January 2018 farming monthly

INSIDE: New event comes to Stoneleigh: Dairy-Tech 2018 page 21

Farming

MONTHLY National

January 2018

Also in this issue...

Pests

| DIY mole control? Forget it! page 18

Ventilation is key for health Also inside this month..

According to DEFRA, approximately 160,000 calves die annually as a result of pneumonia and related illnesses page 10

New models for Polaris p46

Farm fire safety awareness p08

Mercedes X Class reviewed p50

PLUS: Arable | Slurry | Tyres| Pigs | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS January 2018

FEATURES 08

14

08 Feature Farm fire safety awareness

12 Buildings RIDBA Industry Day

18

23 Slurry

48

43 Education

New RDPE Grants available now on slurry spreading systems

28 LAMMA

NSC agrees merger

48 Tyres BKT at Agritechnica, Michelin AxioBib 2

Show preview

14 Arable Protecting the Winter Sprout, Long term Phosphorous research

18 Pests Forget DIY mole control!, Rodent control on farms

REGULARS 06 News bTB eradication strategy

40 Machinery Latest machinery news

20 Pigs UK pig stud secures biggest ever order to China

21 Livestock Dairy-Tech 2018

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10 On Topic Ventilation

24 Energy Latest energy news

44 ATV ATV news...covered.

50 Motors Mercedes X Class review, Dacia Duster

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50

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation....

p10

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ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Red Tractor founder awarded CBE

Bovine TB eradication strategy update

David Clarke, a founding member of Red Tractor Assurance, has been honoured with a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

NFU response.

et up in 2000 after the reputation of British food and farming had been devastated by a decade of food scares, Mr Clarke was the organisation’s first chief executive and led the scheme for 17 years.

During his tenure Red Tractor grew from nothing to the UK’s leading assurance scheme with 46,000 farm businesses in membership and £14bn of food bearing the Red Tractor logo.

The post was the final piece of a 50-year career spanning food and farming which saw him established as one of the UK’s leading authorities on food assurance.

He first worked in manufacturing in the Wall’s Meat Company before a 22-year stint in food service with the Forte Group in technical support and supply chain management roles.

“Providing people with safe, nutritious and affordable food is an enterprise with fundamental importance and it has been a privilege to work in food and farming for nearly five decades,” Mr Clarke said.

“My position with the Red Tractor scheme in the latter part of my career was especially rewarding.

“I think this honour only serves

inette Batters, NFU Deputy President, said: “The Chief Vet has said that this year’s results show badger control can be delivered successfully on a wider scale and that expansion into further areas will help achieve and maintain long-term disease control benefits across the area where the disease is rife. We will continue to offer help, advice and support to farmers who want to apply for a cull licence in these areas and where culling will have a beneficial impact on disease control.

“The Chief Vet has also reiterated that preventing infection of cattle from the significant reservoirs of TB infection in local badger populations is an essential component of the Government’s 25-year TB eradication strategy and that proactive culling remains the best available option to deal with the reservoir of disease in wildlife in these areas.

“No one has ever said culling alone will eradicate bovine TB. Only by using all the available options – cattle testing, cattle movement controls, on-farm biosecurity, and vaccination of badgers in areas on the edge of disease spread – will we stand a chance of controlling and eradicating this devastating

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to underline the importance of this national initiative to ensure good standards of production across the UK supply chain from farm to retail shelf.”

Armed with a small budget and a handful of staff, Mr Clarke grew Red Tractor to a business built on transparency, honesty and reliability.

He overcame government bureaucracy, industry politics and major media events such as the horsemeat scandal while convincing farmers, processors and retailers of the value of the Red Tractor logo.

“The future and especially Brexit will bring new challenges and opportunities for the Red Tractor team but I am confident they will be up to the task.

“Anything I have achieved was only possible with the help and support of the team and a wide range of colleagues across the industry. I am grateful to the many friends I worked with through the journey.”

Privately, Mr Clarke works tirelessly in his local community collecting and raising thousands of pounds for charity, most notably St Raphael’s Hospice in Sutton.

A CBE is the highest Order of the British Empire honour the Queen can bestow and Mr Clarke will receive his accolade in the New Year.

06 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

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disease, which led to more than 29,000 cattle being slaughtered in England last year.

“The introduction of default sixmonthly testing in the high risk area is a logical step, given that the frequency of testing has been increased in the edge area. We still seek assurances from Defra that when this is introduced they will have the capacity to implement it, to ensure farmers are not punished for non-compliance if they are unable to get a vet out on farm to do a bTB test because noone is available.

“We are disappointed that Defra has decided to press ahead with restricting compensation for cattle which are unclean when presented for slaughter. We have concerns over how this policy will be implemented and managed and will be seeking clarity from Defra on the detail behind this and also the changes to the rules around the delayed slaughter of pregnant cattle which test positive for bTB. “The introduction of new compensation arrangements for non-bovine species will provide some certainty and security to farmers who previously would have received little or no compensation for animals they lost to bTB which could have had significant implications for the future of their businesses.”

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| News

Brexit could result in shift towards organic products BREXIT could result in more Scottish farmers switching their attention towards organic production, according to a leading land expert. alcolm Taylor, Head of Land Management at Bell Ingram, believes that continuing uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote, coupled with the likely elevated environmental constraints introduced post-EU breakup, will make organic farming a more attractive option.

He feels that the growing evidence of consumer-led demand for organic and ‘superfood’ products will lead to more farmers focussing on the attractions of organic production.

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In the UK, sales of organic foods grew by 7.1 percent in September Malcolm said: “There is no secret that organic farming is not for everybody, but with Brexit uncertainty, budget cuts and pressure on inputs, there might be an opportunity for increased organic production.

“There has already been a rapid growth in the establishment of blueberries in Angus, which reflects the interest in so called super fruits and healthy living.

“I am not advocating a complete swing to alternative production but with careful marketing, it might be that there is an expanding niche for organic production.”

Malcolm recently spent two weeks in Minnesota, and explored how other farmers employed different techniques in their areas.

Organic sales in Minnesota rank

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ninth in the US, with huge growth in the sector which is reflected across the country.

Back across the pond, in the UK, sales of organic foods grew by 7.1 percent in September.

The growing trend for health foods, coupled with the fact that farmers are likely to have to pay far more attention to environmental issues to qualify for subsidies post-Brexit, mean that many may consider cultivating organic produce.

Water quality rules are likely to become stricter, so a reduction in fertiliser and sprays will make organic production a more attractive option. In addition, good sward management will be the key to profitable cattle and sheep finishing.

Malcolm continued: “Cost control is going to be ever more important post-Brexit.

“We are going to have to be more creative and adventurous, and if organic production grows, who knows what might follow?

“More free-range poultry and pigs, GM crops, minimum tillage for crops? What is clear, is that we can’t do something simply because it’s always been done that way.

“What Brexit has created is the drive for all of us to need to look at what we do and how and why we do it.”

Established 117 years ago, Bell Ingram has 130 professional staff across 11 UK offices including: farm, estate and forestry managers; chartered surveyors, estate agents, architects, planners, and building surveyors; and tourism, GIS mapping, and renewable energy specialists.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 07

| Feature

East Devon dairy farmer speaks out to raise awareness of farm fire safety One April evening last year, fourth generation East Devon dairy farmer Henry Gent went to bed as normal, only to be woken by one of his farm hands at 5am informing him that his dairy parlour was on fire. n electrical fault had caused the blaze which destroyed the electrics leading into the milking parlour at Mosshayne Farm, West Clyst, near Exeter, meaning Henry was faced with 300 cows which needed milking, with no means of milking them.

Three fire engines and six fire fighters attended the farm to deal with the fire’s aftermath. The ensuing hours were crucial to what was transpired to be a relatively smooth recovery: ruling out the possibility of being able to track down an alternative available parlour and locate some 15 lorries to transport the cows there, locally based electricians acted fast, sourcing a generator so that five hours later, milking could get underway, potentially saving the lives of the cows, who were thankfully out in the fields at the time.

Henry, whose great grandparents first ran the farm, which was certified organic in 2001, said the immediate support from leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, through which he made a subsequent, successful £38,000 claim, was invaluable.

The 59-year-old’s claim contributed to the total £4.6m

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worth of farm fire insurance claims made in the south west in 2016; the fourth highest amount in the UK. According to NFU Mutual, this figure is down 14 per cent from £5.4m in 2015, but despite the decline, the farm insurance specialists are keen to warn farmers that fire remains one of the greatest hazards to their livelihoods.

In 2016, the most common cause of farm fires was electrical faults, which were responsible for almost half of fire claims. Arson was the next most common cause.

In 2014 the company set up the Farm Safety Foundation to support farmers to work safely and continues to raise awareness about keeping farm fire safe.

Henry, who grew up at Mosshayne Farm, is a former chairman of the National Farmers Union’s Exeter branch and is a local assessor for the NFU Mutual, proving no one is immune from accidents, however experienced.

“It was a shock but it could have been far worse,” he said. “I remember feeling terrified when an electrician said that we would not be able to milk at the farm that day and probably not for week, because the mains electric supply would not be restored quickly, and all cables leading to the motors

08 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

were destroyed.

“It would have been a disaster to leave the cows unmilked because the freshly calved cows would have been in pain and leaking milk, leading to the risk of infection from open teat ducts.

“Infection would lead to mastitis and the risk of permanent damage to the udders, illness, loss of yield, treatment costs, even mortality.

“So, it was crucial to get them milked, and we had to act fast to get electricians working on supplying the machines from an emergency generator.”

Henry said his electrics were around 20 years old, and is therefore encouraging other farmers to get their electrics checked out more regularly.

In addition to the electrics being ruined, the parlour was partially destroyed and consequential loss included 7,000 litres of milk going to waste during the wait for electricity to the refrigerators to be reinstalled. It took around four months for farm operations to return to normal.

Ten years prior, on November 5, Henry’s farm suffered another fire; a fire which started amid straw in his Dutch barn spread to the silage clamp it was housing, and the tyres laid on top caught on fire.

Around £15,000 damage was caused. Unfortunately, Henry had

Devon farmer Henry Gent of Mosshayne Farm, Westclyst, Exeter

opted not to insure the silage clamp due to its perceived low risk, so bore the brunt of the costs himself, learning a hard lesson in the process.

“The attitude of NFU Mutual was integral to ensuring we could get on with the necessary response effort and get the cows milked so the outcome wasn’t far worse,” he said of the response to the recent fire. “There was no quibbling by the representatives which could have impacted negatively on the whole situation.

“Instead, they endorsed the decisions we made to ensure a swift response, and were incredibly supportive throughout.”

Chris Roberts, NFU Mutual South West Regional Manager, added: “We are pleased to have assisted with the immediate response to Henry’s fire to ensure its impact wasn’t much worse.

“The scale of farm fire claims shows how important it is to take all possible steps to prevent fires breaking out, and to have clear plans to evacuate people and livestock safely in the event of a fire while having the right sort of fire extinguishers maintained in good order so you can fight small fires safely.”

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| News

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January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), approximately 160,000 calves die annually as a result of pneumonia and related illnesses, causing a potential loss of £99 million to the sector. neumonia is one of the biggest issues that calf rearers can face. Due to their weakened immune systems, weaned calves are more vulnerable to contracting viruses, such as bovine respiratory syncytical virus, bovine virus 1, bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza-3-virus , bovine coronavirus and lungworm; all of which contribute to calves contracting pneumonia.

The illness can result in serious implications that impact the calf’s welfare, causing loss of form and stunted growth, which both contribute to poorer yields and productivity. If additional conditions are present it may also lead to lower food conversion rates, laboured breathing and stress.

Someone who understands the seriousness of calf pneumonia first-hand is calf rearer and BBC Young Farmer of the Year 2012, Rhys Lewis, who deals with pneumonia at his family-

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run farm in West Glamorgan, South Wales.

A problem with pneumonia As an experienced calf rearer, Rhys has an average turnaround of 70 to 80 calves every few weeks. However, last year when Rhys came to move 50 young stock into another shed, he noticed that something was seriously wrong.

One week into the relocation, Rhys was forced to call on his local vet who concluded that his stock had contracted pneumonia. At risk of losing his young calves, immediate action was taken to vaccinate every calf and treat them with a dose of antibiotics and antiinflammatories.

These unexpected vet bills had an instant financial effect, which Rhys knew could be catastrophic should a serious outbreak of pneumonia occur again.

Air – out with the old and in with the new It is well-known that cattle housed in sheds with bad ventilation are far more susceptible to

infection, as places that have stagnant and stale air, retain bacteria and viruses, which are passed on to livestock.

Local vet, Gareth Mulligan, commented: “Pneumonia is probably one of the biggest problems that calf rearers can come up against. It has major implications, not just in terms of the welfare of the calves but also in terms of reduced weight gain. Preventing calves from getting pneumonia is an essential element to good calf rearing practice, and I believe that ventilation plays an important role in reducing pneumonia. However, it is vital that this ventilation is with fresh air and without draughts.”

Rhys therefore decided to test the air movement in the building using smoke pellets.

This simple test showed that the smoke was not being removed quick enough, which highlighted a ventilation issue that needed to be addressed immediately to prevent further

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| On Topic

problems with pneumonia.

In order to keep his cattle at their healthiest, Rhys needed a solution that would allow the built-up warm, stagnant air to escape from the building, whilst allowing fresh air to be introduced in a controlled manner. It was at this point that Rhys contacted a fellow farmer who recommended agricultural ventilation specialist, Hydor.

Ventilation Sock System Through discussions between Rhys and Robin Hibberd, a electrical, mechanical and commissioning Engineer at Hydor, it was decided that a Ventilation Sock System would be a worthwhile investment.

Robin, commented: “In all cattle sheds it is essential that the building has a continual airflow to allow the fresh air to enter into the shed and mix, which will encourage the warm air to come up and go out through the roof unit – this is precisely what the Ventilation Sock

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System does.

“Fitted above animal height, the plastic ducting contains small openings which allows air to disperse evenly to deliver a constant, but gentle, supply of fresh air and ensures even temperatures – regardless of outside weather conditions. By providing fresh air direct to the animals, the system can be linked to temperature and humidity sensors which adjust the volume of air accordingly through the ducting.

“With limited disruption to the livestock, the easy to install, low running cost system, allows the causes of respiratory infection, such as condensation and damp, to be eliminated quickly and effectively.”

A success story Rhys commented: “I’ve seen a significant reduction in vet bills, from treating calves with pneumonia. Since installing the new ventilation system we are treating 1 in 70 calves compared

to 1 in 10 previously. Having the ability to control air flow is a huge benefit and I can now adjust the environment to ensure the best possible conditions for my livestock.

“I’m hoping to expand the business and double-up the system, so I’ll definitely be using Hydor’s Ventilation Sock System in the next shed too.

“Working with Hydor means that I also have a designated person at the end of the phone 24 hours a day, should another issue occur.”

Robin added: “The Hydor Ventilation Sock System delivers the fresh air that is essential for creating a well-ventilated shed, whilst not causing a chill for the calves. It’s fantastic to see that Rhys now has visibly happier and healthier calves.”

To find out more about Hydor’s HVSS Sock System offering, please visit hydor.co.uk

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Buildings

RIDBA Launches its first Industry Day! Following the success of the RIDBA Building Awards which took place earlier this year, RIDBA is delighted to announce its flagship event for 2018. he RIDBA Industry Day will take place on Thursday 15 March 2018 at the Jaguar Experience in Castle Bromwich, near Birmingham. Members will hear from high-profile experts across the industry, as well as get the opportunity to go behind the scenes on the Jaguar Manufacturing Tour.

RIDBA has listened to its members, arranging an impressive line-up of key industry speakers, covering the following topics that members asked to hear more about.

