January 2012 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National Inside this issue...

LAMMA 2012 We preview one of the biggest shows of the year

Sheep EID The NSA tell you what you should know

Addressing Bovine TB What’s the plan?

January 2012

Contents

44

57

January 2012

15 72

Features

Regulars

09 11 36 38 41 55 60 61

04 43 52 56 62 70

To hedge or not to hedge Protecting the Single Farm Payment.

LAMMA 2012 preview A look ahead at one of the biggest calendar events.

Sheep & Lambing Electronic tagging and the latest from the NSA.

Grain Guidance and advice on storage.

Buildings The latest on CE marking from RIDBA.

Security Report from National Seminar on Rural Crime.

Dairy News from the dairy sector.

News All the latest need to know commentary.

Energy Keep up to date with news from the energy sector.

On Topic Addressing Bovine TB.

Education & Skills Touching base with agricultural training.

ATV This month - Accessorise your workhorse.

Motors What’s new on the road?.

NEXT MONTH LAMMA post report

Pig News from the pig sector.

We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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 2012.

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Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Fax: +44 (0) 2476 353571 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Senior Advertising Sales Jenny Tranter j.tranter@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Edward Hickinbottom e.hickenbottom@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production Team Steve Wilson Andrew Poulton studio@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: 02476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

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November 2011 | Farming Monthly | 03 November 2011www.farmingmonthly.co.uk | Farming Monthly | 03

Competition Subscribe Win...The Bigger Book of John Deere he Bigger Book of John Deere Tractors is a model-by-model encyclopedia of John Deere tractors from their first appearance in 1892 to the latest 2009 models. This is an updated edition of MBI's best-selling tractor book which sold more than 140,000 copies sold around the globe to include the latest major model line revolution of 2009.

Photographs showcase beautifully restored tractors as well as unique paintings and artwork from the Deere archives, rare and valuable original brochures, and studio photos of John Deere toys and models. For tractor enthusiasts, John Deere aficionados, and devotees of American farm machinery at its finest, this big book is an unparalleled collection of pictures and facts, the best look ever at the incomparable John Deere.

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Farming Monthly says, “a colourful compendium of everything John Deere – from the pioneering years through to the modern day.

Packed full of images and artwork from the obscure to the everyday, this is the perfect book for the JD connoisseur.”

For your chance to win a copy simply complete the entry form below and send it to us by 27th January. You can also enter online at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk. Good luck!

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January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Hawk invest in new plant New year, new man 60 new excavators marks expansion of the light plant division to meet customers demands.

Andy Menzies returns to lead UK sales team.

FC is a Global Organisation renowned for manufacturing innovative quality plastic products.

The Agricultural sector has always been our core focus. Since our formation in 1987 we have assisted farmers in achieving the best out of their Livestock through the use of our innovative agricultural products. The JFC brand is used in over 40 countries worldwide and some of our products hold a dominant market position in several countries. We continuously expand our portfolio by listening to farmers and developing new products in line with their needs.

After some years away from JFC working for a major agricultural fencing and landscaping retailer & wholesaler Andy Menzies rejoins us to lead the UK agricultural sales team.

Andy brings with him a wealth of experience gained over the years in dairy herd and farm management, agricultural retailing & the farm hardware wholesale market.

He says “The opportunity to return to JFC now at such an important stage in their continuing

J

he Hawk Group from Wem, Shropshire have placed a large order with leading manufacturers Marubeni Komatsu for 60 new hydraulic Excavators.

The purchase is part of the renewal and expansion program for the light plant division to meet customer’s demands for the latest equipment.

The new additions comprise of Excavators from 3 to 14 tonnes and are coupled with a recent

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purchase of 20 new telehandlers from industry giants Caterpillar.

Mike Hawkins, Chairman of The Hawk Group said “We are making a major investment in equipment to ensure our customers are getting the latest technology with advantages of lower emissions, reduced fuel consumption and greater efficiency” For more information on the Hawk Group please visit www.hawk-group.co.uk or call 01948 842120

THE SCAREY MAN MKIII MODEL

growth within the agricultural sector was an easy decision having been with JFC in the early days starting their UK operation in the early 90’s. I have enjoyed watching their growth over the years and continued to sell their products through my last company.

The latest stage of development with products available from their global production facilities, makes my new role extremely exciting, with the new JFC cubicle system, water storage systems, calf rearing systems JFC can now offer the dairy farmer a complete package of proven products.”

Andy is looking forward to meeting both old and new customers over the coming months.

Like all responsible companies JFC strives to be environmentally friendly. We are playing our part by producing products that are recyclable after use and pay particular attention to the functionality of our drinkers and water troughs to ensure minimum water wastage.

®

PATENTED Let us protect your crops, giving you both movement and noise if required negligible running costs

CLARRATTS LTD

HOLLOW FARM, TOSELAND, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS PE19 6RU FAX: 01480 476464 http://www.clarratts.com e-mail: enquire@clarratts.com

TELEPHONE: 01480 476376

06 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

New advice service to give farmers a helping hand Defra offers farmers one-stop-shop covering a wide range of subjects. armers wanting professional advice will no longer have to ring around dozens of organisations before getting through to the right source, said Agriculture Minister Jim Paice as he announced that a new, simpler Government advice service will launch in the New Year.

Defra’s new Farming Advice Service (FAS) will offer a one-stop-shop to farmers needing advice on subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaption and mitigation.

The new service replaces the old cross

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compliance advice programme and will now cover a much broader range of subjects, with a central contact point to help farmers find specialist advice on improving their economic and environmental performance.

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said: “Good advice is essential to the running of any business and this new advisory service will make sure farmers can get the most out of their farms.

“The current array of advice from numerous organisations is bewildering and this more integrated service will make access to help

both faster and less complicated.”

Because the Government wants to deliver the best and most up-to-date advice to farmers, Defra is working with industry and other stakeholders such as the NFU and CLA to set up the new service which launches on January 3 2012.

The helpline number for technical questions and advice is 0845 345 1302. www.defra.gov.uk/farming-advice. Both will go live in the New Year.

Top poultry award goes to dynamic Red Tractor Assurance Chairman Recognition for role and his extraordinary achievements in poultry sector. ed Tractor Chairman Ted Wright has been awarded a top poultry award in recognition of his role and extraordinary achievements as a Norfolk leader of the poultry industry.

Mr Wright, who earlier this summer was made a Freeman of

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the City of London, was presented with the British Poultry Council’s distinguished service award for his dynamic role in creating a national contingency plan in event of avian flu.

Anne McIntosh, MP, Chairman of the environment, food and rural affairs’ select committee, made the

presentation at the House of Commons.

Ted Wright led the industry response to the first major outbreak of the highly-infectious strain of avian flu which struck the industry more than five years ago.

His background and extensive knowledge in the turkey

production sector was a leading factor on senior levels of policy development and veterinary response plans to the crisis.

Three years ago, he was also made a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Poulterers, which was founded in 1274.

Next Auctions on Monday 9th January 2012 & 13th February 2012 commencing at 10.30am

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 07

USED

TRACTORS New Holland TM175 Front Linkage & pto.

New Holland TSA 115, 2006, 3254 hours, Air cond.cab, front weights.

New Holland 3930 c/w Trima loader.

New Holland TN75s 4wd. Turf tyres.

New Holland TL80 2wd. 2002, weights.

New Holland TL80 4wd. Trima loader, Just 625 hours.

New Holland TL90 P/shuttle 4wd.

2003, air cond. cab.

New Holland TD90 c/w Chillton loader, Just 228 hours.

New Holland T4030 SuperSteer, 1230 hours.

2008, 43hp. Air cond.cab.

New Holland 2120 4wd. 43hp. Roll bar.

MF65 mk2. Straight tinwork.

MF135 c/w loader/fork.

MF240, 1992, 2395 hours, puh.

MF410 2wd compact, roll bar, 55hp.

MF 365 2wd c/w MF loader/fork, 3600 hours, 8 spd.gearbox.

MF 372 4wd. 3950 hours, weights.

Turf tyres, ex Council.

MF50EX 4wd Loader tractor, low hours.

MF7480 Dyna VT, F/Linkage, 2007.

Claas Ares 826RZ Suspension 40kph.

F/Linkage, 170hp. 2347 hours, 2006.

Claas Ares 836RZ Suspension 40kph.

F/Linkage, 190hp. 1975 hours, 2006.

Claas Xerion 3300 Trac, 1098 hours, F/Linkage, Air brakes, 650 tyres.

Kubota 9000 4wd. 2005, only 195 hours.

Air conditioned cab, Creep gears.

Steyr / CaseIH CS105 Pro PowerShuttle, 2009, 1600 hours, CaseIH Loader, Air cond.cab with passenger seat.

Superb condition.

Steyr 9094, 1999, 3563 hours, 40kph.

Valtra T151 Suspension, 2010, 1073 hours.

Valtra T152 Suspension, 2009, 870 hours.

Valtra N121 f/link & pto, 50kph. 1500 hrs.

Fendt 924 Vario TMS, 2004, F/linkage.

Zetor 7211 2wd. 4149 hrs. very clean.

McCormick CX85 c/w Chillton loader.

John Deere 5090M, 2010, 197 hours.

John Deere 6320 F/linkage, 2004, 4320 hrs.

John Deere 6420s TLS Suspension, Loader Bkts. 2005, 3097 hrs.

John Deere 7530 TLS 50kph. 2007, 1924 hrs.

Trailer air brakes, 710/70 x 38 tyres.

CASEIH TRACTORS JX90 4wd. 40kph. Air cond. 2011.

JX90 4wd c/w Chillton loader, low hrs.

895XL 4wd Duo, one owner, 4860 hrs.

956XL 2wd. 1983, 7800 hours.

TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

3220XL 2wd. 3 cyl.52hp. one owner.

CX100 4wd. Low cab, 16.9 x 34 tyres.

JXU105 Two Wheel Drive, 310 hours.

JXU115, 2011, 600 tyres, low hrs. as new.

MXU100 ‘54’ reg. 4253 hrs. Quicke loader.

Maxxum 110 c/w Q49 loader, 2011.

Maxxum 115 c/w Q49 loader, ex show.

Maxxum 125 c/w Loader, 2473 hours.

CS78 c/w Quicke 640 loader.

CS110 Special, 5500 hours.

MXM155 Powershift F/linkage & pto.

2265 hrs.

MXM 190 Suspension 50kph. 5200 hours.

Front weights, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

MXM 190 Suspension 50kph. 3378 hours.

Front weights, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

Puma 140 PowerShift, 2010, 263 hours.

Puma 140 PowerShift 40kph. 553 hours.

Puma 140 PowerShift 40kph. 700 hours.

Puma 140 PowerShift 40kph. 569 hours.

Puma 155 Semi PowerShift, 278 hours.

Puma 155 MultiController 50kph. 927 hours.

Puma 155 MultiController 50kph. 250 hours.

Puma 155 MultiController 50kph. 1040 hours.

Puma 155 F/Linkage, 50kph. 4048 hours.

Puma 155 Suspension 40kph. 2611 hours.

Puma 165 Suspension 50kph. 715 hours.

Puma 165 50kph. 2009, 2385 hours.

Puma 165 Suspension 50kph. 418 hours.

Puma 180, 50kph. 2011, Trailer air brakes, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 472 hours.

Puma 180, 50kph. 2011, Trailer air brakes, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 534 hours.

Puma 195 MC Suspension 50kph. 976 hours.

Puma 210 MC. 50kph. 585 hrs.

Puma 210 Suspension 40kph. 1040 hrs.

Puma 210 Front Linkage, 2008, 2900 hours.

Puma 210 Front Linkage, 2009, 3915 hours.

Puma CVX 225 F/Linkage, 2010, 588 hours, Trailer air brakes, 50kph.

Puma CVX160 Tier4, 2011, low hours.

50kph. Trailer Air brakes.

CVX 1155 Suspension 50kph. 2004, 3300 hrs.

CVX140 Suspension 40kph. F/Linkage, 2007, 2859 hrs. trailer air brakes.

CVX140 Suspension 50kph. 2008, 3447 hrs.

Trailer air brakes.

CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 2007, 3518 hrs.

460/85 x 46 tyres.

CVX150 Suspension 40kph. 2007, 3942 hrs.

F/linkage, trailer air brakes.

CVX160 Suspension 50kph. 2009, 2796 hrs.

CVX1170 Suspension 50kph. 2006, 6150 hrs.

CVX175 Suspension, F/linkage & pto.

2008, 3141 hours, 50kph.

CVX1190 Suspension 50kph. 2004, 5700 hrs.

F/linkage & pto.

CVX175 Suspension, 2009, 2600 hours.

Magnum 7240, 1996, 6500 hours, 650 x 42.

Magnum 225 Suspension, 2007, 2300 hours.

50kph. 710/70 x 42 tyres.

Magnum 255 Suspension, Creep 40kph.

Magnum 280 Suspension, 2008, 609 hours.

50kph. AutoSteer ready.

Magnum 280 Suspension, 2008, 3230 hours.

50kph. 710/70 x 42 tyres.

Magnum 310 Suspension, 2009, 461 hours, 50kph. Trailer air brakes, 710/70 x 42 tyres.

Magnum 310 Suspension, 2010, 1748 hours.

Full AutoSteer, 50kph. Trailer air brakes.

Magnum 335 50kph. Trailer air brakes, 2009, Accuguide ready, only 268 hours.

Magnum 335 Suspension, 2010, 456 hours, 540 & 1000 pto.

Magnum 335 Suspension, 2009, 4350 hours, Pro 600, 50kph.

Magnum 335 Suspension, 2011, 550 hours, 50kph. Air brakes, Accuguide ready.

Magnum 340 Tier4, 2011, 436 hours, Full Accuguide, 50kph. Trailer air brakes.

Magnum 340 Tier4, 2011, 507 hours, Accuguide ready, 50kph. Trailer air brakes.

Magnum 340 Tier4, 2011, 223 hours, Accuguide ready, 50kph. Trailer air brakes.

STX Quadtrac 500, rear Linkage & pto.

Drawbar, 2005, 4331 hrs.

STX Quadtrac 500, rear Linkage & pto.

Drawbar, 2005, 36” tracks, 5312 hrs.

STX Quadtrac 500, rear Linkage & pto.

Drawbar, 2005, 5700 hrs. one owner.

COMBINES Axial Flow 5088 c/w 20’ Vario header.

2011, just 30 hours, Case warranty For 2012 season + Case finance.

Axial Flow 7088 c/w 24’ Vario header, 2011, Case Warranty & Finance.

Scan to view our range

Axial Flow 2388 AFS, 22’ header.

Axial Flow 1660E, 16’ header & trolly.

John Deere 1177, 816 header & trolly.

John Deere 9780 CTS Hillmaster, 22’ header & trolly.

New Holland TC56 SL, 13’ header & trolly.

NEW McCONNEL HEDGECUTTERS In stock PA93 Super Slew, cable control, 1.2m head.

PA55 XTC controls, 1.2m head.

PA65T EDS V4 controls, Hydraulic roller, 1.5m head.

PA6570T V4 controls, 1.5m head, hyd.roller.

USED HEDGECUTTERS McConnel PA24 Cable control, 1 metre head.

McConnel PA65T, V4 controls, 1.5m head, Front flap kit.

McConnel PA6000, 1.5m head, 2001.

AS MARSTON TRAILERS Ace 14 Hyd.door, grain Chute, sprung drawbar.

Used AS Marston 14 ton with Roll over sheet.

Salop 9 ton tandem axle trailer.

TELESCOPIC HANDLERS/forklift JCB 528-70, 2200 hours.

JCB 520-40, 2005, 769 hours.

Matbro TR200, 4882 hours.

Manitou 741 MLT120 LSU, 2004.

Manitou Buggiscopic, 4200 hrs.

Manitou M26-4 forklift, 3000 hrs.

Merlo 25-9, pallet forks & bucket.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT JCB 2cx Streetmaster, low hours.

JCB 4cx Sitemaster, 1998.

JCB 8045 ZTS Excavator, 2007.

Case 590, 2005, 4500 hrs.

Volvo EC 140 Excavator, 2003.

Yanmar 2.8 ton Excavator, 1200 hours.

Hitachi ZX210 Excavator, 2011.

Ausa D600 swivel dumper, 2008, 428 hrs.

Neuson TD18s tracked swivel dumper.

MACHINERY Richard Western 10 ton Delilah Rear discharge muck spreader.

Lemken 5+1 reversible plough.

McConnel 7 leg Shakerator.

McConnel 5 leg Shakerator.

Vicon Greenland 6.6m air drill.

Vaderstad 6m Rigid Tine.

Vaderstad Carrier CR300 cultivator.

Simba Horsch 6 metre drill.

McConnel Discaerator 7 leg, 3 metre.

| Feature

To hedge or not to hedge: Protecting the Single Farm Payment Decision making complexity has just increased by an order of magnitude.

W

ith the euro barely out of the news, farmers are fully aware that a significant proportion of their income, and perhaps all of their profit, is receivable in a currency whose very existence is in doubt.

Firstly we had Greek debt, and some fine

footwork by Prime Minister Papandreou, putting the euro under pressure. The Greeks had taken advantage of remarkably cheap money on offer from careless northern European banks, without having the usual devaluation escape clause when things went wrong. Then came the Italians, actually running a current account surplus, but with a stagnant economy and an overly flamboyant Prime Minister, a problem solved with uncommon pragmatism by the appointment of Mario Monti. And there were problems in Spain, Portugal and Ireland.

Germany, the huge beneficiary of an undervalued euro (at least while competing globally), still struggles with the concept of allowing the ECB to print money and act as the European lender of last resort. Memories of Weimar inflation still resonate. Indeed, the relative political decisiveness in the south is in contrast of the slow pace of decision making in the north. And then David Cameron vetoed a rescue plan (or as one commentator put it, behaved like someone arriving at a wife swapping party without his wife). It is noticeable that there has been little comment in support of agreements that formalise fiscal prudence. Would we now not be better placed if such prudence had been imposed on Gordon Brown?

So to get back to the point, where does this leave British Farmer?

Since the decline of sterling in 2008 the value of the SFP to British farmers increased by around 30% with the value of the euro rising from around 68p to 86p. The relative stability of the pound/euro relationship since then has, perhaps, introduced a degree of complacency, as hedges taken out to protect the value of the Single Farm Payment, while offering comfort, have actually realised little value.

Is it likely or possible that the euro will decline in value against sterling in the short to medium term? It has proved remarkably resilient to date; a case of competitive weakness? A hedge to protect the value of the SFP (or at least part of it) would have been a

reasonable risk management strategy in the last few years. What value have you budgeted for 2012 or 2013? And are you confident of receiving that value? Does the current turmoil surrounding the euro add new risks to such a risk management strategy? What happens to a hedge if the euro has vanished in a puff of smoke? The passing of currencies is not unknown and forward transactions are usually completed in a successor currency. The challenge facing the would be hedger is the nature of that successor currency, created perhaps as an artifice purely for the payment of the Single Farm Payment.

The value of the euro is reached by a balance of 17 economies, reflecting both weak and strong. A successor currency might well be calculated on a very different basis, and strengthen against sterling, thus rendering a hedge unsuccessful.

Another, perhaps even remoter risk is that European political failure is yet more extreme, and both the euro and the EU fail. Without the EU and the CAP, there would be no SFP, not a welcome thought for British farmers.

What then should British farmers do in this world of uncertainty?

It is all about perception and management of risk. Consideration should be given to hedging part of your SFP, as a component of a risk mitigation strategy.

However, before taking action, due consideration must be given with your bank or broker about how the failure of the euro would be managed. More is required than a Gallic shrug and a word or two of reassurance. Doing nothing and receiving payment at the euro rate on the day on which it is set, is a perfectly valid choice, having considered other relevant risks.

It may be that using an option, if available at a reasonable price, could offer the hedge against the decline in euro value, while avoiding the risks of the euro disappearing, simply by allowing the option to lapse in that latter event.

Currency variation always effects income and expenditure in agriculture with commodities priced in euros and dollars. The decision making complexity has just increased by an order of magnitude.

RPA sets ‘best ever’ payment record Target for payments surpassed but there is still work to do. he highest ever proportion of Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payments were released by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) last month, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has announced.

Since the RPA began making 2011 SPS payments on December 1, it has paid 87 per cent of farmers eligible under the scheme, against a target of 86 per cent. This represented 81 per cent of the estimated value of total payments for 2011, against a target of 78 per cent.

This was the highest ever proportion of payments made in the whole of December – and was achieved

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

two weeks ahead of schedule. It amounted to over £1.4 billion, paid to over 91,400 farmers.

Jim Paice, who is also Chair of the RPA Oversight Board, said: “This is the best ever performance in December and a good example of the improvements being made at the RPA.” “But I’m determined to keep driving things forward so that the remaining payments are made as soon as it’s possible.”

To help with business planning, the RPA has advised farmers who have not yet been paid about the work that remains to be done and the normal timing for completion.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

2012 Pulse Agronomy Guide published

Apples for potato people Winners announced. ive lucky winners got their hands on a brand new iPad in time for Christmas this year, thanks to Branston Ltd’s competition at the recent British Potato 2011 show.

Branston has been the main sponsor of the bi-annual trade event for the last three shows.

This year the company, best known as one of Tesco’s largest fresh produce suppliers, focused on promoting its successful seed business and rapidly growing crisping division. Potato growers who visited the Branston stand were invited to take part in the competition as well as finding out more about Branston’s business.

The show serves as both an industry get-together and a perfect opportunity for growers and suppliers to keep abreast of changes. The Potato Council hosts seminars to share best practice and to discuss new

F

he 2012 edition of the PGRO Pulse Agronomy Guide has just been published and gives growers detailed, independent advice on combining peas, field beans and lupins," says Dr Anthony Biddle, PGRO Technical Director. “The guide brings you right up to date with all areas of profitable pulse production from variety choice to harvest - and covers all aspects of crop husbandry including establishment, weed control, diseases and pests, harvesting, drying and storage.

“The latest PGRO Recommended Lists for combining peas, spring beans

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and winter beans are also included, and there is a summary of lupin varieties and crop husbandry.

“With spring planting decisions becoming uppermost in growers' minds, this latest edition of the Guide will be an invaluable source of information for growers and agronomists,” adds Dr Biddle.

The 'PGRO Pulse Agronomy Guide' for 2012 is available to members and levy payers with a password for download from the PGRO website www.pgro.org or a copy can be requested by emailing Sue Bingham at PGRO sue@pgro.org

CFE Young Farmer Competition New competition launched by Jim Paice MP. new competition aimed at teaching young farmers more about the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) has been launched by farming minister Jim Paice.

Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) members are tasked with developing a suitable proposal for a farm business of their choice, currently outside of any agri-environment schemes, to support the campaign and to explain how their proposals work. It will give members the opportunity to increase their knowledge of

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environmental management and to win some fantastic prizes.

Farming minister Jim Paice said: “I hope many young farmers put themselves forward for this competition as it’s a great opportunity for the next generation to get involved with the campaign and to help further its good work.”

National CFE project coordinator Victoria Hicks, who is also an active member of young farmers in Gloucestershire, said: “Taking part in the competition can enhance your CV and by choosing a farm outside of agri-environment

innovations.

Graeme Beattie, managing director at Branston, said: “Everyone who’s anyone in the industry goes to the British Potato Show and we had another busy one – it was great to see so many people there.

“We served more than 2,500 bacon rolls and drinks over the two days and enjoyed catching up with familiar faces and meeting new growers in different sectors.

“The competition was a fantastic ice-breaker and we decided that the latest iPads were a perfect prize for five lucky potato growers. We’d like to express huge congratulations to our winners: Stephen Hogg from Brandon, Andrew Wilson from York, John Addams Williams, from Cambridge, Willie Officer from Angus and John Barker from Goole.”

schemes, members have the ability to influence a farm business.”

