February 2014 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

February 2014

Inside this issue...

LAMMA 2014 | Post show round-up

Muck & Slurry Sweet smell of success |

On Topic The flooding issue |

Sprays & Sprayers | Counterfeit pesticides Also Inside: Renewables | Forestry | Security | Education | Sheep | Arable | ATV | Motors

CaseIH Maxxum 115 EP 6 cyl. Power Boost to 154hp. very low hours, 40kph. cab suspension, large capacity hydraulic pump, 600/65 x 38 tyres.

CaseIH Maxxum 125 EP Cab & Axle Suspension 40kph. Power boost to 165hp. large capacity hydraulic pump, 520/70 x 38 tyres.

CaseIH Magnum 270, Creep gears & 40kph. year 2000, 4760 hours, 710/70 x 42 tyres, front weights.

CaseIH JXU105 Powershuttle & Powershift, December 2013, very low hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, air conditioned cab, 3 speed pto. weights, mudguards.

CaseIH 2166 Axial Flow, 18' header & trolly, 2140 hours, air cone.cab, 240hp.

CaseIH Maxxum 110 EP c/w Chillton / Mailleux U10 loader, Cab suspension, 40kph. 3 speed pto. large capacity hydraulic pump, 520/70 x 38 tyres.

McConnel Hedgecutters ex stock, new 5455, 1.2m head, XTC controls. New 6570T, Revolution controls, 1.5m head, linkage mounted.

CaseIH Magnum 340, Limited Anniversary model, 710/70 x 42 Michelin tyres, weights, Accuguide ready.

John Deere 6330 Powerquad, 540/540e & 1000 pto. weights, mudguards, 420/85 x 38 tyres, 2011, only 442 hours.

Fiat 100-90DT 40kph. excellent condition, very good 16.9 x 38 tyres, Comfort wide cab, front weights.

New Holland T6010 Delta 4wd. 2008, 1845 hours, air conditioned cab, Powershuttle & Powershift, 16.9 x 34 tyres.

New Holland T7.220 Sidewinder, Intelliview, Suspension, 19 speed transmission, trailer air brakes, 2011, 2375 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

Massey 6290 Suspension Dynashift, 2001, 7200 hours, front weights, 600/65 x 38 tyres.

Massey 6455 Dyna-6, 2006, 823 hours, air cone.cab, Front linkage, 16.9 x 34 tyres.

Steiger 9380, rear linkage & pto, 5200 hours.

CaseIH 5130 Axial Flow, 20' Vario header, chopper & Chaff spreaders, air conditioned cab, ready for work.

Puma CVX160 Suspension 50kph. 2012, 950 hours, trailer air brakes, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

CaseIH Puma 180 Suspension 50kph. 2012, 560 hours, trailer air brakes, 710/70 x 38.

Deutz M620 Suspension 50kph & Creep gears, 2010, Powershift & Powershuttle, 1150 hours.

New Holland TL80 two wheel drive, 12x12 Shuttle, 5190 hours.

Contact a local operator:

Cambridge: Swansea: Penrith:

01223 835222 01792 310031 01768 210055

Contents

30

32

February 2014

10 60

FMN

Features

FMN

Regulars

12 14 16 18 23 25 32 35

Arable

06 10 28 48 54 58

News

Arable sector news

Education Education & Skills news

Feature Executive Hire Show

Buildings Latest agri buildings news

Sheep Sector news

Muck & Slurry Sector news

Sprays & Sprayers

All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Looking at the flooding issue

Renewables Renewables news

Machinery New machinery news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Sector news

We take a look at Pest Control

LAMMA Post show round-up We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or something you want to get off your chest? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2014.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Connect with us: Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Fax: +44 (0) 2476 353571 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Senior Advertising Sales Jenny Tranter j.tranter@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Jessica Hopper j.hopper@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Oliver Shorrock o.shorrock@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production studio@farmingmonthly.com Subscriptions subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

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| News

HS2 proposal fails to consider whether farm businesses can survive Consultation on Phase Two of the HS2 high-speed rail project has failed to consider the fundamental question of whether farming businesses will be sustainable through the disruption and uncertainty caused by its construction, the NFU has said. fter the NFU submitted its evidence to the latest part of the consultation over the project, NFU Head of Policy, Dr Andrew Clark, said big question marks still remained about the cost-effectiveness of the project and the benefits it would bring.

“Farmers and growers recognise the importance of investing in the nation’s infrastructure to ensure cost effective communication and transfer of goods and services.

“However, public investments should offer a positive return and the NFU still questions the value of the HS2 proposal. Coupled with the significant disruption and damage caused to over 200 farm businesses along the HS2 Phase Two route, we found no more support for this proposal than we did when the route for Phase One was being consulted on.

“We are especially worried that

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there has been a distinct lack of engagement with farmers and landowners who will be directly affected by the proposed route.

HS2 must carry out far more one to one meetings to gain information about the likely impact before any final decision can be made on the route. Not consulting with key landowners and farmers who will be affected, because their land will be compulsorily acquired, is a serious oversight.

“The Appraisal of Sustainability (AOS) process has only been carried out at a superficial level and fails to address the fundamental issue of sustaining a farming business through the disruption and uncertainty caused by the construction of Phase Two. By only focusing on the highest quality agricultural land, the AOS has completely failed to consider the value of other farmland to a whole farm business and its day to day operations, or the implications

for food production, and whether an agricultural holding will still be viable once land has been taken.

“We know from our experience under Phase One that it is only since the publication of the Environmental Statement consultation that landowners and farmers have actually become aware of exactly how much land is likely to be taken from their holdings.

“While the impact on important habitat sites will be mitigated to ensure that there is no net loss of biodiversity, no mention is made of the fact that even more valuable farm land will have to be taken out of production to achieve this. We understand that the bunding and embankments that will be created will also take out additional large areas from agricultural production.

“It is vital that no more land than is absolutely necessary is taken away from farmers to construct this line and that the loss of the

best and most versatile agricultural land is kept to an absolute minimum.”

“Public investments should offer a positive return and the NFU still questions the value of the HS2 proposal. Coupled with the significant disruption and damage caused to over 200 farm businesses along the HS2 Phase Two route, we found no more support for this proposal than we did when the route for Phase One was being consulted on.”

Next Auctions on 10th February 2014 & 10th March 2014 commencing at 10.30am

06 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| News

RPA in record breaking Same Deutz-Fahr SPS performance

Commercial reorganization at European level.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has exceeded its latest domestic Single Payment Scheme (SPS) targets more than two months early. he Agency has now paid £1.61billion to more than 100,650 English farmers and has exceeded targets to pay more than 97 per cent of those eligible and 97 per cent of the fund value by 31 March. This is its best ever performance and also means that it has exceeded the benchmark set by the EU five months early.

RPA Chief Executive Mark Grimshaw said: “We have exceeded the impressive figures we produced last year and have set even higher standards with another exceptional performance.

“While this is great news for the Agency, it is also excellent news for the vast majority of English farmers and producers who have received these vital funds earlier than ever before.

“These results clearly demonstrate our commitment to deliver a first-class service to our customers.”

The Agency’s commitment in its

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Business Plan 2013-14 was to pay 86 per cent of payments by value and 93 per cent of customers by number by 31 December 2013.

“We have exceeded the impressive figures we produced last year” This first target was more than met on the first banking day (2 December) when 89.3 per cent of the estimated fund value was paid out, and the second target was achieved within the first week of December, three weeks ahead of schedule.

The Agency achieved its end of March targets in January. Its target to pay 97 per cent of customers by 31 March was met on January 19, and its target to pay 97 per cent of the estimated fund value was met two days later. The EU benchmark is to pay more than 95.238 per cent of the scheme fund value estimate by the end of June.

n light of the sound international growth made by the SDF Group, both at distribution and production level, SAME DEUTZFAHR has decided to introduce a new Commercial Direction for Europe, with each European area of responsibility becoming part of the new structure.

The new role of Commercial Executive Director Europe is entrusted to Rainer Morgenstern, directly reporting to the Group CEO, Lodovico Bussolati.

“For me it’s an honour to have been chosen to hold such a position,” comments Rainer Morgenstern. “Particularly in this phase in which we are reaping the benefits of a complete and renovated product range, which in turn enables us to satisfy the needs of each European customers.”

Lodovico Bussolati, Chief Executive Officer of SAME DEUTZ-FAHR comments: “This commercial reorganization allows us to manage the growth of the Group, taking the

I

R. Morgenstern

“For me it’s an honour to have been chosen to hold such a position”

opportunities created by a new product line up and the strengthening of our brands.”

Check our prices before you buy!

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Eat well - that’s an order!

Cheese making Territorial Army Lance Corporal tells Britain to ditch the fad diets and eat well. teve Jefcoate, Lance Corporal in the Territorial Army and cheesemaker at Red Tractor Assured Cricketer Farm, is on a mission. This New Year, Steve is asking people to say goodbye to fad diets; throw out that 5:2 book and ditch the Paleo diet - the best way to keep healthy according to this Lance Corporal is to eat well-balanced meals.

This father of three has worked at Cricketer Farm for over 12 years, making his way through the cheese ranks from cheesemaker to Dairy Supervisor. Not shy of hard-graft, Steve’s typical day begins with an early morning rise as work begins at 1am to sterilise all the equipment for the milk pasteurisation process ready for cheese making. The production and maintenance of the curd used to make Cricketer Farm cheese has aided Steve to keep up his military physique through the digging, turning, and milling process. Despite an extremely physically challenging day, Steve still finds time to complete an exercise regime that assures his fitness for the Territorial Army.

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Steve attributes his ability to work long hours in a manual job and exercise on his well-balanced and varied diet that always includes dairy, good carbohydrates and lots of protein.

Steve said, ‘Having such a busy and demanding day has really made me assess the type of food I eat. I have a well-balanced diet that includes a good variety of foods – including, of course, Cricketer’s Cheeky Cow cheese, the company’s new half fat cheddar style cheese. In January, we’re bombarded with many different diets telling you to eat less and avoid key food groups.

As an Army Lance Corporal, I know the most important thing is to eat right and exercise regularly.’

Cricketer Farm is a brand focused on spreading the very same message, and providing well-balanced food to its consumers thanks to extensive expertise in crafting reduced fat and reduced sodium cheese. It’s this expertise that has enabled them to become an official partner of the Department of Health’s current Change 4 Life ‘Smart Swaps’ campaign, under the Cheeky Cow brand, with more

08 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

than 100,000 British consumers already signed up.

For several years, this Red Tractor Assured producer has employed a Culinary Development and Wellness Advisor , named Ray Lorimer, known to his colleagues as The Di-e-ttituder. Ray has cooked across the globe as a former United Nations caterer and Food Developer at Unilever but his focus is now firmly set on developing Cricketer Farm’s healthy cheese varieties, so he knows a thing or two about healthy eating.

Ray Said, ‘Eating well is about eating a balanced diet and occasionally, a little indulgence is part of that balance so that the food we eat does not have to be dull and uninspiring. Eating well is also about ensuring that great ingredients such as fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables play a part of that balance. In my role with Cricketer Farm, I am developing ideas that create great tasting healthy and nutritionally analysed recipes with healthier Cheese – a great combination. Don’t forget the exercise- it doesn’t have to be running or something you don’t enjoy, but try and build that in as it

Steve Jefcoate

is so important. And finally, if you have some spare time and looking to do something different and get the chance to exercise differently, why not consider joining the new Defence Force - a great opportunity to both travel and exercise and get paid. I did the full time equivalent for 27 years and thoroughly enjoyed it.’

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

The Crown Estate announces Paul Sedgwick to lead Windsor Estate The Crown Estate has announced the appointment of Paul Sedgwick as Deputy Ranger (Head of its Windsor Estate), following the announcement last year that Phillip Everett is to retire after leading the Windsor team successfully for 16 years. Paul will join The Crown Estate in August 2014. aul is currently Managing Director of Yattendon Estates Ltd, a 9,000 acre Estate with a large residential and commercial property portfolio, significant in-hand farming operations, tenanted farms, shooting and large forestry operations. He was previously Resident Agent to the Duke of Wellington’s family, with responsibility for managing its 8,000 acre Stratfield Saye Estate in Hampshire and Bardrochat Estate in Ayrshire.

Alison Nimmo, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate said: “The Windsor Estate holds a special place in our portfolio and it continues to go from strength-tostrength, attracting around three million visitors a year. Paul’s extensive experience as an estate manager and leader make him the ideal candidate to succeed in this post in safeguarding the unique

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and special character of one of the nation’s finest parks, but also optimising the Estate’s financial performance.”

Paul said of his appointment: “Securing the opportunity to help shape the future of one of the most iconic Estate’s in the UK, particularly with its Royal heritage and history, is a great honour. I look forward to working closely with the team to continue enhancing everything Windsor Great Park has to offer, from one of the nation’s finest ornamental gardens, Stirling nominated architecture and ancient forest of Oaks, to its fantastic wildlife and leisure offer.”

Lord Iliffe, Chairman of Yattendon Estates Ltd said: “We are naturally hugely disappointed to see Paul and his family leave Yattendon but wish him every success and happiness in his new role at Windsor. Under Paul’s management the Yattendon Estate

has developed and diversified in a number of exciting and sustainable ways which has helped to further create long term stability and employment for the rural community. We will be seeking a successor to take over Paul’s responsibilities.”

The £200 million Windsor estate is rich in heritage and contemporary assets, forming an important part of The Crown Estate, an £8.6bn active asset management business that returns all profits to the Treasury each year for the benefit of the public finances; £2bn has been returned over the past 10 years.

The Windsor Estate manages a broad range of activity including The Great Park, formal gardens and forestry, leisure, property, hospitality and education. With a turnover of £8 million and covering 15,800 acres, it attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Paul Sedgwick

“The Windsor Estate holds a special place in our portfolio and it continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting around three million visitors a year.”

Under the Crown Estate Act 1961, the Windsor Estate is the only part of the portfolio that by law cannot be sold by The Crown Estate, which is required to maintain its character as a Royal park and forest.

NPA urges tighter border controls Pig farmers call on Government to improve border defences against deadly African swine fever. he National Pig Association is calling on Government to step up defences against African swine fever, which is harmless to humans but fatal to pigs. It wants Britain to step up security at border posts to prevent contaminated meat being carried illegally into the country.

Otherwise, it warns, Britain could lose its fast-growing pork

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export market with China and other non-European Union countries.

The disease, which can survive for months in raw, cured, cooked and even frozen meat, has advanced from Russia and Belarus into Lithuania, and now threatens to be carried further into the European Union by infected wild boar.

NPA chairman Richard

Longthorp has called on food and farms minister George Eustice to press for a poster and leaflet campaign at border posts, and inflight announcements on planes arriving from Lithuania.

African swine fever is a notifiable disease and if it arrives in this country it has the potential to seriously damage the nation’s pig industry, with animals being slaughtered en masse and a ban on British pork exports, which account for nearly a quarter of pig farmers’ income.

“The United Kingdom pig industry is just emerging from its own recession created by high feed prices, and to be struck with African swine fever now would be a blow from which some would not recover,” he said in a letter to the

minister.

“We—that is the pig industry and Government—must do all we can to ensure African swine fever, or any other exotic disease, does not spread to the United Kingdom.

“The loss of exports valued at £350m would be devastating to the pig industry, a loss to United Kingdom trade, and would undermine all the great work that the pig industry and Defra have put into developing export markets for British pork and highperformance breeding pigs.”

If Britain does not act quickly, there could be a repetition of the personal and financial trauma the country’s livestock farmers suffered in the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001, he warned.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

On Topic

Flooded or waterlogged agricultural land?

Don't despair - this land may still comply with cross compliance rules or may still be eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). ollowing the recent heavy rain, your agricultural land may have been temporarily waterlogged or affected by flooding. This land may still comply with cross compliance rules or may still be eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS).

You may find the following points helpful if you have land that has been affected by flooding: Single Payment Scheme – eligibility Land which is flooded or waterlogged can still be considered eligible for SPS, provided that the flooding is temporary and the land would otherwise still be available for agricultural activity.

Cross Compliance – Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs) GAEC 1 Soil Protection Review (SPR): Remember to update your SPR as soon as is practical if it becomes clear that the measures you chose are not working or if you change or adopt new measures.

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This year has been a washout have you been flooded?

10 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

GAEC 1 Soil Protection Review (SPR) – Post-harvest management of land: You will not break the postharvest management of land rule if you have prepared the land as a seedbed but are unable to sow the crop within 10 days because the land is too waterlogged to access or because severe weather conditions make this impractical.

GAEC 1 Soil Protection Review (SPR) – Access to waterlogged land: Remember to record any activity and remedial action in your SPR 2010.

GAEC 9 Overgrazing and unsuitable supplementary feeding: You will not breach the unsuitable supplementary feeding rules where it is necessary for the purpose of animal welfare during periods of extreme weather conditions.

GAEC 15 Hedgerows: Remember that if you are planning to cut or trim any hedgerow on your farm, you will need to do so before 1 March.

GAEC 20 Groundwater: Exclusions from the requirement to hold a permit can apply in accidental and exceptional circumstances, this

can include pollution resulting from extreme weather events outside of normal bounds of prediction.

GAEC exemptions and derogations: You can get exemptions and derogations from some of the GAECs for reasons of human or animal health or safety, or if you have livestock or crop production issues or access issues.

You can apply for an exemption or derogation by writing to RPA’s Customer Service Centre. Ideally, you should not go ahead with any activity until you have received written permission but in emergency situations, where it may not be possible for you to make an advance request, we would not expect you to do so.

Cross Compliance – Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) SMR 4 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: Remember that you mustn’t apply any nitrogen fertiliser when the soil is waterlogged, flooded or locate temporary field heaps on land likely to become waterlogged or flooded.

There is some useful information on the Environment Agency website.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

Following recent severe wet weather, which has left hundreds of acres of farmland covered by floodwater, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is urging farmers to take a longer term view and consider some practical steps they can be taking now, to ensure more sustainable water management going forward. he sustainable farming organisation says that whilst the devastation caused by recent weather cannot be underestimated and in many cases is completely unavoidable, farmers with areas of flooding can be assessing their farms now.

They can identify areas most prone to flooding, review management practices and consider various soil and water management techniques to improve wetter areas of the farm.

Caroline Drummond, MBE, Chief Executive of LEAF said: “Farmers are a resilient bunch.

But the weather during recent months has really tested them.

Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall we have experienced this winter is becoming a more frequent occurrence. It is vital, therefore, that farmers are given the right support to help them prepare for such events and enhance their ability to manage, and raise awareness of areas most prone to flood risk. In this way, we will

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continue to reduce the risk of future flood events, and improve farmers’ ability to manage and recover from future flooding events when they do occur. Key to all this is LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management.”

LEAF’s free Simply Sustainable Water guide, available online at www.leafuk.org, contains useful checklists and a simple scoring system so farmers can assess how well they are currently managing their water and identify areas for improvement. Coupled with the Simply Sustainable Soils guide, also available online, farmers can be well equipped to improve problem areas of land.