• Director of Livestock Management Systems, Jamie

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Robertson BSc MSc MIAgrE, will discuss building design and animal welfare. Jamie is an expert in research and development projects, examining the link between environment and animal health.

• Tony Mitchell, HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety at HSE, will speak about CDM Regulations. Tony has worked in HSE for 24 years and was formerly the HSE representative on the BSI Farm Buildings Committee.

• Paul Grimshaw, Regional Manager from Kingspan, will present their CPD on: ‘Not all Insulation is the same’.

• Dr Martin Heywood, RIDBA Technical Consultant, will speak about the latest technical news.

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Martin is a specialist in the structural engineering of agricultural and industrial steel framed buildings.

The Industry Day will also incorporate the RIDBA AGM, where a new RIDBA Chairman will be announced.

The afternoon experience will give guests a unique opportunity to see the makings of a premium British brand, with a VIP manufacturing tour of their stateof-the-art production facility. Led by expert hosts, guests will experience the pioneering craftsmanship and logistics that go into building Jaguar’s luxury vehicles. Guests will see first-hand how the robot army rivets and bonds in perfect sync, and how

each vehicle goes from primer to base colour to lacquer. The tour will round off what should be a fantastic day.

RIDBA Chairman James Anthony said: “It has been a pleasure to be the chairman of RIDBA over the last few years and to see how much we have grown as an organisation, through our commitment to members and the association. The Industry Day reflects this growth, and will bring industry experts and our members together under the roof of successful brand, Jaguar.”

Thank you to our sponsors: Kingspan, Marley Eternit and Hadley Group for their support of RIDBA’s very first Industry Day.

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| Buildings

New service picks up piggery problems Eight months without a piggery fan working. Easy to spot? No! Fans are often set to work in sequence and may be idle for pre-determined periods – which was why an East Anglian farmer failed to notice it. However, this fault was picked up by professional analysis of the data provided by the farm’s monitoring system. new “pro-active” service being offered by ARM Buildings is now routinely picking up malfunctions such as these and also alerting pig farmers when their piggeries need servicing.

“Our Barn Report Pro monitoring system has proved to be extremely popular but farmers don’t always study the data provided in enough detail, so can miss vital clues when something is not quite right in their piggeries,” commented Tim Miller, ARM’s environmental specialist.

Recently, many farms have been visited for physical testing of air pressure, inlet speeds and other key functions on houses that have been running for a few years.

This has then been compared with data from the monitoring printouts.

“We found a good correlation and now all ARM sites are being checked by undergraduate-onplacement, Liv Hartshorn, on a daily basis. Farmers are contacted if there is a problem. Sometimes it

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is as simple as the cables stretching so the inlets don’t open sufficiently,” said Tim. “Detailed pressure-testing and

other checks are carried out when new piggeries are commissioned, but piggery ventilation systems need regular servicing and we can

pick up when this is overdue,” he added.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

Pregnancy test science could protect the Christmas sprout The science behind the home-pregnancy test is now being trialled to detect the presence of diseases, which can devastate fields of vegetable crops, including the Christmas sprout. urrent trials are underway to help protect crops of Brassicas – sprouts, broccoli, cabbage – and onions, which generated more than £356 million for UK agriculture last year. Diseases including ring spot, light leaf spot and downy mildew are being monitored.

Ring spot in Brassicas is a foliar disease, which if not treated can lead to the loss of 30 per cent of crop.

The test, known as a lateral flow device (LFD), picks up the presence of infective spores carried in the air around crops in the field. Used alongside weather data, test results could indicate how likely a disease is to develop, allowing growers to decide if crop protection methods are needed or not.

Further development work is underway, so growers can gain immediate results, without needing to send samples to laboratories for further testing. The project is the result of an industry partnership between growers, AHDB Horticulture, Warwickshire College and Mololgic Ltd. AHDB Senior Scientist Cathryn Lambourne, said: “When it’s fully developed this simple lowcost tool, allowing growers to test whether there is a risk of diseases developing on their

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crops, will help prevent significant financial losses and reduce the need to use conventional methods to protect their crops.

“Over the last four years we’ve been developing the lateral flow device test, demonstrating how simple and effective it is, to give growers the confidence to rely on the results and make appropriate decisions for their business.”

Carl Sharp Agronomist at the Allium and Brassica Centre, said: “This could be a big game changer for growers. If we can get kit like this developed to take out with us, within ten minutes of walking into a field, growers will have results which show what they need to do to protect their crops.”

Downy mildew in onions can cause damage of up to 50 per cent of individual crops if severe and, in a particularly bad year, the whole industry could see crop losses of up to 25 per cent. This same disease could wipe out a whole field of salad onion, with one hectare worth around £30,000.

Euan Alexander, Kettle Produce, Field Operations Manager added: “The long period between the disease affecting the crop and the symptoms appearing, which are a characteristic of many of the diseases tested, can lead to devastating diseases becoming

established in crops turning them into waste.

“Using these tests will allow us to select the appropriate fungicide and time application as part of our crop management strategy, before the disease renders any of the crops unmarketable.”

In addition to the common pregnancy test, LFDs are used to detect human diseases including colo-rectal cancer, cardiac issues and drug abuse screening.

The LFD tests are also being developed to detect for other plant diseases. The AHDB is funding the University of Worcester to develop lab tests and LFDs to test for oomycete pathogens, which cause diseases like blight and sudden oak death. Primarily testing is focused on root, stem and crown rots caused

by Pythium and the Phytophthora species, commonly known as ‘the plant destroyer’, which can affect a range of crops.

Through the same funding, Warwickshire Colleges and Stockbridge Technology Centre are developing and testing two LFDs to test glasshouse air samples for powdery mildew and gummy stem blight, which affect cucumber crops. Canker in apple tree crops is being investigated in a separate research programme.

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| Arable

Long-term phosphorus research yields ‘unexpected’ results Can soil phosphorus (P) levels be reduced in a way that maintains or even enhances yields? Can the efficiency of P fertilisers be increased? And can crop P sufficiency be monitored more reliably? hese key questions are all being considered by a longterm collaborative research effort – which is providing answers but also its fair share of new questions too.

At the 2017 AHDB Agronomists’ Conference, ADAS’ Roger Sylvester-Bradley outlined intriguing findings from P research and asked growers to participate in a free Grain Nutrition Benchmarking survey.

Patience begins with ‘P’ Compared with the fast-paced world of plant protection, the P world moves relatively slowly, according to Roger. Soil P levels run down relatively slowly and this means experimentation on this essential crop nutrient requires a great deal of patience.

Best practice for P is detailed in RB209 and the guidance is relatively straightforward – for cereals and oilseeds, soil should be analysed every three to five years and maintained at P Index 2.

The key thing to observe in RB209 is the guidance treats all soil as the same but it is known that soils differ in behaviour – ‘especially calcareous soils needing annual P,’ said Roger.

Although there must be an interaction between P and the soil environment, creating the robust data sets to prove this is somewhat difficult.

What is clear, however, is more P runs off the land at Index 2, or higher, than at Index 1, and P is the largest cause of failure, when it comes to achieving the targets set by the Water Framework Directive.

With around 75 per cent of UK arable land at P Index 2 or more, it goes without saying that the current blanket recommendation results in costly inputs going down the drain, rather than being taken up by the crop.

Can soil P levels be reduced in a way that maintains or even enhances yields?

At the conference, Roger provided a comprehensive summary of a large collaborative research effort that investigates ways to reduce the soil P index – to save money, enhance/maintain yields and protect the environment.

Data from SOYL showed the scale of the challenge. The data (around 6000 data points) was from 36 farms with a known history. Based on soil P analysis (mg/l), these farms had a

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range of starting P values. The farms, which did not use organic manures, followed an RB209 strategy to home in on Index 2. The results were unexpected: P levels increased on most farms.

Roger said that the data behind the averages ‘shows a lot of variability and this highlights how much care is needed in managing and interpreting soil P analyses’.

Other long-term experiments, at four arable sites (two in the East and two in the West), where no P had been applied for six to seven years, also showed very little run-down in soil P, whereas the half-life of P is meant to be nine years. Clearly, further work is required to get to the bottom of the P puzzle.

Can the efficiency of P fertilisers be increased?

Looking at the efficiency of P fertilisers, Roger said research, conducted on ten sites at soil P Index 1 with above-average yielding crops, showed, on average, that 80 per cent of crop P requirements were met from soil P, with the rest coming from fertiliser. The average recovery from fresh broadcast Triple Superphosphate (TSP), however, was just four per cent, which is clearly not good enough, if farmers are to work at lower soil P indices.

Placement of P fertilisers had no effect on P recovery by the crop, although it seemed to help crops establish resulting in some small yield benefits (four times out of ten) in the spring crops (barley and potatoes) trialled. The yield benefit, however, was not observed in winter crops (wheat and oilseed rape).

AVAIL ®-treated TSP, which provides a slower release of P gave no consistent benefits.

Struvite, an inorganic by-product of sewage treatment, which also releases P more slowly, only gave a small increase in P recovery – ‘recoveries were still below ten per cent’.

Can crop P sufficiency be monitored more reliably?

Careful soil sampling and analysis can provide good information on the soil availability of nutrients for crops and leaf analysis can reveal whether the uptake of nutrients is sufficient at one point in time. But monitoring grain P could provide a complementary nutrient monitoring technique, particularly, according to Roger, as it provides information on whether crops got enough nutrient through the season, as well as providing more accurate information on nutrient offtakes.

The relationship between Grain P (mg/kg) and grain yield has been investigated.

Evidence suggests a grain P of around 3200mg/kg is a good ‘critical threshold’, as yields stop increasing above it. Interestingly, this offtake is less than RB209 suggests (4000mg/kg, equivalent to 7.8kg/t of moist grain) and could, at least in part, explain why the rundown of soil P is less than expected.

Data from the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), revealed that only 17 per cent of grain samples had more P than the RB209 value, whereas 24 per cent had less P than the possible critical value – suggesting insufficient P could have constrained yield.

With grain P analysis showing potential, Roger announced that AHDB and Yara are sponsoring a free YEN Grain Nutrition Benchmarking survey (find out more), which is open to all farms that can assure grain origin and provide relevant soil analysis information.

In the first instance, the survey will look at any cereal crop harvested in 2017.

The samples will be analysed for P and all other essential nutrients (excluding Molybdenum). Participants will receive a report in spring 2018 for each sample entered, along with information on how each sample compared to the total number analysed.

Roger concluded by saying all of the new evidence on P would be used to inform revisions of the AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209).

Taking place on 5 to 6 December 2017 at Peterborough Arena, the AHDB Agronomists' Conference focused on how the industry is working together to protect the sustainability of the production of cereals, oilseeds and potatoes.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Arable

Richardson Milling eyes spring oat rewards Richardson Milling (UK) ltd, the Canadian conglomerate that bought Bedford-based European Oat Millers earlier this year, is seeking growers of good quality spring oats as consumer demand continues to grow. upply for the human consumption market is currently dominated by the winter variety Mascani, but after a successful first year of trials with the spring oat variety, WPB Elyann, Richardson Milling has tapped the growing interest in spring crops by offering contracts for the 2018 harvest.

Brin Hughes, the firm’s agronomy manager, says interest in WPB Elyann improved after a positive on-farm results in 2017 and better than

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average hulling losses for a spring variety. This was further supported with seed rate and fertiliser trials performed in conjunction with KWS demonstrating that competitive yields could be produced with good hullabillity and without excessive screenings.

“WPB Elyann is the only spring oat we have tested with hulling losses consistently lower than the 30% desired limit. We already knew it had the necessary kernel content, but hullability is the most important factor determining a variety’s suitability for milling for human

consumption and we are pleased with the commercial samples we have seen so far from harvest 2017,” says Brin Hughes.

“Our first commercial crop, grown on light soils outside Cambridge in 2017, produced an average yield of 6.88t/ha with screenings of 4.6% and we believe there is scope to improve on these figures further as future trials continue to examine fertiliser timings and seed rates,” he adds.

Map of Agriculture merges with Precision Prospecting Map of Agriculture, a leading provider of insight and knowledge to Farmers, AgProfessionals and AgBusinesses, has completed its merger with Precision Prospecting. stablished in 1993, Precision Prospecting is a pioneer in agricultural market research and industry information. Their comprehensive range of services is supported with independent and continuously updated insight on over 74,000 farms.

The Precision Prospecting team brings a wealth of knowledge, talent and experience adding around 50 professionals to the global Map of Agriculture team.

By combining both Precision Prospecting and Map of Agriculture specialist teams, along with considerable investment in innovation, Map of Agriculture is excited about the added value this merger will bring to its platforms and portfolio of services.

Map of Agriculture CEO Forbes Elworthy said “Our purpose is to empower Farmers, AgProfessionals and AgBusinesses to make better data-driven decisions. Precision Prospecting’s industry knowledge and expertise in market research is key to achieving this.”

Jim Williams, Managing Director for Precision Prospecting added, “This is a very exciting time for our company and clients.

Whilst we will continue to provide our existing suite of services, joining Map of Agriculture has allowed us to expand our global territories into Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.”

Founded in 2012 by New Zealand farmer, Forbes Elworthy, Map of Agriculture is a pioneer in agricultural analytics and modelling technology. They have offices in the UK, Argentina and New Zealand.

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16 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

RAGT targets Scotland’s key spring barley market Scotland’s cereal sector may be small but it is a key target for plant breeders who value the long life that varieties have, thanks to a unique mix of grower expertise and market pull. peaking at a recent briefing in Edinburgh, Simon Howell, managing director of RAGT Seeds, said plant breeding companies needed commercial longevity in their varieties to help fund research and development of new material.

Although Scotland’s cereal area is relatively small, accounting for about 460,000ha of the UK’s 3.1m ha total, varieties tend to have a longer lifespan than the three to four years typically seen south of the border.

Concerto spring barley, for example, was recommended in 2009 but remains a firm favourite among growers, as does soft wheat Leeds, recommended in 2014. “if you can get a variety established in Scotland it is likely to be around a lot longer.

Once farmers are confident in a variety’s genetics, they trust that variety,” said Mr Howell.

“To break into the Scottish spring barley market, we have to find varieties that deliver high yields but with Concerto’s quality. As

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breeders, we are all striving for that quality – farmers need varieties that can have a readymade home.”

A newly recommended spring barley from RAGT could fit the bill, said Mr Howell. RGT Asteroid is creating strong interest in the seed trade and among end users in Scotland, and is under test for malt and grain distilling as well as brewing.

This, makes it the only variety on the 2018 RL with the potential to suit all three end markets, said Mr Howell.

The variety is not the highest yielding on the list, but is 9 points ahead of long-standing favourite Concerto and close to Laureate, the two varieties that will take most of the malt distilling barley area this season.

“Like Concerto, RGT Asteroid produces good quality grain with a high hot water extract, but delivers significantly higher yields in the field,” said Mr Howell.

Distillers will carry out micro-tests on grain harvested in 2018, with results expected in spring 2019.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

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January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Pests

DIY Mole Control? Forget it!

Iain Turner (National Pest Technicians Association) ot so long ago, controlling moles was a doddle. You went along to Boots and bought a small pot of strychnine (signing the Poison Book of course!) for a few pounds, then you caught a few earth worms, dipped them in the strychnine and put them into the mole run. Job done.

But when the Biocides Directive came along and Boots didn’t want to invest the millions of Euros that would have been needed to somehow prove that strychnine was ‘safe, effective and humane’, (which it wasn’t of course). So that particular biocide disappeared.

Which meant, if you had moles, you had to pop along to the farm store to buy a £30 flask of ‘gas’ to do the job. You dropped a couple of pellets of aluminium phosphide into the mole run and Bob was indeed your uncle! It was useful if you had rabbits or rats as well.

