July 2013 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

July 2013

Inside this issue...

On Topic Is your machinery ready for harvest?

Cereals Show Post event round-up

Farm Energy Time for renewables?

Security Secure your equipment Also Inside: Buildings | Pest Control | Machinery | Potatoes | Pig & Poultry | ATVs | Motors

NEW & USED TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

Ex Farm & Trade-in tractors & machines for sale : David Brown 1390 2wd Synchro c/w loader / bucket 16.9 x 34 tyres. £3500.00 Fiat 70 - 90 2wd. 1991, 6987 hours, 12 x 12 Shuttle, 13.6 x 38 tyres, 2 x hydraulic valves. £4750.00 Mercedes Unimog U1000, 8 speed Torque converter, fixed rear body. £6000.00 Renault 436 4wd c/w Chillton loader, Shuttle gearbox, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 2003, 5930 hours. £14750.00 Steyr 9094 4wd. 1999, 3563 hours, 16x16 gearbox, very clean 94hp tractor, 16.9 x 38 tyres. £13750.00 Zetor 6911 2wd. 75hp. one owner, 16.9 x 28 tyres, showing 1500 hours, Power steering. £2250.00 Zetor 6911 2wd c/w Quicke loader / fork, 16.9 x 28 tyres. £2500.00 Zetor 7211 2wd. 1988, 4150 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 540/1000 pto. weights, very clean tractor. £5000.00 CaseIH 695XL 2wd c/w McConnel loader / bucket, 13.6 x 36 tyres, tidy condition. £5000.00 CaseIH 885 4wd c/w Quicke 5300 loader, one owner, 4614 hours, a good honest tractor. £8750.00 CaseIH 4230LP 4wd. 8488 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres. £7000.00 CaseIH 4230LP 4wd. c/w Tanco loader, 1995, 16.9 x 34 tyres. £7500.00 CaseIH Maxxum 5150 Plus, 1994, weights, 40kph. 80% good 460/85 x 38 tyres. £11000.00 McCormick MC100 4wd. ’51’ reg. 6227 hours, 40kph.

16.9 x 34 tyres, air conditioned cab, front weights. £12750.00

MF 6170 Dynashift 4wd. 5455 hours, good 18.4 x 38 tyres. £11000.00 MF 550 2wd. 1978, 5626 hours, 8 speed gearbox, original one owner tractor. £5750.00 MF 230 Roll bar, turf tyres, trailer hitch, 1985, tidy. £5750.00 MF 365 2wd c/w MF880 loader & fork, 8 speed gearbox, 3618 hours, genuine tractor from small farm. £8750.00 Ford 4110 2wd Column change gearbox, 8050 hours, power steering, 12.4 x 36 tyres. £3750.00 New Holland TC27D 4wd c/w loader / bucket, 2002, 1630 hours, roll bar, 27hp Compact. £5950.00 New Holland TD75D 4wd. 12x12 Shuttle, 2003, 4240 hours, 16.9 x 34 Ag tyres. £14750.00 New Holland TL90 4wd. Power Shuttle & PowerShift, December 2003, 5260 hours, air conditioned cab, very good 16.9 x 34 tyres. £15000.00 New Holland TD5050 4wd. November 2011, 1135 hours, 12x12 gearbox 40kph. very good 16.9 x 34 tyres. £14750.00 New Holland TM175 Suspension, Front Linkage, 2005, 5935 hours, 20.8 x 38 tyres. £17500.00

JCB 528-70 Telescopic Handler, Q fit carriage, year 2000, 2156 hours, Ex Water Authority. £16500.00 JCB 525-58 Farm Special Plus Telescopic Handler, 8246 hours, Q fit carriage, trailer hitch. £10000.00 Manitou 420 Buggiescopic, pallet forks, 4220 hours, starts, runs, lifts & lowers. £7500.00 Kramer 320 PowerShuttle, 6600 hours, bucket. £8750.00 Thwaites 6 ton dumper, choice. £2500.00 NEW McConnel PT270 Topper, one only. £1950.00 Simba 4 metre 2B discs, hyd fold, good discs. £5250.00 Vicon Greenland 6.6 metre Air drill £1250.00 Photographs on our web site : www.startintractors.co.uk Only to be sold after viewing, no guarantee given.

JCB 3CX 4wd Sitemaster, Extradig, 4 in 1 bucket c/w Pallet tines. £7750.00 CASE 580K 4wd. Extendahoe, 4 in 1 bucket, starts, runs, works. £7750.00 Lewis Badger, Compact tractor, digger, loader, 2002, 1751 hours, excellent compact machine. £9000.00 E&OE All prices Ex VAT

Many more tractors & equipment for sale:

www.startintractors.co.uk Finance offered subject to terms & conditions

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Knowledge grows

Contents

16

30

July 2013

59 64

Features

Regulars

14 18 20 22 24 32 50 54

06 16 26 56 64 66

Potatoes Latest potato news

Feature Buying & selling agricultural land

Security Keep your equipment safe

Pest Control Stay on top of pests

Buildings Latest buildings news

Cereals Show round-up

Pig & Poultry

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Harvest time is tough on machinery

Energy Farm renewables

Machinery Latest machinery news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Latest news

Livestock Event round-up.

Sheep NSA Sheep North We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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

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| News

Water Bill offers solution Kärcher repeats popular to flood insurance issue £100 cashback scheme The CLA has said that the Water Bill offers a solution to the issue of providing flood insurance in high-risk areas.

LA President Harry Cotterell said: “We welcome the inclusion of measures in the Water Bill announced last month to ensure that flood insurance remains affordable in high-risk areas including those in the countryside.

This will be of great benefit to landowners struggling to get insurance for rural dwellings.

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“ I am also very pleased to see the Water Bill has been strengthened “ “The new agreement with insurance companies would cap flood insurance premiums, linking them to council tax bands so that people will know the maximum they will have to pay.”

He said: “The Bill contains a regulatory backstop giving the Government legal powers to regulate the insurance industry.

This should keep insurance premiums affordable.

“A new industry-backed levy,

known as Flood Re, will enable insurance companies to cover those at most risk of flooding. All UK household insurers will have to pay into this pool, creating a fund that can be used to pay claims for people in high-risk homes.”

The CLA President added: “I am also very pleased to see the Water Bill has been strengthened by introducing proposals to develop new water sources. This should also help the development of nonwater company water storage.

“Making changes to the Bulk Supply Regime will allow water storage owners to become suppliers. This means that in the future farmers and landowners who own storage would be able to sell their water direct to water companies.”

Mr Cotterell also welcomed proposals in the Bill to streamline and potentially cut red tape from the licensing regimes for abstraction and impounding of water, for fish pass approvals and for flood defence consents.

Kärcher, the world leader in design and manufacture of cleaning machines, has announced the repeat of its highly successful £100 cashback incentive on new Kärcher HDS hot water pressure washers. or every HDS machine * purchased through a participating Kärcher dealer between 1st June and 31st August 2013, Kärcher will reward the customer with a cheque for £100.

Using hot water when highpressure cleaning can reduce cleaning time by up to 40% and improve final results. This is because oil and grease stains emulsify and flow more easily when heated, making them easier and quicker to shift. Hot water also accelerates chemical processes, making detergents work more quickly. On top of all this, the object being cleaned will dry more quickly because it has been warmed by the hot water.

With a wide range of power options there is a machine to suit your specific requirements and budget. Many HDS machines feature eco!efficiency mode, offering fuel savings of up to 20%

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without compromising cleaning performance. In addition, Kärcher’s machine protector chemical system prevents limescale build-up and corrosion of internal components. The system features a water hardness dial to ensure only the required amount of protector chemical is used, and is backed by a threeyear warranty on the heater coil.

For more information on the cashback offer, and to discuss finance options, call 01295 752142 or visit www.karcher.co.uk (* excluding upright models)

Next Auctions on 15th July 2013 & 12th August 2013 commencing at 10.30am

06 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

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| News

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July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Stacey Solomon latest to sign up to ‘make mine Milk’ campaign Mum of two is the latest celeb to work with ‘make mine Milk’ and BeatBullying. inger and TV presenter Stacey Solomon has been unveiled as the latest celebrity to support the ‘make mine Milk’ campaign and the charity BeatBullying. She will be working with the two organisations on a competition that teaches children to celebrate diversity and how to make milk a fun part of their diet.

The initiative is the latest element of a partnership between ‘make mine Milk’, the celebrity milk moustache campaign which highlights that milk is packed full of healthy nutrients and contains less than 2% fat, and BeatBullying, the charity which works with children and young people across the UK to make bullying unacceptable.