Simple steps to assess water drainage on your farm: • Walk the fields and waterways (where possible) in extreme conditions as some issues only show up during extreme weather • Maintain existing drains to ensure they are free flowing and outflows into ditches are not blocked

• Manage drainage ditch clearance to ensure optimum water quality levels and to encourage wildlife, in co-operation with neighbours and in line with stewardship agreements • Consider establishing field scrapes or reed beds • Monitor water quality at field drain outlets • Develop field drainage maps and keep them up to date with any changes, such as new drains or outlets • Avoid draining environmentally valuable wetland areas and meadows. Wet woodland, wet grassland and wet meadows are very valuable habitats, rich in biodiversity.

The Simply Sustainable Water and Simply Sustainable Soils guides are available online at www.leafuk.org where further information about LEAF and Integrated Farm Management (IFM) can also be found.

Barclays extends emergency support to customers affected by severe flooding Barclays is offering emergency support measures to help business and personal customers affected by the flooding. teve Cooper, Head of Barclays Business and Personal Banking Solutions said: “It is vital that during difficult periods, we offer financial support to our Personal and Business customers impacted by the recent adverse weather conditions. It is impossible for many of our customers to operate as normal and we can take away some of their financial worry by offering support, such as providing emergency overdraft facilities, loan repayment holidays of up to 6 months for business customers

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and up to 12 months for farming customers.”

Barclays is offering emergency support measures to help business and personal customers affected by the flooding.

Barclays Agriculture customers: •Barclays Agricultural Managers will work closely with farmers impacted by the adverse conditions to understand their individual circumstances.

• Barclays Agriculture can offer, depending upon these individual circumstances, Capital Repayment Holidays of up to 12 months on mortgages and loans, in order to

ease cash flow problems over the coming months.

• We can offer to extend or increase existing overdrafts, increasing working capital available to help cover increased costs caused by the adverse weather conditions such as additional concentrate feeds or emergency forage purchases.

• We would encourage UK farmers that are experiencing difficulty from the adverse weather conditions to contact their own Agricultural Manager directly.

On Topic

LEAF urges farmers to consider opportunities presented by wet weather

PAPA Pumping System

Rural businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a major innovation, with a campaign from Source for Business – the business support service from South West Water – which highlights how to save money on water pumping costs, through the use of natural water sources.

Working with Cornwallbased PAPA Utility Services, customers are now able to make use of natural watercourses on their land using a PAPA pump, the installation of which can be recouped in as little as 12 months.

Using only the natural flow of a watercourse such as a stream or river, a PAPA pump can provide water to the places it is needed most, with minimal maintenance and virtually no running costs.

0800 2300 756 or email contactus@sourceforbusiness.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

BIOCOMES: new biological control products for farmers and foresters The new EU project BIOCOMES offers farmers and foresters the prospect of having at least eleven new biological control products at their disposal. he biological control products are designed to combat diseases such as powdery mildew in cereals, brown rot in stone fruit and pest insects like gypsy moth and pine weevil in forestry. The new products will offer fresh alternatives for major pesticide applications in European agriculture and forestry.

The replacement of chemical control by biological alternatives is an increasingly important topic for farmers and foresters in Europe. EU regulations and the resulting national action plans in the European countries are restricting the use of chemical control.

Moreover, the maximum residue limits (MRL) applied by legislation are increasingly strict and, the demand for even lower residues from buyers in the food industry is growing. Last but not least, there is a risk of plant pathogens developing resistance to chemical control products. Biological control is therefore a useful and necessary part of growers’ crop protection programmes. The EU is giving a major boost to the biological control market in co-financing the BIOCOMES project, which is being coordinated by dr.Jürgen Köhl from Wageningen UR.

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Biological control is based upon the natural enemies of harmful organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and insects. These natural enemies are bred by manufacturers and sold as ready-to-use control products. Growers can use biological control to replace all or part of their chemical control efforts. Biological control products can also be used in organic farming.

The selected BIOCOMES products were identified through a market analysis by six European manufacturers of biological control products. The project combined the expertise of ten SMEs, three larger industrial partners and fourteen research partners. The 27 partners are divided over fourteen countries.

The BIOCOMES project pays special attention to the economic sustainability of products during the development process, as well as their environmental sustainability. The latter is quantified for each biological control product by means of a Sustainable Process Index method, an ecological footprint measurement. The developmental process for each product is guided by a consultancy partner specialised and leading in chemical

Wageningen UR-White flies with eggs. White flies are one of the pests targeted in the BIOCOMES project

and biological plant protection product registration, including risk assessments for European pesticide and bio-control industries.

This approach guarantees a quick and successful introduction to the market for each biological control product developed.

The replacement of chemical control by biological alternatives is an increasingly important topic.

The total budget of the BIOCOMES project is around twelve million euros. The EU is contributing almost nine million.

The acronym BIOCOMES stands for: “Biological control manufacturers in Europe develop novel biological control products to support the implementation of Integrated Pest Management in agriculture and forestry”.

Secrets of potato blight evolution could help farmers fight back Scientists have discovered vital clues as to how the pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine adapted to spread between different plant species. esearchers at Oxford University and The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, looked in unprecedented detail at how Phytophthora infestans, a pathogen that continues to blight potatoes and tomatoes today, evolved to target other plants.

The study, published recently in the journal Science, is the first to show how pathogens switch from targeting one species to another through changes at the molecular level. Researchers examined the biochemical differences between Phytophthora infestans and sister species Phytophthora mirabilis, a pathogen that split from P. infestans around 1300 years ago

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to target the Mirabilis jalapa plant, commonly known as the four o'clock flower. They found that each pathogen species secretes specialised substances to shut down the defences of their target hosts.

'Plants have these enzymes called proteases that play a key role in their defence systems,' said Dr Renier van der Hoorn, coauthor of the study from Oxford University's Department of Plant Sciences. 'When a plant becomes infected, proteases help plants to attack the invading pathogens and trigger immune responses. P. infestans secretes substances called effectors that disable proteases in potatoes and tomatoes. These are highly

12 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

specialised to block specific proteases in the host plant, fitting like a key into a lock.'

The effectors secreted by P. infestans are less effective against proteases in other plants such as the four o'clock, as they do not fit well into the 'locks'. The researchers found that P. mirabilis evolved effectors that disable the defences of the four o'clock plant but are no longer effective against potatoes or tomatoes.

'For the first time, we have found a direct molecular mechanism underpinning the change in host specialisation,' said Dr van der Hoorn. 'We looked at specialisation in the blight pathogens' secret weapon, a key family of effectors called 'EPIC' that can pass through plants' defences undetected to disable the proteases. The EPIC effectors secreted by P. infestans have evolved to fit the structure of potato proteases just as P. mirabilis has evolved effectors that fit four o'clock proteases.

'If we could breed plants with proteases that can detect these

stealthy EPIC effectors, we could prevent them from 'sneaking in' and thus make more resistant plants. Within the next decade, we plan to exploit the specialised nature of these effectors to develop proteases that are resistant to their action or can even trap them and destroy the pathogen. Potato and tomato plants with such proteases would be resistant to the blight “For the first time, we have found a direct molecular mechanism underpinning the change in host specialisation” pathogens, and combined with other resistant traits could provide another 'wall' of defence against the pathogens.'

The study was funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Ohio State University and the US Department of Agriculture.

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| Arable

New N management tool for maize growers Livestock and arable farmers alike look set to benefit from the launch of a new service for maize growers to measure soil nitrogen. he new N-Min for maize soil test from fertiliser manufacturer, GrowHow UK, is an extension of the well-established service for cereals and oilseed rape.

Uniquely it provides an accurate assessment of the total amount of nitrogen the crop will be able to get from the soil over the full growing season.

Maize has become a staple forage crop for many livestock enterprises and with more and more arable farmers beginning to grow it as a biofuel, this introduction is very timely.

N-Min measures both the amount of nitrogen in the soil at the time the sample was taken (the SMN – Soil Mineral Nitrogen) and the Additionally Available Nitrogen (AAN), which is the amount of N that will become available through mineralisation – the turnover of organic N to make plant available N. In this way it allows farmers and their fertiliser advisers to calculate whether any additional nitrogen is required to allow the crop to achieve its optimum yield potential. GrowHow’s N-Calc system has also been updated to include maize so that N-Min results can readily be converted into field recommendations.

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On-farm trials over the past five years have shown that the N-Min service can be extended successfully to maize cropping. The trials were conducted across a variety of different regimes – from the traditional dairying scenario, with regular muck use, to rotational sites on mixed or livestock farms with less manure applied and, more recently, to growers on arable units who are diversifying their cropping into energy crops for biogas production in anaerobic digestion plants.

Across the farms and the years of the trials work, the N-Min measured ‘N reservoir’ – or N that will be available to the crop over the growing season – varied widely. The values ranged from less than 55 to over 500 kg N/ha.

“It was interesting that whilst the lowest results were generally on sites that did not routinely receive manure, not all of the lower results were from un-manured fields, nor were the highest ones always from sites which had received organic material of some kind,” notes GrowHow’s Grassland Specialist, Elaine Jewkes.

“For a late-harvested, and so potentially risky crop like maize, targeted N rates are extremely

GrowHow's Elaine Jewkes in maize

On-farm trials over the past five years have shown that the N-Min service can be extended successfully to maize cropping. worthwhile,” she suggests. “Making sure there is enough N to grow a good crop, but not too much so that crop quality and the environment are compromised has to make sense.”

Reducing red tape for farmers - are they serious?

Kathryn Carr, independent environmental consultant and formerly Environment Agency Regulatory Officer, suggests farmers get compliance right first time. n August 2013 Defra published their ‘Earned Recognition Plan’ in response to a report from the Farming Regulation Task Force.

The Task Force was set up in 2010 to carry out an independent review of reducing the regulatory burden on farmers. One of the key themes of the report was the need for government to adopt an ‘earned recognition’ approach to reduce the burden of inspections.

This approach would recognise where individuals and businesses had made efforts to understand their legal requirements and get things right.

Defra are keen to point out in the report that this does not necessarily mean a reduction in the total number of on-farm inspections, but rather an opportunity to improve targeting of the inspections to where the risks of non-compliance is highest The Government are currently working with the RPA, and other inspecting agencies to see how they can work with assurance schemes such as Red Tractor to see if earned recognition could be incorporated into the 2014 cross compliance inspection regime.

Under the rules of cross compliance, 1% of farmers claiming the single farm payment must be inspected.

Of these od Leoni Collingwo inspections, 20% must be carried

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out randomly, therefore an earned recognition approach cannot be considered. However, 80% of these inspections are carried out on a risk basis where an earned recognition approach could be taken into account. A successful cross compliance inspection could therefore earn you recognition as a low risk enterprise for other inspection regimes.

Earned recognition could reduce the burden of inspections, rewarding farmers for ‘getting it right’ Kathryn Carr, who has recently set up her own environmental consultancy to help farmers specifically with cross compliance inspections has experience in the regulatory field having worked as a regulatory officer in the Environment Agency for six years previously. She comments ‘farmers often hide their heads in the sand as far as cross compliance is concerned.

These rules are not going to go away but Government have indicated in this report that if they see better compliance they will reward farmers for getting it right.’

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Education

Environment Minister launches Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre A £2.9 million centre to support advanced agricultural engineering teaching and research was launched at Shropshire’s Harper Adams University recently. ord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for natural environment and science, conducted the official opening of The Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre (AEIC).

The Environment Minister said: “Harper Adams's new £2.9m Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre for precision agriculture is a world class example of the innovation and agri-engineering expertise we have in the UK. "We need to do all we can to translate research into new products, processes and technologies if we are to increase the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, address the challenge of food security and enhance the environment."

The AEIC is home to the National Centre for Precision Farming (NCPF), which aims to promote and evaluate the use of technology as a vital aspect of precision agriculture, and provides a focal point for the industry; offering a place for agriculturalists to meet and source information, and gathering and disseminating good practice from within the UK and abroad.

The building houses a range of “clean” engineering facilities and was developed thanks to an award of £1.5million from the Higher Education Funding Council for

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England’s Catalyst Fund, announced by Prime Minister David Cameron in October 2012, plus funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, the University and philanthropic donations from, amongst others, the Douglas Bomford Trust and the Eric Lea Estate.

Lord de Mauley and invited guests enjoyed a tour of the centre’s facilities, which include an electronics/mechatronics lab, hydraulics lab, research lab for tractors and machines and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, into which tractors and other machinery can be driven.

The AEIC supplements existing resources and provides a physical base around which university/industry collaboration can be stimulated. The building has many specialist features that support product development and training, and also provide a means to verify health and safety measures in the design and development of new agricultural machinery and precision farming applications.

Running concurrently with the official opening was an NCPF seminar on Unmanned Aerial Systems, attended by delegates from engineering organisations throughout the UK. In addition to presentations from a range of experts, guests including the Environment Minister viewed a flight demonstration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by KOREC, a

company specialising in the supply innovative surveying, mapping, machine control and geospatial positioning technology.

"We need to do all we can to translate research into new products, processes and technologies if we are to increase the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, address the challenge of food security and enhance the environment."

UAVs can be remote-controlled or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans, collecting large amounts of imagery data and video in a short period of time, which has the potential to increase agricultural productivity.

Profes fe essio onal Doctor torates es Agriculture and Food (DAgriFood) and Veterinary Practice ( VetD) Open to professionals working in the veterinar y or agri-food sectors, our Professional Doctorates develop the ability to integrate academic and professional knowledge.

Interested?

Interested? Get Get in in ttouch! ouch!

T: 01707 6669660 E: ilhp@r vc.ac.uk W: w w w.r vc.ac.uk /prof-doc F Follow o ll o w u us: s: @A ATPilhp

14 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Education

AGCO Parts helps develop skills in next generation of Young Farmers A new partnership between The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) and AGCO Parts, a leading global manufacturer of agricultural equipment, is helping to develop skills in young farmers under 18 years old.

GCO Parts is supporting NFYFC’s Youth Forum – a steering group that was set up to represent the views of younger members of the Federation. The group help to develop ideas for competitions and events that will appeal to members under the age of 18, as well as take an active role in the British Youth Council.

Members meet three times a year – including a residential weekend, which this year is taking place from 31 Jan to 2 February at Oaker Wood Leisure in Herefordshire. AGCO Parts will also be attending the Youth Forum’s meeting on Sunday 2 February to officially meet the group.

David Howe, Manager, Complementary Product Business, EAME, AGCO Parts Division, said: “The farming industry has some challenges but also presents some very exciting

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opportunities as the industry evolves with even more new technologies to support the growing food production needs of the population.

“The youth of today are our employees and customers of the future and with that we are very pleased to support the NFYFC’s Youth Forum through 2014. This support will give Young Farmers and particularly the Youth Forum the opportunity to meet and share experiences with the team at AGCO – but it also gives us the opportunity of seeing and listening to the views, ideas and interests of the future drivers of our industry.

“Attracting and retaining young people into the farming industry is essential to its future and with that we are hopeful our support to the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs will help in several ways.”

Claire Worden, NFYFC’s National Chairman

Walford farm aims for global recognition British Dairy Consortium (BDC) members from across the UK met recently at Walford and North Shropshire College Farm, to discuss the potential of the farm’s R.D. Park Dairy as an international centre of excellence to showcase the best of British dairy technology and expertise on a global basis.

DC chairman Dr Andy Beardsmore explained: “Britain’s dairy industry is amongst the most advanced and efficient in the world and served by companies renowned for their practical, reliable and innovative solutions. BDC brings together the leading companies in each discipline to provide these services on an international basis and drive British exports.

“As well as travelling to many countries to demonstrate and market our products and services, the BDC regularly hosts visiting groups of international dairy experts and farmers, often in cooperation with the UK Department of Trade and Industry and British Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Walford and North Shropshire College’s broad international outlook, management expertise and hi-tech approach to milk production, make it an ideal venue to host such groups and showcase the best of our innovative industry in a practical situation.”

Ralph Bennett, from Ellesmerebased milking machine

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manufacturer Fullwood, said: “Like many BDC members, we already have a strong relationship with the college as they have recently installed a new Fullwood herringbone milking parlour and Merlin robotic milking machine for the high yielding cows.”

Chris Jones, head of faculty at the Walford Campus added: “We are delighted that the recent capital investment at the farm means we can now offer national organisations like the British Dairy Consortium a base from which to showcase the industry on a global stage.”

Farm manager Neil Ridgway said: “We look forward to hosting their overseas guests in the future and working together to develop mutually beneficial dairy exporting opportunities.”

Dr Beardsmore, of dairy nutrition specialist Volac, concluded: “ We are delighted to have Walford and North Shropshire College on board, providing us with an excellent base in a central location and will be aiming to involve UK Trade and Industry in meetings here early in 2014.”

of Council, said: “We are delighted that AGCO Parts is supporting our Youth Forum and helping to develop the skills and confidence of “The farming industry has some challenges but also presents some very exciting opportunities” NFYFC’s younger members.

“The Forum only formed in 2010 but already they have made a big impact on our organisation – not least with the introduction of our mascot SuperMoo! This boost from a major global manufacturer such as AGCO Parts will give the group even more credibility and help us to develop the next generation of farming leaders.”

Launch of “AEA Training for Business” The Agricultural Engineers Association [AEA] has launched today its new service for the industry – “AEA Training for Business”.

EA Training for Business is the result of a members initiative and is designed as a service to members at a reduced cost to other providers. The aim is simple – to provide business (non- technical) training opportunities for AEA members and their dealers. The courses are available to non-members at the full price.

The prospectus is attached and lays out the Aims and Objectives, the Process, the initial Curriculum subjects, Pricing and other administrative information.

We are planning to conduct our first training in April and May and will then announce the full programme for 2014/15 in June providing a full training programme from September 2014 for the next year. I anticipate there being around 25 courses available from

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BDC members attending the first meeting at Walford include: Dr Andy Beardsmore (chairman), Volac; Ralph Bennett, Fullwood; Gerbrich Andringa, Cogent; Richard Hewitt, Spreadwise; Karen Brewer, Broglio; Ian Atterbury, Premier Nutrition; and Dave

Customer Service, Negotiating Skills, Introduction to Finance, Health and Safety and a full suite of Windows courses at all levels and many others dictated by demand.

The price will be lower than many other providers and the AEA sees this as a service and benefit to members rather than a profit making concern. The price you see listed on the course announcement sheets is the full list price. Members will be charged around 20% less. The courses will be relevant to the industry rather than generic. The dates will be established at times convenient for all and will be delivered primarily at the AEA Training Centre at Peterborough or if demand dictates, at your premises or any other location.

Contact Roger Lane-Nott Chief Executive Tel: 01733 207601 Email: ceo@aea.uk.com Aveyard, Deosan/Sealed Air. For more information about Agricultural Courses and Apprenticeships at Walford and North Shropshire College, visit the website at www.wnsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688080.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Feature

Executive Hire Show now in its 8th consecutive year – more exhibitors sign up than ever before The 8th annual Executive Hire Show is taking place on the 12th and 13th February at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK. he Executive Hire Show has long since established itself as ‘the home of hire’ and has become the one show in the exhibition calendar not to miss for hire industry professionals.

Each year support grows for the show as more blue chip companies’ sign on the dotted line to exhibit.

This year, more than 38 new and returning companies have committed to the event, confirming the strength of the hire market and new found confidence. The new exhibitors take their place alongside EHS veterans, who have not missed a show in its 8-year history, raising the exhibitor numbers to 131, with more expected. The main hall sold out in record time and only a few atrium stands remain – making the forthcoming event – the largest EHS ever!