But then the Home Office got worried about terrorists getting hold of the stuff, so things had to be tightened up.

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18 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

Firstly, you had to get properly trained and assessed in using aluminium phosphide and be issued with a certificate if you wanted to buy the stuff. That’s about £250.

Then you had to be kitted up with a proper applicator (£120 + VAT) and a full face respirator with the right cartridges. That’s another £150 or so + VAT! And now, you’ll also have to buy a special gas meter to show that there’s no gas left at the end of the treatment – another £500 + VAT! And you can’t use it against rats any more!

So a job that you could equip yourself for just a few quid now needs an initial outlay of well over £1,000, plus a day off work for training, plus all the paperwork that needs to be filled in for each job, plus the time, effort and cost of dealing with the disposal of empty gas flasks.

I think it’s fair to say that DIY mole control is a thing of the past.

Of course you could try using traps.

However, if you’ve ever tried to catch a mole with traps, you’ll quickly learn that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. And what if

you’ve several fields to deal with?

Ask yourself, are you a farmer, or a mole catcher?

There are, of course, professional mole catchers who will do the work for you. They may even have invested in using ‘gas’, which in some cases will do the job quicker. But how do you find them?

Of course, there’s ‘Old Joe’ (or whatever he’s called down your way), who goes to the pub and ‘does yer moles’ for his beer money.

Or you could use a professional, who can not only prove he’s been trained but is also properly insured. You wouldn’t want to risk an uninsured person working on your land now would you?

The National Pest Technicians Association has over 1,000 member companies throughout the UK, many of whom are experienced at dealing with moles – and indeed, most other pests. All you have to do is ring our office at 01773 717 716, or email office@npta.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch with a few of your nearest mole catchers.

Sorted.

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| Pests

Rodent Control on Farms 2018 Rodenticide Compliance for 11 Assurance Schemes The Busters Group’s is now offering a new course called Rodent Control on Farms to meet the changes in UK law this LANTRA accredited training can be delivered at our centre in Kings Norton, Birmingham or at your premises.

Eleven assurance schemes with combined memberships of 95,000 farm businesses will be compliant with the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime for 2018.

ur new Rodenticides training course meets the changes in law for the United Kingdom regarding the purchase and use of Rodenticides. We are one of a very few in England who are able to deliver these one-day LANTRA certificated course, Rodent control on Farms.

This course will train your staff or yourself in best practice for preventative controls, as well as raising awareness to monitor activity and spot the first signs to take action.

Gain a Certificate from an approved training programme and awarding organisation confirming professional competence.

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From April 2017 new regulations for buying and using rodenticides, which means nonproffesionals, will now need a certificate of competence.

SAVE TIME by learning how to keep rodent numbers down on your property – and even how to eliminate them.

SAVE MONEY on wasted bait and avoid the thousands of pounds worth of damage rodents cause to stock, such as food products, grain, meal and bales.

REDUCE RISK to staff, yourself and to public health.

Ring now on 01564 829752 or e: admin@thebustersgroup.co.uk Price is £85.00 per person plus VAT (Inc Refreshments)

hey are: • AIC’s Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops British Egg Industry Council’s Lion code • Duck Assurance Scheme • Farm Assured Welsh Livestock • Laid in Britain • Northern Ireland Beef & Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Cereals Quality British Turkey • Quality Meat Scotland • Red Tractor Farm Assurance • Scottish Quality Crops Farmers presenting their membership document at sales outlets as proof of competence will continue to be able to purchase stewardship-label professional rodenticides from 1 January onwards. The audit standards of all 11 assurance schemes have been verified for compliance with stewardship conditions and the CRRU UK Code of Best Practice, which broadly require a systematic approach to rodent pest control, with documentation and regular independent audit procedures.

In parallel, sellers of professional use rodenticides to pest controllers, farmers and gamekeepers are required by 31 December to have registered for a stewardship point-of- sale audit.

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Administered by BASIS Registration, this requires authorisation holders (i.e. rodenticide manufacturers) to ensure UK sellers of their professional use products pass the audit and maintain this standard for the future.

Farmers outside the approved schemes have three rodenticide use options: 1) Take an approved training course* and show the certificate when purchasing rodenticide. 2) Employ a certified professional pest controller. 3) Use rodenticide products authorised for amateur use. *http://www.thinkwildlife.org/list-oftraining-and-certification/ The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK reports to HSE and other Government Departments on rodenticide stewardship implementation.

CRRU chairman Dr Alan Buckle says this combination of farm assurance and point-of-sale control helps ensure the entire supply chain is correctly implementing stewardship measures.

“This will make a significant contribution to enabling continued access by competent users to professional use rodenticides for the future,” he emphasises.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Pigs

UK pig stud secures biggest ever export order to China The UK has received its largest ever export order from China for frozen boar semen, in a deal which also involves training Chinese staff in artificial insemination (AI) and semen handling. eerpark Pedigree Pigs in Northern Ireland has secured the order which will ship in January and be followed by further consignments over the months and years ahead.

The order has come off the back of extensive work on the part of brothers, Nigel and Robert Overend, who own the Deerpark Stud, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK Tag, the export arm of the British Pig Association (BPA).

Over the years, the Overend family has perfected the process of freezing pig semen, a product with which their top-performing customers are now achieving conception rates as high as 100 per cent.

Freezing boar semen to reach this level of performance has eluded the pig industry for many years, but the Overend family was early to adopt the process and has spent decades fine-tuning bestpractice techniques for freezing, thawing and inseminating the semen.

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Although their freezing process remains a closely-guarded secret within their Londonderry-based company, the brothers are now in keen demand around the world to provide tuition in handling and insemination.

The most recent Chinese order for 2,000 straws will follow smaller shipments, in a sequence of events which is typical for the company when new customers come on board.

“This customer started with a small order of 100 straws in order to test the water,” says Nigel Overend. “When they were confident they would achieve high conception rates, they moved on to much larger orders.”

Semen from these shipments will be largely destined for Chinese multiplication units which produce high genetic merit breeding stock for commercial herds.

“In many cases, the technicians trained by Deerpark are achieving conception rates far beyond anything they have had from any other country before,” adds Robert Overend.

The most recent order to China is the third the brothers will have

shipped to the same company and one of many orders which have recently been destined for the Far East. Others include a significant order which left the UK for Thailand last month.

Further interest in Deerpark comes from the rare and minority breeds which are banked at the stud alongside the commercially important Large White and British Landrace.

This stems from the fact that the British Pig Association and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) have designated the Deerpark Stud as the centre for their breed conservation programmes. This means orders can also be fulfilled for breeds such as the Large Black, Berkshire, Gloucestershire Old Spots, British Lop, Middle White and Oxford Sandy & Black.

In total, the company has seen a 300 per cent increase in its frozen semen sales over the past two years. A large proportion of this growth is attributed to export orders, a demand which has developed following the company’s ongoing presence at international trade events.

Events the brothers have

attended include Viv Asia in Thailand, World Pork Expo in the USA and Agrilink in the Philippines. Their presence at these and other exhibitions has been supported by the BPA, the UK government’s DIT as well as embassies around the world.

“The DIT and the BPA have been hugely important in supporting the UK presence at these events,” says Mr Overend.

“They set up the stands and provide interpreters, and we just turn up with the information about our product.

“It’s proven to be very successful for us and with the uncertainty over Brexit, it will be more important in the future to be seen on the international stage,” he says.

As a result of the significant increase in demand, Deerpark Pedigree Pigs is now undergoing expansion of its current stud and existing pig units.

Pig keepers warned not to feed kitchen scraps to pigs due to African Swine Fever risk Pig keepers are being reminded not to feed kitchen scraps to their animals to prevent outbreaks of animal disease. he warning comes after the risk level of African swine fever entering the UK was raised over the summer following the spread of the disease in Eastern and Central Europe.

There has never been a case of African swine fever in the UK and it does not affect humans, but it is potentially fatal to pigs. If the disease were to reach the UK it could have a devastating effect on our export market and would also mean the humane culling of pigs on infected premises to prevent further spread.

Keepers are being reminded it is illegal to feed catering waste of any description or domestic food waste to farm animals in the UK, including pigs kept as pets, as some of the outbreaks of African swine fever in Europe have been attributed to wild boar or domestic

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pigs consuming contaminated pork or pork products. Viruses such as foot and mouth disease could also be introduced to the UK through food products. This includes food from vegetarian kitchens, as there is still a risk of cross contamination from products of animal origin such as milk.

Strict hygiene measures are essential in preventing disease – people should not take meat or meat products into areas where pigs are kept and should only eat food in designated areas such as staff rooms or the farm kitchen. Pig keepers, farm staff and anyone in contact with pigs should wash their hands before and after eating or preparing food.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: “The introduction of African swine fever would have an enormous impact on our pig industry. No matter how many pigs

20 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

you keep, you need to be aware of the potential consequences of feeding waste food to your animals. Not only is it illegal, but you run the risk of spreading disease which could be fatal to your livestock.

“You can purchase a range of pig foods from your local agricultural merchant that can be safely fed to your pigs and which is the most reliable way of giving them a balanced diet. Good biosecurity is also essential for minimising disease risk, such as providing dedicated clothing and boots for workers and preventing vehicles which may be contaminated from entering pig premises.”

The UK suffered the consequences of pigs being fed illegal waste food in the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001.

That outbreak is thought to have originated from pigs being fed

catering waste containing the virus, which came from outside the UK. The outbreak resulted in the destruction of more than 10 million cattle and sheep and cost the UK many millions of pounds.

Chief Executive of the National Pig Association, Dr Zoe Davies, said: “The health of our pigs is fundamentally important to our sector. A notifiable disease outbreak would not only needlessly result in the loss of many pigs and annihilate our burgeoning export market, but would significantly impact on countless families, their staff, local businesses and tourism for months. Feeding illegal food waste, however harmless it might seem at the time, is just not worth the risk.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Brand new event: Dairy-Tech 2018 Dairy-Tech is taking place at Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 7 February. This brand new, one day event will showcase ground-breaking technology and innovation. It will inspire uptake of the latest science and field-based skills, introduce a fresh range of innovative products and services and pioneer new global concepts. he future of dairy farming relies on innovation, innovative changes and the development of technology and Dairy-Tech will reflect this with some brand new concepts. The event aims to answer questions including: What can satellite mapping offer farmers? How much potential do drones have to monitor cattle welfare? How can a better understanding of the complexities of genetics make a step change in herd performance? And what innovations could improve slurry management?

There are an extensive number of new products being brought to the event by exhibitors, with many entered in the Royal Dairy Innovation Award; these will be showcased on the innovation hub in a ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch to the judges.

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Tickets are now on sale; they cost £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk and are free for RABDF members.

The two speaker ‘hubs’ – innovation and dairy – will feature overseas and influential industry speakers who will deliver presentations and interactive workshops focusing on key topics relevant to the sector. Speakers will cover subjects such as drone mapping and the laws surrounding drone use; developments on automation and how these could answer the potential labour shortage; applied genomics for progressive dairies and how to bust the ever growing series of milk myths facing the industry.

The innovation hub has been designed to expand horizons, ways of thinking and introduce new concepts. Session formats will take that of interviews, new product launches and road-testing technology whilst highlighting the possible future options for dairy farms; can dairy farms really go ‘off grid’ and be sustainable? Can they print their own parts for essential machinery or the parlour? How can they reduce their carbon footprint? Or even float on a river? Sessions will focus on solutions for dairy farms that could be applied

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tomorrow or in ten years’ time. All presenters have been challenged to present in a novel way, reduce powerpoint slides, use props and engage with the audience.

Whilst the innovation hub is tech-focused, the dairy hub will offer advice, guidance, political insight, knowledge and take home messages for current problems experienced on dairy farms. Sessions will include forums, workshops and seminars focusing on antimicrobial resistance, the overseas labour shortage, organics, increasing profitability and farm health planning. Budding inventors and entrepreneurs will also be able to listen to funding advice here and learn how it is possible to turn an idea in to reality.

The show will house a tech-zone made up of small stands, allowing visitors to road-test new technology, products and services. These solutions will offer dairy farmers a glimpse of the technological revolution that is coming their way; there will also be a working 3D printer and virtual reality feature in this area.

Drone AG and Bexcopter will be showcasing their drones and highlighting just what they can offer a dairy business? In short the possibilities are endless; geo mapping, grass disease management, counting cattle.

There will be additional demonstrations during the day including a variety of automation from Lely. They will be demonstrating their Astronaut milking robot using six to eight halter trained cattle. Cows will be milked on the hour, every hour. The Vector and Juno will also be on show, completing the automation line up.

Lely’s brand new Discovery robotic scraper can also be found on the Lely exhibit – a product due to be released to the market in early 2019.

Visitors will also have the chance to observe the Hands Free Hectare kit in action (on screen) and ask the engineers from the Hands Free Hectare project questions surrounding their work, its aims, its future goals and its success to date. Hector the driverless tractor and their working drone will be based on stand I21.

Tickets are now on sale; they cost £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk and are free for RABDF members. All pre-bought tickets are eligible for our personalised itinerary service, a copy of which will be emailed out ahead of the event. The itineraries are in place

to ensure visitors utilise their time efficiently and will advise which exhibitors match up with the categories of interest they have outlined during registration as well as suggesting the most relevant seminars and workshops to attend.

The event opens at 8:00am and closes at 5:30pm and will be signed from all main routes; parking is on site and is free of charge.

For further information please visit www.dairy-tech.uk or call the office on 02476 639 317

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Livestock

Happy 1st Birthday to Monitor Farm Scotland!

Optimising farming systems has emerged as the stand out theme of the first year of the Monitor Farm Scotland programme. ach and every one of the nine farms in the programme is working hard to ensure they have the right systems in place for their farm, and are then reviewing elements with their farmer business groups to ensure they are as efficient as possible.

Nine monitor farms have been established in Scotland last year as part of a joint initiative by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds with funding from the Scottish Government. Monitor farms can be found in Nithsdale, Scottish Borders, North Ayrshire, Lothians, Angus, Lochaber, Morayshire, Sutherland and Shetland.

“It’s really heartening to see all our farms are making the most of this opportunity to ensure their enterprises are sustainable in the long-term,” said Gavin Dick, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Knowledge Exchange Manager.

He added: “Across the entire programme we are seeing practices reviewed and tightened up, both in arable and livestock, and all the farms have business groups which are benchmarking so they can compare both where they are performing strongly and also where they might be lagging behind.”

Many of the farms have focused on grass management, both in terms of grass quality and in the use of rotational grazing for both cattle and sheep. Sutherland Monitor Farm is one of the farms which has tested the nutritional quality of the grass itself, rather than focusing solely on the soil.

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Monitor farmer Victoria Ballantyne explains: “We are so reliant on our grass to provide almost everything our cattle and sheep need, we run a low input

system with animal performance coming almost entirely from forage so we need our grass to be high quality. Soil testing is important, but we wanted to better understand what the animals were actually eating and how we could improve it.”

Like grassland, soils have also been an important element for all nine farms with many carrying out work to improve the structure and nutrients in both pasture and arable soils, and many trying out the popular #soilmyundies experiment, burying cotton underpants and digging them up eight weeks later with more the degraded underpants indicating healthier soils.

Livestock management has also featured heavily this year with many farms assessing diet and nutrition, handling facilities, health, weaning and fertility.

The Angus Monitor Farm is currently considering fairly major changes to its herd and has been reviewing its breed, calving system, selling store or fat and the benefits of AI versus natural service.

Monitor Farmer Rob Stodart says: “I think 2018 will see changes to how we farm here at The Mill. We need to ensure we are working as efficiently as possible and we’re really open to new ideas and hearing other farmers’ experiences to help us decide the future of the herd.”