All teams entering will receive a free bag of wild bird seed mix for their chosen farm, kindly donated by Kings Seeds. Masstock Farm Consultancy has donated prize money for the competition, along with prizes from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) who have donated CLA student membership and tickets to the CLA Game Fair.

Any interested YFC members should visit the CFE website to register their interest at and to find all the essential information. Jim Paice will also be present at the prize giving for the competition at next year’s National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Annual Convention in Torquay at the end of April.

53 Years in Agriculture A wonderful achievement by an amazing woman. at Harwood is something of a rarity these days, not only has she’s been working in the Agricultural sector for the last 53 years but she’s also been with the same company. The long term employee of Dalton, the livestock identification tag producers based in Henley, decided that the time had come to enjoy a well earned rest.

“I can remember knocking on the door of Cuthbert and Mina Brierley on my first day of work on the 18th August 1958. In those days the office was set up in the spare bedrooms of their Nettlebed house and my first job on a cold

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10 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

day would be to fetch the coal and light the fires.” Since then Pat has worked in most positions in the company from packing, printing, sales, export and PA to the late CEO and founder.

Over the years Pat has also seen many new products come and go including the incredibly popular ‘Sweet Relief’ which was a remedy for Rheumatic pain and the introduction of the first two piece sheep identification tag, the ‘Rototag’ now a 100 million selling worldwide success.

In 2009 Pat was awarded a 50 years commemorative plaque showing images of the

original Dalton offices in Netllebed and later Park Corner as well as some of her colleagues from 1958 and some of the original Dalton products.

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| LAMMA

LAMMA Show continues to set growth records 2012 event set for even greater success with more exhibitors and more to see for visitors. he ever-increasing popularity of the LAMMA Show amongst the farming community nationwide, has in the past few years led to a tremendous increase in both visitor and exhibitor numbers. For LAMMA 2012 approximately 750 exhibitors have booked stand space for the event which will take place on 18th & 19th January 2012, at the Newark Showground, on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border.

From the outset the primary aim of the LAMMA Show was to offer a low-cost shop window for small manufacturers to display their products. More than 30 years later, this is still the case and the success of this policy is evident from the large number of small companies, from all parts of the country, taking part. Combine this fact with the presence of all the major players in the farm machinery, equipment and services sectors, and it becomes evident why so many farming decision-makers, from all parts of the UK and from further afield, view the LAMMA Show as an important date for their diaries.

For all visitors, LAMMA 2012 will once again offer plenty to interest them, since a large number of companies will be announcing new products at the Show and many of the major multi-nationals will be showing, for the first time in the UK, their new equipment which was launched at the

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major Agritechnica Show in Germany in November of this year.

Its growing reputation and popularity has meant that, over recent years, the character of the Show has evolved from being predominantly focused on arable machinery, parts and workshop equipment, to one which now includes a wide range of horticultural, amenity and livestock equipment, as well as ‘green energy’ products, seed suppliers, agro-chemical, farm management and financial advisory services. In addition, a number of companies specialising in re-cycling and construction equipment will be an attraction to both re-cycling and construction professionals, as well as farmers seeking ideas for diversification projects.

As far as visitors are concerned, the growing diversity of exhibits has attracted visitors from all regions of the UK and a number of trade representatives from across Europe and as far afield as India, China and Australia are expected to visit the Show.

With traffic management playing a very important role in speeding up access to the Show for visitors and minimising delays to local and through traffic not attending the Show, extensive consultations with the Highways Agency, Police, District and County Councils and the Showground owners have resulted in the development of

a comprehensive traffic management plan and visitors are requested to follow the local Event signage in order to minimise delays.

The ever increasing popularity of the LAMMA Show indicates that it is now placed high on the list of favourite exhibition events for professionals in the agricultural and associated industries. We look forward to welcoming our regular visitors and, of course, we extend an especially cordial invitation to those who have yet to enjoy the LAMMA experience. As an added incentive to ‘early-birds’ making for the Show, the car parks will open at 6.00am and visitors arriving between 6.30 and 8.00am will be able to enjoy a full English breakfast at a discounted price. Additionally, the Show will this year officially open at 7.30am on both days. As in previous years, both admission to the Show and car parking are free of charge.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 11

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B. W. Mack (Machinery) Limited Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 0AL Tel: 01366 324256 Fax: 01366 324431

Cooks Midlands Limited Horsepool Grange, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 Fax: 01530 249199

Craggs Of Conder Green Thurnham Mill Buildings, Conder Green, Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405 Fax: 01524 752378

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Fax: 01933 675858

E.A. Clayton Limited Willow Bridge Works, Carlton, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland TS21 1EB Tel: 01740 630254 Fax: 01740 631097

Hayward United Farmers Limited Heliport Site, Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR24 7XD Tel: 01502 475111

12 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Keith Davies Agricultural Hem Manor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840

TRP Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 Fax: 01529 300310

P & D Engineering Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912

Yorkshire Handlers Limited Unit 4-5, Fryors Close, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY Tel: 01904 489988

Fax: 01904 489061 Romsey Agricultural Machinery Limited Shorts Farm,Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6DX Tel: 01794 323159

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| LAMMA

Latest trenching equipment on show from AFT AFT Trenchers - the leading manufacturer of specialised trenching equipment, will be at LAMMA 2012. See them on stand Number: B138a Avenue: X FT Trenchers Ltd has built a solid reputation as the foremost manufacturer of specialist drainage equipment, primarily for the sports turf sector, but becoming increasingly dominant in Agriculture. They will be at LAMMA 2012 with the formidable AFT 100 and AFT 45.

The AFT 100 trencher is designed to create efficient land drainage preventing the soil from

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becoming saturated. This allows crops to flourish, obtaining the right level of moisture to encourage good root development and natural growth. At the same time the land remains accessible for machines at all times. It is the most economical way, long term to improve crop yields.

A tough trencher for tough digging conditions; the AFT 100 is suitable for tractors from 65 to

140hp (48-105kW), with creeper gearbox. It is the ideal tool to quickly install sophisticated drainage systems, as and when required.

Very suitable for contracting in your local area: if you have a drainage problem, your neighbour probably has them as well.

For more information visit our stand at LAMMA or email us on info@trenchers.co.uk

New Knight Sprayer launch at LAMMA 2012 First public showing of latest high-capacity trailed sprayers.

AMMA 2012 will see the first public outing for Knight Farm Machinery’s latest high-capacity trailed sprayers, which feature a completely new tank design and a number of other features that improve performance, convenience and durability.

Tanks on the new Trailblazer sprayers are roto-moulded polyethylene modules designed to lower the centre of gravity and also reduce axle loading without increasing the overall length of the

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machine. As well as improving stability, the tank design has allowed two separate wash tanks to be provided, increasing the flexibility of washing-out procedures.

The induction hopper, which is located inside a locker with the external control panels, has twin washing nozzles and convenient supports for draining chemical containers. On the opposite side of the machine, valves are protected behind a tough GRP cover. A hydraulically operated

parking stand has been included instead of the usual manual mechanism.

Knight Trailblazer sprayers are currently available with 3600 or 4200 litre tanks and booms up to 40 metres wide. All models have a rigid drawbar and steering axle, a well-proven design used on the current EUA models, and a Müller GPS-ready controller is also fitted as standard. There is a wide choice of optional features, including air brakes and air suspension.

As well as the new trailed sprayer, Knight will be showing a new 1500-litre front tank for mounted sprayers. The choice of front tanks now matches the rear tank capacities for this type of Knight sprayer – 1000, 1200 and 1500 litres.

Other Knight equipment at LAMMA 2012 will include selfpropelled and mounted sprayers and cultivators capable of min-till or secondary cultivation work.

NSTS EXAMINER Sales • Service • Repairs • Spares

Colin Weightman Services SPR AY E R SPE CI AL IST

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MARSTON, GRANTHAM Tel: 01400 250360(24 hours) Mobile: 07836 665557 KNIGHT FARM MACHINERY DEALER

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 13

| LAMMA

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| LAMMA

Terrington at LAMMA Range of machinery from top manufacturers on show.

errington Machinery, stand B30 on avenue R of Lamma 2012 will be showing machines from ‘Einbock’ including the ‘Pneumaticstar-Pro’.

This machine, introduced in 2010 has proven to be very successful in the U.K and Europe.

It can be used for seeding grass, rape, clover, stubble turnips and kale etc. This P.T.O driven Pneumatic Seeder is equipped

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with 10mm tines, levelling boards etc.

Other machinery from ‘Einbock’ will include their 12 row Sugar Beet Hoe, 6m Pneumaticstar Grass Seeder, 12m Weeder, Rape Seeder Boxes and Grassland Harrows etc.

For vegetable growers, Terrington Machinery will be showing two new types of machinery.

From ‘Badalini’ Italy, a 3 bed Inter-Row Rotovator. This 6m wide machine folds hydraulically to 3m for road transport. All machines are tailor made to suit the growers row systems.

The machine on show has been produced and sold for a 4 row bed system at 35cm row spacings. It will be equipped with hydraulic individual depth wheels with an in cab control for each wheel. This

enables the machines operator to lift each inter-row Rotovator out of the ground when the beds vary in height.

From ‘Forigo’, Italy, Terrington machinery will be showing a new type of Bed-Former/Power Harrow comprising of a 1.85 power harrow with two front discs and a powered rear drum with teeth, similar to those on a bed-former. This machine can work in wetter conditions than a standard type of bed-former, allowing an earlier start in the spring. The rear toothed drum can be removed if required and the power harrow can be used as an individual machine.

Also showing will be a ‘Forigo’ Bed-Former and a 4m Power Harrow with rear linkage.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 15

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| LAMMA

New Holland adopt Cesar for T6 and T7 ranges Standard fitting to new machines manufactured in its Essex plant from early 2012.

ull-line equipment manufacturer, New Holland, has announced that it will be fitting CESAR security systems as standard to machines manufactured in its Basildon, Essex plant from early 2012.

Machines to be equipped and registered with CESAR, which acts as a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable aid in recovery, include the awardwinning T6 and T7 series tractors destined for the UK. CESAR, the only official equipment security and registration scheme in the UK, became the most successful and widely used scheme, of its type, in the world at the beginning of 2011 after achieving 15,000 registrations in 2010 taking the cumulative figure to 40,000. Now, just 11 months later, the number of cumulative machine registrations has topped 70,000 units, of which 32,000 machines are working in British agriculture. Launched into agriculture at Tillage 2009, after endorsement from the Agricultural

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Engineers Association (AEA), the distinctive triangular registration plate is now a familiar sight on British farms.

Commenting on the announcement, Chris Harrison Sales Director of Datatag ID Limited, had this to say, “I’m delighted that New Holland has adopted CESAR and that machines rolling off the Basildon production lines for British farmers will be more secure as a result.

Sadly, rural crime is still on the increase with around £1m worth of agricultural equipment stolen every week. CESAR is a proven deterrent against theft, but the benefits don’t stop there, as many leading insurers offer insurance premium discounts on CESAR registered machines. I’m sure that New Holland customers will appreciate the benefits of this initiative by a world class manufacturer.”

New Holland recently confirmed its industry leading status as a fullline equipment manufacturer by winning five Agritechnica silver

medals, at the international show, in the three key business segments: tractors, harvesting equipment, and speciality machines.

Agritechnica also saw the preview of the new, Basildon built, New Holland T6 range of tractors, with models from 120hp to 175hp.

Fitting CESAR to the T6 range will further enhance the exceptional cost savings achieved with this new range.

Richard Spencer, Marketing Manager for New Holland in the UK and Ireland added, "At New Holland we put the customer at the heart of everything we do. Providing this industryleading solution to our customers,

in conjunction with Datatag, is a crucial step in providing farmers with a robust defence against the real threat of equipment theft."

There was a sneak preview of the new T6 in the UK at the National Agricultural Association of Contractors (NAAC) conference held in Peterborough on December 8th 2011. New Holland has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the NAAC and recognising the importance of this association Datatag has recently become a full member.

Further information, from both New Holland and Datatag, will be available at the popular LAMMA show, due to be held at the Newark Showground on January 18th and 19th 2012.

See the web site at www.cesarscheme.com for more details.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 17

| LAMMA

Case IH announces plans to further grow advanced farming systems business Company aims to remain at the forefront of this technology. ith plans in place to expand existing industry partnerships, add new personnel and augment its customer support system, Case IH is renewing its commitment to its precision farming business and Advanced Farming Systems (AFS).

“We are proud of our current AFS precision farming offering, with the industry’s most accurate autoguidance systems, easy-touse machine control interfaces and accurate yield monitoring systems,” says Ulrich Sommer, new Product Marketing Manager for AFS in Europe. “And Case IH continues to expand its AFS commitment, increasing our precision farming staff and making long-term plans to evolve our current customer service model.”

The recently announced creation of a new business unit dedicated solely to AFS Precision Farming aids that expansion: “ The new Precision Farming business unit is further proof of our dedication to providing Case IH customers with cutting-edge precision solutions – and our intention to remain at the forefront of this technology,” Sommer adds.

He also points to the company’s expanded strategic alliance with Trimble, a recognized leader in GPS and precision farming technology. This partnership will mean more joint development of innovative precision applications and services designed specifically for Case IH equipment. It will speed up product development and increase our ability to have more integrated AFS product options that are factory complete to our Case IH dealers and customers,” he explains. “It will also enhance our offering for our customers who run multiple makes of equipment.”

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In addition, Case IH is renewing its commitment to provide the kind of support our precision farming customers have told us they need.

“Our vision is to build a dedicated 24/7 support system that’s available 365 days a year,” he added.

AFS Updates for 2012 According to Sommer, Case IH continues to expand and renew its AFS product offering, and the rate of those changes will continue to increase. New or improved AFS products scheduled for introduction in 2012 include: AFS Pro 700 display Lighter weight with faster processing speeds, the AFS Pro 700 touchscreen display is being built into all new Steiger, Magnum, Maxxum and Puma tractors and Axial-Flow combines. No matter what the task – steering, performance monitoring, ISO BUS implement control, yield and data recording and mapping or video camera display – the AFS Pro 700 interfaces seamlessly with Case IH systems.

New AFS 372 Satellite Receiver Case IH is pleased to announce the AFS 372 Receiver. The integrated receiver/antenna features access to the latest in satellite signals and correction options available.

The AFS 372 can be GLONASS enabled providing users with the ability to utilize the Russian GLONASS satellite system. When used in conjunction with the US GPS system, up to 44 satellites are available and the number of satellites available to the receiver at any one time is greatly increased, resulting in increased uptime when customers need it most: In critical areas around trees, on headlands or in other obstructed locations.

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The AFS 372 allows the flexibility to utilize the correction option and accuracy that is best for each customers application. RTK Correction sources such as VRS and traditional RTK via radio transmission are supported by the AFS 372. It is also compatible with DGPS corrections such as EGNOS as well as OmniSTAR® corrections VBS, XP, HP. It can be easily upgraded to a higher accuracy level at any time.

The AFS 372 is a direct replacement for the existing AFS 252 and AFS 262, so integrating it into current equipment is quick and easy. The receiver size and mounting is unchanged and it can utilize the same RTK radio modules used by the AFS 252 or AFS 262 receivers.

AFS AccuControl Variable Rate for AFS displays AFS AccuControl will give Case IH customers the possibility to do variable rate and section control with their AFS 600 or 700 touch displays in conjunction with external rate controller hardware, comaptible with a large variety of implements on the market. AFS AccuControl can be used to control rate or flow on implements like Planters, Sprayers and Spinner Spreaders. By loading application maps into the AFS display and usage of the current GPS position of the machine, the system manages up to 48 sections to eliminate overlap and double application. AFS AccuControl provides significant cost savings on chemicals, fertilizer and seeds and improves yields by optimizing nutrient input for different soil conditions based on application maps.

New Generation AFS Dektop Software To provide Case IH customers with the farm management tools they need to stay in control, Case IH launches the new generation AFS desktop software. The AFS software will be available in 5 packages to suit various customer requirements: New Options for Mixed Fleets In addition, Case IH dealers will expand their offering of precision farming tools appropriate for mixed fleet operations. The expanded toolbox available to Case IH customers will include:

EZ-Pilot assisted steering system With its motor drive integrated into the steering column, the new EZ-Pilot system provides top-notch assisted steering performance and a clean, unobstructed operating environment. The new steering motor delivers 30 percent more torque that competitive systems, and Enhanced Terrain Compensation Technology adjusts the vehicle steering to compensate for tough terrain and hillsides. The EZ-Pilot architecture promotes simple plug and play installation, clear access to all instrument panels and unobstructed leg room.

At launch EZ Pilot will support more than 200 vehicle models while maintaining the OEM steering wheel and full tilt/telescope functionality of the steering column.

All-Makes Yield Monitor Now available through the FM1000 display, this new function enables farmers to accurately monitor, map, gather and analyze crop yield and moisture data in real time, by seed variety, throughout the field.

All-Makes Row Guidance Using the FM-1000 display, the system employs row sensors to signal the automated steering system to center the combine head on straight, curved or hillside rows, helping put more grain in the tank and reduce operator fatigue.

“To feed a growing global population on fewer hectares, farmers must continue to increase yields while using less labour,” Sommer concludes. “ At Case IH, we believe that continuous improvements in our AFS precision farming products, services and customer support will be key to support our customers in being up to the challenge”

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Anker Of Coates

Eldernell Lane, Coates, Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777

Units 15-17, Brook Farm, Ellington, Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk

J.T. Friskney Limited

17-29 West Street,Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5JE Tel: 01507 523233 Dealers For Central Lincolnshire Tel: 01205 361281

Farmstar Limited

Grove Farm, Church Lane, Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU Tel: 01302 786786

Becklands Park Ind Est., York Road, Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA Tel: 01430 875900 Bridge Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF Tel: 01652 654944

Bredy Agricentre (Dorset) Limited

Louds Mill, St Georges Road, Dorchester DT1 1PH Tel: 01305 267151 www.bredy.co.uk

Sharnford Tractors Ltd

Lodge Farm,Broughton Road, Frolesworth,Lutterworth, Leicestershire,LE17 5EH Tel: 01455 209300

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AUTHORISED DEALERS: Day & Coles Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW t: 01933 673900

Farmserve Northwest Willows Lane, Green Haworth, Accrington Lancashire BB5 3SS t: 01254 391999 m: 07502 227112

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J. T. Friskney Ltd 17-29 West Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5JE t: 01507 523233

J. T. Friskney Ltd Wyberton Fen, Boardsides, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7NY t: 01205 361281

Rollason Engineering Hales Farm, Fosse Way,Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire CV35 9DF t: 01926 651111

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| LAMMA

Three new dealers for Same Deutz-Fahr

New CoilCleaner plus from Herbert Engineering

Major tractor manufacturer bolsters network.

New CoilCleaner plus to be launched at LAMMA

Same Deutz-Fahr has appointed three new dealers to cover the Argyll, Lancashire and Cumbria areas. All three will be marketing the Deutz-Fahr tractor range – a range which spans the 60hp to 275hp powerband and includes high powered CVT tractors.

Farm Serve Northwest Same Deutz-Fahr’s newest dealership is Farm Serve Northwest which is based at Green Haworth, Accrington, Lancs and headed up by sales director Damien Pinder and service director Chris Lynch.

“I wanted to market a brand that was built by one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers and could provide quality, reliability that other’s struggle to equal,” says Damien. “A brand which could also offer a broad range of tractors that can cater for all farming requirements – from market gardening up to the largest arable growers and everything in between. And, on this basis, Deutz-Fahr ticks all the boxes for us.”

Since the business opened its doors at the beginning of October both Damien and Chris report a positive response from farmers throughout their Lancashire area with new tractor sales being made almost from day one.

Newton Trailer Centre Based at Penrith, Cumbria, the Newton Trailer Centre was awarded the Deutz-Fahr franchise in July and according to company managing director, Tony Blackburn, customer response has

erbert Engineering, the leaders in handling systems for the agricultural and fresh pack industries, have announced its most innovative coil cleaner yet which will be officially launched at LAMMA 2012. The new Coilcleaner Plus spiral cleaner moves the crop continuously, separating loose soil, clods and small potatoes from the main crop.

The Coilcleaner Plus features several important innovations, which increase its cleaning effectiveness, as well as providing easier maintenance. A core difference is the key components are made of polyurethane instead of steel, providing a better cleaning action. The CoilCleaner Plus also uses a split drive system, which enables every other coil to be driven at an independent speed, giving a more flexible cleaning action, holding the crop to ensure effective cleaning.

The module is designed to be used with a Herbert standard interchange mechanism and can be easily fitted in place of another cleaner to suit the conditions. Herbert is the only supplier to offer this unique interchange design on its graders.

In 2012, Herbert Engineering will be celebrating its 40th anniversary and launching a record number of new products. From the early days of serving growers, originally in post harvest on field grading to, more recently, electronic grading for processors, Herbert’s ties with the root crop industry have remained strong and become the backbone for the business.

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been very positive.

“We’ve been in the tractor business for a number of years, albeit with smaller, compact models,” he says. “The Deutz-Fahr tractor range is extensive and there is a model of tractor to meet all our customer needs.”

With an area which covers Cumbria, Newton Trailer Centre reports that interest from farmers and contractors operating in this immensely attractive part of the country has been high.

“The quality of Deutz-Fahr tractors is clearly well known,” says Mr Blackburn. “I feel sure that not only our business will benefit from us being awarded the DeutzFahr franchise but also those of our customers.”

Creran Engineering Creran Engineering is the new Deutz-Fahr dealer in Argyll. Based just north of Oban, the company is headed up by Ewen Macgillvray who started the business two years ago.

Ewen, who comes from a farming family, did a four year apprenticeship maintaining heavy machinery used in a large granite quarry before starting work with a local dealer based in Oban.

“With some strong farming connections, the agricultural side of the business is increasing rapidly - the appointment of the Deutz-Fahr franchise is an important development for us,” he says. “It’s good to have the backing of a major tractor manufacturer and a tractor range which has the quality and reliability that is the envy of the industry.”

JC Machinery launches new machine at LAMMA See the new Vredo Agri Twin Overseeder Series at LAMMA ollowing the success of the Vredo Agri Seeder last year, JC Machinery is launching a new range into the UK - the Vredo Agri Twin Overseeder.

The Vredo Agri series has an excellent reputation in the global agricultural sector. These heavy duty but precise constructed machines are a must for every contractor who wants to offer a total package for grassland rejuvenation. Whether in autumn, after heavy winters, or following the first silage cut, it is necessary

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to renovate and direct overseed grassland areas to create a new and healthy sward. The new wide Vredo Agri Twin series has the capability to overseed all your grassland areas at the right time, throughout the year.

Overseeding is only useful if the seed is being sown direct into the soil. Vredo’s widest overseeders are also equipped with the famous Double-Disc-System. This system guides all seed into the small slit, which guarantees a quick germination and deep rooting of

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the injected seed. The pairs of discs have a row distance of only 7.5 cm, which guarantees a complete close and healthy sward.

Research in Germany confirmed that the Vredo system generates a germination rate of 96%.

The Vredo Agri Twin overseeder has two sections, each with a 2.90 meter working width. This results in an overall working width of 5.8 meters. These sections fold hydraulically into transport position and lock automatically. In transport position the machine is only 3.0 meters wide and is equipped with a light kit for safe road transport.

There is also an Agri Twin overseeder with a working width of 4.4m and 7.5 cm row spacings.

This model only comes with a smooth roller and weighs approximately 2000 kg.