The 2013 Executive Hire Show attracted a total of 1612 relevant hire visitors and of those, 90% of the event’s attendees were

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independent hirers. The 2014 show is hoping to significantly increase this number with more dedicated hirers making the journey to the Ricoh arena.

Hire professionals visit the event to see the plethora of new products which are showcased many of which will be seen for the very first time in the UK and in some cases will be making world debuts. Many of the products and machinery on display will be aimed at making the user’s business more efficient and more profitable. Innovation will be the key – not just the best kit but the kit that ‘works smarter’.

Exhibitors also offer ‘show only deals’, which makes the show an even better prospect for visitors.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to keep bang up to date with what’s going on in the hire industry.

Kubota, is exhibiting at the EHS for the very first time. The company will be showcasing a wide range of products at the show, including its high performance range of mini-

excavators, alongside some other solutions that are growing in popularity in the hire sector such as utility vehicles and tractors.

Visitor registration for the show is open at www.executivehireshow.co.uk and it’s free. There is also a comprehensive exhibitor list, show news and a floor plan to help plan your visit and make full use of your

“The 2013 Executive Hire Show attracted a total of 1612 relevant hire visitors” time at the show. See you there (12th and 13th February 2014 at the Ricoh Arena Coventry, UK) Missing the 2014 EHS and you’ll be missing out!

Fuel storage Cubed Is the oil storage market ready for something new? German manufacturer Cemo seems to think so. stablished manufacturers seem to offer very little that is truly innovative – variations on the same old designs. This has predictably produced a price war resulting in lower quality as manufacturers optimise and shave off whatever they can to save cost, and a wholesale reduction in customer choice, as dealer after dealer is forced out of a market that is no longer profitable to them.

Cemo is arguably the new kid on the block, foreign-based upstarts who think they have something to teach us! However, they have been manufacturing oil tanks for over 40 years, so perhaps they might.

Their domestic oil tanks are made from GRP and designed for indoor use, so they are little known in these islands, but they boast a 35 year guarantee and a failure record of zero – quite a boast indeed.

Now they are applying their design expertise and investment clout to polyethylene tanks, the traditional preserve of Irish and British rotomoulders. Cemo have been carefully building a reputation for quality and customer service with products that retain a fair level

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of profit for their dealers. Their ranges of mobile fuel solutions have set a high standard that others seek to follow. The company claims that their new Cemo Cube, a range of fuel dispensing stations, offers something innovative, new, practical and better than the rest.

The design is certainly nothing like other fuel stations on the market. The dispensing equipment, whether for diesel, lube oil or AdBlue, is situated on the top of the unit, under a hinged lid, supported by gas struts, that offers access from three sides and plenty of daylight to see and room to work. A handy hose reel is fitted on the premium models to keep the hose tidy, clean and reduce the likelihood of damage, as well as allowing longer hoses of up to 8 metres to be fitted.

The integrally bunded tanks are, as their name suggests, cubeshaped. The polyethylene is reinforced by a combination of clever mould design, incorporating a hexagonal imprint rather than large shoulders and baffles, and the use of steel reinforcement bands at the greatest pressure points. This means that less plastic can be

16 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

used, making the units lighter and smaller. The steel bands reduce the movement of the plastic tank as it is filled and emptied, resulting in much less material stress and so a longer working life.

German laws do not allow the sale of any oil tank there without approval. This is granted after a series of tests on the product to ascertain its performance under load and in use. The so-called thousand-hour test is a significant part where, as the name suggests, the product is put under simulated conditions of use for 1000 hours.

Measurements are taken and calculations made as to the expected life span of the product – it must have a working life expectancy of at least 25 years to pass the test and gain approval.

Interestingly, construction products in Germany also undergo a 30minute fire test, which oil tanks must withstand without losing their contents. The Ü mark is present on products that have approval.

The Construction Products Regulations 2011 came into force last summer, making CE marking compulsory in the UK for the first time. As polyethylene oil tanks fall under the scope of a European

standard, BS EN 13341:2005+A1:2011, these products must also be tested and proven to comply with the standard, as indeed they do.

“The design is certainly nothing like other fuel stations” The standard is very high and legal compliance established (the bund does have 110% capacity of the inner tank as required by the UK). The design features should be attractive to the professional users at whom these products are aimed: farmers, contractors, tool hire, garages, transport fleets, etc..

The tanks appear clean and logically laid out, are compact and neat.

Interested buyers had their first opportunity to see the new Cemo Cube, and make up their own minds, at LAMMA and BTME in January, now you can too at the Executive Hire Show this month, the FPS Expo and Scotplant in April and Hillhead in June.

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| LAMMA

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Buildings

Ventilation in livestock buildings Correct building design is critical to ensure adequate ventilation. This is extremely important to maintain air quality. o ensure adequate ventilation, it is important that the building is designed to: • Remove excess heat • Remove excess water vapour • Remove microorganisms, dust and gases • Provide a uniform distribution of air • Provide correct air speed for stock Natural ventilation is the least troublesome, most efficient and least expensive system for providing an optimum environment within a building. Buildings will naturally ventilate best when they are sited at right angles to the prevailing wind direction.

Heat produced by the livestock naturally rises. If it is unable to exhaust from the building at the highest point (at the ridge), it will condense and remain within the building, causing humidity to increase. As the air cools, it will fall back onto the bedding, increasing the moisture content and creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive.

If the warm air is able to exhaust from the ridge of the building, this draws fresh air into the building through the side inlets, ie the 'stack effect'. However, if there are insufficient air inlets, warm air cannot escape from the building as a vacuum will not be created.

Outlet ventilation There are a number of methods to achieve adequate outlet ventilation which includes various ridge designs or a slotted roof. It is

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18 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

essential that there are adequate outlets in the ridge of the building. An open ridge is generally between 0.3-0.4m wide and should be unrestricted.

There should be 5cm of ridge opening for every 3.0m of building width.

Slotted roofs (where the roof sheets are inverted and fitted with a space of around 10mm between each adjacent side sheet) can be very useful, particularly if considering housing during summer months.

Inlet ventilation The inlet area, ideally split evenly across the two side walls, should as an absolute minimum be twice the outlet area and is preferably four times the outlet area.

The aim should be, where possible, to ventilate the building from the sides. Inlet areas in the gable ends are only recommended where the building is excessively wide (>25m), or where there are restrictions in the inlet areas along one or both sides of the building.

The pitch of the roof can influence how well the stack effect is established but selecting the pitch of a roof, particularly with a span building, will always be a compromise between ventilation and overall ridge height.

Roofs are normally pitched around 12.5% although examples can be seen with roof pitches of 22.5%. The building height will be significantly greater with a 22.5% pitch, this may pose issues with the planning authorities.

There are many farms installing curtain sides

to the cubicle building which allow the amount of air admitted through the inlets to be varied according to prevailing weather conditions.

These curtains can be lifted and raised manually or automatically and provide greater environmental control.

If the warm air is able to exhaust from the ridge of the building, this draws fresh air into the building through the side inlets, ie the 'stack effect'. However, if there are insufficient air inlets, warm air cannot escape from the building as a vacuum will not be created.

Consideration needs to be given to the prevailing wind direction when considering inlet ventilation. If there is insufficient weather protection, rain will drive into the building and result in wet cubicle beds. In addition, wind velocity may blow bedding off the beds and lead to lower cubicle occupancy in some areas due to the 'draught', this will result in an increased stocking rate in the rest of the building.

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| Buildings

Increase cow comfort and health – invest in the right solution Adequate ventilation is key to happy, healthy livestock. aving adequate ventilation in your building should be a top priority to make sure your herd benefits from the optimum environment to improve health and wellbeing. It is important to maintain circulation of fresh, clean air in your buildings, minimising the risk of disease and heat stress for your cows.

A Galebreaker Ventilation Solution can provide this ideal environment, allowing fresh air into the building using one of our side wall solutions, and providing sufficient exhaust for stale air through the Galebreaker Light Ridge. A Combination of side wall system and light ridge will provide you with a healthy and light environment for you and your cows.

Galebreaker side systems start with the simple clip on Bayscreen to take the place of traditional cladding materials and work up to the Variable Ventilation System (VVS), which can span the entire length of a building and be opened and closed as the weather conditions dictate. For complete peace of mind, the VVS can be fully automated using a weather station so that, no matter where you are or what time it is, you know that your livestock are in the best environment possible.

The Galebreaker Light Ridge adds the finishing touch to the Total Ventilation Solution,

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providing a covered air outlet to remove the stale air from your building. Designed to be an “active system”, the light ridge uses its wind walls to help draw air out of the building, maintaining the flow of fresh air through the building.

The roof panels of the light ridge are made from toughened PVC that allows high levels of light into the building the ridge can be fitted to new or existing buildings and come in widths of 1m, 2m and 3m.

Galebreaker have brought out their own VVS

It is important to maintain circulation of fresh, clean air in your buildings, minimising the risk of disease and heat stress for your cows. controller ( pictured ) called the V40 and V10 with various new features.

For full details of your ventilation solution options, please contact Galebreaker on 01531 637900 or your local representative.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Buildings

Give your youngstock the Galvanizers remain best start in life ongoing favourites The use of hutches has become a proven method of rearing calves. reventing pneumonia and scours at an early age is essential to an animals’ future productivity.

Animals with damaged lungs will not achieve their lifetime milk yield potential and beef animals will take longer to finish. Calves reared outdoors in Hutches, thrive on individual attention and receive individual feeds which can be monitored more effectively.

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“Our vet bills have dramatically reduced as we no longer keep pneumonia medicines on the farm” Natural outdoor ventilation eliminates the spread of viruses and infections such as Pneumonia and scour. Whether you are rearing Dairy Herd replacements, Embryos worth thousands of pounds or Beef calves, you will benefit from bigger, healthier

calves at weaning, reducing veterinary/drug costs and calf mortality by using hutches.

Mr Tom Gethin from The Gaer Farm, Forden, Welshpool uses JFC Calf Hutches and says, “Since moving from our old system of indoor rearing where we had pneumonia and lung damage and using JFC Calf Hutches we have now gone to zero cases of either.

Our vet bills have dramatically reduced as we no longer keep pneumonia medicines on the farm.

Since using JFC Hutches our calves are healthier, brighter, and can be weaned earlier. Calves kept in JFC hutches develop a better immune system, seem happier and more content”.

If you would like more information about calf hutches and their benefits the get in touch with JFC on 01691 659226 or visit www.jfcuk.com

20 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

Pillar Wedge Ltd, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing has become the partner of choice for over twenty years for one of Lancashire’s most long-standing companies. he Heywood-based plant has provided its specialist hot-dip galvanizing treatment to steelwork used on dozens of prestigious projects for Kirkham-based J Wareing & Son Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of steel-framed buildings. The firm produces an array of bespoke steel structures, ranging from purpose-built livestock buildings and stables for the agricultural sector, to industrial units and warehouses.

“Having our steelwork galvanized by the team at Pillar Wedge is vital, especially with agricultural structures such as livestock buildings,” Sally Wareing, of J Wareing & Son Ltd, revealed.

“Not only do farm buildings have to stand up to the natural elements such as rain and snow, but also animal waste, urine and slurry, which are all highly corrosive.

Galvanizing the metal frame ensures it is protected long-term and guarantees our clients a

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sturdy, resolute structure.”

Amongst more recent agricultural initiatives the two firms have worked together on are two sheep holding units for United Utilities, measuring almost 10,000sq ft each, a 48 metre by 21.5 metre grain store for Baxters with a fully galvanized steel frame and walls, and a 32 metre long silage building for Moss House Farm in Preston. Pillar Wedge and J Wareing & Son Ltd’s ongoing partnership has also seen them work together on more than 150 farm buildings for Orkney Islandsbased agricultural specialist J & W Tait Ltd.

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| Buildings

Redundant building?

SMP’ly the best

Funds still available for redundant building conversions.

SMP Concrete introduce new products for dairy farmers.

armers and rural businesses in the area can apply for grant funding of up to £50,000 to bring unused buildings back into productive economic use and now some smaller buildings might not require full planning permission.

The Marches Redundant Building Grant supports existing and startup businesses in converting or refurbishing redundant rural buildings throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin.

Now applications such as this are also supported by changes in national and local planning policy that mean many smaller buildings could potentially be converted to a commercial use under the revised permitted development rights that came into force at the end of May 2013. This means less paperwork.

Chartered surveyor Ben Corbett of Berrys has successfully applied for grants in the past and is reminding farmers and property owners that funding is still available through the £1.5 million scheme which is administered by Herefordshire Council.

“Eligible projects can include

stablished in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone in 2001, SMP Concrete Products Ltd entered the agricultural precast market with a revolutionary portable cubicle system which has been developed over the last 13 years to gain it prominence in today’s agri market place.

SMP have developed a unique cubicle bed whereby the entire cubicle steelwork, either for the portable cubicle or adjustable cubicle system can be easily installed and removed from the concrete bed with minimal effort which now holds UK, Irish and European patents.

Over the past number of years the product range has increased to include cattle slats, cattle drinkers, slurry channels, feed troughs, and blocks and the recent development of a double sided feed trough and a sand kerb for dairy farmers wishing to bed their cows with sand.

The sand kerb is designed to create a cubicle ‘heel stone‘ behind which sand can be placed to bed the cow. The kerb is uniquely shaped to reduce the risk of the animal pushing forward

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conversions or refurbishment, including upgrading of mains services, to provide facilities for manufacturing, crafts or service businesses, office premises (not speculative developments) and retail outlets.

“All projects must create new and sustainable job opportunities and must not be residential conversions. Buildings converted for agricultural or horticultural use will not be funded.”

Applicants can be either owneroccupiers or tenants with a fixed term lease. The lease must have at least three years left to run, and the landlord must give written consent for the proposed works.

“I have successfully applied for grants on behalf of clients in the past and I can help you with your application which must be made and approved before work starts,” Ben explained.

Grant awards are discretionary and will be at the minimum required to enable the project to proceed. The £1.5 million fund was launched last year aiming to create around 300 jobs in a fiveyear period ending March 2017.

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while lying in the bed, while also maintaining minimum sand spillage from the bed.

The kerb is easily fitted to an existing concrete floor or foundation by simply bedding it with sand or mortar and bolting down through the recessed holes in the kerb.

The new double sided feed trough / bunker is unique to SMP as the removable post system from the portable cubicle bed (patented), has been adapted to create a removable post in the trough to which a feed rail can be easily fixed.

For further information on our products please visit our website @ www.smpconcrete.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Fencing

Creosote vs alternative water based pressure treatments This is a debate we have had for many years with our agricultural and equestrian customers. The answer is always the same, is it “cost to buy “or “cost to use”, we have seen many different claims over the years of how modern water based treatments are the future and also claims of 10-15years service life with in ground contact, however time and time again customers complain of the product failing these timelines.

ere at Wooden Supplies we are firm believers that a pressure creosoted stake will outlast any of the modern day water based products. We have been pressure treating with traditional creosote here on site, in the heart of Harlestone Firs on Northampton’s Althorp Estate, for over 100 years so have some experience in the science of

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treatment of timber. Our current staff have well over 25 years’ experience of treatments and certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to the benefits of creosote.

The testimonials from our customers speak for themselves.

When we sell any wire products, our sales people will always ask if the client requires any creosoted timber only to be told that the

22 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

posts we sold to them 20 years ago are still solid but the wire has rusted off of them. More and more of our fencing contractors are specifying creosote as the treatment of choice as they are revisiting fences erected 3-5 years ago that had been guaranteed as 15 year service life and finding they have failed. In fact, some of them are now finding themselves in costly disputes due to the failure of modern treatments at ground level and will now only work with pressure creosote treated timber.

Creosote has been around for 100s of years and the combination of Naptolene and Coal tar have changed very little in that time. It is still highly resistant to burrowing insect infestation and fungal growth as well as resistant to water penetration. The method of drying the timber to less than 25% moisture is critical to our process hence the need for our large drying sheds. The Creosote then has to be heated to ensure its viscosity is thin enough to penetrate deep into the timber within the pressure vessel. The timber once treated is generally black when it first comes out of the tank but once exposed to the sunlight turns to the deep aesthetically pleasing chocolate brown that was once visible in many fields across the land.

As creosoted timber is non salt bearing your livestock won’t chew through it as they will with other types of treated timber. Of course labour rates for erecting fences are a huge factor when considering the overall cost of your job, so if you want a treatment that is a “fit and forget” our advice is do it once rather than have to revisit in the next 3-5 years.

With a fleet of delivery vehicles from 7.5t to 18t self-sufficient forklift lorry vehicle we are able to deliver nationwide. So if you are

“The testimonials from our customers speak for themselves. When we sell any wire products, our sales people will always ask if the client requires any creosoted timber only to be told that the posts we sold to them 20 years ago are still solid but the wire has rusted off of them. More and more of our fencing contractorsare specifying creosote as the treatment of choice as they are revisiting fences erected 3-5 years ago that had been guaranteed as 15 year service life and finding they have failed”

fed up of revisiting your fences and would like to talk to one of our customer service team then please call 01604 581444 or check us out at www.woodensupplies.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

NSA Sheep 2014 to focus on the industry’s future ‘Securing the future of the UK sheep industry’ is the overarching focus for the National Sheep Association’s leading technical event. NSA Sheep 2014 is to be held on Wednesday 30 July 2014 at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.

SA Chief Executive Phil Stocker explains,“This year we have chosen to focus on developing and securing a future for our industry.”

“We will be promoting our NSA Next Generation project and our Young Shepherd of the Year competition as a way to show the opportunities the sheep industry can offer to young people as a source of vibrant career opportunities,” he says.

“NSA intends to build on the success of previous Sheep Events and our regional events

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to encourage and showcase a new generation of innovators, ideas and products in all areas of the sheep industry.”

At the 2012 NSA Sheep event visitor numbers were in excess of 11,000, with 250 exhibitors. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better, and is a must-visit for all involved in the sheep industry.

Free technical seminars will be held throughout the day, where industry experts will inform the seminar audiences of the most upto-date information and news on the hot topics

“This year we have chosen to focus on developing and securing a future for our industry.” being covered.

NSA Sheep 2014 is set to continue as the leading event for the sheep industry, adds Phil.

“The NSA has a commitment to covering the issues vital to securing a future for the sheep industry for those involved now, as well as preparing the way for the next generation.”

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Sheep

A wet, wet winter might mean longer housing The impact of extreme weather on coccidiosis in lambs. f you have been following the long range weather forecasts in the news lately, you would have seen the tabloid papers warning about this winter being the ‘worst for more than 60 years’, bringing arctic conditions until spring.

With lambing season upon us, you might have housed your flock earlier or for longer than planned with such extremely wet and miserable weather. However, prolonged housing can increase the risk of other diseases too, including coccidiosis.

Caused by the parasite Eimeria, coccidiosis is a widespread disease in lambs. Eimeria is found almost everywhere in the environment and most animals would have been exposed to it early on in life. So why is it worth thinking about now?

