February 2015 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

February 2015

Inside this issue...

Feature

| Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture & other upcoming events

On Topic | Russian food ban forces internal developments

Buildings

Ventilation is key to good health |

News

NBA renews call for Agricultural Ombudsman |

Renewables | Biomass bonanza

Feeders & Bedders | Machinery that delivers Also Inside: Arable | Fencing | Farm Tyres | Rural Security | Forestry | News | ATV | Motors

Contents

37

45

February 2015

21 65

FMN

Features

FMN

Regulars

14 23 34 40 46 48 52 55

Feature

06 12 15 47 56 60

News

GFIA 2015 and other upcoming events...

LAMMA review Feedback & what was on show

Buildings Better housing & ventilation

Feeders & Bedders Late winter nutrition & welfare

Fencing Going electric & agricised posts

Arable New crop specific micro-nutrient

Tyres Alliance at SIMA, new BKT website launch

Catch up on the news that matters

On Topic Russia’s Kuban Agroholding & food ban

Renewables AD, Solar, Biomass..

Forestry Plant trees - prevent erosion

ATV New Honda models and more..

Motors New L200 Challenger, new Outback, new Jeep Cherokee..

NEXT MONTH Sheep & Lambing

Security Telehandler thefts 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 2015.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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| News

NBA renews demands for Agricultural Ombudsman Poor beef prices in 2014 and this year’s plunge in the price of milk have underlined the need for the Government to create an Agricultural Ombudsman to ensure that both food producers and the UK’s food supply are protected. he National Beef Association (NBA) called for action on the issue last year and is now reiterating its demand for a watchdog to act as an independent adjudicator between primary producers and food processors.

NBA Chief Executive Chris Mallon said: “Britain really needs to consider and protect its domestic food producers, because there is so much global competition for food.

“The reality is that if primary producers are forced out of the industry, people we will go hungry. If more dairy farmers decide to leave the industry, our children will go thirsty.

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“We need a watchdog with teeth for the entire agricultural sector” “Dairy Farmers are only doing what they were told they needed to do - they expanded their businesses and now their prices have collapsed. We saw the same situation in the beef sector last year; as soon as we increased production in response to a supply and demand, the processors cut prices.

“This treatment of our primary producers cannot continue and the Government needs to take action now.”

The NBA issued calls for an Agricultural Ombudsman at last year’s Beef Summit and is again demanding action from the Government

06 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

as the precarious position producers face is highlighted by the plunge in the milk price. The situation reflects the problems the beef industry faced in 2014, when the steep decline in prices left many farmers questioning whether they had a sustainable future in the industry.

The Government acted to create a Grocery Code Adjudicator to rule on issues between the major supermarkets and their suppliers after a sustained campaign by producers. An Agricultural Ombudsman would have similar powers to ensure all parties keep to their sides of the bargain. Crucially, it would give primary food producers the confidence to invest in their businesses going forwards, allowing them to expand to meet the UK’s growing demand for food.

The UK’s food production supply chain of producers, processors and retailers is complex.

In the beef sector, the current set up and availability of cheap, inferior imports means that farmers can see the prices they are paid drop dramatically while consumers notice very little difference in the prices they are paying in the supermarket.

Mr Mallon said: “Last summer’s Beef Summit suggested a voluntary code of practice for the industry, but sadly, we have seen that in practice this simply does not work.

“We need a watchdog with teeth for the entire agricultural sector, to look at contracts between primary suppliers and primary producers - whether that is beef, lamb, eggs,

Chris Mallon

milk or Vegetables - to make sure both sides keep to their side of the bargain “The relationship needs to be put on a formal footing and the Government is the only one with the power to do this, perhaps by extending the remit of the Grocery Ombudsman.

“With a General Election coming up in May, let’s hope the next Government will put Britain’s future food security near the top of its priority list.”

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| News

Who’d be a sheep farmer unless they were ‘Additcted To Sheep’?

Addicted to Sheep is a film which documents a year in the life of Tom and Kay Hutchinson and their three school age children as they farm a flock of pedigree Swaledale sheep in beautiful, but remote, Forest in Teesdale. The film has been produced by Magali Pettier of Provenance Films and Jan Cawood of Tin Man Films. he film charts a year in the life of a tenant hill farmer (Tom Hutchinson) and his family as they try to breed the perfect sheep. Through the rain, shine, sleet and snow we see them toil away against the stunning landscapes of North East England and witness the hard work and good humour that binds this remote community together.

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The farm in the film lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty but it also has significant levels of social and economic disadvantage Beautifully observed and laughout-loud funny, this heartwarming

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film provides an insight into the past, present and future of a way of life far removed from the hightech hustle and bustle of modern life.

It’s hard, it’s long hours in all weathers, it’s total commitment with uncertain long-term prospects and for little financial return. Why would anyone want to be a hill farmer, and a tenant farmer at that, these days?…

Well, it just so happens that we know just such a person (and family) based in the Peak District who has an equal love for Swaledales, is just as funny, equally hard working and an allround ‘good guy’ - you know who you are Neil - and we know you’ll be reading this! ..Editor Film maker Magali Pettier is from a third generation farming

family in France and she knows life can be tough for small farmers anywhere. They rarely take holidays, they worry about cashflow and they cope with all the uncertainties of the weather. Now living and working in North-East England, Magali was drawn to the world of tenant hill farmers and decided to look into their littleknown way of life.

The result is a documentary that will delight both farmers and nonfarmers alike. Too often are we lambasted by the shallow and

pretentious machinations of ‘reality tv’ offering up questionable aspirations of modern life. Well, this is ‘reality tv’ with an emphasis on ‘real’ and could offer plenty of lessons that we could all apply to our own lives.

Watch the trailer at www.addictedtosheep.com then wait patiently for the release - we know you’ll want to see it! Spread the word and give this film as much support as you can.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 07

Check your business plan CLA calls on government to protect agricultural land from flooding RABDF Council member and First Milk supplier John Owen. irst Milk members have been urged to reconsider their business plans to survive the milk price slump

by John Owen, Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers Council member and farm manager at Gelli Aur College, Carmarthen which carries a 500 cow split calving herd supplying First Milk.

“We First Milk members, together with the rest of producers are currently in a position where we cannot do anything to influence milk price,” he says. “We can only take First Milk’s word that the co-op is not in danger of collapse; we have to take its statement as read, accept and support the board. First Milk has promised to take our milk and as many litres that we produce. We simply have nowhere else to go.

“First Milk members may not be alone. Whilst the co-operative has declared its hand, there is speculation that other milk buyers may be in as bad a position.”

Mr Owen has already reappraised Gelli Aur dairy enterprise business plan last week which resulted in capital expenditure plans put on hold. He urged other First Milk suppliers to follow suit.

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“Check out your current true costs of production. If you don’t know, then engage with someone who can help – take advantage of DairyCo’s free half day consultancy.

Make sure your costs include labour, capital repayments and reinvestment. Budget on the low side of milk price - for an average 20ppl; then maintain a clear cash flow forecast and budget and monitor against performance.

“Speak to your bank manager; if you need to lend money, then he will be more likely to be supportive if you have a carefully planned cash flow forecast and budget.

“If you have creditors then they need to be managed carefully; take advice from your bank manager.

“Inputs and investments needs to be reconsidered. Delay any capital expenditure, only progress with spend that is absolutely necessary and will offer a quick return. Check out input costs and put in place a system that makes more use of forage – the cheapest is grass.”

He adds: It’s not just about farmers examining their businesses and costs; it’s a two way process – farmers should be encouraging their suppliers to look at their production costs too.”

08 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Landowners have called on the Government to put more emphasis on protecting valuable agricultural land from the risk of flooding. he CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses said in a government consultation on flood risk management that the Government approach to funding flood defence work continues to discriminate against rural and coastal areas in favour of towns and residential properties which risks UK food security.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “Flood alleviation and coastal defence policies should protect good agricultural land for food production and not just surrendering it to water.

“The Government must provide more support to help farmers and landowners play a part in mitigating flood risk in

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local areas. We need new tax relief on capital investments as well as income tax relief for all forms of flood defence work carried out by individuals and businesses. A more sympathetic planning system for the construction of flood defences and on-farm reservoirs is also desperately needed.”

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| News

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Market volatility takes its toll on farmers’ income Defra’s latest Farm Business Income forecasts predict a decline in the profitability of farming across the majority of farming sectors and serve as a warning as to how much agriculture is susceptible to increased volatility, the NFU have said. he figures show a 13 per cent fall in incomes for dairy farmers. Similarly, the livestock sectors have suffered, with incomes on pig farms forecast to be down by 23 per cent and on poultry farms by 12 per cent.

Forecasts indicate that grazing livestock farms are showing signs of recovery.

However, even with increases in income across the beef and sheep sector, profitability still remains at a very low level, with farm income in this sector projected to sit around £16,000. A marginal increase in incomes is also expected in cereal farm income.

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“The price received by farmers for pig meat, wheat, potatoes, and oilseeds also plummeted in 2014” NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “2014 has been a year where, across commodities, the industry has seen falling farmgate prices and these figures are the first official ones to indicate the financial impact on farmers.”

“This challenging situation is particularly true for the dairy industry, where some farmers have seen dramatic cuts in the price they receive for their milk and where the difficult market conditions could force many out of the industry. I’m afraid this

snapshot doesn’t fully capture the desperate situation faced by some farmers. The average figures mask the breadth of milk prices currently received by dairy farmers or the cash flow challenges that farmers face in the coming months.”

“However, volatility is not entirely unique to the dairy sector.

The price received by farmers for pig meat, wheat, potatoes, and oilseeds also plummeted in 2014. With the extent of those price shifts, alongside a stronger pound, it’s not surprising that farm incomes are down and at the same we see the confidence of farmers falling. “ “Ultimately, having a financially viable business gives farmers the confidence to invest in the future and build resilience. With less than 100 days to the General Election, it’s clear that there is a vital role for the future government to work with farmers to support growth and send the right business signals to invest. The NFU has outlined a number of policy asks which are laid out in our Election manifesto. “ “The opportunities for UK farming are clear – in the longer term global and domestic demand will increase. But for British farmers to benefit, we need the right policy and fiscal environment across government which encourages the sector to increase efficiency, develop and embrace technological advances, and take a long-term balanced view to investment.”

10 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

SPS target exceeded more than two months early RPA has already exceeded its SPS 2014 target for the end of March. he Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has exceeded its Single Payment Scheme (SPS) 2014 target for the end of March, more than two months ahead of schedule.

By Wednesday (28 January) the Agency had paid a total of nearly £1.46 billion to nearly 100,000 farmers in England. This equates to 98.4 per cent of farmers eligible to claim and 97.3 per cent of the total estimated fund value.

In its 2014-2015 Business Plan, the RPA had set targets for 97 per cent of customers and 97 per cent of total estimated fund value to be paid out by 31 March this year.

Farming Minister George Eustice said: “Our farming industry is at the heart of the government’s longterm economic plan, so I am pleased that the RPA has ensured that almost all farmers have already received their CAP payments, almost two months ahead of schedule.”

“I am determined that the RPA’s good progress is maintained as we move to the new Basic Payment Scheme, and we are working to ensure the claim process is as simple as possible for farmers on the new digital service called Rural Payments.”

Mark Grimshaw, RPA Chief Executive, said: “While we are delighted with our performance in the final year of SPS and it shows just how far we have come in our drive to become a trusted, efficient and effective organisation, we do not intend to rest on our laurels.”

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“Our focus now is on ensuring all those farmers who remain unpaid, especially those who supply to First Milk, get their money as soon as possible. We know how vital these payments are to farm businesses.”

“We remain committed to offering the best service possible to farmers on existing schemes while preparing to deliver on new policies and a new Rural Payments service.”

“Farmers who want to get their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money as early as possible next year, should get online and get registered for the new service as soon as possible.”

“That also applies to existing SPS customers, who need to be aware they that although their details will be transferred across, they still need to go in and register on the new service.”

“The previous SPS payment target was 93 per cent of eligible claimants – representing 86 per cent of the total estimated fund value.”

“The RPA surpassed this target, with a total of more than 98,950 customers having been paid nearly £1,433,518,345 by the close of 31 December 2014 – equating to 97.4 per cent of eligible claims and 95.6 per cent of the total estimated fund value.”

For more information on the new Rural Payments service visit www.gov.uk/ruralpayments or call the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301.

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| News

UK dairy co-operative announces record sales deal The UK’s leading organic milk supplier, OMSCo, has announced a new deal which doubles the amount of milk within its premium pool destined for dairy product sales to the US. ccording to the co-operative’s chief operating officer Richard Hampton, this latest success is the culmination of five years of hard work by OMSCo and its farmer members to meet exacting technical requirements.

“Our strategy is to operate across a spread of markets, both at home and abroad, in both liquid and manufacturing,” he explains.

“Our US premium pool is just one area in which we’re creating products to unique specifications and certification standards. And it’s paying off; the value of exports into US markets in the form of our specialist dairy ingredients and Kingdom cheese is expected to be worth £25m over the next 12 months.”

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“Organic milk has faced a tough on-shelf environment in the last year. Retail distribution has been cut, promotional activity has fallen and shelf price has increased rapidly, just at a time when conventional shelf prices have taken a tumble. Despite this, organic milk maintained flat volume sales, and value grew by 6.4%”

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Mr Hampton says this latest deal proves that co-operation, innovative market development and long term commitment – underpinned with strong values – can work, and can support the price farmers receive.

“This is a very important step for the longer term development of the co-operative. Having five per cent of the UK’s entire organic milk output sitting in a premium US organic pool will put an even firmer floor in OMSCo’s market.

The farmers involved earn an extra 5p per litre on their standard organic milk price, and the additional profit is shared by the wider OMSCo milk pool. It means all members see some benefit, regardless of whether or not they have direct involvement in the project.”

He says diversity has given the co-operative more price stability in the face of volatile conventional markets, and those developments have allowed it to access growth markets which generate premium returns and are difficult to replicate. “We have also spent a lot of time developing relationships with the right manufacturing partners and distribution network.”

The announcement coincides with the release of OMSCo’s Organic Milk Market Report 2015, which finds that in addition to growth in added value exports, some areas of the domestic UK organic liquid milk market are performing well – notwithstanding a challenging retail environment.

“Organic milk has faced a tough on-shelf environment in the last year. Retail distribution has been cut, promotional activity has fallen and shelf price has increased rapidly, just at a time when conventional shelf prices have taken a tumble.

Despite this, organic milk maintained flat volume sales, and value grew by 6.4%,” says Mr Hampton.

But it’s still a tale of two markets, he warns, with overall volumes predicted to remain flat in the domestic market.

“Whilst branded and valueadded sector sales are growing, this is being offset by a decline in supermarket private label sales, which are down 1.5% year on year.

“For producers it means a market which is expected to show small overall volume growth, with any new demand met by expansion from existing producers. All in all, there’s little opportunity for conversion to organic production at this point.” he says.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 11

| On Topic

On Topic About Kuban AgroHolding Kuban AgroHolding (www.ahkuban.ru) is one of the largest agribusinesses in southern Russia and part of Russia’s largest industrial group Basic Element. Its activity includes cattle breeding, crop farming, sugar refinery, seed processing, storage as well as seed production. Kuban AgroHolding comprises 10 dairy farms, pig breeding complex, grain elevators, seed plants, Svoboda sugar factory and Voskhod stud farm, one of Russia’s best horse breeding farms. Kuban AgroHolding boasts 86,000 hectares of land bank, 4,500 people are employed by Kuban AgroHolding. The company’s revenue totaled USD 210 million, net profit increased by 14% to USD 23 million in 2013.

New slaughterhouse in Krasnodar region in southern Russia

Russia’s Kuban Agroholding launches slaughterhouse, hog farm Kuban Agroholding, one of Russia’s largest agribusinesses and part of Basic Element industrial group, launched an 8,400-ton slaughterhouse and a 50,000 head hog farm in Krasnodar region. Over 2.6 billion rubles ($ 40 million) was invested to the projects. he launch of the slaughterhouse and the hog farm marks a new stage of the company’s development as Kuban Agro has entered agricultural processing market and began manufacturing high-value products. Both facilities will increase profitability of the company’s animal breeding division and strengthen Kuban Agro’s position in industrial pig farming.

The slaughterhouse and the hog farm are already operational and will reach estimated capacity in May 2015.

Slaughterhouse’s characteristics The slaughterhouse with an annual capacity of 8,400 tons of meat, focuses on livestock primary processing. This includes slaughtering of cattle, carcass cooling, meat cutting and packaging.

A combined slaughter line's capacity is 27 tons of bone-in meat per 8-hour shift (500 hog heads or 120 cattle heads), cooling capacity is 75 tons of chilled meat and 250 tons of frozen meat, cutting and packing capacity is 12.5 tons.

Based on the average national meat consumption of 75 kg per person annually, the complex is capable of feeding a small town of 100,000 residents with meat for one year.

The slaughterhouse is kitted out with equipment produced by Bertsch-Laska, a leading Austrian supplier for food industry businesses. A technological line for the factory was developed by the leading

12 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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Russian and European project bureaus, Falkenstein and Libner.

With its own strong resource base, Kuban’s slaughterhouse has 40% of raw materials supplied by the company’s hog farm.