With such a plethora of farming issues up for debate and discussion it’s no surprise that the programme has attracted plenty of local interest; on average there are 53 attendees at each meeting with some farmers travelling up to two hours to be there.

QMS Head of Industry Development Doug Bell says he believes that programmes like

22 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

these provide vital support to farmers and growers building sustainable and productive businesses.

“Sharing information and best practice is at the heart of the programme. There is no doubt that the most effective knowledge exchange takes place between farmers. ‘Been there, done that’ experiences add credibility to messages which practical farmers really value,” said Mr Bell.

“The last 12 months have seen unprecedented levels of communication within and between the Monitor Farm community groups all with the common goal of improving the bottom line and long term sustainability,” He added.

Of course, becoming more productive and profitable is a key driver for many of the farmers and all nine Monitor Farms will be using the AHDB benchmarking system Farmbench over the coming months to better understand their figures and where they could make savings or add value.

Already the Borders Monitor Farm is looking at whether organic certification could provide a

premium as well as the possibility of bringing deer onto the farm, while other farms are looking at more targeted use of fungicides and fertilisers, improving scanning percentages, use of genetics and under sowing barley with grass to ensure they are making the most of their land and their livestock.

As is often the case with these initiatives the farmers are learning as much from other farmers as they learn from expert speakers, and indeed just bringing together the local farming community has big benefits, as Lochaber monitor farmer Chris Cameron says: “In the past we have kept ourselves to ourselves a bit, so it has been a big change having regular community group meetings, discussing our farm and how we do things openly, and being challenged to do things differently.

“But it’s been great, getting to know people, listening to their ideas and experiences, it’s the best part of being a Monitor Farmer.”

For more information about the Scottish monitor farm programme visit www.monitorfarms.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Slurry

New (RDPE) Grants available now on slurry spreading systems Greencrop offers a range of dirty water and slurry spreading solutions; to spread slurry/ waste/dirty water from livestock farms, washing plants and AD Plants. e can offer a range of pto driven and electric manual / full automatic irrigation pumps feeding static sprinklers or our Multicam mobile low volume dirty water irrigator, this unit can carry up to 350m of cable, wide 3 wheel frame for stability on undulating ground, twin ratchet system to cope with the strain, and a large 3 ball bearing rota head stock with folding booms as standard making the boom easer to turn with less drag as with bronze bushes. The

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machine has an adjustable 7 speed cam shaft by just moving a pin, plus a brake system that only comes on when it needs to so again less friction for the forward movement.

Multicam mobile low volume irrigators can normally apply between 6mm and 18mm per pull.

Application rates for our equipment can be adjusted from 4mm up to 30mm depending on the system.

Greencrop dirty water product range includes - PTO driven impellor or stator rotor pumps

- Electric single and three-phase submersible pump sets - Pump un Box horizontal stator rotor pumps with manual or full automatic control systems.

- Stand up sprinklers and sledge mounted irrigation rain guns - Multicam Low volume dirty water mobile irrigators New (RDPE) Grants available now on slurry spreading systems Greencrop umbilical product range Full range of slurry umbilical kit including pumps, reelers, splash plates, dribble bars, flow meters

and monitoring systems, Oroflex hose.

- High range engine driven hosereel irrigators and booms for spreading slurry.

Whatever your farming enterprise, Greencrop has something to offer you.

For further information or details of your nearest dealer, call Greencrop Irrigation on 01328 701992, Howard Chantry on 07881 787997, email howard@greencrop.co.uk, or visit www.greencrop.co.uk

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Energy

ADBA launches pioneering AD Certification Scheme at annual conference UK trade body the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA) has launched its pioneering AD Certification Scheme at the ADBA National Conference 2017 in London. he voluntary, industry-led scheme is designed to support operators of AD plants, including those based on farms, to improve their operational, environmental, and health and safety performance, in particular in terms of energy generation and digestate quality.

ADBA has developed the scheme, working closely with industry stakeholders including operators, developers, consultants, suppliers, insurers, regulators and other trade bodies related to the sector, who have all voiced their support for such a certification process. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and CLA have contributed to ensuring the scheme is suitable for farmers who operate AD plants.

The scheme includes detailed assessment criteria that will allow

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third-party certification bodies to verify the achievement of good practice at AD plants, and is the most comprehensive of its type.

The scheme pilot was completed in September this year, with one on-farm plant, one food waste plant, and one on-site plant for a food manufacturer taking part.

ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said: “Investing in an AD plant is a great way for farmers to diversify their income in the context of uncertainty over future support from government post Brexit. AD offers a treatment option for organic wastes such as manures, slurries, and vegetable off-cuts, producing on-site renewable heat and power, transport fuel for farm vehicles, and nutrient-rich biofertiliser. AD crops also give farmers a great option for crop rotation, helping to keep soils healthy and avoid the spread of

24 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

blackgrass and nematodes.

“ADBA’s new AD Certification Scheme defines good practice and enables on-farm AD plants to be recognised as meeting it. A

certification process is essential to ensuring that regulators, insurers and investors have confidence in the scheme, which offers AD operators a range of financial and

Opportunities for onfarm renewables Farmers and landowners who want to find out how investment in renewable energy technology stacks-up financially, are being encouraged to visit the Energy Now Expo on 7 and 8 February 2018. here are a number of current and future opportunities for farmers wishing to diversify their income stream,” explains David Jacobmeyer, director of the Energy Now Expo.

“Energy storage is set to be at the forefront of the industry in coming years,” he says. “Since the last Expo, battery technology has really taken off, with more affordable and effective solutions coming onto the market, which feature improved efficiency and reduced unit size.”

David adds that the recent budget announcement committing £100m of investment in the electric vehicle sector, indicates that farm vehicles of the future are likely to be powered by electricity.

“There are targets in place to remove diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040. And this, paired with the fact that 10,000 to 15,000 new tractors are sold in the UK each year, means the scope for the development of electric farm machinery is huge.”

Carbon challenge presents onfarm opportunity Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser for Renewable Energy and Climate Change at the NFU, explains that farmers could play a significant part in decarbonisation of the UK’s national heat supply.

“As the voice of British farming, the NFU has a desire to see profitable, resilient and diversified farm businesses through the transition to Brexit. Management of energy costs and investment in clean technology is a key part of this,” he explains.

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“With dramatic falls in the cost of solar PV, onshore and offshore wind, as well as battery energy storage technology, the prospect of complete decarbonisation of the UK's electricity supply is now in sight.”

However, he adds that there is still a huge challenge ahead to decarbonise Britain’s heat supply.

“There’s a requirement for large amounts of low-carbon gas to displace natural fossil gas, and this presents a great opportunity for farmers and landowners.

“An increased supply of agricultural feedstocks will be needed to fuel a growing biobased economy, including a large fleet of biomethane plants and new processes such as synthetic gas from biomass.”

As opening speaker and chair of the keynote session on day two of the Energy Now Expo on 7 and 8 February in Telford, Dr Scurlock explains that on-farm renewables remain an exciting and fast-moving sector in the coming year.

“The first electric tractors may be on sale in Europe as early as 2018, and the escalating energy demands of battery cars could create opportunities for farmers to host charging stations.

“Large vehicles may also function like mobile storage batteries, earning income through ‘vehicle-to-grid’ services, and allowing access to ultra-lowcost charging,” he adds.

In addition to Dr Scurlock, over 60 speakers have been confirmed for the Energy Now Expo, which will cover a range of topics focusing on current and future renewable energy opportunities for farmers.

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| Energy regulatory benefits.

“We look forward to working with farmers on our AD Certification Scheme to support them in building and running their AD plants to high standards.”

Marie Fallon, Director of Regulated Industry at the Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency welcomes the AD Certification Scheme as a positive intervention by the industry to improve performance in the anaerobic digestion sector. We share the determination in reducing pollution incidents which is a risk to the reputation of the industry. We will continue to work with ADBA to share evidence and information to achieving that goal.”

Rick Brunt, Head of Vulnerable Workers, Agriculture, Waste and Recycling Unit at the Health & Safety Executive, said: “Seeing ADBA’s AD Certification Scheme progress to the next stage is an excellent example of the industry working together driving improvement of its own standards and expectations. It clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through the collaboration of a diverse range of organisations spanning operators, insurers and regulators, and has resulted in a scheme that will not only improve health and safety but also environmental and operational performance. I hope that we will

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see the remainder of the AD industry embracing the scheme with the same level of enthusiasm as those that have worked on its development.”

Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser on Renewable Energy and Climate Change at the NFU, said: “The NFU recognises the unique role that AD can play in generating on-farm energy while helping to improve nutrient and soil management. The ADBA AD Certification Scheme is an important tool in helping operators of on-farm AD plants meet high environmental, health and safety, and operational standards. It has been great to see a wide variety of stakeholders coming together to develop voluntary accreditation of good practice, helping to raise confidence and drive better performance in what is an important industry for British farmers.”

Simon Blades, AD Manager at Beeswax Dyson Farming, one of the operators involved in the pilot phase of the scheme, said: “At Beeswax Dyson Farming we believe the ADBA AD Certification Scheme will help AD owners and operators identify key areas for improvement. It will enable them to maintain safety and operational standards, which in turn will help improve the industry as a whole.

Being involved in the pilot scheme and mock assessment has helped

our business identify areas for improvement.”

Stefan Jimenez Wisler, Land Use Policy Adviser at the CLA, said: “The CLA is pleased to see the launch of ADBA’s AD Certification Scheme. AD is an important tool for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, driving more efficient resource use and enabling a range of other on-farm environmental benefits.

“This new certification scheme sets out good practice and allows on-farm AD plants to be recognised for meeting it. This will crucially provide operators, regulators and the public with the confidence to support AD for the financial and environmental benefits it can provide.”

Carl Gurney, Renewable Energy Director at insurance brokers Jelf, said: “It has been fantastic to be part of this project for the last two years, seeing stakeholders coming together with the same common goal to improve standards in this brilliant sector. I would implore all operators to look to undertake this process as I am confident this will only assist in improving their plant and mitigating any losses or incidents. This coupled with tangible insurance benefits in terms of cover and pricing only adds to the reasons why this should be undertaken. Having a

standard to reach truly benefits the wider industry, which will only assist in giving confidence to regulators and investors. This in turn will hopefully lead to a more hands-off approach, continuity in regulator assessments and continued investment which, finally, means sector growth. This is a hugely positive move for the AD sector and I urge those interested to get involved.”

“We look forward to working with farmers on our AD Certification Scheme” Phil Gerrard, Chief Executive at Privilege Finance, said: “Privilege specialises in providing finance for AD projects.

We’re very keen to see improvements in both environmental and health and safety risk management at AD plants, and the ability to easily understand the level of risk and performance of these plants through an independent accreditation process is incredibly helpful.

“The AD Certification Scheme provides an independent process for operators to demonstrate their credibility when seeking finance, supporting them in securing the optimum terms in the marketplace.”

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Buildings

Spaldings Limited Lincoln, Lincolnshire T: 01522 507500 www.spaldings.co.uk

World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213101 www.worldofpower.co.uk

Lakedale Power Tools Croydon, Dartford & London T: 020 8683 0550 www.lakedalepowertools.co.uk

Ermin Plant (Hire & Services) Ltd Gloucester, Gloucestershire T: 01452 526616 www.erminplant.co.uk

Charles H Hill Ltd Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire T: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk

Mawsley Machinery Brixworth, Northampton T: 01604 880621 https://mawsley.stihl-dealer.co.uk

DM Chainsaws Arundel, West Sussex T: 01243 554065 www.dmchainsaws.co.uk

Davenport Western Yeovil, Somerset T: 01935 425311 www.davenportsaws.co.uk

26 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

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| Forestry

Veteran tree workshop plants new ideas Landowners, rural agents and land managers gathered in Corby last month to attend a veteran tree management workshop which aimed to improve understanding of the issues and opportunities that these trees present. rganised by environmental planning and forestry consultants Lockhart Garratt, the veteran tree workshop covered a range of issues, including how landowners could identify veteran trees and manage them correctly, as well as discussing protection and funding opportunities.

A veteran tree is defined as a tree that is of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of its age, size or condition. The UK has more veteran trees than most other countries in northern Europe. They are considered an important part of our landscape as well as useful indicators of past land management and use.

The event included three workshop sessions and a presentation by two arboriculture experts from Lockhart Garratt, Stephen Westmore and Shaun Phillips explaining the veteran tree’s value to the environment and the management options available to landowners.

“Veteran trees are arguably one of the UK’s most valuable natural

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assets, offering a range of environmental, social and cultural benefits,” explains Stephen Westmore, Arboriculture Consultant at Lockhart Garratt.

“However, the management of these stalwarts of the landscape is

not always straightforward, especially when there is a conflict between the requirements of efficient land management and the need to provide a public benefit through positive management of natural assets.”

Delegates came from a variety of backgrounds and feedback was very positive. One attendee commented “From knowing little about trees, I have learnt a great deal.”

The session concluded with five take home messages: • Not all veteran trees are ancient, however all ancient trees are veterans • Veteran trees are exceptionally important for biodiversity, heritage and culture • Long-term planning should be considered for any management options • Protection measures should be considered before works are undertaken

• Seek advice from relevant professionals “We are confident that everyone found it a productive and informative day,” comments John Lockhart, Chairman. “This workshop is just one of a series of events that we have run throughout 2017 and on into 2018 to support those working in all areas of land management, forestry and the environment.”

Lockhart Garratt was established in 1998 and has become one of England's leading independent forestry and environmental planning consultancies. The company employs 35 staff, providing arboriculture and other ecological consultancy services from their Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire offices.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 27

| LAMMA

LAMMA ’18 – a launchpad for new machinery and equipment Farmers looking to invest in new machinery and equipment will be spoilt for choice when the LAMMA show returns to the East of England Showground on 17 and 18 January 2018. ore than 850 exhibitors are expected to attend the event, the UK’s largest machinery show.

Many will be using it to launch new kit into the UK market, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to find, compare and contrast items on their wish list and discuss the relative merits with experts on the stands.

Here’s a pick of some of the latest equipment, big and small, that will be making its debut at LAMMA ’18, to help farmers improve business performance and productivity.

Seed drills Lemken is showing its new Azurit 9 single seed drill that uses the company’s DeltaRow method to place seed in offset twin rows.

The company says it provides 70% greater area for growth. The operator selects seed type via the operating terminal before starting work.

The machine monitors seed flow and automatically corrects singling irregularities.

Kuhn Farm Machinery will be showcasing its new combination seed drill, the Venta 4030 + HR 4040. The power harrow element – HR 4040 – uses straight blades and a Duplex gearbox, enabling rotor speed to be adjusted according to soil conditions.

The drill features an 1,800-litre seed hopper and uses a fluted metering unit. Rates of 1430kg.ha can be set from the tractor cab and a speed sensing radar ensures precise seeding at up to 15 kph.

JC Machinery will be joined by Vredo as they showcase the upgraded Vredo Agri Twin and Agri Air overseeder range.

Both drills are fitted with the new Crop Drill System that allows the machines to sow arable crops directly on corn stubbles at a 15cm row distance as well as retaining the grassland overseeding feature.

Stanhay is releasing the ProAir precision drill to the UK market at LAMMA, the first new machine from the firm in seven years.

It is 40% lighter and 30% shorter than its predecessor the Star Plus. The compact and durable precision drill is claimed to offer more adjustability than any other unit on the market.

The Farmet Falcon drill is making its first UK public outing at LAMMA. The range includes models from 3m to 8m and features a 4000-litre grain-only tank or 6,000-litre grain/fertiliser version.

Users can select different swappable toolbar options. Two metering units enable two seed types to be sown at different depths and rates.