Normally, a healthy lamb in contact with low levels of Eimeria will develop an immune response to protect them from getting the disease in the future. However during a stressful time such as housing due to bad weather, the lamb’s immunity can become compromised and the numbers of infective oocysts in the environment can increase without the animal being able to fight them off effectively. The most susceptible ages are lambs four to six weeks post weaning and signs of disease range from stunted growth and poor weight gain, to full blown diarrhoea and dehydration. So what can you do to protect against it, without compromising development

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of the lambs’ natural immunity?

Lambs housed in overcrowded or unhygienic conditions can often spread disease quickly between different age groups, particularly older livestock to younger – it’s often these older lambs that excrete very high levels of infective oocysts, compared to immune adult animals that only excrete at very low levels. Farmers are advised to keep pens and feed troughs clean and treat for coccidiosis with an effective product such as diclazuril (Vecoxan® 2.5mg/ml Oral Suspension). Given as a single dose, Vecoxan® allows natural immunity to develop while reducing oocyst (parasite) spread in the environment. There are two treatment options available, early or metaphylactically. Early treatment is advised as soon as any sign of disease is noticed and all animals should be batch treated. The second option is recommended for farms with a history of coccidiosis, after a known stress trigger has occurred such as housing. Treatment should be given 14 days after the incident, before any sign of diarrhoea occurs. Prolonged housing may mean that the anticipated pattern changes, so farmers should be alert to this possibility.

In a recent study, lambs treated with a single dose of Vecoxan® experienced weight gain increases of 30 grams per day, a shorter fattening period and a feed conversion efficiency improvement of 7%.

Farmers must keep in mind that rapid treatment is only half the battle when it comes

to tackling coccidiosis. Proper management at housing by keeping lambs age batched, making sure they are not overcrowded and that pen and feed troughs are clean, can all help reduce the stress and overall spread of coccidiosis.

Lambs housed in overcrowded or unhygienic conditions can often spread disease quickly between different age groups, particularly older livestock to younger.

For further advice, farmers are recommended to speak to their veterinary surgeon or Suitable Qualified Person for more information.

NADIS February Parasite Forecast Chronic fluke disease reaches peak level in cattle and sheep. hronic disease due to liver fluke infection can affect finishing times and cost farmers money” says Fiona MacGillivray, Veterinary Health Advisor for Merial Animal Health, “With one in five bovine livers condemned by slaughterhouses due to fluke damage, farmers are advised to request details on condemnations to assess the level of fluke exposure amongst the herd and enable appropriate treatment.”

Checking for the presence of fluke eggs in faeces should be considered where beef cattle are grazing potentially infected pasture over winter and did not receive an autumn flukicide treatment.

Not all sheep display the typical symptoms of chronic infestation, such as ‘bottle-jaw’, but many will experience significant weight loss. In areas of high fluke risk, most flocks will have already been treated with triclabendazole, for immature fluke; however it is important to reduce reliance on this drug.

“Good husbandry measures, such as use of ‘safe grazing’ at turnout and in mid-summer, and choosing alternative treatments for chronic fluke can help preserve the use of triclabendazole for acute cases of the disease in sheep,” says Fiona.

Nitroxynil (Trodax) and closantel are effective against immature fluke (7 weeks post infection) and should be used for the treatment of sub-

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acute and chronic fluke disease in cattle and sheep. Albendazole and oxylozanide are effective for adult fluke infection (from 12 weeks post infection) in spring.

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) in store lambs and yearlings is likely throughout the winter, due to continuing mild weather. The risk is particularly high on paddocks which were heavily contaminated earlier in the year by grazing lambs. The risk to out-wintered animals can be assessed by monitoring pooled faecal egg counts and dosing accordingly.

Not all sheep display the typical symptoms of chronic infestation, such as ‘bottle-jaw’.

The late spring in 2013 caused considerable production losses in young lambs from latehatching roundworms when lambs were grazing. If the mild weather pattern continues, an early spring could result in a lower risk of nematodirosis in 2014. More details will be released on the level of disease risk when March meteorological data is available.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

EnviTec Biogas takes on apprentice With the renewable energy sector on a growth curve, EnviTec Biogas UK has taken on its first apprentice to support its service delivery for farmers, landowners and developers across the country. he company, a market leader in the design, manufacture, supply and servicing of anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, has taken on its first apprentice, Gary Hurd, who will join the existing four-strong team already working within its established service department.

Gary, aged 20, will combine work-place training with studies in engineering and maintenance at Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem Campus.

Based at Rugeley in Staffordshire, EnviTec Biogas UK works with farmers and landowners looking to introduce AD units to their businesses.

Philip Mason Head of the Service Department at EnviTec Biogas UK, said: “Farmers, landowners and developers increasingly recognise the value in turning waste, crops, slurry and forage into renewable energy with AD units.

“As a result, they are looking to us to support their investment in this plant with a comprehensive service package.

“The training and development of home grown talent in our industry is going to be pivotal to the success of our business and the industry overall.

“We are in a good position in the marketplace, with a strong balance sheet and

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EnviTec service team - apprentice Gary Hurd pictured right

dedicated UK-based team, which is helping farmers nationwide make informed decisions about the introduction of AD to their farms.

“The provision of an apprenticeship training programme will help underpin the sustained growth of the business and we are already looking to the future with the appointment of

“We are in a good position in the marketplace, with a strong balance sheet and dedicated UK-based team” another trainee next year.”

Soil Nitrogen analysis Better yields - reduced costs - NVZ compliance. hat was once a simple task to dispose of a waste product has now become a complex operation not only with the machinery to cope with the environmental demands but also the whole operation and its management.

Once it was simply the case of spreading on grass when the land could carry the weight of the tractor and machinery, but now timing must be considered when the land can best accept it, not

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frozen so it runs off into water courses etc.

The amount must be considered particularly in Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones as well as what is best for the crop at that particular time.

Qualex can help with your testing requirements so that you can make best use of N, P and K, maximising yields and reducing input costs for your crop.

Contact Bob Painting on 01249 890317.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Muck | LAMMA & Slurry

GT Bunning Lowlander 85 GT Bunning & Sons Ltd formally launched the brand new Lowlander 85 model at LAMMA 2014. unnings invested in a stand almost double in size of previous years to accommodate 4 models with sizes and specifications to suit the wide range of farmers and contractors that visit the show from all over the UK and abroad. “The stand was extremely well attended with feedback from visitors being extremely positive” said Bunning sales manager, Chris Druce.

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“The new Lowlander 85 generated a lot of interest from visitors, we see a large number of people from the South West, Wales, Northern England, Scotland and Ireland, the heartlands of the Livestock farmer, who all appreciated the new model length of the Lowlander 85, which sits perfectly half way between the well-established Lowlander 75 and 90”said Chris.

The key differential of the new

New look XCEL spreader In addition to representative models from its diet feeder and vacuum tanker product ranges, at LAMMA Hi-Spec Engineering also showed the new version of the unique XCEL 1250 rear discharge spreader. nlike other rear discharge spreaders, the XCEL 1250 is unique in that it uses a rotary chain and flail system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs. This has the benefit that in the event of a solid object, such as a lump of concrete, being encountered, this will pass through without causing any damage to the spreader, unlike a spreader fitted with vertical beater bars where there is the potential for costly damage to the rotors or bearings.

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The new XCEL 1250 spreader has a solids capacity of 12 tonnes, with a loading height of just 2.5 metres, and now features a new curved side panel design that provides an increased internal volume for greater capacity. This new design also has the advantage that it reduces the risk of material bridging.

To carry material to the slurry door at the rear of the spreader, the new XCEL 1250 is fitted with marine type double floor chains, that are suitable for use with a wide range of manures, both solid or liquid, sludge or very dry chicken manure. To keep downtime to a minimum, the chain can now be quickly tensioned manually and the hydraulic system has been

simplified.

As previously, material for spreading is initially broken-up by a patented and well proven chain flail and spinning disc system. The heavy duty marine grade chains are attached to a horizontal rotor and have a 10 tonne breaking capacity. Each of the chains is fitted with a Hardox steel flail to effectively break-up even the densest of manure.

Hardox hard wearing plate is also now used in all the critical wear zones throughout the spreading system for added durability, reliability and minimal downtime.

From the flail rotor, the broken-up material falls onto two hydraulically driven 960mm diameter spreading discs. Both discs have shear bolt protection and are fitted with two spreading vanes. For lighter, dry material such as chicken litter or pellets, six-vane discs are available as an option. Depending on material, the twin rotors give an even spreading width from 16 to over 20 metres and enable a full 12 tonne load to be spread in about 3-5 minutes.

As part of its standard specification, the new XCEL 1250 is fitted with a wide angle PTO, driving a 200hp rated gearbox, and the spreader’s main transmission system is protected by an over-run clutch and shear bolts.

To ensure that compaction and rutting is kept to a minimum, the XCEL 1250 is carried on 580/70R36 tyres with hydraulic braking, and it is also fitted with high visibility LED lighting with protective covers.

Visit www.hispec.net for info

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Lowlander 85 model is the overall length of the machine. It bridges the 1 meter (3 feet and 3 inches) gap between the 75 and 90 ending up a half meter longer than the 75 and half a meter shorter than the 90. This makes it a highly manoeuvrable model with a generous capacity and so an ideal choice for users restricted by their surrounding terrain.

Development began during the summer of 2013 in response to customer demand. Mr Houlston from The Yorkshire Dales near Whitby (Heartbeat TV series country) was looking to replace his two Lowlander 75’s with something a bit larger. The 90 was going to make it difficult to manoeuvre around some narrow lanes and farms in the Dales so the specification was discussed for a model between the 75 and 90.

Two machines were manufactured and delivered in August 2013 and

the feedback from Mr Houlston was excellent. “The machines are perfectly balanced, easy to manoeuvre and do exactly what was required” The design load of the Lowlander 85 is 11.6 tonnes, the same as the Lowlander 90 as it is supplied on the same 100mm square, solid 13 tonne axle. The Lowlander 85 incorporates all other features and characteristics of the well-established Bunning spreader range; a fully welded construction with dynamically balanced augers, robust one piece auger gearbox with rubber cushioned drive coupling, full width floor slats with simple tensioning of the 32 tonne x 16mm floor chains to name a few.

For more information please contact GT Bunning on 01362 860352 or your local Bunning dealer.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

Tramspread at LAMMA Bigger stand size and a greater range of equipment on show. ramspread took the move from Newark to Peterborough for the LAMMA show as an opportunity to increase its stand size, enabling it to exhibit a greater range of its slurry and digestate handling equipment.

Among the exhibits was the first public showing of the New Tramspread high speed twin axle contractors umbilical pump trailer unit incorporating twin 1,000m drag hose spools with compressor, 160hp John Deere engine connected to a Daritech Greenline solid –handling pump with full dry-run mechanical seal.

This pump is new to the Tramspread range of pumps and was the first time it has been shown in the UK. Another ‘first time exhibit’ was the NOCK Green Bedding slurry separator. Other equipment included Bauer pumps (tractor and engine driven), Reck slurry mixer, Tramspread 12m and 24m umbilical dribble bar applicators complete with flow metering via ISO BUS connection to a John Deere GreenStar 2630

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touchscreen display giving full application rates and field maps.

Also represented on the Tramspread stand were the Albers Alligator slurry bag stores, AgriTank concrete slurry storage, Hexa-Cover slurry store cover, Snap-Tite 110 and 117 polyurethane drag hoses, Hilcoflex’s nitrile rubber and new to the market polyurethane drag hoses, drag hose couplings from Bauer and Storz, plus slurry test kits. There was also information available on the Contracting Service that Tramspread offers.

Terry Baker of Tramspread said immediately after the show, “we are extremely pleased with the interest shown in our range of slurry equipment – we have been rushed off our feet right from 7.30 on the first morning to the close.

The number of enquiries for handling digestate as well as slurry has been most encouraging and shows the trend in this developing market.

If it’s slurry or digestate that you want handling in an efficient and professional manner contact us Tramspread can separate it, store it, pump it, spread it!”

Further information available from Tramspread, Hobbies Lane, Mendlesham, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP 14 5SJ Tel; 01449 766133 www.tramspread.co.uk

“We are extremely pleased with the interest shown in our range of slurry equipment”

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Renewables

Agraferm continuing to grow in the UK Eike Liekweg, member of the Agraferm board, talks about their progress and expansion in the UK market. he past years have seen a strong development of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants based on agricultural waste and crops in the UK. The investments and continuous operation in renewable energy from anaerobic digestion do support local economies directly, an advantage that is often overlooked when considering fuel costs alone.

Agraferm has 10 AD plants operational in the UK, another 2 close to commissioning and more under contract or in planning. One of the operational plants is the first AD plant in the UK (Poundbury) which on a commercial basis injects bio methane into the extensive natural gas grid in the UK. Although the waste to energy market is high on the policy agenda, it is a complicated regulatory environment, related to the fact that waste is an input. Therefore strict requirements apply to the useful output, digestate with fertilizer properties, which often turns out to be a burden for farming operators. Therefore this sector is, for the moment, confined to industrial and utility type of operators. Farmers focus on using manure, crop rejects and purpose grown crops. This is where most activity in the market is seen, and if the tariff revisions planned in 2014 are carefully designed, this will allow for a continued vigorous development of the market in the UK beyond 2015. Proper supporting policies are key to increase the renewable

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Plant being constructed at Doncaster Plant at Taverham

energy share in the energy mix and reduce dependency on energy imports.

Agraferm has already begun to develop their presence locally in order to continue to grow the business successfully in Britain. Such as the setting up of a technical and biological service team which serves all of the existing plants. For the chairman Eike Liekweg, this is the logical consequence of their strategic commitment to the British market. “The tenth AD plant will be completed and commissioned this year.” said Liekweg. Agraferm specialises in building biogas, bio methane and CHP plants thus covering all the various applications for AD plants. “Our successful expansion in the UK confirms our strategy and our technology”, says Eike Liekweg. Agraferm plants are characterised by their compact structure. The

Agraferm has 10 AD plants operational in the UK, another 2 close to commissioning and more under contract or in planning. technology used allows for a wide variety of feedstock despite the space-saving compact design thus ensuring maximum use of space, maximum fermentation of the feedstock and maximum output. “Our experience with all our projects has shown that this is of importance for plant owners, in addition to the key factors such as feedstock availability (long term), site suitability (access to grid) and of course planning, permitting and the regulatory framework.”

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| LAMMA

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Renewables

Biomethane QP could Small wind revolution boost renewable Gas-toGrid market

The easiest way to take advantage of the Government’s FiT scheme is by installing a small wind turbine.

The Environment Agency, with support from WRAP, industry representatives including ADBA and funding from LIFE +, has developed a Quality Protocol for Biomethane. he Quality Protocol (QP) sets out end of waste criteria for the production and use of biomethane arising from the degradation of organic wastes in a landfill site or anaerobic digestion (AD) plant.

The QP enables the injection of the gas into the grid or use in an appliance suitably designed and operated for natural gas, without the need for waste regulatory controls.

“Biomethane to grid is an embryonic sector in the UK at present, with only a handful of trial projects in operation,” explains EA Environment & Business Manager Roger Hoare. “This is largely due to cost and regulatory barriers that exist, one of which is the waste status of biogas from landfill and AD. This QP provides a route to overcoming this barrier.”

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The Quality Protocol is applicable immediately in England and Wales, and is available to download from the ADBA website here.

Matt Hindle, Policy Manager of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, said: “Biomethane has huge potential as a form of renewable energy which can decarbonise hard-toreach areas such as industrial processes, heating and road transport. The Quality Protocol will help developers and operators by giving greater certainty around waste controls, so ADBA welcomes its publication. On behalf of the industry we would also to thank the Environment Agency and all the other bodies involved in developing the QP for their work.”

n these challenging times, understandably people are looking at ways to maximise their income. For farmers, smallholders and landowners one way of doing this is by taking advantage of the Government’s Feed in Tariff scheme (FIT’s).

This extremely attractive scheme is available to anybody who generates energy using wind or solar technology. The feed in tariff is a 20 year, index linked, deal which pays for every kilowatt generated whether exported or even if consumed on site.

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to take advantage of the FIT is by installing a small wind turbine.

New to the UK market, the Windspot 3.5kW from Sonkyo Energy in Spain is robust, reliable and unusually quiet. It is available for connection to the National Grid or 48V off grid battery systems and can be fully installed for well under twenty thousand pounds. Typically mounted on a 12m tower, this reliable, low maintenance wind turbine can satisfy the requirements of a home or office.

However, when it comes to wind power, location is the all important factor. Therefore, if you have a good windy spot (ideally with an average wind speed of 5m/s or

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greater) with a clear area around it then you should seriously consider installing a Windspot 3.5kW. This can help you to take control of your energy future and avoid the “New to the UK market, the Windspot 3.5kW from Sonkyo Energy in Spain is robust, reliable and unusually quiet” seemingly continuous price rises.

Another advantage of the Windspot 3.5kW wind turbine is that there is often no requirement for special permission to connect to the National Grid. Furthermore, in Scotland the Windspot 3.5kW can also be installed under permitted development (check with your Local Authority).

Windsearch Ltd, based in Salen, Argyll, are the sole authorised UK importers. They work in partnership with a number of Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registered installers, throughout the UK who will be happy to advise about the suitability of Windspot on your particular site.

For a registered installer near you go to www.windsearch/installers or call 0333 9001919 (National Rate) 07890783662 (mobile)

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Renewables

Are you making the most from your land, buildings and roofs?

If you have a large amount of farmland, roof and building space but only use a fraction of it, you could benefit greatly from housing a sustainable energy technology. ot only will you become less reliant on centralised energy and reduce your carbon footprint, you will also see financial rewards in the way of Government incentives.

The Feed in Tariff (FiT) is one of these incentives, which encourages people to install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems by offering payments for the energy generated. Solar PV, a renewable energy technology, uses the Sun’s endless power to convert into energy. Fitted either on the ground or roof, it can give you great FiT paybacks as well as reduce your energy bills.

As a subsidiary company of Waxman Group, with over 50 years’ experience in the distribution industry, Waxman Energy has developed a strong brand portfolio with some of the world’s largest and well known Solar PV manufacturers. One of the UK’s key distributors of Solar

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PV systems, which encompass PV panels, inverters and ground and roof mounting solutions, Waxman Energy focuses on providing quality products from reputable companies.

Being an established distributor, Waxman Energy works with key installers to give you excellent support, with a free design service where optimum panel placement is considered and yield calculated before installation.

Waxman Renewables, another arm of the Waxman Group, can offer biomass energy solutions together with other renewable heat technologies and could provide you with the equipment necessary to create an environmentally friendly energy source that offers you reliable paybacks. These come in the form of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which is an important Government scheme.

The RHI offers substantial financial benefits for heat generated from biomass systems where for each

Solar PV

Have you considered Solar PV?

Make the most of your farm space or roof top and install Solar Panels Panels to receive payment for the energy Feed in Tariff Tariff (FiT). you generate, thanks to the Feed 01422 374114

Waxman Renewables

Biomass mass How about Biomass?

Heat your building with a biomass wood pellet boiler and earn significant paybacks from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

info@waxmanrenewable info@waxmanrenewables.co.uk s.co.uk

01422 374114

www www.waxmangroup.co.uk .waxmangroup.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

and carbon emissions, making your investment worthwhile.

