard tire at the same inflation pressure, thus enabling a wider and more even weight distribution on the ground, significantly reducing

the risk of compaction and promoting soil conservation, which is key to maintaining fertility and agricultural productivity.

For demanding operating conditions, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST features a reinforced polyester casing combined with three layers of steel belts that ensure greater resistance to deformation and superior protection against mechanical stress, extending hence a tire’s service life even in case of high and cyclic loads.

Specific attention has also been paid to the compound formulation, developed to provide high cut and chip resistance, as well as against damages caused by residual stubble or other abrasive materials on the ground, thus minimizing the risk of punctures and reducing maintenance costs. AGRIMAX PROHARVEST's tread features an innovative open-shoulder design that improves traction on rough and wet terrain while enhancing self-cleaning properties: The rapid release of mud and debris is ensured during field and road transfers, thereby contributing to keeping high levels of both safety and performance throughout every stage of operations.

Yet, it is not only about performance in the fields: AGRIMAX PROHARVEST also offers excellent handling on the road, ensuring even wear, better steering control, as well as remarkable driving comfort - elements that make road transfers safer and less tiring for the operator, increasing at the same time overall machinery productivity. CFO technology (Cyclic Field Operations) is another added value: it enables the tire to tolerate

temporary overloads beyond its capacity, as it occurs when the combine harvester's tank reaches maximum fill and then returns to standard operating conditions once the load is reduced, preventing structural damage and ensuring a longer product life-cycle.

Through AGRIMAX PROHARVEST, BKT reaffirms its actual commitment to sustainability. "Thanks to its innovative design, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST tackles these challenges by reducing the pressure exerted on the soil since it has a larger footprint. Not only does this preserve soil health, but it also promotes higher and more sustainable farming yields". - says Dilip Vaidya, Senior President & Director Technology at BKT.

In addition, the tire’s longer service life, which has been made possible by targeted design choices such as the durable compound and the reinforced structure, helps reduce the overall environmental impact by limiting the need for frequent replacements and decreasing the quantity of materials and resources required for manufacturing and product life-cycle management.

AGRIMAX PROHARVEST thus stands as a technologically advanced and cost-effective solution for all operators in the farming industry aiming to maximize productivity without compromising the future of their land.

ISUZU UNVEILS THE NEW D-MAX ARCTIC TRUCKS AT35 AT THE 2025 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW

Isuzu UK has officially launched the latest evolution of its iconic extreme pick-up, The New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35. The launch took place at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025, at the NEC in Birmingham. Built on the newly introduced D-Max platform revealed earlier this year, the AT35 delivers an uncompromising blend of robust off-road performance, commercial capability and modern refinement.

Developed in collaboration with Arctic Trucks, renowned globally for engineering vehicles to conquer the harshest and most demanding environments, the new AT35 has been reimagined to meet the needs of drivers who demand more –more capability, more comfort, and more safety.

Engineered for Extremes

The New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 continues its legacy as a serious off-road contender, designed for those who face unpredictable conditions and unrelenting terrains. With over 30 years of development behind it, the Arctic Trucks AT35 is the ultimate expression of a pick-up that is truly built for purpose.

It retains full commercial vehicle status, delivering over a tonne of payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity, while offering further-improved off-road

prowess. Powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, the AT35 produces 360 Nm of torque, offering excellent driveability and control in both on-road and off-road conditions.

A new Rough Terrain Mode has been introduced as standard, intelligently enhancing grip and traction across low-friction surfaces such as snow, mud and wet grass. Combined with Isuzu’s reliable shifton-the-fly 4WD system and rear differential lock, the AT35 is equipped to handle the most treacherous routes with ease.

Unmistakable Presence

Distinctive and aggressively styled, the new model stands taller, wider and more purposeful than ever before. Custom Arctic Trucks Bilstein suspension boosts ground clearance and allows for approach, breakover and ramp angles of 35°, 34° and 22° respectively, making light work of rutted tracks, rocky trails and uneven ground.

Massive 35” all-terrain tyres provide a planted and commanding stance, while dramatically flared wheel arches, robust extended-profile side steps with AT35 branding, and roof rails elevate both functionality and visual impact. New heavy-duty rubber treads on the side steps offer safer entry to the vehicle, while contributing to the model’s rugged appeal.

The vehicle also includes roof rails, rear multifunction receiver, and a wireless charging pad as standard, underlining its suitability for adventure and professional use alike.

Interior and Technology

Inside the double cab cabin, the AT35 continues to impress. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control ensure all passengers travel in comfort. An updated, responsive 9” touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, while an 8-speaker premium sound system delivers rich audio quality. The new 7” driver information display provides clear access to vital driving data, and an ergonomically designed layout ensures that the controls are always within easy reach.

Commercial Credentials

True to the Isuzu ethos of “Driven To Do,” the new AT35 is not just about appearance or off-road ability; it is a genuine working vehicle. With a payload of over 1 tonne, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and 4WD capability, the AT35 fits seamlessly into commercial fleets while still offering the flexibility for recreational adventure. Despite its extensive reengineering, the AT35 remains approved as a commercial vehicle, making it eligible for VAT reclamation and offering genuine utility to trade professionals.

Safety

Safety remains a top priority. The new AT35 benefits from the same Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) featured across The New Isuzu D-Max range. This includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Turn Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Attention Assist, providing peace of mind whether navigating busy city traffic or remote rural trails. Eight airbags and E-Call functionality further enhance the vehicle’s commitment to driver and passenger safety.

Alan Able, Managing Director at Isuzu UK, commented on the launch: “The New Isuzu D-Max

Arctic Trucks AT35 is a true statement of capability and intent. It builds on our legacy of delivering tough, reliable vehicles by combining advanced technology and distinctive design with some serious off-road capability, and then some. We’re proud to unveil it at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 as the ultimate pick-up for professionals and adventurers alike.”

Peter Smith, Managing Director at Arctic Trucks UK, added “We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Isuzu on the launch of The New D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35. This latest generation builds on over three decades of Arctic Trucks engineering expertise, delivering a vehicle that’s not only visually striking but genuinely capable of conquering the harshest environments. The AT35 is designed for those who demand uncompromising performance, without sacrificing comfort or commercial strength.”

Availability

Available exclusively as a double cab with a sixspeed automatic transmission, The New Isuzu DMax Arctic Trucks AT35 is now available to order at selected Isuzu Arctic Trucks dealerships across the UK, priced from £57,005 (CVOTR). Find out more at: www.isuzu.co.uk/vehicles/isuzu-d-max-arctictrucks-at35

Honda is hitting the high notes on International Jazz Day with a unique duet between sounds created by its award-winning Jazz e:HEV and renowned, award-winning saxophonist, Otis Lawrence.

By capturing the car’s seat mechanism, fuel filler cap opening, and remote key fob, plus its doors, bonnet, and windows being opened and closed, the maestros at Honda have carefully arranged a backing track to accompany Otis and his saxophone – creating a one-off performance that is sure to strike a chord with Jazz fans around the world.