Stacey is the latest in a long line of celebrities to pose with the famous milk moustache, following in the footsteps of stars including Rupert Grint, Kelly Rowland and Pixie Lott. The competition is open to primary school age children and encourages them to express themselves by creating a milkshake that personifies them, with ‘ingredients’ ranging from their favourite flavours to their hobbies and interests and even their hair or eye colour; for example a sprinkling of chocolate, a spoonful of football skill and two blue eyes.

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08 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

Sandy Wilkie, Chairman of the Milk Marketing Forum – which funds ‘make mine Milk’ – commented: “As someone who appeals to both a young audience and parents, Stacey is a great celebrity to work with on this competition and we’re delighted to see her wearing her milk tash.

“Our partnership with BeatBullying continues to deliver positive results for us, allowing us to work with celebrities like Stacey and still deliver high impact PR campaigns despite the fact that our period of EU co-funding has come to an end. We’ve had a great few months with the campaign, and we’re now looking to the future and securing funding to ensure that the

campaign is able to continue for many years to come.”

Market data from Kantar shows that there have been year-on-year-on-year increases in milk volume consumed since the launch of the ‘make mine Milk’ campaign – with a +2.0% increase in the 52-week period ending December 2010, followed by +2.1% for the same period ending December 2011, and a subsequent +0.9% rise for the year ending December 2012.

The competition will run through primary schools but will also be open to mums and their children over the summer.

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| News

Freewatt reports interest in solar as high as ever The doom mongers’ prediction of a decline in solar power interest is well wide of the mark according to a leading energy company. reewatt has reported a boom in enquiries for both solar and biomass projects over the last month.

The Stow-based company has attended both the Cereals Show and the Lincolnshire Show and logged over 50 serious enquiries for projects worth in excess of £1 million.

The majority of the interest in solar projects has come from landowners, farmers and food production businesses.

Biomass boilers are also attracting enquiries from small businesses because of the energy savings and grants that can be realised – among them a nursery spending hundreds of pounds a month in heat and hit water.

Some experts have predicted a waning of interest in solar projects as a result of falls in Feed in Tariffs and the import duties imposed on Chinese panels by the EU. But Freewatt, which has seen turnover rise from £44,000 in 2008 to £6.5 million last year, believes the fall in equipment prices has meant the return on investment in solar schemes has remained virtually unchanged.

“The import duties have little impact on Freewatt because we only use high quality German panels,” said Freewatt MD Julian Patrick.

“Our experience over the two large shows in the county is very different from the doom predicted in some quarters.

“Large and small businesses, as well as

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farmers, seem to recognise that energy prices are likely to grow dramatically and they want to protect themselves from future cost rises and with bank interest rates so low green energy investment is also providing a much better rate of return than most other options.

“The serious enquiries we have received from the two large country shows were as strong as we’ve ever experienced so I think the forecast demise is extremely premature.”

Freewatt recently reorganised into three new divisions as a result of the growth in their business: The divisions will be: • Freewatt Renewable Heat – set up to develop biomass boiler projects. The company has already secured a contract to provide an £800,000 system to a county school.

• Green Makeover – established to develop new business installing environmental technologies in period homes. The company’s flagship pilot project of turning a Georgian county home into the UK’s “greenest old house” is nearing completion.

• Freewatt – will continue to focus on solar energy projects for domestic and business properties and developing large scale solar farms. The company has already installed 5MW of solar energy at more than 600 different locations around the region.

The three new companies will sit under the

parent company Freewatt Group and will be overseen by a newly appointed MD Amanda Legate – who was a Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants in Lincoln and had been with the firm for 15 years.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Open Week marks launch of new Polishing System Tong Peal Engineering will be hosting an exclusive open week later this month, to give growers and packers the opportunity to see its latest technically advanced machinery in action. aking place between 2226 July, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of grading and handling equipment for the vegetable industry will be showcasing its new crop polishing system – the TPS-Pro Polisher – alongside other recent additions to its 2013 range.

Designed with the latest technological advances in mind, the TPS-Pro Polisher features an electric direct drive inside every shaft, self-contained stainless steel motors within their own oil baths and waterproof sealed bearings.

These key features virtually remove the need for equipment maintenance or lubrication, providing exceptional labour efficiency.

The polisher is also fitted with a unique drive system with goldplated contact points for optimum longevity and efficiency.

Accordingly, internally sealed drum motors and a unique design eliminates rust or corrosion within the system, as well as facilitating fast and easy brush exchange.

Manufactured in a 14 brush model featuring a 3m long x

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800mm barrel, as well as an 18 brush model featuring a 3m long x 1050mm barrel, the TPS-Pro polisher provides outputs of between 15-30 tonnes per hour and can be integrated into static lines, or specified as a stand alone model.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting an open week dedicated to our latest range of 2013 equipment,” commented Charlie Rich, Tong Peal’s Export Sales Manager.

“The TPS-Pro is our most effective independent polishing system ever, featuring the latest technological advancements and energy efficient processes. The unit runs exceptionally efficiently and quietly, with excellent build quality, hard-wearing fabrication and a two year warranty offering virtually maintenance free vegetable polishing – perfect for multiple crop varieties.”

“Our factory doors are always open, but after receiving such a positive response from customers who have seen the TPS Pro Polisher already, we thought that we’d dedicate an entire week to showcase the polisher and give

people the opportunity to come and meet the team at our factory in Spilsby whilst they’re here!

As well as seeing the TPS-Pro Polisher, visitors will also have the chance to take a tour around the factory and talk informally to the Tong Peal team about the latest technologies in crop handling, as

well as the company’s innovative range of handling and sorting equipment.

For more information or to book places on the open week please visit www.tongpeal.com or call 01790 752771 and speak to one of the team.

CLA lobbies Transport Secretary on HS2 compensation and mitigation The CLA has met Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin about mitigating the damaging impact of the proposed high-speed rail link HS2 on agricultural and other rural businesses.

LA President Harry Cotterell said: “We raised our concerns about the inadequacy of the compulsory purchase system which can allow the acquirer to take more land than it needs while at the same time paying inadequate compensation. We told Mr McLoughlin that fairer compensation and adequate mitigation measures are needed.

“We are suggesting amendments to improve the compensation proposals in the HS2 Preparation Bill which is having its second reading today, and we will be giving evidence to the Public Bill Committee.”

Mr Cotterell added: “We are

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asking for fair and prompt compensation, a duty of care, minimised land take and proactive mitigation for businesses on and close to the railway, all backed by a property bond scheme fit for the 21st Century.

“We have met more than 50 MPs who have constituencies along the route or have transport interests and found a lot of support for looking at the compulsory purchase and compensation provisions within the Bill.”

In its recent policy report Fair Play, the CLA has called for a radical reform of the compulsory purchase system.

10 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

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| Show News

Action on bees must be based on all the latest evidence Proposals for future action on bees must be based on all the evidence if they are to deliver real benefits, the NFU has told a major summit aimed at halting the decline of the country’s pollinators. peaking today at the Bee Summit in London, a partnership between the WI and Friends of the Earth, Waitrose and the Co-operative, NFU chief land management adviser Dr Andrea Graham highlighted a number of on-farm schemes which were showing real environmental results.

Dr Graham said: “The NFU welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this event and support the need for more work in this area. We believe that working with farmers, growers and land managers will be fundamental to helping to better understand and address the challenges faced by bees and other pollinators.

“It is important to note that much is already being done on a voluntary basis by farmers to reverse the declines, which new research (see notes to editors) has shown largely happened between the 1950s and 1990s in Britain and

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other European countries.

Industry–led initiatives such as the Campaign for the Farmed Environment have been promoting land management options to provide food and habitat for bees and in England there are now over 150,000ha of buffer strips, pollen and nectar mixtures, wild bird seed mixtures, hay meadows and wildflowers areas under agrienvironment schemes.

“The latest research shows that declines in the biodiversity of pollinating insects have slowed significantly since the 1990s, suggesting that investment in such measures to benefit bees may be paying off. In fact, for solitary bees, which make up around 90 per cent of our UK wild bees species, the historic declines have reversed and turned into significant increases in diversity over the last 20 years and this is great news for our bees.

“The scientific consensus is that

the challenges facing bees are multifactorial including pests and disease, loss of habitat, the effects of changing climate, as well as chemicals in the bee’s environment. Therefore, it is paramount that any future action to help bees is based on all the available evidence and takes a balanced approach by looking at the whole picture. Without good evidence, we risk making changes based on popular opinion that do nothing to measurably improve pollinator health, but do have costs for the supply chain and possible unintended

consequences for the environment.”

The summit also included Government ministers and officials, MPs, scientists, farmers, landowners, food retailers and producers, NGOs, and chemical companies and featured a speech by the minister responsible for bees, Lord de Mauley.