Waxman Energy has developed a strong brand portfolio with some of the world’s largest and well known Solar PV manufacturers

Solar advice for farmers during Climate Week FARMERS are being invited to a free solar advice clinic this March (2014) hosted by a solar panel installation company based in the South West.

Waxman Energy

info@waxmanenergy info@waxmanenergy.co.uk .co.uk

Kilowatt hour of heat produced a fixed tariff is payable.

Waxman Renewables supplies wood pellet boilers from WES, a reputable Southern Irish company.

By burning biomass pellets, you can heat a large space and qualify for the favourable RHI payback tariff. In addition to the excellent investment opportunity of having biomass, you can reduce fuel bills

he team at Solar Systems is hosting the complimentary advice sessions at its offices in Somerset on March 6 from 8am until 6pm as part of Climate Week (March 3 until 9).

Phil Grabham, Managing Director of Solar Systems, explained: “We are supporting Climate Week by inviting farmers who would like information on solar power to free advice clinics.

“The aim of the week is to highlight solutions and positive steps to enable people to live and work more sustainably and help combat climate change.

Cutting down on carbon emissions is one of the most important things we can do to help.

“Converting to renewable energy sources such as solar power is just one of the ways people can do this. Our experienced team will be able to advise farmers on the benefits of installing solar panels as well as answer any questions they may have.

“Ideally we would like people to book in for an advice slot, however we won’t turn anyone

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away who just comes along on the day. Alternatively, anyone who isn’t able to attend in person can call us on 01823 481 329.”

Solar Systems is a specialist in solar technologies. The company has a wealth of experience in the design and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermal panels for homeowners, land owners and businesses across the South West.

Phil added: “We will be able to give farmers advice on planning permission and financing for solar projects.

“We can also advise them on the options available using solar to provide power to any outbuildings not currently on the grid.”

The free advice sessions take place on Thursday, March 6 from 8am until 6pm at Solar Systems’ offices on Windmill Hill in Ashill near Ilminster.

For further information or to book a slot, please call Solar Systems on 01823 481 329, visit www.solarsystemslimited.co.uk, or follow the company on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/solarsystems1.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Sprayers

Operation Silo: Thames Valley Police investigate distribution of illegal pesticides Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the distribution and use of illegal pesticides, including counterfeits, across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. llegal pesticides have been found in increasing amounts across the UK and Europe and Thames Valley Police have a particular interest in illegal pesticides, not just because of the risks they pose to the rural communities, but the links to organised crime gangs. There is growing evidence that the illicit activities of such gangs finance other serious crimes such as human trafficking and international terrorism.

Chief Superintendent Gilbert Houalla, Head of Neighbourhood Policing and Partnerships said: “The Health and Safety Executive has shown that this illegal activity is happening across the UK. Our job at the moment is to investigate to what level, if any, it is happening across the Thames Valley.

“We are working closely with the industry which is providing farmers and growers with advice to minimise the risks of buying and using illegal pesticides through the nationwide ‘Watch Out’ campaign.

“The campaign is also being supported by research conducted by Harper Adams University into the threat posed to UK agriculture by counterfeit pesticides.

“This type of crime is very difficult to identify and spot happening and receiving intelligence will be a vital part of our investigation, which is where members of the public and more importantly, members of the rural and farming community and pesticide industry will come in.

“Please be on the lookout for anything suspicious, or unusual about any pesticide product you have either been offered or which you have bought and call our 101 to report it, quoting Operation Silo.”

What should you look out for?

• Does the product look or smell unusual?

• Have you been offered a product which has been described as the same as another but at a discounted rate?

• Have you been sold a product because your first choice was ‘out of stock’?

• Do you have any feelings that a product you have bought isn’t quite right? Are there any unusual symptoms or irregularities?(clogged spray jets / nozzles) etc

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• Is the packaging unusual or not what you would expect?

Dr Richard Byrne, Senior Lecturer in the Land, Farm and Agribusiness Management department at Harper Adams University said: “We are delighted to be working with industry and police partners in this important area of rural crime, as it poses a serious risk to the reputation of British agriculture."

John Claxton from the Health and Safety Executive said: “HSE is pleased to support the initiative by Thames Valley Police. “Europol published a report in 2011 stating 10 per cent of pesticides used across Europe were counterfeit. Current research suggests a more accurate figure is now 15 per cent.

“Counterfeit pesticides, usually imported from China, are not approved for use in the UK or Europe. They present unknown and unquantifiable risks to the safety of the food chain, the environment, professional users and consumers.”

Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association, Nick von Westenholz said: “Genuine crop protection products require many years of investment in research, development and testing to prove safety to human health and the environment. This is not the case with illegal pesticides.

“As an industry we welcome the launch of Operation Silo and the efforts of Thames Valley Police in helping us stamp out the trade in illegal pesticides.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: “This is a serious aspect of rural crime which I have made a priority.

“The illegal sale of counterfeit pesticides is a threat to all through the food chain, as well as to wildlife.

“Thames Valley Police now take all aspects of rural crime with the utmost seriousness.”

What are illegal pesticides and what are the dangers?

There is a trend whereby active ingredients are being imported into the European Union and made into unauthorised packaged pesticide products, intended to be sold illegally.

In addition, illegal pesticides which are ready

for sale are also being imported.

Illegal pesticides are being passed off as legitimate products, which have not been tested or approved for sale and are completely unregulated. Because there is no way of knowing what ingredients these illegal substance contain, there could be a risk to human health, food, the environment and the livelihood of the farming communities.

“This type of crime is very difficult to identify and spot happening” Other dangers these illegal pesticides could pose include: • Crop failures • Risk to wildlife, soil and water • Unknown residues could be left in soil (contaminating future crops) and food products.

• Endanger the health to those who are spraying the crops Please act on any suspicions you may have and call Thames Valley Police as soon as possible via the 24-hour non-emergency number 101 and mention ‘Operation Silo’. If you do not want to speak to police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sprayers

Trailed sprayer provides increased output and flexibility for Scottish estate The increased flexibility offered by a trailed sprayer is being appreciated by the 880ha Meikleour Estate Trust near Perth. he estate purchased a 6000 litre, 36m Chafer Sentry last spring.

“We took on another employee to operate the sprayer, and he and his sprayer tractor can be deployed to other jobs outside the key spraying periods” explains farm manager Colin Mitchell. “It keeps him busy year round and gives us another tractor to use.”

The Sentry replaced a Challenger 418 self-propelled, but brought an increase in capacity that means that the spraying outfit is fully on top of a workload that includes applying home mixed 22% nitrogen liquid fertiliser.

“Choosing Chafer was an easy decision – the Challenger had a Chafer spray pack that had proved to be long lasting and reliable.

Plus Chafer will build a sprayer to your precise specification,” Mr Mitchell explains.

The 36m boom was specified to cut the number of tramlines needed in the vegetable crops – the estate grows 120ha of potatoes and 40ha of carrots, while the 6000l tank gives the capacity to apply fertiliser to the cereals in one fill per field, he points out.

Spraying is carried out at a wide range of rates, from 100l/ha on cereals to as much as 1200l/ha when applying liquid fertiliser, and Mr Mitchell comments that the Sentry’s hydraulically driven

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650l/min centrifugal pump is plenty powerful enough.

The 6000l trailed sprayer cuts an impressive figure, but Mr Mitchell says that with the outfit on big tyres for early work and the weight spread over three axles, ground pressure is not an issue.

“You don’t have to fill the sprayer right up – it is flexible enough to go out with a quarter of a tank if conditions dictate.”

“Choosing Chafer was an easy decision – the Challenger had a Chafer spray pack that had proved to be long lasting and reliable. Plus Chafer will build a sprayer to your precise specification.”

Nozzles are fitted to a quad holder, with the Chafer dribble bars attached to an additional single nozzle body on same spray line, giving an easy changeover from chemicals to fertilisers. “If the weather deteriorates, the operator can simply fill up with fertiliser, switch the nozzles from the cab and go and apply the liquid fertiliser in the afternoon,” says Mr Mitchell.

Garford’s Robocrop Spot Sprayer wins Institution of Agricultural Engineer’s (IAgrE) Ivel Innovation Award Market Deeping based farm machinery manufacturer Garford Farm Machinery Ltd has won the Ivel Award for best new product or environmental innovation for its Robocrop Spot Sprayer. he award was presented at LAMMA and Philip Garford Managing Director commented: “Being a LAMMA exhibitor since almost the start of the show, LAMMA awards are always that bit more special to us at Garfields and we are thrilled to receive the Ivel award.

The Spot Sprayer is the latest in the Garford Robocrop family.

It uses the Robocrop imaging system, which in case of the spot sprayer, firstly defines the position of the crop and then looks for clumps of weeds growing between or amongst the row which it then targets with a special jet of weedkiller in order to kill the weed but avoid contact with the crop.

The Robocrop sprayer has been developed in partnership with Tillett Hague Technology, prompted by the impending withdrawal of key herbicides, particularly those used for volunteer potato control in onion

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Phillip Garford MD of Garford Machinery receiving the Ivel award from IAgrE President Andy Newbold

and carrot crops.

Daniel George of Coleg Sir Gar, was also presented with the IAgrE student award at LAMMA

by IAgrE’s CEO Alastair Taylor.

This award is designed to encourage and recognise innovation and excellence by students of subjects related to the application of engineering and technology to the land based sector.

Daniel’s project was wheel assist (mobile wheel remover for large machinery). Professor Miller who was part of the judging panel said: “This project addressed what the Awards Panel considered to be an important problem in a way that was practically relevant and that could be exploited commercially.

The submitted material demonstrated that the student had very effectively defined and documented the stages in producing a prototype unit and had completed a good analysis of the potential for this design.”

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Renewables

Contact your local participating dealer Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01952 881000

Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211

Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325

A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988

Bromyard, Herefordshire Tel: 01885 488884 Chester, Cheshire Tel: 01829 749391

34 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552

Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Another winning year for LAMMA Record-breaking attendance at LAMMA show’s first visit to Peterborough. rganisers of the agricultural industry’s leading farm machinery, equipment and services event have reported a record-breaking attendance at the show’s new Peterborough home.

Over 900 exhibitors from around the UK, Europe and as far away as India attended LAMMA at Peterborough Arena and the East of England Showground (Jan 22/23) – using the venue’s 250 acres of outdoor and indoor space

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to showcase their products to the 40,000 plus visitors.

Machinery and equipment worth millions of pounds from across the agricultural and farming spectrum packed the main exhibition hall – with global industry names attracting crowds to their stands around the showground and exhibition areas.

For many exhibitors, their business for the year revolves around LAMMA – and feedback from organisers is that a number

Peterborough Arena managing director Keith Dalton and Briefing Media group finance director Rupert Levy

of exhibitors had a record day on the first day of the show.

A larger venue in a central location were among the key reasons cited by organisers, Briefing Media, for moving the event from the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground to new Peterborough location.

Briefing Media group finance director Rupert Levy said: “The event has been a tremendous success and the fact that we have moved to a central location like Peterborough has contributed to an increase in visitors, leading to a record year in terms of attendance.

“What started off as a relatively small farming show in Lincolnshire more than 30 years ago has grown into an international event. We chose Peterborough Arena and the East of England Showground as it is one of the few venues in the UK that can hold such a large number of exhibitors – with the indoor and outdoor space allowing them to show off their machinery in the best possible way.

“LAMMA will definitely be back in 2015 and we are looking to grow it and make it even better.”

Keith Dalton, managing director at Peterborough Arena said: “This has been the largest show in Peterborough for many years, where not only have exhibitors been able to fill their order books at a trade event of this kind, but which has brought additional

revenue into the city in terms of hotel and guest house bookings across the city, while local retailers and pubs will also have felt direct benefit.

“For us as a venue, this has been a huge coup and we are thrilled that the organisers’ experience has been a positive one and look forward to welcoming LAMMA back next year.”

“This has been the largest show in Peterborough for many years, where not only have exhibitors been able to fill their order books at a trade event of this kind, but which has brought additional revenue into the city in terms of hotel and guest house bookings across the city, while local retailers and pubs will also have felt direct benefit.”

Within the first two hours of the show opening, 9,000 cars had come through the gates and were safely parked at the venue, with head chef Gregg Pryce and his team serving 2,300 breakfasts to hungry visitors and exhibitors on the first day.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 35

| LAMMA

Patchwork showcases cost saving implement control systems At LAMMA 2014, Patchwork will demonstrate the cost saving and accuracy advantages of its cutting-edge BlackBox implement control systems.

lackBox Go and Advance models from Patchwork are true 4th Generation GPS systems which bring essential cost saving features at a more manageable price than comparable models. Each unit sold is also covered by lifetime UKbased support.

Underpinning the range is Terrain Compensation which is included as standard on both models. This is a crucial feature on GPS systems for agriculture and is fundamental to accuracy. GPS effectively sees the world as level ground, so any slope distorts the true position of the tractor and its implements at ground level. The steeper the gradient, the higher the inaccuracy.

As little as a 3 degree slope will create an error of 13.08 cm. By 10 degrees the error is a hugely significant 43.41cm. Clearly, when operating on a slope without terrain compensation, work can very quickly become highly inaccurate and a GPS system provides incorrect guidance. Irregular ground can compound the error further.

Terrain Compensation automatically calculates and allows for this error, eradicating the inaccurate data being received by the GPS and presenting the driver with an accurate picture of the true position on the ground.

Patchwork Commercial Director, Sue Davies said: “Listening to what UK farmers want, we have continually updated our products to remain a genuine leader in the

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field of precision control technology.

“When compared to products with like-for-like features, BlackBox consistently comes in at a lower price than others on the market but can match the performance of any of the higher priced competition.

“Significantly, Terrain Compensation comes as standard on all our models but is an expensive option on many others.

Without terrain compensation any claims regarding accuracy levels are irrelevant.

Underpinning the range is Terrain Compensation which is included as standard on both models.

“Furthermore, custom fitting kits and built-in section control technology ensures the BlackBox systems are compatible with, and able to control, a vast range of implements including drills, planters, sprayers, spreaders and steering from most leading manufacturers. This genuinely marks the transition from guidance and steering through to implement control, which is where the major cost savings can be made for farmers and contractors alike.

“Research shows that even on small farms, BlackBox will pay for itself within a relatively short period of time - leading to significant cost savings from that point on.”

36 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

Night spotting made easy New improved, safer & more accurate night vision from MLS. istributed by MANS Location Services (MLS), the NiteSite Spotter is a handheld night vision device using infrared technology to provide distinct night vision at a distance of over 400 metres in total darkness.

Whether it is for security, finding lost or injured livestock or tracking down pests good night vision is a huge asset to anyone working in the countryside at night. The design of NiteSite Spotter provides just that. Its design allows for the operator to have their head up and remain mobile giving a wide field of view.

The NiteSite Spotter features an impressive 20x optical zoom, which can be quickly and easily adjusted and refocused as an operator pans around. It also has a battery that provides two hours of continuous use and can be fully re-charged in 7-8 hours. It can be used almost immediately as it can be switched on and functioning within seconds. Its focus and zoom controls are perfectly positioned to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users and can be easily operated

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with or without gloves.

The NiteSite Spotter is fully BS8484 compliant and is ideal for lone workers who need safe, non-confrontational surveillance and it can be used in any conditions as it is fully operational between temperatures of -20°C to 60°C. The NiteSite Spotter features an impressive 20x optical zoom, which can be quickly and easily adjusted and refocused.

Mike Napper, managing director of MLS said: “This is one of the most remarkable and effective products I have ever handled. The NiteSite Spotter is ideal for anyone working in the countryside at night that needs to monitor animal movements or observe potential intruders during the hours of darkness because of its superb range and ease of use.”

Visit www.mansls.com for more information.

Operates with Zero Ambient Light 400+ metre Range 20x Optical Zoom Ideal for :Security Pest Control Animal Search

Supplier of NiteSite Spotter MLS

MANS LOCATION SERVICES LTD +44 (0) 1249 816 181 sales@mansls.co.uk www.mansls.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

BKT radial tyres Agrimax Teris - perfect for harvesting and reaping machines Excellent traction, reduced soil compaction, high load capacity, prime resistance to stress of any kind, maximum comfort: these are the characteristics of the BKT branded product range. he combination of excellent traction with reduced soil compaction is one of the features distinguishing the radial tyres of the Agrimax Teris series, which are specifically designed for state-of-the-art harvesting and reaping vehicles.

The particular casing structure, combined with a wide footprint area, ensures a high load capacity even at low pressures as well as good flotation properties on all kinds of soil.

The special sidewall design protects the tyre from damages and the reinforced tread belts provide a high resistance to all kinds of stress, such as the penetration of objects in the field.

These features result in unparalleled stability and extraordinary comfort, which is appreciated by the drivers of vehicles equipped with Agrimax Teris.

The Agrimax Teris series is available in the following sizes: 750/65 R 26, 650/75 R 32, 800/65 R 32, 900/60 R 32, 1050/50 R 32 and 620/75 R 26. The new size 620/75 R 30 will soon be launched onto the market. Visit us at bkt-tires.com Kirkby Tyres & Wheels: UK distributor for BKT Kirkby Tyres and Wheels, BKT distributor for

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the UK market, with over sixty year's experience is one of the largest tire and wheel ‘full line wholesalers and distributors’ in Europe. Its warehousing facilities are located in Liverpool (UK).

Kirkby Tyres offers its customers a wide range of services, from purchase to after-sale, ensuring the best efficiency during the whole selling process. A flexible logistics and a widespread presence on the UK market allows Kirkby to guarantee a dynamic and efficient distribution of BKT tires.

That’s why this company results to be the ideal partner for BKT, who has chosen to rely on Kirkby for the distribution of its AG and OTR products in UK. A large stock of BKT agricultural, forestry, construction, industrial, ATV, lawn & garden and OTR Tires are always available in order to satisfy every kind of customers requests in the short term.

This successful partnership between manufacturer and distributor, built on Kirkby’s expertise and know-how and on BKT highquality range of products, offers UK end-users the highest satisfaction and the best experience during their Off-Highway activities. Visit www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 37

| LAMMA

Innovations at LAMMA

Master Driers at LAMMA

Jeff Goulding, Farm Services Director, Muddy Boots Software highlights three innovations that caught his eye.

New generation of Master Driers on show.

his year’s LAMMA show had a lot on offer, in addition to the mud of course which has come to be an expectation at any sort of UK farming event! As I walked around the show there were a number of things that caught my eye but there were three innovations in particular that really stood out.

The first, which is always a hot topic, is the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs. In the crops industry there are a lot of applications for this technology.

There is huge interest in its use for scanning, taking pictures and sending crop and yield capability. It is also useful as a means of scouting crop performance and yield potential as UAVs are able to carry a video camera. As they fly over the crop, they give the agronomist a view of the land they wouldn’t normally be party to. Most significantly perhaps is its ability to allow the agronomist to cover more acres in a timely manner.

The second interesting innovation was around controlled traffic farming or CTF. This enables a farmer to control the traffic on their farm by GPS, steering tractors, spreaders, cultivators etc, ensuring

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they all travel the same route year in and year out. So for example if you have a 36 metre sprayer, you may have a 6 metre drill and a 12 metre combine – CTF means the wheels of the machines are always travelling the same route and therefore the areas in between remain untouched. This greatly benefits the farmer by reducing soil compaction, to better root development, reducing run off and providing better drainage for an improved yield.