It follows undulations very accurately as the 2 sections pivot and every pair of discs is spring loaded. The seed hopper with a 200 litre capacity can be filled

safely via a standing platform. The pneumatic / mechanical seed distribution is adjustable from 3 to 210 kg/hectare. This enables an accurate and quick calibration, with a working speed of 13 km/hr.

As an option the Vredo Agri Twin can be supplied with a digital hectare counter and ring roller.

The packer rings are perfect for following undulations on rough, stony surfaces.

The Vredo Agri Twin overseeder is the most professional seeder of its kind. If quality, capacity and results make the difference to you.

The innovation of Vredo is once again taking the lead in efficiency and improvement in equipment for the worldwide agricultural sector.

For further information or a demonstration please contact John Campey at J C Machinery Tel: 01260 224568 or Mobile: 07736 953143 or email info@jcmachinery.co www.jcmachinery.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 21

| LAMMA

Spaldings set to showcase host of new products Spaldings prepare to exhibit their largest range of products at LAMMA 2012 with over 300 products on the stand paldings, Europe’s leading independent distributor of agricultural replacement parts, tools and accessories, is set to showcase a number of new products at the upcoming LAMMA show. LAMMA, which runs from 18 to 19 January, will see Spaldings exhibit their new range of bird scaring products, welding equipment and 2.2m offset topper.

“Last year we drastically

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increased our focus and investment on new product development as an integral part of our business strategy” says Roger Chase, Agricultural Sales Director for Spaldings. “LAMMA provides the ideal setting to bring these new products to our customers for hands-on interactions supported by our experienced sales team who can offer expert advice and demonstrations.”

On show will be a new range of

bird scaring products including rockets, hawks and kites for effective on-farm pest management. Featured in the welding range are three high specification Oxford MIG welders and a welding inverter which offer robust quality coupled with a 2 year warranty. Capital machinery has also expanded to include a heavy duty 2.2m offset topper for cutting grass, bank sides and hedges.

“We are looking forward with optimism to LAMMA 2012 and hope that we will be able to surpass the success of last year” Chase says. “We aim to increase our overall sales over the two day event and hope to do this with our extensive product range including new and existing products. Aside from everything else it is important to us to get the opportunity to speak to our customers face to

Suzuki Confirm Attendance at LAMMA uzuki GB has just confirmed that they will be returning to LAMMA, the UK's leading farm machinery equipment & services show, in 2012 with their hard-working utility ATV range.

The range of Suzuki ATVs was a popular attraction at last years show, featuring on dealer

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exhibition stands. For 2012 Suzuki will be returning to the show with their latest line up of ATVs, from the lightweight but highly-capable Ozark 250 right through to the show-stopping KingQuad 750 Power Steering model.

"Getting along to shows such as LAMMA is vital for building and maintaining relationships with our

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customers. Not only is a lot of business done at agricultural shows like this, but it is the perfect opportunity to discuss our range with new customers as well as some familiar faces." Commented Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB. With an all-new stand layout for 2012, Suzuki are inviting

face and LAMMA provides the perfect setting for this.”

For details of these and other products supplied by Spaldings, contact 01522 507 600, email: agsales@spaldings.co.uk or view the catalogue at www.spaldings.co.uk customers to visit them to browse the range of ATVs and have a chat with a member of staff. Visitors to the show will also be given the opportunity to find out more about the latest ATV offer, with Suzuki announcing plans to launch a new promotional campaign at the event.

For more information on the Suzuki ATV range and to find out more about Suzuki's attendance at LAMMA 2012 visit www.suzukiatv.co.uk

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Andrew Marwood Ltd Unit 2, Full Sutton Industrual Estate, Full Sutton, Yorkshire YO41 1HS Tel 01759 372888

J C Knight Forest Fields, Forest Lane, Belton, Loughborough, Lestershire LE12 9TN Tel: 01509503296

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Newman Enterprises Ltd The Gables, Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DT Tel 01793 853807 Mob 07435 780028

Stewart Morley The Workshop, Bonds Farm, Morley Lane, Pilling, Preston PR3 6BY Tel 01253 799124 Mob 07802 638385

Wharfedale Tractors Ltd Unit 1, Riffa Business Park Harrogate Road, Poole-in-Wharfedale, North Yorkshie LS21 2XB Tel 01132 841117

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 23

| LAMMA

New 9R and 9RT Series tractors from John Deere Most powerful, productive and comfortable four-wheel drive tractors ever produced by the company.

esigned for heavy-duty, large-scale field operations, John Deere’s new 9R and 9RT Series tractors from 410 to 560hp (maximum 451 to 616hp, to 97/68/EC rating) are the most powerful, productive and comfortable four-wheel drive tractors the company has ever built.

Available for 2012, the new 9R and 9RT Series line-up consists of four wheeled tractors and three tracked versions, and replaces the 9030 Series which was introduced in 2007. A tracked model from the range will make its UK debut on

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the John Deere stand at the LAMMA 2012 show, Newark, in January.

These new tractors feature the latest improvements in power, hydraulics, hitch and pto options, as well as cab comfort and controls. This means more horsepower, more integrated intelligent solutions such as AutoTrac and JDLink, and improved high-flow hydraulics and pto options.

All 9R/9RT Series models come with John Deere’s advanced 13.5litre PowerTech PSX diesel-only engines and meet the European

Stage IIIB emissions standard. The engines feature in-line, six-cylinder, four-valve high pressure common rail technology and series turbochargers. To make them clean burning engines, they are equipped with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and exhaust filters which include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

All the tractors employ an 18 forward/six reverse speed PowerShift transmission with Efficiency Manager as standard.

This feature allows the tractors to operate at an optimal performance level while minimising fuel consumption. Efficiency Manager gives the operator precise ground speed control at up to 40kph by letting the operator set the speeds for field or transport applications with a thumb wheel in the transmission shift lever.

To enhance operator comfort, John Deere’s new 9R and 9RT

tractors feature the newly designed CommandView II cab, which offers several different packages for both the wheeled and tracked models. The spacious cab provides 10 per cent bigger overall volume, has seven per cent more glass area and four times as much storage space as the previous range, making it an even more comfortable and convenient workplace, including excellent visibility, even around the clock, due to the integrated 360-degree lighting system.

Additionally, a high level of operator comfort is achieved by the ActiveSeat suspension on all models, and John Deere’s exclusive AirCushion suspension system on the tracked versions.

The new cab also features easy-touse CommandArm fingertip controls and the newly designed GreenStar 3 CommandCenter Display. This can run many precision farming applications, including telematic solutions such as the factory-installed JDLink and Service ADVISOR Remote.

All 9R/9RT models feature multiple drawbar choices, optional ptos and higher lift capacity (9072kg) from the electrohydraulically operated three-point hitch, to pull wide drills, lift heavy ploughs or tow large trailers.

Improved hydraulic system features on these new tractors increase overall tractor efficiency – one common reservoir provides improved oil level management in the drive train, and high-flow hydraulics are now available on all models, as well as up to six SCVs.

Derwent Road, Malton, North Yorks YO17 0NW Tel: 01653 695094 Fax: 01653 697979 Holme Road, Market Wighton, York YO4 3EW Tel: 01430 872421 Fax: 01430 872461

Agricultural Ltd

RBM

Clarborough Hill, Redford, Notts DN22 9EA Tel: 01777 704823 Fax: 01777 710299

24 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Westrum Lane, Brigg, Lincolnshire DN20 9EY Tel: 01652 650600 Fax: 01652 658180 Bolingbroke Road, Fairfield Industrial Edtate, Louth LN11 0WA Tel: 01507 617588

www.rbmagricultural.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Contact your local dealer today:

Brockhills Of Yorkshire Dalton Lane, Dalton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3HR Tel 01845 577242 Mobile 07792 510204

Thurlow Nunn Standon Ltd Wisbech Road, Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 1RA Tel: 01353 863038 www.tnsgroup.co.uk

Thurlow Nunn Standon Ltd The Street, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1PL Tel: 01394 382801 www.tnsgroup.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 25

| News

Farmstar Limited MARR, DONCASTER Tel: 01302 786786

Farmstar Limited MKT WEIGHTON, YORKS Tel: 01430 875900

Farmstar Limited BRIGG, N.YORKSHIRE Tel: 01652 654944

Farmstar Limited BALDERTON, NEWARK Tel: 01400 283818

www.farmstar.co.uk

www.farmstar.co.uk

www.farmstar.co.uk

www.farmstar.co.uk

P. Tuckwell GREAT DUNMOW Tel: 01371 875751

P. Tuckwell RAYLEIGH Tel: 01268 783311

P. Tuckwell COLCHESTER Tel: 01206 230283

www.tuckwell.co.uk

www.tuckwell.co.uk

www.tuckwell.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 26 | Farming Monthly | January 2012 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December Farming Farming Monthly Monthly || 31 21 December 2011 2011 ||www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Versatile Kubota M108S agricultural tractor is right for every job A firm favourite with both farmers and contractors.

n tough economic times, versatility is as important as price, which is why the Kubota M108S agricultural tractor is a firm favourite with farmers and contractors alike.

Part of the hugely popular Kubota M Series, the M108S has been designed to offer the agricultural sector power, performance, versatility and reliability – and all at an affordable price.

It offers exceptional pulling power and unparalleled levels of productivity which make it equally suited for use on livestock, dairy, mixed use or arable farms.

Powered by Kubota’s 108hp new common rail engine, the M108S combines a 32 x 32 gearbox with hydraulic shuttle, swing shift and dual speed for smooth and progressive directional changes, as well as on demand 4WD to ensure exceptional traction and efficient braking.

The engine itself has been designed to reduce fuel consumption, which together with its high power to weight ratio means it is very economic to run.

What’s more, with a 175 litre fuel tank, this tractor offers hour after hour of efficient working without the need to refuel.

Fuel efficiency is complemented

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by Kubota’s unique cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, which reduces emissions by diverting exhaust gas through a cooler and returning it to the combustion chambers.

The M108S features hydraulic independent PTO with 4,000kg lift capacity and can be fitted with the Kubota LA1403 loader. This offers a host of features specifically aimed at the farming market such as hydraulic self levelling, third function hydraulic service, Euro eight quick hitch, single lever quick coupler and Kubota's shockless ride. And with a wide range of Kubota matched implements available, it is suitable for all manner of jobs.

The cab itself has been ergonomically designed to increase comfort and reduce operator fatigue. It is spacious with a well thought-out-layout; controls are conveniently located, the dash is easy to read and the air suspension seat is extremely comfortable. Air conditioning and a CD/Radio come as standard.

Routine maintenance is designed to take the minimum of time and effort thanks to the slanted bonnet which opens fully allowing quick and easy access to the engine. The sliding louvrelesstype AC condenser and condenser

net can also be removed easily for cleaning.

"The M108S has been designed with farmers in mind," said David Blackwood, sales and marketing manager at Kubota Tractor and Groundcare. We know that in this economic climate it’s important that farm machinery must be adaptable, so the M108S is highly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of tasks.

"It is also extremely easy to use, offers a comfortable ride and is fuel efficient, making it economical to run."

Like all of Kubota’s agricultural tractors, the M108S comes with a three year manufacturer's warranty as standard.

Kubota is a world leading manufacturer that has been at the forefront of innovation for commercial tractors, groundcare equipment and ride-on mowers since first entering the UK market more than 30 years ago. The

company's Tractor and Groundcare product portfolio now encompasses 24 tractor models between 12 and 130hp, 13 ride-on mower models, which cater for domestic and professional users alike and five variants of the classleading RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle.

Kubota machines have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and ease of operation. This is backed-up by a national network of specialist dealers who provide the highest standards of advice and aftersales service.

For more information about Kubota Tractor and Groundcare's agricultural tractors, as well as its compact tractors, ride-on mowers and all-terrain utility vehicle, or to find your nearest dealer call + 44 (0)1844 268000, e-mail sales@kubota.co.uk or visit www.kubota.co.uk.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 27

| News

Brian Robinson Machinery Limited East Cowton, Near Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552 Brockhills of Yorkshire Dalton Lane, Dalton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3HR Tel: 01845 577242 Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01757 249799 Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325 Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884 Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU Tel: 01829 749391

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

Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO 19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

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

Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield E.Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221

28 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston, Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 Ripon Farm Services Limited Great North Road, Darrington, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 3BN Tel: 01977 795241 Rollason Engineering Hales Farm, Fosseway, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire CV35 9DF Tel: 01926 651111

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

UK debut for AXION 900 at LAMMA Aiming to meet customer expectations in terms of performance, reliability and running cost, but also regulatory and environmental requirements.

aking its UK debut at the LAMMA show will be the new CLAAS AXION 900 range of tractors which have power outputs from 320hp up to 410hp.

A total of four AXION 900 models are available, the AXION 920, 930, 940 and 950, which are the first CLAAS tractors to benefit from the recently formed CLAAS Power Systems (CPS), which brings together experts from the different divisions within CLAAS to share information and ideas in order to develop products that best meet customer expectations in terms of performance, reliability and running cost, but also regulatory and environmental requirements.

In order to meet the forthcoming

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• Benthall Brosley, Shropshire • Craven Arms, Shropshire • Docklow, Herefordshire • Tarvin, Cheshire

Tier 4i emission regulations for engines of between 176 and 760hp, by not being committed to a specific engine manufacturer, in deciding whether to use EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) or SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) engine technology, CLAAS is free to consider which technology is best suited to current and future machines.

Rather than just focussing on the engine and emissions, for all products that fall within these emission requirements CPS take into account all practical aspects of the machine, such as application, transmission, hydraulics, power transmission, etc and from there seek to achieve an optimum match between all components.

Standard Specification As standard, the AXION 900 is equipped to a high specification to ensure optimum driver comfort and convenience over the long hours that a tractor of this size is likely to work.

In the cab there is a wide range of connection options, including ISOBUS, to ensure that all types of terminal can be easily utilised. The cab also features full air-

conditioning and optional automatic climate control, plus a refrigerator box is located under the passenger seat.

“A total of four AXION 900 models are available”

Tel: 01952 881000 Tel: 01588 673325 Tel: 01885 488884 Tel: 01829 749391

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 29

| News

Thurlow Nunn Standon Ltd

JJ Farm Services

Highwood

Wisbech Road, Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 1RA Tel: 01353 863038 www.tnsgroup.co.uk

Far Stanley, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5HF Tel: 01242 620631 www.jjfarm.co.uk

Yeovil Branch: 01935 478877 service@highwood-ag.co.uk

Thurlow Nunn Standon Ltd

Robson Tractors Ltd

The Street, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1PL Tel: 01394 382801 www.tnsgroup.co.uk

Ings Lane, Carlton Husthwaite, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 2BP Tel: 01845 501602 www.robsontractors.co.uk

30 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Dorset Branch: 01305 266058 sales@highwood-ag.co.uk Shepton Mallet Branch: 01749 841651 parts@highwood-ag.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Contact your local dealer today: Harold R Johns Ltd MONMOUTHSHIRE 01291 689278

Robert D Webster Ltd HULL 01964 670224

LJ + CA Cannings OXFORDSHIRE 01235 763103

Curtis & Shaw Ltd EAST SUSSEX 01323 833441

Chippenham Farm Sales Ltd WILTSHIRE 01249 651059

Lower Quinton Garages Ltd STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01789 720265

John Weetman Agricultural WEST SUSSEX 01403 783616

| LAMMA

Axis now available with ISOBUS compatibility options This further improves the versatility of the Axis range of machinery. ompatibility with the standard control interface known as ISOBUS is now a feature on specific models within Kuhn’s Axis 50.1 W and Axis 40.1 W twin disc fertiliser spreader ranges. Models in both ranges are available with and without the CCI 100 control box, offering flexible solutions whether tractors are pre-fitted with an ISOBUS facility or not.

The Axis 50.1 W, which includes integral weigh facilities and – with a 2,000 litre base unit plus 2,000 litre hopper extension – can operate with a payload 4,000 kg.

The 40.1 W has a 1,200 litre base filling capacity and a 3,000 kg load capacity with hopper

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extensions. The Telimat automatic border spreading limiter is now fitted as standard on both these machines.

Kuhn’s Axis range has been heralded as a new generation of machine offering tangible benefits within progressive agriculture, including precision farming applications.

Patented distribution technology, known as Coaxial Distribution Adjustment (CDA), lies behind the machine’s ability to

32 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

maintain consistently accurate spread patterns automatically at varying forward speeds and/or application rates. CDA, alongside innovative hopper and agitator design, also allows an unprecedented maximum mass flow rate of up to 500 kg/minute.

Integral weighing, on the Axis 40.1 W and Axis 50.1 W, allows the machine to maintain an accurate application rate in response to changing fertiliser quality and/or ambient

humidity, for example. This is achieved through close control of fertiliser flow rate (by adjustment of the hopper outlet via the Quantron control system) in response to information from the two weigh cells mounted on the hitch frame.

The overall Axis range now offers working widths from 12m to 36m and hopper capacities from 1,200 to 4,000 litres. In addition to the advanced application technology, Axis has also been designed to offer simple and logical adjustment, whilst maintenance costs are kept low through generous use of stainless steel and economy in potentially wearing parts.

All distribution parts are 100% stainless steel and are easily accessible for cleaning and calibration.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Free copies of Tyre Pressure Management Guide from Mitas at LAMMA 2012 The UK’s leading off-road tyre specialist will be giving away free copies of its new Tyre Pressure Management Guide and exhibiting examples from its three new tyre ranges at the show. he Mitas Tyre Pressure Guide highlights the three easy steps to achieving optimum tyre pressures, both in the field and on the road. Packed with useful information, the publication will help farmers to achieve significant financial savings by reducing fuel costs and wear-and-tear, whilst also improving performance.

Jon Ward, Managing Director of Mitas Tyres Limited, comments: “It has never been more important for farmers to obtain the very best performance from their tyres and LAMMA will provide an excellent opportunity to obtain answers to any tyre-related questions they may have. Our Technical Specialist Ron Wood will be on hand to discuss tyre selection/management and advise how to achieve the best results by optimising tyre pressures, achieving correct weight distribution and improving driving techniques.”

The Mitas stand at LAMMA 2012 will also feature examples of the company’s new rowcrop, trailer and harvester tyre ranges.

ROW-CROP With 13 sizes in the premium row-crop sector, Mitas Tyres’ range is one of the most extensive ranges in a segment often neglected by other major tyre brands.

The five new ‘Mitas’-branded sizes, 270/95R32, 300/95R46, 320/85 R34, 320/90R50 and 320/90R54, The range includes eight formerly ‘Continental’-branded tyres together with five This extensive choice of highspecification row-crop tyres allows farmers to select the right size, with higher load index ratings to match, allowing greater loads to be carried at the correct pressure, thereby increasing tyre life and delivering agronomic benefits.

TRAILER Designed specifically for use on trailers, the new Agriterra range reflects the trend for UK farmers to use ever-larger units over much longer distances, including a significant increase in on-road mileage. Delivering significantly better on- and off-road performance than other premium trailer tyres, Agriterra offers greater reliability, reduced downtime, a 15% longer working life and

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significantly-improved operating economy.

Available in 600/55R26.5, 650/65R30.5 and 710/50R26.5 sizes, Agriterra incorporates a steel impact ply which makes the tyre much more durable, provides greater resistance to punctures and allows quieter running on the road. Providing a much larger contact area than competitor products, Agriterra has a load capacity rating of up to 12,780 kg and a maximum operating speed of up to 65 km/h.

Incorporating a reinforced shoulder area which increases durability by 7%, Agriterra also has a unique, easily-identifiable tread pattern that incorporates a 9% larger contact area than other premium tyres, which reduces wear and tear. Tests by Mitas Tyres have demonstrated that it can give approximately six months of additional use under typical operating conditions.

COMBINE HARVESTER Mitas will also be exhibiting its latest agricultural tyre, the Continental SVT CHO (Cyclic Harvesting Operation) tyre. It was developed for use on harvesters in close cooperation with farm machinery manufacturer Claas, with whom Mitas has a strong development partnership, to solve the conflict between compliance in road operations and the increasing need for soil protection.

Based on Continental super volume tyre technology, the new tyre responds to the trend of equipping modern combines with larger headers and grain tanks, both of which add to the machine’s overall weight. Measuring 800/70 R32 CHO 175A8, the SVT CHO allows the combine to carry an increased load of up to 21.5 tonnes on the front axle, at a pressure of just 1.6-bar during harvesting operations. The load can be increased without any related increase in the pressure exerted on the soil.

One of many benefits of the new tyre is that its narrow construction allows Claas harvesters to drive unaccompanied on the road. Even when equipped with the new 800/70 R32 CHO tyre, the overall width of the combine will remain within the 3.5-metre vehicle width regulations.

In the UK, Mitas Tyres Limited has increased its annual turnover from £13.25 million in 2008

to more than £20 million in 2011, with exceptionally strong growth being evident across all the major off-road sectors. The agricultural sector accounts for approximately 80% of the company’s business and with UK farms averaging 80ha its target market includes some of the largest in Western Europe.

A vibrant, dynamic, servicedriven company with a clear commercial strategy, Mitas Tyres Limited is very active in responding to customers’ requirements and offers an excellent package of product / commercial benefits.

Adopting this approach has helped it to secure considerable new business in a very competitive environment during the last two years and the company expects that the strong growth will continue in 2012.

Mitas Tyres Limited is based at Unit 6, Bergen Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2JG. T: 01553 817740 or go to www.mitas-tyres.com

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 33

| LAMMA

Kirkby Tyres at LAMMA 2012 Tyres & wheels for every application. irkby Tyres have been at the forefront of tyre and wheel wholesaling and distribution for over 60 years.

During that time they have established themselves as one of the largest tyre and wheel ‘full line wholesalers and distributors’ in Europe with a head office and warehouse on a six acre site next to John Lennon airport in Liverpool and offices in Scotland, Ireland and China.

Holding one of the largest and most comprehensive ranges the company supplies tyres, tubes and wheels to the Agricultural, Plant, Earthmover, Truck, Industrial, ATV, Turf, Car, Van, 4 x 4 and OE markets – they will have a major presence at LAMMA 2012 and will be featuring many new tyre products and sizes for the tractor, row crop and trailer markets Kirkby Tyres are the sole UK and Ireland agents for the extensive Alliance range of agricultural and earthmover tyres.

A large stock of BKT agricultural and off road tyres are always available which includes the latest Agrimax Teris (the

K

Harvesting tyre). The BKT Agrimax Fortis is a tyre specifically designed and produced for high horse power tractors providing high load carrying capacity at low pressure. A full range of BKT Flotation tyres will also be on show.

Alliance introduces the Farm PRO 85 and 70 series R-1w tractor radial tyres. With 20% more tread than conventional R-1 tyres and a large foot-print the Farm PRO Traction tyre has an advanced multi–angle lug design with a steep central angle for a smooth ride, long wear and mud clearing

34 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

properties and a shallow angle at the shoulder for exceptional traction and hillside stability. The Farm Pro 85 series is available in all the popular sizes. Other new tyres from the Alliance group include the steel belted Flotmaster 390 flotation radial tyre. One of the most important recent introductions from Alliance has been the 885 radial, flotation, all fabric, light duty, budget priced tyre. This tyre exhibits good grip and self cleaning qualities. Alliance also offer the Row Crop 350 radial tyre.

Kirkby Tyres also offer a full

range of wheels and wheel assemblies for any fitment in the agricultural, row crop, trailer, wideflotation, hi-speed/low compaction, earthmover and industrial markets.

GKN one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural and off highway wheels has chosen Kirkby Tyres as a partner for the O/E and replacement market in the UK and Ireland enabling them to supply a built up unit for almost every application.