Nik Pearson, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Honda Motor Europe commented: “With its style, sophistication and famed reliability, the Honda Jazz is the perfect bandmate for Otis and his saxophone. Since embarking on its European tour over 20 years ago, the Jazz has built up a dedicated fanbase and received a chorus of strong reviews – this is therefore a fitting musical tribute to our very own chart-topper.”

Honda Jazz e:HEV

With its combination of space, efficiency and technology, the Honda Jazz e:HEV is packed with

sax appeal. Now in its fourth generation, the hybrid model is one of the brand’s most successful ever, with almost 9 million global sales and more than 50 international awards since it launched in 2001. Available in four trim levels - Elegance, Advance, Crosstar and Sport Advance - the latest Jazz is the most advanced and practical model yet.

Instrumental in this success is an interior that provides unrivalled utility, practicality and functionality in a simple, ergonomic layout. There’s a class-leading 986mm of rear legroom, while rear Magic Seat configuration delivers both fold-flat or flip-up flexibility.

Like all Honda’s mainstream model range, the Jazz e:HEV also features a state-of-the-art electrified powertrain producing as little as 102 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of 4.5l/100km (WLTP).

For more information on the Honda Jazz visit: https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/new/jazz-hybrid/

International Jazz Day

Founded in 2011 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), International Jazz Day aims to promote peace, diversity and respect for human rights and dignity through the exploration and performing of Jazz music.

As it officially launches its debut SV large van at the Commercial Vehicle Show, Farizon is showcasing a series of partnerships with industry-leading specialists in van conversions, panelling, security and charging kit. The partnerships signal the new brand’s commitment to ensuring the Farizon SV can be customised with approved conversions and enhancements, ready for work across a variety of use cases.

Taking pride of place on Farizon’s stand is an SV converted by Paneltex, a global leader in temperature-controlled vehicle body building and conversions. The refrigerated Farizon SV can maintain temperatures of 0°C thanks to a GAH refrigeration unit driven by the SV’s own high voltage electrical architecture. This eliminates the need for supplementary batteries, saving weight and preserving the SV’s marketleading load space.The conversion is both lightweight and highly thermally efficient, while also being the world’s first refrigerated van conversion featuring a sliding door without a B-pillar for ease of access.

the Farizon SV is ready for work, and can be adapted by approved specialist partners to meet specific use cases. Built for business, and setting a new benchmark in the electric van market, the SV’s advanced tech delivers tangible practical benefits for users, and these conversions further enhance our offering to customers.”

As well as L1 H1 and L2 H2 versions of the SV, Farizon is also showcasing the largest L3 H3 version for the very first time on its stand 5C114 in Hall 5. Farizon’s high-tech stand is designed around visitors and reflects the core values of the company while offering a new, immersive experience.

Innovative solutions; premium features

Motexion, a specialist in producing premium interior flooring, lining, and bulkheads for commercial vehicles, is showcasing a Farizon SV equipped with its cargo-carrying protection solutions. Visitors to stand 5C20 in Hall 5 will see the SV’s cargo area fitted with bespoke flooring, side and roof linings, and wheel arch covers. The protective panelling enhances practicality, prevents damage, and improves temperature and noise insulation.

Farizon has also announced that Locks 4 Vans will be the company’s recommended security partner. The Kent-based specialist has designed a suite of security products specifically for the Farizon SV, including hook locks, slamlocks, surface-mounted statement locks and a range of shielding solutions.

Wottz, specialists in EV charging products and services, has also been selected to supply extralong charging cables for SV users who require a secure connection further from their vehicle. Farizon-approved cables up to 7.5m long are available.

Kate McLaren, Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at Jameel Motors UK, said: “The CV Show is a great opportunity for us to showcase that

The all-new born electric Farizon SV features a host of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a unique bpillarless design and cell-topack battery packaging, which combine to deliver marketleading cargo capacity, payload, range and an ultralow loading height.

A single highly-specified trim level includes several premium features as standard, including a payload monitoring system, heated seats, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, 360-degree surround view, and a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety systems. The SV has earned the top Platinum safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The model line-up includes the option of a 67 kWh or an 83 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, with a 106 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery available for the L3 H3 model. One efficient, all-electric powertrain is available which produces 170 kW (231 PS) of power and 336 Nm of torque. The SV is rated to tow up to two tonnes with a braked trailer.

Now available to order, with prices starting at £45,000 OTR (plus VAT), the Farizon SV is available in five different size combinations: L1 H1, L1 H2, L2 H2, L2 H3 and L3 H3, with first deliveries expected in Q2 2025.

Established in 2016, Farizon is the commercial vehicle division of Geely, China’s largest private vehicle manufacturer. The Farizon SV is being introduced to the UK by Jameel Motors UK, a London-based automotive distribution business and part of Jameel Motors.

Brace yourself, because tax talk is about to get (almost) exciting! Big changes are on the horizon for double cab pick-ups in the UK.

From April 2025, these workhorses of the road will no longer be classed as commercial vehicles for tax purposes.

Instead, they’ll be taxed as cars, significantly increasing Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) liabilities for businesses and employees alike. However, there’s still time to act and lock in the current, lower tax rates.

If you’re considering a new pick-up, there’s no better time to make your move – and the brand-newMAXUS T60 MAXcould be the perfect choice.

The

BIK reclassification: what’s changing?

Historically, double cab pick-ups have been treated as vans for tax purposes, meaning they benefited from a fixed-rate, low BIK tax regime.

However, under the revised rules coming into effect from April 6, 2025, these vehicles will be taxed as cars.

This means that instead of paying a fixed low rate, drivers will be taxed based on CO² emissions and list price – a change that could see costs rise dramatically.

Why act before April 2025?

There is a crucial window of opportunity for businesses and individuals who order, lease, or purchase a double cab pick-up before 31st March 2025.

Vehicles secured before this deadline will continue to be taxed as vans until at least April 2029, or until they are sold or the lease ends.

This meansfour more years of lower tax rates, avoiding the costly hike that will hit post-April 2025 purchases.

How this impacts employers and employees

Employees: Higher Income Tax

For those who drive a company-provided double cab pick-up, the BIK reclassification could lead to thousands of pounds in additional tax liabilities each year.

For higher-rate taxpayers, the difference is substantial, making it essential to secure a vehicle before the deadline.

Employers: increased National Insurance contributions (NICs)

With BIK values increasing, employers will face higher NICs for each double cab pick-up classified as a car.

This will also impact capital allowances, reducing the overall tax efficiency of these vehicles.

Companies that rely on double cab pick-ups for operations should plan ahead to avoid financial strain.

The future of double cab pick-ups

This reclassification is part of the government’s broader push to encourage lower-emission vehicles.