The final innovation that really stood out to me was the increasing use of rubber tracks rather than tyres. These are now being used on all sorts of machinery. Typically anything with tyres will have a high impact on soil but with rubber tracks there is a far lighter footprint in addition to improved traction, saving machinery from damaging the crops and soil.

LAMMA is always great for the latest and greatest for the farmer and agronomist and this year was no different. It will be great to see how these farming innovations support and grow the farming industry and the effect they will have on the farms capacity to produce a quality product.

he 2014 range of Master Driers that were on display at this year’s LAMMA show incorporated many new features.

The popular 12 Ton Model is fully Galvanised and the whole range introduces ‘New Age’ Technology which can be personalised to meet individual requirements, with capacities from 10 Ton - 45 Ton and flexibility in specification. We have also imposed a price freeze! All models are available for a limited period at 2012 retail prices!

The principle of drying remains the same, but, the emphasis has been to make Master Driers ‘user’ friendly. They offer efficient drying and simplified operation with manual or automatic programmes.

The new operating systems are incorporated in both the Electric and PTO driven Driers.

These operating systems include an Audible Alarm or Auto ‘Cut Off’ which will alert the Operator when the Drier is loaded, to avoid overflow of grain. Also included as an option is an internal Moisture Meter for monitoring temperature and moisture.

The Master Eye Telephone Combinator Messaging System will keep you in touch with your Drier, alerting the operator when drying is

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completed or if the Drier is in need of attention.

One unique standard feature on all models is the “3 Stage Burner”. It is designed with three fuel nozzles which operate in any sequence to give a wide range of temperatures.

The main advantage is that it is not necessary to change the fuel jet which simplifies the operation of the burner when drying different crops.

This option is available at no extra charge!

Electric Drive Models are becoming more popular as they can be fully automated and are operated by a small Siemens Computer Unit with ‘Touch screen’ controls. Incorporating a comprehensive menu control panel which gives the Operator many options depending on the crop being handled, allowing for burner ‘operating control’ and ‘top up’ facilities to compensate for shrinkage. All programmes are offered with full Automatic Mastermatic ‘Touch’ Screen Control System with manual override, all of which allows the crop to be dried to meet individual circumstances.

Again this option is available at no extra charge!

Contact Master Driers on 01787 228450 or visit www.masterfarm.co.uk

Pushing the limits in precision planting

Tempo Those seeking efficiency and accuracy, even at high speeds, in a planter need look no further than Tempo. The unique seed metering system shoots the seed down with the aid of pressurised air and ensures high precision, irrespective of driving speed.

Tempo T

Tempo F

Tempo R

Widths from 6-7 rows

Widths from 6-8 rows

Widths from 4-12 rows

www.vaderstad.com

38 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Sheep

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| LAMMA

CLAAS celebrate 10 years of tractor expansion CLAAS UK is celebrating 10 years of CLAAS tractors in 2014, recognising the sale of the first CLAAS tractor in the UK in 2004, following the formation of the CLAAS Tractor division the previous year. he 10 years since CLAAS bought a majority share in Renault Agriculture have been ones of considerable change. From Renault’s fairly small market share centred on its French home market, CLAAS has grown to become one of Europe’s major tractor manufacturers and a leader in tractor development.

In the UK, against a general reduction in overall tractor sales over the past 10 years, CLAAS has consistently bucked the trend, with a consistent increase in sales and market share.

Central to the success of CLAAS Tractor over the last 10 years has been the commitment to an intensive investment programme in both the production facilities and model ranges that has totalled over 500 million Euros to date. At the Le Mans factory this has included the development of a completely new cab assembly line and the installation of one of the most advanced, environmentally friendly paint application systems in Europe.

In terms of tractor product development, the last 10 years have seen the complete range replaced nearly two-and-a-half times, which is more than any other manufacturer.

The number of models offered has grown from five ranges with power outputs from 75-250hp to currently nine ranges with power outputs from 72hp up to 525hp,

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and within this CLAAS offers one of the largest ranges of model variants of any manufacturer on the UK market.

Over 100,000 tractors have now been manufactured and the rise in sales, helped by the best selling ARION range, is evident in the fact that CLAAS has manufactured 25,000 tractors in the last two years alone. In 10 years, European sales have increased by 30% and CLAAS are well on track to achieve a sales target of 25,000 tractor sales a year by 2018.

As with other leading products in the CLAAS product range, machine and operator efficiency

are key drivers in the company’s tractor product development.

CLAAS has rapidly become a leader in the development of innovative but practical tractor technology, designed to provide operators with increased outputs and lower running cost.

The success of this policy is more than evident in the fact that in just the last year, CLAAS has: • Been awarded the prestigious European ‘Tractor of the Year’ award for the AXION 850 • Launched the 410hp AXION 950, which is the most powerful conventional tractor on the market and has returned the highest ever drawbar power figure recorded in DLG Powermix tests, recording an average fuel consumption of just 249 g/kWh or 3.64l/ha, (which is 15.4% below the average for this class of tractor), dropping to 222g/kWh at maximum output • Developed the new groundbreaking EQ200 CVT transmission for the ARION CMATIC range, which provides unprecedented efficiency and economy • Introduced the new 215-264hp AXION 800 range, which are the first tractors to meet the highest TIER4 Final emissions regulations However, it’s not just in new tractor sales where CLAAS has revolutionised the market. As the CLAAS share of the UK market

“Over 100,000 tractors have now been manufactured and the rise in sales, helped by the best selling ARION range, is evident in the fact that CLAAS has manufactured 25,000 tractors in the last two years alone.”

continues to grow, CLAAS UK has been the first to provide a manufacturer backed quality assurance scheme for used tractors – CLAAS APPROVED USED & FIELD READY. By thoroughly assessing each used tractor prior to sale, this sets a benchmark for used tractors and ensures that buyers can have confidence when investing in a used CLAAS tractor.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Pigs

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| LAMMA

LAMMA success for BundedTanks.com The company enjoyed an extremely busy show and claimed LAMMA a success, particularly with their free fuel offer. o go alongside show offers, an extra special promotion was launched by BundedTanks.com at LAMMA this year; 150 litres of FREE Red Diesel with every Carbery 6000 litre Fuel Point. This certainly captured the imagination and proved of interest for the many visitors to the BundedTanks stand.

The 6000 litre capacity of this fully equipped and cost effective dispensing tank is considered to have a particular advantage; Users have the ability of replenishing with 5000 litre deliveries (not possible with 5000 litre capacity tanks) and usually at a cost reduction per litre. The 6000 litre Carbery Fuel Point is an ideal large capacity tank and makes a welcome sight where large capacity usually meant a jump from 5000 to 10,000 litres. An extra bonus is the introduction of 12 volt pumps (with battery fly leads), to all Carbery Fuel Points and at no extra charge, making the range even more versatile.

Alongside the Carbery tanks, other fuel and oil tanks were available, including the new well received Cube tank from CEMO, AdBlue solutions, Apollo electronic gauges and a range of accessories including locks, alarms, pumps, IBC’s, spill kits and more.

Aileen Farrugia, Highspeed Group Ltd’s General Manager (seen here left with Caroline Mcglynn-Milner) commented: “This was my first time at LAMMA and what a busy show! We were delighted with the footfall on the stand

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Aileen Farrugia and Caroline Mcglynn-Milner on the BundedTanks stand

and the number of enquiries taken. There were hard bargains being driven and we responded with good show offers”.

Readers who did not commit to an order at the show will be pleased to learn that the show offers from BundedTanks.com will be available until 28th February 2014 to those contacting the company by telephone; 0845 600 3572.

at LAMMA 2014

“This was my first time at LAMMA and what a busy show! We were delighted with the footfall on the stand and the number of enquiries taken.”

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 43

| LAMMA

Spaldings launch a range New Tempo T places of new products and fertiliser when planting ‘weigh in’ 50 tonne of farmers at LAMMA N In 2012 Väderstad launched Tempo T as a seed-only version...

Spaldings have reported another successful LAMMA Show, despite the wet weather conditions and change of location. he company displayed a wide selection of their 10,000 products, including a number of new products introduced in the second half of 2013 through to the start of 2014.

Some of the new products on show included their new Livestock range, 55 ltr and 95 ltr ATV Spot Sprayers, Trailer Brake Conversion Kits and the Leica Lightbar Guidance System.

Also on display, was the Dynamic Automatic Weighing System which was well received by farmers. This is a product that Spaldings will now look to bring to the UK in 2014 as a result of positive feedback at the Show. In essence, it is an all axle waterproof weigh bridge, which weighs agricultural vehicles on the move.

It includes a touch screen computer and printing system housed in waterproof case, which can be customised specially to the vehicle being weighed. The 900mm by 800mm platforms are light weight, fully mobile and do not require expensive installation.

As part of the Weigh Bridge display, Spaldings ran a fund raising exercise for R.A.B.I. whereby they agreed to donate £10 per tonne of visitors that were weighed in. Some farmers were shy about being weighed but Spaldings managed to weigh in nearly 50 tonne of farmers, which means that £500 will be sent to R.A.B.I.

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ow we present Tempo T with fertiliser. Tempo T with combi is available as a 6 or 7 row machine. The machine is equipped with two medium-size fertiliser hoppers, holding 300+300 litres. An extension can be added to the hopper so that it can hold a total of 1,300 litres. The fertiliser is transported by an air stream to the fertiliser coulters, which are positioned 5cm to the side of the seed row.

Tempo T with combi is equipped with row control. This allows the operator to control each row individually and stop the seed, microgranulate and fertiliser at the same time.

Tempo T with combi can be equipped with three different types of electronics: 1.Control-Station, a robust solution used on most Väderstad seed drills 2.ISOBUS, where the seed drill is controlled by a Virtual Terminal within the tractor

3.Väderstad E-Services application downloaded to an IPad, where communication with the seed drill takes place through WIFI The Tempo technology and concept is designed to achieve exceptional precision at high speed when drilling maize and sunflower.

Väderstad Tempo with combi is available from early 2014. For further information about Tempo or other products, please call us on 01476 581900 or visit www.vaderstad.com/uk

R.A.B.I. regional manager Milly Wastie commented, “The weigh in was a novel and fun way of encouraging farmers to collectively help raise funds for R.A.B.I. We are incredibly grateful to Spaldings for all their support in promoting our cause and raising funds. The money raised will go towards supporting farmers, farm workers and their families with practical and financial assistance.”

For details on products supplied by Spaldings, contact 01522 507 600 or from Republic of Ireland 1800 255 455, email: agsales@spaldings.co.uk or view the catalogue at www.spaldings.co.uk

44 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Grain

Featured Dealers: Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leics LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk Ravenhill Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

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Farmstar Limited Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk

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| LAMMA

LAMMA success kicks off landmark year for Kubota Kubota UK’s 35th year celebrations went off with a bang, sharing the successes of 2013 with a packed roster of visitors on the stand at LAMMA 2014. anuary 2014 ushered in 35 years of operation in the UK market for the marketleading tractor and groundcare manufacturer, and key to Kubota’s display at LAMMA was the launch of its new extended warranty package – Kubota Care.

“Kubota Care demonstrates our enduring commitment to add value to the service we provide to our customers,” says Dave Roberts, MD, Kubota UK. “We firmly believed our customers would welcome this move for an enhanced aftersales package, and the warm reception from visitors at LAMMA proves there’s a real appetite for it amongst existing and prospective customers.”

Kubota Care does exactly what its name implies; ensuring tractors are cared for against any unforeseen repair costs during the first five years of its life.

Customers simply decide the service hour usage most appropriate to them and the cost of the scheme is relative to the hours usage purchased: 2000hrs

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(free of charge), 3000hrs, 4000hrs or 5000hrs. If, for example, the forecasted use is only 3000hrs over a 5-year period, then the Kubota Care premium and service cost will be tailored accordingly.

In addition to the flagship customer care package, LAMMA also welcomed a host of visitors to the stand, who were keen to find out more about not only its full range of tractors, excavators and utility vehicles, but also of Kubota’s continued European expansion. Guests were eager to discover more about the announcement in late 2013, regarding the opening of a new French factory, which will mark the beginning of manufacturing Kubota’s upland farming 130170hp tractor range. Mass production is due to commence in April 2015.

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the construction, groundcare and agricultural sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

46 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

50 year milestone for NH New Holland celebrates 50 years of tractors at Basildon with the Golden Jubilee T7 and T6 models launched at LAMMA 2014. ew Holland’s Basildon plant will celebrate half a century of continuous tractor operations in 2014. To commemorate this important milestone, exclusive Golden Jubilee editions of the T7.270 Auto Command and T6.160 Auto Command will be produced and a range of celebratory events will take place throughout the year.

These exclusive tractors were unveiled at the LAMMA Show for the first time. They will only be built during the Jubilee year, limiting their number to create two future Basildon icons.

In addition to these two celebratory tractors, all models produced in Basildon in 2014 will feature a special 50th anniversary decal, which recalls the elegant lines of the T6 and T7 tractor ranges.

“The New Holland plant at Basildon has been at the centre of our tractor operations for 50 years.

Today it produces tractors in the 120 – 270hp range, which are helping farmers and contractors across the globe to farm in an ever more productive, sustainable and efficient manner.” Stated Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland Agriculture.

He added: “These exclusive Golden Jubilee editions celebrate the unparalleled success of both the T7.270 Auto Command and the T6.160 Auto Command. The special events will also provide us with the opportunity to say thank you to the generations of colleagues who have contributed to New Holland’s success.”

Half a century of making tractor history The construction of a purpose built factory for the fully integrated production of tractors began in

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1962, and the 15th May 1964 saw the very first tractors go down the production line of Europe’s most modern tractor manufacturing facility. A quarter of a century later, in 1989, over two million engines had been produced and the now iconic Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee model was launched to commemorate this important milestone. Another key year for Basildon was the unveiling of the state-of-the-art visitors’ centre in 2012, the same year the plant achieved Bronze World Class Manufacturing status and the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, visited the factory.

“These exclusive Golden Jubilee editions celebrate the unparalleled success of both the T7.270 Auto Command and the T6.160 Auto Command.”

Since 1964 over 1.6 million tractors and 3.1 million engines have been produced at Basildon.

Today the plant employs more than one thousand people dedicated to producing industryleading tractors. The facility can accommodate more than 10,000 different product specifications and 85% of total production is exported across the globe.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Basildon Cambridge Crawley Derby Harlow

(01268) 522633 (01223) 835222 (01293) 571707 (01332) 205000 (01279) 427300

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Luton Penrith Preston Swansea

(01582) 597050 (01768) 210055 (01772) 620111 (01792) 310031

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Machinery

New website at the hub of UK farming Farming is an industry steeped in tradition but more farmers than ever are turning to the web to run their businesses. mong them is Welsh livestock and arable farmer Lawrence Couzens but he spotted a way to simplify the process of buying and selling. This led to the launch of Farming Hub, an online site selling everything from machinery and livestock to

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farmland and grass seed.

“I had worked in agriculture all over the UK but I found it difficult to find businesses to supply the products and services I needed. I just wanted to go to one site and find what I needed whether it was machines, oil, seed, spray, livestock or grain,’’ explained

Discover AGCO free to enter show at NEC In a brand-new event in the farming calendar, AGCO is to showcase its full line-up of leading farm machinery brands, latest technology and extensive support services at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) 26-27 February 2014. oth entry and car parking at Discover AGCO are free and the event will feature live presentations and displays from Challenger, Fendt, Fella, GSI, Massey Ferguson and Valtra.

Highlighting every application and farming sector, the exciting show will include tractors, harvesting machinery, application equipment, groundscare, materials handling and grain storage solutions. In addition, all visitors will have the opportunity to Discover AGCO for themselves in a speciallyconstructed multimedia theatre experience. There will also be a programme of special agricultural seminars from leading speakers plus exhibits from over 40 agricultural suppliers. AGCO has applied for seminar delegates to accrue points towards their BASIS and NRoSO accreditation schemes.

“The event is a major new concept from AGCO – our very

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own agricultural machinery show, at the right time and in the right place,” says David Sleath, AGCO Director Sales, and Country Manager, UK and Ireland. “The emphasis is firmly on interactivity and there will be plenty of kit and technology for showgoers to experience.

Discover AGCO will enable us to meet up with current customers and those who don’t know us so well, and spend quality time discussing how AGCO machinery can be of value to their businesses.”

“The entire AGCO UK and Ireland Sales and Aftersales teams will be at the show and it will be an ideal opportunity to share thoughts and ideas on machinery needs both for today and tomorrow,” David adds.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and Ireland who will be set for an inspiring, entertaining and informative day out!”

48 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

Lawrence, who worked on dairy, beef, pig and arable farms before returning home to the family farm in Pembrokeshire.

“I wanted a site where I could buy and sell farm machinery, livestock, animal feed and bedding, fertiliser, you name it, anything related to agriculture. We even have a jobs section that allows farm workers to look for positions and for farmers to recruit staff.’’

When he was setting up the website an important criteria was that it should be straightforward and easy to use.

Lawrence was also keen to generate feedback on sellers – but for buyers to have a major input too. A key feature therefore is an opportunity for buyers to give their opinion on the companies listed on the site.

Using a star rating system, suppliers are ranked from poor to excellent; users who post a ranking are encouraged to leave an explanatory comment. “It is a means of making it easier for farmers and other buyers to buy from a reliable dealer,’’ Lawrence said.

At the hub of farming: Lawrence Couzens’ new online marketing site is a one-stop shop for a whole range of farming services.

And it will encourage suppliers to deliver the best service possible. “It’s an opportunity for customers to shout about those who are doing a good job,’’ Lawrence added.

Every week, Farming Hub highlights the five dealers who achieve the highest rating, and get premium advertising on the home page.

“I had worked in agriculture all over the UK but I found it difficult to find businesses to supply the products and services I needed.”

The site www.farminghub.co.uk - also points users towards haulage services with maps pinpointing where they are in relation to the goods that need hauling and their intended destination.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Machinery

John Deere at Precision Pirtek a ‘lifeline’ for FA Farming 2014 Priday & Sons Ltd John Deere’s latest precision farming technology and innovative dealer services, brought together under the FarmSight banner, are designed to increase machine performance and uptime while reducing costs.

DLink wireless communication between the farm, its equipment and the John Deere dealership enables remote support, proactive maintenance and effective fleet management. By monitoring and analysing machine usage, operating hours and average engine load, field and transport operations can be made more productive and fuel efficient.

With John Deere’s awardwinning Remote Display Access (RDA), for example, the dealer can remotely view a machine’s GreenStar 3 2630 display and advise the operator how to correct tractor and implement or other vehicle settings for maximum efficiency, as well as carry out operator training.

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In addition to dealers in different parts of the country providing their own RTK networks, John Deere has recently established a new partnership with Leica Geosystems to provide mobile phone network RTK (NRTK) corrections via its UK and Irish dealers, for repeatable, highly accurate precision farming applications down to +/-2.5cm.

The company’s latest mobile RTK offering has three different components. Firstly, the John Deere Mobile RTK Modem provides the connection to the RTK corrections over the mobile phone network, and allows customers to choose their own service provider.

Secondly, John Deere Mobile RTK Access gives customers access to third party RTK corrections, and allows automatic RTK Extend and satellite-based SF2 signal correction down to +/5cm, to increase reliability during field operations when the mobile phone service is interrupted.