The minister stated that he is launching a comprehensive review of action to better understand the factors that harm pollinators as part of a National Pollinator Strategy. The Strategy is expected to be published in November and will include a series of workshops this September for frank and open debate.

UK dairy industry must stay competitive into the future At a dairy industry seminar, the Dairy Science Forum (DSF) presented a series of recommendations which would help protect the future competitiveness and sustainability of the dairy farming sector. he event focused the proposals, outlined in three strategy documents, on the key issues of: Research and Development, Knowledge Exchange, and Animal Health and Welfare.

The three strategy papers were presented at the seminar held at Porthcullis House, Westminster in London, with invited guests from throughout the dairy sector, and hosted by MP Rory Stewart. The presentations were followed by group discussions on the three areas, allowing further suggestions to be put forward by individuals from the sector.

The seminar was successful in that support for the Dairy Science Forum’s recommendations was very strong and there was a great deal of consensus on the key points. DSF chairman David Black was delighted with the day: "We aimed to help align the thinking throughout the dairy industry, by producing these strategy papers and identifying what we saw as the key issues.

“By coordinating R&D across UK and Europe more effectively,

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and by addressing the need for excellent knowledge exchange at all levels of the industry, we are in a position to empower farmers and advisers with the information they need, and give access to evidence based science so that the UK industry becomes ever more vibrant and competitive in world markets.

“Addressing the needs of the animals themselves, and looking at the preferences of domestic animals so that they are healthy and productive, is the very basis of animal welfare - and at the same time, education of the purchasers of products and the wider society results in a better understanding of the value of farming."

Mr Black added that it was hoped that the recommendations and discussion points in the three strategy papers will make a contribution to current efforts to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of UK dairying.

The three strategy documents can be downloaded from the Dairy Science Forum’s website: www.dairyscienceforum.org

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

Cheshire County Show smashes crowd numbers This year’s Cheshire County Show has welcomed one of its largest crowds ever over the sun-soaked two-day event. otal visitor numbers are still being counted up but they have comfortably beaten last year’s 80,000-strong crowd.

The agricultural show, at the Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, is this year celebrating its 175th anniversary and has done it in style with fantastic weather and a special visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

HRH The Princess Royal, who is also this year’s president of the Cheshire County Show, was given a tour of the showground and stopped to chat with members of Cheshire NAFAS and WI, as well as enjoying the horse section.

Nigel Evans, Executive Director of the Cheshire County Show, said: “This has been an outstanding year for the Cheshire County Show. We know it has been a success when we see so many smiling faces enjoying the event.

“We have been rewarded with wonderful weather and we have also been very proud this year to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, both of which have helped to attract our bumper crowds.

“Well done to everyone involved and a big ‘thank you’ to the crowds who have once again made the Cheshire County Show one of the biggest and best shows in the North West.”

Thousands of animals including livestock, horses, dogs and pigs competed in hundreds of classes over the two days.

This year also saw the English National Simmental Show at the show for the first time and the very first dedicated competition class for the South Devon cattle breed in

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the show’s history.

Main attractions for 2013 have also included thrilling performances from the world’s leading stunt motorcyclist Matt Coulter AKA ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ and stirring live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band who returned by popular demand.

The Sainsbury’s Agri-Centre offered visitors the chance to get a ‘hands on’ experience of farming and to learn more about where their food comes from.

As ever, the Roberts Speciality Food Hall and Food Live Theatre proved popular with visitors who enjoyed a wide range of culinary delights from over a hundred food producers from Cheshire and beyond.

It also offered live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs including Sean Wilson, Simon Rimmer, Nigel Haworth and 2010 Masterchef Professionals winner, Claire Lara.

Tony Garnett, Chairman of the Cheshire County Show, said: “It has been a real honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the show to help us celebrate this special anniversary year.

“She particularly enjoyed talking to exhibitors in the horse section, which we know is one of her passions.

“The show is always a great celebration of our farming heritage and so much more – and this year has been no exception. It continues to grow and be one of the best-enjoyed agricultural and family days out in the region.”

For more information visit www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

Over 170,000 visitors flocked to The Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston recently to visit The Royal Highland Show – an increase of almost 9,500 on the 2012 attendance figure. ttracting HRH The Princess Royal, a host of politicians, sporting greats Ryan Mania, Ross Ford and Nick De Luca, plus a guest appearance

by Judy Murray; the Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s largest outdoor event and an important showcase for food, farming and countryside.

With a focus on Highlands and Islands, new attractions this year included a giant 10-meter ‘mountain’ to climb and abseil, outdoor street food from awardwinning chefs, Set4Sport with Judy Murray supported by RBS and almost 5,000 animals including sheep, cattle, poultry and horses.

Commenting on the final figure – 170,556 over the four days – new show manager, Becky Elvin commented: “As my first show in charge, I am thrilled that we have again demonstrated the show’s enduring appeal. From tasting

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The Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza, South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th August 2013 of exhibits from all corners of the British Isles, as well as some from further afield.

Reduced advance tickets http://www.glossteamextravagan za.com

12 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

Scotland’s finest foods, to cycling around the new mountain bike track, to seeing the finest animals on parade – the Show is a once-ayear event that is for many, an attraction not to be missed.”

Over 25,000 children attended the show to learn about food provenance. Meanwhile hundreds of shopping and food exhibitors, plus a packed entertainment programme created what organisers described as a ‘happy and optimistic’ atmosphere following a long winter that played havoc with the food and farming industries.

Allan Murray, Chairman of The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), organisers of the show said: “It is clear that following two weeks of sunny weather, farmers were in a optimistic frame of mind and ready to do business. All in all, it has been a very successful show.”

Lincolnshire Show hailed Sun shines on Royal visit.

rganisers of the 129th Lincolnshire Show have hailed this year’s two-day event as a great success with an estimated 60,000 people visiting.

Jayne Southall, director of the Lincolnshire Showground and the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “It was a brilliant show, everything ran like clockwork, and we had two days of wonderful weather – which is great for everyone involved, and for the thousands of people who attended.

“This year’s show was attended

by HRH The Countess of Wessex who visited the agricultural areas,

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Diary Date: The show has grown dramatically in recent years and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest and best Steam, Vintage and Countryside events in the UK, attracting thousands

Royal Highland Show another great success

our trade areas and met many people involved in the society. It was so wonderful to have her at this year’s show.”

The Lincolnshire Show is a county institution – and bigger, better and more diverse than ever.

There were 600 shopping stands, more than 2500 animals, and thousands of people at the main ring.

“The main ring had big audiences on both days which is a great indicator of the show’s success,” said Jayne. “And of course we were helped along by the weather which was fantastic this year.”

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| Feature

Upland farms volunteer Lawrence Rees looks at plans to develop a 1950s farm at Museum Exciting future plans for Beamish include displaying a whole new period of the North East’s history, the 1950s. he 1950’s was a time of massive change that saw the decline of many of the region’s traditions, such as upland hill farming.

Beamish hopes to recreate a small upland farm, typical of Teesdale, Weardale, Allendale, the Upper Derwent Valley and South Tynedale.

Often, these farms would only have had 50 acres or less, and would have been subsidised with employment in one of the local industries, such as lead mining or quarrying.

The farm would be displayed as it might have been in the 1950s, when many of this type were being abandoned, and the traditional way of life there was coming to an end. The details would depend on the actual history of the farm chosen to be moved.

If rebuilt at Beamish, it would be surrounded by fields with dry stone walls, in which its livestock would be able to graze.

Upland farms in the North East relied mainly on livestock, as soils were too poor to grow many crops.

Most upland farms had the farmhouse and byre under the same roof, with a jumble of back kitchens, sculleries and lean-tos added on over the years. Nearby, there would probably be a small garth, or vegetable patch.

The interiors were often very old-fashioned compared to the new social housing being built across the region.

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“ If you or someone you know have any memories of life on an upland farm or village, old farming methods, recipes, or photographs, then please share them with us! “ Most of the farm’s furnishings would predate the 1950s, usually only with items that suffer the most wear and tear being replaced, such as rag rugs, clothing, and some of the cooking utensils and crockery.

Almost all of the furniture would have been made before the shortages and austerity of the Second World War and the early post-war years.

Electricity still had not reached most hill farms, which still relied on oil and candle light.

The cooking was largely done on the original Georgian and Victorian black ranges, and washing was done either with a copper, dolly tub and posser, or perhaps a hand powered washing machine.

It was common for farms to have one or more offshots, with a pantry, and perhaps a scullery or dairy. By the 1950s, the emphasis on many farms was on producing milk rather than butter or cheese, so these were only made in small quantities for use at the farm.