While electric alternatives are on the rise, sometimes you just need a proper pick-up to get the job done. That’s why acting fast is key to locking in the best financial deal while you still can.

Meet the MAXUS T60 MAX: your perfect pre-deadline pick-up

If you’re in the market for a new double cab pick-up before the tax changes kick in, the MAXUS T60 MAX is an outstanding option. Don’t miss out on competitive contract hire and finance lease options available.

This pick-up combines power, practicality, and enough tech to make even your most gadget-obsessed mate jealous.

Key features of the MAXUS T60 MAX:

• 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine – 500Nm of torque, giving you the strength to tackle the toughest jobs.

• 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD – Perfect for handling both off-road adventures and demanding work environments.

• 1,050kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity –Carry more, tow more, and get the job done with ease.

• Comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance –Includes a 5-year/100,000 miles vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK and Europe.

• Fuel efficiency and emissions – 9.1L/100km (WLTP) fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 239g/km.

Order now and beat the tax hike

With deliveries available from Spring 2025, securing a MAXUS T60 MAX now ensures you lock in the lower BIK tax rates and avoid any financial nastiness down the line.

The clock is ticking. If you want to keep more of your hard-earned cash, act now. The new tax regime is coming whether we like it or not, but you can at least beat it at its own game.

Available for immediate delivery

Available as standard

• 360° camera • Front and rear parking sensors

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Maximum Payload

1,050kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

*

*Business users only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Must be ordered by 30th June 2025. Not available on eTERRON 9. AVAILABLE ON THE

Europe’s First Fully Electric Pick-up

eTERRON 9

Available as standard

• 360° camera • Air suspension

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Vehicle-to-Load capabilities (use to power electrical devices)

Max. WLTP Range (combined)

267 miles

Maximum Payload 620kg

Tow Capacity (braked)

3,500kg

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

AVAILABLE ON THE ULTRA VERSATILE T60 MAX

Available for immediate delivery

Available as standard

• 360° camera • Front and rear parking sensors

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Maximum Payload 1,050kg

Tow Capacity (braked) 3,500kg

5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

Find a dealer:

Armstrong Vehicle Centre

Townfoot, Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 5LY 01228 794800

armstrongvehiclecentre.co.uk/maxus

Chadderton Motor Company Ltd

Broadway Business Park, Oldham OL9 9XA 0161 678 6161 cmc-maxus.co.uk

FJ Chalke

Saxon Way, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9RT 01963 34335 fjchalke.co.uk/maxus

HTC Croydon / HTC Van Centre 93 Beddington Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4TD 0344 891 0000

htcvancentre.com/maxus

JS Holmes Maxus

High Road, Wisbech St Mary, Cambs PE13 4RQ 01945 410243 jsholmes.com

Maxus Northside – Doncaster

Balby Carr Bank, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 8DE 01302 639360 maxus-northside.co.uk

Mylbrook Maxus Murrell Green, London Rd, Hook RG27 8HZ 01256 769933

mylbrook.co.uk/our-vehicles/maxus

North East Truck & Van Cowpen Bewley Rd, Billingham TS23 4EX 01642 370555

northeasttruckandvan.com/maxus

Available as standard

• 360° camera • Air suspension

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Vehicle-to-Load capabilities (use to power electrical devices)

Maximum Payload 620kg

Tow Capacity (braked) 3,500kg

Max. WLTP Range (combined) 267 miles 5 year

Warranty & Roadside Assistance Included

Rygor Maxus

Unit 5, Worton Grange, Reading RG2 0TG 0330 311 9879 rygor-maxus.co.uk

Sandicliffe

127 Nottingham Road, Stapleford NG9 8AU 0115 671 0050 sandicliffe.co.uk/maxus

Sherwoods Maxus

3 Crowther Rd, Crowther Ind Est, Washington NE38 0AQ 0191 357 2002 sherwoodsmotorgroup.co.uk/maxus

STVL

Unit 1, Springvale Industrial Estate, Millbuck Way, Sandbach CW11 3JA 01270 767000 stvl.co.uk/maxus

Walton Summit Truck Centre Ltd

Unit 211, Walton Summit Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 8AQ 01772 334006 waltonsummit.co.uk/maxus

Western Maxus Dundee | Bellshill | Broxburn | Govan 0333 241 6244 westernmaxus.co.uk

Visit www.saicmaxus.co.uk or scan the QR code to find out more.

Subaru UK & Ireland is delighted to reveal that a long-standing customer, Bill Nunn, has recently taken delivery of his 26th Subaru, an all-new 6th generation Forester..

Believed to be one of the brand’s most loyal customers, Nunn acquired his first Subaru – a 1995 Legacy Estate – over 30 years ago and has since gone on to buy a remarkable 25 more. Since becoming a Subaru Main Dealer in the late 90s, Bill has always returned to Adams Brothers, a 4th generation family-run business in Aylesbury, where Bill is guaranteed to receive the red-carpet treatment, time after time, from a dealership with old-fashioned core values.

The achievement is a testament to Subaru’s outstanding customer loyalty. Over nearly 50 years, Subaru has built a reputation for delivering safe, fun, and tough vehiclesattributes which continue to underpin the brand

to this day. Subaru was recognised for its enduring quality, reliability and service when it was named the top manufacturer in Auto Express's renowned Driver Power customer survey 2024.

Nunn has owned a wide range of Subaru models over the years, including various Legacy and Impreza wagons, as well as a succession of Foresters, from early variants to the turbocharged XT of the 2000s and now the latest 6th Generation Forester in Field specification.

Commenting on the purchase, Bill Nunn said: It is a pleasure to take delivery of my new Forester, the 26th Subaru I’ve bought over the past 30 years. Since buying my first Subaru, the cars have certainly become more modern, capable and spacious, but the core values that set Subaru apart have remained. Subarus are just great cars: always a pleasure to drive, comfortable, reliable and safe. In 30 years

covering hundreds of thousands of miles for both work and private use – in all manner of conditions - Subaru has never let me down.

“Over three decades, the dealer experience has been just as reliable. The team at Adams Brothers have always been attentive, honest and trustworthy; they’re a family business filled with friendly, familiar faces. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. I’ll certainly be back for more.”

Dane Adams, Managing Director, Adams Group, added: “We’re delighted to have delivered this landmark 26th car to Bill Nunn, 30 years on from his first Subaru. We’re proudly a family-run business, one that puts the customer at the centre of all we do, so this sort of long-standing relationship really is satisfying. Bill’s been the most loyal of Adams’ customers, and in the intervening years has become a great friend, too. He’s always a pleasure to deal with, and we look forward to supporting him with all his Subaru needs for many years to come.”

Alex Sheward, National Sales Manager,

Subaru UK & Ireland, concluded: “We at Subaru UK & Ireland are proud to have a fantastic base of loyal customers across the country – owners that have put their faith in our vehicles over many decades. Bill might just be the most loyal of all, and we’re honoured to have delivered his 26th Subaru.