Thirdly, the partnership provides access to the Leica Geosystems

NRTK correction service for all agricultural customers in the UK and Ireland. Using this service, Leica Geosystems will be the preferred supplier of Mobile RTK corrections, and provide annual subscriptions through the John Deere dealer network.

In addition to the satellite GPS signal, Mobile RTK correction data is sourced from a countrywide pool of existing base stations, so users don’t need to invest in their own. A centrally located server calculates the correction signal, which is then transmitted via the mobile phone network to the vehicle, equipped with the John Deere Mobile RTK modem and a StarFire 3000 receiver. This maintains continuous data connection, even in difficult terrain or across wide geographical areas.

Alongside these latest developments, John Deere’s new web portal MyJohnDeere.com has been designed to serve as a central resource for customers, so they can access a variety of relevant machinery and business applications to help in daily decision making and farming operations.

A single login leads to the various John Deere apps, such as JDLink and StellarSupport.

MyJohnDeere.com also includes a new Operations Centre app, which provides a quick overview of any equipment’s current location and the work progress of individual machines on a map.

The company’s latest mobile RTK offering has three different components.

A new Data and Account Management system has also been developed within MyJohnDeere.com, to ensure secure data handling and protection. Accounts are set up so that only the customer controls data access.

Further details of John Deere’s full range of precision farming products and services will be available on the company’s stand at the Precision Farming Event, being held at the Peterborough Arena on Wednesday 5th March 2014, or visit www.JohnDeere.co.uk

50 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

The ongoing support provided by Pirtek’s Gloucester Hose Centre is helping safeguard production for local agricultural contractor, FA Priday and Sons Ltd. loucester-based agricultural contractor FA Priday and Sons Ltd is safeguarding its productivity and profitability by using Pirtek Gloucester to handle all its onsite emergency hydraulic hose replacements. The company, which runs a broad range of equipment for both internal and contracting applications, has been a Pirtek Gloucester customer for more than 6 years.

Unusual Fittings Founded by Fred Priday in 1966, Priday currently employs 11 people and operates a full range of agricultural and hire equipment including Claas Combines, JCB wheeled loaders and telehandlers, and Takeuchi mini excavators.

The company offers a yearround contracting service, commencing in February with ploughing and cultivating to drilling and silaging, running through to combining and baling in the summer months to groundworks, drainage and hedge cutting in the winter. With such a wide range of equipment, Priday needs speedy access to a wide range of spare parts at very short notice.

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“Pirtek give us excellent, fast and reliable service” “We have some excellent John Deere tractors but they have one annoying component; flush-fitting flat faced hose ends.

If one of these fails, we could be facing a 24-hour delay because they are such weird fixings,” explains Richard Priday, son of founder Fred. “But I’ll guarantee if we call Pirtek Gloucester, they will replace the hose and have the machine working within the hour.”

Rapid Response With more than 100 agricultural customers including many that use the company’s trade counter service, Pirtek Gloucester’s licensee Charlie Oakhill recognises the specific needs of the agricultural sector.

“Thanks to the notoriously unpredictable British weather, our agricultural customers have to make maximum use of every hour of available daylight,”

Oakhill asserts. “In particular, agricultural contractors simply cannot afford unplanned equipment downtime.”

This view is echoed by Richard Priday. “Our working windows can be incredibly tight.

Last year we had all the harvesting done by the end of August. Due to the weather this year, it was the end of September. We have to take advantage of every fine day and there is little point arriving on site and then having to wait 24 hours to replace a burst hose,” Richard Priday concludes. “We have been offered equipment to repair our own hoses but I can’t imagine how many components we would have to carry, Pirtek give us excellent, fast and reliable service so we’ll leave our hose replacements to the experts.”

“Pirtek give us excellent, fast, and reliable service, so we leave all our hose replacements to the experts”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

Timber theft prosecution On 4 November 2013 Michael Morgan and Philip Greenham both based in Wales, pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrate’s Court to the theft of around 547 tonnes of timber from the Public Forest Estate in England. aulier Mr Morgan and contractor Mr Greenham each received an 18 month conditional discharge and a fine towards court costs.

A conditional discharge is a criminal record and, if a person is convicted of committing any other offence during the period of the conditional discharge, that person can be sentenced for the subsequent

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offence and re-sentenced for the original offence too.

Prior to his conviction Philip Greenham paid the Forestry Commission for the stolen timber and legal costs. Neither of these individuals will be permitted to conduct their business on the Public Forest Estate in England for the foreseeable future.

Forest Enterprise England staff first noticed missing produce as

part of routine contract security monitoring. The movement of timber from the site was subsequently recorded by cameras placed on the access route and discrepancies noted.

With this information, the police were asked to look into the matter and criminal proceedings were taken forward.

It is understood that Messrs Morgan and Greenham had been cutting produce from a standing sale customer’s parcel and taking it to a local farmer who was buying it at a market rate and chipping it into animal bedding. Mr Morgan and Mr Greenham shared the money paid by the farmer. The police investigation went through their business records to uncover the extent of the theft and this also satisfied the police that the standing sale customer and the farmer were not involved.

The impact of timber theft from the forest, even as an isolated

incident, has significant effects on all others in the supply chain.

Forest Enterprise England staff first noticed missing produce as part of routine contract security monitoring.

Timber from the Public Forest Estate is almost entirely sold on a competitive basis so anyone stealing wood, or bidding with the intention to do so, is competing unfairly. This disadvantages every other bidder as well as the public purse. Staff on the Public Forest Estate carry out a range of security measures to protect timber stocks and as an organisation will always act on evidence of potential theft.

Even if a criminal prosecution does not take place they have the resources to consider civil action and to indefinitely exclude individuals or businesses.

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 51

| ATV

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52 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Forestry

Sussex fungicides may help fight ash dieback and be the key to protecting food crops A new fungicide treatment developed at the University of Sussex is emerging as a weapon in the fight to inhibit growth of Chalara fraxinea, which causes ash dieback, according to initial trials at The Sainsbury Laboratory.

OX fungicides were created in the University of Sussex laboratory of Professor Tony Moore, and have recently been subjected to independent trials in the worldrenowned Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich.

Fungal pathogens are adept at developing resistance to treatments by expressing an enzyme called the alternative oxidase (AOX). The novel compounds formulated by Professor Moore prevent this enzyme from being functional. If developed, these compounds may be effective for longer and need less frequent spraying.

The compounds were particularly effective when combined with a traditional fungicide that targets a different enzyme in the fungus. Professor Moore and his colleagues identified the current target using data made available by The

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Sainsbury Laboratory on infected tree samples. The data are available for other scientists to analyse on the crowdsourcing website OpenAshDieBack.

Professor Moore hopes that in the future, AOX fungicides could also be used to better protect cereal crops from pathogenic fungi. As well as protecting yields, they could lessen the environmental damage caused by multiple applications. The University of Sussex is currently working with the Sussex Innovation Centre to help bring the compounds to market, and is seeking commercial partners to develop AOX fungicides for a range of applications.

If developed further, the treatment could be used on infected nursery stock or ash plantations that are blighted by the ash dieback disease. It is more problematic to use fungicides in native woodland, where spraying is difficult and fungicides may

affect beneficial fungi that help tree nutrition and healthy growth.

Ash dieback has spread rapidly throughout mainland Europe over the past two decades. The fungus was first reported in Britain in early 2012, and current estimates suggest that between 90-99 per cent of the country’s native ash trees could be killed by the disease.

Ian Carter, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University of Sussex, said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see the successful trials of Professor Moore’s innovation that are coming out of The Sainsbury Laboratory. We’re delighted that research at Sussex is producing such promising results and helping to provide solutions to real global problems.”

Dr Diane Saunders, The Sainsbury

Professor Moore hopes that in the future, AOX fungicides could also be used to better protect cereal crops from pathogenic fungi.

Laboratory, said: “This first step in testing the new compounds, on the growth of fungus cultured in the laboratory, was promising. If developed, it could help nursery and plantation owners. It would be particularly useful for protecting trees that are susceptible to the pathogen when young, but which might be more tolerant to it when they are mature.

Our own research is focused on both ash trees and the fungus, with the long term goal to develop a way to select and breed trees able to withstand the disease for generations to come.”

Credit: Forestry.gov

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 53

| ATV

Interest-free finance for four-passenger Gator This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to secure your Gator and attachments - with no interest to pay. special interest-free finance programme is now available to anyone ordering a new John Deere XUV 855D S4 Gator 4x4 utility vehicle and any John Deere Gator attachments.

The scheme, which runs until further notice, is based on 60 per cent of the recommended retail price, with purchasers able to make 1 + 2 annual payments at zero per cent interest.

The new XUV 855D S4 Gator

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was shown on the John Deere stand at LAMMA 2014 in Peterborough, where it lined up alongside other new machines from the John Deere range. This latest Gator model is available in olive & black livery, and can be ordered with a variety of factory and dealer installed options and attachments. The proven 22hp three-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine delivers a top speed of 32mph, and power steering is standard.

54 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

The S4 combines versatile offroad performance, work capability and comfort for up to four passengers. To allow for extra passengers or cargo space, an easily convertible rear bench folds down to provide a flat surface for extra storage. A spacious underseat storage compartment is also included.

Cargo box, towing and payload capacities are 454kg, 680kg and 635kg respectively, and the XUV 855D S4 Gator also features true

This latest Gator model is available in olive & black livery, and can be ordered with a variety of factory and dealer installed options and attachments. on-demand four-wheel drive and fully independent suspension. The vehicle’s base UK list price starts at £14,593 (plus VAT).

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

New Forest Garden Machinery 316-318 Salisbury Road Totton , Southampton Hampshire SO40 3ND 023 8087 1764 www.nfgmltd.co.uk

Nightingales Motorcycles 58-60 Lawford Road Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2EA 01788 573257 www.ngales.com

Off Highway Plant Solutions Tel: 01299 832699 Mob: 07899 848569 Email: ctrent@sphere24.com www.sphere24.com

Two Wheel Centre 1-5 Priory Works, Priory Square, Mansfield Woodhouse Nottinghamshire NG19 9LN 01623 627600 www.twowheel.co.uk

Motorbike-Warehouse 1 Bell Lane East Lane Business Park Wembley HA9 7RB 0208 385 0566 www.motorbike-warehouse.co.uk

Extreme Quads Ltd Unit 5, Fleet Road Industrial Estate Holbeach, Spalding Lincolnshire PE12 8LY 01406 420002 www.extremequads.co.uk

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February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 55

| ATV

Limited period 0% offer from Polaris Polaris is offering a limited period 0% finance offer on all new Polaris utility ATVs and UTVs. he world leader and European No.1 in ATV and Side x Side utility vehicles, Polaris has the widest choice of proven All-Terrain options and accessories.

Business users can arrange interest-free finance on all new Polaris ATVs and Rangers through Polaris finance partners Rural Finance. The scheme offers payments over 24 months at 0% up to a maximum 80% of the Recommended Retail Price and can include up to ÂŁ1,000.00 of accessories, excluding VAT, on genuine Polaris accessories.

Polaris recommends contacting

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your nearest Polaris dealer as soon as possible for full details and any special deals available.

The Ranger Side x Side utility vehicles with the Midsize, Full-Size and CREW offer versatility and muscle, in petrol, diesel, electric 4x4 and Brutus versions with PTO. The legendary Sportsman quads promise the hardest working, smoothest riding, most powerful and rugged ATVs for all types of work, with Value, Premium and 2-up models available. A ProSteel™ Cab for the Ranger, Polaris Winch and Lock and Ride accessories complement the hallmark Polaris features of on-

56 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

demand true All-Wheel Drive and smooth ride.

The availability of the 0% finance is subject to status and terms and conditions. For more information contact Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 www.polarisbritain.com

Business users can arrange interest-free finance on all new Polaris ATVs and Rangers through Polaris finance partners Rural Finance.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Contact your nearest participating dealer...

Farm & Garden Machinery (Bridgnorth) Ltd Unit 9, Livestock & Auction Centre Tasley, Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4QR 01746 769812 www.farm-garden.co.uk/

Abrey Agricultural Pond House Pamphillions Farm Debden, Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3JT 01799 543 208 www.abreyagricultural.com

Drews of Dinton Ltd Hindon Road Dinton Salisbury Wiltshire SP3 5EH 01722 716377 www.drewsofdinton.co.uk

C.J. Keitch Engineering Dunkeswell Airfield Dunkeswell Honition Devon EX14 4LH 01404 891796 www.cjkeitch.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Martin Pears Engineering Three Corners Halwell Totnes Devon TQ9 7JE 01548857956 www.mpearsengineering.co.uk

Cornish Tractors Timberlake Week St Mary Devon EX22 6XG 01288 341326 www.cornishtractors.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Motors

New show of strength for Audi Q7 S Line models Available in conjunction with 3.0 TDI 245PS and 4.2-litre TDI 340PS engines. he Audi Q7 already cuts an imposing figure, but new S line Style Edition and S line Sport Edition versions of the acclaimed seven-seat, air-suspended luxury SUV ramp up its visual impact even further through striking styling enhancements.

The new S line Edition models are available now priced from £52,975 OTR to £64,100 OTR. The S line Style Edition specification is available in conjunction with 3.0-litre V6 TDI 245PS and 4.2-litre V8 TDI 340PS engines, and adds £1,500 to the price of the equivalent Q7 S line plus model in each case. In the S line Style Edition, the standard 21-inch five-segmentspoke alloy wheels are replaced by five-arm rotor design matt titanium-finish wheels of the same size which are exclusive to this model in the Q7 range. These sit beneath a body which looks even more rugged thanks to the addition of an upgraded offroad styling package which includes stainless steel underbody protectors and extended wheel arches flowing into special bumpers with modified lower sections uniquely in the Edition models these are painted in body colour.

Q7 S line Style Edition models include solid, metallic or pearl effect paint as standard in a choice of seven colours – Night black, Teak brown, Lava grey, Orca black, Graphite grey, Daytona grey or Scuba blue.

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The particularly muscular look of the remarkable 500PS Q7 V12 TDI of 2010 provided inspiration for the S line Sport Edition specification. Also available in combination with 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 4.2-litre TDI engines, it carries a premium of £3,000 over S line Plus models. It adds a titanium finish for the 21-inch five-segment-spoke wheels, and a sport styling package including body-coloured wheelarch extensions, enlarged front air intakes with high gloss slats, lower bumper spoilers, stainless steel underbody protection and dual oval exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper. S line Sport Edition specification includes a no-cost choice from all thirteen of the solid, metallic or pearl effect paints available for the Q7 range.

On the top rung of the ladder, the S line Plus specification on which these special edition models are based is fittingly all-encompassing in itself. As well as an upgrade to a 21-inch wheel, it includes features such as privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, supple Verano leather upholstery, stainless steel side running boards, powered tailgate operation, HDD satellite navigation, the Audi parking system advanced with visual and acoustic guidance, the Audi Music Interface and Audi connect bringing the many benefits of the Internet to the car.

Audi Q7 S Line Style Edition

Audi Q7 S Line Sport Edition

All Q7 models offer features such as adaptive air suspension, double glazing and a seven-seat configuration as standard.

The new S line Edition models are available now priced from £52,975 OTR to £64,100 OTR. More sports kit for the Audi Q7 – Even more imposing new S line Style Edition and S line Sport Edition versions of the acclaimed Audi Q7 luxury SUV are now available priced from £52,975 OTR to £64,100 OTR.

Dacia celebrates record-breaking UK anniversary 2013 might have been a turning point for the economy, but cost-conscious Brits, from all classes, continued to make their money work harder than ever. With old school “value for money” sweeping the high street, 12 months ago, one fledgling brand, Dacia, embarked on its mission to shake up the UK car industry with its unique take on “shockingly affordable” motoring. nd what a record-breaking year it’s been. Western European buyers have been snapping up Dacias in their thousands for years. But, because of their stunning success, aside from “I spy” Dacia spots in sunnier climes, like typical Brits, while the French and Germans, among others, eagerly filled their boots, we’d queued up patiently to see what all the fuss was about. All that changed on 17thJanuary, as the Duster and Sandero burst onto the scene. Literally. On that day, the ‘Dacia don’t do frivolity. You Do The Maths’ media campaign hit every media channel, and all main Dacia Retailers had their first Duster SUV and Sandero supermini demonstrator cars available.

Right up until launch, the word on the street and the internet was that there was no way the brand’s bullish aim of offering a new supermini for “significantly less than £7,000”, let alone a spacious, family SUV for “under £10,000” would stack up in the real world. Or, at least with them making a profit. Oh, how wrong they were. With customers queueing up at its showrooms in their droves, awards pouring in, plus two more new models up its sleeve for release later in the year, Dacia fast became the envy of many established rivals right from the start.

Much of it didn’t come as a huge surprise to

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58 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

parent company, Renault. The Dacia brand, already the darling of the automotive industry, continues to ride the crest of a wave. Bucking the trend in many countries with falling sales and ever-decreasing profit margins, it had cleverly carved out its own niche, filling a void left behind by other brands who had their hearts set on becoming more upmarket.

Of course, plenty of us had already seen Dacias and the brand’s value phenomenon sweep across Europe and the Euromed. But, for most, aside from the inimitable James May’s obsession with the brand, this was their first chance to see, touch and drive them for themselves.

The brand came to the UK with one mission.

To shake up the long stagnant new and used UK car markets by offering “shockingly affordable” vehicles with high levels of quality and unrivalled space and equipment for the money. A car from one class for the price of the one below if you like. Or, in the case of Duster, two below. And boy, did the Great British public grasp the concept. With both hands.

While plenty of other car marques struggled, with a winning combination of attractive models, impressive quality and straightforward pricing, Dacia already boasted 5,000 orders for its Duster SUV and Sandero within just eight weeks of them arriving in showrooms in January.

And the success didn’t end there. The brand immediately hit the awards trail, driving off with some of the most prestigious titles in the car industry. In its first year. Even before most had even seen one, Duster picked up the overall Scottish Car of the Year trophy, while its smaller sibling, Sandero followed up the SUV’s success, by snaffling “Best Budget Car” several months later. The new car buyers’ bible, What Car?, wasn’t slow to spot the brand’s potential either. In only its launch month it honoured Sandero with “Best Supermini under £12,000”.

Among other noteworthy trophies throughout the year were several for Duster’s 4x4 and towing abilities, including Caravan Club and Towcar, plus a hat-trick from Carbuyer.co.uk, including Car of the Year, for its “sensational value”.

Dacia fast became the envy of many established rivals right from the start.

So, the best-selling Dacia in 2013 was?

Unsurprisingly, given its unrivalled price, size and 4x4 versions, Duster led the way with 7,830 sales.

The omens aren’t looking too shabby so far for Dacia in 2014 either - the company is setting its sights on smashing that figure this year.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Contact your local participating dealer CJB Great Wall Hertfordshire Tel: 01279 656265 www.cjbmotorsales.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

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PMS Greens Ltd Pembrokeshire Tel: 01437 767767 www.pmscars.com

Ryedale Garages Ltd North Yorkshire Tel: 01751 431343 www.ryedalegarages.co.uk

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 59

2014 SsangYong Rexton W... | Motors

60 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Motors his year sees the introduction of the new SsangYong Rexton W, a revised and refreshed model for 2014 which the company hope will have a wider appeal than the previous offering - we drove the range topping Rexton W EX. The most noticeable changes are to the exterior where the SsangYong designers have updated the front end which previously had a bit of a Mercedes look about it...to one that is quite reminiscent of the newer Merc M Class. Nothing like a bit of parity but it's a decent looker, to my eyes anyway.