“The food import ban introduced by Russia, creates opportunities for Russian producers who can occupy new markets. However a low investment activity in Russia’s agricultural industry together with dilapidated technology and high credit rates hinder the whole sector.”

Hog farm’s characteristics The hog farm and the slaughterhouse make up a single production complex. It was designed to house and maintain 2,200 sows and brawn 50,000 hog heads with an annual capacity of 5,900 tons of live meat weight.

The farm operates using the technologies and equipment of the French company I-TEK which have proved successful when applied to similar projects in Russia’s Belgorod and Ryazan regions.

As a fully automated facility, the hog farm boasts separated protected areas for fodder delivery, independent lines for supplying mixed fodder to all the units of the facility and its own area for production of mixed pig feed.

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| On Topic

Inside hog farm

On Topic

Newly-built hog farm in Krasnodar region

BASF's Jonathan Ball

About Basic Element

All the technologies mentioned above ensured the highest level of protection against African swine fever.

On top of that, the hog farm features three independent disinfectant barriers, equipment for sanitation of clothes and shoes. The farm’s employees wear uniform of different colors that match the facility’s units. Each employee has an electronic chip sewn in the uniform that blocks access to the unit which the employee is not authorized to visit.

It took two years to complete the construction of the slaughterhouse and the hog farm. Both facilities will create 200 new jobs.

Kuban Agro’s plans for 2015 include a launch of the sausage manufacturing room at the slaughterhouse that will focus on the production of meat for HoReCa market, retail chains and final consumers.

Andrey Oleynik, managing director of Basic

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Element’s agribusiness and the chairman of the board of Kuban Agro: “The food import ban introduced by Russia, creates opportunities for Russian producers who can occupy new markets. However a low investment activity in Russia’s agricultural industry together with dilapidated technology and high credit rates hinder the whole sector. Animal husbandry that traditionally has a long payback period, is one of the most troubled areas. Following Russian Central Bank’s move to increase benchmark rate to 17% in 2014, commercial banks raised interest rates both for new and current loans. In early 2014, credit rate for the construction of the slaughterhouse and the hog farm was at 14% while in late 2014 it skyrocketed to 2227%”

Basic Element (www.basel.ru) is one of the Russia's largest and most dynamic diversified industrial groups. Basic Element's companies are controlled by or are within the scope of business interests of Oleg Deripaska, one of major Russian businessmen. Basic Element through its affiliates owns significant stakes in and operates a number of companies in many segments: Energy, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Construction, Aviation, Agriculture and others. Over 200,000 people work at more than 100 of Group's companies in Russia, the CIS, Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Many of them play key roles in their respective market segments in Russia and internationally, including En+ Group, GAZ Group, Glavstroy, Basel Aero and others.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 13

UPCOMING EVENTS | Dates for your diary

SkyTech 2015 24th April 2015 With the desire for data-driven agriculture rapidly increasing, UAV technology is definitely a key area to watch over the coming year. The latest updates on the use of UAVs within agriculture, data collection and new innovative technologies will be discussed at SkyTech 2015, a commercial UAV conference and exhibition, taking place on 24th April 2015 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. For more information about SkyTech visit the website at www.skytechevent.com

All Energy 2015 6th-7th May 2015 All-Energy Exhibition and Conference is the UK’s largest renewable energy event taking place, for the first time, at the SECC, Glasgow, on 6-7 May 2015 join us for the next step in its evolution.

As a free-to-attend event, showcasing the complete range of renewable and sustainable technologies and with a world-class multi-stream conference alongside, All-Energy is where busy people come to do business.

The 2014 edition attracted visitors from 48 nations and brought together the largest group of renewable energy developers and supply chain partners seen anywhere in the UK. We look forward to building on this success in Glasgow in 2015. More information at

UK AD & Biogas 1st-2nd July 2015 UK AD & Biogas is the UK's only dedicated anaerobic digestion and biogas trade show. With 3,000 visitors from key sectors including farming, food and drink, local authorities, waste management, utilities, transport and more, UK AD & Biogas 2015 provides the perfect platform to network with the who’s who of the industry. The event will also play host to our fourth UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards. For more information about the event visit http://adbioresources.org/uk-adbiogas-2015/

Abu Dhabi to host second edition of Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture : March 9-11, 2015 International public & private sector experts to address ‘climate-smart agriculture’ at three-day exhibition & conference. he second edition of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) is set to take place in Abu Dhabi from March 9-11, 2015.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the exhibition and conference will feature more than 300 next-generation agricultural solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming around the world.

With global policy makers and scientists tasked with identifying innovative ways to feed a population of more than nine billion people by 2050, GFIA will aim to accelerate the development of solutions that meet the world’s pressing challenges.

GFIA will bring together participants from the entire agricultural value-chain - from agribusiness and academia to policy and investment - to witness more than 400 presentations of game-changing ideas with the potential to fundamentally change the way food is produced, processed, stored, distributed and consumed.

“As the world looks to support sustainable economic and social development into the 21st century and beyond, the solutions we identify to our food and water security challenges today will define the future of our nations,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

“Furthermore, with climate-smart food production being a critical factor for the UAE and other waterconstrained parts of the MENA region. Abu Dhabi is strongly committed to driving the global dialogue on food security and climate resilience and this event reinforces that commitment. We look forward to welcoming some of the world’s leading experts in this field.”

The inaugural Global Climate-Smart Agriculture Summit will serve as key element of the 2015 event.

The summit has been developed under the guidance of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture launched during the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014. Climate-Smart Agriculture is a strategic farming approach designed to raise agricultural productivity whilst mitigating the effects of climate change.

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14 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

The alliance includes more than 20 governments, 30 organizations and companies including the World Bank, The Netherlands government, and the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It represents millions of farmers, at least a quarter of the world cereal production, 43 million undernourished people and 16 percent of the total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

“The solutions we identify to our food and water security challenges today will define the future of our nations” “GFIA is unique in that it attracts all the players – from across the full food value chain – needed to effect real change in the way we feed the world,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi.

“From policy-makers and governments to food producers, commercial organizations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and investors, GFIA is a stage that helps actualize real progress.

This harmonization approach is essential if we are to meet the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population.”

The second edition of GFIA will also include newlylaunched ‘Hosted Scientist Programme’ an initiative that will assemble 300 of the world’s leading scientists in Abu Dhabi, to establish a scientific crucible for discussion, knowledge sharing and the advancement of research.

A ‘Research & Collaboration Zone’ will allow academics from across the developed and developing world to meet, share knowledge, collaborate, and network with investors to commercialize breakthrough ideas.

GFIA is sponsored by the Food Security Centre – Abu Dhabi, Exeed Industries and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry. And held with official support from the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water, with a keynote speech planned

by H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, UAE.

For more information and to register, please visit the GFIA website www.innovationsinagriculture.com

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| Renewables

Turning waste into cash Holt-based fre-energy Ltd, which supplies Anaerobic Digestion (AD) small scale power plants, has received an unexpected boost in enquiries after last weekend’s ‘Countryfile.’ n the TV programme, which aired on BBC1 last Sunday evening and was watched by over 7 million viewers, farmer and presenter Adam Henson showed how an AD plant can enable dairy farms to convert their animal slurry and manure into heat and electricity.

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In recent months, fre-energy has been gearing up its business in order to meet the market’s increased demand Primarily as a result of falling milk prices, the number of dairy farms in the UK has almost halved in the last decade. New sources of income coupled with cost saving measures are essential for many of those remaining to survive. The incentive payments received from the Government for the renewable energy generated by an AD plant, much of which can be exported to the National Grid for use in our homes and businesses, can

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provide the life blood to many farms across Wales and the rest of the UK. In addition, the plant enables the farm to be totally selfsufficient for its energy and fertiliser requirements.

Fre-energy’s AD plants incorporate unique, award winning technology, for which the company holds a number of world patents, to ensure that the plant can deal successfully with the contaminants-laden animal waste that is typical of a dairy farm.

Technical Director, Chris Morris, explains: “Many of the AD plants which have been installed on dairy farms in the UK use technology developed on the Continent to process crops grown specifically for the purpose of generating energy. Unfortunately, after a number of years in use, several of these plants are now beginning to fail as they have not been designed to cope with materials such as animal slurry. Our first plant at Lodge Farm, on the outskirts of Holt, has been generating energy reliably and uninterrupted for over 5 years and

there are now a number of other farms using our technology.”

In recent months, fre-energy has been gearing up its business in order to meet the market’s increased demand and has supplemented its in-house expertise with the appointment of local specialists, in the areas of site planning and construction. MD of fre-energy, Richard Tomlinson, is confident of his company’s future success: “Many farmers are already aware of our capabilities and we have a number of customers who are currently pulling their finances together in order to fund the purchase of a freenergy AD plant. As the

‘Countryfile’ programme made clear, the economics stack up and the plant is able to pay for itself within a few years of operation.

However, funding via the traditional financial establishments is sorely lacking so we will be bringing to market shortly a pioneering new funding mechanism to help farmers who are facing this dilemma. The BBC has given AD the public attention it deserves; unlike other sources of renewable energy such as shale gas, for example, and the associated, ecologically unsound and high risk practice of fracking, AD benefits everyone – the farmer, the public and the environment.”

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| Renewables

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| Renewables

The year long solar harvest Could we one day see free-range solar lamb as more and more farmers combine the grazing of sheep with the generation of clean electricity?

By Sonia Dunlop, Solar Trade Association. new generation of farms are emerging that produce both food and clean energy. More and more farmers are combining their sheep, chickens or other poultry with rows of solar panels and producing a double output of food and clean, home-grown power.

New guidance published towards the end of last year by the National Solar Centre, the NFU and the Solar Trade Association for the first time ever set out good practice in coupling conventional agriculture and ground-mounted solar electricity generation.

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Solar makes no noise, creates no waste and emits no carbon. In fact, when screened from view with hedgerows or on rooftops, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. Solar is the most popular form of local energy development in Britain with 85% support.

This is the latest in the solar industry’s efforts to ensure that solar works in partnership, not in competition, with farming. This is free-range, home-grown solar at its best – a secure solution to Britain’s energy crisis that generates clean energy side-by-side with food production.

What often surprises people is that the addition of a solar array does not require a reduction in the number of animals – once the plant is built farmers can continue to graze sheep at normal stocking density. Once the solar farm is in place 95% of a field is still accessible to vegetation growth and agricultural use.

Putting solar on the roofs of farm buildings or reserving a section of land, perhaps the part of a field that does not drain well, for a solar farm can provide a much needed way of diversifying income. A way of making money while doing your bit for the environment.

Solar farming is also a way to make use of land while allowing stressed soil to replenish itself. That in turn can help reduce the use of industrial insecticides and fertilisers in the longterm. Solar arrays are usually granted temporary use of the land for 25 years, after which the solar panels can be dismantled and the land returned to its former use.

The UK needs a strong farming sector. Just in the last year the farming community has suffered from huge volatility in world wheat and beef prices. Farmers need to diversify their incomes and this is the advantage of investment in solar. Indeed solar does not only allow diversification but also gives farmers a stable source of revenue for over 20 years.

Solar makes no noise, creates no waste and

emits no carbon. In fact, when screened from view with hedgerows or on rooftops, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. Solar is the most popular form of local energy development in Britain with 85% support.

For more information on all things solar visit www.solar-trade.org.uk/

Sun doesn’t shine on Rampisham Down Government puts planning permission for Dorset solar farm on hold. amaging to wildlife’ is how conservationists have described the proposed 25MW Rampisham Down scheme.

British Solar Renewables, developer of the scheme, insists that the solar farm would have considerable benefits for the environment, community and local economy but it appears that the government are not in complete agreement.

"In reaching a decision last month, the committee had to weigh the economic and environmental benefits of the solar farm and the welcome removal of 34 redundant masts against the impact of the proposed scheme," said Ian Gardiner, Chairman of the authority’s development control committee.

Dorset Wildlife Trust said the Rampisham Down Site of

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Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) was a vital lowland acid grassland habitat and was a ‘wildlife site of national importance’.

Thirty four radio masts and towers are to be demolished and the plan is for almost 12,000 steel framed solar PV panels to be installed.

British Solar Renewables claim that the panels being used would include measures to be kinder to the environment including reduced reflectivity glass and raised mounting positions.

After securing initial planning for the 187 acre site in December from West Dorset District Council, BSR will have to wait until Secretary of State Eric Pickles, makes a decision on whether to call in the council's decision for a public inquiry.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Renewables

Solar electricity almost doubled last year Britain now boasts over 650,000 solar PV installations of all shapes and sizes. fficial Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) figures out today show that solar electricity generation almost doubled over the course of last year, with almost 5GW of capacity at the end of 2014 up from 2.8GW at the end of 2013. This is enough power to supply the equivalent of 1.5million homes.

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“Solar clearly works in Britain. Panels in London generate 65% as much energy as in Madrid, and the panels work more efficiently in cooler temperatures.”

The statistics, part of numbers released on a monthly basis by DECC, reflect steady growth in the UK solar industry and rapidly falling costs, much of which in the large-scale solar sector.

Paul Barwell, CEO of the Solar Trade Association commented: “This milestone achievement is testament to the hard work of Britain’s several thousand solar businesses, almost of all of them small and medium sized companies, who are all at the forefront of a real solar transformation as the technology steadily becomes one of the cheapest sources of clean, home-grown power.”

The UK now has over 650,000 solar

installations, across homes, offices, schools, churches, warehouses, farms, police stations, train stations and even a bridge.

Paul Barwell continued: “We are now well underway to a million solar installations, of all shapes and sizes, across the country. This is a world class achievement and something the Coalition Government can be proud of.”

“Analysis has shown that solar is the most popular form of energy generation, and could provide 50,000 jobs by 2030 if given the right support.”

“Solar clearly works in Britain. Panels in London generate 65% as much energy as in Madrid, and the panels work more efficiently in cooler temperatures.”

“Solar could by 2020 be cost competitive with gas and no longer need any kind of Government support at all on homes and commercial roofs. But we will only reach that point if the next Government provides a stable policy framework and a level playing field with other technologies.”

“Last year was a rollercoaster for the solar industry, with the closure of the Renewables Obligation to large solar farms sending shockwaves of uncertainty across the renewables industry. The outlook from this April is a concern and it seems to make little sense to stymie such a success story. I hope the new Government will build on this success and set higher solar targets for 2020 and provide the

stable business environment the industry needs to deliver.”

The Solar Trade Association has developed a ‘Solar Independence Plan’, and is urging the Government and all political parties to support the proposals which will effectively double solar ambitions for little extra cost.

Analysis has shown that the next Government will have a big opportunity to get the first low-carbon technology off subsidy within the course of the next Parliament – quite an achievement if it succeeds in getting to that point.

Future is bright for solar despite cuts to subsidy The future is still bright for farmers and landowners hoping to invest in solar power – despite a change that will see an end to subsidies for larger developments. he UK’s leading solar energy generator, Lightsource Renewable Energy, is urging people to choose their solar developers quickly and carefully to avoid being disappointed amid a time of political uncertainty for the renewables industry.

According to latest government figures there are currently 907 solar farms in the UK either in operation or in the planning pipeline.

This amounts to an installed capacity of 8,171MWp (Megawatts-Peak) – enough electricity to power 2.7 million homes.

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“Opportunities will still be available for installations below 5MWp and they’re still a very attractive option for many farmers or landowners looking to diversify their income.”

However, from April 1st 2015, new solar farms with an installed capacity larger than 5MWp, which translates to around 25 acres of land, will no longer be eligible to receive money under the government’s Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) scheme.

The change is predicted to cause a shift towards smaller developments, but experts at Lightsource – which manages over 4,000 acres of solar farms across the country - are confident

18 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

there remains plenty of opportunity for those with any sized land.

Conor McGuigan, business development director at Lightsource, said: “There’s a real chance for farmers and landowners across the UK – whatever sized sites they may have - to unlock their green energy potential in 2015.

“They can be assured that solar farms are still an attractive proposition but choices need to be made wisely. Our advice, in order to make the most of the current political landscape and to avoid being left disappointed by missing the deadlines, is that you need to move forward quickly and choose a developer to partner that has the capability, sound financial backing and track record of delivering on time.”

Mr McGuigan said there was still a huge future for solar farms beyond April 1st – although installations were likely to be on a smaller scale.

“Solar farms aren’t dead,” he continued.

“Opportunities will still be available for installations below 5MWp and they’re still a very attractive option for many farmers or landowners looking to diversify their income.

The UK has made a legal commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and solar remains an important part of that mix.”

Lightsource has some key advice to help landowners thinking of installing a solar farm: Use a UK based company. Well established firms will have a greater understanding of legislation, the planning process and working

with local communities.

Choose a company that has a good track record and previous experience in developing projects.

Prioritise your values – a good developer will design the solar farm around the core values and aims of your business.

Always ask who is going to be managing the solar farm for the duration of the lease. A good place to start is to research operators of solar farms in your local area.

View past projects and request to speak with other clients who have been involved with the company of your choice. Can the developer put you in touch with a client which has similar requirements to your project?

A good developer will be transparent on their planning process. How much emphasis do they put on community engagement and community benefit? Being a good neighbour to the local community throughout the lifetime of the lease should be high on the agenda.

Finally, make sure you ask a developer how many planning applications they have made and how many were successful. This will give you an idea of how the planning process will go.