Grassland machinery Pottinger’s new Novacat A9 triple mower combination has an overall cutting width of either 8.92 or 9.18m, using Pottinger’s own cutterbar equipped with quick-change blades and Tri-Drive gear technology for maximum power transmission, delivering a clean, groundcontoured cut.

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The Novacat A9 is available as a plain disc mower, with Extra Dry tine conditioner or RCB rubber roller conditioner.

Kuhn is displaying its new single rotor, mounted grass rake, the GA 4431, at LAMMA, one of three new machines of 4.4-5m widths.

They feature Kuhn’s Masterdrive GIII system, a patented, two-stage gearbox using a bevel and spur gear reduction system as proved on the company’s twin- and four-rotor grass rakes.

Anderson Group, Quebec, Canada is launching its RBM2000 PRO bale-collecting trailer that can pick up wrapped round bales from the field on the move with no risk of damaging the wrapping.

A lifting arm, features a bale detector that initiates the loading sequence when it contacts the bale. The trailer can carry 20 bales, typically at 20 seconds per bale.

Tanco’s 1400-V high speed round-bale wrapper makes its LAMMA debut. It retains the split table of the 1400-EH, designed to allow simultaneous bale unloading and next bale reloading, but now features auto-loading.

John Deere’s stand will feature the company’s latest 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester, equipped with a new generation HarvestLab sensing system.

Several new features have been introduced on the 8000 Series foragers for 2018. Chief among these is the HarvestLab 3000 crop constituent sensing system.

HarvestLab 3000 requires less maintenance, can operate in a wider range of temperatures and features a much bigger data storage capacity of 2GB, compared to the previous 32MB. Other new John Deere products making their LAMMA debut include the S700 Series automated combine and V400 Series variablechamber round baler, alongside the awardwinning 6250R and 8400R tractors and the latest FarmSight precision farming technology.

Cultivation equipment Weaving Machinery’s new ultra-low disturbance LD Top Soiler will be on show. The mounted LD Top Soiler’s heaving action relieves compaction in the top 9” (228mm) and is designed to lift the soil while maintaining profile structure, to help preserve soil nutrients and retain moisture.

Väderstad’s new Carrier with the CrossCutter Disc is designed to improve mixing of trash and soil at 2-3cm on stubbles, cover crops and on ploughed land. The shallow disc cultivator can achieve speeds of up to 20kph with a low horsepower requirement.

Widths of 3m to 12.25m are available. The 450mm-diameter discs are individually mounted to a rubber suspended disc arm.

Väderstad is also showing its new universal light tined cultivator with levelling CrossBoard that can create a seedbed in a range of conditions. Ferox 500-900 has 50mm points and is available in 5-9m widths. Its rigid vibrating

tines can maintain a constant working depth and shatter cobbly soils.

Claydon is launching its new TerraBlade interrow hoe, a low-cost, mechanical method of controlling weeds in all types of band-sown crops including wheat, barley, oats and beans.

Four models are available with working widths of 3-6m to match those of Claydon Hybrid drills, with typical hourly outputs of 1.5-3ha. Minimum power requirements are 30-60hp.

A new mid-range, mounted reversible plough from Pottinger, the Servo 45M, is available in four and five-furrow versions, and is aimed at tractors up to 240hp. A six-furrow variant will follow.

An interbody clearance of 95cm and point-tobeam distance of 80cm ensures trash is buried with ease. Servomatic adjustment allows quick adjustment of the front furrow width and plough alignment.

A new wider 5.5m trailed Combi Disc from HeVa will be on show on the Opico stand. The nine tines subsoil to a 400mm depth, while 510mmdiameter scalloped Sabre discs which follow the legs to cut and mix to a depth of 125mm.

The depth of legs and discs are hydraulically adjustable from the tractor seat. The legs can be lifted out and folded, leaving the two rows of discs and the press roller in work, and viceversa.

Halse South West is expanding its offering of Ovlac kit. The Maxidisc 2 short disc harrow cultivator come in mounted and trailed versions covering 2.5 to 6m. There is a choice of 20” or 24” serrated discs.

A further disc harrow variant, the Eurodisc, will be represented by the 400p 4m folding model.

The range has 24” serrated discs, protected by a leafspring protection system.

Fertiliser kit Amazone is also showing its WindControl system for the ZA-TS mounted and ZG-TS trailed spreaders. This expands the ArgusTwin spread pattern monitoring system, which monitors and automatically adjusts the spread fan using 14 radar sensors.

WindControl monitors and compensates for the influence of wind on the spread pattern using a high-frequency wind sensor.

Väderstad’s new fertiliser placement kit designed as an attachment for TopDown and Opus will be on show. The fertiliser kit includes a distributor head that distributes the fertiliser, metered out from the front hopper Väderstad FH 2200.

Sprayers and spraying kit Amazone’s UF 2002 is a newly-developed mounted sprayer featuring a 2,000-litre tank integrated into the main frame to give a favourable centre of gravity. The PE tank allows quick, effective tank cleaning and minimal residual volumes.

The UF 2002 features a 350-litre fresh water tank. The machine can be fitted with any SuperS2 boom from 15 to 30 m and is equipped with a newly-developed 250 or 300 l/min piston Continued over page

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| Livestock

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January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 29

| LAMMA

Continued from previous page diaphragm pump and a new SmartCenter operator station.

Horsch will present its new generation Leeb GS trailed sprayer for the first time in the UK. The Leeb GS builds on the proven formula of the previous models, with award-winning BoomControl Pro boom system and stainless tanks but adds a greater level of equipment and new configurations.

The sprayer is available with a 6,000, 7,000 or 8,000 litre stainless steel tank that allows for easy and quick cleaning. The new Leeb GS line is equipped with the innovative Horsch software and easy-to-handle ISOBUS-compatible electronics.

Chafer has made several upgrades to its Sentry and Guardian trailed sprayers. A new boom suspension assembly offers improved contour following and the advanced ePlumbing system uses CANbus valves providing information of the valve’s status and position, essential during automatic filling, rinsing and general plumbing functions.

Knight Farm Machinery is introducing an optional boom-mounted nozzle check and cleaning station that will enable operators to check, clean and replace nozzles quickly.

It includes a pneumatic system which enables operators to clean out blocked nozzles quickly and effectively.

GPS guidance onTrak, the novel cost-effective tractor GPS system from Agricision, is now available with a new enhanced data service.

The new onTrak.Cloud service will allow customers to gain access to their data recorded and created while using onTrak in simple kml format. Field boundaries and recorded work can be visualised on Google Earth or other mapping software and fields imported into management tools such as Gatekeeper.

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Hedgecutters Bomford Turner is showing its updated Buzzard Telescopic Variable Forward Arm hedge cutter.

The flagship machine has a reach of 7.258.0m while allowing operators to cut close to the tractor as well. A powerful 125 litre/min cutting system produces 74hp at the cutting head.

Grain driers Sukup Europe will be introducing its range of commercial tower dryers to the UK at LAMMA. These high-output commercial grain dryers, proven in areas like the US and Ukraine, have capacities from 30tph – 300tph and are equipped with QuadraTouch Pro control, claimed as one of the most advanced dryer control systems.

Graders Tong Engineering is showing the latest model of its market-leading Caretaker mobile grader, featuring the new advanced HMI control system.

Available as an option on all its latest equipment, Tong’s Pro-Series controls can be specified as part of the Auto-Touch HMI control system, adding a level of control and system intelligence to produce advanced system monitoring and reporting.

The Haith Group is displaying the new Haith Smart Drier, an innovative packing-line machine that features a bed of heated stainless-steel rollers designed to remove excess moisture from potatoes.

Each roller is adjustable independently and can achieve a surface temperature of up to 100oC, eliminating the risk of bacteria build-up, transfer to the crop and potential storage problems.

Tyres Nordic Tyres will be launching CEAT Speciality Tyres at LAMMA. Manufactured in a new factory in Mumbai, India, Phase 1 will

concentrate on radial agriculture tyres, tractor flotation and row crop tyres with many new sizes coming into production during 2018.

Livestock handling McVeigh Parker will be demonstrating the unique Clipex pneumatic livestock handling products for the first time in the UK. The system has a pneumatic operated race and forcing circle and can handle large numbers of stock, quickly and safely, at the push of a button.

Weighbridge The latest trade-legal dual track weighbridge from Phoenix & Shropshire Scales makes its first showing at LAMMA. The unit is transportable and can be installed easily, owing to its reduced height and weight.

Its modular design means it can vary in length.

Feeders Keenan will be demonstrating its new InTouch Controller and App, which allows InTouch customers to take control of feed operations from their mobile device. They will be able to create and edit rations and ingredients, change DM of ingredients and update and monitor ration performance data.

Silage kit Albutt is launching a new Shear Bucket range based on the ultra-high strength design of the Shear King range. Three models are available from 1900mm to 2500mm with capacities of 1.40m3, 1.60m3 and 1.80m3.

A new silage-packer from Holaras will debut on the WM Agri stand. The Stego-Combi is a combination of the company’s MES 470-115 Maize Leveller and the Stego-pro 200 Silage Compactor enabling consolidation and leveling in a one-pass operation.

For more information about LAMMA ’18 please go to www.lammashow.com

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| LAMMA

Zetor at LAMMA Show 2018 Bucking the trend from previous years the start to 2018 see’s Zetor a.s focus on the lower end of its portfolio with the introduction of the Utilix and Hortus ranges of tractor in the 40 to 70 HP market segments. he new models are made up of the Utilix HT 45, Utilix HT 55 and Hortus CL 65 and Hortus HS 65.

Despite their size, at the heart of the Utilix and Hortus is a fourcylinder engine with ratings at 43, 49 and 67 HP, add to that a choice of hydrostatic, mechanical and power shuttle transmissions (dependent on model) makes these tractors suitable for a variety of applications including municipal, grounds care and small holdings.

The Hortus HS 65 will be on the Zetor UK Lamma stand R20.

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The Major CL 80 is one of our first new ‘Mother Regulation’ compliant units to land in the UK Also for viewing will be the Major CL and HS variants both fitted with the same 2.9-litre engines, the 76 HP model HS gets a broader spectrum of gears to play with via a three-range transmission with four gears in

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each and a splitter, 24 forward gears and 12 reverse are available – maximum speed is 40 kph. In addition, a power shuttle affords clutch-less direction changes.

Cab space has also been increased, now featuring more steering wheel adjustment, more storage space, a new dashboard, and the addition of a passenger seat.

The Major CL 80 is one of our first new ‘Mother Regulation’ compliant units to land in the UK giving a clear view as to what the future ranges have in store for us.

Despite the new regulations we will also be displaying the last of the 2017 specification products offering some fantastic deals on the Proxima and Forterra ranges.

On stand will be the ever popular Proxima CL 100 and HS 100 & 120 models giving the choice between absolute mechanical or power shuttle transmissions from 100 HP to 120 HP offering superior value for money.

Pushing the HP higher and finalist in the 2017 Tractor Of The Year awards is the Zetor Forterra range. We will be displaying both

the Forterra CL 140 and HSX 140 further demonstrating Zetors product strategy of offering both a low specification and higher specification at every horsepower level.

The Forterra CL boosts an all mechanical 24/18 manual shuttle transmission when compared to the Forterra HSX’s 30/30 power shuttle transmission. Both machines are specified with

40kph, four speed PTO, mechanical spools, electronic linkage, air seat and with the option of cab suspension.

All Zetor tractors boast 500 hour service intervals, are supported by a UK based parts satellite warehouse offering a fast, efficient, and reasonably priced aftersales service giving our customers peace of mind and low cost of ownership.

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| Sheep & Lambing

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| LAMMA

New Year, new feature for Gibbons Agricultural Fans After an exciting grain fan launch back in May and a busy year supplying its full range of crop cooling solutions, Essex-based Gibbons Agricultural Fans has begun 2018 by improving its best-selling product. he terminal box casing on Gibbons’ centrifugal crop conditioning fans has now been upgraded from plastic to steel, making the units more robust and reliable than ever.

The new terminal boxes have been added to the entire range of steel and aluminium Gibbons grain store fans, which are rated at 0.132.2kW and are available as single phase or three phase in most sizes. In addition, Gibbons supplies mobile Airspear® fans for cooling hot spots in stored crops.

Via its trusted international shipping partner, Gibbons delivers orders of all sizes across the UK and beyond. However, in order to satisfy nationwide demand and

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make it as easy as possible for farmers in all parts of the UK to access its fans, Gibbons is continuing to supply the full range via a network of exclusive stockists and resellers located across the country.

Gibbons will also be showcasing its low-volume grain fans and electrical services to tens of thousands of visitors at the LAMMA show on January 17th and 18th.

Gibbons Agricultural Fans Manager Josie Knight is excited ahead of the 2018 season: “We had a great response to the launch last year and were delighted to help so many farmers look after their stored crops during the postharvest period.”

“We’ve upgraded our fans at no extra cost to farmers and are

looking forward to showing them off during our debut appearance at LAMMA. We’ll also be inviting distributors to join us as official partners.”

There’s lots of uncertainty over Brexit and the economy as we enter 2018, and because none of us can predict what the year ahead will bring it’s more important than ever to make electrical processes in farm buildings as efficient as possible.

With this in mind, Gibbons offers a comprehensive package of electrical services for farm buildings including mains power, control boards and panels, thermostatic controls, lighting and wiring.

Ms Knight adds: “Dealing with several contractors for electrical and mechanical services is time

consuming, inconvenient and expensive, therefore having a single point of contact makes life so much easier for our clients, while costs can be reduced by combining jobs in a single site visit. Plus, our engineers will attend site at a time that suits the client in order to minimise disruption.”

For more information on any of Gibbons Agricultural Fans’ products and services, call Josie Knight on 01621 868 138 or email fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Energy

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| Muck & Slurry

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| LAMMA

Mzuri to showcase two latest innovations at LAMMA 2018 Mzuri, a British producer of specialist agricultural machinery, will be showcasing its two latest innovations at LAMMA 2018. Visitors to Mzuri’s stand G41 will be able to see the new Pro-Til 3T Xzact one pass drill and the self-levelling Razorback Auto-Level 550 rotary hedgecutter. tate-of-the-art hedgecutting technology as standard Featuring vertical-axis rotary design and self-levelling CoPilot technology, the Razorback Auto-Level 550 hedgecutter has been designed to reduce operator fatigue, increase productivity and reduce cost. The 1.5metre-wide head incorporates a SoftStart triple rotor and additional mulching blades which are in continuous contact with vegetation during the entire 360° cycle, resulting in a much cleaner and faster cut and chopping action.

Razorback’s Auto-Level Co-Pilot technology ensures that the main frame of the machine remains level at all times, irrespective of the tractor angle in relation to the undulating ground. Subsequently, the requirement to make manual adjustments to account for the unevenness of the terrain is significantly reduced, making for a much easier, trouble-free operation.

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The high-end specification comes as standard and includes a 1.5m wide, 5.5m reach head with hydraulically controlled front hood and rear roller, the Auto-Level Co-Pilot device with electronic proportional controls and a fully independent hydraulic system with an oil cooler.

Seed placement accuracy and cost savings from Pro-Til 3T Xzact one pass drill Pro-Til 3T Xzact, Mzuri’s second innovation to be presented at the show, combines the accuracy of seed placement of a conventional precision seeder with the benefits of a Mzuri one pass striptill drill which include moisture retention, improvements to soil condition and significant fuel and time savings.

The Xzact precision technology is an optional extra that can be fitted to most Mzuri’s Pro-Til standard models, thus broadening their versatility to include crops such as grain and forage maize, sunflower and soya. The machine can be just as easily converted back

to a striptill drill.