Further changes are apparent on the inside too, with an updated look and feel - though still not to the standards of similar rivals. Plastics are slightly better than before with more in the way of 'chrome effect' accents. My pet hate 'dodgy doorhandles' has been addressed here.

To my mind, there is no excuse for poor quality in this area - after all, it's this very tactile interior item that you use every time you get out of the car. If everything else is OK, why leave the driver with a final bad impression when they leave the vehicle? Budget brands are especially guilty of this - and it might pay the 'auto accountants' to spend the few pence extra to make a better impression. Fortunately, on this model, SsangYong have. Not so on the Korando Sports pick-up though - but that's another story. Rant over.

Standard equipment isn't bad at all with entry-level SX cars benefitting from cruise control, electric heated door mirrors, air-con, alloy wheels and Bluetooth. With EX models you can add leather seats, privacy glass, a sunroof and rear parking sensors to that.

DAB radio can be added to either trim for an extra £460, double that to add sat-nav.

Again, SsangYong have gone for an

T

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aftermarket entertainment system in the centre of the dash which covers all angles including said navigation duties. It's a decent enough system but I can't help feeling that it should be unbranded to blend in more and perhaps appear OEM. The large steering wheel has all the controls integrated with a button for everything including gear change - but it does look a bit dated in design. No reach adjustment here either.

The Rexton has always had a spacious cabin (it's not a small vehicle) - and both up-front and behind, passengers get plenty of leg and headroom so finding a comfortable seating position is not difficult. Front passengers get electronically operated seats specified on the EX models.

Seven seats are standard on all new W’s, but you can elect to forgo these and have just five without additional cost (and rightly so). This presents the advantage of a much larger boot area. Whilst on the subject of the boot, the Rexton W does not benefit from any kind of luggage screen such as parcel shelf or toneau cover - so whatever you happen to be carrying will be on display - cue the dog blanket...

Importantly, the Rexton W introduces a new engine to the mix: SsangYong’s own 2.0-litre diesel, also the power plant used in the Korando. Bizarrely, it's the only engine on offer however, you can team it with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox. The auto we tested (still a Mercedes throwback), though smooth, was a bit slow to change and seemed geared pretty long, forcing the engine to work hard to get the best out of it. The auto 'box would still be our pick though.

Most of you will be pulling something behind the Rexton and this is made easier with its 3

“This new generation Rexton is better than before.” tonne towing capacity and plenty of low end torque. In addition, unlike rivals that have gone lighter and more 'upmarket', Rexton offers precious security and stability with its 2 tonne kerb weight - certainly one for horsebox or caravan owners!

So what's the 2014 SsangYong Rexton W like on the road?

Surprisingly quiet and refined we found, and even when pushed hard up the rev range, no vibration was evident. Certainly not 'agricultural' like the previous power plant - just as well because it'll be revving quite a bit, especially when towing or working hard.

Steering is pretty non descript - it is a big lump of a car and is set up soft leading to a fair bit of lean in the corners too. This also causes the Rexton to be a bit fidgety over uneven surfaces but get it on some straight, flat tarmac (we've not got much of that anymore!) and you'll waft along in comfort.

Wind noise, however, might spoil your relaxation - there’s plenty of it which somewhat

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors undoes the benefits of the quietish engine.

It's all sounding a little bit negative isn't it? It gets better....

The Rexton has always been decent 'off piste' and our test involved some extremely sludgy climbs and drops on the standard road tyres. As expected, the Rexton handled the conditions with ease - low range gear settings and hill descent control performing admirably and proving that this is where the Rexton is most at home.

Should I buy one?

Look, let's be frank.

The Rexton isn't really aimed at everyday urban living, is it? It can't be - not with its many failings and drawbacks that other, more mainstream publications have pointed out (many of which we might agree with, in context).

But you, valued reader, quite unsurprisingly are not 'mainstream'. Long distance ride

quality, wind noise at speed, 'old fashioned' interior trim, CO2 emissions, lower resale values...you could go on...but does it matter?

This new generation Rexton is better than before. If you want a brand new, proper 'working' offroader with ample space, a long kit list and the ability to tow just about anything you put on the back of it - for less money than any of its rivals (don't forget the 5 year warranty)?. Then we'd say yes - buy one. Or would you rather a second hand Discovery (and the unreliability that may come with it)?

On the road, however, it's just not up to scratch - but the Rexton isn't really aimed at everyday 'urban' living, is it?

From £21,995 (Model tested: Rexton EX Auto £25,995) Andrew Poulton, Editor

Specification Data Engine size: 2.0-litre diesel (Manual) Price from: £21,995 Power: 153bhp Torque: 265lb ft 0-62mph: tbc Top speed: 108mph Fuel economy: 38.2mpg CO2: 196g/km

Engine size: 2.0-litre diesel (Auto) Price from: £25,995 Power: 153bhp Torque: 265lb ft 0-62mph: tbc Top speed: 109mph Fuel economy: 36.2mpg CO2: 206g/km

Style and substance 7 seater

3 tonne towing capability

Rexton W

Handles the road.

Handles the load.

available from

£21,995*

Selectable 4 x 4 with low range 2.0 litre e-XDi200 diesel engine

Unity Coventry (Carstins) 324 Station Road Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7EF T: 01676 533145 simon@carstins.com www.unityautomotive.co.uk Fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): Urban 28.4 (9.9) - 30.0 (9.4), Extra Urban 42.2 (6.7) – 44.8 (6.3),

Combined 36.2 (7.8) – 38.2 (7.4). CO2 emissions in g/km: 206-196. Model featured is a Rexton 2.0 EX with optional metallic paint priced at £24,995 including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & first registration charge. *Rexton 2.0 SX including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & first registration charge.

62 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

Introducing the new Korando Sports. From £18,295* inc. VAT. A rugged 4x4 pick-up that’s surefooted off road and smooth and composed on the road. With a 155PS turbodiesel engine, 360Nm of pulling power and a spacious and luxurious cabin, Korando Sports is built to tackle any lifestyle - work or leisure. And you can rest easy knowing that Korando Sports comes with a 5 year limitless mileage warranty as standard. What’s stopping you?

Unity Peterborough Newark Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5QJ T: 01733 893704

roy@unityautomotive.co.uk.

www.unityautomotive.co.uk

Fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): Korando Sports: Urban 27.7 (10.2) – 29.4 (9.6), Extra Urban 41.5 (6.8) –

44.1 (6.4), Combined 35.3 (8.0) – 37.7 (7.5). CO2 emissions in g/km: 212 – 199. *Korando Sports SX including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & first Registration charge. Model featured is a Korando Sports EX including optional metallic paint at £20,495.

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64 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Motors

New special edition Volkswagen Amarok VW Amarok Canyon boasts rugged appeal. olkswagen’s multi award-winning Amarok has always challenged traditional pick-up conventions. And now the new special-edition Amarok Canyon has powered to the pinnacle of the range to offer new heights of performance, design and equipment. A limited number of 350 vehicles will be available to UK customers when the Canyon goes on sale on 1 April.

From its specially developed high-shine styling bar to the robust, colour-keyed underride guard, the Amarok Canyon exceeds expectations in terms of technology, engineering and style. Based on the popular Trendline trim but boasting hi tech features as well as distinctive rugged styling, the Amarok Canyon is packed with over £8,500 worth of extra equipment including: satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen,Bluetooth, unique styling bars, 19” Cantera alloy wheels and heated leather seats. Drivers also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, a protective coating for the load area, a matt black roll cover, interior floor mats and high-gloss black side styling bars and rear bumper.

The individual style of the Amarok Canyon continues inside where the impressive interior features a combination of Nappa and Vienna leather upholstery in two-tone Moonrock (light grey) and Anthracite (dark grey). A leathercovered steering wheel and gear knob with sporty orange stitching adds to the Canyon’s unique appeal. When ordered in Copper Orange the air vent surrounds are matched to the vehicle’s exterior colour, while on the Deep Black and Reflex Silver models the air vent surrounds feature Matt Chrome.

Those wishing to enhance further the look of this special-edition Amarok can add the optional roof light bar for only £945 (ex. VAT).

The Amarok Canyon’s muscular appearance

V

is matched by the power that drives it. The Canyon comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg.

Customers can choose between a six-speed manual with selectable 4MOTION® (50 vehicles available) or an eight-speed auto with permanent 4MOTION® (300 vehicles available).

The automatic version boasts BlueMotion Technology modifications, which include low rolling-resistance tyres, and Start/Stop and regenerative braking systems to provide greater economy and lower emissions.

The Amarok Canyon is available in three colours: Copper Orange, Reflex Silver or Deep Black – with Indium Grey foil lettering and Silver under ride guard.

Retail prices start from £28,990 (excluding

VAT) for the manual transmission and rise to £30,720 (excluding VAT) for the automatic transmission. The Amarok Canyon will go on sale on 1 April.

A limited number of 350 vehicles will be available to UK customers when the Canyon goes on sale on 1 April.

For full details of the Amarok Canyon, or to find your nearest Volkswagen Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk, or call 0800 717131. For the latest updates follow Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on Twitter @Volkswagen_CV or Facebook: facebook.com/VolkswagenCommercialVehicles UK.

Pole position for Fiat 4x4 Special edition Fiat Panda 4x4 Antarctica goes on sale. iat is celebrating 30 years and 500,000 sales of its iconic all-wheel drive city car with the special edition Fiat Panda 4X4 Antarctica. Designed to stand out from the crowd, the Antarctica is only available in white with a black roof, orange detailing, diamond-finish 15-inch alloy wheels and special badges.

Inside, the Fiat Panda 4X4 Antarctica features grey and orange upholstery with numerous additional standard features such as dark-tinted rear privacy glass, a height adjustable driver’s seat and three-passenger rear seat with 60:40 split/folding backrests. As with all examples of the Fiat Panda 4X4 sold in the UK, the Antarctica edition also features air conditioning, ESC stability control, an electronic locking differential (ELD), specially tuned suspension, mud-and-snow tyres and rugged bodywork protection all as standard.

Powered either by Fiat’s award-winning 85hp 0.9 TwinAir petrol engine or a 75hp 1.3-litre

F

66 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

MultiJet II turbo diesel engine, the FIAT Panda 4X4 Antarctica offers a unique combination of exceptionally low running costs and genuine off-road capability which is unmatched by any competitor vehicle.

Just 300 examples of the Fiat Panda 4X4 Antarctica will be built for the UK market priced from £14,895 OTR and available on a PCP from just £229 deposit and £229 per month.

Meanwhile demand for the standard Fiat Panda 4X4, recently named ‘2014 Mini 4X4’ by the UK’s best-selling off-road enthusiast publication, 4X4 Magazine, and Top Gear magazine’s SUV of the Year 2012, has been so strong that a waiting list has developed.

Customers who order now could expect delivery of their new Fiat Panda 4X4 in March 2014, in time for the new ‘14’ registration plate.

In the interim, the exciting new limited edition Fiat Panda 4X4 Antarctica will be available to help satisfy this demand.

Elena Bernardelli, Marketing Director FIAT

Just 300 examples of the Fiat Panda 4X4 Antarctica will be built for the UK market.

Group Automobiles UK, commented: “Not only has the Fiat Panda 4X4 been a huge success all over Europe for the past 30 years, it’s in huge demand in the UK too. British buyers really appreciate its nimbleness and efficiency, combined with its immense all-weather capability, all wrapped up in a distinctive and unmistakably Italian package. The new Panda 4X4 Antarctica - with its extra equipment, unique styling features and strictly limited numbers - should prove even more appealing so potential buyers will need to be quick to snap one up this winter!”

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| Motors

Carstins West Midlands Tel: 01676 533145

Subaru Newcastle Tyne & Wear Tel: 0191 228 8020

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544

Beechwood Subaru Derbyshire 01332 381 900

www.unityautomotive.co.uk

www.unityautomotive.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

www.subarunewcastle.com

Europa South Yorkshire 0114 285 9955

www.europaprestige.co.uk

beechwoodsubaru.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ299 a month.* 1RZ ZLWK D Éœ 36 HQJLQH EHVW LQ FODVV FDUJR DUHD RI P DQG LPSUHVVLYH RII-URDG SHUIRUPDQFH WKDQNV WR VHOHFWDEOH 027,21ÂŽ IRXU-ZKHHO GULYH $OVR DYDLODEOH ZLWK DQ RSWLRQDO Éœ 36 HQJLQH DQG FRPHV ZLWK IRXU VHUYLFHV IRU WKH SULFH RI WZR ZKHQ SXUFKDVHG RQ ILQDQFH †3RS LQ DQG DVN XV IRU PRUH GHWDLOV

Business users only. *Plus VAT and initial rental. Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 140PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. †Class 4 only. Offer applies to Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 140PS purchased using Volkswagen Finance. The service plan is valid for 4 consecutive services, 2 interim services and

68 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

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| Motors

Alan Day Van Centre Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London.

Telephone: 020 8045 3483.

Find us on your sat-nav using N11 3UT. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/alandaynewsouthgate

Pentraeth Van Centre

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull) Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01482 908 520.

Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

JCT600 Van Centre (York)

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Telephone: 01248 208 152.

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York.

Telephone: 01904 848 302.

Find us on your sat-nav using LL59 5RW.

Find us on your sat-nav using YO30 4WW.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/pentraeth

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield)

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Telephone: 01743 600 031.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01144 040 023.

Find us on your sat-nav using SY1 3TL.

Find us on your sat-nav using S9 1XS.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/jct600sheffield

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

Volkswagen Van Centre (Peterborough)

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

Telephone: 01902 546 561.

Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.

Telephone: 01733 615 059.

Find us on your sat-nav using PE1 5YS. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/peterborough

2 full services. Services must be used consecutively prior to the vehicle reaching 8 years old. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for Amarok registrations before March 31st, 2014, subject to availability. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2014 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Toyota RAV4: Even better for 2014 It’s 20 years since Toyota RAV4 created a whole new motoring market with the launch of RAV4, the original compact recreational SUV.

hile other manufacturers have been keen to follow Toyota’s lead, RAV4 continues to develop and deliver performance, specification and choice that keep pace with changing customer demand.That’s the inspiration for the 2014 RAV4 which hits the road this week, building on the model’s inherent strengths with a new powertrain and even higher equipment specifications.

New 2.0 D-4D with all-wheel drive Customers choosing Toyota’s efficient 2.0litre D-4D diesel engine for their RAV4 have, until now, only had the option of two-wheel drive. For 2014 this popular unit has been made available with all-wheel drive, increasing access to 4×4 motoring with the kind of low emissions and strong fuel economy that help keep running costs down.The new RAV4 2.0 D4D AWD is available in Icon and Invincible grades. The 122bhp (91kW) engine generates 310Nm for the kind of flexible driving performance that makes the car as easy to manage around town or out on the open road.

Coupled to a six-speed manual transmission it returns official combined cycle figures of 137g/km (Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty) and 53.3mpg.

Toyota Touch 2 All versions of RAV4 bar the entry level Active model are equipped as standard with the Toyota Touch 2, the latest evolution of Toyota’s touchscreen-operated multimedia system.

It comes with a new high-resolution screen that uses four times as many pixels as the original system, for bright, sharp images.

The package includes Bluetooth for handsfree phone calls and sending and receipt of text messages; a rear-view camera; vehicle information, including trip data, climate control profile; and management of settings for door locking and lighting.

It also enables simple connection of iPods and MP3 players via USB or Bluetooth, and, where available, will display album, artist and track information. Audio system options, such as the radio and CD player, can also be controlled using the screen.

Toyota Touch 2 with Go Toyota Touch 2 with Go, an option on Icon and Invincible models, adds a wealth of extra

W

70 | Farming Monthly | February 2014

functions and advanced connectivity, all controlled simply and clearly using the same touchscreen system.The leading feature is the full map navigation, with a new screen design that provides clear display of signposts, junctions and lane guidance. A new intuitive detour function uses real-time traffic information to warn of congestion ahead, calculate the likely delay and suggest a suitable alternative route.The system also provides speed limit indications and safety camera warnings, and in the event of an emergency will give direct access to the emergency services or AA breakdown assistance, automatically providing exact vehicle location details on the display screen. The improved package further provides connection to a range of features, including Toyota real-time HD traffic data from TomTom. Toyota’s system is the first and currently the only one of its kind to feature Google Street View™ and Panoramio™, providing on-screen imagery of the vehicle’s location or a chosen location to help pinpoint and recognise destinations; and a range of other multimedia applications such as social media channels, parking information and filling station locations.

A range of applications are available free for 12 months with Toyota Touch 2 with Go, easily obtained following a quick registration process via Toyota’s customer web portal.

New equipment features Both Icon and Invincible versions of the 2014 RAV4 benefit from a few extra equipment and styling features.

Icon models adopt keyless entry and easy push-button start as standard, together with new two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels – fitted to the two-wheel as well as all-wheel drive cars.

This builds on an equipment list that also includes dual-zone climate control automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, DAB digital tuner, heated retractable door mirrors and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Where Invincible grade models are concerned, customers can now choose between black or a new beige leather seat upholstery. All round protection has been made standard, thanks to front parking sensors being provided in addition to those at the rear.Toyota has also made the 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel design standard for the 2WD model.

Established features of the Invincible grade include heated front seats, power slide and lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat and roof rails.As a result of the new, larger wheels, the CO2 figure for the 2.0-litre D-4D two-wheel drive models increases fractionally, but with no impact on the VED rating.All RAV4 models are equipped as standard with a space saver spare wheel. The palette of nine exterior paint finishes includes a new metallic finish for 2014, Mahogany.

Options A wealth of options is available for RAV4 owners who want to add something extra to their vehicle. New features for 2014 include a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

This uses a radar system to detect vehicles moving alongside in the driver’s blind spot, or approaching from either side when reversing, for example out of a car parking space. When the system detects such a hazard, a warning light flashes in the appropriate door mirror.

For 2014 the popular 2.0 D-4D diesel unit has been made available with all-wheel drive, increasing access to 4×4 motoring with the kind of low emissions and strong fuel economy that help keep running costs down.

Icon and Invincible models can be upgraded with a Style Pack (front guard and underguard, side and rear chrome trim and scuff plates); a Protection Pack (front and rear parking sensors, rear bumper protection plate) is additionally available for Icon grade. Extra incar entertainment choices include powered docks for holding tablets and DVD players and a sunroof can also be specified (Icon and Invincible).

The 2014 RAV4 is on sale now, with first customer deliveries this week. Toyota has made the range even more accessible by reducing the entry price point by £400, offering the 2.0litre D-4D 2WD Active model for £22,195 onthe-road.

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Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Tallis Amos Group Leominster Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.garlandskoda.co.uk/isuzu

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Tallis Amos Group Bibury Gloucestershire 01285 740115 tallisamosgroup.co.uk

Isuzu North London Middlesex 0208 804 6135 www.isuzunorthlondon.com