Mr McGuigan added: “Track record and experience is most important and secondly, the size of a developer’s in-house team will determine how quickly your project will progress.”

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| LAMMA

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Renewables

Biomass energy - the efficient farmers choice For Britain’s farming community, energy and heating are essential for sustaining a thriving business. ore and more farmers up and down the country are turning to biomass boilers as their primary source of non-domestic heat generation.

According to statistics from 2013, more than a fifth – 21 per cent of UK farmers have invested in biomass for heat. This is partly because biomass is seen as financially beneficial and also because it enables farmers to make more strategic use of land,crops and wood waste.

Indeed, the idea that energy production requires turning land over exclusively to create heat and energy is being challenged.

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The popularity of the RHI scheme amongst Britain’s farmers is becoming apparent.

Over a third of all heat generated from the non-domestic RHI has been within the agricultural sector.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government run scheme helping farmers to cut their energy and heating costs by having a biomass boiler installed. Biomass boilers use wood pellets and wood waste, specifically a byproduct of farming, to heat homes and buildings. They can also be used in the industrial heating process which has particular benefits for poultry farmers, where heat is a

paramount and costly concern. One poultry farmer in Isham said that his energy outgoings had been cut by 50 per cent.

Biomass boilers are of particular benefit to poultry farmers. Traditional heating systems replace old oil and gas heaters which generate carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide as well as a damp atmosphere. Biomass boilers which replace these systems can save farmers money on feed as chicks reach their target weight quicker and with fewer losses in numbers due to the elimination of harmful gasses.

The popularity of the RHI scheme amongst Britain’s farmers is becoming apparent. Over a third of all heat generated from the non-

domestic RHI has been within the agricultural sector. Not only does biomass heat cut prices of energy bills but it also delivers significant carbon savings which will help the UK reach its carbon emissions reduction targets for 2020 and beyond.

With the help of the RHI, the biomass sector is a growing one which is continually striving to be more efficient to generate more heat whilst using less fuel, which will in turn generate savings that will trickle down to farmers who have the heating systems installed.

For more information about biomass as an energy source, visit www.r-e-a.net

Rural Energy provides vital biomass knowledge at new training centre Rural Energy has opened its Biomass Training and Skills Centre in Leicestershire to up-skill engineers from across the heating and renewables sector, arming them with the knowledge and hands on experience needed to deliver high quality biomass installations. nvesting more than £150,000 into the facility, Rural Energy has fully equipped the 1,800 square foot training space with a range of Herz biomass boilers, to give students practical experience of operating boilers from this industryleading brand – of which Rural Energy is the only UK supplier. Supported by a large teaching classroom and a mechanical and

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Courses have a strong practical element and engineers are given the opportunity to get hands-on as they learn electrical training area, the facility is perfectly positioned to deliver in depth training on all aspects of biomass design, installation and commissioning.

Paul Clark, Managing Director of Rural Energy commented: “The launch of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive earlier this year has added to the considerable demand already generated by the commercial arm of the scheme, so a growing number of businesses are now offering specialist biomass

20 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

technology in the UK market. Many gas boiler and solar PV installers, for example, are looking to up-skill and add biomass to their service offering.

“We recognised that there was a real gap in the market as, until now, there has been very little training and support available to businesses from manufacturers. This has created a shortage of properly qualified and experienced biomass heating engineers, which impacts negatively on the industry as a whole.

From our point of view, developing a welltrained and highly skilled workforce gives us genuine confidence that our distribution network has the capability to deliver the standard of installation we expect – which protects the reputation of the biomass industry as a whole.”

Led by a dedicated Biomass Product Trainer courses have a strong practical element and engineers are given the opportunity to get hands-on as they learn about the operation of the boiler and take fuel feeds, augers and grates. Courses available at the centre cover a range of comprehensive topics including Herz biomass boilers, control systems, fuel feed

Training room

options and fuel quality. Additionally, mechanical and electrical aspects of installation and operation, commissioning, maintenance, servicing and government incentives such as the RHI, are also included.

What’s more, the training does not end when the participants leave the facility, as the strict quality control programme means that before being approved as a partner engineer, students much complete further on site training and inspection until Rural Energy is fully satisfied of their competence. This reduces the need for issue resolution and ensures that Rural Energy’s entire distribution network is able to provide safe and professional installations with minimal technical support requirements, call outs and snag resolutions.

For more information or to book a place on one of the training courses please email training@ruralenergy.co.uk or call 0203 189 0676

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| Renewables

The biomass boiler specialists for Britain's farmers The Farmers Boiler Company: Working exclusively with farmers and growers to help provide them with the most suitable biomass boiler and fuel to meet individual requirements. here are many factors which need to be considered when looking at installing a biomass boiler and the Farmers Boiler Company works closely with their customers to ensure that the farmers understand the best fuel type for them and which boiler would bring them the most benefit.

When choosing a biomass boiler it is important to consider the age of the building and how well insulated the buildings are, as the more insulation a building has the less heating it will need. In general biomass boilers work better under pressure and is more efficient to have a small boiler tick over in the summer months, rather than have a larger boiler struggle with low outputs.

There are also a number of different fuel options available and the Farmers Boiler Company prides it self on the ability to provide all their customers with impartial advice on which would be the best one for their farm.

These fuels include recylced

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Some happy farmers who have already had biomass boilers installed by the Farmers Boiler Company woodchip timber, woodpellets, logs and grain.

The company provides flexible installation options, from acting solely as the supplier of the boiler, right through to doing the full installation and filling out the paper work.

By having a biomass boiler installed, farmers become part of the Renewable Incentive Scheme (RHI), which is a government scheme that pays participants for generating and using renewable energy, helping reduce greenhouse emissions. The Farmers Boiler Company talk all customers through this scheme and can fill out any paperwork on request.

For more information about the Farmers Boiler Company visit www.farmersboilercompany.co.uk or call Dick Palmer on 01482 667329 or 07792 417564.

“The biomass market is a minefield and I went to the Farmers Boiler Company on a recommendation from another local farmer.

They offered a very personal and hands on service and it now means I can heat my house without worrying about the cost.”

Guy Poskitt- Arable Farmer who uses his biomass boiler to heat a house and a flat.

“I already knew Dick Palmer from the Farmers Boiler Company and I was looking for a way to reduce the amount of waste wood which I had on the farm. Since the company have installed my biomass boiler I have been able to reduce the amount of wasted wood, whilst also being economical and keeping my house warm.”

Simon Dunn- Arable, Beef and Sheep Farmer- Heats his house, office and workshop.

“Since having the biomass boiler fitted I have enough hot water to meet all my needs, which include washing down the parlour and the milk tank. I was also taken to see some of the boilers the Farmers Boiler Company had previously installed so I could see them in use, helping me confirm my decision to install a boiler.”

Adam Turnbull- Dairy, Beef and Arable Farmer who heats 2 houses and uses his boiler to provide him with all his hot water.

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Renewables

Fully funded biomass boilers from Wood Energy At this time of year having a reliable, affordable source of heating is absolutely essential for schools, hospitals and businesses up and down the country. However, for many the upfront cost of a new boiler is simply not affordable, and so expensive fuel bills and maintenance costs continue to eat into budgets or profitability. eading biomass boiler supplier Wood Energy has a solution to this problem through Energy Supply Contracts (ESCOs), which offer brand new boilers, fully funded and fully maintained for 20 years.

The ESCO schemes are particularly suited to high energy users, such as hotels, care homes, colleges, agriculture, housing association district heating schemes and business parks. Anybody on oil or LPG using over 450k kilowatt hours of heating energy per annum will make significant savings.

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Even where a biomass boiler has already been installed, it is still possible to be eligible for the scheme Wood Energy has established relationships with a number of ESCO providers, and is a preferred supplier of biomass boiler systems, together with full service and maintenance packages.

The scheme offers the opportunity to tap into a large number of benefits, from reduced heating bills and maintenance costs to a secure, clean energy supply with long term pricing stability, all with no upfront capital costs.

Even where a biomass boiler has already

supplied and maintained Whitby High School is benefiting from an efficient new Binder biomass boiler provided by AMP scheme ESCO an to thanks cost, capital upfront no with Energy,

by Wood

been installed, it is still possible to be eligible for the scheme, with a complete replacement boiler and potential one off payment, provided the boiler was installed before 15th July 2009.

To find out more about fully funded biomass solutions, and apply for a free assessment, visit

the Wood Energy website: www.woodenergy.com/our-products/capitalfree-energy-reduction-package/ For further information please call 0845 070 7338, e-mail: marketing@woodenergy.com or visit www.woodenergy.com

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - a Government environmental programme that provides financial incentives suppliers of of renewable heat. he RHI has two versions - Domestic and Non-Domestic, and this article will focus on the non-domestic scheme for businesses.

How does it work?

The scheme provides a 20-year subsidy to eligible, non-domestic renewable heat generators and producers of biomethane for injection based in Great Britain.

By providing a long-term financial incentive, the objective of the Non-Domestic RHI is to significantly increase the proportion of heat generated from renewable sources.

Who is it for?

Non-domestic applications include commercial, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. This includes bed and breakfasts and multiple dwellings sharing the same heat source.

Eligible Technologies The following installations must have been completed and the plant first commissioned on or after 15 July 2009 to be eligible: • Solid Biomass • Biogas below 200kWth • Ground and Water Source Heat pumps • Geothermal • Solar collectors • Energy from Waste The following technology types must have been first commissioned on or after 4 December 2013 to be eligible: • Air to Water Heat Pumps

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• Biogas 200kWth and above • A CHP system which generates heat from either solid biomass, biogas or waste in combination with any other source of energy.

Are all producers affected equally?

Biomethane producers are treated differently to other participants in the Non-Domestic RHI. This is because the Government has decided that the regulations and standards currently in place for biomethane injection are sufficient to ensure that the Non-Domestic RHI requirements are met, so no further RHIspecific accreditation standards are necessary.

Back in May, Decc started a review to evaluate whether larger planned biomethane plants still warranted subsidy support thanks to their increasing economies of scale.

It ultimately concluded that a tiering system was the best option, hopefully offering a consistent return for suppliers as subsidies should decrease alongside production costs.

The aim of this new policy is also to ensure the continued growth of biomethane injection to the grid, and ensure value for money on RHI budgets.

Biomethane tiers: Tier

Tariffs

up to 40,000MWh

7.5p/kWh

40-80,000MWh

4.4p/kWh

80,000MWh +

3.4p/kWh

How much can you recieve?

Tariffs from 1 January 2015

Solar Thermal* up to 200kW

Ground Source Heat pumps* up to 100kW

10p per kWh

Tier 1: 8.7p per kWh of heat pump size for the first 1,314 hours per annum Tier 2: 2.6p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

Biomass up to 200kW

Tier 1: 6.8p per kWh of boiler size for the first 1,314 hours per annum Tier 2: 1.8p per kWh for every kWh produced after that

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| LAMMA

Crowds flock to first day of LAMMA Britain’s farmers flocked to Peterborough for the first day of LAMMA’15 to see the latest agricultural technology. n excess of 20,000 people visited the first day of the event at the East of England Showground.

Those visitors were able to experience the latest farm equipment from nearly 1,000 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe.

The number of visitors, the 125 acre site and 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space makes LAMMA the largest annual trade show in any industry in the UK.

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“The feedback we’ve had from visitors and exhibitors has been tremendous,” says Rupert Levy, director of Briefing Media who organise the event.

“There is nowhere else that you can see such a range of machinery and technology from across the UK’s agricultural sectors. What people love about LAMMA is that you can visit stands demonstrating the latest hi-tech combines right through to stands that sell essential workshop tools

and supplies. This year visitors have appreciated the fact that the show is split into clearly defined areas covering all aspects of farming and countryside management. Meanwhile, the use of kilometres of metal flooring has kept the site dry and clear.”

“The move to Peterborough has also meant that there is the space to show off that machinery at a venue that is easy to access from anywhere in the country.”

Frank Sekula, the Managing

Director of Agribank, the headline sponsor of LAMMA’15, praised the event for its quality: “LAMMA’15 was ideal for us as it allowed us to have some very serious business conversations with a wide range of farmers. We pride ourselves in being able to offer competitive loans for farmers quickly and efficiently and that is just what the visitors to LAMMA are after as they develop their businesses.”

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| LAMMA

Bauer irrigation diesel pumps feature at LAMMA A mobile irrigation pump set exhibited by Bauer at the LAMMA show is one of a range of units performance-matched to the Rainstar and ProRain reel irrigators, and the linear and pivot irrigation systems produced by the company. here are six models in all, with a choice of Caprari or Rovatti pumps on all but the smallest model, and diesel engines from FPT Industrial or Deere Power Systems. Model numbers – from DP70 to the DP300 – give an indication of maximum water pumping performance in cubic metres per hour.

“These simple, reliable pump sets are available from our dealers to provide an integrated system of irrigation for field vegetable, potato and other crops,” notes Adrian Tindall, sales manager for the UK and Ireland. “They come with self-priming pumps protected by auto shut-off to guard against damage, four adjustable stands for stability in work, and a lockable fuel cap and removable drawbar for security.”

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The FPT ‘NEF’ and Deere engine families were selected for their power and torque profile, good fuel economy and renowned reliability.

A fuel tank incorporated into the frame keeps things simple and, similarly, standard bodywork is limited to wire mesh screens all round beneath a metal roof to protect components from rain. Alternatively, a soundproof hood is available for units working in noise-sensitive locations.

Each of the units has Bauer’s Elcos 250 control unit, which provides a timer, flow switch connector and a locking engine start, plus shutdown protection in the event of the engine overheating, low oil pressure, wayward pump pressure or interruption to the water flow.

The FPT ‘NEF’ and Deere engine families were selected for their power and torque profile, good fuel economy and renowned

reliability. FPT four-cylinder engines cover the 50-100hp models, with 6.7-litre six-cylinder versions providing 163hp and 175hp for the higher capacity pumps.

Four-cylinder Deere engines of 48hp and 78hp provide an alternative for the first two pump sets in the range, thereafter switching to six-cylinder units of 120hp and 166hp.

This coming season is extra special as Väderstad is launching new models of Rapid, Carrier and the completely new Opus. These machines and other improvements are the result of our vision and from valuable input from farmers.

Interest Free Finance available

Opus, the new powerful cultivator.

Carrier L/XL with 51 or 61cm disc.

Rapid C/S with hydraulic drive.

www.vaderstad.com

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 25

| LAMMA

New Holland Agriculture New flexible ARION 400 launches upgraded T8 tractor range at LAMMA S

On display for the first time in the UK and centre stage on the CLAAS stand at this year’s LAMMA show, was the new ARION 400, featuring the award winning PANORAMIC cab.

New Holland Agriculture has upgraded the T8 Series with its ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR technology for compliance with Tier 4B emissions standards.

he entire range is more powerful than its predecessor and has maintained its excellent fuel efficiency. The upgrade also introduces a host of improvements to the operator’s comfort and convenience, with enhancements for machine setting and maintenance.

“The T8 Series delivers the most powerful conventional tractors in current production,” stated Luca Mainardi, Head of Tractor and Precision Land Management Product Management, “and with the ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR technology their performance has improved even further. Our longsighted approach to emissions standards, adopting at an early stage SCR for our machines above 120 hp, is delivering great advantages for our

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customers and it has proved to be the right choice, as this technology is now accepted as the industry standard for high horsepower equipment.”

The rated and maximum powers have been increased on all five models of the range, significantly improving productivity. For demanding hydraulic, PTO and transport applications, Engine Power Management delivers up to a full 71 more horsepower on top of this. For example, the T8.320 is rated at 250 hp, but with EPM will produce up to 320 hp when it is needed.

With ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR technology, the engine breathes clean fresh air, so that its reaction times when placed under load are significantly faster than that of Tier 3 equivalent models.

26 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

ix ARION 400 models are available, each available in a number of differing cab and equipment specifications, including CIS versions.

The new PANORAMIC cab, which has been awarded a Gold SIMA Show medal, sets a completely new standard for cab visibility and features a one piece windscreen, that is joined to the roof pane without a crossbeam.

This gives the operator an unrestricted 90 degree field of vision over a front loader and gives the cab a large feeling of space that is unprecedented.

The new design for the ARION 400 maintains the even weight distribution that is a common feature on CLAAS tractors. The ARION 400 also features a ‘wasp waist’ design to the bonnet, which allows a tight turning lock for maximum manoeuvrability and also provides plenty of space above the front axle for the radiator assembly.

The ARION is built around a solid cast frame with integral oil sump. Where the ARION is to be used with a front loader, the brackets can therefore be bolted directly on to the engine frame and transmission, and a front linkage can be fitted to the front chassis, ensuring maximum stability and ease access for servicing.

PROACTIV front axle suspension is also available as an option for models over 90hp. This has a steering lock of 55 degrees

and when activated provides independent suspension with automatic height control.

FPT power The new ARION 400 range, which vary from 90hp up to 140hp, is powered by a powerful and fuelefficient 4-cylinder, 4.5 litre FPT turbocharged and charge-air cooled engine. It uses the combination of SCR technology and a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC/Oxicat) to meet TIER 4 emissions regulations, and all the components are housed under the bonnet so they don’t restrict driver visibility.

The engines have no boost, so provide full power is always available at all times, and are governed using a CLAAS engine management system designed to provide optimised engine performance curves.