The Xzact conversion features an electronic precision seeding unit and coulter assembly to deliver single seed placement whilst the constant hydraulic pressure exerted onto each coulter arm ensures the seeding depth accuracy.

The system uses adjustable-pressure vacuum metering to accurately space crops, regardless of the seed size. Each unit contains a metering disc and a singulator to prevent skips or doubles and is driven by an electric motor which maintains the same seeding distance at variable speeds.

Unlike with conventional precision seeders, the mini hoppers on the Pro-Til 3T Xzact drill are automatically replenished by a bulk fill mechanism on each metering unit directly from the Pro-Til’s main tank, thus extending the drilling time and reducing downtime.

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| Muck & Slurry

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| Forestry

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| LAMMA

Certas Energy to help keep farmers moving at LAMMA 2018 Certas Energy - the UK’s largest independent supplier of fuel and lubricants - will be exhibiting at LAMMA (the leading farm machinery equipment and services show) on 17th and 18th January 2018 at the East of England Showground in Peterborough. he local Certas Energy team will be on stand B69 to discuss farmers’ needs and to provide expert advice on how its range of fuels, heating oils, lubricants and storage tanks can help keep farms running smoothly, efficiently and safely all year round.

From ensuring that machinery is properly lubricated for storage in the winter months to avoid costly repairs in spring, to having a reliable supply of fuel to keep tractors and machinery moving

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during the busy harvest period, farmers face different challenges throughout the year when it comes to operating and maintaining agricultural equipment.

Many farms rely on storage tanks to provide a dependable and secure supply of heating oil and fuel but if this is not stored safely and securely, it can be at risk of theft, leaks and contamination.

Certas Energy is committed to providing smarter fuel storage solutions to help protect farmers’ valuable assets, helping to ensure no loss of productivity by preventing fuel loss for any reason. As Certas Energy’s strategic partner and leading UK fuel storage solutions provider,

Kingspan product will also be on display with experts on hand to discuss individual needs and to explain how fuel management, storage and monitoring solutions support safer fuel handling.

Ruth Sim-Mutch, Agricultural Marketing Manager at Certas Energy said, “We’re looking forward to meeting everyone at LAMMA 2018, helping to get an even better understanding of the needs and challenges of today’s farms and to share how we can support reliable, safe and smart fuel management on all types of UK farms. When running a busy farm, fuel is just another consideration on a long list of things to manage. With a focus on

providing an approachable, friendly service, our local, friendly and expert teams work hard to put the needs of farmers first and take the stress out of fuel and lubrication management.

“Our national network is powered by local deliveries, and we’re proud to work closely with the farming community across the UK to provide a reliable, friendly service that can help to solve farmers’ challenges all year round.”

Certas Energy will be offering a warm welcome to show visitors to come in from the cold and talk to the team over a cup of tea or coffee.

New generation HarvestLab system for John Deere foragers John Deere’s stand (G19) at LAMMA ’18 will feature the company’s latest 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester, equipped with a new generation HarvestLab sensing system. Other new products on show for the first time at LAMMA will include the S700 Series automated combine and V400 Series variable-chamber round baler, alongside the award-winning 6250R and 8400R tractors and the latest FarmSight precision farming technology. everal new features have been introduced on the 8000 Series foragers for 2018, designed to enhance operator comfort and increase productivity. Chief among these is the HarvestLab 3000 crop constituent sensing system.

Introduced in 2007, HarvestLab was the first NIR (near infra-red) sensing system in the industry to measure silage dry matter and enable automatic length of cut adjustments. The system was subsequently developed to analyse crude protein, starch, NDF, ADF, sugar and other silage constituents, and can now be used for maize, grass and manure sensing.

HarvestLab 3000 requires less maintenance, can operate in a wider range of temperatures and features a much bigger data storage capacity of 2GB,

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compared to the previous 32MB. It also has a more operator friendly web interface when used for stationary measurements away from the forager.

Basic JDLink telematics are fitted as standard on all 8000 Series foragers, and contractors in particular can specify a choice of ‘connected farming’ packages to make the most of this technology.

Connectivity Premium includes guidance ready functionality, JDLink Connect, the work order management app MyJobConnect and a GreenStar 2630 display.

The Connectivity Ultimate package additionally includes a StarFire 6000 satellite receiver and HarvestLab 3000 with constituent sensing calibration. Both packages can be optionally upgraded with John Deere’s Ag Navigation system and the logistics app MyJobConnect Premium.

Other new features include the

optional Active Fill Control rear unloading system, which allows the spout to automatically fill a trailer when the tractor follows behind the forager, for example when opening a field. This uses the forager’s StarFire satellite receiver to ensure a quick response, reduces operator fatigue and helps avoids silage spillage, especially in high-yielding crops.

New forager customers can also choose between the optional 10in GS3 2630 display directly mounted on the seat armrest or the standard 7in Command Centre display. Use of the GS3 2630 reduces the number of displays in the cab and can save up to around £1800 (€2000) on the forager’s list price.

John Deere is also introducing the new 490Plus 12-row rotary drum maize header for 2018. This double-folding header provides better visibility during transport,

and is specifically designed to feed high horsepower foragers working in high-yielding crops in all harvesting conditions.

In addition, the 3m 639 grass pick-up is now optionally available with John Deere’s premium reel, which is standard on the wider 649 and 659 pick-ups. This unit is designed for extremely tough harvesting conditions and includes a range of heavy-duty driveline and reel parts, while the main wearing parts are Dura Line coated.

John Deere offered Dura Line crop flow components on its forager range for the first time in 2010, and owners of these machines have experienced a dramatic reduction in the cost of wearing parts. Based on this experience, the company is now guaranteeing selected Dura Line wearing parts for 3000 engine hours or a maximum of five years on all new 2018 forager sales.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Energy

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

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| Machinery

Kubota highlighting its CLAAS launch new ongoing commitment to SCORPION telehandlers, UK agricultural industry developed in cooperation with LIEBHERR Tractor manufacturer showcasing a host of exciting new solutions including the UK debut of its M7002 Series. ubota will be demonstrating its continued commitment and investment in becoming a global major brand in the agricultural industry and what this means for the UK market at LAMMA 2018.

The machinery manufacturer will be showcasing its complete range of high performance and innovative agricultural solutions at the show on Stand R10, with its new flagship M7002 Series (up to 170hp) taking centre stage to make its UK show debut. Kubota’s stand will also feature its popular M5001 Series MGX-III tractors and an exclusive UK show preview of the M5001 (Narrow) tractors.

Kubota’s new orange implements will also be on display.

Visitors to Kubota UK’s stand will have the opportunity to find out more about Kubota Farm Solutions, the company’s unique solution that offers farmers and contractors complete aftersales support and servicing, along with unrivalled Kubota finance options.

Rob Edwards, Business Development Manager for Kubota UK’s Agriculture Division, said: “We are very excited to introduce the new M7002 Series to the UK market and for farmers to get a closer look at its enhanced performance capabilities. The introduction of this new range is yet another example of our continued investment into the agricultural industry and our ambitious growth plans as a business.

“We constantly want to bring

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solutions to market that add value to our customer’s farming operations, not only through product innovation but also the aftersales services we offer.

Kubota Farm Solutions gives our customers the confidence that we are there to support them every step of the way, from sales and finance options, right through to aftersales support and advice.”

Kubota UK’s expert team and representatives from the company’s extensive independent dealer network, including George Browns Limited, Arthur Ibbett Ltd, Ireland’s Farm Machinery Ltd, K Farm Machinery Ltd and N Richardson Ltd, will be on-stand to help visitors at the show.

Back by popular demand and returning for 2018 will be Kubota’s green screen photo booth, which saw thousands of visitors queue up last year to have their pictures taken as an event souvenir. Kubota will also be carrying out a number of live social media Q&A sessions and product walk around videos during the event to support its ever increasing social community.

In addition to Kubota’s agricultural solutions, the company’s high performance groundcare products will be showcased on stand R41, giving visitors the chance to see the latest innovations in the turf care market, including a brand new range of compact tractors and zero-turn ride-on mowers.

Kubota’s world class industrial diesel and dual fuel engines will also feature on the Mitchell Powersystems stand (104).

The well proven SCORPION models from CLAAS have been raising the bar in terms of telehandler technology for many years. CLAAS has now introduced a completely new SCORPION series, which has been developed in cooperation with Liebherr.

he new SCORPION models offer greater handling performance, thanks to increased lifting capacity and new advanced driver-assistance systems, improved driver comfort and efficiency, along with improved safety and reliability.

These benefits stem from a range of new features, such as DYNAMIC POWER for engine management, the new SMART LOADING driver-assistance system for fine control of the working hydraulics and overload protection, a fully automatic parking brake, controlled crab steering as a fourth steering option and an all-new cab configuration.

Better handling performance All new SCORPION models boast improved working hydraulics and increased lifting capacity of 3.2 to 5.6 t, enabling optimal handling performance and productivity, thanks to quick cycle times. From December 2018, an

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additional SCORPION model will be available to meet the highest handling performance demands, with a 6.0 t lifting capacity and 9.0 m lifting height. Another major improvement in the new series is the high-performance drive, which guarantees particularly convenient and precise manoeuvring.

The proven hydrostatic VARIPOWER or VARIPOWER PLUS transmission has three speeds, which are easy to control using the joystick. Safety and driver comfort are guaranteed, thanks to an electrohydraulic parking brake which is automatically activated if the driver leaves the seat, the machine stops or the engine is switched off.

When the driver puts a foot on the accelerator to travel in a set direction, the parking brake is automatically deactivated. As in the previous series, all models come with Deutz diesel engines, which develop up to 156 hp and meet Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standards.

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| Machinery

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

2018 set to be exciting Coleg Cambria Llysfasi year as colleges agree merger

Llysfasi is located in the beautiful Vale of Clwyd, near Ruthin, and is within short travelling distances of Shropshire, Powys, Cheshire, and the Wirral.

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North Shropshire College (NSC) and Herefordshire and Ludlow College have agreed to seek a merger. he proposed merger will enable students in both communities to benefit from good quality education, availability of a broader range of courses and facilities, and it will secure a sustainable and prosperous future. The merged college will maximise the opportunities of being a major regional educational provider.

Gillian Richards, Chair of Governors at NSC, comments, ‘NSC’s governors are unanimous in the decision to join Herefordshire and Ludlow College.

The merged organisation will offer more for all our students, communities, businesses and other key stakeholders. I look forward to the exciting

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lysfasi has 4 departments, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Care and Countryside: Wildlife Conservation, Forestry & Arboriculture, and a large commercial farming business. An exciting range of courses on offer from Level 1 to degree.

We offer catered accommodation at Llysfasi which caters for both male and female full-time students and is located on the main campus. The rooms are extremely spacious and of a high quality with free Wifi internet access available throughout the facility. Each block has fully equipped kitchen facilities. There is also a games room which includes a large screen television, DVD player, pool table and table tennis table. For younger residential students, there are hostel wardens in place, providing friendly support to help them through the year. Trips to the cinema, leisure centre and other

developments ahead.’

Igor Andronov, Chair of Governors at Herefordshire and Ludlow College comments, ‘This is very good news. I am looking forward to working in close partnership with North Shropshire College to secure a bright future for the students, who I believe will stand to benefit from this merger.

My personal involvement in previous successful mergers with Herefordshire and Ludlow College convinces me that we have much to offer to the future of North Shropshire College.’

Both colleges will now work together, with the support of the Government’s Treasury Transaction Unit, towards achieving the merger, aiming to complete in 2018.

requested activities can be organised by residential staff.

We offer catered accommodation at Llysfasi which caters for both male and female full-time students and is located on the main campus.

Come and see what we are all about at our live lambing open day on Saturday 3rd March 2018 and see our newly born lambs and proud mums. If you are lucky enough you may see a lamb being born. Be a part of our busy farming calendar and enjoy a great family farm experience. Food and refreshments will be available and our small animal centre will also be open where you can visit all of our animals. This event is not suitable for expectant mothers and unfortunately dogs are not allowed on site.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 43

| ATV

Kawasaki MULE SX and MULE PRO-DX

Mixing sound, no-nonsense engineering, cost efficient features and customer focused innovation in a durable and stylish package; the MULE range of Utility Vehicles has garnered a well-deserved reputation. elishing hard work, the MULE concept covers two and four wheel drive vehicles, petrol and diesel engine types and even the choice of two or four seat variants. And with electronic, speed sensitive power steering on the MULE PRO series you can see why the Kawasaki MULE is seen by many as the definitive utility vehicle.

Durable and reliable, the MULE SX series are your dependable working partners. Take the MULE SX wherever it is needed thanks to compact dimensions. Once on-site the 2wheeldrive MULE SX is always ready to roll on its 22 inch off-road wheels, while for tougher terrains there is the MULE SX 4x4 with 24 inch off-road tyres. The MULE SX is an easy to use utility vehicle that’s capable of hard work on flatter grounds.

The 16-litre fuel tank extends the operational range of the SX with its 401cc four-stroke, OHV, air-cooled engine, delivering power reliably and economically, with a restricted top speed of 25mph. The tubular steel chassis provides the best balance of rigidity, strength and ride comfort with off-road pursuits. Drawing on the design of the PRO Series console, the dashboard puts all controls within easy reach and sight of the operator, adding ease to everyday use. The easy-to-load tilting cargo bed can carry up to 181kg of tools and materials, and an extra 500kg can be towed behind by fitting a tow ball to the ever-eager MULE. Working in tough environments demands durable, reliable machinery that continues to deliver in all conditions. Dirt, terrain and

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weather won’t stop the ultra-rugged MULE PRO-DX and PRO-DXT, with all essential systems designed to resist water, dust and debris. A steel ladder chassis is ready for all terrains, strong where it needs to be and flexible where it matters. Whilst the threecylinder diesel engine guarantees the torque needed to carry loads and crew reliably, hour after working hour.

High torque diesel power moves cargo and crew quickly with the safety assurance of RollOver Protection System (ROPS). On site or on the farm, the class-leading 453 kg capacity of the long and low tipping cargo bed and 907 kg towing potential makes light work of the heaviest tasks. The tilting cargo bed is operated by a two-lever release system for easy opening and closing. And the innovative MULE PRODXT quickly changes from four to two seats in a

few, swift moves that a single operator can manage in less than one minute.

The new MULE PRO-DX Hard Top accessory is available from March 2018 and is perfect for larger loads with a volume of nearly 2m3. The hard top includes a polycarbonate see-through window in front and black coated panels made of steel, the rear doors are available in two options: steel with a glass window and a semiopen steel version with breathing holes. A newly developed lockable plastic tonneau cover, to keep your luggage dry and secure in the cargo bed will also be available from March 2018.

For a vehicle that has all-day working performance when you need it most, rely on Kawasaki’s range of MULE utility vehicles. For more information contact your local dealer or visit www.kawasaki.co.uk

For more information, or to view the whole utility range from Kawasaki, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk For more information Day & Coles Ltd Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Est. Wellingborough NN8 6UW 01933 673900

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Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV

Suzuki announces new partnership with MOTUL

The relationship between the Suzuki name and MOTUL has been in place for almost 30 years through MotoGP™ and the motorcycle world. Now, a new link in the strong chain connecting the two companies has been added with the announcement of a new multi-year commercial agreement between Suzuki GB and MOTUL. rom January 1, 2018 MOTUL’s products will become “Officially Recommended” for all automotive, motorcycling, ATV and marine models marketed by Suzuki GB PLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan – one of the top 10 car manufacturers in the world and a global brand with production facilities in 23 countries and 45,000 employees.