For more information or any general sales enquiries please contact the Sales Team on: 0870 242 8800 www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

For further details contact your local dealer: ACARE SERVICES LTD

AGRIKEL

Stubley Farm, Silver Street, Norfolks Sprayer Specialists, Besthorpe, Attleborough, Bunkers Hill, Walsingham, Norfolk NR17 2LQ Tel. 01953 798914 Fakenham, Norfolk NR22 6AZ Mob. 07702 051884 Tel. 01328 820449 www.agrikel.com www.acareservices.co.uk

AGRATECH NW LTD Unit 8 Dale Mill, Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, Lancashire BB4 9HU Tel. 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

CENTRAL LW VASS CROPSPRAYERS LTD (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Sandford, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel. 01948 840187 Mob: 07850 744335

Springfield Farm, Siloe Road, Maulden, Bedfordshire, MK45 2AX Tel. 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk

| Sheep & Lambing

Electronic tagging of sheep (EID) Requirements can cause confusion so read on... lectronic tagging of sheep and recording requirements can cause confusion, and has created in many instances significant problems when it goes wrong.

The good news is that on the whole the industry seems to be coping with the additional burden remarkably well, with some producers turning the ability to record data to their advantage for flock management.

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“Pay really careful attention to how you tag your animals.”

From a purely regulatory point of view, and to ensure we avoid cross-compliance problems later down the line, at the start of a new year, it is always useful to reacquaint ourselves with the regulations, have a look at our own systems to review which tags are most appropriate for our own lambs, and double check we are recording in the flock register the necessary statutory details.

Historic Flock – Good news!

It is good to start with some good news – a recent decision

over EID requirements was announced on the 8th December with Defra securing a further 3 year extension to the tagging of the historic flock. This means that sheep kept on the farm, and born before Jan 2009, will not need to be individually recorded on movement documents until January 2015 and then only if they do not move for slaughter. By that time many sheep will have passed through the system, avoiding any need to be electronically identified, which reduces costs and bureaucracy substantially.

Keep up-to-date NSA would always recommend that sheep producers keep a watchful eye on the web pages of their respective agricultural administrations for the most up to date requirements (Defra, SEERAD in Scotland, Welsh Assembly, DARD in NI) – or to speak to us to do it on your behalf if you are unable to access the internet.

With the risk of SFP penalties when things aren’t right, it is vital to be aware of up to date requirements.

RPA Inspections – what to expect Be prepared - Under the EU’s

36 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

cross compliance regime 3% of sheep and goat keepers are inspected each year to assess compliance with the rules.

Breaches can result in a reduction to the keeper’s Single Farm payment. The inspections are carried out by each Administration’s payment inspectorates (e.g. the RPA in England, RIW in Wales). The focus is on correct tagging and record keeping.

The inspections are random [according risk to criteria set out in EU legislation] and nearly always unannounced.

The most common failures found include: • flock/herd records not maintained in accordance with legal requirements; • sheep/goats have never been tagged or incorrectly tagged.

Tolerance A concern for keepers is that they are responsible for the accuracy of their own records and discrepancies (eg missing tag numbers) might lead to an SFP reduction if spotted at a cross compliance inspection.

Unfortunately it is not always possible for a CPRC to provide a 100% complete list of tag numbers (eg an EID tag could have been lost in transit, the transponder might have been damaged, etc etc).

The problem is that EC legislation does not provide for a record keeping tolerance even though UK has lobbied hard on this in recent years. The Commission responses did not reject UK proposals which could allow a limited tolerance to be provided within the framework of standards/sanctions they apply to an inspection.

Currently: Scotland has decided they will apply a tolerance - in certain circumstances/ movements.

England - Ministers are waiting until they have a full analysis of 2011 farm inspections to gauge the size of the issue in order to decide if/how they can apply a tolerance. Decisions are likely in January/February 2012 Wales – Ministers are assessing the impact and expect to

What are the key requirem

announce the decision shortly.

Northern Ireland - There are ‘exceptional’ management systems operating at markets (eg to visually read/capture a tag number if the tag does not read).

In conclusion Pay really careful attention to how you tag your animals and when and what type of tags to use.

Read the guidance before ordering tags. Consult with your market outlet too as they may require a certain approach to EID, i.e. EID slaughter tag rather than a batch tag.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep & Lambing

NSA - serving UK sheep producers

ments for keepers today?

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Continuing to evolve as a fit for purpose Association.

SA, like all good sheep farming businesses, has to constantly review its structure and activities to ensure it is working as effectively as possible. As a result of this on-going process of evaluation, some 2 years ago it became apparent that some adjustments needed making. As with many long established businesses, the process of change and evolution had to be undertaken carefully and with the full consultation of all parties involved. The outcome is that NSA continues to evolve as a fit for purpose Association, as best placed as possible to represent the sheep producers of the UK. Below is a short summary to give readers some ideas as to how NSA is now operating.

The final phase of the implementation of NSA’s new Articles of Association is now complete. The process, which began some 18 months ago, included detailed consultation with NSA’s major stakeholders; its regions, its Executive, breed societies, and its governing body the Council. The review group, chaired by National Chairman John Geldard, concluded its review, with its recommendations adopted unanimously at the Association’s AGM in September.

All 9 NSA regions have put forward their representatives. The new Board of Management, comprising 14 trustees and directors selected by the regions, will oversee the strategic direction of NSA, its operation as a business and its function as a charity.

An entirely new group which met for the first time at the beginning of December is the English Committee.

Dealing with issues across all English regions on behalf of English members, the group will work in close association with colleagues in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to ensure the needs of members are addressed. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee, the newly elected English Chairman, Mike Credland of Gloucestershire, commented “This is a very exciting time for NSA. The implementation of the new structure provides us with the opportunity to focus properly on the job in hand, that of representing the interests of grass roots members, with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.”

The English committee identified a range of key issues they will be working on in the New Year,

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including: • EID and the potential for an industry lead database; • Addressing the problems associated with marketing stock within the confines of the 6-day rule; • Cross-compliance and SFP issues; • Promoting a practical approach to Farm Assurance; • The importance of preventing de-stocking of hill and upland areas; • Addressing the practical problems associated with marketing of split carcases from ewes and 2-tooth hoggets; Committee Chairman Mike Credland reported “The English Committee looks forwards to working with colleagues across the UK to get results on behalf of our members and to address all issues that affect commercial sheep producers at this present time”.

“This is a very exciting time for NSA.” Chief Executive Phil Stocker noted “the new English committee comprises an excellent cross section of sheep producers from the English regions, being fully representative of the diverse range of NSA members and sheep producers as a whole.”

“It is a testament to NSA’s all-encompassing approach, that a group representing commercial producers and finishers, pedigree producers, auctioneers, processors and advisors, all with a variety of diverse and specialist interests, can come together all with the single purpose of striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for sheep producers in all instances.”

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Grain

Planning for the Landmark Bulletin New approach to grain storage guidance. ffective grain storage management is essential in maintaining the quality of the grain from the point of harvest. Within the grain supply chain there is a clear split in terms of efficiencies, with the biggest area of improvement at the start of the chain from farm to first processor. Grain storage is an integral part of this, with 7% of all loads resulting in quality rejections (EFFP), by working on improving practices at this pivotal point in the chain it can help both minimise rejections and improve profit margins for growers.

Good storage practice is a key element of all grain assurance schemes. These aim to ensure that products are produced to the highest standards and full traceability is possible throughout the supply chain. MORE Grain spoilage The main factors that cause grain spoilage are from the fungi, insect and mite groups. Each impacts the grain differently and needs to be assessed individually.

Fungi, including mycotoxins, are highly influenced by the temperature of the grain; cereals stored with moisture content (mc) over 14.5% and oilseeds over 8% mc are at the highest risk. Figure 1 displays the key parameters for the development of common fungi.

Mites are very small and breed rapidly under favourable conditions. They hollow out the grain/oilseeds and are strongly allergenic. However, they are prone to water loss and die at low relative humidity (rh) so numbers can decline naturally if the surface mc declines below 65% rh. Mites pose the biggest threat to oilseed rape, where the seed at the surface of the bulk of grain absorbs moisture over the winter months; this encourages mite populations to expand rapidly. As with fungi, keeping the mc of the bulk grain below 14.5% will help with control.

Insects found in store are especially adapted to the low temperature and moisture contents, happily breeding in this environment. These can be present in the store pre-harvest or can enter once the grain has been stored. Good store hygiene is vital to eliminating this source of contamination. HGCA provide a clear identification guide to aid store managers in indentifying the source of the infestation, available on the HGCA website.

Preparing the grain store Preparation of both permanent and temporary stores cannot be underestimate. Cleaning the stores

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alone with not eliminate all pests in the store, nor will pesticide treatments. Therefore it is necessary to combine strategies.

The store build itself has to be clean, weatherproof, rodent-proof and well ventilated. Considerations need to be made depending upon the stores previous use, for example if livestock have been previously housed there additional disinfectant with a food-approved product is required.

Rodent and pest presence in store requires continual monitoring, both when the store is empty and full. Placing traps equally around the store, monitoring them and recording results regularly will help identify the sources/entrances of these pests and inform decisions on corrective actions to minimise the threat posed.

As harvest progresses often backlogs can build up, leading to grain been held in temporary storage prior to drying or movement into the main store.

These temporary holding areas need to be treated carefully as a main store would be, to ensure that contamination with fungi, insects and mites.

Grain sampling before entering the store Sampling is a task which can be undervalued, but a representative sample from loads/bulk stores of grain can help the grower make informed decisions about the outlets for marketing grain.

Sampling each incoming load will inform the requirements for drying the grain, as grain moisture levels can change from load-to-load throughout the day.

Representative samples should be collected, tested, labelled (with location, variety and tonnage) and recorded per bay / 50 tonnes as the grain enters the main store.

Drying grain and oilseeds going into store There are several methods used for drying grain, but essentially it is necessary to cool grain down to the required temperature as effectively as possible to minimise the risk of spoilage. HCGA recommend that any grain coming into store about 18% mc should be dried immediately down to 14.5%.

Heat air drying can be either a continuous or batch process, using air heated to 40ºC to quickly dry the grain; however this can be quite costly. Care must also be taken when drying oilseeds as over drying can cause the seeds to become brittle thus impacting on its overall quality.

Bulk drying can be undertaken in store, where air (up to 5ºC

38 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

higher than the grain) is blown up through the mass from fans at the bottom of the store. This is a less method is less costly but takes longer to reduce the overall temperature. This is also affected by the weather conditions as wet weather can add to the mc of the air been circulated around the mass, therefore the risks associated with spoilage are increased due to the timelag.

Vertical and horizontal aeration systems are often associated with longer term storage, through circulating air through the store.

The fans used for this need to have sufficient pressure to overcome the resistance of the crop and be channelled through ducts of sufficient diameter and length for the store.

Long term storage The effectiveness of long term storage has a big impact on the overall quality and so profitability of the harvest. Key things to monitor and record while the grain is in store: • Temperature of the store – must always be measured from the same point • Grain moisture – monitor from several points in store and recording results • Insects and mites – circulate traps equally, both on the grain surface and submerged and monitor regularly. If action is required insure that appropriate products are used by checking against the advice at www.pesticides.gov.uk

HGCA guidance HGCA has a wealth of information on the grain supply chain at www.hgca.com/grainstorage . In Autumn 2011 we are launching the latest grain storage guidance, resulting from a five year industrylead research project, facilitated by HGCA. This takes a new Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) based approach, guiding the user through a step by step risk assessment approach to all aspects of store operations, assessing the critical limits for actions and relative corrective actions. For more information on the research behind this project please contact HGCA.

“Good storage practice is a key element of all grain assurance schemes. These aim to ensure that products are produced to the highest standards and full traceability is possible throughout the supply chain.”

Key points: • Detailed store preparation is key to minimise the threat from pest infection while grain is in store • Cooling grain below 14.5% mc and oilseeds to 8% as quickly as possible with help reduce the risks of spoilage • Monitoring and recording each step of grain storage is vital to ensure full traceability.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Grain dryer automation Leading industrial technology for farming. ambridgeshire based automation specialist Z-Tech Control Systems Ltd has applied its knowledge from the manufacturing and process control industries to help farmers and contractors improve the quality of their grain and boost profits.

Across the country farmers could be losing millions of pounds when drying grain: if the grain becomes too dry, money is lost in fuel for the dryer and reduced weight of the grain; if too wet, it could become mouldy and therefore less valuable.

The solution appears simple: measure the moisture content and vary the speed the grain travels through the dryer. Unfortunately this doesn’t give accurate readings as it takes time for the grain to go through the machine, wasting valuable weight.

Many companies have tried to automate in different ways but Z-Tech has the answer: they are the first to use microwave probes that are mounted in the drying system. These probes measure the moisture as it enters and exits the dryer and are controlled by one of their PLCs with modified software, changing the speed of the dryer and giving results of +/- 0.1% moisture readings.

The Z-Tech system only needs calibrating once using grain with set moisture levels and it then takes readings every 10 milliseconds to accurately monitor and control your dryer. It is also compatible with most dryers and takes over the control of your system – you may be able to update your dryer control with one of

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these units instead of changing your whole dryer!

James Peck from PX Farms is already predicting a saving of up to £40K in the first year with his Kentra continuous flow dryer!

There has been a large amount of interest following recent press features with the system being launched at UK Grain in Peterborough on 2st November last year.

With so many farmers, contractors and grain drying companies having contacted Z-Tech in order to purchase their microwave moisture automated system, the company have developed a product line to suit individual requirements. The system is either a total control package with fitting and support, or DIY option for monitoring and alert.

An App for that?

Z-Tech have also developed an App which gives drying companies the ability to view the condition of their grain on the move. It shows the last 24hrs of moisture through your dryer and gives you piece of mind that you’re not burning money when you’re out in the field – this comes as standard with their MC1 &2 options.

Z-Tech hope to be able to launch other automation products soon and if you have an automation problem, they are interested in you contacting them to set the challenge!

Contact us on 01954 232097 or visit our website at: www.z-tech.co.uk/GrainDryer

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Grain

Leading wheat breeder sets up cutting edge consultancy Ambition to drive up UK yields. heat breeder Bill Angus has formed a consultancy to develop new varieties by publicly funded research through ‘public-private’ partnerships, and also to work with clients to increase wheat yields on-farm while maintaining quality and optimising inputs.

“I believe that we are on the cusp of a new era in wheat breeding and we must enhance the relationships between the public and private sectors,” he explains. “We have world-leading science and we need to get this to the market place. My new venture will be at the cutting edge of making this happen.”

Bill Angus led the highly-successful

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Nickerson/Limagrain wheat breeding programme for over 20 years. This brought UK farmers varieties such as Claire, Einstein, Alchemy and Invicta - securing a market leading position for the company. He resigned from his role as Wheat Research and Development Manager for Groupe Limagrain in June this year to return to ‘front line’ wheat breeding as he was becoming too remote from the 'real world' of breeding and growing wheat, and missed the day to day interaction with farmers, processors and commercial partners.

“It is my belief that research needs to be translated into output through the development of new varieties - and the breeding community must have influence on publicly funded research through ‘public-private’ partnerships This is pivotal to meeting the needs of Governments in their aspirations for enhanced food security. My new consultancy already has

necessarily-confidential start up clients outside the UK and we will shortly be able to announce the next agreement, which will be for a major UK company.

“The UK already has a world-leading average wheat yield of well over 8t/ha – and there is a recent UK-funded project to drive UK wheat yields towards 20t/ha over the next 20 years. It is one of my ambitions to help to achieve this,” adds Mr Angus.

Gleadell investing in people to secure the future “The late 1980s and the 1990s were years when UK Agribusiness suffered from a lack of investment in facilities and, more importantly, a lack of investment in people,” comments David Sheppard, managing director of Gleadell Agriculture.

“At that time, profits were hard to make and investment was seen as more of a risk than a necessary part of planning for the future. This

situation resulted in rundown grain storage and processing facilities and also a clear talent gap in the workforce employed throughout the industry.”

“Our investment in Immingham and Great Yarmouth dealt with one side of the equation. It was equally important for us to fill this talent gap by ‘growing our own’ recruiting young people and giving them the necessary training and

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experience to become crucial members of our team.

“Many of these younger colleagues now hold important roles within Gleadell and we continue to see this as the right way to proceed. This year alone we have taken on sixteen young people in our offices and facilities across the UK. “It is vital both for Gleadell - and our industry as a whole - to

continue to invest in the best young people to drive agriculture in the years ahead, when food production will become even more important than it is today.

“We will continue to look to employ talented people who will ensure that our company, which was founded in 1880, provides the best services to UK farmers and consumers for the years to come,” adds Mr Sheppard.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

RIDBA scores a ‘double whammy’ Two seminars offering advice for incoming legislation took place this winter. ne trade association in the agricultural and industrial construction industry is bucking the trend in not one but two respects.

The Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) lobbies on behalf of 280 members who specialise in fabricating and erecting agricultural and industrial steel and timber-framed buildings.

Its latest campaign, probably RIDBA’s biggest-ever in its 55-year history, concerns the CE Marking of steel-framed buildings which is not currently compulsory in the UK but after July 2013 it will become a criminal offence to supply a frame without a CE mark.

This will demonstrate both compliance with the Construction Products Regulation - which is mandatory - and that the buildings are fit for purpose under BS EN 1090 Part 2 ‘Execution of Steel Structures and Aluminium Structures’. There are timberbased standards in the pipeline as well.

Advice on how steel-framed building manufacturers and fabricators can minimise the cost of complying with compulsory CE Marking was offered in two RIDBA

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seminars this winter.

This leg-up on the legislative ladder was created by RIDBA in a link-up with TRADA Technology, the leading independent timber research, consultancy, testing and information provider for the UK construction industry, and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI).

The link-up gives RIDBA members preferential access to the factory production control manual and the design protocol required by fabricators for the CE Marking of steel framed buildings.

This will markedly reduce their costs in meeting the requirements to CE Mark their frames, and so help to reduce any possible price increase for their clients.

RIDBA has worked closely with BM TRADA, TRADA Technology and SCI since 2009 to ensure its members are fully prepared when CE marking becomes mandatory and so seriously does it take this issue that it is now gambling on

making CE Marking a condition of membership from July 2013.

Secretary Tony Hutchinson said: “I am not aware of any other trade association in our industry taking such a hard stance.”

However, it seems the gamble might just pay off – the association has seen a 40% rise in corporate membership since September 2010 when its CE Marking campaign really started to be felt.

“In these hard times, most trade associations in the construction industry are leeching members so this is a very

good result and shows what can be done if one supplies the correct support to help members at a reasonable price,” said Tony.

RIDBA members supply over 50% of the UK agricultural market and over 12% of the total singlestorey steel-framed market. They erect more than 5,500 agricultural and industrial buildings a year and supply and clad an area of almost 2million²m of steel-framed buildings.

Government urged to stick with plans to streamline planning policies Mechanisms for food production are key. hanges to planning rules must ensure that the rural economy can be allowed to prosper alongside a healthy natural environment, the NFU said after an influential group of MPs launched its review of the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF).

The Communities and Local Government Committee has said that Government must make a number of changes to improve the NPPF and has also come up with its own definition of sustainability – one which said should treat economic, environmental and social success equally but goes on to stress that planning protects and enhances the environment.

The NFU believes this very definition contradicts itself and may pose potential problems to agricultural planning applications in the future which would reduce the industry’s

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efforts to increase capacity for food production.

NFU planning adviser Ivan Moss said: “Rural areas will require development to secure our long term food supplies as part of a prosperous rural economy. This can be achieved alongside a healthy natural environment.

What is needed is a common sense approach.

“We were pleased with the draft consultation, and called for a number of specific improvements, and are fully supportive of the drive to promote sustainable development, which will be hugely important for farmers who need modern buildings in order to increase capacity for food production.

“The NPPF recognises importance of food production, but lacks necessary urgency to support increasing productivity.”

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Buildings

Eco animal housing experiencing huge demand 2K Manufacturing doubles production of EcoSheet to satisfy farming market.

K Manufacturing, the pioneering company behind the revolutionary environmentally-friendly EcoSheet, is doubling production at its Luton factory to meet demand from the agricultural sector.

EcoSheet is a ground-breaking plywood replacement board made entirely from unwanted waste plastic sourced from farms, businesses and homes. Due to its sustainable qualities, durable nature and cost effectiveness, EcoSheet is increasingly being used in the farming industry as animal housing for a range or livestock including outdoor pig units. Major agricultural merchants now stocking EcoSheet include CPF, CFF, Wynnstay and Bridgmans.

Explains Peter Ball from 2K Manufacturing: “EcoSheet has a number of advantages over plywood in practical terms, including the fact it doesn’t rot, doesn’t contain adhesives and preservatives and is easier to clean which improves animal welfare. Plus it is more environmentally friendly than plywood, which usually ends up in landfill as part of the 25 million plywood sheets that are disposed of in the UK each year.

“EcoSheet on the other hand is longer lasting and can be recycled again and again, making it the obvious solution for farmers both environmentally and economically.”

Charlie Hughes, senior product manager in Wynnstay Group’s retail division comments: “EcoSheet is proving to be a successful product for us. The many applications EcoSheet has for our agricultural customers is

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proving to be the reason for its success. Farmers are increasingly looking for products to give longer service life to keep costs down, when comparing EcoSheet to plywood its lifespan makes it very cost effective, plus the benefits of being able to wash down and disinfect compared to wood which can harbour bacteria and disease makes EcoSheet an attractive product.”

Colin Bucknell from Devon, an animal housing manufacturer, is using EcoSheet in his chicken arcs: “Whereas plywood rots easily, EcoSheet doesn’t and it is easier to jet wash clean, making it more disease resistant. This is certainly true in the case of red

mite, which has really been cut down as a result of using EcoSheet.”

Another animal housing manufacturer, Richard Rees from Wenvoe, South Wales says: “My customers have been asking for more sustainable materials and EcoSheet is the ideal solution as it is made with waste plastic and can be recycled after use. On top of that it’s a fantastic product to work with and keep clean.”

Windsor Howells from Newport, South Wales also extols the virtues of EcoSheet: “I’m using it in the construction of sheds and also for horse stable panelling. I like the fact it doesn’t rot and can be painted easily. Long term, I want

to use it to make sheep and cattle feeders because it is such a durable material.”

From January 2012, 2K Manufacturing will double its production to 1300 EcoSheet boards per week. Production is then expected to double again in spring 2012 with the installation of new machinery at its Luton-based factory.

2K has secured equity funding from Foresight Group, a leading investor in green investments, and debt financing from PNC Bank.

CRT scoops prestigious design award The Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT) has just received a prestigious design award for rural conservation. n Wednesday 7th December in a packed hall at the University for the Creative Arts at Farnham, Surrey, CRT Chairman Robin Page was proud to collect the Special Award for Rural Conservation given as part of the Waverley Design Awards by Waverley District Council. Robin Page collected the trophy, given for the CRT’s impressive new dairy at its Pierrepont Farm at Frensham in Surrey. He was accompanied by

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John Carver of Rural Associates who project managed the scheme, and by Paul Adshead of Farmplus who constructed the timber building.

After receiving the prized glass brick Robin Page said: “It is tremendous that the new dairy has been recognised in this way. It is a fantastic building. Not only does it confirm the CRT’s commitment to dairy farming – but it is a commitment to cow-friendly, farmer-friendly and wildlife-friendly

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farming. The building has been constructed to blend into its rural setting and we hope in due course to attract swifts into the attractive clock tower.

Investing £900,000 into dairy farming at this time is a financial and farming risk and we believe that other, larger, wealthier charities should have led the way.

However, none of those who could or should have set the example have shown any interest and so the CRT has again decided to try

and lead the way.

Jo Baker was very generous in gifting Pierrepont and its Jersey cows to the CRT. We are determined not to let her, or the cows, down”.