The upland communities were often a stronghold for traditional skills, such as rag rug making and quilting, that were disappearing in the rapidly redeveloping coal mining communities.

Development of upland farms in the North East The main lead-producing areas of the North East saw the development of regionally-

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distinctive types of farmstead. Generally, they had the farmhouse, byre and hay loft all under the same roof.

There were two main types of farmstead being built into the 19th Century. The Byre House seems to be a uniquely Northern house type, where the livestock were kept on the ground floor, with an external set of stairs to an upper floor which served as a living quarters.

The other main type was a variant of the longhouse, with the house and agricultural provision built side by side under one roof.

The downturn in British agriculture over the early 20th Century pushed more of these farmsteads into decline, and meant that a farm needed a larger acreage to be viable.

By the 1950s, many of the larger farms had expanded. They incorporated the land holdings of several former farms, and left the former farmhouses empty and derelict. Even today, the valleys are filled with the remains of abandoned cottages and farms.

Moving a farm to Beamish Moving a building to Beamish is only considered when there is no hope of keeping a building in situ. Sadly, many of the region’s traditional upland farms are at risk and many are likely to be lost in the next few decades.

Now that local industries have gone, many of these farms have been abandoned, and are unlikely to be reoccupied.

Hundreds of these traditional farms currently lie empty and derelict. A recent survey found that more than 90 farms and cottages are derelict or ruinous in the upper Wear Valley alone. Whilst it is hoped that some of these remarkable buildings might be restored, it is unlikely that many of them will.

A large number of small farms and smallholdings were built at high altitudes to be closer to the lead mines, often in very remote, exposed locations, unsuited to modern living.

It is hoped that by moving such a farm to Beamish this way of life will be remembered and preserved here, and that it might also

encourage local pride in these remarkable dwellings and to encourage the preservation and restoration of other derelict examples in situ.

How to help As ever, Beamish relies on visitors’ support for its exciting new projects to happen. Money from ticket sales, the Gift Shop, Tearooms and other outlets is put back into the Museum to help fund new developments – simply buying some fish and chips from Davy’s helps the Museum.

Donations of artefacts from the public are also very important for new developments at Beamish.

Furnishing a farm will require all sorts of objects, such as furniture, kitchen items, lamps, and dairying and sheep shearing equipment. If you have anything that you think could be used to furnish a 1950s farm and would like to donate it to the Museum, please let us know.

Just as important as objects are the stories that go with them, including information about how they were used.

If you or someone you know have any memories of life on an upland farm or village, old farming methods, recipes, or photographs, please share them with us!

Contact us on 0191 370 4000 or visit www.beamish.org.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Potatoes

GB’s largest field-based potato event features first-time live working machinery This year’s Potatoes in Practice maintains high relevance for growers and the potato industry who will see increased technical content at the event on 8th August, at Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie, near Dundee. ponsored by the Potato Council and supported by Potato Review magazine, the event is presented in partnership with the James Hutton Institute, SRUC and Agrii and offers the expected high-standard combination of science, R&D, technology and practical advice. The packed one-day programme takes the form of agronomy and variety trial plots and guided tours, a technical seminar programme, science, research and trade stands, static machinery displays and – for the first time – working machinery demonstrations on site at the beginning and end of the day.

Potato Council’s Head of KT and Communications, Dr Sharon Hall remarks “Potatoes in Practice is an excellent opportunity for growers to see what research is currently being done and how the outcomes can be applied on-farm. It’s a really good event for networking and catching up with industry news and seeing what Potato Council is doing for growers through investment of levy in research and knowledge transfer activity’’.

This year Potato Council-sponsored plots will demonstrate a volunteer control trial showing three different herbicide treatments for control of volunteer potatoes in spring barley, a demonstration of glyphosate drift to re-iterate the issues with desiccant use in cereal crops in proximity to seed potato crops and a demonstration of blackleg R&D work on variable nitrogen rates and blackleg expression.

Further Potato Council-sponsored plots will

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demonstrate the effect on seed quality from Blackleg susceptibility (scuffing) and tuber (soil)-borne blackleg compared to haulmtransmitted blackleg, linked to the new Potato Council-sponsored blackleg R&D project looking at entry routes of the disease into highgrade seed stocks (PB1), which will also be discussed in the seminar programme.

Dr Daan Kiezebrink, applied potato pathologist at SRUC, who is coordinating the Potato Council plots explains “Open days like Potatoes in Practice really demonstrate the breadth of research and support there is available for the industry. A major component of the event is the research, agronomy and variety trials on display from science and industry across the country”.

PiP has been held at the James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm for several years.

Euan Caldwell is farm manager for the institute’s farm sites and has been instrumental in securing the first-time working machinery demos this year. Euan announces “Visitors will be able to see, working live, a two-row machine, a windrower, a self-propelled harvester to follow up after the windrower, plus a front-mounted bed tiller and a stone separator”. Euan adds “PiP has something for everybody, from agronomists to students to researchers and growers. I’d encourage everybody to come along.”

The PiP seminar programme sees Dr Stuart Wale, senior potato researcher at SRUC, examining blackleg, its impact on earlygeneration seed crops, and the practicalities

around haulm destruction.

Dr Mark Stalham of Cambridge University Farm (CUF) will look at soil management and improving cultivation practices in potatoes.

Potato Council’s head of seed and export Robert Burns will talk about the importance of protecting our national seed crop, with Alistair Melrose, Managing Director for seed growers A J Allan in Brechin, providing a grower’s perspective on producing seed and the Safe Haven quality assurance scheme.

Robert says “Potatoes in Practice will give growers an excellent chance to find out about the latest government, Potato Council and industry-supported initiatives. In addition to the technical seminars, there will be key seasonal advice from experts in their field on current crop nutrition, pests and disease issues, as well as the latest products and equipment on the trade stand exhibits and machinery displays.

“Come along on 8th August to get the advice and information you need to keep your crops healthy and your businesses profitable, whatever this season may throw at us”.

Levy payers can get more info and also register free at www.potato.org.uk/events/potatoes-practice2013

Alternaria in potatoes – it’s all about timing Alternaria is already a regular and significant disease in potatoes in mainland Europe and its incidence has recently shown a marked increase in the UK. aused by two species A. solani and the less pathogenic, but increasingly prevalent A.alternata, the disease is characterised by the appearance of distinct concentric ring lesions, often with a yellow margin. To the grower, the presence of Alternaria could mean significant yield losses of 20% to 30%.

Overwintering as mycelium, the spores are released in the spring and serve as the main inoculum source carried by wind and water.

Consequently it is wet, mild, humid conditions that trigger high-risk conditions for crops at the right stage of development. “Once there is a high risk period of weather then the first signs of infection can be seen one to two weeks later,” advises independent potato specialist Howard Hinds, Root

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Crop Consultancy. “The showery weather we have just been experiencing is typically high risk so we would be expecting to see signs of disease developing in early July. As there is no curative treatment currently available for Alternaria it is vital that treatment occurs ahead of infection.

Forecasting is therefore crucial to make a decision on the most appropriate treatment programme.”

“This year, because of the weather in the UK, the season is later than normal so as of midJune there was no Alternaria in the crop. But now is the time to be vigilant and assess the risks especially if susceptible varieties such as Markies, Innovator and Vivaldi are being grown. Being complacent is not an option because when the symptoms are

14 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

seen in the crop it is too late,” warns BASF’s agronomy manager, Phil Brown.

“We have been running trials over the past three years which use a Decision Support System (DSS) using a Dacom Alternaria model, currently based on A. solani although an A. alternata version is currently being developed. The model takes in local weather, as well as a five-day forecast and incorporates a crop stage element,” explains Phil. “The trials have shown that using the DSS and applying a fungicide early, and ahead of infection, gives the best activity. Where there is a combination of Alternaria and blight then Invader offers a great dual-purpose solution at the new 2.4kg/ha rate. The higher mancozeb dose (1,600g/ha) gives useful control of the Alternaria

whilst the 18g/ha of dimethomorph offers local systemic activity of blight during rapid canopy development.”

“We are also finding that in high risk situations, Signum (Boscalid and pyraclostrobin), which has an EAMU for use on potatoes, can be an effective protectant treatment when applied at a rate of 0.25kg/ha with up to a maximum of four treatments. In trials, where this was used, in conjunction with the DSS, there was a lower % plant infection and disease severity. Providing an early warning system, and having the right products available, BASF hopes it can provide growers with the tools for a disease-free season,” advises Phil.