No planes and trains, but almost everything else on wheels or water…

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“Few manufacturers have the length and strength of the collaboration between Suzuki in MotoGP™ and MOTUL” Sales in the UK commenced in 1963, firstly with the importation of motorcycles and later, ATVs and marine engines and cars including some such well-known models as the Swift, Vitara and S-Cross. The marine engines are lubricated by Suzuki Marine by MOTUL products as part of a long-standing agreement, and the new partnership now augments this existing marine agreement to cover all Suzuki vehicles sold through the GB network.

With Suzuki particularly well known for its Mini and Supermini ranges, but with models covering all types of usage from city driving to off-road, MOTUL’s extensive range of specialised products

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including engine oils, gearbox lubricants and much more will be recommended and used for all Suzuki cars as well as its twowheel, ATV and marine products.

Suzuki has a range of engine options which offer performance and efficiency – key watchwords for MOTUL and two of its core values – the latest being the introduction of the SHVS Mild Hybrid which is perfectly matched

by MOTUL’s exclusive Hybrid 0W 16, the next generation of engine oil.

The manufacturer proudly claims it has a century of engineering milestones behind it, and MOTUL of course has been in the lubricant business for more than 160 years. Innovating, performing and producing products for the people over the decades – common goals which bring companies together.

30 years and counting…

Michael Le-Flay, Suzuki GB Aftersales Marketing Manager, commented: “Suzuki GB PLC chose MOTUL as their preferred automobile oil supply partner as we recognised that both companies shared a common commercial architecture, along with a passion and enthusiasm that sees each company excelling in their respective fields. This is a perfect fit for us, as this agreement now recognises MOTUL as the official lubricant supplier for Suzuki car, bike, ATV and marine products in the UK. We’ve worked closely with MOTUL on various projects over the last 15 years and they’re a great bunch of people to deal with.

We are very much looking forward

to working with MOTUL and together, developing a robust business strategy that will prove beneficial for both parties, including our own Dealer networks”.

Olivier Montange, MOTUL Executive Vice President Zone EuroMed, added: “Few manufacturers have the length and strength of the collaboration between Suzuki in MotoGP™ and MOTUL. Over these last three decades, Suzuki’s engineers and Motul’s technical experts have forged a deep-seated understanding and symbiotic

working relationship, developing the perfect oils especially for Suzuki’s engines. We are looking forward to starting this new automotive commercial relationship in 2018 with Suzuki GB.” Another chapter of the companies’ combined history is about to begin.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 45

| ATV

Polaris Polaris UK & Ireland lines up 2018 models at LAMMA

Polaris has lined up an extensive and impressive display of 2018 models for the LAMMA show. tarting with the world’s best selling Sportsman ATVs, there are few if any to match the offroad abilities these Polaris machines have to offer. Take the Sportsman 570 EPS. It boasts 44hp, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and Engine Braking System (EBS) to complement the class leading suspension, and true, on demand All-Wheel Drive. A longtime favourite on the farm, the Sportsman is thoroughly at home negotiating the toughest terrain while providing the rider with an ergonomic, all-round work horse.

If you want an ATV that will carry two people, the Sportsman X2 570 EPS is the ideal choice, offering the features of the single-seater with the addition of Polaris 4 wheel Active Descent Control (ADC) for safely traversing the steepest hills in all types of weather. It’s the ideal solution for getting two people who need to work together into and out of the most inaccessible areas and safely down the steepest inclines, with optimum traction and control in all conditions.

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Also on display at LAMMA, the Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Tractor, with ABS (Antilock Braking System) is the ultimate side by side for farm, work, hunting and leisure.

For those of you looking for more power from your ATV, consider the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 with its 952cc Prostar engine producing 90hp at 7,250 rpm. That is a massive amount of power in a quad and this Polaris has a 261kg payload capacity while featuring EPS, EBS and ADC. It also shares with the rest of the Sportsman range the facility for masses of storage space, with Polaris Lock & Ride, and a comprehensive choice of accessories.

The Polaris Ranger has been largely responsible for leading the charge in the rapid development of the side by side utility 4×4 vehicle

market in the UK. For the farmer, the Ranger offers the perfect solution in off-road working transport capable of carrying up to six people, from the two-seater Ranger 570 to the Ranger Crew XP 1000 which accommodates six people, and in addition offers a load carrying dump box at the rear. Most importantly, the Polaris Ranger series gives you the choice of petrol, diesel or electric power, with the multiple options of Lock & Ride cabs to keep out the weather and a host of accessories to meet every need on the farm. As a highly capable alternative to an ATV, the Ranger 570 will take two people comfortably where they need to be across the roughest ground in all weathers. The electric Ranger, the EV, is equally proficient in rough terrain as an eco-friendly alternative, with its silent running 30hp on demand all-wheel drive.

For power, versatility and diesel economy nothing compares to the

46 | Farming Monthly | January 2018

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Diesel, sharing EPS, EBS and ADC with its Sportsman cousins and carrying three people in comfort. There’s a petrol equivalent in the Ranger XP 1000 EPS with the same features.

Where there is a need to carry up to six people with room for equipment the Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS fits perfectly as its name implies and with gamekeeping and shooting it has long become the first choice.

For added convenience the six seater crew models are available in

both petrol and diesel fuel option.

Also on display at LAMMA, the Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Tractor, with ABS (Antilock Braking System) is the ultimate side by side for farm, work, hunting and leisure.

Seen alongside its bigger brothers, Polaris is featuring the Sportsman 110 which offers a great way for youngsters to get started in quad biking. See the Polaris ranges at Stand No. R71 at LAMMA. Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 www.polarisbritain.com

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| ATV

Honda ATV

Honda’s Pioneer utility vehicle gets even more capable and durable with introduction of genuine accessories range Following its entry into the UK’s fast-growing side-by-side utility vehicle market with the introduction of the Pioneer 700 earlier this year, Honda (UK) has launched a range of genuine built-for-purpose accessories to make this versatile workhorse even more comfortable, capable and durable. lready a popular fixture in utility markets including agriculture, equestrian, gamekeeping, groundskeeping and forestry, the go-anywhere Pioneer is designed to work for extended periods in some of the most demanding conditions, making operator and passenger comfort vital. In the genuine Honda range, front screen options include a half-height wind deflector, full glass or two-piece folding polycarbonate windscreen, and canopies offering protection from the elements and overhanging branches. Cab options start at fabric and hard roofs with optional rear panels, up to a full cab with full height doors, enclosed rear panel, electric wiper and washer, and a heater drawing on heat from the engine’s liquid cooling system.

Additional comfort add-ons include fabric extensions for the standard half-doors and the option of full height doors with glass side panels for the front.

Further additions to the new accessories range build-on the already impressive versatility of the Pioneer with its industry-exclusive QuickFlip® seating system on the four-seater variant – allowing easy

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switching between one or two rear passengers or a full cargo bed.

The rear seats flip down to create a completely flat load bed, then pop back up in an instant when required. Load area can now be increased with the option of a bed extender, particularly useful when in four-seater mode, with a poly bed liner an option for both two and four seat variants. An easy-fit slide-in drawbar and 50mm towball aim to further capitalise on the Pioneer’s powerful 675cc petrol engine and torque converter drive, which offers an impressive 680kg towing capacity, strong enough to handle some jobs traditionally reserved for a tractor.

The new accessories range also extends to furthering Honda’s trademark durability, with bolt-on guards providing extra machine protection for the toughest operating conditions, and durable covers keeping the machine clean and dry when not in use. Added protection from rocks and tree stumps is offered by a rugged skid plate, with aluminum guards also available to further protect the front and rear suspension. Front and rear bumpers work to protect bodywork from bumps and scrapes, while easy-remove durable rubber mats protect the floor and make it easy to wash.

Aluminium wheels are also an optional upgrade on the standard steel rims, for added aesthetic appeal.

Steve Morris, Head of Honda (UK) Power Products comments: “The Pioneer has been incredibly well received since its introduction to the UK market earlier this year, setting a new benchmark for sideby-sides and taking us into several new markets where the customer’s need is more suited to a side-byside than an ATV. As such the Pioneer is being used for a huge range of jobs in varied and demanding conditions, exactly what it was built to do, so we are pleased to offer these new accessories allowing owners to further tailor their machine to their own usage and get even more from their investment.”

Introduced to the UK market in January 2017 and developed from the ground up as a pure utility vehicle, the all-new Pioneer is available as a two-seater (700-2) or flexible four-seater (700-4), built around the powerful and efficient 675-cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine and transmission seen on

Honda’s range-topping TRX680 ATV. A three-speed automatic transmission ensures true and reassuring engine braking across even the most demanding terrain, while fully-independent double wishbone front and rear suspension deliver superior handling, smooth riding and allday comfort. A 386kg payload capacity tilt bed with a hydraulicassist strut makes light work of heavy lifting and easy unload, even for just one person.

Honda’s new range of accessories for the Pioneer 700 is available now through its network of authorised UK dealers, fully approved and guaranteed by Honda (UK). For further information and prices please visit www.honda.co.uk/pioneer or contact your local dealer.

Follow @HondaUKPower on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up-to-date with all the latest news on Honda’s power products or visit www.honda.co.uk/atv for further information on Honda’s industryleading range of ATV and side-byside utility vehicles.

January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Tyres

BKT at Agritechnica The new Flotation FL 637 and Agrimax V-Flecto tyres. an a tractor that weighs more than 1,500 kg (plus wheels) be transparent? Yes, it can actually - if made of Plexiglass. Yet, can a large multinational company with some thousand employees be transparent? Yes, it can actually - if it remains open-minded and receptive for innovation and research as well as for the world of employment, young people, and the society. Both these transparencies became crystal clear at Agritechnica 2017, the leading trade fair for agricultural machinery which took place at Hanover - from November 12 to 18, 2017.

BKT launched the brand-new FL 637 (in size 520/50 R 17), part of the flotation lineup. This product is perfect for spreaders, trailers, and tank trucks boasting excellent performance features both in the fields and on the road. The directional tread design ensures top flotation features, low rolling resistance, and extraordinary selfcleaning properties. The steelbelted structure ensures

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remarkable load capacity and great resistance.

The BKT booth at Agritechnica 2017 was literally dominated by a huge transparent tractor made of 1,500 kg of Plexiglass and fitted with an extraordinarily innovative tyre, namely Agrimax V-Flecto. It is BKT’s first tyre based on Narrow Rim Option Technology (NRO), the new experimental standard by E.T.R.T.O., the European Tyre and Rim Technology Organization. This marking enables to use recommended rims in standard size without specific rims that are necessary for VF tires of the same size, instead.

Presented as world preview at SIMA, Paris earlier this year, Agrimax V-Flecto reduces soil compaction thanks to an optimized footprint and a larger tread. Besides, the tyre is perfect both in the fields and on the road.

Even at maximum load capacity, no change in inflation pressure is needed, since Agrimax V-Flecto sustains 40% more weight compared to a standard tyre of the same size at the same inflation pressure.

Next to the spectacular crystalclear tractor, another surprising attraction could be admired at the BKT stand: the breathtaking stunts of Iya Traoré, the football freestyle champion from Africa, who performed four times a day at the BKT stand. Every show concluded with the traditional distribution of thousands of footballs signed BKT. Yet, BKT’s attention is not limited to sports. The company is very sensitive to topics related to future agriculture including the training of young operators in the farming sector. For this reason, the company decided to sponsor the Young Farmers Day, a program that foresees a series of meetings and appointments dedicated to young farmers and their future opportunities.

Wheat success: AxioBib 2 tyres a revelation for first farmer in Northern Ireland to run on Michelin’s all new fitment A farmer from Northern Ireland says his working day has been transformed by Michelin’s new AxioBib 2 tractor tyres – after becoming the first person in the country to fit a set. ichard Lyons – who farms hens for free-range eggs and 180 acres of wheat and barley with his father on their 250-acre farm near Bushmills, County Antrim – instantly ordered the tyres for his 2017 John Deere 6155R Ultimate Edition after being bowled over by an AxioBib 2 demonstration video sent to him by Phillip Armstrong of local Michelin Exelagri dealer JB Tyres, showcasing the fitment’s versatility.

Michelin’s latest agricultural tyres boast the highest load capacity on the VF 650/65 R42 174D/171E market, provide excellent traction for heavy machinery, and can run at very low pressures to minimise soil compaction and crop damage in the field – making them ideal for ploughing, drilling and cultivation.

Lyons, who specified AxioBib 2 Very High Flexion (VF) 540/65 R30 front and VF 650/65 R42 rear tyres, reveals: “I’m proud to be the first farmer in Northern Ireland to be running on AxioBib 2 tyres and I’m so impressed with their

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all-round performance, especially given the wet conditions we’ve had.

“Tractors are getting heavier, so there’s a growing need for tyres to handle substantial loads while protecting the land. These AxioBib 2s are designed to do both, so it’s a win-win.

Running at low pressure creates a larger footprint and spreads the load out, preventing damage like soil compaction.

“Remarkably, there’s almost no wheel slippage because the soft pressure allows incredible grip in the field – even when driving uphill on soaking wet soil – which improves fuel efficiency. Whether ploughing or drilling on wet land or dry, I’ve been massively impressed.”

Designed for 160hp to 320hp tractors, AxioBib 2 has enabled Michelin to offer a patented Ultraflex technology tyre for all highhorsepower tractors – bridging the gap between the existing XeoBib (120hp – 180hp) and AxioBib (300+hp) ranges.

Each VF 650/65 R42 AxioBib 2 tyre is also capable of carrying an extra 2,450kg at 65kph

than the same size Michelin MultiBib tyre, making it particularly desirable given the increasing weight of new farm machinery, and can operate at up to 70kph. The tyres also stand out for their Narrow Rim Option (NRO) markings on the sidewall, which confirm their higher load capacity without the need for farmers to upgrade to wider wheel rims.

Although the lion’s share of Lyons’ work is in the fields, the AxioBib 2’s performance on the road also came as a revelation to him: “Most tyres driving at speed on the road make a fair amount of noise. With AxioBib 2s, there’s nothing. Not so much as a hum.

“Also, when I’m driving off the fields, the mud and muck gets ejected really fast thanks to the flex in the tyres. In just the distance of two lengths of the tractor, 90 per cent of the big lumps of mud have gone – so by the time I hit the road my tyres are virtually clean.”

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| ATV

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January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 49

Dirty d e done eds d a mned well | Motors

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And r tand out fu an attem andling a its st. St 'l o E the b l be tes find a lo o a efin nd pt rt h road lloys, del, PRO th seats. rd, as are uppe from flyin struggling ase PUR arting cond ed it is, s er from th to make t G c S E g r c olour RES tep lima oakin his itions dece e pac POW models w out when to keep th n g obvio ed bump te control SIVE and up to ER m it is alw t SUV alth on offer w up the v k. ers. P u y a odels h more e considerin e o s n ly u d a 'l it a l have body includ OWE q start g the 'chatt ys going ough that h the pois rious t R h in at £3 uipment. e v g e m e bigge b rsion head ost e There 4,000 an em r' over ro to be a ce eing said e of a s la r q a u m 's ll ( ip +vat ps oy u no ar r m , Merc ). the b pty load b gh, uneve tain amou there guing ede - and th s, leathe ent qualit e n that t y pro The t s expects is is the m r and LED pick-u ast. In rea ed - that's n surfaces t of h duct… e e t o s o X t li d ju q p v w t b c C el tha ersio y, th uality st the it tha e the ar tha lass and w have nb t , don is a natur h m t e all don t I’ve driv is is the 't we?