Hydraulic control options The range of hydraulic options available for the new ARION 400 again reflects the varied uses that these tractors will be used for, with three different hydraulic circuits available for each model in the range.

The ARION 400 can also be used with the full range of CLAAS EASY electronics systems, including TELEMATICS. CLAAS GPS PILOT, S7, S10 and other control terminals can all be easily mounted on a frame above the control console, and the tractor is fitted with cab and rear ISOBUS connections.

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| LAMMA

Featured Dealers:

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Ravenhill Hereford Herefordshire HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

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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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 27

| LAMMA

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Using the right amount of slurry, at the right time of year, can result in huge savings for farmers

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| LAMMA

Step up for compact tractors with the Kubota STW Tractor and groundcare specialists, Kubota UK, has expanded its range of bestselling compact tractors with the launch of its STW Series, providing a step up from existing models with a new level of comfort and performance. vailable in three models, the STW34, STW37 and STW40 have been introduced to handle a range of tasks with quick and powerful performance, from everyday jobs to heavy-duty tasks. The large hydraulic pump capacity, with a flow rate of 30 l/min, is ideal for a wide variety of implements.

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“Fans of our compact range will be impressed with the quick and powerful performance for a wide range of jobs” The three new diesel tractors are available with an optional factory-equipped cab that provides an exceptional level of comfort.

The 4-pillar design, with a large and curved windscreen, offers a 360-degree view with increased visibility. The cab’s ergonomically located air conditioner outlets, front windscreen wiper and rear

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defogger make the machines ideal for use in all seasons. Another added benefit of the cab model is its convenient 12V power socket to recharge mobile phones or other electronic devices while on the go.

The three machines all feature hydrostatic power steering to perform tighter turns and handle front loader work with ease and confidence, helping to reduce operator fatigue. Standard with the STW Series is Kubota’s exclusive Bi-Speed Turning, which makes turns quicker, smoother and tighter with minimal potential damage to the ground surface.

The new range, available in 34HP to 40HP, all feature Kubota diesel engines, which offer a higher and stable output of 2700 RPM. The large torque rise is handy when working at low speeds and for those wishing to travel swiftly between sites, the STW Series offers the fastest maximum travel speed in its class of 34.1KPH for increased productivity.

Finally, the new range also features both 2-speed rear PTO and 1-speed mid PTO to maximise performance when carrying out a multitude of tasks from mowing right through to front loader and trailer work.

Adrian Langmead, Business Development Manager at Kubota, commented: “It’s an exciting time for Kubota and we’re delighted to introduce Kubota’s all-new STW Series of diesel tractors to the UK market.

“The new models are a step into new levels of comfort and performance and we know that fans of our compact range will be

impressed with the quick and powerful performance for a wide range of jobs, from mowing to front-loader work.”

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

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 29

| LAMMA

Rapid Drill updates provide major benefits Väderstad’s Rapid 300-400 C/S drill has received a number of technical improvements and visual changes. hese changes include a more streamlined hopper that is raised slightly above the chassis to improve access to the machine, while greaseless hubs will make it easier to service and use. A new hydraulic metering system also allows the farmer to set a variable seed rate.

The factory-lubricated greaseless hubs dramatically reduce the number of grease points. New bearings also have a longer life.

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Rapid can also be connected to an ordinary GPS system, allowing farmers to use this seed drill with high precision and minimum cost.

Rapid C/S is equipped with a new mechanical and hydraulic

following harrow that has a better lift height and other optional functions. On the hydraulic version, pressure can be adjusted from the tractor cab on the go.

As part of the company’s commitment to GPS related guidance technology, the Rapid drill will benefit from its own wireless communication package E-Services made up of E-Control, an ISOBUS solution and ControlStation. From 2015 all Rapid models will have hydraulic metering controlled from the tractor, which is essential in allowing the driver to use EServices and connect the drill to a GPS system.

Rapid can also be connected to an ordinary GPS system, allowing farmers to use this seed drill with high precision and minimum cost.

More information about the Rapid Drill can be found at www.vaderstad.com/uk

30 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| LAMMA

Kuhn showed a wide range of machinery at LAMMA Equipment from the company’s sprayer range, hay and silage making equipment, seed drills, ploughs, min-till machines, fertiliser spreaders, bedding and bale-wrapping kit were there on display catering for farmers and contractors from every sector. aul Gregory, Kuhn’s Area Sales Manager for the Eastern Counties said, “As well as the usual range of arable machinery, we displayed a large selection of grassland and livestock equipment including kit from our bale wrapping and precision drilling ranges.”

Amongst the machines shown was Kuhn’s Metris trailed sprayer. “this was the first time we’d taken a trailed sprayer to LAMMA and it generated plenty of interest,” Mr Gregory said.

Kuhn’s stand at LAMMA also featured mechanically and hydraulically driven versions of its Axis 40.1 EMC (Electronic Mass Contol) twin disc fertiliser spreaders. Previously only available on its hydraulic-drive models, the EMC system, which measures mass flow independently at each disc enabling the machine to adjust aperture size to maintain a target application rate, is now also available in a mechanically powered format.

“The mechanically driven machines achieve their target application rates by measuring the torsion in the drive shafts for each of the discs,” Mr Gregory explains. “This measurement is then correlated with mass flow to give the machine accurate information about the amount of fertiliser being applied. It is a highly accurate system which avoids the need for conventional static calibration testing, with the mechanical version of the Axis range approximately 20 to 30% below the price of the equivalent hydraulic model.”

Also shown was the new FC 3160 TCD 3.1 metre trailed mower conditioner machine (also available as a 3.5m version), featuring Kuhn’s centre pivot design, enabling the unit to be operated on either side of the tractor or in conjunction with a front mounted mower for improved productivity.

“Centre pivot machines can work across the field rather than setting it out at the headlands,” Mr Gregory explains. “This can reduce the working time for each field by as much as 15% by virtually eliminating the ‘dead time’ spent travelling at the headlands.

“Reducing traffic on headlands also prevents the flattening of headland swaths and can contribute to a reduction in soil compaction and soil contamination for improved silage quality.”

Additionally, Kuhn displayedits Performer

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Contact your nearest Kuhn dealer today...

cultivator and Multi-Leader plough at the show.

The Performer tine and disc cultivator has quickly become the most popular of Kuhn’s non-powered cultivator range, offering an effective single-pass solution as well as the versatility of different modes to suit individual requirements.

Available in 4 and 5 metre working widths, the Performer comprises twin independent disc gangs (10cm working depth), four rows of tines (35cm working depth), levelling discs and the new 700mm diameter HD-Liner roller.

The single wheel Multi-Leader plough is Kuhn’s high output machine for medium to high power tractors. Available in 6, 7 and 8 furrow formats, the Multi-Leader covers the 135 – 300 hp tractor power range, and – with a 110 degree turning radius – has great manoeuvrability on headlands.

For further information about any of the Kuhn machines featuring at LAMMA, go to www.kuhn.co.uk or contact your nearest dealer.

Performer cultivator

Axis 40.1 EMC

Wright Agri Ltd Budworth Road Tabley, Knutsford Cheshire WA16 0HZ Tel: 01565 734587

KO Machines Ltd Lower Larches Farm, Larches Lane, Wolverhampton West Midlands WV10 7PA Tel: 01902 798771

Craggs of Conder Green Thurnham Mill Buildings, Conder Green, Lancaster Lancashire LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405

Mike Garwood Ag Engineers Shelleys Barn, Shelleys Lane, East Worldham, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3AQTel: 01420 84458

Teme Valley Tractors Ltd Station Yard Station Road, Knighton Powys LD7 1DT Tel: 01547 528351

Lower Quinton Garages Ltd Goose Lane, Upper Quinton Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8SX Tel: 01789 720265

www.wrightagriltd.com

www.mikegarwoodltd.co.uk

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Multi-Leader plough

www.komachines.co.uk

www.temevalleytractors.co.uk

www.craggsofcondergreen.co.uk

www.lqgltd.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Feature

32 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| LAMMA

Exciting new combo machines are key to combatting compaction Twose’s innovative new all-in-one subsoiler and aerator machines were unveiled at LAMMA 2015. esigned to boost soil quality and help farmers fight compaction, the new SSA range combines the two operations in a single-pass - heaving, aerating and rolling the soil before slitting it to aid water percolation and promote capillary action.

Available in a choice of 2.5m and 3.0m working widths, the new machines potentially halve the time required to treat pasture and deliver major savings in labour and fuel costs.

Key features of the new machines include: • Three-point linkage • Hydraulic auto-reset leg protection available • Choice of two, three and five leg configurations • Plain, packer and consolidator roller options • Easily adjustable working depths for both subsoiling and aeration • Manual and hydraulically adjustable roller options • 230mm hard-wearing boron steel slitting blades.

• Replaceable hardened boron steel shins, legs and feet • Straight blade configuration for minimal surface disruption • Rugged build quality

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• Precisionengineered in the UK to the ISO 9001 quality benchmark Twose director of sales and marketing Tim Coleridge said the SSA machines would offer a major labour and cost saving advantage for farmers and contractors and prove a significant weapon in easing compaction and enhancing pasture growth.

He said: “The double action of subsoiling and aeration will enhance the condition of grass roots and improve the ingression of water and air, promoting strong earlier growth of grass.

“Combining the two roles into a single-pass operation will save farmers and contractors time and money and help them increase efficiency and the quality of their pasture.”

The machines will be on display for the first time at Twose’s G56 Stand at LAMMA 2015 and

are available for sale now.

Available in a choice of 2.5m and 3.0m working widths, the new machines potentially halve the time required to treat pasture and deliver major savings in labour and fuel costs.

The SSA machines are compatible with tractors of 80 hp and above (two leg model), 120hp and above for a three-leg configuration.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Buildings

If walls could talk..

The principles of building ventilation are simple but getting the mechanics right is slightly more challenging, according to one of the UK’s leading livestock building experts, Jamie Robertson. or 95% of the time, wind speed in the UK is above 1m/sec, meaning that, provided the building infrastructure is right, air changes can occur by natural ventilation. Recent on-farm meetings organised by DairyCo provided the perfect opportunity to see how appropriately stocked buildings ventilated via the stack effect – the replacement of foul air by fresh using the principle of heat rising.

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Uncontrolled airspeed at animal height is only likely to be beneficial in the UK during the warm, summer months One of Jamie’s messages focused on the need for moisture, either from cattle respiration, perspiration or excretion, to escape from a building. In practice this means producers need to stop guessing the inlet and outlet areas

of the building and start measuring them.

Even in new builds there has been a tendency for a lack of adequate ventilation. It must cater for the type, size and number of animals that are housed. In simple terms, the inlet area, ideally split evenly between the two side walls of a building, should be twice the outlet area as a minimum but preferably four times. The outlet area is a defined value, however, how this area is provided can be by various methods. The most common is by continuous ridge along the length of a building. An open ridge is generally between 0.2-0.3m wide and should be unrestricted.

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 of the inlets is not to restrict airflow but to reduce airspeed at animal height. Hence, the common practice of removing large areas of boarding from

34 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Ventilated building

buildings to provide ‘inlets’ has a negative impact of increasing airspeed, which in turn can have an impact on animal health and performance from energy losses.

Uncontrolled airspeed at animal height is only likely to be beneficial in the UK during the warm, summer months. 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. A cladding material with many small openings is suitable for inlets in GB winter housing.

Jamie highlighted that, on the

Smoke test showing the lack of airflow

whole, we do not make enough use of windbreaks. A well-placed break, planned at the same time as the building, can aid with overall building ventilation.

For more information and the figures needed to do the specific calculations, see Chapter 13 of the DairyCo publication Dairy Housing – a best practice guide.

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| Buildings

Thermal management for efficient production Effective ventilation systems are essential to provide optimum living conditions for pigs and for those working with them. igs are susceptible to draughts and the climatic zones within a pen influence behaviour. The consequences of poor thermal insulation in pig sheds can hamper production efficiency with reduced feed conversion, negative impact on pig health and having poor energy use.

BPEX has invested in a thermal imaging camera, which is a unique tool to map the energy loss from a building. It is also a powerful and non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings. The issues of inadequate thermal insulation was picked up as a result of a ventilation pilot within the Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP).

A thermal imaging camera uses a specific wave length of light where as a human eye has a much broader range of wave lengths.

This means a thermal imaging camera can capture high-definition images of issues which cannot be seen with the naked eye. The camera is versatile with the options of using it for a small area such as a doorway or a larger area such as

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a shed wall or foundations.

Trained operators from BPEX that use the thermal imaging camera have found some common issues within old and new pig sheds including: • Missing or defective insulation • Thermal bridges and resultant condensation • Leaking of heat from buildings • Holes and resultant drafts Some of these issues may be resolved through an improved understanding, training and knowledge dissemination, and correcting malfunctioning equipment.

Thermal imaging cameras work best with a large temperature difference therefore winter and summer are the best times of year for its use – although it is understood winter suits many more people.

The BPEX building and environment team is able to take the camera on farm to assist pig producers. Issues discussed to date include understanding aspects of pig behaviour within pens, condensation and moulds developing on walls, or the presence of, and performance of insulation. The BPEX team explain

Climate control Award winning pig producer and owner of Spring Farm Systems Ltd Tom Wright, explains the importance of ventilation temperature control in pig sheds, especially here in the UK. emperatures vary by over 40c in the average year and in a winter like we are currently experiencing 20c in a matter of days. To average out the highs and lows you need to control the environment.

Keeping pigs from their lower critical temperature (pigs will need to consume more food to keep warm) and upper critical temperature (pigs will decrease their feed consumption) is an issue for producers.

Dust is a given in any building but if you can see the dust then you have a lack of airflow.

Respiratory problems can haunt a producer throughout a batch if ventilation is inadequate. Efforts should be taken to create a warm environment for piglets with fresh air being introduced to the building at eaves height even in the coldest months.

Yorkshire boarding has been used on pig buildings for decades but its effectiveness has been minimal. In winter it provides

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nowhere near enough protection and in summer it reduces the cool summer breeze that is needed in the shed. On most farms you can see attempts at improving effectiveness of Yorkshire boarding i.e. hinged sections that can be opened in summer or extra boards that slide to fill the gaps in winter.

Curtain ventilation systems enable you to have the desired environment throughout the year.

Being able to raise or lower the sides with ease means that control over airflow and temperature is at the producers fingertips.

Automatic systems operate to a set temperature with the control box taking readings from the temperature sensors every few minutes and adjusting the curtains accordingly.

Manual systems still offer the producer total control but rely on judgement and operation of the hand winch. Typically automated curtains will move down in the morning and up in the evening, but when there is temperature fluctuation throughout the day, the

Thermal image: foundations leakage in a newly built pig shed showing heat loss

thermal camera use

to the producer and staff what the images are showing which can often have complex causes and potential solutions. Feedback from previous levy payers to have used the service show that it has “great potential” for moving the industry forward and it can aid in the

making of tough decisions, such as which shed to refurbish or how much insulation is needed.

Producers who would like a survey should contact their regional KT manager. Alternatively they can email kt@bpex.ahdb.org.uk

manual curtains will not be moved unless someone nearby.

Being able to keep consistent temperature reduces stress levels in the pigs, consequently increasing health and growth rates. Straw based systems experience cleaner pigs when the temperature is correct and airflow is adequate.

Pigs immensely dislike draughts; therefore top opening curtains allow fresh air to enter the building without creating too much air movement at lower levels.

In the summer time when producers are faced with warm and humid conditions, a fully open curtain will allow large amounts of

cooler air into the building – creating a cool summer breeze able to flow through the shed, cooling the pigs and removing dust and hot air.

Dust is a given in any building but if you can see the dust then you have a lack of airflow.

Entrepreneur Tom Wright designs and produces custom made curtains for pig sheds throughout the UK and consults farms on buildings and fittings. For more information visit www.springfarmsystem.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Buildings

Cembrit depot upgrade Company has expanded and fully upgraded facilities at its Llandow depot, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, S Wales. he improvements made to the depot include an extension of its stockholding, a revamped reception area and an increased staff presence.

The depot’s reception has been re-designed in order to display a wide variety of Cembrit’s products and show them to their best advantage. The refurbishments include new slate display rigs, examples of Cembrit’s extensive corrugated sheet colour range and attractive graphics demonstrating the company’s comprehensive range of accessories and supporting accreditations.

Further improvements have seen the depot’s warehousing undercover being extended by approximately 30% to provide greater stockholding capacity to serve burgeoning demand for coloured corrugated sheet.

Thanks to the extension, the depot now holds the largest roofing stock in the area. A fleet of specialist delivery vehicles including smart, liveried lorries offers flexible delivery of all volumes of product, ranging from

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one-off samples, to full loads, as well as collections.

“The upgrade of the Llandow depot has been an important investment for us,” comments Depot Manager, Rob Wallace. “We are proud to offer our customers in Wales and the Midlands an improved customer service experience. We can guarantee a wider range of products, kept in greater supply, faster and more flexible delivery, and excellent staff support are all readily available.”

A total of eight experienced staff members are on hand to offer customer service and technical sales expertise. This includes the newest member of the Cembrit team, Cerian Shaw, who has recently been appointed Assistant Depot Manager. With an impressive background in customer service working with contractors, engineers and installers, Cerian is ably qualified to ensure Cembrit’s customers benefit from excellent response times, rapid order processing and comprehensive sales support.