“This is a testament to the enduring owner appeal, quality and reliability of Subarus, as well as the level of honest, caring service offered by our dealer network. We’re proud of our hard-earned reputation for quality and customer service – moments like these make all the hard work worthwhile. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bill for his continued commitment to Subaru and to congratulate the whole team at Adams.”

Subaru UK & Ireland, part of International Motors Ltd (IML), began importing vehicles in 1976 and has maintained a strong presence in the UK over the past five decades, winning legions of fans in the process. It has since delivered over 250,000 cars to customers in the UK.

Subaru has unveiled two new allelectric vehicles at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The brand displayed its newest model, the all-new Subaru Trailseeker, alongside the new 2026 Subaru Solterra.

The new Subaru Solterra adds significant improvements to overall driving performance, battery efficiency, styling, and cabin comfort. An increase in range, up more than 25% compared to the previous model, is achieved thanks to a newly added battery preconditioning system. When navigating to a charging station or activated by the driver, the Solterra’s battery works to maintain optimal charging temperature, even in cold weather.

Additionally, the new Solterra also benefits from a new and improved high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack, which charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to 150 kw, even in sub-zero temperatures.

The 2026 Solterra also debuts an all-new Subaru EV lighting signature with redesigned headlamps, a new front bumper design, and newly designed 20- and 18-inch wheels. Around the back, a new rear badge, rear gate garnish, and spoiler bring a distinctive nighttime lighting presence and improve aerodynamic performance. The new Solterra is due to launch in the UK in early 2026.

The all-new Subaru Trailseeker combines its EV architecture with a familiar shape while retaining

the brand’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and award-winning safety features. The all-new vehicle, named Trailseeker in the US, although the moniker for Europe and the UK is yet to be confirmed, is set to go on sale in the UK in mid-2026.

Both the Trailseeker and new Solterra incorporate a suite of EyeSight® driver-assist technologies, including PreCollision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.

All-new 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreens with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are fitted to both vehicles, relaying entertainment, weather, and vehicle information. New, wireless 15w smartphone chargers for the driver and front passenger are standard and rear, high-power USB-C charge points keep devices ready while on the go.

Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard with both vehicles for

increased capability off-road. All models feature X-MODE® with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes with Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control for confidence in low-grip or off-road capability. Both SUVS offer 8.3 inches (210mm) of ground clearance for genuine off-roading ability and dexterity – a Subaru hallmark.

UK Pricing and detailed UK specifications will be available for both vehicles closer to their respective launch dates. The new Solterra is expected in the UK in early 2026, followed by the Trailseeker in mid-2026.

The versatile and durable Rexton

Commercial vehicle - a welcomed, high specification vehicle to the commercial vehicle sector - combines unstoppable allterrain capability, superb 3.5-tonne towing, and offers professionals a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and premium comfort.

“The all-new KGM Rexton Commercial represents a step forward in our commercial vehicle line-up and fits alongside our award-winning Musso pick-up truck perfectly” said Kevin Griffin, managing director at KGM Motors UK. “The car-derived commercial is designed to be a truly versatile “go-anywhere” tool for businesses, providing them with a perfect blend of car-like ease of driving, and van-like capabilities. We believe that it adds another dimension for those who need a tough working vehicle – with some “nice to have” home comforts as standard, that is also value for money, and tax efficient.”

The vehicle offers a secure load area with over 2,200litres of space, has a payload in excess of 700kg and can easily accommodate several standard Euro pallets thanks to its wide-opening tailgate and generous proportions. The load area is accessed from the rear which has a top-hinged power tailgate, whilst side doors boost practicality and give customers the flexibility to access items located towards the front of the vehicle without the need to move bulky objects out of the way.

The vehicle conversion has a full-height fixed mesh bulkhead (TUV Approved to ISO 27956:2009) as standard and opaque reinforced rear windows, for added security. The load area is carpeted, with an optional rubber mat available as an accessory. The new addition to the KGM line-up is GB type approved and therefore attracts commercial vehicle Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation, is VAT qualifying, is eligible for capital write-down, and has a first-year VED of just £345.

POWERTRAIN AND TRANSMISSION

Rexton’s powertrain harnesses an enhanced 2.2-litre turbo Euro-6 compliant diesel engine delivering maximum power of 202PS and peak torque of 441Nm (1600-2600 rpm). This highly efficient, and remarkably quiet engine delivers smooth acceleration from a standstill. Equipped with an 8-speed FR-type automatic transmission, the Rexton commercial boasts a refined and seamless response due to wider gear ratios, as well as optimised NVH, and an enhanced stiffness achieved through an integrated one-piece housing unit. Its advanced shift-bywire system enables electronic control driven

engagement and change of transmission modes, eliminating the mechanical linkage between the gear shifting lever and the transmission.

4WD

The Rexton commercial is an all-wheel drive vehicle providing exceptional driving stability across diverse terrains thanks to its well-proven, versatile, selectable 4WD system which draws upon the brands 70-year history and extensive experience in 4WD technologies. With selectable 4WD, the driver can activate the system based on changing road conditions. Primarily operating in 2WD mode, the vehicle allows the driver to switch between 4WD: High (4H) or 4WD: Low (4L) when required. When in 4WD mode, the engine’s torque is evenly distributed to both the front and rear wheels.

CAPABILITIES

With its robust ladder chassis, Rexton provides a substantial towing platform boasting an impressive towing capacity of 3,500kg (unbraked 750kg), and a kerb weight of 2,140kg, ideal for towing heavy loads. Additionally, the Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature further enhances driver stability by detecting and automatically stabilising yaw movement, and sway, to the towed trailer. Rexton has a published wading depth of 350mm, approach angle of 20.5° and departure angle of 22°.

SAFETY

Built using a modern and very strong body-on-frame construction, Rexton is amongst the sturdiest and safest vehicles in its class, boasting a high-strength steel bodyon-guard frame construction. Around 82% of the vehicles’ steel plates employ high-strength, high-density, hight-tensile steel, ensuring rigidity and safeguarding of the cabin space in the event of a collision. Its foundation is exceptionally robust, its front bumper beam is crafted

from 1.5Gpa ultra-strength steel, whilst its side members, cross members, and rear bumper are all constructed of 590FB ultra-high strength steel. The vehicle accommodates a comprehensive suite of electronic safety aid that work cohesively to safeguard occupants, the passenger, other road users, and pedestrians. It has 6 airbags, including front, side and curtain airbags. Other safety enhancements include rain sensor wipers, automatic speed-sensing door locks, tyre pressure monitoring system, safety power windows, and reinforced rear windows.

CONNECTIVITY

Rexton commercial doesn’t just excel on and off-road, but also inside its cabin too. The sophisticated infotainment system features DAB radio, seamless multi-Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android

Auto support for device mirroring, enhanced sound quality from 6-onboard speakers, and a rear-view camera – all presented on a large floating 12.3” screen and complimented by TomTom navigation. The K40 and K50 commercial variants offer 3D ‘around-view’ monitoring – a system that simplifies and enhances parking with a central display that offers an aerial view of the vehicle, and its immediate surroundings for safer manoeuvering.