The CRT’s Office Director, Martin Carter, also attended the ceremony and said: “We are obviously very proud of the new dairy, and in winning this award it is my hope that it will give rise to our achievements being more widely recognised.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

The Energy Now Expo 2012 Takes place on the 15th & 16th February at the Malvern Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. nergy Now Expo is a two day exhibition and conference showcasing the latest renewable energy technologies and services available to farmers and landowners.

The event is designed to help farmers and landowners explore and further understand the opportunities available to them in wind, biomass, biofuels, biogas, ground source heating, hydro and solar energy.

All farmers and landowners have valuable resources at their disposal, including crops, wood, waterways and land. Maximising the benefits of these resources through renewable energy is not only financially sensible but demonstrates environmental responsibility.

Exhibition The exhibition is FREE TO ATTEND if you register beforehand or there is a £5 entrance fee on the day.

The exhibition will provide practical demonstrations of products and services and will feature 80+ exhibitors, including: Aeolus Power Ltd, Countrywide, Eco Angus Ltd, EDF Energy Renewables, Ener-G Natural Power, Envitec Biogas UK Ltd, Fisher German, ICE Renewables and Kirk

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Environmental. The full exhibitor list can be found on the event web site detailed below.

Conference The Conference will focus on all aspects of renewable energy including: financial incentives, planning, carbon footprint and selling your energy.

The speaker programme will feature a number of high profile speakers including: Johnathan Scurlock, Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, NFU, John Strawson, Managing Director, Strawsons Energy, James Murcott, Director, Methanogen UK Ltd, Oliver Harwood, CLA Chief Surveyor.

If you are a member of one of the following farming associations: NFU, CLA, RASE, TCAS or an Energy Now subscriber the conference is £79+VAT per day, for non members it is £99+VAT per day.

To register or for further information please visit www.energynowexpo.co.uk Alternatively please contact us on 01293 854405 or email info@energynowexpo.co.uk.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Energy

MT-Energie at Biogas 2012 Leading turnkey solution provider will be on hand to meet prospective customers.

T-Energie GmbH will attend the Energy Now 2012 Expo in Great Malvern. (15-16 February 2012).

With two fully-commissioned plants in the UK and one under construction, 450 plants in Germany and a variety of plants in other European countries we are continuing to build our Europewide (500 plants) reputation as an innovative company, committed to agriculture and with an enviable customer loyalty rate. We are able to offer complete biogas solutions

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Europe-wide, with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland, to name but a few.

Internationally we are involved with the US and Canadian markets with an eye to continuing expansion.

We offer turnkey solutions to anaerobic digestion, along with service contracts (for any plant, not just MT-Energie) and components with our approved roof and feeder systems. Our services include a professional biological process laboratory and

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fully computerised system control with help available at all times.

In the UK we have had a great variety of substrates available for our plants, and have begun to develop reliable systems for using mixed organic waste. If you are considering an anaerobic digestion system, we are happy to first prepare a feasibility study, which will involve assessing your land to see if the proposed building area is satisfactory, plus testing the substrates that you intend to feed the digester with to

ascertain the gas yield and therefore profitability of the entire project.

With newly decided governmental figures for the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) we are also proud to introduce our partner company, MT-Biomethan GmbH, who offer a complete biogas upgrading system in order to purify the methane for heat utilisation and to reach the required standards for selling the gas to utilities. This can provide an additional income stream for both those wishing to use their own heat within their own buildings, or alternatively those wishing to sell gas on.

We are looking forward to greeting you at Energy Now 2012, and discussing your requirements with you. Whatever stage you are at, be it planning, selecting a constructor, or merely hoping for some basic advice, we welcome the chance to meet with you. If you wish to arrange a meeting at Energy Now 2012 prior to the event, please contact us and we will accommodate a suitably mutual time.

Enjoy the Expo, and we look forward to seeing you there!

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Fre-Energy leads the way in Anaerobic Digestion..

Ground-breaking solution provider are ready to offer their help and guidance.

roviding sustainable renewable energy generating solutions for farms and industry throughout the UK offering a reliable green investment (typically 20-30% return on capital) The fre energy unique state-ofthe-art computerised Anaerobic Digestion process with remote

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management support system provides a groundbreaking solution and offers efficient waste management and energy production. The only company in the world to offer patented degritting and foam alleviation technology with a 20 year guarantee, fre energy manufacturers the most energy

efficient Anaerobic Digester What is the return on with the lowest parasitic investment? load. It can handle real What are the hidden be world organic wastes even nefits?

What is the benefit to when contaminated with the ash, sand, grit, soil, nuts, environment? bolts, spanners, trainers, What are the potentia l pitfalls? glasses & mobile phones.

The agricultural industry Fre-Energy provides Ana is on the cusp of a new erobic Digestion seminars,training and adv “green” revolution. ice to meet your com pan y’s needs.

Anaerobic digestion is fast becoming recognised as the most efficient technology to take farming into the 21st century making its mark on “The fre energy unique statecarbon reduction and the green of-the-art computerised economy on a massive scale.

Anaerobic Digestion process Processing slurry and food waste in this way reduces with remote management emissions, renders a digestate of support system provides a increased nutrient value and groundbreaking solution and generates energy that can be fed into the national grid. offers efficient waste Our land is a finite resource and management and energy we can not afford to sacrifice food production.” production for energy production.

Organic wastes contain valuable programme of events or todiscuss energy and fertiliser that must be your requirements please contact recycled.

Richard Tomlinson or Chris Morris Anaerobic Digestion is the most on 01829 270397 or visit www.freefficient way of recovering this energy.co.uk valuable resource.

To enquire about our

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 45

| News

46 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

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| Energy

Bioenergy industry is vital for UK carbon targets Some of the recent CCC recommendations may lead to underinvestment in this sector. strong, vibrant bioenergy sector that helps both producers and users contribute to carbon targets is vital for the UK, the NFU has said, following publication of the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) bioenergy review.

While agreeing with the report’s main headlines, the NFU is concerned that some of its recommendations will lead to underinvestment in bioenergy at a critical time for the industry.

The NFU believes that the absence of a clear ambition for the development of domestic bioenergy resources is a major concern, as is the recommendation for delayed target-setting for transport biofuels, which could set back industry hopes of delivering real carbon savings.

NFU chief renewable energy adviser Dr Jonathan Scurlock said: “We strongly agree with the review’s conclusion that the UK’s carbon budgets will be hard to meet without bioenergy. We also agree with the committee that bioenergy will ideally be combined

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with carbon capture and storage to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The NFU would like to see this point emphasised in the CCC’s next annual report to government.

“However, we are concerned that the CCC recommends withdrawing Renewables Obligation support for so-called ‘large scale’ dedicated biomass power generation. This could have the perverse consequence of halting investment in a sector that has struggled with half-hearted government support and is in need of a diverse portfolio of projects.

“We are also disappointed that despite higher confidence in sustainability of home-grown feedstocks compared with imported biomass, and the substantial evidence that the NFU presented to the CCC’s study, no headline ambition has been set for the development of domestic bioenergy resources.

“Lastly, we disagree with the CCC’s call for transport biofuel targets to be regarded as ‘flexible’.

Trying too early to limit their use

mostly to aviation will only lead to further uncertainty, and damage the prospects of building a truly sustainable industry.

“Under the Renewable Energy Directive, bioenergy will be a key complement to other renewables such as wind power and solar energy in Britain, providing thermal power generation for grid stability as well as process heat, domestic heat and transport fuels.

“Most EU member states will need to substantially increase their biomass supply to meet national renewable energy action plans. The UK will need to rely heavily on bioenergy from the agricultural sector, alongside our modest forest resources.

Around 4 million tonnes of straw, plus a similar amount of new

energy crops, could be supplied without disrupting existing agricultural markets.

“The bioenergy sector must not be marginalised. It will need to thrive in order for the UK to realistically meet its carbon reduction and energy security ambitions, and both government and industry support will be vital to achieve this goal.”

The Biopower Generation Show Taking place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in March 2012 and organised by GreenPower Conferences. he 8th International Biopower Generation Congress and Exhibition will be returning on 13th-15th March 2012 after the sold out event in 2011.

Biopower Generation 2012 will provide an unrivalled opportunity for utilities, developers, investors, feedstock suppliers and technology & service providers to convene and further drive the development of this market.

Co-located at the 7th annual World Biofuels Markets Congress, Biopower Generation delegates will have access to the strategic bioenergy keynote sessions, an exhibition of leading technology and solution providers and networking opportunities with over 1800 bioenergy executives.

Key topics for 2012 include: Global economics and market developments / Scaling up Biopower production / Bioenergy regulation & policy / Global Biomass supply chain / Wood to Biopower production / The future of Torrefaction / Finance & Investment / Cogeneration / Energy from waste.

For general enquiries or to register your place, please contact Samantha Coleman Samantha.coleman@greenpowerconferences.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7099 0600 or visit our website: www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com/biopower

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January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Energy

The government recently announced that the Feed-in Tariff (FiTs) will be reduced Is that the end of the road for solar PV in the UK?

n 2010 there was a rare degree of agreement between all political parties on a revolutionary approach to how we power our lives. Instead of relying on large scale fossil fuel power stations, energy would increasingly be generated by decentralised local energy technologies.

Power was to be put in the hands of the people! The Feed-in Tariff was the mechanism to do so.

It has always been accepted that the tariff would need to be revised in line with falling installation costs, but the government's failure to take a

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more gradual approach to cutting the rates, to enable people and organisations to plan ahead and adapt accordingly, risks reversing the achievements of this burgeoning industry.

How did the announcement affect the PV market?

Mike Wilcox - Operations Manager - Solar power Intl Ltd: “ As a result of the recent and sudden change to the FITs, and immediately after the DECC announcement, here at DORSET PV CENTRE we were flooded with demand and were extremely busy dealing with the ever increasing number of customers who wanted

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their solar PV systems installed and commissioned before the deadline.”

“We have fulfilled all of our commitments in that period and now 54 happy customers (that is 296Kwp in total) are enjoying the FREE electricity and the generous FITs payments. I would like to thank everybody who took part in the effort to fulfil all these installations!!!”

“But unfortunately because of limited supply and the tight deadline we had to turn down a few disappointed customers who were too late to join the scheme at the current rates.”

What the future holds for SOLAR in the UK ?

Adam Roberts - Business Development – Solar Power intl Ltd: “Right now I believe that the key to continuous growth in this industry will lie in a significant reduction to the panel and installation prices. Such a reduction will keep the FITs returns at 10%-12% and the lower capital cost will make solar installation

more accessible for everyone.”

“We will achieve these goals by negotiating lower prices directly from the manufacturers and literally cutting out the middlemen.

This move will allow us to continue to offer our quality service and products direct to our customers at a more affordable price. “

“Power was to be put in the hands of the people! The Feed-in Tariff was the mechanism to do so.” “ We are creating now new Communal Purchase Groups that will utilise our consumer powers to achieve the best rates of return for our customers in the south west!

Joining a Purchase Group is completely FREE and a time frame commitment will be necessary.

For more details and Free registration visit our web site at www.solarpowerintl.co.uk or call 01300 345668

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Tenesol builds 7 MWp PV system on 188 farm buildings– benefits owners and region The product of 18 months work is one of the largest collective energy developments in France.

enesol, the global solar power provider owned by energy giants TOTAL and EDF, has completed a €34 million rooftop PV system spread across 188 agricultural buildings belonging to 109 individual farmers. Located in SégalaLimargue, south-west France, the turnkey system demonstrates the economic benefits that PV technology can bring to both building owners and a local region. The system is the product of 18 months work between Sicaseli, an association of farmers, and Tenesol. With a 6.9 MWp capacity, the installation is one of the largest collective energy developments in France.

Delivered on a turnkey basis, the rooftop system covers 52,500 m2 and incorporates 31,000 of Tenesol’s advanced PV modules, which were manufactured at the company’s plant in nearby Toulouse. They system is capable of producing 7.2 MWh of electricity per year – the equivalent annual consumption of around 2,000 households – and is expected to deliver average annual revenues of €1.2 million over 20 years.

“The economic impact of this project on both the farmers and region has been very significant,” says Laurent Causse, head of the energy department at Sicaseli. “By taking on an additional role as an energy producer, farmers can expect to earn significant revenue while the region benefits from investment and economic development as a result of the net profit this program generates. This project is a great example of how farming communities and renewable energy can work together to benefit all.”

Farming for solar Sicaseli is located in the south-

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west France region of Lot. The organisation, which has over 560 members, is committed to rural development and the preservation of the local landscape. Installing a large solar power development was a perfect fit with the association’s goals. “We were examining ways of combining agriculture and ecology for the benefit of sustainable development,” explains Laurent Causse. Sicaseli’s feasibility study into solar power lasted several months with 10 solar companies invited to tender for a new project.

Tenesol was awarded the contract based on its size, history, extensive experience and high quality but cost effective PV panels. The fact that Tenesol is the largest PV manufacturer in France was also a reason for its choice as it offered obvious environmental benefits in regard to transporting the solar panels to the job.

Testing times After winning the contract, Tenesol undertook a thorough evaluation of the region’s PV potential. The company presented its findings to Sicaseli members and the response was enthusiastic. Around 270 farmers endorsed the idea and, after evaluating which buildings were suitable for a PV system, 109 signed on to take part.

Once the technical, legal, financial and urban planning regulations had been met, Tenesol was given the go-ahead. The company then began a technical feasibility audit on each of the 188 buildings to ensure their suitability and to specify the correct materials to create each PV installation.

Power building Each of the 188 buildings is different and each presented its

own unique challenges. For most buildings, the existing roof covering was removed and the support structure reinforced before the PV system was installed. The average build time for a 300m2 system on the project was one week and around 25 different buildings were worked on at any one time by a mix of Tenesol and Sicaseli employees. The systems were carefully designed to blend into the local environment and to offer a seamless fit with the natural beauty of the Midi-Pyrenees region.

In keeping with their values, Tenesol and Sicaseli hired local and regional contractors to handle work such as asbestos removal, carpentry and metalwork. All outside companies were evaluated following one or two pilot projects to ensure they met Tenesol’s standards in terms of high quality output.

Money matters To finance the project and offer a uniform representation on behalf of the 109 farmers, a dedicated joint-stock company called Ségala Agriculture et Energie Solaire (SAES) was established. SAES

allowed the farmers to work together and secure the most advantageous finance package.

Ultimately a pool incorporating six different financial institutions gathered the €34 million required for the project.

“The turnkey system demonstrates the economic benefits that PV technology can bring to both building owners and a local region”.

To maximise the financial return of the project, the farmers were keen to take responsibility for the maintenance of the systems.

Although Tenesol plays a supporting role and can answer any questions, all maintenance is handled by Sicaseli. “The Sicaseli project is a perfect example of how the farming community can act collectively to produce a largescale PV system that not only benefits those involved but an entire region,” concludes Benoit Rolland, CEO of Tenesol.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Energy

Windcrop gathered pace at gale force speed in 2011 Norfolk’s renewable energy company celebrates 100th turbine installation and 25 new jobs created indcrop Ltd gathered pace at gale force speed throughout 2011 and has ended the year by celebrating its 100th turbine installation and having more than tripled its workforce with the creation of twenty five new jobs at the company’s recently expanded head quarters in Honingham Thorpe, Norfolk.

Established by former Lotus Engineering commercial director John Moore at the end of 2009, Windcrop has reached the landmark of 100 turbines installed – with a further 342 contracts secured across the region.

The business installs and maintains small-scale wind turbines, providing landowners with access to free ‘green’ electricity and cutting costs and carbon emissions. Windcrop generates its own return on investment through government feed in tariffs.

Norfolk Farm Produce, which specialises in the production of potatoes, rhubarb and carrots, became the site for Windcrop’s 100th installation this month [December]. Three 15m high

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turbines have been erected at Crossways Farm to help power the farm’s workshop and machinery, including the storage facilities and the irrigation pumps.

Windcrop’s managing director, John Moore, said: “Having 100 of our systems installed across the region, and a further 342 in progress, proves that interest in renewable energy systems is continuing to grow.”

The lead-in time for Windcrop to complete the various site tests and planning applications required is between three and six months, but once this is completed the company can install the system and have it running in one day.

John added: “Norfolk Farm Produce already had one of our systems installed at its Drury Farm site to help power the water treatment plant used in the carrot washing process. It’s fitting that our 100th installation was with an existing client. It proves that once the systems are installed the benefits are clear and landowners look for further opportunities to use an unproductive piece of land to generate renewable energy.”

Norfolk Farm Produce has a

company-wide mission to enhance its eco-credentials and is keen to cut costs while conserving the environment. Andrew Horningold, part of the management team at Norfolk Farm Produce, explained: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and customers rightly expect us to put the environment at the forefront of what we do. We have a responsibility to think about a sustainable future and it was a logical step for us to use renewable energy sources.”

He added: “In such a difficult economic climate, and with the cost of fuel increasing, free energy production has made it a lot easier to reduce our electricity bills. I’m looking forward to comparing our electricity costs with last year’s to see what we’ve saved – it looks very promising so far.”

To be able to complete the 100 installations and to continue to fulfil the 342 contracts currently in progress, Windcrop created a further 25 jobs in 2011. This has

seen the team grow from 7 to 28 – more than tripling the workforce.

The jobs have been created across the company including in the installation team, customer service department, planning department and marketing team.

The company also more than doubled its office space earlier this year acquiring more space at its headquarters in Honingham Thorpe to house the growing team and business.

John Moore added: “It has been an extremely successful year and we are looking forward to expanding further in 2012. We will continue to introduce more people to the benefits of wind power and the importance of renewable energy for the future through active participation at exhibitions, conferences and shows across the region and the UK.” Windcrop currently operates in East Anglia, but satellite operations have been planned for Wales and Scotland.

Small wind turbines ride out last month's storms Evance R9000 turbine performs perfectly despite peak gusts of 138mph confirms small wind's ability to deliver in the most extreme conditions ast month's violent Atlantic storms brought extremely high winds to the West and North of Scotland, with the Met Office recording maximum wind gusts of 165mph on Cairngorm Summit and 145mph at Aonach Mor.* The Met Office issued its strongest warning – a red alert – for winds in Scotland, and people were warned to stay indoors, schools were forced to close and flights were cancelled.

For owners of Evance R9000 small wind turbines, however, Scotland’s extreme wind speeds didn’t present any challenges. The Evance R9000 turbine is designed to keep running in the highest winds, and features an innovative Reactive Pitch™ mechanism that automatically pitches the turbine’s blades so it can regulate energy capture and blade speed.

Evance has over 50 of its R9000 turbines installed in the Orkney Islands. All continued to perform well during the storm, confirming the applicability of small wind turbines even in

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these most extreme conditions.

One Evance turbine owner, Adam Cockram, lives on Eday – one of Orkney’s Northern Isles – where peak gusts of over 130mph (58 metres per second) were recorded. According to Adam: “on a couple of days last month the wind gusted at up to 138mph. I did wonder whether our Evance turbine would keep going, and I’m glad to say that there were no problems at all!”

“Like many in Orkney we experienced several mains power failures. Each time the turbine started back up with no problems at all,” continued Adam. “I’m certainly impressed by the quality of both the Evance turbine and the installation carried out by Orkney Micro Renewables. It’s certainly been tested here on Eday!”

Adam Cockram’s Evance R9000 turbine was commissioned in August 2011, and in five months has already produced 7,343kWh of electricity.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Wind specialist obtains turbine accreditation World renowned Bergey 10kW wind turbine’s MCS Certification links with £50 Million fund for renewable energy in the agriculture sector. ast-growing wind energy specialist SIAC Wind Energy has obtained UK MCS Certification for the Bergey Excel-S 10kW Wind Turbine, an accreditation welcomed by two of the UK’s leading banks, which have seen £50 million made available to agricultural businesses seeking to install renewable energy systems, including wind turbines.

The initiative by RBS and NatWest follows research which indicated that while 33 per cent of agricultural businesses were keen to invest in renewable energy systems, more than half of them would need funding to actually do so.

The £50 million fund establishment, launched earlier this year, has been accompanied by the set-up of a dedicated renewable energy team to assist investors with the issues surrounding planning and so minimise the time between initial application and actual installation.

Patrick Dormon, Managing Director of SIAC Wind Energy, commented: “At a time when investment and loans are hard to

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come by in many sectors, the proven track record of Bergey turbines is a massive comfort for lending security, making the link with RBS and NatWest excellent news for both farmers and the renewable energy sector – and indeed the country as a whole.

This goes a long way towards removing one of the potential barriers to the installation of small and medium wind turbines.

“Once installed and commissioned, these products can meet much of the energy needs of the farm, provide additional income for the power generated through the Government Feed In Tariff, and even more importantly can significantly combat the inevitable rise in electricity costs over the next 30-50 years.

“We look forward to working closely with RBS and NatWest to help the agricultural sector make the most of the opportunities available to make their businesses more efficient and sustainable by harnessing the almost limitless free energy created by wind.”

Ian Burrow, Head of Agriculture & Renewable Energy at RBS,

added: “As energy prices rise and the agricultural sector seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, our sizeable fund and dedicated team, with representatives throughout the UK and access to an extended team of relevant experts, ensures all the necessary knowledge and support is available to make agricultural wind energy projects successful.

“We will work with farmers from initial feasibility studies through to advice on siting, sizing, equipment, costs and revenue, as well as ongoing to support to ensure optimum return on investment for each farmer.”

SIAC Wind Energy is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for US-based Bergey, the world’s longest established small wind turbine manufacturer, whose products are renowned for their robust, durable build quality and reliable performance in applications worldwide.

Among Bergey products ideal for agricultural applications is the Bergey Excel-S 10kW Wind Turbine which is backed with a 10year warranty – the longest available in the sector. Bergey

CLA calls for an end to uncertainty for renewable energy A better approach to solar subsidies is required. he CLA has called on the Government to end the uncertainty facing the renewable energy sector after a High Court decision ruled that changes to the Feedin Tariff for solar power were “legally flawed”.

The Association said that the ruling, combined with a report by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee recommending a better approach to solar subsidies, highlighted the lack of a long-term renewables policy.

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CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “There is no doubt that solar subsidies are too high to be sustainable and must be reduced. However, this must be done in a way that respects those caught out by the 12 December deadline who are tied into installation contracts on borrowed money which they are unable to repay with the new rates.

“Given the ruling by the High Court, we urge the Government to find more funds for the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) otherwise the scheme will

products start at 1kW and all are renowned for their robustness, durability and low maintenance requirement as was borne out by the almost unprecedented 100% availability to the wind during the extended testing regime for the MCS Certification.

For further information about SIAC Wind Energy call 01666 501377 or visit www.siacwindenergy.com.

certainly run out of cash and be closed to new applicants. We suggest the Cabinet moves unspent funds allocated to the Renewables Obligation to meet demands for the FIT.” Mr Cotterell added that the Government should not forget that hydro, wind and biogas also make an important contribution to the renewables sector and called for these technologies to be properly supported with long-term policies.

He said: “The CLA is committed to the delivery of a low carbon future in the countryside with small-scale distributed generation playing a key role. However, we need sustainable and long-term policies put in place to be able to deliver.

“We have asked for a pre-registration scheme to enable those with planning consent to book their place in the FIT at a guaranteed rate.”

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 51

| On Topic

On Topic Tackling Bovine TB

Measures to tackle Bovine TB Defra provides updated information regarding how this problem will be addressed.

he devastating problems caused by bovine TB are to be tackled by a package of measures which include controlled culling of badgers as part of a science-led and carefully managed badger control policy. The policy is expected to be piloted initially in two areas in early Autumn next year, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed today.

Nearly 25,000 cattle were slaughtered in England last year alone because of bovine TB, with the cost to the taxpayer set to top £1 billion over the next ten years.