For further information, please visit www.cembrit.co.uk.

36 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Concrete evidence for service excellence S J Stanberry & Sons Ltd has vast experience of laying concrete floors, aprons and foundations. e have been offering our concrete services to customers for many years and we work hard to hone our skills and improve our knowledge and methods. This means we are able to provide a fast, dedicated and reliable service.

Since the company began there have been many changes to working methods, including Health and Safety, and we are committed to ensuring our team remains completely informed and trained in all areas of work, keeping in line with current legislation for the work we undertake.

We offer a professional service when dealing with all of our clients (public and private sectors) and are approachable and versatile, allowing us to meet all of our clients' requirements.

A wide range of services can be offered at very competitive rates and we will travel throughout the UK. We specialise in large pour installations with both traditional,

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hand laying techniques and mechanical applications using our skills and knowledge to achieve high quality, high tolerance and quality product finish. No project is too large or too small.

Initial site clearance & concrete • Site strip and stack aside • Foundations – dig & place concrete • Steel fixing (technical assistance is available if required) • Concrete floors on large or small areas • Brush finish • Tamp finish • Power float finish • Silo base These can be either traditional bays or laser flood pours Coloured concrete imprinting for drives, paths, patios etc.

We also have the facilities & experience to carry out: • Trench work • Paving & patios • Foundations & drainage

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| Buildings

How better cattle housing can increase productivity Brambell’s five freedoms famously state that animals should have “freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area”. This is a well-known fact among the farming community; but what does it really mean? More importantly, how will it benefit you?

uch like humans, cattle thrive in a healthy environment, resulting in more consistent and higher quality milk production. The Merck Veterinary Manual published research that found herd productivity is affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In the colder months, underventilation is one of the most serious threats to the environment of animals.

Both improper design and improper management of the ventilation can seriously compromise animal health. Statistics also show that regions with considerable periods of high ambient temperature and high humidity without periods of cooling struggled with inconsistencies and more seasonal variation in milk output

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Graham Heath Construction has designed agricultural buildings to combat environmental obstacles and increase productivity for over 18 years. Owner of GHC, Graham Heath said: “Our family history of farming means that we fully understand the challenges the agricultural industry faces, and that’s why we travel up and down the country to ensure that our bespoke builds are made to suit the location perfectly, taking in to account ventilation and the overall comfort of the cattle.”

Both improper design and improper management of the ventilation can seriously compromise animal health If you’d like to talk to an expert about better cattle housing then speak to one of the Graham Heath Construction team today on 01270 781158.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Buildings

Unique precast underground cave proves the perfect environment for award-winning cheese Working with MJ Fry Engineering of Martinstown in Dorset, Milbury Systems (an FP McCann company) has created an underground ‘cave’ near Dorchester to store and mature cheese. esigned and manufactured at Milbury’s Gloucester plant, 67 prestressed Vertical Cantilever (VC) panels and 38 solid prestressed roof panels made up the bulk of the construction, together with the necessary ancillaries and panel foundation rebar needed to complete the project.

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A return to traditional cheese making methods saw Ford Farm’s Traditional Farmhouse Cheddar crowned Supreme Champion at the International Cheese Awards.

The ‘cave’ was installed after MJ Fry Engineering had completed substantial groundworks, excavating a hole in the side of a

hill that was deep enough to accommodate a 3 metre effective internal wall height, with an additional 3 to 4 metres of soil / backfill on the external top. This was integral to the design, to allow for an additional surcharge load from a light duty tractor which mows the grass on the top of the soil fill.

The client, Ford Farm, an award winning cheese manufacturer, is now using the cave to store and mature cheese. Some of the joints in the prestressed panels have been left unsealed to allow for nominal ingress of water into the cave; this assists in the maturing process of the cheese stored within it.

A cheese matured in the cave has already won its Dorset producers a top industry award.

A return to traditional cheese making methods saw Ford Farm’s Traditional Farmhouse Cheddar crowned Supreme Champion at the International Cheese Awards.

The prestressed, man-made cave – along with the famous Wookey Hole natural caves – provide a fantastic environment for the maturing of Ford Farm cheese due to its constant humidity and all year round temperature which results in the cheese taking on a deliciously distinctive flavour.

Site: Ford Farm, Ashley Chase Estate, Litton Cheney, Dorchester Contractor: MJ Fry Engineering (Martinstown, Dorset) Client: Ford Farm Products Supplied: 67 prestressed Vertical Cantilever (VC) panels and 38 solid prestressed roof panels.

38 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Buildings

Ventilation – follow the herd Good ventilation in livestock buildings is a critical factor when looking to maximise animal welfare and following a few simple design rules can make a dramatic difference. Here, Andrew Brown, Technical Services Manager Profiled Sheeting, looks at the ways in which farmers can ensure their livestock buildings are adequately ventilated. n terms of using fibre cement Profiled Sheeting there are four types of roof ventilation that are acceptable, as follows: a) Open ridges These can be designed as both an unprotected and protected open ridge ventilation system. They are effective in providing an efficient outflow of air, whilst allowing rain to be channelled away over the roof. The upstand of the open ridge flashings creates a venturi effect to suck air out of the building as wind passes over the roof. b) Spaced roof On some of the larger cattle buildings the open ridge vents cannot provide sufficient ventilation, but additional ventilation can be provided by the spaced roofing system. Profile 6 sheets are trimmed so that they finish with an upturn on each side and are laid with a clear gap of 15 – 25mm between each vertical run of sheets. The width of the gap is important to minimise the risk of snow bridging and water ingress. c) Breathing roof The breathing roof is another acceptable method of ventilating through a profiled sheeting roof surface whereby timber battens are inserted into the end laps of the sheets to allow ventilation through the corrugation voids.

This system requires single spanning sheets to be used (typically 1525 or 1675mm lengths) and allowance must be made for the reduced pitch of the sheets due to the insertion of the battens.

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d) Ventilated ridge Pieces that can be incorporated in a run of closed ridges are suitable for general storage buildings where occasional access of livestock may be required. As well as incorporating these ventilation systems into the roof design fibre cement profiled sheeting has an additional advantage over other materials such as steel sheets in that it is vapour permeable. This reduces condensation by allowing moisture to escape to the outside, which in turn can help to prevent the conditions found in livestock as well as protecting farm machinery.

Semi-compressed fibre cement profiled sheeting can also absorb up to 25 percent of its dry weight in moisture and then dissipate it in more favourable conditions. Instead of the condensation remaining on the underside of the sheets and dripping off at the purlins onto the livestock and bedding, the moisture can be absorbed by the material. Independent testing has shown that in a typical cattle building in southern England, there will be dripping condensation from semi-compressed fibre cement sheets for only 1% of the time during the winter months, compared to almost 20% of the time for single skin steel.

Fibre cement profiled sheeting has good thermal properties too, compared with other sheet roofing products. This helps to reduce heat build-up in summer and heat loss in winter and also contributes to minimising condensation. Also important in buildings that house animals, fibre cement profiled sheets, have a P60 (external SAA) rating to BS 476: Part 3: 1975, and can be classified Class 0 in accordance with the Building Regulations.

Fibre cement profiled sheeting is low maintenance and has a resistance to chemicals, with a life expectancy of at least 50 years; saving money for farmers in the long run.

This is due to the fact that it has no metallic content, which is an advantage when used on livestock buildings, where the heat and moisture produced by animals creates a slightly acidic atmosphere.

Our Agricultural Hub has more information and articles relating to fibre cement profiled sheeting at www.marleyeternit.co.uk/agriculture

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Diet Feeders

Late winter diets – achieving the correct balance With several weeks to go before turn out and milk prices remaining under pressure, Volac’s Dr Richard Kirkland offers a six point holistic approach to formulating balanced diets to help exploit performance without detriment to herd health. Like most things in life, he says, it’s a case of achieving a balance: meeting the cows’ needs with the appropriate level and type of inputs. With poor forages and low milk prices, it is more important than ever to carefully consider the ingredients that will provide a balanced supply of energy, protein, fibre and fat in the ration if targets for both productivity and health are to be met, cost-effectively.

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Forage quality Have you had your grass and maize silages analysed recently? We are all aware of wet, acidic low energy silages this season, and since forage makes up 50% or more of diets on many farms it is essential that you know the nutritional quality of the silage you are currently feeding. If silage metabolisable energy (ME) is only 10 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) when you expected it to be 11 MJ/kg DM, this could represent a shortfall of energy for two litres of milk.

Dr Richard Kirkland

Yield High yielding dairy cows suffer a period of negative energy balance in early lactation when they can’t eat sufficient DM and energy to meet requirements. Energy intakes can be improved by increasing the diet’s energy density so the cow consumes more energy in every bite. Supplementing with cereals will increase milk yield and energy density, but inclusion should be limited due to potential build-up of acid produced during rumen fermentation leading to acidosis.

Alternatively, introduce protected fats; for example adding 0.5 kg of a proven rumen-protected fat to a ration will typically lift energy density by 0.5 MJ/kg DM and milk yield by an average 2.3 litres/cow/day, but crucially will not add to the acid load in the rumen.

Milk fat Milk fat % is strongly influenced by the starch/fibre balance of the ration. Supplementing rations with excessive amounts of highly fermentable starchy feeds acts to reduce milk fat, while fibre sources are the primary suppliers of the acetic and butyric acid building blocks required for milk fat production. Rations should have a minimum of 28% to 30% neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in early lactation. Fibrous forages will provide a source of structural, effective fibre - rumen scratch factor - needed for good rumen function and buffering, to encourage fibre digestion and milk fat production. Feeding supplements with high levels of unprotected oil, for example brewers grains, can reduce fibre digestion and directly reduce milk fat %.

Milk protein Starchy feeds stimulate milk protein and promote growth of rumen bacteria which then contribute to the overall protein supply. Bypass sources of protein are needed to balance the cow’s total protein requirements and to supply essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine - the building blocks of protein. Soya bean meal is a good source of lysine, while rapeseed meal and prairie meal are good sources of methionine.

Fertility Increasing energy balance to improve body condition score has a major impact on fertility; cows losing body condition have a longer interval to first service and poorer pregnancy rates. Insulin, a hormone fuelled by starchy feeds, stimulates follicle cell development and ovulation, while some fat supplements are proven to improve egg quality and increase production of progesterone, the ‘hormone of pregnancy’, in addition to supplying additional energy. These effects lead to a greater chance of fertilisation and sustained pregnancy.

Lameness Ruminal acidosis is widely known as a causative factor of lameness. This again emphasises the need for a balanced approach to rationing to provide those essential carbohydrates needed for production while avoiding over-consumption of rapidly fermentable sources without adequate buffering.

40 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Diet Feeders

Triple auger feeder wagons for large-scale dairy farms Kuhn Farm Machinery’s full range of high capacity mixer wagons is now available in the UK. eaturing hopper capacities ranging from 28m3 to 45m3, the Euromix I – 70 Series machines are capable of feeding up to 360 high yielding dairy cattle in a single load, making them ideally suited to the growing number of large-scale dairy operations.

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The hoppers on all four machines are constructed from extra thick steel for intensive use over an extended period The Euromix I – 70 Series features four models of mixer wagon, all of which are fitted with three vertical augers, with seven mixing knives per auger. The

tandem axle 2870 and 3370 models have a capacity of 28m3 and 33m3 respectively and are capable of feeding up to 225 or 260 cows in a single load. The steering triple axle 3970 and 4570 machines have respective capacities of 39m3 and 45m3 and are capable of feeding up to 310 and 360 cows in a single load.

Each machine measures just 2.44 metres in width making them suitable for use within most cow housing facilities: the 2870 has an overall height of 2.74 metres and is designed for use in sheds with restricted height access, while the largest 4570 machine still sits at a relatively low height of 3.45 metres. The 3370 and 3970 both have a maximum height of 3.00 metres.

“The high capacity of the 70 Series machines means that a

large quantity of fibrous feed – up to six whole round bales – can be chopped and mixed in one load,” explains Duncan McLeish, UK Sales Manager for Kuhn.

“In common with Kuhn’s single and double auger machines, each auger also features a double pitch profile at the end of the auger and a second scraper at the base to quickly break up and expand whole bales. The contents of the hopper are then mixed throughout the machine’s entire storage volume, thereby allowing large herds to be fed quickly, efficiently and consistently, with no loss or variation in nutritional quality.”

The hoppers on all four machines are constructed from

extra thick steel for intensive use over an extended period, and are equipped with a weighing system comprising six loads cells mounted between the hopper and integral frame.

The 2870 and 3370 machines are fitted with a double speed gearbox (14 and 30 rpm), while the 3970 and 4570 models use a heavy-duty double speed gearbox (18 and 39 rpm). All four models can be configured with right or left discharge chutes at the front or rear of the machine, with a central rear chute option also available.

Prices for the 2870 start from £75,732 and from £100,475 for the 4570 machine. For further information go to www.kuhn.co.uk

Large mixer feeder with straw blower For dairy farmers who need a mixer feeder with a large capacity and who want to spread a large amount of straw, Trioliet has included the Solomix P ZKX in its range. he Solomix P ZKX is the latest machine in the range of mixer feeders with straw blower. It is the robust variant of the Solomix P1 and P2. This powerhouse with a heavy drive train has two or three Long Life (22 mm) vertical augers mounted directly on the chassis. The thick walls (10 mm) give the mixing chamber extra strength and a longer life cycle.

The standard Solomix P ZKX

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features two hydraulic discharge doors right and left (type 2400 and 2800) or two on the right side (type 3600). To ensure the mixing process in a full mixer feeder starts up easily the machine is supplied with a switchable gearbox. The tractor power requirement varies from 120 hp (88 kW) to 177 hp (130 kW), depending on the type.

Optionally the Solomix P ZKX can be supplied with the two- or threespeed Shifttronic (a gearbox that can be switched under load),

which automatically switches to the optimum speed so that the tractor clutch suffers less wear and reasonable fuel savings can be made.

The low blowing pipe with hydraulically operated nozzle is provided with a wheel incorporating six blower/spreading vanes. The straw can thus be spread easily up to a distance of 25 metres. To reduce the amount of swirling dust, a spray unit with water tank can be installed. The

unit dampens the straw, thus ensuring that fewer dust particles and microorganisms are floating around. This is not only more comfortable, but also more hygienic for both animals and humans. The water nozzle is integrated into the blower housing and sprinkles the straw before it leaves the blower nozzle. The water tank has a capacity of 100 litres and is mounted at the front of the machine.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Diet Feeders

Hurricane all in one feeder and bedder The ever popular Hustler CH-2000H chainless bale feeder is now available with the option of the new ‘Hurricane’ straw spreader attachment for bedding operations. hile the CH-2000 is used for all types of feeding tasks, from round or square bales of straw, silage, hay or haylage, the same machine will serve to lay animal bedding, spreading straw up to ten metres.

The Hustler Hurricane bedder is simply attached to the CH-2000, and mounted on the tractor linkage it enables the straw to leave the machine at approximately 700mm from the ground (depending on the height of the lift arms), to be blown across a manger and over the top of the stock. Alternatively, the machine can be mounted onto a telehandler for higher level spreading.

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When the Hustler Hurricane is not in use it is stowed neatly on the front of the machine while feeding along mangers and feeding passages is taking place Whereas straw choppers are known for creating excessive dust, itself a threat to the health of the stock, the Hustler Hurricane spreads the straw without chopping it. That represents a healthier form of bedding while saving time, and money, with the bedding having a longer life.

The Hustler CH-2000 is a unique chainless bale feeder, handling round or square bales,

42 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

with the bale spiked and lifted onto the platform with heavy duty tines, ready for feeding.

When the Hustler Hurricane is not in use it is stowed neatly on the front of the machine while feeding along mangers and feeding passages is taking place. To convert to a spreader the

unit simply hinges around and locks into position on the side.

To see the Hustler Hurricane in action ask for a demonstration - contact Wessex International on 01264 345870 or visit www.wessexintl.com

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| Diet Feeders

Keenan provide sustainable solution against volatile commodities

Conan Condon

At a time when thousands of UK dairy farmers are suffering swinging milk price cuts of 8 to 10 ppl since last spring - InTouch AgriTech, a new technology based nutrition support service for dairy and beef farmers, will help farmers cope with market prices (milk and beef prices, and feed input costs) as well as volatile weather conditions such as those encountered in the summer of 2012 and spring of 2013. nTouch AgriTech is a cloud based technology that links 3,000 feeding machines on farms across the world to Keenan’s live monitoring centre in Kilkenny Ireland.

Within the centre, a team of highly skilled nutritionists constantly measure what cattle are eating, how the feed is prepared and animal performance. If problems arise, the InTouch AgriTech Centre detects them real time and corrective action is taken straight away.

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“We hear much criticism that farmers must bear much of the risk associated with food”

Conan Condon, Director at InTouch AgriTech, outlined, "Cattle are fed exactly what they need every day. There's no waste. This makes precision nutrition easy for farmers who now have much greater control of feeding. They also know there is someone looking over their shoulder to support them. They can sleep more easily".

Gerard Keenan

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This technology has been worked on by Keenan engineers for the past 10 years. Consistent physical preparation of mixed feeds and forages was delivering 500 litres more milk annually per cow without increases in feed consumed. The optimum physical mix, aided by patented smart technology developed in Carlow, was helping the cows improve digestion of the feed, each mouthful the same and each day the same feed being eaten.