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| Potatoes

Prepare a resistance management strategy for your potato crop “Failure to prepare is to prepare for failure” - an often quoted business maxim, but as far as managing potato blight is concerned, the saying holds a valuable truth, says Dr. Dominic Lamb, UK and Ireland Business Manager for Gowan. ollowing four consecutive wet summers, of which 2012 was by far the worst, the potential for potato blight inoculum from discard heaps and volunteers is very high and already blight out breaks have been reported. This should signal the need to prepare a strong, robust blight control programme, incorporating a strong antiresistance strategy.

In order to protect existing fungicides and maintain their efficacy, especially in the light of more aggressive blight populations and new strains that are resistant to leading blight fungicides, it is vital that growers and advisors build strong antiresistance strategies into their programmes, says Dominic Lamb.

“I always advise growers to integrate fungicides with different modes of action and those with multi-site activity. This way blight is effectively controlled and it ensures that individual fungicides are not put under too much pressure. We must use the existing

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range of available products wisely because new active substances with new modes of action are very few and far between.”

He explains that, although there are many brands of late blight fungicides, there are fewer active ingredients and even fewer ways in which these actives actually work on the blight pathogen.

Focusing on the actual sites of action for blight fungicides, as defined by FRAC, single-site fungicides can be classified into just five groups. “In other words you really have just 5 specific tools to play with in the blight tool box.

With such a limited choice, it makes sense to integrate a number of fungicides, including the unique acting Electis, into every programme. If you don’t use zoxium, you are automatically eliminating one of the five sites of action, a very limiting strategy when it comes to resistance management,” explains Dr. Lamb.

Dr. Lamb points out that Electis 75 WG contains two active substances, zoxium® and

mancozeb from two different chemical groups and that it provides a unique benefit in potato blight resistance management.

“There is no known resistance to Electis and no shift in its status.

Acting on at least 6 different sites within the blight pathogen, multisite mancozeb has shown no signs of resistance for over half a century! The low resistance risk of Electis is proven by its label, allowing up to eight sprays in any one season, although obviously Gowan would not recommend such an approach! It controls all blight races and strains, including the new genotypes and those resistant to phenylamides.”

“When it comes to managing blight resistance and controlling different blight strains, we are entering an era of integrated approach that requires growers to rotate modes of action and chemical families - Electis is an essential player, representing one out of the five major sites of action.

By including this active in the blight programme, growers take

advantage of all available sites of action and minimise any future risk,” he says.

Dr. Lamb goes on to say, “In order to get maximum benefits, apply Electis at full canopy, before blight is present in the crop, and thereafter at 7 day intervals depending on blight risk. Every season is a challenging season for the potato crop and I strongly advise growers to prepare a robust blight programme and include at least one application of Electis in that programme.”

“Although not on the label here in the UK, Electis rated 2.5 stars out of three by the European Euroblight panel of experts on Alternaria control – the highest rating for any dual-control product that controls both late and early blight. The only products to receive the maximum 3 star rating are strobilurins whIch offer no late blight control. The same experts rate Electis as comparable with well-known products such as Shirlan and Invader for late blight control” says Dominic.

MPs lend a hand at harvesting time Children across the country have been harvesting new potato crops as part of the Potato Council’s primary school project, Grow Your Own Potatoes. een to observe educational activity in their constituencies, local MPs have been taking time out see how the project is influencing youngsters about food and farming.

Seven visits took place, including former farming minister Sir Jim Paice MP who joined pupils at Little Thetford C of E Primary as they unearthed their ‘Casablanca’ potatoes. Similarly, local MP Sir Roger Gale made the trip to Chartfield School, Kent to help excited pupils harvest plants alongside local grower and Potato Ambassador Matt Spanton.

Head of marketing and corporate affairs, Caroline Evans, said: “We’re delighted in the growing interest from MPs in the work the potato industry is doing to boost awareness amongst young children.

“The Grow Your Own Potatoes initiative encourages children to take a hands-on approach as they learn how food is produced. The project also successfully assists

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youngsters learning about a healthy balanced diet and instils positive eating habits that will stay with them as they grow. Both of these are very much part of the Government’s educational and healthy eating agenda.”

Sir Jim Paice MP added: “Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces as they try to find another tiny tuber shows that they will always know potatoes grow in the ground, not on trees!”

Harvesting events also took place at: • Llandrindod Wells CP School, Powys with Roger Williams MP • Doonfoot Primary School, Ayr with Sandra Osbourne MP • Newlaithes Infant School, Carlisle with John Stevenson MP • Braeburn Infant and Nursery School, Scarborough with Robert Goodwill MP • Douglas Primary School, Douglas with Claudia Beamish MSP Much of the success of the project comes from its ability to adapt to different school

objectives. Building on its popularity in mainstream education, the project is growing from strength to strength and has now been enhanced to include tools and materials that extend its reach to children with special education needs.

Specifically developed by a former special needs teacher and freelance education consultant, the vast range of tools include lesson plans, a sensory study, texture carousel, key sign language words, songs and achievement certificates. Through these, students can build a scrapbook of their potato growing and eating experiences.

Potato Council education coordinator, Sue Lawton, said: “We think it is important that all children learn how great potatoes are. It was identified that the project would be particularly well suited for specialist teaching, but needed the necessary resources to ensure teachers and pupils gained maximum benefit. These have been adapted from the original

material and are available to access from the website www.gyop.potato.org.uk.”

The resources have already received positive feedback with one teacher commenting: “I just wanted to say that I think your SEN resources are fantastic. They are obviously designed by people who really understand the challenges of working with children on the P (performance) levels.”

Registration for GYOP 2014 is already open, so encourage your local schools to participate. For more information or ideas on how you can be involved contact sue.lawton@potato.ahdb.org.uk or visit www.gyop.potato.org.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| On Topic

On Topic

How agricultural oils and lubricants can help relieve stress at Harvest time Q8Oils UK sales and marketing manager Mick Doxford explains how recent developments in specialised lubricants for agricultural equipment can help farmers prepare for the coming harvest.

Long work hours and difficult conditions are tough on machinery

16 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

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o maximise machine and equipment performance during harvesting periods, especially when time is of the essence and the working environment can include a combination of inclement weather, dirt, crop dust, etc., speciallyformulated agricultural lubricants can play a vital role.

Long working hours in difficult weather and heavygoing ground conditions increases service demands on agricultural equipment and the oils, lubricants and greases used to protect engines, transmissions and other components. In order to reduce downtime during harvesting it is essential to minimise wear in the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems of farm vehicles to limit breakdowns and minimise maintenance.

Lubricants manufacturers need to meet the challenging environments and working practices of modern agricultural machinery such as combines, compactors, tractors and diggers. They also need to be flexible enough to consider the constraints of their ultimate customers – the farmers themselves – which can be as basic as product costs and service life, and as demanding as stockholding, service intervals and reducing maintenance requirements.

A key requirement for the engine oils used in farm machinery is to comply with the stringent requirements of the Association of Constructors of European Automobiles (ACEA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) to ensure that they perform to the specifications required of vehicles currently in production, and meet the requirements of leading agricultural machinery manufacturers such as Claas, Massey Ferguson and John Deere. To comply with the most demanding agricultural operations, lubricants based on high quality, hydro-finished base oils are available.

These are subjected to a unique process that removes any remaining impurities, rendering them clear, pure and highly oxidation stable. This ensures that oils maintain colour, viscosity and, most importantly, product integrity in order to prolong engine and transmission life. Such products also improve health and safety in the vehicles and maintenance workshops by minimising oil mist contamination in the working environment.

Especially popular with small, medium and large scale agricultural operations are the latest generation of universal oils and lubricants, which offer farmers and plant operators the opportunity to stock a single versatile product for vehicles and machinery. Products have been developed with the properties necessary to provide highly-effective lubrication for engines, transmissions and final drives, and complementary

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hydraulic fluids are also available for brake and clutch systems.

The obvious benefits of universal lubricants is the reduction in storage and handling costs, the prevention and protection provided against equipment corrosion and rust, friction plate wear and the formation of foam. Universal engine oils are also suitable for both diesel and petrol engines, further reducing stock holding.

Premium universal lubricants, formulated using synthetic base oils and additives, are recommended to provide lubrication and protection for engines, wet brakes, transmissions and hydraulics in highperformance agricultural tractors and other farming equipment, including off-highway vehicles. Universal products are also available to reduce the possibility of the wrong oil being selected.

Heavy duty Euro IV & V engines are best filled with high-performance, low SAPS, synthetic engine oils to ensure protection against bore polishing, cam wear and to prevent engine fouling due to combustion soot. When choosing these oils, which need to be ACEA approved, make sure a ‘double drain’ formulation is specified that will extend oil drain intervals, significantly reduce maintenance costs and help to increase vehicle workshop efficiency. To further optimise performance throughout agricultural operations, and to maintain cost and storage savings, complementary greases and transmission, hydraulic and chain oils are usually available to meet the same high standards as the engine oils. Another benefit of oils, lubricants and greases specially developed for the agricultural operating environment is the opportunity to improve fuel consumption.