On th ut with a I drove w ost popu like a In ter e an exce en, bar n best ridin e of a p la e s le r. r b fo t o t h h it m a r g o e o ll g d of n e s r e PO ,y full E a e. Me nt job t of the Then u rcede and n ting that y ou'd be fo of options WER t illumin ro pallet, load bed here. h o s o e M r fi u g t r t e e ted. iven fo are in 's t rce a mann a stand step ation feat s expecte , this will t a r a versio des claim he additio p a u d interio ers and ha rd passe utilitarian n n … witho rovides th re plus a , and has ke a n . v t n g N r he sa 35.7mpg al running avara u h put to refineme dling are er car - r ehicle for th m cost r e e tonne t droppin e opportu andy bum a nifty e t o u e befor n n g the le gether an nt. The ca on par, as ad e, the rns 40.4m gine in th 190hp s. brake payload c the tailg ity to stow per d nic b v b is e e in p X u ls g t N r a C h is d .A ely sp of Me iss e terms la e very the b d towing c apacity an te. The on items r e would n over the ss carries s mention an est e d apac wind of certain cedes pa cified but well ed a heft Nissa expla ity pu 3.5 tonn s n p s n s o There too. e la ig o y n in ise ar nger t to stic fi nifica weigh of ov e ts it u the d your e c n e n a PURE are thr k is is p r jo t r e d s 2 h c a u t epen here repa 00kg t mou e relaxin rney fro pt to a m es. Eng in with powe , PROGRE e models ine a mAt inimu thoug ds on wh nt of mpg ncy but th which g e v r plan n li S w o e nes d m, m ether a SIV h. ill ha nt. In t Bm 220d you fe o sacrifice t's a CO2 , a fo ts are cur E AND PO for X Clas addit ve contrib deed, the uch more aking . It all el it's figure ur cy ional u o 2 s t f 2 o e w a 0 u linde rently ava WER. Tw s: d s orth it d nd heft. to the c Vis r 2.3L ila o Selec and 207g/ ome in at X Cla proofing turbo ble the bonn ibility is go km fo 200g tive C ss’s diese et wh o t / r r a k d e the m fo talyt atm too comp l e aris re the Na , especia mean ent syste ic Reduct X 250d. A r the X vara's lly ov m is fi ion e in Stand on. g y e x addit ou ha is hig tted o r the haus ard e ion t h in ve na quipm Off ro to the 70+ a 17 litre ll models ent le A a dblue vels a d, the litre fu s e le ct re fin tank e X e and in Merc able four Class sh l tank. w e in conv des eats heel drive es too. W enien up th ith it's syste e t rota ry dia rough stu m, the l activ ff. A ates all wh eel conti nued

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overle

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January 2018 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Motors drive and high and low ratios and there's a button to activate hill descent control (which works very well incidentally).

Putting the X Class through its paces on the dedicated off-road course proved entertaining - it really does manage very well indeed!

For those times when conditions are extreme, a lockable rear differential is available to specify as an option too. You can also specify an increase in ride height by around 20mm to add further off-road capability.

Airbags and safety systems abound, making the X Class a very safe place to be. Specify the 360 degree camera system and you'll get a birds eye view for parking etc. (all models come with a reversing camera as standard, which is handy). You'll also benefit from a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty and the Mercedes MobiloVan roadside assistance service for the entirety of your ownership.

For all the talk of the high list price however (which will eclipse the Navara, Hilux, L200,

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| Motors Ranger, D-Max and even VW Amarok), the Mercedes is likely to retain more of its residual value in comparison. Then there's the fact that, as a business vehicle, it can be a tax efficient purchase which could take a bit of the sting out of the price.

Blurring the line between business and pleasure, the new Mercedes X Class pick-up truck could leave you scratching your head. If it's the best equipped and most luxurious utility vehicle you're after then look no further. But that three pointed star means it was never going to be cheap.

There's no arguing that the X Class is a quality product…and we all like a bit of quality, don't we?

All in all, the X Class makes a tempting proposition, especially if you're after the kudos of a smart badge. Its car-like drive, quality interior and powerful load carrying credentials mean that this is a pick-up truck that should feature high on your shortlist. Personally, I feel that the extra power of the V6 X 350d might be worth the wait. But this will come at a further premium…sigh.

You only live once…and who's counting?

Andrew Poulton, Editor

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Key Facts Engine

4 cylinder 2.3L turbo diesel (190hp)

Transmission

7 - speed Automatic

Performance Weights Fuel Economy Price

0-62mph 11.8s Top Speed 109mph Kerb weight: 2234kg Towable weight: 3500kg Combined: 35.8mpg CO2 Emissions: 207g/km £34,100 (+vat)

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| Motors

New Tiguan Allspace open for order The new Tiguan Allspace is now available to order across Volkswagen’s UK Retailer network. Based on the successful Tiguan sports utility vehicle, the Tiguan Allspace has a longer wheelbase and a greater overall length than its sibling. o be precise, the Tiguan Allspace is 4,701 mm long (Tiguan: 4,486 mm) and has a wheelbase of 2,787 mm (Tiguan: 2,681 mm). A third row of fold-flat occasional seats means the Tiguan Allspace can carry up to seven people and still boast a luggage capacity of 230 litres. Or, with five people in the car, the luggage capacity is 700 litres, and increase of 85 litres over the ‘regular’ Tiguan (615 litres).

Further emphasising its enhanced flexibility, the Tiguan Allspace’s middle row of seats can be slid fore and aft by 180 mm, and can also fold flat. With both the middle row and the third row of seats folded down, the luggage capacity of the Tiguan Allspace is a cavernous 1,775 litres.

Three high specification trim levels make up the Tiguan Allspace range. Beginning with the generously equipped SE Navigation models, it continues with the luxurious SEL and sporty R-Line.

Equipment levels are high across the board in the Tiguan Allspace. As well as the third row of fold-flat seats every model has at least 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and 3Zone climate control.

All have Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation infotainment system with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation, DAB radio and a CD player, as well as Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.

Driver assistance systems fitted across the board come in the form

T

of Adaptive Cruise Control, which tracks the speed of the car ahead and automatically accelerates and brakes the Tiguan Allspace while keeping a safe gap ahead, as well as Lane Assist, Front Assist and City emergency braking.

SEL spec’ adds Active Info Display, Volkswagen’s 12.3-inch TFT screen mounted in the instrument binnacle. It offers customisable menus that display a range of different information about the car such as speed, gear, fuel consumption, navigation instructions or map, and much more. SEL trim also includes 19inch alloy wheels, front sports seats with 14-way adjustment, hands-free boot opening, and a panoramic sunroof.

R-Line brings a variety of sporty styling cues to the Tiguan Allspace, including 20-inch ‘Suzuka’ alloy wheels, sports suspension (lowered by approx. 15 mm), a body-coloured rear spoiler, and black interior rooflining.

Engine options are broadly similar to the Tiguan. The 1.4-litre TSI ACT engine has a peak power output figure of 150 PS (5,000 to 6,000 rpm) and benefits from Active Cylinder Technology, which means two of the four cylinders shut down when the car is cruising to save fuel. A second petrol option is the 2.0-litre 180 PS TSI unit, available exclusively with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The diesel range includes three 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, with peak power outputs of 150 PS, 190 PS and 240 PS. The 150 PS unit is

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particularly versatile, with the choice of front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive and sixspeed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes.

In 190 PS diesel-engined form the Tiguan Allspace has a top speed, where legal, of 130 mph and completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.6 seconds. When equipped with the 240 PS BiTDI engine the top speed is 142 mph and 0-62 mph takes 6.7 seconds.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle ranges from 46.3 mpg for the 150 PS TSI to 43.5 mpg in the 240 PS TDI diesel engine. CO2 measurements range from 131 g/km for the 2.0-litre 150 PS TDI with a manual gearbox and frontwheel drive to 175 g/km for the 2.0litre 180 PS TSI engine with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

As well as being a strong performer on the road, the Tiguan Allspace is a capable off-road SUV. To that end, the optional off-road pack offers an alternative front bumper design to increase the approach angle from 16.9 degrees to 24 degrees. It also adds additional underbody protection and chrome door sill protectors.

All Tiguan Allspace models equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive include 4MOTION Active Control. This is an intuitively operated rotary/push-button switch that allows the driver to activate one of four driving modes: ‘Onroad’, ‘Snow’, ‘Offroad’ and ‘Offroad Individual’. It tunes the transmission of the car to meet the conditions the driver is facing.

The versatility of the Tiguan Allspace continues via the model’s

towing capacity of 1,800 kg to 2,500 kg (braked), depending on the engine and gearbox combination. Volkswagen’s clever Trailer Assist system combines the optional Park Assist and rear-view camera to make reversing and parking with a trailer easy and accurate. The optical display visualises actual and possible steering angles and reverse steering is automatic, with the driver side door mirror adjustment switch acting as a joystick. The driver controls the pedals and keeps a good look out.

From its UK launch in June 2016 to the end of 2017 more than 40,000 second generation Tiguans have been sold here, cementing the car’s position as a top three model for Volkswagen UK. The Tiguan Allspace aims to further strengthen that sales performance as a standalone car. It has been designed to echo the sharp styling of the regular Tiguan despite its larger proportions, and boasts various styling amends including a new front grille and a higher bonnet with different accent lines.

Larger rear doors enable good access to the third row of seats, while the contours around the Cpillar are also new. The roof section is finished with a striking structural design that pays homage to classic SUVs. Volkswagen’s SUV range continues to expand. Below Touareg, Tiguan Allspace and Tiguan is the all-new Volkswagen TRoc, which blends the dominance of an SUV with the dynamism of a compact hatchback.

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| Motors

ove it or hate it, there's no denying that the Dacia Duster provides an enticing proposition for entry into the 4x4 arena. To be able to drive a brand new 'proper' 4x4 with all the bells and whistles for less than ÂŁ18,500 is surprising if not amazing.

Based on the new top of the line Prestige model, the Dacia Duster SE Summit dCi 110 4x4 offers a decent amount of car for your money. As you may already be aware, the Dacia brand in owned by Renault and the Duster borrows technologies and underpinnings from both Renault and Nissan (for the 4x4 system). This brings mechanicals which, whilst not cutting edge, are already proven, tried and tested.

We've looked at the Duster before and this new face-lifted, top of the range model is an even more compelling proposition for those who can't justify the extra expense to get into a more well known brand.

L

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Revised front end styling keeps Duster looking fresh.

The SE Summit special edition benefits over the top of the range Prestige in terms of styling, with 16� diamond cut alloy wheels, Nordic Grey metallic paint, body side and wheel arch mouldings and an upgraded interior, with orange highlights on seats and air vent surrounds.

This adds up to the best looking Duster yet.

Inside, you'll still find a budget interior but this is tempered by a new leather steering wheel and gearknob, burnt orange detailing on the seats and dash and a satellite navigation system with 7� multimedia screen with Bluetooth connectivity. This worked very well and was easy to understand.

Full leather can be specified for a fee.

A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are also included. Good stuff.

A slight quirk is that I found the passenger had a sun-visor mounted vanity mirror rather than the driver Continued overleaf

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Dacia Duster cleans up in the small SUV market | Motors

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| Motors

– evidence of a lazy right hand drive conversion, I feel.

On the road, the 109hp diesel engine pulls decently, though you'll notice that gearing is very short in first. This is to aid off-road work and negates the need for an expensive low ratio transfer box but it's unlikely that many Dusters will see such work. Acceleration becomes a breathless affair until you hit third gear which picks up nicely. Unfortunately, engine noise is intrusive at all speeds – more sound deadening materials would help here but would add to the weight of what is currently quite a svelte vehicle.

The 6 speed manual is fine but you can also opt for a dual-clutch unit if you prefer.

The 4x4 version provides three modes: front drive, permanent four-wheel drive or ‘automatic’ that that switches between the two when required. Though our Duster wasn't tested properly off-road, the muddy tracks and fields that we did venture into proved no problem.

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Whilst not delivering the greatest efficiency figures out there, they are still not bad with this diesel engined variant delivering 60.1mpg with 123g/km CO2.

0-62 comes in 12.4 seconds – clearly this isn't a rocket ship...but it's not supposed to be.

As far as road manners go, Duster has been outfitted with a soft suspension set-up which soaks up potholes and bumps in the road very nicely. The drawback to this, however, is that it does result in quite a bit of lean around corners and some bumpy surfaces can upset the ride quite a bit. Let's face it though, you're not going to be ragging this 4x4 around at its limits and driven sensibly, the Duster isn't offensive at all.

Seating position is high but a major issue for me was the lack of any reach adjustment on the steering wheel which can make attaining a comfortable driving position difficult. A definite black mark there Dacia.

Interior space is good, with decent amounts of headroom. The boot is spacious without

being massive...until you drop the rear seats when it becomes positively cavernous.

Whichever Duster model you might opt for, there's no doubt that it offers an unparalleled package in the marketplace. Of course, unless you are exceptionally cash strapped, one of the models higher up the range will offer the best option in terms of equipment and comfort. And being such a low price already, depreciation should be very low.

At £18,395 OTR, the SE Summit doesn't really have any rivals if you are prepared to live with obvious cost saving measures and understand the compromises that have been made. With all the equipment on offer, it provides a truly remarkable offer for the money.

Andrew Poulton, Editor

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| Motors

Introducing the new Land Rover Discovery Commercial A new ultra-versatile commercial version of the Land Rover Discovery will go on sale in the UK today. Featuring 1,856 litres of flexible load space replacing the second and third row seats, the new Discovery affords driver and passenger premium levels of comfort and entertainment. vailable with Land Rover’s Ingenium 2.0D SD4 240HP and 3.0D TD6 258HP engines, Discovery Commercial shares the fundamental underpinnings of the Discovery, from its wide-spaced double-wishbone design at the front to its advanced multi-link layout at the rear, the Discovery Commercial’s suspension delivers more responsive handling without compromising Land Rover’s hallmark all-terrain capability and makes all journeys confident, comfortable and engaging.

Discovery Commercial comes exclusively with four wheel drive, automatic transmission, twinspeed transfer box, air suspension and a full-size spare wheel. Fitted solely with Discovery’s front row seating; driver comfort and convenience remain unchanged with InControl Touch Pro featuring as standard.

The second and third row seating have been replaced with 1,856 litres of hard-wearing loadspace. Accessed by a powered

A

tailgate and benefiting from Discovery’s innovative powered inner tailgate, Discovery Commercial’s load-space measures 1,635mm long, 939mm high and 1,411mm wide. The boot aperture is large enough to accept loads measuring up to 1000 x 735mm.

Discovery Commercial comes with Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response systems which optimise the vehicle’s engine, gearbox, centre differential and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain. Optional Terrain Response 2 system enhances this even further by monitoring driving conditions and automatically selecting the driving modes ensuring loads are delivered whatever the terrain, whatever the weather.

Retaining the exterior design of Discovery, rear window concealment panels are masked by privacy glass so Discovery Commercial can be undistinguishable as a commercial vehicle if desired.

Discovery Commercial features a host of technology, convenience

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features and driver aids necessary when transporting loads for business. InControl Touch Pro, cruise control and speed limiter, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, heated windscreen and rear window, heated door mirrors, DAB radio, InControl Protect, Tyre Pressure Monitoring system, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, Gradient Acceleration Control, Hill Descent Control and Trailer Stability Assist all come as standard.

To launch the Discovery Commercial, Land Rover teamed up with Bloom & Wild, experts in packaging and delivering fresh flowers to letterboxes across the

country. The new Discovery Commercial, wrapped in Bloom & Wild livery hauled 300 mini Christmas trees back to the UK from their farm in the Netherlands in time for the festive season.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks said “Discovery Commercial has always been a key part of the Discovery line-up since the Discovery 1, but the latest version brings new levels of practicality, versatility and premium levels of comfort that showcase the vehicle’s hard-working DNA.” Priced from £48,695 on the road (VAT at £8,066.67), Discovery Commercial is available in S, SE and HSE available with both 2.0 SD4 and 3.0 TD6 engines.

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