"Cows, and the micro flora in their rumen (stomach) like boring repetition. The rumen environment improves through consistency and this translates into better animal health and performance in terms of milk yield and quality. The result is more milk from feed", said John McCurdy, Innovation Director.

Live Monitoring Centre

"Cattle are fed exactly what they need every day. There's no waste. This makes precision nutrition easy for farmers who now have much greater control of feeding.”

At the recent launch of this new InTouch AgriTech service, company Chairman, Gerard Keenan commented “we hear much criticism that farmers must bear much of the risk associated with food, that others in the food chain, beyond the farm gate and into the farm don't carry their fair share of the load. To help farmers, Keenan now have 2 new offerings to help remedy this: A one year contract rental of Keenan mixer and InTouch AgriTech support at £11 per day A two year 80% buyback of Keenan mixer if the farmer follows InTouch AgriTech support and doesn't achieve a minimum of 500 litres from no more concentrates in year 2.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Diet Feeders

The Siloking Prestige at work

First Kverneland Siloking self-propelled feeder still at work on Whistley Farm The UK’s first self-propelled Siloking Kverneland diet feeder is still hard at work for Stephen Potter at Whistley Farm, West Harptree, Somerset. upplied by Kverneland dealer Uphill & Son, the Prestige-spec 1612 model replaced a 20-year old self-propelled feeder and is being used to provide the farm’s 100-head of pedigree blonde cattle, the Whistley Herd, with a high quality ration.

“We feed our blondes every day with specific rations, and the use of a self-propelled feeder has many advantages for us,” explains Stephen Potter. “The milling head lets us keep a tight face at the clamp to avoid secondary fermentation. It also has incredible manoeuvrability, with rear-wheel steering and a compact overall size, which makes it very easy to negotiate our traditional farmyard and its buildings.”

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“With our plans to develop herd numbers and develop a high meat-to-bone ratio to deliver higher quality meat, the Siloking feeder has become an increasingly valuable tool here at Whistley Farm.”

In addition, he says that compared to using a trailed feeder, using a self-propelled machine does save on the cost of buying an additional tractor, telehandler and a silage cutter.

“A self-propelled feeder might appear to be a high initial cost, but if it is kept for 20 years for example, its cost becomes very easy to justify with smaller herds,” he says.

“As a result, it is not significantly more expensive than a trailed set-up, because a

44 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Stephen Potter (centre) with Kverneland’s Dan Crowe (left) and Rob Uphill from supplying dealer Uphill & Son.

trailed feeder needs additional machinery in support. And, our set-up is based around a one-man feeding system, which is easily achieved using a self-propelled feeder.”

Mr Potter and herdsman Pat Hodge believe this latest feeder, with its sophisticated mixing and feeding capability, delivers consistent ration quality for all animals.

“Giving all our cattle the same quality of forage stops bullying at the feeders,” says Mr Hodge. “And with our plans to develop herd numbers and develop a high meat-to-bone ratio to deliver higher quality meat, the Siloking feeder has become an increasingly valuable tool here at Whistley Farm.”

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| Diet Feeders

Are your cows getting the short straw?

The addition of processed straw to a feed ration, either to provide bulk fill or improve structural fibre in a diet, is a subject with one common theme; ask any farmer what works best for their livestock & the answer will be different! he reason there can be so many dfferent answers is because the required characteristics of the straw depend not only on livestock needs, but also the nature of the other components to which straw is being incorporated.

• In dry cow rations straw can be used to control energy intake and reduce the risk of milk fever.

• In milking cow rations straw can be very useful as physically effective fibre.

The key to feeding straw is its incorporation to create a homogenous blend which reduces the likelihood of cows sorting through the ration. Farm trials demonstrate that precision chopped pre-processed straw can provide instant results. By preprocessing straw for dry cow rations containing high inclusions, consumption has increased by up to 20%.

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Experience shows there are three good reasons for pre-processing straw: • Pre-processing offers the user greater control in the characteristics of the straw component of the diet; whether the desired straw length is 10mm or 100mm, milled to break down the stalk, or chopped cleanly.

• Time and fuel can be saved by processing straw prior to its incorporation in the diet feeder.

• Using pre-processed straw reduces “mixing” times and the potential for over processing other components in the ration With over 30 years’ experience in processing straw, Teagle offer a range of products designed specifically to meet the growing demand for processed straw: The Tomahawk 505XLM The 505XLM is built around a mill rotor system with interchangeable screens with apertures ranging from 10mm to

Drum cover

36mm, ideal for a consistent and fine chop length.

The mill can be fitted with hammers, ideal for breaking up materials such as miscanthus or rape straw, or blades which cleanly chop straw. The machine has capacity for two 5’ round bales or a full size hesston bale.

The Dual Chop System The Dual Chop system offers a chop length down to around 25mm. These Feeder Bedders incorporate a set of retractable

blades to either chop short or spread long at the touch of a button.

Teagle is the UK market leader for Feeder Bedders with all of its models manufactured in its modern production facility in Cornwall.

For further information, please contact either your local Teagle dealer or the Teagle UK Sales Office on 01872 560592.

Alternatively visit www.teagle.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Fencing

How do you keep livestock in and predators out..?

Of course… its easy.. .you use electric fencing! ww.electricfencing.co.uk is the largest specialist online supplier of electric fencing in the UK. We have the most extensive and comprehensive range of Hotline electric fencing products to cover all of your electric fencing needs.

Whether it is a new fence or an upgrade of your current fence you’ll find what you need in our online shop: poultry netting kits to keep Mr Fox out, three reel systems to keep sheep and pigs in, post and rail protection kits, and we also have a wide range of energises to suit most applications and all the electric fencing accessories you could possibly need.

Available Now! We have an amazing deal on our Premium Plastic Posts 1m (10 pack)... They are now £12.38 per 10 pack! They come in a range of colours – green, orange, white and blue.

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Agricised post technology outstanding in the field With more than 30 years’ experience in providing quality timber fencing solutions, M&M Timber can justifiably claim to know a good deal about the expectations of farmers and landowners. So it was hardly surprising that the company was amongst the first to respond to demands for the durable, long-lasting qualities of Agricised technology.

Our offer is available from 1st January – 30th April 2015! If you are not sure what you need contact us - we know electric fencing!

Call 01620 860058 or email info@electricfencing.co.uk

oday’s market for Agricised timbers is growing rapidly and demand is increasing. Many are already embracing the basic principles of the specialist technology, but from the outset, M&M Timber’s approach has been to maximise the complex qualities of the process in order to enhance performance to the highest achievable level.

Tasked with developing an Agricised post that offers top performance without the inherent high cost penalties that have previously forced land owners to settle for lower grade installations, the company undertook years of scientific research and technological development with leading manufacturing experts before the launch of their latest Agricised range.

M&M Timber’s Agricising process involves purposedesigned incisor machinery, developed and manufactured in the UK to the company’s own specific requirements and is said to be the most technologically advanced of its type in the country.

The process creates a metre long ground contact band of uniform incisions, enabling a minimum of 6mm pressurised preservative treatment penetration to meet

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46 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Class 4 and BS8417 ground contact zone rerequirements. It also serves to ease surface tension and reduces cracking.

M&M Timber is so confident in the long-term durability of its Agricised timber posts that they are offering a choice of 15 and 30 year service life warranties and a unique on-line customer registration scheme for absolute peace of mind. The company’s Agricised timbers are already making a significant impact on the fencing industry and further investment in additional kilns and machinery at the Worcestershire manufacturing plant is set to double production output this year.

M&M Timber will continue to supply its popular AgriPost range, which features pressure treated machine rounded stakes and strainers and is still regarded as one of the best, low-cost options for traditional fencing. In addition, M&M's 'Scalloped Post and Rail' fencing system serves the equestrian, horse racing and countryside requirements for applications where visual aesthetics is more important.

For more information please contact M&M Timber on 01299 832 611 or see the website at www.mmtimber.co.uk.

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| Forestry

River Clun: Philip Formby/WTML

Farmers urged to plant trees & prevent erosion of profits Farmers are being encouraged to plant trees on their land to prevent one of their most precious assets being washed or blown away. n average 2.2m tonnes of topsoil are eroded annually in the UK, which costs an estimated £200million a year to the industry as a result of having to repeat practices.

The Woodland Trust and Soil Association want to highlight how trees can be a part of the solution to erosion. They’re keen to work with farmers to demonstrate how long-term soil management plans – that incorporate tree planting – can improve the viability and productivity of their farming systems.

Soil Scientist, Professor Mark Kibblewhite, said: “Organic matter in the UK’s soils is declining, while compaction and erosion are widespread. A shelter belt or hedge can improve water infiltration rates of compacted soil by 60 times within three years of being planted. Hedges help to control soil erosion by water and by wind and are important infrastructure for soil management.”

Nuffield Scholar and Director of Abacus Agriculture, Stephen Briggs, who has seen erosion on

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his farm reduce after planting trees, said: “Since integrating apple trees in rows within my arable rotation of wheat, barley, clover and vegetables, my farm has established the largest agroforestry system in the UK. What’s great is only eight per cent of the land area has been used for tree planting – meaning 92% of land is still seeing an economic return from cereal crop production.”

Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust, said: “There’s been a growing interest and concern amongst farmers about soil erosion and how this can affect the productivity of their farms. We’re keen to demonstrate how trees can protect this precious resource, whilst at the same time offering a range of other benefits, such as shelter for livestock, pollution abatement and wood fuel.”

Helen Browning, Chief Executive of the Soil Association, said: “Farmers are just beginning to recognise that we will need to change many of our farming practices to help soils thrive, but we will also need to engage the

Surface water runoff: Dr Richard Smith/WTML

public, partly because it helps people understand the essence of farming, and also so that everyone who has a garden or allotment cares for their soil really well too.

“Soil husbandry is fundamental to addressing many of the challenges facing humanity, including climate change, biodiversity, flooding and water shortage, plant, animal and human health…what could be more

important!”

The Woodland Trust is set to discuss the role of trees in soil management at this year’s Cereals show near Lincoln on 10/11 June.

In the meantime farmers and landowners can find out more about the support and advice available by emailing plant@woodlandtrust.org.uk or calling 0845 293 5689.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Arable

Crop specific micro-nutrient offers 4:1 return on investment A new crop specific micro-nutrient, used to target deficiencies that affect crop growth and disease, has been shown to offer a 4:1 return on investment reveals Yara UK. ramitrel combines Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Magnesium, all of which are essential for optimum cereal growth and development - and yet are often, as a group, found lacking in UK soil.

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“Micronutrients are a limiting factor to maximum growth” “In analyses of 693,000 UK soil samples taken between 2009 and 2014 approximately 50 percent of the samples which were deficient in the key nutrient Manganese were also deficient in Copper, Zinc or Magnesium - or all three,” says Mark Tucker, Yara Chief Agronomist for N.E.Europe. “All of these nutrients are essential for healthy, profitable crop growth. We have now put them together in one easily tank mixable crop specific formulation which is an innovative approach.”

Balanced nutrition Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, which drives photosynthesis and gives leaves their greenness. Copper is important in the early water splitting, stages of photosynthesis and improves grain set in the ears.

Manganese and Zinc are not only important for crop growth, playing a vital role in nitrogen metabolism, but are also essential to plants’ defence mechanism against disease. “Balanced, adequate nutrition is one of the most important factors affecting cereal production,” continues Mr Tucker, “and wheat crops in 2014 that were treated in the autumn of 2013 with these nutrients in the form of Gramitrel were clear from disease, especially yellow rust and mildew, and also easier to manage during the spring.”

In the current economic climate, managing risk to prevent any reduction in yield from increasing production costs is vital believes Mr Tucker: “Achieving consistently

high yields is one way of mitigating the effect of price volatility, avoiding the worst case scenario of low yields and low price.

Combining our scientific, laboratory based expertise with our knowledge of the crop’s nutrient requirement has led to the introduction of the innovative crop specific approach with Gramitrel being the latest addition to the YaraVita range.”

4:1 return on investment If the UK yield plateau is to be addressed continues Mr Tucker, crop nutrition strategies must target the factors that prevent crops from realizing their full potential. “Micronutrients are one such limiting factor,” he says, “and whilst defined as micro can have a macro effect on yield. Recent trials with Yara’s crop specific product Gramitrel have demonstrated that a 4:1 return on investment can be expected, a higher return than achieved using single nutrient applications.”

Gramitrel can be applied in both

Mark Tucker

spring and autumn. Applied in the autumn, within the first 50 days of growth, helps maximize crop development – and with it yield potential: autumn application also benefits plant health and disease resistance. A second application in the spring helps this potential to be fully realized at harvest. Yara also advise farmers to continue monitoring crops with regular foliar analysis, to ensure that a lack of other nutrients won’t limit performance.

“We are dealing with complex sciences affecting root growth and penetration, nutrient reactions, plant development as well as soil micro-organism activity - all of which are affected by the prevailing conditions. Regular monitoring and analysis means that any deficiencies can then be targeted with single nutrient specific products,” concludes Mr Tucker.

Sprayer testing critical Everyone will agree that accurate application of pesticides is not only desirable but essential whether for the environment, the consumer or the grower. ccurate and targeted use of pesticides is all part of modern agriculture. That why back in the mid 90’s the Chemical Application members of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) devised a test for application machinery to make sure it was working as intended and with a qualified operator would apply pesticides accurately and on target.

In the early years of 2000 this test became the National Sprayer Testing Scheme as one of the main pillars of the Voluntary Initiative.

Now NSTS is an accepted part of arable agriculture and requirement of the major crop assurance schemes and supermarket protocols, requiring that farmers and growers have their sprayers inspected annually.

The NSTS is available through a network of test centres who have qualified examiners available to inspect and confirm the equipment is of the standard required. The test is usually carried out at the machine owners premises and at a mutually agreed convenient time. The examiner will charge for the

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inspection, NSTS have no input into the cost of individual tests; the cost is commercial at the point of use.

Additionally machine owners are free to use their nearest or preferred test centre. The operator or owner of the machine can prepare the sprayer for the test using a test sheet available from the NSTS website.

As confirmation of the result of the test the examiner will apply a pass sticker to the machine and give the owner a copy of the test report form. Other copies of the form are returned to NSTS Administration where the information is retained on a database of all tested machines.

This information is available to Crop Assurance Certification Bodies for verification.

With the continued threat of more pesticides being lost, now is the time contribute to accurate and targeted application procedures, NSTS testing helps achieve that.

Having a NSTS will also satisfy the Sustainable Use Directive which requires all sprayers to be tested by 26th November 2016. Find out more by visiting the NSTS website www.nsts.org.uk

48 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Fencing

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Arable

Sustainable pollen beetle management In 2014, HGCA issued new information on pollen beetle monitoring and spray control thresholds in winter and spring oilseed rape. laying a crucial part in managing resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, the revised thresholds are based on the maximum number of buds each beetle can destroy and the number of excess flowers produced: • If there are less than 30 plants/m2, the threshold is 25 pollen beetles/plant • If there are 30-50 plants/m2, the threshold is 18 pollen beetles/plant • If there are 50-70 plants/m2, the threshold is 11 pollen beetles/plant • If there are more than 70 plants/m2, the threshold is 7 pollen beetles/plant

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“The tool uses local meteorological data to generate a series of maps indicating whether migration has started, the risk of migration starting over the next three days and the predicted completion of migration”

Caroline Nicholls, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager, stated: “HGCA-funded research, conducted by ADAS, revealed that the plant population makes a large difference to the pollen beetle threshold. Plants in low plant population crops produce more branches and flowers and can tolerate a higher number of pollen beetles.

“Based on experience in recent years, pollen beetles have rarely been numerous enough to warrant treatment. By preventing ‘insurance’ sprays and following resistance management advice, such as not spraying after flowering starts, we should be in a good position to counter the resistance threat, which is now widespread throughout the UK, without compromising control.”

Pollen beetle thresholds should be used in conjunction with best monitoring practice and findings from a second HGCA project, led

by Rothamsted Research, are helping to provide the tools to help focus monitoring efforts.

Over four years, 178 oilseed rape crops were monitored for pollen beetles across the UK using

50 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

sticky traps and sampling plants along transects to help test a tool that forecasts pollen beetle migration.

“The tool uses local meteorological data to generate a series of maps indicating whether migration has started, the risk of migration starting over the next three days and the predicted completion of migration,” stated Miss Nicholls.

Although the current advice that crops should be monitored when they are most at risk (green-yellow bud stage and temperature >15°C) remains valid, the tool was found to considerably reduce the number of monitoring days required (by 34-53%).

As the risk period for pollen beetle rapidly advances (typically,

from mid-March), HGCA is reminding growers to look at its pollen beetle publication (Information Sheet 18) to help the industry prepare sustainable strategies for insecticide applications.

To access the publication and the pollen beetle forecast tool, visit www.hgca.com/pests

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Contact your nearest dealer: Agrikel Unit 1B Rookery Business Park Silver Street, Attleborough Norfolk NR17 2LD 01953 450273 www.agrikel.com

Central Cropsprayers Limited Unit J Sandford Industrial Park Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2AN 01948 840187 www.centralcropsprayers.co.uk.