As agricultural lubricants are developed for specialist vehicles and environments, manufacturers need to provide help and advice on their application and handling, so make sure a technical support team is available for field visits (pun intended!) and telephone contact to ensure the correct product is specified for every machine and environment.

Today, technical help lines are available to assist with product recommendations, OEM approvals, product information, health and safety data, problem solving advice, trouble shooting and highlyspecialised after sales packages such as used oil test analysis that can give instant diagnostic advice and support if required. Where necessary, laboratory analysis should also be available to support problem solving, and are often backed up with technical reports detailing corrective action.

On Topic

| On Topic

Aerial view of Diamond Light Source

Q8Oils is part of Kuwait Petroleum International Lubricants.

It has a unique, innovative and progressive approach when it comes to producing some of the World’s finest quality lubricants.

Manufactured in its plant in Leeds, Q8Oils represent the very best and latest in lubricant technology and delivers this direct to customers across the Industrial and Automotive sectors.

Visit www.Q8Oils.co.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Feature

An essential guide to buying and selling agricultural land Chartered Surveyor Richard Gadd of Andrew Granger & Co (www.andrewgranger.co.uk) looks at the issues involved in the sale and purchase of agricultural land. gricultural land is subject to economic highs and lows just like other forms of commercial land and property.

However, traditionally a highly valued asset in recessionary times, farmland has resisted the impact of the economic slowdown, with values of agricultural land performing well. In fact, prices at the end of 2012 reached an all–time average high of £21,053 per hectare (£8,520 per acre) for bare arable land. With sales of over £10,000 per acre recorded in some cases.

This growth is encouraging for some involved in the industry, particularly when taken in the context of last year’s poor crop yields caused by unseasonably cold and wet weather.

However, set against rising land values is the factor of rising costs in the form of fertilisers, fuel and feed, in addition to the crop drying expenses incurred by many arable farmers, all of which may have an impact on the number of distressed sales.

A vendor’s market?

Whilst sales are likely to remain low during 2013, competition for land is fierce and so it could be considered a vendor’s market.

However, with livelihoods and such large volumes of money at stake, the process of selling agricultural land and property must be carefully handled if they are to realise the maximum capital value. Similarly, the purchaser needs the assurance that all the appropriate searches and issues specifically relevant to the sale of land to have been duly carried out and investigated.

With such substantial sums invested in purchases or realised through sales, combined with the complexity of research involved, the role of the rural land agent is key. In order to ensure a successful sale or purchase, you need to be confident that your agent carries out a thorough appraisal to ensure the setting of an accurate guide price. Furthermore, the process involves a range of quite laborious activities, including carrying out physical inspections, desktop research, liaison with legal representatives, advising upon values and realistic expectations, research and preparing

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marketing schedules and material as well as carrying out negotiations between the vendor and purchaser and following the sale or purchase through to completion. The amount of information that needs to be obtained and confirmed before the property is even brought to the market is often underestimated - but vital to ensure transparency for both parties, and to avoid costly delays further down the line.

Questions and answers If considering selling farmland and/or agricultural property, the vendor’s agent needs to ascertain the answers to certain key issues at the earliest opportunity, including: • Is the property registered with the land registry, showing clear ownership details and accompanied by a clear plan?

• Are there any restrictive covenants connected to or affecting the property?

• Is the property suitable for future development, if so of what type and in what time frame?

• Is the property subject to any lease, licence or tenancy that may substantially impact upon value such as an Agricultural Holdings Act Tenancy or Rent Act Tenancy?

Further items to be considered that may also affect value include: • Planning consents (existing or lapsed) • Ownership of any mineral, sporting and timber rights.

• Main services connections (water, electricity, gas etc.)

• Are there any designations upon the land, i.e. is it listed and if so, what grade?

• Is it a site of special scientific interest, or within a conservation area etc.

• Any single farm payment entitlements • Environmental schemes (ELS, HLS) • Rights of way on the land • Easements and Wayleaves • Suitability of access An effective rural land agent should assess all these relevant factors to determine the best course of action for a land sale or purchase. In

fact, rather dauntingly, the lists mentioned here represent just a fraction of the factors to be considered.

In regard to sales, the agent is likely to compile an initial marketing appraisal to include an indication of guide price and a brief marketing schedule in addition to commentary on the above items. The agent should also act in the client’s best interest to try and secure the maximum value from the property. Finally, the agent should advise on the best time of year to present the property to the market. Whilst spring is traditionally the busiest time for farm sales, there may be other factors influencing the optimum time to sell.

Ultimately, the complexity of selling and buying land means that it’s essential to seek the right advice for both sides to ensure that they pay a fair price and that they are getting what they pay for – with no unwelcome surprises further down the line.

Richard Gadd is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS registered valuer at Andrew Granger & Co (www.andrewgranger.co.uk), one of the largest independent estate agents and chartered surveyors in the East Midlands.

The rural team at Andrew Granger & Co are members of the Estate Agents' Ombudsman Scheme, offering free independent market appraisals for all types of rural land and property. For more information, contact Richard on 01509 243720 or email richard.gadd@andrewgranger.co.uk.

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| Loyalty

Loyalty is rare so if you find it..keep it “The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith.�

CONFUCIUS, The Wisdom of Confucius he clock keeps ticking another year has passed and it's time to celebrate the loyalty of our valued advertisers and suppliers. But why do we like to run this feature each year? The cynical would say that it's a money making exercise and there is no doubt that we don't give away the space for free.

However, we equally don't ask for full rates to appear below this

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piece...nor do we go out of our way to hard sell the space (not that we are a hard sell organisation).

No - the feature exists so that we can offer a showcase of the companies that have supported us over time and that we are happy to recommend to our equally valued readers.

Loyalty and trust go hand in hand - you can't have one without the other and in these fragile

times, these attributes go a very long way.

Times change, life takes many different turns and outside factors beyond anyone's control make their presence felt but as in all good friendships, loyalty and trust always prevails.

It is with this sentiment that we convey our particular message of hope. Hope that we might continue offering the same

outstanding service that our readers, advertisers and suppliers expect...and trust... that these same individuals and companies continue to forge ahead and enjoy every possible success.

We thank everyone for their support over the past year and look forward to continuing our excellent business relationship in the future.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Security

Cattle market installs new CCTV cameras – to help count sheep!

One of the UK’s largest sheep and cattle market has just installed new CCTV cameras to improve the monitoring of thousands of animals that are bought and sold at its auctions every week. raven Cattle Marts in Skipton has added eight new cameras to its roundthe-clock CCTV operation which are being used to monitor cattle pens and alleyways at the market on busy sale days.

The move brings the number of cameras at the site to 23, providing a high level, sophisticated security operation at the market, which employs 40 staff and covers three acres off Gargrave Road.

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“Counting sheep is perhaps one of our more unusual projects but it’s a great one to work on!”

Craven Cattle Marts says its investment in CCTV monitoring ensures full livestock audit trails for its customers, many of whom are

buying large numbers of animals worth thousands of pounds.

On a typical sale day, there can be 1,000 people at the market, including 250 vendors, buyers and drovers. Auctioneers can conduct sales at a rate of up to three lots a minute containing 80-120 sheep, and more than 10,000 lambs can be sold in any one day.

Given the numbers of livestock and movements through the market, the opportunity for misscounts is high. However, the CCTV monitoring enables Craven Cattle Marts to check where any problems occur and rectify them.

Jeremy Eaton, general manager and company secretary at Craven Cattle Marts, says: “The cameras are an integral part of our professional service to our customers and show that we are fully accountable when they are buying and selling at our market.

“The high definition footage

Datatag security drive More than £825,000 worth of agricultural machinery was security tagged in the New Forest during three days of events organised by Western Country Watch. ractors, diggers, horse boxes and quad bikes were just some of the items brought along to farms in Fordingbridge, Sopley and Beaulieu to be data tagged with the CESAR security system.

Police officers from the Country Watch team were joined by New Forest Fire and Rescue officers to meet members of the rural community and give out safety

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messages while their property was security marked.

The CESAR data tagging events, a first for the New Forest, were supported with £2,000 from Safer New Forest’s Operational Joint Action Group with the aim of encouraging farmers to start marking more of their property and pass on the message to others about the benefits of the system in combating crime.

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captured by the cameras is extremely accurate and flexible – we can slow the images down and identify exactly where livestock have been and when. It also provides us with the reassurance and peace of mind that sheep and cattle are being counted correctly as they move through the market – we don’t have to lie awake at night counting sheep!”