The problem is particularly bad in west and south-west England, where nearly a quarter of all cattle farms were affected by the disease during 2010.

The two pilots, carried out over a period of six weeks, will be closely managed and monitored to examine how safe, effective and humane a method this is. An independent panel of experts will be asked to oversee and evaluate the pilots and report to Ministers, before a decision is made on whether to roll out the policy more widely.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Bovine TB is a chronic and insidious diseasewhich is having a devastating impact on farmers and rural communities. Unless further action is taken now it will continue to get worse.

“There is great strength of feeling on this issue and no-one wants to see badgers culled. But no country in the world where wildlife carries TB has successfully controlled the disease in cattle without tackling its presence in wildlife as well.

“We already have a robust set of cattle controls in place, and we plan to strengthen them further, but the scientific evidence shows that unless we tackle bovine TB in badgers we will never eradicate it in cattle. Ultimately we want to be able to vaccinate both cattle and badgers and plan to invest a further £20 million over the next five years on the development of usable badger and cattle vaccines.

However these are still years away, and we cannot say with any certainty if, or when, they will be ready.

“We are clear these pilots must

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be carried out in accordance with strict licensing conditions so that they are effective, safe and humane.

Natural England will carefully consider two licence applications, pre-selected by Defra, and will assess them against the criteria set out in the guidance I am publishing today.”

The package of measures already in place to control and eradicate bovine TB includes: • Routine testing and surveillance of all cattle based on risk. We have already significantly expanded the areas on more frequent testing; • Pre-movement testing of cattle from high risk areas; • Movement restrictions on animals from herds that have or are suspected of having bovine TB; • The slaughter of all animals that have tested positive for bovine TB; • DNA tagging of cattle that have proved positive, before they are slaughtered, to prevent fraud; • Advice and support for farmers that have had cases of bovine TB in their herds on biosecurity and reducing the risk of bovine TB; and • Research into how bovine TB is spread, and the continuing development of oral badger and cattle vaccines.

Scientists agree that if culling is conducted in line with the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), we would expect it to reduce TB in cattle over a 150 square kilometre area, plus a 2 km surrounding ring, by an average of 16 per cent over nine years when compared to similar unculled areas.

Farmers will have to take reasonable measures to identify barriers and buffers, such as rivers, coastlines and motorways, or areas where there are no cattle or where vaccination of badgers occurs, at the edge of culling areas to minimise the ‘perturbation effect’, where disturbing the badger population is thought to cause an increase in TB in cattle in the surrounding area.

Mrs Spelman also revealed that up to £250,000 a year will be made available over the next three years to support and encourage badger vaccination. The Government has already spent £35 million on developing badger and cattle vaccines since 1994 and plan to

spend another £20 million on the development of practical and usable vaccines over the next five years.

Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said: “This is a major step on the long road to tackling this devastating disease.

“The BVA and BCVA have always argued that measures to tackle bovine TB must be based on science.

“We know that badger culling does reduce the infection in cattle – this is undisputed science.

“However, the existing science doesn’t tell us whether controlled shooting can achieve the level of badger removal necessary to reduce the level of infection in cattle. We therefore welcome the announcement of these pilots to determine the efficacy and humaneness of this method.”

Andrew Praill, President of BCVA, added: “Any intervention in bovine TB takes time to show an effect due to the chronic nature of the disease and we need all the tools in the toolbox at our disposal.

“That is why we are giving our full support to the pilots announced today.

“Bovine TB is resulting in the premature culling of thousands of cattle every year and continues to spread in a number of species of wildlife. Doing nothing is not an option.

“We will continue to support stricter measures in cattle and work with our clients to ensure the highest biosecurity and surveillance on farms.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

On Topic

FUW urges Welsh Government to follow Englands lead on Bovine TB Defra announcement on controlled badger culling welcomed. he Farmers' Union of Wales urged the Welsh Government to forge ahead with plans to tackle the disease in north Pembrokeshire after welcoming today's Defra announcement to carry out controlled culling of badgers in two areas of England.

Westminster environment secretary Caroline Spelman revealed the devastating problems caused by bovine TB are to be tackled by a package of measures which include controlled culling of badgers as part of a science-led and carefully managed badger control policy.

She confirmed that policy is expected to be piloted initially in two areas in early Autumn next year.

Both pilots, carried out over a period of six weeks, will be closely managed and monitored to examine how safe, effective and humane a method this is.

An independent panel of experts will be asked to oversee and evaluate the pilots and report to Ministers before a decision is made on whether to roll out the policy more widely.

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FUW bovine TB spokesman Brian Walters said: “For years Wales was well ahead of England in terms of implementing an holistic approach to tackling bovine TB on all fronts but the Welsh Government's decision to place plans on hold, pending a review of the science which had already been done, has led to a massive loss of momentum and now leaves Wales well behind England.

“The English and Welsh proposals are very different and, given the hard work which has been put into the Welsh plan, it is essential we forge ahead with our own programme rather than procrastinate.

“The free shooting approach which is to be investigated by Defra has been advocated by bodies such as the RSPCA as a humane approach to pest control, so those bodies which now raise concerns regarding Defra’s plans are being extremely disingenuous.”

Mr Walters’ comments echoed demands made earlier this week by FUW president Emyr Jones who also accused the Welsh Government of betraying Welsh

farmers by continuing to delay a decision on a badger cull in West Wales.

Mr Jones wrote to Assembly environment and sustainable development minister John Griffiths expressing "extreme dismay" that the decision – originally expected early last autumn - is now being delayed until the New Year.

"These continued delays are a betrayal of the Welsh farming industry's commitment to a holistic approach to controlling bovine TB," said Mr Jones.

Mr Walters added: “The confidence of the farming industry in the Welsh bTB eradication programme is falling away rapidly, and those burdened with the extra costs of cattle controls feel betrayed by the failure to take action against the massive disease reservoir which exists in badgers and is infecting cattle on a daily basis.

“The only way to regain that confidence is for Wales to forge ahead with its original plans to cull badgers in north Pembrokeshire, which all the science shows will significantly reduce bovine TB incidences in the area.”

Tackling NFU relieved after Defra announces Bovine TB two badger control areas to tackle TB Not about eradicating badgers - this is about eradicating disease.

FU President Peter Kendall has said today’s decision from Defra to commit to two pilot areas for badger controls as part of its plan to tackle bovine TB is the right way forward.

Mr Kendall expressed his relief on behalf of the farming industry after Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman said that she had listened to all of the evidence put before her during the lengthy consultation into a government-led TB Eradication Programme. And she had now concluded that a carefully managed and scienceled policy of badger controls would be introduced.

He said: “Today is another massive step forward in achieving our end goal of a healthy countryside – both for badgers and for cattle. I commend Defra for introducing these two pilot areas to confirm the effectiveness, humaneness and safety of controlled shooting.

“We must tackle this terrible disease, a disease that sees tens of thousands of cattle destroyed each and every year. The most recent science shows badger controls are absolutely

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necessary, together with cattle controls, to get on top of TB. No other country in the world has successfully tackled this devastating disease without first addressing the reservoir of TB in the wildlife.

“Today is another massive step forward in achieving our end goal of a healthy countryside – both for badgers and for cattle.”

“However, I want to remind everyone this has never been about eradicating badgers; this is about eradicating disease. And there are some serious challenges ahead. But we take this issue extremely seriously and we remain committed to working with Defra and Natural England to deliver an effective TB control plan. This has never been and will not be a quick fix and we’re fully prepared for that.

“Controlling TB in the areas that have high and persistent disease levels will help to save cattle and reduce the risk of TB in other areas of the country that are currently without TB. That has to be in everyone’s best interests.”

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 53

| News

English farmland values set to rise in 2012 Properties such as Birch Farm (below) are fetching high prices when combined with a good amount of land.

armland values continued to edge downwards slightly in the final quarter of the year, but are expected to rebound in the first half of 2012.

Andrew Shirley and Clive Hopkins, Knight Frank’s Head of Farm and Estate Sales, round up the market.

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English farmland prices rose on average by a modest 4% during the year, following consecutive drops of almost 1% in each of the final two quarters. Prices, however, remain close to record levels.

“According to the Knight Frank Farmland Index, bare agricultural

54 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

land is still worth almost £6,050/acre. That is about treble the price being achieved 10 years ago,” says Andrew Shirley, the firm’s Head of Rural Research.

“Although annual growth of just 4% might be considered slightly disappointing compared with farmland’s recent performance, it is still robust given the economic situation facing the UK and global economies. Stock market performance, for example, has been far more disappointing during the year,” he adds (see graph below).

“At the end of Q3 when values fell by 1% we predicted that the farmland market might weaken slightly more before the end of the year, so this quarter’s drop of 0.8% comes as no surprise.”

But prices look set to bounce back next year, says Clive Hopkins, Head of Knight Frank’s Farm and Estate Sales team.

“I think that values will rise by seven to 10% in the first half of 2012, and then remain steady for

the rest of the year as an increase in supply pegs back growth.

“The early part of the year tends to be when we see most activity in the market as subsidy cheques arrive and farmers put into action the plans they have been making over the winter.

“We also expect investors to remain interested in farmland. It is becoming more well-known as an asset class with a proven track record of capital growth. Unlike many other investments, it can also offer lifestyle opportunities that can be enjoyed, as well as a decent income.

“We expect the central belt of England down from Birmingham, through the Cotswolds and into Hampshire to prove most in demand with buyers,” adds Clive.

One issue hanging over the market is the on-going reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, particularly the proposed new rules on how subsidy payments will be allocated when the reforms are implemented in 2014 or 2015.

If adopted, applicants must have made some sort of claim in 2011 to be eligible to receive an allocation of subsidy entitlements under the new scheme (although once allocated subsidy entitlements will be freely tradable). This could prejudice anybody buying farmland who was not involved with farming during 2011.

It has been suggested that this could have an impact on the market, but Clive says any effects will be minor.

“This is not like 2005 when there was a fundamental shift in the way subsidies were paid and the market ground to a halt due to all the uncertainty. It could complicate some sales and provide some interesting conundrums for the lawyers to sort out, but I think the market will cope this time around.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

McCormick tractor highlights rural equipment theft at national seminar National seminar reviews rural crime and measures to combat it.

armers and representatives of rural organisations joined police officers from across the country at a national seminar – Closing the Gate on Criminality – to hear about the problem of rural crime and measures being taken to tackle it.

“The seminar covered many essential topics, including the use of new technology such as texting and social media to share vital information in the fight against rural crime,” says Dave Cording of Crimestoppers, the crime-fighting charity that hosted the event with ACPO, the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Once confined to local ‘rogues’, rural theft is now more often committed by organised criminal gangs who have identified farms as an easy target. Tractors and other farm vehicles are easily exported and find willing buyers overseas.

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“Organised criminals can get tractors and other valuable equipment out of the country within 24 hours,” says Dave Cording. “This can leave the rightful owner unable to carry on their day-to-day work.”

As the first tractor supplier to install theft deterrence and recovery technology across its product range, AgriArgo UK provided a McCormick MTX150 to highlight the issue of tractor theft and illustrate the machinery industry-backed CESAR scheme operated by Datatag.

“Since January 2010, all McCormick and Landini tractors supplied to farms and other rural businesses have been equipped with the Datatag system as standard,” points out Ray Spinks of AgriArgo UK. “The tractors carry prominent tamper-proof identification plates that will deter some criminals from stealing these products, and there are hidden microchips, microdots and unique chemical ‘DNA’ that will identify the rightful owner,” he adds. “If a Landini or McCormick tractor is stolen, there’s a much

better chance than usual of it being recovered.”

Seminar speaker Detective Constable Ian Elliott of PANIU, the Plant & Agricultural National Intelligence Unit, highlighted the value of the system to police offers.

“It gives them 24/7 access to the owner database, makes it easier to identify machines and provides correct data standards for theft reporting,” he points out.

“In the construction plant sector, where the system has been used for longer, it has improved recovery rates.”

While immobilisers and tracking systems can also be used to safeguard tractors, items such as workshop tools, oil, diesel, batteries, pesticides and livestock present a greater challenge because they are more difficult to secure and identify.

Vigilance, community schemes such as Farm Watch and technology like high-quality CCTV with number plate recognition to monitor vehicle movements can help. But Dave Cording of Crimestoppers also urges people

who know of those committing crimes in rural communities to come forward.

“Organised criminals can get tractors and other valuable equipment out of the country within 24 hours,” says Dave Cording. “This can leave the rightful owner unable to carry on their day-to-day work.”

“We understand that rural communities are close-knit and trust is an important part of rural life,” he says. “In situations where people are aware of those committing crimes – perhaps a neighbour or work colleague – they can use the anonymous 0800 555 111 Crimestoppers phone number or the secure online form on our website (www.crimestoppers-uk.org) to put a stop to it.”

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Education

Engineer your future with Reaseheath College Reaseheath Engineering puts its main emphasis on practical training and ‘learning by doing’

easeheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, is internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of agricultural engineering training.

The college’s specialist department has attracted a record 700 students this year, from school leavers to degree level.

Reaseheath Engineering has an international reputation for training

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excellence and is the sole trainer of agricultural engineering apprentices for many local, national and international companies including JCB, Case IH, New Holland (CNH) and CLAAS. (CLAAS training also delivered in Scotland by Barony College, Dumfries). The department also delivers bespoke ‘off-the-job’ training for construction plant engineering

56 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

apprentices for companies such as JCB, Finning (CAT), A-Plant, Banner Plant Ltd, Clee Hill, Hewden Stewart and GAP. The department is supported by professional organisations such as the Institution of Agricultural Engineers and the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Reaseheath Engineering puts its main emphasis on practical training and ‘learning by doing.’

Students at all levels enjoy a variety of practical projects in 18 fully equipped workshops as well as studying theory in the classroom.

Courses for school leavers include the popular Level 2 Diploma and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land based Technology, which provide very relevant training for the engineering technicians of the future. The Level 3 Extended Diploma is particularly relevant for those set on a career in service engineering, as a full ‘sandwich’ year is spent at a work placement.

For those already working in the industry and looking for career progression, Reaseheath offers several part-time programmes including degree level courses with a high emphasis on technical skills and management. These are run in partnership with Harper Adams University College.

For further information on Reaseheath’s Agricultural Engineering courses, phone 01270 613242; email joannas@reaseheath.ac.uk OR visit us on Stand 899, Hall 8, LAMMA 2012.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

Work-based Apprenticeships Walford and North Shropshire College welcomes the latest recruits.

onny Howard from Ellesmere and James French from Oswestry have become two of the most recent recruits on the Level 2 Work-based Horticultural Apprenticeship programme at Walford and North Shropshire College.

Both Jonny aged 16 and James aged 19 were interested in working in Horticulture and both preferred a more practical, hands on approach to learning. Both also wanted to earn money and gain valuable work experience whilst training for recognised qualifications so it is hardly

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surprising that both opted to join the Apprenticeship programme offered by the Walford Training department of the College.

Despite their many similarities, which also include both having future ambitions to gain full time employment within the horticultural industry, each Apprentice has chosen a very different pathway.

Jonny, a school leaver has chosen the General Horticulture pathway. He chose this route because he was particularly interested in working in grounds and gardens. By following this route he will ensure he has a broad knowledge of horticultural

practices including lawn care, operation of garden machinery to clear and prepare ground, and establishing, pruning and maintaining plants. He is currently working at Ellesmere College as Grounds man/Gardener where he is gaining experience in all these areas and in amenity/sports turf health and operation of hand held and pedestrian controlled powered equipment, such as; mowers, scarifiers and aerators.

James, a mature apprentice who says his main motivation for choosing work-based training was to enhance his skills and make himself more employable, has chosen the Sports Turf pathway.

This pathway is more specific to the care of sports turf including renovation, maintaining health and condition of sports pitches. It also includes the operation of larger machinery such as ride-on mowers and tractors. Based at Oswestry School James is gaining experience in all these practical aspects and marking out different types of sports pitches.

During their time on the programme the apprentices are assigned a placement officer who

visits them at regular intervals; every 6-8 weeks, to assess them in practical skills at work. They also provide support and guidance to students and liaise with work supervisors to ensure the programme runs smoothly.

Roger Sorsby, Placement Officer for the Walford Training Department of Walford and North Shropshire College says “College links with work by helping the students put together a portfolio of evidence for the qualification and teaches them the theory behind tasks carried out at work which in turn helps them to understand better the results they are trying to achieve.”

For more information about Apprenticeships at Walford and North Shropshire College please visit our website at www.wnsc.ac.uk or telephone Walford Training on 01939 262131

Moulton calf handling Local land owner offers assistance to students. griculture Students at Moulton College in Northamptonshire are getting to grips with calf handling and halter training with the assistance of local land owner Peter Coles from Silverstone.

This exercise is providing students with the opportunity to develop invaluable skills required not only for cow preparation with regard to show standards but also essential livestock handling and husbandry skills associated with the project.

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Peter, who breeds pedigree Shorthorn cattle has had a life time experience of producing animals for the show ring and as such provided useful tips and advice for the students who, as shown in the accompanying photographs, are seen halter training Peter’s future

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show prospects.

Back at the College Mark Keenan, Lecturer in Livestock Production has selected individual beef and dairy calves produced by the College’s Holstein-Friesian Dairy herd to halter train over the forthcoming months in preparation for the show season. The calves (and students!) performance over the next term will determine whether they are selected by the College for presentation at the East of England Show in the summer term.

Increasingly Agriculture has proven to be a popular choice of career both for school leavers and mature students alike. With the current status of global food production this looks set to continue into the future, providing students with excellent employment prospects on completion of their studies.

If you would like more information on Agricultural courses at Moulton College, please contact Student Services on 01604 491131, email: enquiries@moulton.ac.uk or visit www.moulton.ac.uk. For a free call back please text your name to 07785 343712

Open Evening Oswestry Campus Thursday 2nd February 5.30pm - 8pm Open Day Walford Campus Saturday 4th February 10am - 2pm Open Day Shipley Campus Saturday 4th February 10am - 2pm With special guest Simon Airey

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Groundcare

Cutting edge thinking from STIHL When it comes to choosing a chainsaw for all those outdoor tasks, make sure you consider all the facts...

n the depths of winter, January is a good time to carry out some important outdoor maintenance tasks like repairing fences around the farm, building wooden compost bins or raised beds in the garden, cutting back damaged branches or clearing fallen trees and replenishing stocks for the log fire. Making wood cutting easier, quicker and quite simply more satisfying, a quality chain saw will cut through the work in next to no time.

Safety, comfort and ease of use are crucial factors in chain saw selection.

• Look for a model with specific safety features like an inertia chain brake, side chain tensioning and a chain that has low kickback properties.

• A chain saw that is

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comfortable to use is a chain saw that is safer to use. Find a wellbalanced machine with a good power-to-weight ratio : light enough to handle with the power to do the job.

• Ease of use should be another deciding factor. Is the chain saw easy to start? Are controls accessible and simple to operate?

One really good piece of advice when considering a chain saw, is to buy from a specialist who can guide the best model for you. STIHL Approved Dealers, like its chain saws, are second to none; they are trained to advise on saw selection and provide full after-sales servicing for its quality tools.

One of the world’s most popular chain saw brands, STIHL offers and extensive choice of

58 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

machines ranging from lightweight home-user chain saws to hard-working professional models for forestry use. Occasional users should consider some of the extra design innovations found on STIHL ‘Comfort’ models that make them easier to work with right from the start. Those features include STIHL ErgoStart, which means you can start the saw smoothly with a slow, gentle pull on the starter cord, and the Quick Chain Tensioning system that allows simple, swift chain adjustment without any tools.

Farmers who demand a tough, rugged chain saw might consider the STIHL MS 271 and MS 291 models which are robust performers designed to be easy to maintain. For the environmentally conscious, these

models are also powered by an advanced, eco- and fuel-efficient 2-MIX engine that saves up to 20% on fuel and cuts emissions by up to 70% when compared to a conventional 2-stroke. That means you can not only cut wood efficiently and quickly, you can cut running costs too.

Top class chain saws. Top class service. When it comes to a new chain saw, come to STIHL. STIHL chain saws are available from its nationwide network of specialist Dealers who offer sound advice on product selection and full after-sales and service for these high quality machines.

For local Approved Dealer details and to find out more about the STIHL range, visit www.stihl.co.uk or Freephone 0800 137574.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Forestry

Yorkshire trees hit by new disease A destructive plant disease first identified in the UK only last year has been confirmed in Lawson cypress trees at Blubberhouses, near Otley in North Yorkshire. he disease is caused by a fungus-like organism called Phytophthora lateralis (P. lateralis), which has devastated the trade in ornamental Lawson cypress trees in the American states of California and Oregon, where Lawson cypress is a native species.

This is the second confirmed outbreak in England. It had never been recorded in the UK until last year, when the first cases were confirmed in Scotland, followed this year by cases in Northern Ireland and Devon in South West England. France and the Netherlands have also recently confirmed outbreaks.

The affected trees are on sites owned by Yorkshire Water, the British Canoe Union and private owners alongside the River Washburn near Fewston Reservoir.

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The Forestry Commission has served Plant Health Notices on the owners requiring them to fell and destroy the trees in an effort to contain the disease and prevent it spreading. All the owners are cooperating with the notices.

Dr John Morgan, Head of the Forestry Commission’s Plant Health Service, said, “P. lateralis is one of several destructive plant pathogens that have entered the UK in recent years, many of which have been associated with the growth in the international trade in live plants. We and our colleagues in the Food & Environment Research Agency (Fera) need everyone involved with trees and forest plants to be vigilant for signs of these pests and diseases, and to take ‘biosecurity’ precautions where advised to help us contain them and minimise their impacts.

More Tree and Forest Health Days planned for 2012 Follows success of 2011 events. orest Research is planning another programme of Tree & Forest Health Days around Britain in 2012 following the success of seven such events in the Autumn of 2011.

More than 400 practitioners from the forestry and land-use sectors, as well as people from other related organisations across Scotland and England, attended the 2011 events. The Forest Health Days aimed to raise awareness of new and existing pest and disease threats to plant health, as well as threats just over the horizon. There were also sessions on how to look for changes in trees and how to

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report these effectively.

Topics covered included Phytophthora ramorum, Phytophthora lateralis, (also known as red band needle blight), (Dendrolimus pini), (Dendroctonus micans) and others.

One manager who attended one of the events commented: “Forest Research provided a huge amount of information presented in an easily digestible way, and it was great to meet the scientific experts face to face.”

Details of the 2012 programme will be posted on the events pages of the Forest Resesarch website at www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/events.

“Although Lawson cypress is not a significant forestry tree, it is popular in parks, gardens, churchyards and crematoria.

Therefore if the disease becomes established it could be serious for the ornamental plant industry because Lawson cypress including its various colourful varieties - is one of the most important conifers in the ornamental plant trade.

“We are therefore asking people working around trees, particularly tree surgeons and those who manage parks and gardens, to be vigilant for signs of the disease. If they are called to examine or fell a dead or dying Lawson cypress and are suspicious of the cause, we ask them to follow the biosecurity guidance published on our website at www.forestry.gov.uk/phytophthora to prevent spread of disease on their tools and boots etc. “We are also looking for signs of it during our aerial surveys for larch trees suffering from the equally destructive Phytophthora ramorum infection.“ Geoff Lomas, catchment and recreation manager for Yorkshire

Water, added, “This is a rare but fatal disease, and as a responsible landowner we’re doing everything we possibly can. We are taking expert advice from the Forestry Commission, and working with our neighbours to contain the disease and stop it from spreading."

Chris Hawkesworth of the British Canoe Union said, "We use the river Washburn at Blubberhouses for white-water canoeing, and the infected trees are close to the point where our members and competitors exit the river. “As soon as we became aware of the tree infection our event organisers took biosecurity precautions and restricted our use to a clearly defined path from the river to hard standing.