APM Supplies Winchester Road Little Somborne, Stockbridge Hampshire SO20 6QT 01794 388622 www.apm-supplies.co.uk

Torne Valley Bawtry Road Tickhill Doncaster DN11 9EX 01302 756000 www.tornevalley.co.uk

Agritech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

Startin Tractors Limited Twycross CV9 3PW Telephone : 01827 880088 Website with photographs: www.startintractors.co.uk email: sales@startintractors.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Tyres

Tyre solutions from ATG: An “all-round success” An explosion of innovative solutions to be presented at SIMA 2015. World leading manufacturer of Off Highway Tyres (OHT) to launch new solutions for agri-transport, soil protection and multiple uses.

TG (Alliance Tire Group), a world leader in design and manufacture of Off Highway Tyres (OHT), will use this year’s SIMA in Paris to present numerous tyre innovations. As pioneer in radial flotation tyres for agri-transport applications, ATG’s VF (Very High Flexion) flotation tyres are just one example.

Logistics become ever more important in modern agriculture as large amounts of harvested goods have to be transferred from the fields to either farms, co-operatives or processing plants for example.

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“Our engineers continuously work on even further improving our already leading range of flotation tyres” The ability to carry large payloads quickly and soil-conserving is therefore one of the key prerequisites for agricultural tyres. To ensure an optimum overall performance, Alliance will introduce its technologically advanced Very High Flexion (VF) technology in the 380 design.

This new product will be launched in the size 650/55R26.5 and can either carry up to 40% more load compared to its standard flotation variant with the same air pressure or carry the same load as conventional 380 tyres with a 30% lower inflation pressure. As a result, reduced ground pressure allows for markedly better soil conservation.

52 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

Exciting solutions for a wide range of applications Alliance also extends its IF and VF tyre range with a new size (710/70R42) in Alliance 372 AGRIFLEX (IF) design. This is a key size for high HP tractors. The tyre is designed to carry 20% more load with standard air pressure when compared to conventional radials or carry the same load with 20% lower air pressure.

“Soil protection is an important objective – and that is true far beyond the year 2015 which has been proclaimed the “International Year of Soils” by the United Nations. That is why our engineers continuously work on even further improving our already leading range of flotation tyres”, emphasises Yogesh Mahansaria, founder and chief executive of Alliance Tire Group.

In addition to tyres for harvesters, tractors, sprayers and agri-transport vehicles, the ATG display at SIMA 2015 will also include the Galaxy brand’s range of garden and turf ‘specialists’. Thirteen different tyres will be on display including high-speed narrow radial tyres for sprayers and row crop tractors.

“With the launch of new and innovative products at SIMA 2015, ATG reinforces its commitment to provide its customers with the right product, for the right application with high quality and excellent service”, adds Angelo Noronha, Chief – Sales & Marketing Aftermarket for Europe from ATG.

Original 380 tyre

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| Security

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February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Tyres

New BKT website 2.0 now online A multilingual reference point for professional users and branch operators worldwide, which enables easy and fast surfing from computer, tablet and smartphone. In addition to social media links, there is a new community, a blog and an interactive forum. ompletely updated with brand-new contents, the 2.0 version of the bkttires.com website represents a reliable platform for customers, users, partners and journalists all over the world offering technical and general information as well as updates on manifold initiatives, products, markets and innovation in the agricultural, industrial and OTR sector.

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More user-friendly, quick and easy to surf by intuitive and enjoyable use from any computer, tablet or smartphone By easy and fast surfing, technical data sheets and photographic material of the entire BKT lineup can be easily looked up and viewed

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in the several Off-Highway segments – agriculture, earthmoving, industrial and port applications, ATV and gardening. All information can be sorted either according to the type of application or the specific machinery.

In addition to the “About us” section presenting the company, there is a new “Tire Care & Safety” area included containing practical information about Off-Highway tire handling, maintenance and mounting – a certainly valid support for professional users. A specific website area is reserved for distributors and BKT partners worldwide. There is also a virtual press room, where journalists can log in and access a reserved area to download press releases translated into several languages as well as videos and pictures.

It is directly linked to all corporate social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and

YouTube, and also includes a community, “Around BKT” - a virtual meeting point between BKT and whoever likes to interact with the company. A corporate blog and an interactive forum are open for everyone to share news, topic-related information, trends, doubts and oddities from the world of Off-Highway tires. bkt-tires.com is even more user-friendly, quick and easy to surf by intuitive and enjoyable use from any computer, tablet or smartphone. It is a smart user tool to quickly find out which BKT product best suits specific requirements, to stay continuously updated and to use the products with major efficiency.

Today the website goes online in English. It will be soon available in the languages Italian, French, German and Spanish.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

Take extra precautions securing your telehandler Owners of telehandlers are being urged to make sure they are left locked and secure after a number have been stolen and then gone on to be used in cash point thefts.

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ince October, five telehandlers have been stolen from across Leicestershire. They have then been used to steal ATMs, containing substantial amounts of

cash.

Leicestershire Police are urging all owners to take extra precautions and ensure their machinery is always left locked and secure.

Detective Constable Stu Palmer,

who is investigating the thefts of cash points in Whetstone, Newbold Verdon, Asfordby, Sapcote and Ibstock, said the telehanders were being stolen from within two miles of the offence locations.

He said: “We have had five offences in our Force area since October. Before each of the ATM thefts a telehandler has been stolen from the local vicinity.

“Please think about how best to secure your property. If possible

lock your machinery away at night in a secure compound and ensure the keys are not left with the vehicle.

“We are looking into the possibility that these incidents are linked and would urge people in rural communities to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. “ Michael Kaiser the counties crime reduction officer urged people to take crime prevention measures to keep their property safe and secure.

•Ensure keys are taken out of all vehicles on your site.

•Consider fitting an immobiliser and tracking device to vehicles •Consider installing CCTV •Use security lighting in yards and drives •Register all plant vehicles with the Cesar Security marking scheme at www.cesarscheme.org Anyone who suspects suspicious activity is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101.

Leicestershire Police are urging all owners to take extra precautions and ensure their machinery is always left locked and secure.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 55

| ATV

Yamaha Viking

Yamaha Wolverine

New compact Wolverine-R 2-seater from Yamaha The most off-road capable ROV, with class-leading comfort. ith its aggressive new image, combined with a compact and nimble new chassis - and driven by a new engine with optimized torque and power delivery the Yamaha Wolverine-R takes the ROV (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle) concept into new territory.

Aimed primarily at the recreational customer, the new Wolverine-R is the most off-road capable ROV that offers class-leading comfort for two people. Featuring a compact design, look and feel, this new vehicle is built to traverse extreme terrain as well as tight, technical trails.

Equipped with industry-leading technology including Yamaha’s Ultramatic® fully automatic CVT transmission as well as "On-Command" 2WD/4WD/4WD with diff lock modes - together with fully adjustable suspension and an

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56 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

automotive style cab with intuitive controls - the Wolverine-R delivers a comfortable and confidence inspiring experience for the driver and passenger.

Need more utility? Yamaha Viking boasts the first ever multi-purpose 3-seater Recreational Off-highway Vehicle (ROV).

The project started by putting the driver and passengers figuratively and literally in the centre of the design. One of the main focuses is safety and comfort in order to give confidence when manoeuvring this new Yamaha ROV through any kind of terrain. The Viking is based around a high-torque single-cylinder liquidcooled engine housed in a rugged chassis, and every aspect of engineering - from power supply through to handling character - was focused on the people in the middle of the machine. The driver and passengers have a lot

of space on the Viking, and there's also plenty of room for the cargo. A Euro-pallet size steel cargo bed offers plenty room for daily work tools and equipment during the week and can carry loads up to 272kg, whilst its double wishbone suspension is ready to take on the most rugged terrain .

The end result is a well-balanced ROV that combines Yamaha’s well-known terrain ability together with usable and sensible power, as well as functionality and comfort. The Yamaha Viking will take you everywhere you need to go, whenever you want. Equipped with OnCommand® drive system with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with Diff Lock, plus selectable Hi or Lo ratios and powered by a high-torque 686cc engine, the Viking could be the best purchase you ever made!

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Honda broadens Foreman ATV line-up Honda has extended its TRX500 (Foreman) range with the introduction of three new models; bringing independent rear suspension (IRS) and dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to the line-up for the first time. ll three build upon enhancements made to the last new models launched in January 2014 - most notably the stiffer, lighter double-cradle frame, redesigned EPS setting and enhanced fuel injection system - but with further developments based on customer and dealer feedback.

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Other enhancements to the new TRX500FM5, FA5 and FA6 aim to increase capability, comfort and performance One of the most fundamental changes is the move to IRS which delivers much improved performance capability, comfort and ride. IRS significantly contributes towards a 55% increase in towing capacity (600kg) and payload compared to previous models, as well as ramping up rack capacities to 45kg (front) and 85kg (rear). IRS also offers increased suspension travel of 215mm (front) and 185mm (rear), both of which can be adjusted to suit load and conditions. Additionally, the new frame, introduced in the January 2014 models and adjusted to accommodate Honda's IRS system, delivers improved torsional rigidity for class leading handling and comfort, and a smoother ride.

The TRX500FA5 and FA6 feature Honda's

dual range automatic gearbox, offering the choice of automatic or manual modes with Electric Shift Programme (ESP). The introduction of DCT in automatic mode - for the first time on the Foreman range - means reduced power loss which delivers fuel efficiency gains and a smoother ride. A new dual shift mapping programme takes feedback on how the bike is being ridden from the ECU, and changes gear accordingly. Tried and tested on Honda's market-leading motorcycles for years, DCT contributes towards a 12.5% improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing models that the FA5 and FA6 replace.

Other enhancements to the new TRX500FM5, FA5 and FA6 aim to increase capability, comfort and performance, including: • High/Low box - providing low-range power for climbing steep slopes, pulling away and negotiating demanding terrain.

• Dual-purpose reverse/parking brake lever one hand operation; pull in for reverse, and push forward to engage parking brake.

• Full coverage front bumper - tougher allsteel bumper which wraps around the headlights and features integrated mounts for a winch attachment.

• High function racks - offering an increased cargo area with large steel plates including additional tie-down points.

• New tyre construction - revised Maxxis tyres

featuring a new tread pattern for increased grip and enhanced comfort and handling.

• Brighter lights - 50 watt assist light, 35 watt headlights, with optimised light distribution.

• Thicker, wider seat - thickness increased by two inches, more optimised shape and 'gripper' texture vinyl.

• New grips - similar to those on Honda CRF motorcycles, half waffle texture design, diameter increased by 2mm for improved ergonomics and comfort.

The enhancements are a result of customer and dealer feedback, competitor benchmarking on handling, comfort and features, and an increased emphasis from Honda R&D on utility usage. The aim is to broaden the product offering to offer the most functional and capable range on the market, coupled with Honda's continued commitment to the highest levels of durability, quality and reliability.

The new models will be available with a two year warranty from Honda Authorised dealers from January 2015. At launch the TRX500FM5 is priced at £7,200, the FA5 £7,490 and the FA6 £7,790 including VAT.

GOES THE EXTRA MILE OR TEN. Introducing the new, more efficient Fourtrax and Foreman DCT models.

With automatic Dual Clutch Transmission and improved fuel injection, you can enjoy 10%* increased fuel economy.

Trust Honda to make your money and your working day go further.

Find out more & book a test ride: honda.co.uk/atvefficiency | 0845 200 8000 *Compared to previous Foreman AT models.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 57

| ATV

Revolutionary is now the standard Polaris has spared nothing in the concept of the new Ranger ETX and Ranger 570. The revolutionary features set the standard for side by side utility vehicles, with the off-road capabilities of the most seasoned ATVs. egin as you mean to go on with a vehicle built for work and all-day driving comfort.

Nimble handling and a tight turning radius are immediately evident with the 73” (185cm) wheelbase paired with a full 10 inches (24.5 cm) of ground clearance and a width of less than five feet.

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Smooth suspension with loads of travel, a built-in winch mount, large fuel tank and easy access for installing accessories make the new Rangers all the more user-friendly.

Now add in the smooth, reliable power from the tuned Ranger ETX ProStar® 31hp engine with Electronic Fuel Injection for dependable cold weather starting.

In the Ranger 570 the 44hp HP ProStar® with a new Engine Management System delivers optimum torque and pulling power with smooth throttle response at all speeds. Both models offer

superior fuel economy. Couple this with On-demand True All-Wheel Drive and you will find exactly what you would be looking for in goanywhere, does what it says on the box, off-roaders.

All-day riding comfort has been carefully thought about, with the latest Lock & Ride Pro-Fit cab system fitted in minutes and designed to beat the elements hands down. The ideal seat height is combined with wide foot clearance for easy entry and exit, while the bench seat is built to support you and steering wheel tilt adjustment comes as standard.

Class leading towing and payload are what you have already come to expect from utility vehicles loaded with innovation and you will not be disappointed in that department either. 680kg (1,500 lbs) towing capacity, a 454kg (1,000 lbs) payload capacity and a rear box with gas-assisted dumping carrying up to 227kg (500 lbs) of materials will be enough for most tasks.

Smooth suspension with loads of travel, a built-in winch mount, large fuel tank and easy access for installing accessories make them

58 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

all the more user-friendly.

New headlights give you more light and sight lines are spot on for safer driving; while class leading storage allows you to stow everything you need.

And when you want to check the oil? Just lift the cargo box.

Simple.

The new Polaris Ranger ETX starts at £6,899 plus VAT and the

Class leading towing and payload are what you have already come to expect from utility vehicles loaded with innovation Ranger 570 at £7,799 plus VAT. Polaris Britain Ltd. 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Greenlow ATV Greenlow House Royston Road, Melbourne Hertfordshire SG8 6DG Tel: 01763 260239 www.greenlow.co.uk

LRS (Lincs) Ltd Unit 9-10 Belton Lane Ind Est Belton Lane, Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 9HN Tel: 01476 565999 www.lrs-uk.com

Exeter Quads Exmouth Road Exeter Devon EX5 1AR Tel: 01392 877621 www.exeterquads.com

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Motors

60 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Motors

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Jeep introduces new ‘Trail-Rated’ Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk to the UK Jeep is enhancing the popular Cherokee range with the introduction to the UK of the first ‘Trail Rated’ version. he most capable Jeep Cherokee model available, and the most accomplished mid-size SUV in the segment, the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk comes with a 3.2litre V6 petrol engine and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Fully off-road capable, the Trailhawk is fitted with a low-range transmission including Jeep’s SelecTerrain with Rock mode.

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. Its ‘Trail Rated’ badge indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording.

Venturing off the beaten track is no problem for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Its Active Drive Lock 4x4 system features a rear lock which keeps both wheels spinning at the same speed for enhanced traction on any surface, and is particularly useful when rock crawling.

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The car also features Selec-Speed control, which allows it to drive up or down demanding hills at controlled, steady speeds in complete confidence and safety.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies all this 4x4 capability with a distinctive, no-nonsense look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated equipment. It includes, as standard equipment, aggressive approach and departure angles with unique front and rear fascias, a one-inch factory lift, fuel tank, front suspension and transmission skid plates and signature red tow hooks. The car has an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and break-over angle of 22.9 degrees. Running ground clearance is 22.1cm (8.7 in).

Other excellent features to make owning the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk a pleasure include deep tinted sunscreen glass, a unique black bonnet sticker (from March), coloured grille surrounds and roof rails, off-road wheel flares and 17-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the standard equipment continues

Jeep not sporty enough?

Continuing the success of the remarkable Jeep Grand Cherokee range of 4x4 vehicles, Jeep have announced a new SRT version, the Red Vapor Limited Edition. esigned to sit competitively in the sports performance subSUV segment of the hotly contested 4WD market, the new 6.4-litre, 461bhp V8-powered Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor will offer all the presence of Jeep SRT’s legendary muscular sports

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styling with breath-taking performance. Top speed is 160mph while 0-62mph takes just five seconds.

The car also features Fuel Saver technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions and the engine’s sporty note is enhanced by the innovative

with Nappa Leather trim, red interior stitching accents, all-season floor mats, a cargo net, Uconnect™ media centre with 8.4-inch touch screen display and USB remote port.

Powered by a 3239cc, 24-valve V6 petrol engine delivering 268bhp and 315Nm of torque at 4300rpm, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk costs £34,245 (OTR) – available on Jeep’s special order programme. A host of options includes special paints, Uconnect™-Navigation, wireless charging pad for mobile phone, Park Assist and full sunroof (powered front, fixed rear).

“It’s the ultimate Jeep Cherokee in terms of off-road capability,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “And coupled with that powerful V6 engine, nine-speed auto box, a huge list of standard equipment and style touches, and all the versatility of a full-size family car, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers outstanding value for money – and a great drive too.”

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses the audio system to counter any low frequency engine noises.

First shown at last October’s Paris Motor Show, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor comes with an assertive and attractive sports appearance, and features a host of desirable equipment befitting of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT badge.