TRIM LEVELS

REXTON COMMERCIAL K30

The K30 entry model has a high specification. It comes bristling with spec, engineered as standard. There are LED lights all round, luxury faux leather (heated and ventilated) seats, plus the high-tech 12.3” infotainment screen. It features 18” alloy wheels and a smart powered tailgate.

REXTON COMMERCIAL K40

Stepping up from the entry-level K30, the K40 offers a Nappa leather seat upgrade, LED cabin mood-lighting and an additional suite of safety features such as blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic warning.

REXTON COMMERIAL K50

Featuring all of the K40 assets, the K50 adds striking 20” alloy wheels, a sunroof and rear air conditioning. It also boasts a leather and suede combo upgrade for added style.

TRUCKING GREAT VALUE

Kia UK has announced entry pricing for the Kia PV5 today, with pre-orders opening Thursday 01 May 2025 for the brand’s first fully electric passenger PBV.

In the UK, the Kia PV5 Passenger will be offered exclusively in L2/H1 form, with a choice of two battery options and two trim grades. Beyond the PV5 Passenger, Kia will also offer the PV5 with three commercial body types: Cargo, Crew and Chassis Cab.

Two simple well-equipped grades, ‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’, ensure options are kept simple and straightforward, while the two battery options, standard range 51.5kWh or long range 71.2kWh, offer customers the choice of a longer-range model.

The lighter standard range 51.5kWh battery pack option is powered by a single electric motor powering the front wheels and outputting 89.4kW. The long range battery pack is also front-motor, front wheel drive only, with an output of 120kW. Entry-grade ‘Essential’ variants of the PV5 Passenger are offered with the option of either the standard range or long range battery pack, while the higher spec 'Plus’ grade is available exclusively with the long range battery.

The PV5 Passenger, when equipped with the 51.5kWh battery pack, is capable of travelling up to 179 miles* on a single charge, while the larger, 71.2kWh battery pack offers a range of up to 249 miles* on a single charge.

All PV5 Passenger variants also offer 400V fast charging capability, meaning when connected to a 150kW charging point the PV5’s battery (both standard range and long range) can be topped up from 10-to80% in less than 30 minutes.

Thanks to its E-GMP.S fully electric platform, the PV5 offers a completely flat floor for maximum passenger leg room, while the PV5’s boxy dimensions allow for highly competitive amounts of head- and shoulder-room for all passengers. For added passenger convenience, the sliding side doors open to 775mm and feature a low

side-step height in the second row of 402mm.

Even with space-for-five, the PV5 Passenger offers a cavernous amount of cargo space. With all five seats upright, the PV5 Passenger offers a rear luggage capacity of 1,320-litres, extending to 2,315 litres with the second row folded.

A seven-seat PV5 Passenger variant will be available at a later date.

Standard equipment across the PV5 Passenger lineup

Every PV5 Passenger offers a generous repertoire of standard equipment. This includes:

• Tinted rear glass

• LED headlights, DRLs, rear lights and rear fog lights

• Automatic headlight control

• Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with LED indicators

• Body coloured bumpers with black moulding

• Non-painted side sills and wheel arches

• Gloss black wing mirror housing

• Rain sensing front wipers

• Part PU, part cloth upholstery

• Driver’s seat armrest

• 60:40 split folding rear seats

• 2-spoke bio-artificial leather steering wheel

• Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment

• Electric one-touch front windows

• Automatic air conditioning and window defogger system

• Start/stop button with smart entry system

• Fabric headlining

• Driver and front passenger sunvisors with vanity mirror

• Dual manual sliding side doors

• Console storage box

• LED cabin lights

• Driver and passenger seat under trays, and seatback pockets

• 12.9-inch touchscreen navigation with Android Automotive OS

• Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and free 7-year Kia Connect**

• Bluetooth® with voice recognition**

• 2x USB-C ports (front)

• 7.5-inch driver display screen

• 6-speaker audio system

• eCall system

• Over-The-Air (OTA) functionality

• Front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera system

• Forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5 - city, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning

• Highway driving assist

• Lane keep assist - line/road edge and lane following assist 2

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

• Smart cruise control with stop/go

• Intelligent speed limit assist and manual speed limiter

• Regenerative braking paddle shifters

• Drive mode select

• Electronic stability control

• Anti-lock braking system with emergency stop signalling

• Height-adjustable front seatbelts and heightadjustable headrests

• All-round 3-point seatbelts with reminder warning

• Driver and passenger airbags

• Front thorax, pelvis and curtain airbags

• Visible VIN and smart key

• Thatcham category 1 security alarm and immobiliser with interior protection

PV5 Passenger 'Essential’

The entry point for the PV5 Passenger is the 'Essential'

grade, available with the choice of standard range or long range battery packs.

Along with the standard equipment listed above, the 'Essential' grade features:

• 16-inch steel wheels with full size wheel covers

• Manual driver and front passenger seat adjustment

PV5 Passenger 'Plus'

Crowning the PV5 Passenger line-up is the high-grade ‘Plus’ variant, offered exclusively with the long range battery pack.

The high-grade variant adds the following to the standard equipment list:

• 16-inch alloy wheels

• Electric folding mirrors

• Heated front seats and steering wheel

• Electrically powered driver and front passenger seat adjustment

• Driver and front passenger lumbar support

• Powered tailgate

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with adapter

• Wireless mobile phone charger

• Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist

• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist

• Safe exit warning

• Optional: Heat pump

As with all of Kia’s passenger cars, the generous list of standard equipment means the only option for customers to choose is the paint. The PV5 Passenger features a Clear White colourway as standard, with eight optional premium colours to choose from: White Pearl, Midnight Black, Cityscape Green, Steel Grey, Runway Red, Mint Green, Lakehouse Grey and Frost Blue. These are available for an additional £750, including VAT.

Future models

The PV5 is Kia’s first dedicated fully electric van. Produced in a brand-new purpose-built factory in Korea, PV5 benefits from a clean-sheet design. Following shortly after PV5, the larger Kia PV7 is planned for launch in 2027, while the Kia PV9 will be introduced in 2029.

Pre-orders for the Kia PV5 start on Thursday, 01 May 2025. Further PV5 variants will be made available in 2026, with details to follow.

koda has become the first European automotive brand to offer an Amazon car showroom that seamlessly integrates realtime new car stock availability where customers are. Through this new venture with Amazon, UK customers can browse the full Škoda range, check local availability, request a test drive, and explore finance options - all before visiting a chosen Škoda retailer to make a purchase and enjoying a ‘click to drive’ experience.

The innovative showroom highlights Škoda’s commitment to making it simpler and more convenient for customers to find a new car. By joining forces with Amazon, Škoda is enhancing the browsing experience, providing customers with all the information they need in a familiar online environment before making their decision.