Keybury Fire and Security, based in Keighley, has worked

with Craven Cattle Marts on its camera and security system for the last 10 years. Director Patrick Beebe says: “The market has continually updated and improved its security operation to ensure it delivers a professional service to its customers.

“Counting sheep is perhaps one of our more unusual projects but it’s a great one to work on!”

The days proved so popular and received such good feedback that two more security marking days are being planned in the forest later this year.

Cllr Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “The partnership was very happy to support the first CESAR data tagging events for agricultural equipment in the New Forest. The response has been so good, with lots of equipment already tagged, that I hope it will encourage more farmers to come along to the next events.”

PCSO Jim Hordle from Hampshire Police’s Country Watch, said: “We had a really good

response from the farming community who understood the importance of protecting their equipment. Theft of agricultural machinery is a huge inconvenience to rural workers and impacts massively on their ability to perform their work.”

CESAR data tagging, which was offered at a discounted price of £75 at the event, makes equipment more saleable for farmers and gives them a 12.5 per cent insurance discount with NFU Mutual.

Anybody interested in attending the next CESAR tagging events can contact PCSO Hordle at james.hordle@hampshire.pnn.polic e.uk or call 07766 423174.

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| Security

Tractor theft leads farmer to take action

Launching the new Poacher Catcher Cam

A Suffolk farmer has spent £10,000 on security because of fears "organised criminals" are targeting his business.

Providing high tech, low cost security solutions to rural crime.

hieves took Colin CliftonBrown's tractor from his farm near Haverhill. It was later found in Cambridgeshire.

He has since spent the money on alarms for buildings and diesel tanks and on fences to create a secure compound.

Insurer NFU Mutual said there was 35% rise in tractor thefts in the first two months of this year, compared with the same months last year.

Mr Clifton-Brown's £45,000 tractor, which was stolen at harvest time, was found by the police in a shed in the Fens. He said: "We think they drove it away on a lowloader as it didn't have sophisticated locking system like cars. That was a bit of a wake-up call.”

"To be honest, these organised criminals have blow torches and angle-grinders and if they want to get in they will, but our new measures are a deterrent.

No 'epidemic' NFU Mutual said for commercial reasons it would not give out

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figures for the actual number of tractors stolen year-on-year. The insurer said it had provided £400,000 funding over the past two years for the police's Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service and the Plant & Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU).

PANIU said its figures showed 67 tractors were stolen across the UK between October and December last year, compared with 49 for the previous three months.

Suffolk's Chief Constable Douglas Paxton said: "This is not an epidemic, but it's important that we do the basics.

"The public needs to report anything suspicious, such as low loaders going around the countryside at 2 o'clock in the morning, while farmers should carry out property-marking, fit tracking devices and join our schemes such as Farmwatch.”

Suffolk police said two tractors had been stolen in the county so far this year.

ollowing the success of the original Poacher Catcher, we have delighted to launch the new Poacher Catcher Cam. The Poacher Catcher Cam is an industry leading, covert device which uses ‘invisible’ infra-red light to take quality images of an intruder - day or night.

An intruder will unknowingly trigger the device. An image of the intruder will then be sent directly to you via email so you can immediately view the image on your smart phone or computer.

You will also receive a phone call alerting you to the intruder.

You can take action whilst the intruder is still on your property.

The Poacher catcher Cam has been designed specifically for remote use. No need for mains power, or large unsightly batteries.

No need for Wifi, or even 3G mobile phone connection. All our products are small stand alone devices using long life rechargeable batteries and

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communication is via the standard 2G mobile phone network.

The Poacher Catcher Cam launches this month, so for further information please visit our website www.poachercatcher.co.uk or contact Anna Stevenson on 07775 602766.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Pest Control

Moles and Rabbits – nuisance or serious pest?

Often when we consider pest species such as rodents, we are concerned about the disease that can be transferred.

However, some pest species do not automatically cause a potential risk to health, but in the right circumstances can still be incredibly destructive. Technical Manager of the British Pest Control Association examines the issues Moles and Rabbits can cause. any gardeners have a dim view of the mole because of the damage that they cause to the appearance of gardens. Lawns especially suffer, with the evidence of molehills from the tunnel system making an unsightly mess. However, if agriculture is your business rather than your hobby, the presence of this hidden pest can have serious financial consequences.

As farmers struggle with weather conditions to preserve and save crops and products, pests that can effect these processes cannot be ignored. The soil from molehills in grass silage for example can result in spoilt and unpalatable silage, and can possibly be a source of Listeriosis in sheep. In many areas silage is already in short supply, so any pest that can contribute to it spoiling must be controlled.

Moles will also damage crop meant for consumption by humans as well as by animals. Where moles burrow under arable crops they can damage seedling and

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plants, resulting in wilting and death. Again, as crop yields are likely to be reduced due to weather conditions, it is essential that remaining crop is not lost to pest activity. Stones thrown up be mole activity can also damage to some machinery, causing further cost and delay.

Rabbits too can cause issues for farmer and gardener alike.

Rabbits will eat a wide range of herbage, but will select more nutritious growth. This results in them automatically being attracted to agricultural crop as they tend to be more nutritious and will be plentiful when planted. This can result in serious economic loss for farmers and growers, and yield losses can be substantial where rabbit activity goes unchecked.

Rabbits can also cause extreme damage with their burrow systems.

Rabbit digging will undermine embankments and even structures, causing collapse. New and even established plants and trees by damaging the leading shoots and stripping bark. And

even if the rabbits are not causing issues on your land, if they live on your property, you have a legal obligation to control them or prevent them accessing your neighbours land if they are causing issues on their property.

As we have already mentioned, it is widely accepted by farming organisations that recent weather conditions will have a detrimental effect on farming yields and economic returns. In such situations, it is essential that we do not ignore the pest species that can compound this situation even

further by damaging the remaining crop and silage that farmers have access to. If you need help or support to protect your yields, ensure that you use a professional to make sure that pest control measures are suitable, cost effective, and ultimately, legal. To find our more, why not subscribe to receive our free farming special of alexo magazine at www.bpca.org.uk/alexo Find your local BPCA member by calling 01332 294288 or using our ‘pest controller search’ at www.bpca.org.uk

HGCA helps growers adjust to restricted neonicotinoid insecticide use HGCA has published a review of the implications to the cereals and oilseeds sector following a recent decision by the European Commission to restrict the use of some neonicotinoid insecticides. n 24 May 2013, restrictions on the use of the clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam neonicotinoid insecticides were adopted by the Commission. The restrictions will apply from 1 December 2013. In anticipation of this decision, HGCA has reviewed the implications of the restrictions on crop protection for the cereals and oilseeds sector.

With sections on the different cereal and oilseed crops, Research Review 77 takes a close look at the key pests controlled by neonicotinoid seed treatments in cereals and oilseeds, including viruses transmitted by the pests along with alternative control options and insecticide resistance challenges.

Caroline Nicholls, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager, stated: “The greatest impact will be on oilseed rape, as these seed treatments are used to

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control cabbage stem flea beetle and peach–potato aphids which transmit turnip yellows virus”.

“The situation is not as severe for cereal crops, as winter seed treated with neonicotinoids can still be used in autumn to control aphids carrying barley yellow dwarf virus. The restrictions only affect cereal crops sown between January and June.”

The implications outlined in the review are given in an economic context.

“The potential total cost to the UK industry from not controlling cabbage stem flea beetle and turnip yellows virus in oilseed rape could be £72M a year. Alternative chemical control options are available in most situations but there is a risk of resistance developing to some of the alternatives. To help manage the resistance threat, spray decisions should be made using crop monitoring and spray threshold

22 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

information,” stated Miss Nicholls.

HGCA’s cabbage stem flea beetle publication (IS24) has been revised to help growers assess the need to use foliar-applied pyrethroid insecticides to control adult beetles and larvae. HGCA is reviewing all of its publications affected by the decision.

A publication Neonicotinoids: key messages has been made available in time for this year’s Cereals event and Caroline Nicholls from HGCA and other researchers will be on the HGCA stand to discuss the issue with

Caroline Nicholls, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager

growers.

For further information or to download the publications, visit www.hgca.com/neonics

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pest Control

Safe and simple rabbit control

Scaly leg ointment

Designed by farmers for farmers.

caly Leg Ointment acts as a wonderful barrier against Scaly Leg Mite.

Soothes, calms, provides instant relief against irritation and by physical means, suffocates mites on infested Chickens, Turkeys, Game and Cage Birds by direct application to the legs, feet, comb & wattle.