“We are co-operating fully with our neighbours, Yorkshire Water, the Forestry Commission, Harrogate Council and other partners. Once the trees have been felled and mulched we will replace them with healthy specimens."

Further information, including a disease recognition guide, is available from www.forestry.gov.uk/plateralis

FAST GROWING SHELTER, SCREENING, HEDGING, FUEL OR FODDER HYBRID TREES GROWING 6 TO 8 FEET PER YEAR Hybrid Willows and Poplars bred for phenomenally rapid growth of 6 to 8 feet per year. Easy to grow and tolerant of the poorest soils and sites.

They make ideal screens, hedges and wind-breaks and/or a ready log supply and goat fodder.

Willow screen 18 months after planting

All sizes available from 12 inch slips to 8 foot trees.

Prices from £53 per 100+VAT For further advice, and a free information pack, Phone John and Monica Spanton on 01404 812229 or write to Bowhayes Trees, Venn Ottery, St. Mary, Devon EX11 1RY Fax No: 01404 815800.

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Poplar tree 18 months after planting

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Please send for a descriptive list.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Dairy

Breeding leading progeny is a recurring theme for jet black bull Alexander is a bull that has always commanded high interest. airy Daughters is reporting extremely high demand as the success of worldclass bull, Golden-Oaks ST Alexander EX94, continues to rocket.

Crowned Holstein International’s ‘Bull of the Week’, Alexander is receiving widespread interest from forward-thinking dairy producers keen to take advantage of his breed-leading credentials.

As an international sire of sons, Alexander has added a considerable number of second crop daughters this December proof run with 1,166 daughters in 541 herds. Transmitting high type (+2.32) and superb udders (+1.84) with high fertility (+0.4) and low somatic cells (-6), he is an easy choice for any breeding plan.

Sired by the global phenomenon, Comestar Stormatic, the jet-black bull also comes from a strong female line as both his dam and granddam have earned Gold Medal Dam (GMD) and Dam of Merit (DOM) awards.

As one of the most influential sires to stamp the show circuit this year, Alexander has dominated youngstock classes throughout the world including industry leading dairy shows – the World Dairy Expo, USA and the Royal Winter Fair, Canada.

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Proving that he works on UK home soils, at the All-Breeds National an early Alexander daughter, Nobold Alexander Joan, bred by Mike Roberts, Shrewsbury, was 2nd in the Junior Heifer class.

Alexander daughter: Don As a high-demand flush bull, he now elea Alex Ballerina, 1st March calf World Dairy Expo 2011 has daughters starting to calve in that & 1st March calf Royal Winter Fair 2011 are looking equally as impressive and are seamlessly making the tough transition from show calf to show cow.

Garay Alexander Destiny won the Milking Yearling class at the World Dairy Expo and is a superb example of the functional style that can be expected.

Dairy Daughters sales manager, Alison Lovell says: “Alexander is a bull that has always commanded high interest, but after breeders have seen what he can do in the flesh, we have experienced an overwhelming level of demand.”

Priced extremely competitively at £18, Alexander is also available sexed at £38.

Milking ay Alexander Destiny, 1st For more information call FREEPHONE Alexander daughter: Gar o 2011 Exp ry Dai ld Wor rling Yea 0800 614904 or email enquiries@dairydaughters.co.uk

EU dairy package announced Aims to improve the position of dairy producers in the supply chain. ast week‟s Farm Council meeting saw European Parliament and Council representatives reach an informal agreement on the ‘EU Dairy Package’. The agreement comes a year after the European Commission first presented its legislative proposal on “contractual relations in the milk and milk product sector”. The proposal aims at improving the position of dairy producers in the supply chain while moving the sector towards a more market orientated and sustainable future.

The informal agreement grants Member States the choice to impose mandatory written contracts between farmers and dairy processors for the delivery of raw milk. These contracts should be made in advance of delivery and contain specific elements such as the price, volume and duration, details concerning payment and collection, and rules

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for force majeure. All of the contractual details should be freely negotiated between the two parties.

In a bid to reinforce the bargaining power of producers, the regulation would also allow farmers to form producer organisations (PO) to collectively negotiate the contract. The volume of milk that a PO can negotiate would, however, be restricted to 3.5% of total EU production and 33% of total national milk production. For Member States with production of less than 500,000 tonnes (Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg); the limit for national production is set at 45%.

The agreement must still be formally accepted by the Agriculture Council and the European Parliament, with a likely adoption in 2012.

In context As the UK dairy industry already has a system of contracts in place, much of the outlined agreement will not directly impact current practice. While it provides the opportunity for the UK government to impose legislation on the terms and conditions within contracts, market commentators suggest this is unlikely.

However, the Dairy Supply Chain Forum, chaired by the agricultural minister, is currently working with the industry on a voluntary code of practice regarding contracts.

Herdsure extends Johne’s testing to milk samples New test ensures flexibility and covenience. erdsure has further extended its Cattle Health Improvement Service for Johne’s disease to include the testing of milk. This new test will offer greater flexibility and ease of sampling to its veterinary and farmer customers.

The new test is suitable for

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testing of individual milk samples at level 1, 2 & 3 of the Herdsure protocols. The ELISA test has been fully validated by AHVLA scientists and found to be very similar in characteristics, limitations and sensitivity to the established blood test.

Flexibility and convenience is

60 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

ensured as the new milk test can be used in combination, or as an alternative, to blood testing for herds registered with Herdsure for Johne’s disease. The new milk test will have the same price for customers as the current blood test.

Herdsure’s Johne’s disease

programme is licensed by Cattle Health Certification Standards UK (CHeCS). Farmers enrolled in Herdsure have the option to become CHeCS accredited as being free of disease for Johne’s disease.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pigs

PCV2 impairs danger recognition says top expert Look out for digestive and respiritory disorders to spot possible symptoms. wo leading experts on PCV2 provided vets with an update on the virus at the Pig Veterinary Society’s autumn meeting. Dr. Kenneth McCullough, Head of Research at Switzerland’s Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis, talked about the impact of PCV2 on the immune system. Thais Vila, Technical Director for EMEA for swine products at Merial Animal Health, discussed the way that the disease manifests itself, and how herd management and vaccination can help to combat it.

Dr. McCullough explained how PCV2 affects the porcine immune system and provided an insight into its interaction with the dendritic cells. He said these cells are critical because they trigger danger recognition, and thus help to provide the pig with immunity to disease. While the doublestranded DNA in PCV2 reduced

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the levels of danger recognition in the cells, the single-stranded DNA in the virus actually helped to induce this recognition.

He endorsed the early protection of pigs through vaccination, while emphasising the important role of herd management and nutrition.

Thais Vila said: “In recent years the symptoms of PCV2 have become less obvious, and may even be sub-clinical. Nowadays, the symptoms may occur later in the pig’s life. The clinical signs can be similar to other viral infections and may depend on co-infections.

Symptoms include digestive and respiratory disorders.”

“In sows PCV2 affects reproduction including return to oestrus, increased abortions and stillbirths, and pre-weaning mortality. Naïve gilts are particularly at risk from the virus.”

She explained that while

3,000 UK stocked unit opens in Russia Over a million roubles spent on modernisation. ussian dignitaries, local press and national TV, gathered at the official opening of the Delimeat Farming Complex, a 3,000 sow nucleus herd stocked by JSR Genetics, to celebrate a future full of promise.

Over a million roubles have been spent in modernising the model farm, which is expected to sell over 15,000 gilts a year, and generate £5 million of pork

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throughout the Kuban region.

Stocked by JSR Genepacker GP Gilts - large white and landrace - and JSR Geneconverter 700 Boars the contract for this, the most advanced farm in Southern Russia, has given JSR a major boost in this fast growing market.

“This is a tremendous moment,” confirms Paul Anderson, JSR’s International Sales Director.

“We have worked closely with

Barbecued rats anyone?

They fetch more than British pork! hile on a recent trip to Thailand, Stephen Curtis, chairman of international pig breeding company ACMC, spotted rat carcases hung up for sale at the roadside. They are caught in the wild and must be pretty daunting, he says, since they weigh 2-3 kg each. Apparently, they are quite popular barbecued and are seen as a cheap form of protein.

However, Stephen draws an interesting comparison with the price paid for pigs by UK

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processors. The Thai rat-catcher is paid around £1 more per kg — about 125 baht (£2.50) per kg liveweight, compared with around £1.50 live paid to British pig farmers for their pigs who are currently losing money on every pig produced. The Thai rat carcases fetch around £5 per kg at the roadside stall!

He says he declined to try these and he will stick to pork, consumption of which is growing very fast as living standards in Thailand improve.

vaccination has a critical role to play, there were a number of aspects of herd management which were also important. These included: • Colostrum intake • Pig flow management • Buildings • Hygiene • Feed • Control of co-infections • Genetics Her presentation included two case studies demonstrating the benefit of vaccination – one featuring piglet vaccination and one on sow vaccination. The first example featured a Spanish company that had focussed most of its attention on PRRS, but still had problems including poor performance, increased fattening mortality, and high incidence of pneumonia. As a result it decided to vaccinate its piglets against PCV2. Two groups of pigs were

compared - one before vaccination

Getka Marek Ireneush, Managing Director of Delimeat and his team, to select breeding stock that will make the most of all that they have done at the complex and a market that is ripe for investment. The Governor of Kuban, Alexander Tkachev, in his opening speech, stressed the region’s growing demand for quality food and the belief that only quality genetics – backed by highly skilled, technical services – could satisfy that demand. At JSR we are very proud to be playing such a key role in the region’s future.”

“In the JSR Genepackers we found the highly prolific, docile dam line that we were looking for, with great mothering ability,” said Jacek Wozay, Contract Farm Manager. In the sire line, we were looking to combine feed efficiency with a high yield of lean meat and, of course, we wanted all animals to be robust and capable of thriving.

JSR were able to offer a great choice of the highest quality genetics.”

Despite its official opening, the farm has been operational long enough to return inspiring first year figures from its first and second parity Genepacker nucleus gilts, including a 90% farrowing rate, 12.75 total born alive per litter and 10.96 weaned.

“JSR have also provided expert help in the form of Simon Grey of Checkfarm Consulting Limited, whose efforts on our behalf have been really appreciated,” said

Getka Marek Ireneush. “He has helped to fine-tune the entire pork production system from reproduction to packaging, giving us great confidence in the future.”

Such a complete production cycle, from insemination and breeding to packaging, whilst unusual is becoming more common in Kuban. In its attempts to combat disease, the region’s

and one after.

Increased performance postvaccination included a reduction in the number of days of feed, decreased mortality rates, and increased average daily weight gains and slaughter weights.

A German case study looked at the benefits of sow vaccination on reproduction across two cycles.

This research showed that in sows vaccinated with Circovac® the number of piglets increased by an average of 0.8. The number of weaned piglets increased by 0.7, which translates to an additional 1.6 pigs weaned per year per sow.

industry is now becoming more integrated, more sophisticated with larger farms, including five of around 100,000 animals.

“Jacek Wozny and his team have worked tremendously hard to overcome the health issues that have beset the industry in the past, and this new farm is a model of efficiency and biosecurity,” concludes Mr Anderson. “I know that they are hoping to increase production next year by 2 billion roubles. Being involved at this stage has put JSR in an excellent position and we will be seeking to capitalise on this to establish new partnerships and opportunities.”

For more information go to www.jsr.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 61

| ATV

Quad for a Quid winner receives RABI prize Polaris Sportsman 90 kindly donated by ATV World. ompetition winner Tom Chilton from Hovingham, York receives his new Polaris Sportsman 90 quad from ATV World’s Alistair Plant. Tom had entered the “Quad for a Quid” raffle organised by farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

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ATV World are set to continue working with RABI and are looking forward to supporting them in the future.

“When we heard that RABI needed assistance with their 2011 summer raffle, ATV World and Polaris wanted to contribute in donating a brand new Sportsman 90 to support the charity as they have done so much for members of the farming community facing need, hardship and distress.”

Commented Alistair as he delivered the best selling youth quad to its new owner.

“We have been delighted with the support from ATV World and the public response we have received from this year’s raffle. The money raised has exceeded all our expectations and helped us to attract considerable interest within our Northern regions throughout the summer. Thanks to ATV World for the donation of the quad.” Explained RABI regional Officer Georgina lamb.

ATV World are set to continue working with RABI and are looking forward to supporting them in the future.

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62 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

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| ATV

Suzuki KingQuad stars at Top Gear Live James May sweeps as Clarkson Curls in ‘Motor Olympics’. he past month has seen Suzuki's range-topping KingQuad 750 Power Steering hard at work again, this time entertaining the British public in a unique Car Curling challenge at Top Gear Live.

Presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to create their own motoring version of the Olympic Games on the recent Top Gear Live tour at the Birmingham NEC (11-13th November) and London Excel (24-27th November). Top Gear Live chose the KingQuad 750 to meet their need for a reliable, heavy duty ATV to play a

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major role in their Car Curling game .

The Car Curling was just one of many games hosted at the Top Gear Live show, and saw the Suzuki KingQuad 750 fitted with a bespoke remote controlled sweeping attachment built by the Top Gear Live production crew.

Just like in the real Winter Olympic sport of Curling, the floor was swept by James May on the KingQuad, in preparation for the car curling stones, piloted by Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, to slide across towards the target.

The KingQuad 750's strong performance proved essential with the heavy sweeping

attachments fitted, whilst the comfortable Tshaped seat and innovative power steering made light work of manoeuvring the motorised curling brush around the arena.

The reliable 722cc fuel injected engine and solid build quality of the KingQuad didn't let the show down, as it performed consistently throughout the 18 live performances in front of thousands of fans, as well as a number of rehearsals leading up to the shows.

Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager Suzuki GB, commented “We were delighted to supply Top Gear Live with our flagship KingQuad 750 Power Steering model, and had total confidence that it would deliver consistent performance throughout the demanding schedule of the live shows.”

Whilst the KingQuad helped to deliver some light hearted fun to the spectators of the Car Curling game at the Top Gear Live show, it also proved its versatility and readiness for hard work of all types, from towing livestock, feed and equipment across the farm to working long hours on the production set of high profile shows.

To find out more about the versatile Suzuki ATV range visit www.suzuki-atv.co.uk

ad Suzuki 750 KingQu

eeping James May considers a sw gQuad Kin 750 the on career move

Just what is Jeremy Clarkson suggesting? How big?

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 63

ATV ACCESsORies | ATV Accessories

off-road needs ur yo r fo s ie or ss ce Ac & Spares

Easy ATV spares service From The Quad Centre - who else? xhausted after the Christmas shopping, the Christmas parties, the Christmas food, the Christmas stress and now 2012 has started with an unwelcome bang as your ATV has given up on you too? Well not to worry! The Quad Centre in Buckingham have recently revamped their website so you can now buy anything from a spark plug, to some cosy hand protectors, to a snow plough to a whole new quad online!

The process couldn't be simpler, just add your purchases to the basket, make payment and then look out for the postman or TQCs shiny new signwritten van to deliver your order. Checkout is completely secure and they never share your details with anyone

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64 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

else. For those of you who are not fans of online shopping, you can still place an order over the phone.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook or Twitter for special subscriber offers too.

So what are you waiting for?

With a range which includes snow ploughs for most makes and models of ATV, Equestrian Accessories, Comfort and Safety Accessories, Children's Quads, Fully Road Legal or Agricultural ATVs, New and Used ATVs and Side-by-Sides from Polaris, Arctic Cat, Kymco, TGB and JCB, Servicing and Repairs, MOTs and Insurance, not to mention worldwide delivery and a branch in Southern Spain, they really are heads above the competition and have been for almost 25 years!

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV Accessories

An ATV dealership with passion Look no further for Kawasaki or Suzuki ATVs and accessories.

H Wadsworth & Sons was founded in the early 70's by David Wadsworth who , leaving a small dairy farm behind set out for pastures new and decided to try his hand at buying and selling tractors and agricultural machinery to help support his wife and four children. Hard work and the ability to diversify saw David buying retail premises in the small village of Flockton where the main hub of the company is still situated today. Two of David's sons followed in his footsteps and in 1990 were approached by Kawasaki's area manager Richard Harris who asked if the company would like to try their hand at selling their range of atv's. Quad bikes, it seemed,

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“When it comes to ATV accessories, Wadsworth's have it covered, only supplying the best quality products.� were beginning to be seen as a useful workhorse around the farm and the Wadsworth's keen interest in motorcycles would certainly help to move things along. So there it began.

Sales of Kawasaki ATVs and equipment improved year on year and in 1997 D H Wadsworth & Sons achieved the "Kawasaki Dealer Of The Year" award. The taste of success was ever inspiring and that award was to return to Flockton for some years to come.

In 1999 the lads were again approached by

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Richard Harris of KMUK who put forward the idea of expanding the business to North Yorkshire where the Kawasaki dealer for the area had decided to call it a day. After much thought and deliberation it came to light that there was only one man for the job,. Richard Wylie was one of the longest serving ATV salesmen in the country and he was employed

by Wadsworths to continue his excellent service to Kawasaki. Working from a small unit in Norton it soon became apparent that more room was needed. Kawasaki had now added to their model range a Diesel engined Mule that was proving very popular in the agricultural and game keeping fraternity so, from one unit to two and then securing a good sized base at Derwent road on York Road Industrial Estate, Rich and his expanding crew have prospered.

The Malton branch is now well established and with Mark and Sheldon running the Flockton branch, D H Wadsworth's have gone from strength to strength. Adding Suzuki to the list has also proved a good move and their model range has filled gaps that Kawasaki had left.

There are so many uses for your ATV now, not only are they used for personal transport but other tasks such as spraying weeds, collecting horse manure from the paddocks, transporting fodder through the winter, topping grass and docks in those never used before areas and even clearing snow and spreading salt on your car parks and driveways. This is all possible thanks to your ATV.

When it comes to ATV accessories, Wadsworth's have it covered, only supplying the best quality and value for money possible. Nelson based Swaledale supply them with the trailers for behind your ATV as well lots of other useful things such as sheep snackers, menage graders,chain harrows and water ballast rollers.Their experience and good old British engineering has proved their products can stand the test of time.

C-dax is another brand used for accessories such as professional spray equipment and weed wipers. Then their is Logic with so much to choose from they can supply you anything for your ATV from a seat covers to other things like paddock cleaners, pasture toppers, bale carriers, spreading and gritting equipment and snow ploughs.

Wadsworths pride themselves in giving excellent personal customer service and are also backed up by their team of experienced staff in the Parts and Service department.

Whether it’s a new set of tyres or a full make over they are well qualified to get the job done.

Contact us for further details or visit www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 65

| ATV

Honda Foreman signs in Relative newcomer is making the established ATV manufacturers take notice All-new TRX500 strengthens Honda ATV line up

The well-equipped models from TGB are already a hit with local authorities and make a lasting impression on anyone who tries them...

onda (UK) has further strengthened its marketleading product offering with the introduction of the fifth generation of its heavy-duty ‘Foreman’ ATV. Two new models will be added to the Foreman family - TRX500FM (manual shift) and TRX500FE (electric shift) – which have undergone a total redesign from the ground up, using an entirely different design procedure that places extensive customer feedback at the heart of the changes.

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“We didn’t want to simply add a few new bits to the old Foreman.”

Taking the durability and performance for which Honda ATVs are famed, the new Foreman models now come with a raft of significant new features designed to improve rider experience, increase usability and meet the needs of the demanding utility market sector.

The new Foreman has a different look and feel, too. All new body styling gives it a more

purposeful and ‘open’ appearance and redesigned front/rear mudguards offer exceptional mud and splash protection. Improved steering geometry, new seat design, upgraded rider position and a smoother gear change all combine to offer a first-class rider experience that is considerably less fatiguing during prolonged use.

Both are now available from the Honda (UK) Authorised Dealer Network and, as with all Honda ATVs, the new models come with a two-year warranty*.

Phil Webb, Head of Power Equipment at Honda (UK) comments: “We didn’t want to simply add a few new bits to the old Foreman, we wanted a completely reworked machine featuring significant changes that people really wanted. So, we undertook a comprehensive survey of customers and input their feedback into the design process and this exceptional new machine is as much a testimony to them as it is to our engineers and designers’ clever design. The Foreman has definitely evolved but will continue its heritage as a class-leading, heavy-duty ATV.”

66 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

t may be a relatively new name on the UK ATV market, but TGB quads are certainly making a lasting impression on those who try them.

It is already the choice of many local authorities and commercial operators throughout the UK. Built in Taiwan over the past 30 years, TGB quads are setting new standards in ATV technology, with extremely high levels of specification and equipment as standard.

Superb ride and build quality ensure that all TGB models offer comfort and peace of mind to all users. All TGB quads are fully road legal as standard.

Also as standard are front and rear racks, tow bar, trailer socket, and 12 volt takeoffs. Another advantage is that all quads have a two year parts and labour warranty adding further peace of mind to potential customers.

TGB design and manufacture their own power units for all products in their range. 300, 400, 460, and 550cc engines all offer high torque delivery coupled to automatic transmissions, with low range, selectable 4x4, diff locks, disc brakes etc.

TGB ATVs are available

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nationwide through carefully selected ATV specialists, who can offer expert knowledge on selecting the right machine for you.

Along with advice on equipment available for your TGB, such as snow blades, gritters, cargo cases and more. All in all the TGB Blade utility series delivers unrivalled value for money. For more information about these incredible machines, visit www.tgbatv.co.uk or contact your local TGB dealer.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

AUTOLINKS Lake Road Garage, Brynmawr, Gwent NP23 4AP Tel 01495 310548 www.autolinks.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

DORSET QUADS LIMITED

NORTH CORNWALL MOTORCYCLE CENTRE

Dorchester Tel 07969 047502 Email sales@dorsetquads.co.uk www.dorsetquads.co.uk

Hospital Rd, Stratton, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9BT Tel 01288 355162 www.ncmc.co.uk

TOVE ENGINEERING

XP BIKES

Unit 15, Yorks Farm Bus. Centre, Yorks Farm, Watling Street, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6AD Tel 01327 831584

Larkhall, Lanarkshire, ML9 2EX Tel 01698 881885 Contact Ian www.xpbikes.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 67

| ATV

Day & Coles Agricultural Ltd

D.H. Wadsworth & Sons

D.H. Wadsworth & Sons

Southam Agricultural Services

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingbourgh, Northants NN8 6UW

28 Derwent Road, York Road Ind Estate, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6YB

204 Barnsley Road, Flockton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF4 4AB

Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH

Telephone: 01933 673900

Telephone: 01653 692244 www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

68 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Telephone: 01924 840319 www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

Telephone: 01926 813426 www.southamagriservices.co.uk

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| ATV

Cream of electric vehicles for Devon farm Ranger EV - quiet & reliable. nly minutes from the centre of Exeter and yet deep in the Devon countryside, family owned Highfield Farm has been a certified organic farm for nearly twenty five years. Part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and latterly the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, the farm has restored over 2kms of traditional Devon hedgerows and continues to protect wildlife and their rare habitats. Hop on a bus or train to Topsham or pop along in the car, the farm trail is open to the public and has free car parking. Highfield has 118 acres of mixed farming, arable and vegetables and has over the past two years been working in association with Topsham School. Close enough to walk to the farm, pupils are involved in collecting and selling vegetables to parents – the resultant funds being re-invested in the Kitchen Garden. Some

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items though are heavy, such as potatoes, and these needed a vehicle to transport them to the school. Highfield had already installed solar panels on the barn roof next to the Kitchen Garden, together with a biomass boiler and wind turbine, these serving as educational tools as well as generating electricity and heat. Good examples of renewable energy in one place where people can see the benefits. So it followed that investment in a Polaris Ranger Electric 4x4 Vehicle, supplied by local dealers landrover4u, was the ideal solution to both continue the theme and provide a means to getting the potatoes transported to the school.