• Browse and check real-time local stock availability (with cars ready within 2-4 weeks)

The online Škoda showroom showcases the brand’s complete model range, from the compact Fabia supermini, to the multi award-winning Kodiaq family SUV, as well as Škoda’s fully electric models, including the new Elroq and Enyaq.

According to a recent national survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Škoda UK, 47% of potential customers value being able to research from home when buying a new car.

However, the Škoda survey highlights the ongoing importance of physical interaction before purchasing a car. While 82% of respondents prefer some form of in-person engagement, 78% consider a test drive as essential. Expert knowledge (47%), product demonstrations (36%), and face-to-face interaction were also cited as key factors influencing their decision.

The survey reveals British consumers’ shopping habits. With 77% of respondents spending up to two hours a day browsing online, the appeal of digital convenience is clear: 59% cited ease and simplicity as their main reason for shopping this way. This highlights a key insight in the context of car buying - customers crave convenience, but also the added reassurance of a physical car dealership experience.

This blend of digital exploration and real-world reassurance is exactly what Škoda’s new Amazon showroom aims to deliver.

• Request a test drive

• Explore and calculate finance options

• Compare models

• Importantly, make the purchase in person with a Škoda retailer

It’s a ‘click to drive’ experience that combines the best of digital convenience with the reassurance of face-to-face dealership support.

Matthew Bowden, Director of Škoda UK, said: “Online browsing and research are part of everyday life, which is why we’re so excited to launch the Škoda showroom at Amazon. It gives prospective customers more opportunities to find their next car and see where it’s available, all from the comfort of their home.”

Customers start their journey at the Amazon.co.uk site or via the Amazon app on their smartphone or tablet. Once they have compared features and found their perfect Škoda model, they are connected to their preferred retailer who they can visit to arrange finance, agree any part-exchanges and, most importantly, set a collection date.

The Škoda Amazon showroom is now live at amazon.co.uk/skoda. A full database of images and other media assets relating to the full Škoda range is available at www.skodamedia.com.

UK customers can now:

Buyers of the new Skywell BE11 can now benefit from a trio of incredible offers, making the move to electric vehicle ownership, seamless and incredibly cost-effective.

Skywell have partnered with Hypervolt, who will supply their sleek 7.4kW Home 3 Pro smart wall box to new owners of the Skywell BE11, with a choice of cable length (from 5m to 10m), so that the wall box provides ease of charging at home, without the awkward stretch or excess draping cable. The wall box will also be made available in a range of colours, so not only will it make charging at home easy, but the wall box will seamlessly suit the aesthetics of your property.

Based on an estimated cost of £0.69p per kW from a UK public charger; this offers new Skywell customers with an estimated 15,000 miles of free charging. Based on an estimated cost of £0.69p per kW from a UK public charger; this offers new Skywell customers with an estimated 15,000 miles of free charging.

The final in the trio of offers, is a sizeable £6,000 finance deposit contribution.

Skywell UK General Manager, David Clark commented:

“By us offering an industry leading 7-year / 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, and up to 10 years of roadside assistance cover; we wanted to provide new Skywell customers with a real peace of mind package when they drive away in a new BE11.

Fitting and certification of the Hypervolt unit is also included in the deal, managed by one of Hypervolt’s nationwide approved fitters.

Head of Partnerships at Hypervolt, David Woodford, commented:

“Hypervolt’s mission is to democratise the delivery of energy, and one of the key methods we’re doing this is through reducing barriers to EV ownership. Working with Britain’s leading EV tariff providers enables us to deliver the cheapest electricity possible to the homes of EV owners, and by aligning with a brand whose mantra is ‘affordability and practicality’ in Skywell, we’ve taken yet another exciting step toward building a greener Britain.”

To minimise the cost of vehicle ownership, in addition to the free Hypervolt wall box, Skywell are also including a whopping £3,000 of public charging credit, thanks to their partnership with Octopus Electric Vehicles and their popular Electroverse App.

Now, with the inclusion, of a free home charger from Hypervolt, and covering the cost of charging publicly thanks to our £3,000 charging credit with the Octopus Electroverse app; we have broken down two of the common barriers to EV adoption – nervousness around home charging installation and the cost of charging on the public networks.

But before all that, bridging the gap to the traditional petrol/ diesel equivalent vehicles is paramount. Therefore, our £6,000 deposit contribution now offered, allows the BE11 (a Dsegment SUV) to be priced similarly to a medium (C-segment) hatchback.

The Skywell BE11 is available in two variants, differing only by battery size. The 72kW Standard Range offers up to 248-miles of range (304-miles city); with the 86kW Long Range variant topping 304-miles (401-miles) both tested to WLTP cycles.

Both vehicles come packed with features, which include: electrically adjustable leather and Alcantara seats; full length opening panoramic Skyroof; 19” Lynx alloy wheels; LED lighting front and rear with sequential indicators; wireless phone charging; wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; front and rear USB ports; in-built navigation; rear 220v socket; 128-colour ambient lighting and a premium German-engineered Metz sound system; with the Skywell BE11 range starting from just £36,995.

T Volvo EX90 claims World Luxury Car title

he all-electric Volvo EX90 is the most impressive new luxury car launched in the past 12 months, says the World Car Awards expert jury. The seven-seat family SUV claims the title of World Luxury Car with its comfortable and refined interior, advanced safety technology and distinctive Scandinavian design.

The EX90 took the crown as the results were announced today, ahead of the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan. The World Car Awards jury, made up of 96 car journalists from 30 countries, evaluated the EX90 during extensive test drives where they could fully appreciate the silent yet powerful ride of the 510 horsepower, twin motor EX90, along with its ergonomic and luxurious interior designed for long-journey comfort.

"We’re pleased to see the EX90 get the recognition it truly deserves," says Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive officer of Volvo Cars. "It was up against some tough competition, but this award proves that the EX90 appeals to some of the most demanding customers across the world."

The design approach for the EX90 is straightforward and boils down to some of the underlying fundamentals of Scandinavian design. An important aspect is that form follows function. The front end is confident, yet smoothly rounded, allowing air to flow optimally around the car. This design, combined with flush elements such as side glazing, also significantly improves aerodynamics and efficiency.

Integrating the lidar on the EX90 was an aerodynamic challenge, but worthwhile due to its contribution to safety when combined with cameras, radars and ultrasonic sensors. Together, they provide a detailed image of what's going on around the car. To maximise its effectiveness and reduce aerodynamic drag, we have integrated it at the centre of the roofline under a low-profile cover – a nearly seamless solution.

Inside the cabin, which is among the quietest of the segment, the EX90 introduces new progressive materials that highlight Volvo Cars’ unique perspective on modern luxury. Nordico, for example, is a leather-free upholstery with an elegant look, made from recycled materials and bio-attributed material from forests in Sweden and Finland. The advanced interior LED technology, which reproduces a light spectrum close to natural sunlight, and the back-lit wood decor add to the ambience onboard.