Unique exterior and interior styling cues enhance the car’s distinct, high-performance image and set it apart from other sporting SUVs.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor costs £64,999 (OTR) which represents one of the best performance and equipment levels against price, among the sports SUV subsegment.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors

DEFENDER At home on any terrain

Land Rover celebrates Defender with recreation of 1948 production line Land Rover has re-created history by building an authentic replica of the production line used to manufacture its first 4x4 in 1948. he ‘Defender Celebration Line’ recreates in detail how the first Series I Land Rover was built at the Solihull manufacturing plant just after the Second World War. The new visitor attraction, which recently opened to the public forms part of a new Defender tour and showcases replica models in various stages of production, each one meticulously built using identical parts & in precisely the same way as the original Series I. The display gives an insight into life on a car production line in the late 1940’s using original tools and a draftsmen’s drawing board where visitors are also asked to wear authentic overalls known as ‘cow gowns.’ The attraction boasts an area dedicated to telling the story of the creation of the original Series I by Land Rover founder Maurice Wilks using previously unseen video footage provided by his family.

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“We were amazed how little the Defender manufacturing process has changed in the last six decades with individual craftsmanship still at the heart of each vehicle produced.”

The Celebration Line is located in the heart of the Defender production line which is housed inside one of the original production buildings at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull factory. The opening of the attraction marks the start of a year of celebration as the Defender enters its final year of production in the UK. Jaguar Land Rover Heritage Director, John Edwards, says the heritage line will take visitors back to the beginning of the world’s most famous 4x4 manufacturer. He said: “Land Rover has a rich heritage based around the Series I and Defender models, and we wanted to create something extra special that would give visitors and enthusiasts a unique insight into how it all started back in 1948.

“It has been a huge task to recreate a production line from almost 70 years ago, from

62 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

sourcing original parts for the Series I models, to authentically re-creating the working environment and uniform of employees who were here. The team involved has been meticulous in their research, planning and creation of what is a fitting tribute to the legendary heritage of Land Rover.”

The company turned to one of the world’s leading Land Rover enthusiasts and restorers and curator of the famous Dunsfold Collection of historic Land Rovers, Phil Bashall, to help create the vehicles for the production line. Phil built his first Series I Land Rover at the age of 13, but admitted he was shocked when Land Rover told him of plans to build a full replica 1948 production line.

Phil admitted: “It’s been a struggle at times, but a real labour of love to source all of the original parts needed for vehicles that stopped production so many years ago.”

Phil had a large number of the ‘nuts and bolts’ he needed tucked away in his own ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of Land Rover parts – he has amassed over 8,000 original parts but it was still a long and painstaking search to find all the brakes, clutches, gaskets and pedals required for the exhibit. He enlisted the help of skilled craftsmen and the Land Rover Series I Club to build a replica chassis for the Series I models, along with some of the aluminium bodywork for the vehicles.

Once Phil had collected all of the parts over a period of months, it took him and his mechanic five weeks to build the five Series I models. His guiding light in the challenge and the man who co-ordinated the Celebration Line project is Roger Crathorne. Roger, known simply as ‘Mr Land Rover’, was born in Solihull and joined Land Rover as an apprentice in 1963. He retired last year having completed more than 50 years’ service.

For Roger, seeing the completed exhibit line is a dream come true and the perfect illustration of what makes Land Rover unique in the world of motoring. He said: “No other car maker in the world has anything as authentic and with such meticulous attention to detail as our

heritage line. It has taken months of searching and dedication to put this project together, but it has been worth it.”

The new Defender factory tour lasts approximately three hours. The tour begins at the beginning of the production process – the body shop. Here bodies are manufactured prior to being shipped to paint. The tour then continues in final assembly where visitors can see the engine and gearbox lowered onto the chassis and watch as the labour intensive process of assembling the painted body panels begins.

Today, the tour welcomed its very first visitors, the Writtle family from South Gloucestershire [pictured}. They said: “We are huge enthusiasts of this iconic vehicle and own 11 between us. It feels like we have won the lottery as we have secured one of the few Limited Edition Heritage vehicles from the recently announced Celebration Series.

“We were amazed how little the Defender manufacturing process has changed in the last six decades with individual craftsmanship still at the heart of each vehicle produced. We also witnessed Jaguar Land Rover’s rigorous quality control processes, including testing in the monsoon chamber where vehicles are subjected to 343 high-pressure water jets for 14 minutes to ensure there are no water leaks.”

Today, 450 people are employed on the Defender production line, including a family who has seen three generations dedicate themselves to the manufacture of these iconic vehicles.

Tours cost £45 per person. To arrange a visit to the home of the Land Rover legend during its final year of UK production, visit https://shop.landrover.co.uk/drivingexperiences/find-a-centre/solihull or call: +44 (0)121 700 4619.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

AN ICON FOR OVER 61 YEARS Call us today to book a test drive.

All-terrain right from the start, Land Rover Defender rapidly became one of the world’s most recognisable four-wheel drive vehicles. Enduring and capable, it is a legend on seven continents.

Armstong Massey - York 01937 531531 armstrongmassey.landrover.co.uk

Hunters - Norwich 01603 944836 hunters.norwich.landrover.co.uk

Hunters - Southampton 02380 215800 hunters.southampton.landrover.co.uk

Copley - Halifax 01422 520528 copley.landrover.co.uk

Guy Salmon - Knutsford 01565 632525 guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk

Lloyds - Kelso 01573 224345 lloyd.kelso.landrover.co.uk

Barretts - Ashford 01233 506070 barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

Williams - Manchester 0161 232 5000 williams.manchester.landrover.co.uk

Barretts - Canterbury 01227 475475 barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

Kentdale - Kendal 01539 814444 kentdale.kendal.landrover.co.uk

Ripon Land Rover - North Yorkshire 01765 646464 ripon.landrover.co.uk

Yeovil Land Rover 01935 426600 yeovil.landrover.co.uk

Guy Salmon - Maidstone 01622 795666 guysalmon.maidstone.landrover.co.uk

Stafford Land Rover 01785 214140 stafford.landrover.co.uk

Matford - Exeter 01392 825825 matford.exeter.landrover.co.uk

Lakeland - Torver 01539 441317 lakeland.torver.landrover.co.uk

Rocar Moores - Huddersfield 01484 582817 rocarmoores.landrover.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 63

| Motors

Isuzu Salisbury Wiltshire 01722 412222 www.isuzu.co.uk

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

Archie Moss Leicestershire 01530 553504 www.archiemoss.co.uk

Burrells of Doncaster South Yorkshire 01302 322111 www.burrells.org

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

Mark Weatherhead Ltd Cambridgeshire 01954 210355 www.markweatherhead.co.uk

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

Davies Isuzu Pembrokeshire 0844 6626708 www.daviesnarberth.isuzu.co.uk

MRG Chippenham Wiltshire 01249 443300 www.mrgcars.co.uk

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

Davies Isuzu Carmarthenshire 0844 6626707 www.daviesgroup.co.uk

Glews Garage East Yorkshire 01405 764525 www.glews.co.uk

Riverside Eastern Ltd North Yorkshire 01723 862242 www.riversidemotors.co.uk

64 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Motors

New L200 Challenger has stunning looks and best ever value for money Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce the new L200 Challenger - the best value for money pick-up ever from Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. he Mitsubishi L200 pioneered the pick-up segment with its refined engine and high levels of safety, comfort and equipment. The company continues to innovate in the pick-up market by adding the L200 Challenger to its already robust, versatile and appealing range.

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For even greater piece of mind all it comes with the Mitsubishi Assistance Package (MAP) The L200 range comes with the longest warranty of any pick-up truck in the UK – five years or 125,000 miles. It is also available with a three-year fixed price service plan at £600 and a range of finance options, including Contract Hire.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has sold over 130,000 L200 pick-up’s

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since the launch in 1987 and continue to be a strong contender accounting for 20% of the overall pick up market.

The new addition priced from £16,499 is fully loaded with value adding specification. L200 Challenger goes on sale from 1st January 2015.

• 175 bhp engine • Super Select 4WD system • M-ASTC • 17” alloy wheels • Cruise control • Climate control air conditioning • Automatic rain & dusk sensors • Privacy glass • Bluetooth • Leather steering wheel & gear shift knob • Optional leather seats • Long load bed • Available in all colours in the existing range; The new L200 Challenger comes with renowned Mitsubishi reliability as standard. But for even greater piece of mind all it comes

with the Mitsubishi Assistance Package (MAP) which includes 24/7 UK home and roadside

breakdown assistance, and European roadside assistance in over 30 European countries.

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

The Amarok Ultimate. Virtually unlimited spec.

But with limited availability.

The Amarok is a vehicle that hasn’t been slow to make an impression. And with that muscular profile, you can see why. Now comes the ultimate Amarok. Named, aptly enough, The Amarok Ultimate. An amazingly well equipped, limited edition in a choice of metallic Deep Black or Reflex Silver, 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual with a 2.0 BiTDI 180PS 4MOTION engine. The Amarok Ultimate’s exterior features include Bi-xenon headlights with tinted LED rear lights, 19-inch polished ‘Aragonit’ alloys, reverse parking camera, under body protection, new front chrome pack, stainless steel finish rear styling bars and side bars and, of course, the distinctive ‘Ultimate’ badging. As for the interior, there’s a leather multi-function steering wheel, RNS510 satellite navigation including Bluetooth, stylish Alcantara upholstery and heated front seats.

To get the full picture, why not drop by our showroom?

But with only 350 being made available, we suggest that delay is not an option.

timate. l U k o r a Th e A m now. e l b a l i a v A 66 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

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| Motors

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull)

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

Listers (Coventry) Van Centre

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01482 908590.

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Telephone: 01743 600868.

347-367 Bedworth Road, Longford, Coventry, West Midlands.

Telephone: 0247 798 9699.

Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB.

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

Find us on your sat-nav using CV6 6BN.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listerscoventry

JCT600 Van Centre (York)

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

Listers Van Centre Worcestershire

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York.

Telephone: 01904 848102.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

Telephone: 01902 471418.

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

Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF.

Droitwich. Telephone: 01905 670999.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield)

Alan Day Van Centre

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield.

Telephone: 0114 404 0026.

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

North Bank, Berry Hill Industrial Estate, Find us on your sat-nav using WR9 9AU. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listersworcestershire

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London.

Telephone: 0208 045 3493.

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

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/jct600sheffield

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

Perkins Subaru Essex Tel: 01376 550899

Cambridge Subaru Cambridgeshire Tel: 01223 554055

Proveeda Suffolk Tel: 01473 210000

S.G Petch Richmond North Yorkshire Tel: 01748 821185

Pinkstones Subaru Staffordshire 01782 711661

MRG Chippenham Wiltshire 01249 443300

MTC Subaru Cambridgeshire 01733 309782

Burrells of Doncaster South Yorkshire 01302 322111

www.perkinsgarages.co.uk

www.pinkstones.subaru.co.uk

68 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

www.cambridgesubaru.co.uk

www.mrgcars.co.uk

www.proveeda.co.uk

www.mtc.subaru.co.uk

www.sgpetch.co.uk

www.burrells.org

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| Motors

Pricing and specs announced for new Outback The new Subaru Outback, the fifth-generation of the brand’s pioneering crossover, will go on sale in the UK from 1 April 2015 priced from £27,995 (on-the-road). ntroduced in 1995 as the first ever crossover and spawning a whole range of copy cat models ever since, the Outback has continued to successfully combine the virtues of a tourer with those of an SUV, winning over drivers with its practical, all-road nature.

The on the road price range of £27,995 to £32,995 means the allnew Outback stays in the same price bracket as the outgoing version despite having new exterior design, a more spacious and higher quality interior and a range of advanced safety equipment and in-car technology.

The new Outback also boasts a very generous standard specification.

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There are two trim levels available in the UK – SE and SE Premium – which both offer a generous level of standard equipment.

EyeSight safety assist – a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers New to the latest model, EyeSight is Subaru’s advanced collision avoidance technology which acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, employing stereo colour camera technology to

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monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards. This is the first time the technology has been made available in the UK and Europe.

The system’s two colour cameras are located in front of the rear view mirror to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards. EyeSight is fitted as standard to every Outback fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, and includes autonomous Pre-collision Braking Control and Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure & Sway Warning.

New Outback goes more upmarket While clearly maintaining the distinctive Subaru Outback identity, Subaru’s designers strived to make the new model more dynamic while keeping true to its rugged cross-over roots. From the front, the bumper integrated hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights maintain consistency with other models in the Subaru family, while the profile is a subtle evolution of the existing Outback.

More significant changes can be found on the inside. The new model’s revamped interior uses a range of higher quality materials throughout, resulting in a much more premium cabin, complimented by a new range of factory-fit infotainment and sat nav

systems. The interior is also more spacious for passengers.

Two engines, two transmissions There are two engines available in the UK – a pair of horizontallyopposed four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engines, fitted deep in the engine bay to ensure a low centre of gravity for improved handling, despite the car’s raised ground clearance. Buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, producing 150 PS and 350 Nm torque, or a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit, with power and torque outputs of 165 PS and 235 Nm respectively.

Diesel engines will be offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission; the 2.5-litre petrol engine is sold exclusively with Lineartronic.

Generous standard specification There are two trim levels available in the UK – SE and SE Premium – which both offer a generous level of standard equipment.

SE models are equipped as standard with automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass, as well as a 7.0inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating satellite navigation, audio, smartphone connectivity and a rear view parking camera. Petrol SE models also feature an emissions-reducing start-stop system and Subaru Intelligent Drive, which allows drivers to select different engine modes depending on road conditions for improved economy and performance.

SE Premium models add a sunroof, keyless entry and pushbutton start, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a powered rear tailgate for added functionality.

For more information about the new Subaru Outback, visit www.subaru.co.uk

February 2015 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

SsangYong unveils new Tivoli This all new car takes its name from Tivoli, the Italian town near Rome with a reputation for style. ivoli, SsangYong’s new compact SUV is said to be designed to ‘provide both pleasure and excitement’ and is the first new model to be launched following the merger of SsangYong and Mahindra & Mahindra. It is the result of 42 months of development and an investment of 350 billion Korean won, and will compete strongly on design, safety and convenience.

The powertrain of the Tivoli is compact yet

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highly efficient with a choice of 1.6 litre petrol or diesel engines. In development for over three years, the car has been tested from minus 42 degrees in winter to desert temperatures of over 50 degrees, and with brake testing in mountain altitudes of up to 4,000 metres.

Paired with the proven AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission, this unit is engineered to improve fuel efficiency and minimise power loss.

Inside the cabin, SsangYong are giving more

2015 Honda CR-V close Comprehensive updates to 2015 Honda CR-V deliver enhanced style, engines and technology.

KIA production record Kia Motors Slovakia broke its European production record in 2014, producing more than 323,000 cars – a three per cent increase over 2013 – at its Žilina production facility. small increase in engine production to 493,000 units also represented a new record.

The most popular model to roll off the production line was the Kia Sportage compact SUV, which represented 55 per cent of the total vehicle output from the plant. The cee’d model family – incorporating hatchback, sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d – accounted for 36 per cent of output and the Kia Venga made up the remaining nine per cent.

The biggest markets for the Žilina plant’s vehicle output remained Russia (18 per cent), United Kingdom (13 per cent), Germany (nine per cent), Italy (six per cent) and Spain (six per cent).

Of the 493,000 engines produced at the plant in 2014, almost half were delivered to Hyundai’s facility in the Czech

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onda’s CR-V is already one of the most popular compact SUVs sold around the world. More than 750,000 units have been sold in Europe since it was launched in 1997, nearly 50,000 of which during 2014. In the first nine months of last year, the CR-V was the world’s best-selling SUV. The model has become fundamental to Honda’s success in Europe, and a comprehensive range of enhancements to the fourthgeneration CR-V will now further broaden its appeal.

Highlights of the 2015 modelyear CR-V include a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic

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transmission that deliver an unrivalled power-to-consumption ratio; world-first safety technology; an all-new connectivity and infotainment system; as well as enhanced suspension and optimised NVH measures for a more refined yet dynamic drive.

The 2015 CR-V is part of a wave of next-generation advanced and sporty vehicles from Honda, which demonstrate the brand’s pioneering approach to engineering and technology solutions that make life better for its customers.

The new-look CR-V has been developed and engineered for British drivers and will be available in showrooms from Spring 2015.

70 | Farming Monthly | February 2015

attention to quality and include a heated leather ‘D’ shaped steering wheel, custom illumination and sporty, fully adjustable seats. Also designed to offer driver and passengers easy connectivity to their IT devices, it offers style, practicality and plenty of storage space.

On sale in the UK this summer with prices to be announced. For more information visit www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

Republic. The 1.6-litre petrol power unit made up 22 per cent of engine output, and petrol engines constituted over 50 per cent of total engine production at the Žilina facility last year.

“I am very proud we accomplished such amazing production results last year. At the same time, we were able to confirm our position as a leading manufacturing plant in the whole Hyundai Motor Group. I would like to sincerely thank all of our employees for their creativity and huge enthusiasm for work. I believe that this year, thanks to the new models that we will introduce to our customers, we will again be able to fully use our production capacity “said EekHee Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Garland Great Wall Hampshire Tel: 01252 367373

Deal of Kelvedon Essex Tel: 01376 570331

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441

Great Wall Bath Somerset Tel: 01225 473014

www.winchestermotorgroup.co.uk

www.dealofkelvedon.co.uk

www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

www.bathhonda.co.uk

Ryedale Garages Ltd North Yorkshire Tel: 01751 431343

MTC Great Wall Cambridgeshire Tel: 01733 309782

Horderns Motor House Ltd Derbyshire Tel: 01298 813314

www.ryedalegarages.co.uk

www.mtcars.co.uk

www.horderns.co.uk