“It was the natural choice,” says family member Ian Shears, “we’re very pleased with the EV, it’s quiet, reliable and we’ve had no problems, we use it as well for checking on livestock and with all the tours we have throughout the year

people see it and it gets them thinking about renewable energy. We recharge the Polaris from the solar panels, which in itself is a good educational tool.” Highfield Farm also offers camping and caravanning, while school visits can be tailored to requirements with educational opportunities including study of wildlife habitats including hedgerows, permanent pasture, grazing marshes, pond dipping and of course, sustainability. Highfield Farm www.highfieldfarm.org 01392 876388 Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polarisbritain.com

Polaris and the NFU all set for 2012 TV specialist Polaris and the NFU have renewed their partnership for 2012 with special deals for both NFU members and non-members.

The NFU have teamed up again with Polaris to offer NFU members a 5% discount on Polaris ATVs and Ranger vehicles. All they need to do is call NFU CallFirst to register and a unique Polaris 5% off voucher will be sent in the post. This is then presented at the Polaris dealership along with their NFU Membership Card and ID. The 5%

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is in addition to any discount negotiated with the Polaris dealer and will be incorporated into the vehicle price at the time of purchase. “We’re delighted to be able to continue the relationship for another twelve months,” says Polaris’ Country Manager, Phil Everett, “the take up with NFU members has been very high and non-members can also benefit extensively.”

For non-NFU members, Polaris and the NFU are giving away free NFU Countryside membership worth £99 with each ATV or Ranger

sold. On purchase of a Polaris ATV or Ranger non-members will receive three years membership absolutely free.

To register for the 5% discount voucher NFU members should contact NFU Call First on 0870 845 8458. For details of Polaris ATVs, Ranger vehicles and dealer location contact Polaris on 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

UK pricing announced for “best-performing Jeep” ever Eagerly awaited performance SRT8 and premium Overland versions priced.

ust five months after the successful launch in the UK of the internationally acclaimed new Grand Cherokee 4x4, Jeep has announced pricing of the eagerly awaited high performance SRT8 and premium Overland Summit versions.

Both these new vehicles, which are set to take the Grand Cherokee range to new heights of luxury, performance and refinement, are available to order from UK Jeep dealers now.

Grand Cherokee SRT8 The best-performing Jeep ever, the exciting new Grand Cherokee SRT8 (Street and Racing Technology- the sports arm of Chrysler Group) offers a unique blend of legendary capability and utility, head-turning SRT performance and an impressive suite of advanced technologies.

Delivering outstanding driving performance in all conditions, and complemented by key SRT attributes – including functional, performance-orientated styling, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking and raceinspired interior appointments – the SRT8 broadens the Grand Cherokee line-up and builds upon its successful launch in the UK. Designed and constructed using the proven Street and Racing Technology formula that raises vehicle performance to

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astonishing levels, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in just 116 feet.

Powering the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is Chrysler Group’s awe-inspiring new 6424cc HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 470 hp and 465 lb ft. of torque – an improvement of 50 horsepower and 45 lb ft. torque over the 6.1 litre HEMI V8 it replaces.

Fuel Saver Technology works by seamlessly alternating between smooth, high-fuel-economy fourcylinder mode when less power is needed, and a sporty V8 mode when more power is in demand.

This optimises fuel economy when V8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 also comes with 45 specific safety and security features including active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, (cruising speed to maintain a preset distance – short, medium or long – between your vehicle and the one ahead. The system uses radar to detect moving vehicles immediately ahead and modifies cruising speed if necessary), forward collision warning, (which uses front sensors to gauge

relative speeds and detect when you might be approaching another car too rapidly) and rain brake support (which periodically dries the brake discs in wet conditions).

At £58,995 OTR, the 2012 SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV and slots perfectly into the line-up as the premium sports performance version of this celebrated brand’s flagship Grand Cherokee model.

Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland Summit The New Overland Summit model elevates Grand Cherokee to new levels of luxury and refinement in the premium sportutility vehicle sector. It is priced at £44,795.

Available in a new, exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme, with a unique fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, and riding on 20inch bright, polished aluminium wheels, the Overland Summit takes all the features of the current top-of-the-range Overland, and adds even more refinement and equipment.

Powered by a 237 hp, 2987cc V6 CRD diesel engine, the Overland Summit’s real wood and distinctive polished trim surround passengers with the highest levels of craftsmanship. Wood trim is also used on the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel.

The Grand Cherokee Overland

Summit boasts a black lower and saddle upper interior trim colour, along with saddle-coloured Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with black and chestnut accent binding.

Among the huge list of standard equipment on the Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.

“The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is already one of the industry’s talking points, not only with our customers, but with the media too,” says Nigel Land, brand director, Jeep Chrysler UK. “So we are delighted to be bringing these two amazing new variants here.

They will broaden our offering still further to create a highly accomplished range of 4x4 vehicles that offer all that’s best in high-level sports utility vehicles.

“This will be a truly comprehensive Grand Cherokee line-up covering luxury, quality, craftsmanship, technology and sports performance, and all the very best in Jeep 4x4 expertise.”

Delivery of the new Jeep Compass (Oh no he doesn’t..Oh yes he does..) ne drive of the new Jeep Compass 4x4 was all it took, and TV and film actor Chris Ellison was hooked.

Chris, best known as DCI Burnside in ITV’s The Bill but currently starring as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Harlow Playhouse, first saw the compact Sport Utility Vehicle when it was launched in the UK in April this year. And he was able to take delivery of his new car just two days before curtain up for his latest pantomime, earlier this month.

And delighted Chris says the comprehensively redesigned Compass has so

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far brought him nothing but Christmas cheer.

“I ran a Jeep Cherokee about 10 years ago and was delighted with that, so when I saw the new Compass I fell in love,” says Chris. “I didn’t need anything as large as the Grand Cherokee, but I did want four wheel drive, so the Compass looked ideal.

“And with the long road journeys to shows that I have to do, I was delighted to find it was available in diesel form, which keeps fuel costs down. It’s just fantastic.”

Just like Peter Pan, the Jeep brand is iconic.

Since Jeep vehicles were first produced in

1941, they have been the authentic benchmark for off-road capability, and the new Compass SUV builds on seven decades of legendary heritage to provide class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility.

The Jeep Compass range starts at £16,995 OTR, for the 2.0 Sport 4x2, rising to £23,675 OTR for the 2.2 CRD 70th Anniversary 4x4.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

‘Pick up of the Year’

Legendary Mitsubishi L200 wins ‘Pick-up of the Year’ 2011 at prestigious Fleet Van Awards It’s no surprise to the UK’s MD Lance Bradley - the L200 is a clear favourite among commercial operators. itsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating for the second year after winning the esteemed Fleet News ‘Fleet Van Pick-up of the Year’ Award for best pick-up in the UK marketplace.

For many years the L200 has led the way with its innovation, styling, specification and its 4x4 capabilities. With a fully comprehensive range of pick-ups, the Mitsubishi L200 remains the retail market leader in its segment at a staggering 30.5% market share year to date and picked up the award in favour of the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok.

A Fleet Van Judge commented:

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Ashby & Mann Mitsubishi Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1RL Tel: 01455 250052

“The L200 won this award thanks to its greater range of derivatives and load bed options and level of availability. Mitsubishi offers all the options for all fleet requirements.

The L200 is also strong on residual values, comes with a big range of horsepower options and enjoys strong back-up from the Mitsubishi dealer network. Add in competitive pricing and the L200 justifies its place as Pickup of the Year.”

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s Managing Director added: “We’re delighted that the Mitsubishi L200 has again retained the Fleet Van Pick-up of the Year title, but it’s easy to see why. The

Grenson Mitsubishi

Lewis Mitsubishi

Middlewich Rd, Crewe, CW2 8UY Tel: 01270 507490

Ronic House, Chicester, PO18 8PN Tel: 01243 574141

versatility of the range is unmatched, with everything from practical and functional single-cabs through to powerful lifestyle double-cabs. It is an honour for us to receive this award as it firmly establishes the L200 as the clear favourite among commercial vehicle operators.

“For many years the L200 has led the way with its innovation, styling, specification and its 4x4 capabilities.”

Rodgers of Plymouth Tees Valley Brixton Rd, Mitsubishi Devon, PL8 2BL Tel: 01752 402623

McMullen Rd, Darlington, DL1 1XP Tel: 01325 462222

| Motors

Towing specialist SsangYong relaunch in the UK Powerful model line-up also offers limitless 5 year warranty. sangYong returns to the UK with a range of models designed specifically to meet the needs of the driver who regularly tows a caravan, horsebox, car, boat or work trailer.

Korando New to the line up is the Korando crossover. Using SsangYong’s first monocoque platform to offer the perfect blend of competent off road handling with on road refinement, the superbly equipped Korando is available from as little as £16,995. With the practicality of a 4x4/SUV and the accessibility of a family hatchback, the contemporary looking Korando has the capability to go from a muddy campsite to the motorway or an icy country lane to the urban school run, all in complete comfort.

And coming from SsangYong, the Korando has been designed as a towing vehicle from the start.

All models are powered by an advanced 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions from only 157g/km ensuring smooth and strong acceleration no matter what you’re towing.

What’s more, unlike many of its rivals, the four wheel drive Korando EX also comes with an all wheel drive lock function for when low speed grip and

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control is needed, such as when driving up a slippery track or off a sodden field dragging a caravan or horsebox.

Underpinned by such robust engineering, it’s no surprise to find that the Korando’s braked maximum trailer weight is a substantial 2,000kg, and with a peak tow ball weight of 80kg means the Korando is more than capable of hauling a large caravan or fully loaded trailer.

Towing aficionados will notice that the Korando can pull almost 100% of its own gross vehicle weight. This is partly thanks to the strength of the engine, but also down to the Korando’s inherent stability and grip leading to solid, dependable pulling power no matter what the conditions.

Along with a choice of six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission, buyers can opt for S or ES trim in their front wheel drive Korando or top of the range EX specification in four wheel drive models. Even the entry level variant comes equipped with cruise control, ESP with Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors as standard, while the ES comes with a sunroof, climate control, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

All models are available with a detachable Witter tow bar and electrics at an optional cost of £602.

Rexton If a driver’s towing requirements extend to twin axle caravans and large trailers they will find their perfect match with the enhanced SsangYong Rexton. With an impressive 3.2 tonne towing capability, the rugged Rexton is a hard working 4x4 capable of tackling both tough tracks and motorway

72 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

trips with a boat, horses or track day car in tow.

All Rexton models are four wheel drive and powered by an advanced 2.7 litre five cylinder turbo diesel engine. Delivering a power output of 163bhp, the SsangYong unit provides 340Nm of torque from only 1,800rpm. Placing true go anywhere ability at the centre of its rugged appeal, the Rexton retains a separate chassis construction allowing it to tackle the toughest terrain even when fully laden with a heavy trailer.

Confirming its status as a hardcore towing vehicle, Rexton’s 3.2 tonne braked towing limit and 128kg maximum tow ball weight makes this SsangYong a real towing champion.

The Rexton is available in a choice of S and EX trim. Even the entry level model comes equipped with ABS, EBD and ESP, as well as automatic climate control and seven seats. Move up to EX specification and you get leather upholstery, heated seats and a Mercedes-Benz five speed T Tronic automatic gearbox, all as standard.

A robust tow bar is available on all models at a competitive option price of £478.

Rodius The third member of SsangYong’s towing family is the Rodius MPV which, with its seven seats and generous load area, is the perfect complement to caravan towing.

Opt for the Rodius EX with its standard four wheel drive transmission and the maximum remote braked towing capacity is a substantial 2,850kg. Even lower cost front wheel drive Rodius models are capable of pulling a remote braked trailer of up to 2,500kg and the maximum tow ball weight is 140kg regardless of drivetrain choice.

And if these figures aren’t enough to get the attention of the towing community, Rodius prices certainly will. An entry price of £14,995 for front wheel drive variants and £20,995 for the flagship 4x4 version underline the SsangYong’s value.

Buyers also enjoy all the equipment they would expect from a full sized people carrier. Electric front and rear windows, fully automatic climate control and a Kenwood audio and Bluetooth system are standard across all variants including the entry level S grade, as are vital safety aids including ABS, EBD and ESP.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

SsangYong attracts more dealers Network now boasts 34 sales & service dealerships and 18 service centres. sangYong Motor UK, the new importer of Korean SsangYong cars, has appointed a number of new dealers, bringing its network strength to 34 sales & service dealerships and 18 service centres.

New appointments have been made at Hereford and Wolverhampton, and three dealerships that were previously service agents have also taken up the new car franchise to represent the marque in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, Larkfield, Kent and Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

The new appointments are: • Ashby Garage, Lutterworth • Hereford SsangYong • Pat Kirk, Strabane • Walldonway, Larkfield • Wolverhampton SsangYong Commented Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK: “We have worked really hard over the past few months to talk to as many prospective dealers as possible, and this is really paying dividends.

“Of course the market is testing,

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but in many cases we’ve been leaning on an open door and people are only too keen to meet.

The SsangYong heritage for producing well engineered, reliable and honest vehicles, the great press reception to our new Korando crossover and our market leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty, are all reasons being cited.”

The company is continuing to look for dealers to take on the franchise in a number of open points across England, Scotland and Wales. Open points include: Inverness, Aberdeen, Borders, Newcastle, Teesside, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Nottingham, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Coventry, Watford, Leicester, Reading, Exeter, Southampton, London/South East, Mid & North Wales.

“This is a great franchise opportunity for a range of businesses,” added Paul Williams.

“The smaller multi-franchise holder, specialist 4x4, towing centre or niche dealer, and even a current used car or service outlet looking to take on their first new car franchise, will all see sound business benefits.

“We are offering dealer-selected

objectives, competitive and straightforward dealer margins backed-up by a full range of support including a floorplan facility that is not linked to retail finance, and good parts supply.”

Said Steve Gray, SsangYong Motor UK’s marketing and communications director: “The new Korando gives our dealers a superb and well priced product to sell into the fast growing crossover segment of the market, while Rexton and Rodius have a very loyal following especially with

those who tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer, have a large family or run a private hire business.”

Business owners interested in finding out more can visit: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/be come-a-dealer or contact Ayesha Lutchman on 01252 775409 or email ops@ssangyonggb.co.uk for an initial discussion.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

More economy plus more luxury equals new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 204ps Available to order now from your local Audi dealer. udi Q7 drivers can now use fuel more sparingly and savour seven-seat comfort more completely in the new Q7 3.0 TDI 204PS S line Plus.

Taking the lower output V6 TDI engine first seen in the A6 on board the Q7 for the first time, and combining its 39mpg capability with an exceptional new specification, the lavishly appointed

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“The air of sophistication is enhanced further in the S line Plus by features such as hard disk-based satellite navigation.”

newcomer is available to order now priced at £49,120 OTR. At the same time, this punchy but remarkably efficient unit also appears in the most attainable lead-in Q7 model to date – the 3.0 TDI 204PS Standard priced at £39,995 OTR. To strike its impressive balance between performance and economy the timing of the 3.0-litre

engine’s camshafts, its turbocharger and its advanced common-rail system (with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar) have been optimized specifically

74 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

with fuel efficiency in mind. As a result, up to 39.2mpg is possible according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 189g/km.

With the help of a super-smooth eight-speed tiptronic transmission, the latest V6 TDI uses its 204PS and its 450Nm torque reserve to power the Q7 to 62mph from rest in 9.1 seconds, and enables it to reach a 127mph top speed where conditions allow.

In common with all Q7 models drive is channelled to all four wheels in a 40% front to 60% rear ratio by the

quattro permanent four-wheeldrive system, and both on and off the tarmac the standard five-mode air suspension with its variable ground clearance of between 180mm and 240mm helps to iron out the most imperfect of surfaces.

Choice of four specification levels Four specification levels are available for the Q7 – Standard, SE, S line and the new S line Plus – and it is the latter which enables the imposing seven-seater to make its boldest visual statement.

Externally it includes 21-inch 5 segment-spoke alloy wheels, standard metallic paint, tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards and running boards.

Powered tailgate operation also boosts practicality.

Inside, an upgrade to even more supple Verano leather upholstery makes for an even more luxurious ambiance. Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in the three rows of seats that are included as standard, two of which can be folded down if required to create a load area of 2,035 litres.

The air of sophistication is enhanced further in the S line Plus by features such as hard diskbased satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation with online services giving access to Google Earth navigation mapping and creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for incar internet access, Audi Music Interface iPod connection linked to an upgraded speaker system and the Audi Parking System Advanced with reversing camera.

“The latest V6 TDI uses its 204PS and its 450Nm torque reserve to power the Q7 to 62mph from rest in 9.1 seconds” S line Plus specification carries a premium of £4,500 over the existing S line option, and is available in conjunction with five of the six available engines, which include the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrols in 272PS and 333PS forms, the 204PS and 245PS V6 Diesels and the 340PS 4.2-litre V8 TDI. The mighty Q7 V12 TDI with its incredible 1,000Nm torque peak has its own unique specification.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Isuzu crosses counties with CJB Motor Sales Hertfordshire dealer anticipates wide ranging demand for versatile pick-up.

JB Motor Sales has become the latest addition to Isuzu’s rapidly expanding UK dealer network, bringing the class-leading Japanese pick-up brand to a new customer base in Hertfordshire.

Based in the heart of the historic market town of Bishops Stortford, CJB Motor Sales boasts excellent customer service and quality workmanship. What’s more, the dealership is very easy to get to, with the M11 motorway, local railway station and Stansted Airport all within a five-mile radius.

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“The new partnership between CJB Motor Sales and Isuzu is great news and will undeniably strengthen our dealer network.”

Dealer Principal, Jay Virdee, said of the new partnership: “Isuzu’s built up a solid reputation

Ashburton Motor Works Devon 01364 652302 www.devon-isuzu.co.uk

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for reliable and excellent-value pick-ups, and we’re excited to be working with them now as an official dealer. The Rodeo is a capable vehicle, comfortable and well-equipped inside, but also with an impressive 3,000kg towing capacity and switchable 4x4 system. It can be used for anything from recovering vehicles to transporting large supplies across muddy building sites.”

William Brown, General Manager for Isuzu UK said: “The new partnership between CJB Motor Sales and Isuzu is great news and will undeniably strengthen our dealer network.

Not only is the dealership ideally located to serve existing customers in Hertfordshire, but we are confident that our Rodeo range will appeal to prospective customers in the area too.”

Prices start at £12,699 CVOTR for the entry-level 136bhp 2.5 Rodeo Single Cab 4x2, and rise to £22,549 CVOTR for the top-of-the-

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

range five-seater, 163bhp 3.0 Denver Max LE Auto. Insurance groupings start at 10A for base models and peak at a stillreasonable 13A. Located off South Road, in Bishops Stortford, CJB Motor Sales is open from 09.00 to 17.30 Monday to Saturday, and 10.00 to 16.00 on Sundays.

For more about CJB Motor Sales, please visit: www.cjbmotors.com or contact the team on 0844 879 2676.

Further information on Isuzu’s range of pick-ups and commercial vehicles is available at www.isuzu.co.uk.

Lifestyle Isuzu Kent 01892 515666 www.lifestyleisuzu.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 75

| Motors

Subaru Forester is Junior Crossover of the Year Total 4x4 magazine names model tops for quality, value, practicality and driving talent. he recently refreshed 2011 Subaru Forester has been named ‘Junior Crossover of the Year’ by specialist off-roading magazine, Total 4x4.

The go-anywhere, family friendly Forester, which is now available with a choice of extensively revised petrol and diesel Boxer engines, faced competition from the likes of a Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki SX4 and Skoda Octavia Scout.

However, thanks to its surefooted Symmetrical All-WheelDrive configuration, car-like driving dynamics and exceptional practicality, judges singled-out the Japanese crossover for the highest praise.

The panel of experts at Total 4x4 magazine said of the Forester: “Typically of Subaru, the Forester does very good things without making a fuss of it. The combination it offers of quality, value, practical usability

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Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Peartree Cross, Ashburton, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ13 7RB Tel: 01364 652302 www.devon-subaru.co.uk

and driving talent makes it very hard indeed to beat.

“The Forester has always been a star in its own corner of the market, and heavily revised petrol and diesel engines means it now shines brighter than ever.”

The 2.0-litre Boxer diesel Forester range, which returns an impressive 47.9 mpg combined, starts at £23,070 (on-the-road) for the entry-level 2.0D X, rising to £25,070 for the 2.0D XC, and £29,070 for the range-topping 2.0D XS NavPlus.

Customers preferring petrol power have a choice of two models – the Forester 2.0X and 2.0XS, costing £21,370 and £25,370 respectively in manual guise. Automatic versions are available at a £1,000 premium.

For more information about the Forester or the rest of the sure-footed Subaru line-up, visit www.subaru.co.uk or to book a test drive call 08446 626 612.

Lifestyle Subaru Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AG Tel: 01892 515666 www.lifestylesubaru.co.uk

78 | Farming Monthly | January 2012

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road West North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

Europa Granville Square, 48 Suffolk Road, Sheffield S2 4AL Tel: 08445 764869 www.europa-subaru.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

X-Trail Platinum Edition show its metal Luxury specification at a price that’s hard to believe - but be quick...only 200 will be available. latinum is a special kind of metal, offering both beauty and toughness.

It’s the inspiration behind a new special version of Nissan’s X-TRAIL4x4.

As the name suggests, the new Platinum edition X-TRAIL is a real luxury item, with additional equipment not seen on any of the other models in the range and a touch more glamour too.

The front and rear of the

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vehicle gets extra protection and style with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The side is treated to chrome side steps and chrome door protection mouldings.

On the inside the Platinum features leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth.

To help protect your investment there’s also a reversing camera, with the image transmitted onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror.

Powering the Platinum is the X-TRAIL’s advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual produces a healthy 173PS and yet can return an average of 44.1mpg.

But unlike its precious

Sorento wins Total 4x4 accolade for second year in a row Continues the car’s impressive record.

he Kia Sorento has been named as Total 4x4’s Best SUV for the second year in a row – beating off keen competition in a well-established segment.

Editor Alan Kidd said: ‘The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV

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class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practicality all score heavily in its favour.

‘Make no mistake, this award wasn’t about just being cheap.

The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it’s very good at everything that

matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.’

The latest version of Kia’s fullsize 4x4 Sorento was launched in the UK in February 2010 and immediately impressed the Total 4x4 team. It remains the flagship of the Kia range and is available in

inspiration, the X-TRAIL Platinum is not expensive. In fact it costs less than the Tekna version on which it’s based, starting at £29,180 for the manual and £30,560 for the automatic.

Orders are now being taken now, but Platinum is a real rarity, with just 200 being produced.

two and four wheel drive versions – but it is the full-time four wheel drive model that again impressed the Total 4x4 judges to retain its Best SUV crown.

‘The Sorento was our reigning champion in the fullsize SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last.”

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said “From the day of its launch we knew that the latest Sorento continued the car’s impressive record of delivering excellent goanywhere ability coupled with onroad sophistication at a great value price. Sorento has been a longtime favourite in the Kia range and its popularity amongst a wide variety of customers – from those who want on-road towing security or all-weather ability to the more adventurous owner who needs to head away from the main roads.

“I am delighted that Total 4x4 has again awarded Sorento its Best SUV accolade – especially in the face of so much impressive competition in what remains a hard-fought sector of the market,” he added.

The Total 4x4 awards issue was released Friday December 16.

January 2012 | Farming Monthly | 79