Thanks to its true seven-seat configuration, the EX90 comes with a perk that is rare in its segment: ample trunk space. With all seven seats up, the EX90 has a load capacity of up to 324 litres behind the third row. With the third row folded, the storage capacity goes up to 697 litres, which makes the EX90 stand out among many of its peers.

With this title, Volvo Cars has won three World Car Awards, including the overall 2018 World Car of the year for the Volvo XC60 and 2024 World Urban Car for the Volvo EX30. In 2018, Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson was the inaugural winner of the World Car Person of the Year award.

East Midlands is top spot for UK tradespeople, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ index

The East Midlands has come out on top as the best place to work in the trades, after Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ nationwide survey revealed that respondents in the region report less stress, fewer working hours, and shorter commutes than their peers across the UK.

At a time when the majority of the UK’s van drivers (61%) have seen an increase in working hours, almost half (49%) of those based in the East Midlands saw no change in the hours they work.

Those in the region also reported working fewer hours each day (9.03 hours) than the average UK tradesperson (9.25 hours).1 Conversely, those in the North West (9.49 hours), London (9.54 hours) and West Midlands (9.81 hours), came in above the UK average.What’s more, East Midlands-based tradespeople recorded shorter commutes than any other region, driving 67.95 miles every day for jobs, versus 103.39 miles in London and 98.85 miles in the North West.1 With the average daily distance as high as 88.37 miles, this means those in the East Midlands are driving 20 miles less than the average tradesperson each and every day.1 This has the potential to save drivers as many as 82.42 hours of driving, each year.

This is driven home by the fact that, over the same period, tradespeople in the East Midlands turned down fewer jobs (2.84 days’ worth) as a result of mental health issues, compared to an average of 3.58 days, with London (4.05 days), the West Midlands (4.06 days) and Wales (5.75 days) reporting the highest number of jobs lost.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ index found that tradespeople in London face some of the most challenging working conditions – this includes more demanding hours and significantly further commutes than the average UK tradesperson.

What’s more, East Midlands-based tradespeople recorded shorter commutes than any other region, driving 67.95 miles every day for jobs, versus 103.39 miles in London and 98.85 miles in the North West.1 With the average daily distance as high as 88.37 miles, this means those in the East Midlands are driving 20 miles less than the average tradesperson each and every day.1 This has the potential to save drivers as many as 82.42 hours of driving, each year.

It’s not a surprise, therefore, that those in the region cited less stress than respondents elsewhere in the UK. When asked how regularly van drivers have felt overwhelmed by work-life balance over the last 12 months, ‘weekly’ came in as the most popular response for all regions, except the East Midlands and the North West, with tradespeople there selecting ‘monthly’ as a better match.

Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager and Mental Health First Aider at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We understand the challenges that many of the UK’s tradespeople are experiencing, but the regional differences highlighted in this index, have really been eyeopening. Running a business is never easy, and that’s why van drivers up and down the country are asking for more support from us to keep them on the road. The services we provide for our customers – including our comprehensive roadside assistance, fixed-cost maintenance, tailored servicing plans and more – are all designed to deliver exactly that.”

For further details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range of support, visit: https://www. volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/owners-and-drivers.html

Marking its second anniversary at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition, OMODA&JAECOO debuts its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) line up – the JAECOO 5 BEV and OMODA 7 SHS - showcasing efficient and intelligent green mobility solutions that highlight the brand’s rapid progress.

This appearance marks the full lineup debut of OMODA&JAECOO’s global New Energy Vehicle product offering, two years after the brand’s global international premiere and less than 12 months since the UK market introductions.

As OMODA&JAECOO vehicles make their way through roads worldwide, the secret behind its global success is the brand’s foresight and relentless pursuit of Super Hybrid System (SHS) technology.

Speed-driven growth: SHS powers

OMODA&JAECOO's global expansion

The SHS powertrain, OMODA&JAECOO’s cuttingedge intelligent super hybrid technology, achieves a perfect balance of 44.5% ultra-high thermal efficiency, 340-horsepower performance, and 1,200 km (745 miles) comprehensive range through its golden combination of a 5th Generation 1.5TGDI Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) and an advanced Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

For the UK market, the OMODA 9 SHS will be with customers in June of this year while the OMODA 7 and JAECOO 5 are expected to be delivered in August.

Under its global NEV strategy, OMODA&JAECOO will continue to accelerate in 2025. The Shanghai Auto Show marks a pivotal moment for the brand to showcase its NEV prowess. By debuting models like the OMODA 7 SHS and JAECOO 5 BEV, OMODA&JAECOO highlights its technological leadership, proving that innovation and agility are the keys to global success.

Over the past two years, OMODA&JAECOO has grown with both speed and stability. From Europe’s core markets to Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN’s) emerging economies, the brand has successfully entered 42 countries and regions, established over 1,300 global showrooms, and won the trust of 500,000 global users and the passionate support of 7 million social media fans.

JAECOO 7 SHS, the first to adopt this revolutionary hybrid technology, is said to have market standards since its launch. It leads the segment with super high performance, super long endurance, low fuel consumption, and pure electric driving capabilities while continuously pushing global long-range tests. From its debut 1,427.5 km comprehensive range in Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) to 1,488.8 km in the Philippines’ challenging terrains, and finally, a groundbreaking 1,613.1 km record on Mexico’s high-altitude plateaus, each test redefines hybrid vehicle endurance, proving its status as a globally proven solution. So much so that in the UK the JAECOO 7 SHS went from Eastbourne to Scotland in under one tank of fuel.

The enthusiastic response underscores the excellence of SHS technology, with the JAECOO 7 SHS achieving immediate success upon launch, none more so than in the UK, which has registered nearly 2,000 since launch (February 2025).

Meanwhile, the all-new super hybrid model, OMODA 7 SHS, debuting at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, will challenge the 1,250 km (776 miles) comprehensive range. The SHS powers OMODA&JAECOO’s fast-track growth, transforming global ambitions into high-speed realities.

Redefining road presence for the modern icon.

Since 2012, the Chelsea Truck Company has been rewriting the rulebook for how a Defender should look, feel, and command attention. The original Wide Track Defender wasn’t just a body kit, it was a statement. A formidable, more aggressive reinterpretation of Britain’s most popular 4x4, built with the kind of detail and swagger you won’t find in a traditional dealership.

Fast forward to 2025, and the team at Kahn Design, the design house behind the Chelsea Truck Co., is once again elevating the game. Enter the Widebody: a carefully evolved design built for the modern L663generation Defender, marrying heritage cues with contemporary craftsmanship.

Where others might rest on their laurels, Kahn Design refines. This latest iteration isn’t just a visual update; it’s a complete rethink of form and function. First seen on last year’sDefender X Prototype, the new Wide Track package retains the muscular silhouette customers have come to love, but adds sharper lines, cleaner integration, and a more purposeful stance.

The big news? The entire kit is now constructed from high-grade automotive ABS, a material prized in the industry for its lightweight strength and durability. This change improves fit and finish and allows for a more accessible price point without compromising on the premium feel clients expect from Chelsea Truck Co.

One of the previous generation’s limitations is also addressed: compatibility with our bumper vents. The previous front wings extended further onto the front bumper, and in response to customer demand, we have remodelled the arches to allow full front-end styling compatibility, an essential finishing touch for those building the ultimate urban/off-road Defender.

Designed under the watchful eye of Afzal Kahn, the brand’s founder and Chief Designer, each component is shaped with a designer’s eye and an engineer’s precision. The wide-track arches aren’t just bigger — they’re better, sculpted to complement the Defender’s bold proportions while allowing it to retain all of its off-road credentials. This is no show pony.

The Wide Body Defender 2.0 is more than a styling kit, it’s a continuation of a design legacy. It speaks to a driver who demands presence without shouting, who values materiality and craftsmanship as much as capability.

The Wide Body kit is available now for90and110and is also part of our Series II Conversions soon to be available through our dealer network.

Alternatively, a range of converted vehicles is available now viaKAHN Automobiles

Isuzu unveiled The New Isuzu D-Max EV to the world at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show), at the NEC Birmingham, marking a historic moment as the first-ever fully electric, fully capable commercial pickup truck enters the European automotive stage.

The New Isuzu D-Max EV is the latest evolution of the award-winning D-Max platform, now re-engineered with a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain, offering full-time 4x4, over 1-tonne payload, and maximum 3.5-tonne towing capacity, making it the first production electric pick-up in Europe to deliver full commercial capabilities.

Fully Electric, Fully Capable

approach and departure angles (30.5° and 24.2° respectively) ensure the D-Max EV is ready for any terrain.

Trim Levels

Designed for professionals who demand durability, power and practicality, The New D-Max EV maintains the rugged DNA of the Pick-Up Professionals. Powered by a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, the EV version boasts a WLTP range of 263km, with dual motors producing a total output of 140 kW (43 kW front / 97 kW rear) and 325 Nm of torque (108 Nm front / 217 Nm rear). The result is a powerful, composed driving experience with 062mph acceleration in just 10.1 seconds, and a top speed of over 80mph.

Full-time 4x4 with multi-level regenerative braking and Eco Mode, which extends the vehicle range, provide a perfect balance of power and efficiency, while water wading up to 600mm, ground clearance of 210mm, and impressive off-road

The New Isuzu D-Max EV will be available in two premium trim levels, both in Extended Cab and Double Cab configurations. These trims are the electric equivalents of the diesel-powered D-Max DL40 and V-Cross models, respectively, combining advanced capability with class-leading features and comfort. The model at the CV Show 2025 was presented in a one-off Norwegian Blue paint. The colour range available to order with the D-Max EV in the UK is yet to be announced.

Quieter, Smoother Ride

To improve refinement, the D-Max EV features an all-new De-Dion rear suspension, replacing the traditional leaf spring setup, which delivers improved handling. With various other improvements within the zero-emissions model, drivers and passengers can enjoy up to a 10% reduction in cabin noise and vibration level under full acceleration.

Built on the Award-Winning New Isuzu D-Max Platform

The New Isuzu D-Max EV is built upon the latest generation of the D-Max range, offering the same capability, comfort, toughness, reliability, and versatility as its diesel counterpart. Based on the strengthened ladder chassis to withstand the heavy payloads, The New D-Max EV features Rough Terrain Mode for extreme

off-road capability. The updated set of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) proves superior safety in the segment. The zero-emissions D-Max features Isuzu’s latest infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, accessible through the high-resolution touchscreen.

Greener Journeys

The New Isuzu D-Max EV delivers zero tailpipe emissions without compromising workhorse credentials. It is equipped with multi-level regenerative braking, Eco mode, and a robust lithium-ion battery with a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Whether used in construction, agriculture, utility fleets, or by eco-conscious adventurers, the D-Max EV provides a sustainable alternative to diesel powertrains, helping reduce the carbon footprint of commercial operations.

Born Electric, Built Tough

The debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show represents not just a vehicle reveal, but a bold shift in commercial vehicle evolution, offering a practical, electric solution for those who rely on a pick-up day in, day out.

Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Executive Vice President of Isuzu Motors International Operations (Thailand), commented: “We are incredibly proud to unveil The New Isuzu D-Max EV here in Birmingham. This model represents a major milestone not only for Isuzu but also for the wider commercial vehicle sector. We have engineered a fully electric pick-up that truly performs in real-world working environments, offering the same towing, payload, and all-

terrain capability customers expect from the DMax. This is a new chapter in the legacy of Isuzu innovation and dependability.”

Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, added: “It’s a huge honour for Isuzu UK to host the premiere of The New Isuzu D-Max EV and to unveil the very first production model here in Birmingham. Showcasing the left-hand drive version at the Commercial Vehicle Show puts us at the heart of this historic launch, and we’re already working with fleet customers to ensure they can begin evaluating the D-Max EV well ahead of the right-hand drive version arriving in early 2026. This milestone represents a major step forward in our electrification journey, and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge here in the UK.”

The New Isuzu D-Max EV is designed to meet the same expectations as its diesel counterpart, but without emissions. Developed with professionals and fleet users at its heart, this next-generation electric pick-up ensures that capability, utility, and reliability are never compromised, no matter the terrain or task.

Availability

Pre-sales for The New Isuzu D-Max EV will begin in the second half of 2025, following the pricing announcement. The first models will arrive in the UK in February 2026 with customer deliveries to follow in March 2026. Keep up to date with the latest information on The New Isuzu D-Max EV at www.isuzu.co.uk/electricpickup.

Work ready. Life ready. On or off-road ready. Isuzu’s awardwinning pick-up is equipped with even smarter styling, stronger performance and safer technology. Delivering the reassuring capability and durability you expect from Isuzu, our tough workhorse takes comfort and refinement to the next level.

Wherever, whenever, The New Isuzu D-Max is ready at our dealership. WWW.BANDBTRUCKS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01283 521522

B&B TRUCKS Castle Point Park, Staffordshire CULVERWELL-ISUZU.CO.UK 01580 880 567

CULVERWELL CARS Robertsbridge, East Sussex

DUCKWORTH ISUZU London Road, Boston WWW.GREEN4MOTORCOMPANY.CO.UK/ISUZU 02476 639100 GREEN4 MOTOR COMPANY London Road, Coventry STARTINTRACTORS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01827 880 088 STARTIN TRACTORS Ashby Road, Twycross YORKVANCENTRE-ISUZU.CO.UK 01904 470 170 YORK VAN CENTRE Station Lane, York

DUCKWORTH.CO.UK/ISUZU 01205 725 700