Regularly check for the tell tail signs of crusty, white deposits on enlarged, rough and lumpy legs where the scales have become raised. Living entirely on the bird Scaly Leg Mite cause intense irritation and discomfort for the bird as they burrow under the scales and into the skin of the legs and sometimes the comb and wattles. In severe cases of infestation the birds find it difficult to walk, may lose a toe and become severely deformed.

Caused by Cnemidocoptes mutans and evident as tiny white spherical creatures with a diameter of less than 0.5mm Scaly Leg Mite is difficult to spot in the early stages. For this reason we recommend you use Scaly Leg Ointment regularly as a deterrent and to treat infested birds. Scaly Leg Mite affects birds of all ages, although older birds and feathered leg breeds tend to be more susceptible. Affected birds should be isolated and all housing cleared and thoroughly cleaned.

• Scaly Leg Ointment suffocates Scaly Leg parasites instantly, whilst soothing and calming irritation.

• Scaly Leg Ointment will not taint eggs.

• Scaly Leg Ointment contains the purest Lanolin combined with 100% Natural Herbal & Essential Oils.

Suitable for use in both organic and intensive farming systems.

This product falls into the exempt category of products which use

t is estimated that there are 38 million rabbits in the UK, and rising by 2% every year (Countryfile.com 2012).

The effect of damage across the country to growing crops and trees runs in to significant proportions.

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“The Warrenater is a safe and simple machine.”

With the increase in all food costs, it is important to lessen the amount of damage the rabbit causes to crops, grass, orchards and vegetable crops. Along with the methods already used (gassing, ferreting, netting and night shooting), ‘tunnel busting’ or ‘collapsing’ is becoming more popular. Removing the warren is a proven successful method of rabbit control.

In 2009, a UK company, based in Kent, designed and manufactured the Warrenater; it was awarded “Product of the Year” at Cereals 2009. The Warrenater

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has been designed by farmers for farmers. Efficient in collapsing all sizes of tunnels and warrens, the Warrenater is also suitable to use on mole runs and where applicable rat holes. Warrenater is proving to be the number one choice of farmers, gamekeepers, forestry, growers and greenkeepers who need to control the increasing number of rabbits.

The Warrenater is a safe and simple machine. Using a single gas delivery pipe with remote ignition, the operator is always at a safe distance from the blast. The Warrenater has a three year guarantee on the lance/wand and control box and comes complete with mole spade, safety helmet, eye and ear defenders.

Upgrade your old hand held device or burrowblaster and receive a discount on the 2012/13 model. Please contact Robson Specialists on 0800 9801516 or Tim Roberts on 07956 850443 for a free demonstration.

Intense action against scaly leg mite for birds & poultry including chickens, turkeys, game and cage birds.

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only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended) and is therefore suitable to use in organic systems.

Use regularly as a barrier: When buying in birds always check them very carefully and treat them as a matter of course before introducing them to clean birds.

Use in accordance with the instructions on the container. As an ongoing maintenance generously massage into the legs, feet, comb and wattle, every few weeks.

Where infestation exists: Affected birds should be isolated until clear of the problem.

Generously massage into the legs, feet, comb and wattle, repeat every 5-6 days to break the egg cycle and get on top of the problem.

Designed, Manufactured & Marketed by Barrier Animal Healthcare. Visit www.redmite.com for further details of our complete agricultural range.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Buildings

Brett Martin launches Farmlite GRP A new generation of farming rooflights. arket leading rooflight manufacturer Brett Martin has launched its new range of Farmlite GRP (glass reinforced plastic) rooflights with Superlife™ surface protection.

Developed to withstand challenging agricultural environments, Farmlite GRP incorporates outstanding UV protection to provide long term clarity and quality transmission levels, whilst preventing ‘yellowing’ and degradation for over 20 years.

GRP has been the rooflight material of choice for over half a century, but its performance and appearance can be compromised by the effects of age and weathering. Utilising the company’s 50 years of experience in the rooflight industry, Brett Martin has improved this industry standard by increasing its strength with typical glass fibre content of at least 33%, guaranteeing Class B non-fragility for 25 years and reducing discolouration for better all-round productivity.

Each Farmlite sheet comes with Superlife™ enhanced UV protective finish as standard, so the long term yellowing effects of

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UV radiation are greatly reduced and stay clearer for longer than traditional, unprotected GRP. By maintaining their natural, clear translucency, Farmlite will help to provide healthier, more diseaseresistant livestock and improved conditions for farm workers.

As well as improved clarity for longer periods, each sheet is also more resistant to surface erosion and weakening when compared with unprotected GRP. With greatly improved durability, Farmlite GRP will continue to be fit for purpose for at least 25 years under normal conditions.

Available in weights of 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0kg/m2, Farmlite GRP sheets are stronger than traditional GRP as they have a higher glass fibre content of at least 33% compared to as little as 25% in some cases. The new system is also expected to remain Class B non-fragile in accordance with ACR(M)001:2011 for 25 years – when fixed according to NARM guidance note 2004/1.

Manufactured to EN 1013 under the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, Farmlite comes with a full range of GRP sheet options that

24 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

helps to achieve the required safety levels, U-values and fire ratings as stipulated in current Building Regulations. It can be used in single skin, double skin and triple site assembled applications where necessary.

Rooflights make a vital contribution to every building, from improving internal conditions to reducing energy use and running costs. With the company’s new Farmlite GRP rooflights with Superlife™ Protection, Brett Martin has once again set the standard

for the industry with a range that will transform agricultural buildings across the UK and Ireland.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Landlords - prepare for Scotland based concrete energy efficiency suppliers expenditure Specialists in their field.

Landowners who let cottages or commercial buildings may have to make energy efficiency improvements if proposed legislation comes into force, warns Old Mill.

Laura MacDonald

ince April 2012, all commercial and residential properties that are either let out or for sale must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), says Laura Macdonald, assistant tax planning manager at accountant Old Mill.

This certificate includes recommended work to improve the property’s energy efficiency.

“From 2016, landlords may be legally obliged to carry out that recommended work if the tenant requests it,” she warns.

“Furthermore, from 2018, if the property has an EPC rating below band E, it will be illegal to let it out.

Both of these changes will be of particular concern to farmers and estate owners, as often their properties are old and tend to have single-glazed windows with less efficient heating and water systems.”

Although the legislation is still some three years off – and could be subject to change - landlords should plan ahead now, says Miss Macdonald. “Consider what work

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will be needed to bring your properties up to the required EPC banding. In some cases the costs will be tax deductible, and the benefit is that energy efficient properties will cost less to run and should produce higher rents.”

The Government’s Green Deal incentive provides financial assistance to carry out such improvements, she adds. “So far it hasn’t had great take-up, but the Green Deal effectively provides a loan for the work, which is then repaid via the property’s electricity bill, based on the energy savings achieved. It should therefore be an extremely attractive offer. For a limited period landlords may also be able to claim money back from the Government under the Green Deal Cashback Scheme – although that must be applied for prior to any work being done.”

For more information contact Laura Macdonald on 01225 701210.

ildon Concrete Products Ltd (ECP) specialises in the manufacture and delivery of high quality pre cast and pre stressed products. These products offer fast, efficient and affordable solutions for a number of applications.

ECP is based in the Scottish Borders, with good transportation links to the North of England and throughout Scotland. Our product range includes pre-stressed panels, concrete water troughs & concrete feed troughs both for

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cattle and sheep.

ECP has recently re-invested and installed all new production equipment at our site in Scotland, in order to ensure products are made to the best quality. Please come and see us this year at the various shows or at our site near Kelso for quotations, free advice and to see our products on display.

Our aim is to work with our customers to ensure that their expectations are met and exceeded.

Cembrit at Livestock Cembrit, specialist in corrugated sheet, cladding and roof slates, is exhibiting at the 2013 Livestock Event at the NEC in Birmingham on the 3rd - 4th July on stand HS073. n addition to the Agricultural Buildings Show and LAMMA, Cembrit is expanding its commitment to the UK livestock sector, by exhibiting for the first time at the Livestock Event the leading UK trade show for those involved in animal husbandry.

“Fibre cement corrugated sheet has been used on countryside buildings for many years,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit. “and we felt the time had come to remind stock farmers of the reasons why fibre cement roofing and cladding is so popular.

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The product maybe traditional but it is still the ideal solution.”

Cembrit’s Cemsix range will be on display for visitors to see firsthand the colour range and accessories available which allow all types of farm buildings to be produced from this versatile material .

The product is available in all common sheet lengths, and the standard UK corrugated six inch profile has full BBA certification: 03/4049 with a warranty available on request.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

WELTEC Biomethane Plant in Arneburg Refinery in Germany feeds in gas to supply 5,000 homes. rom the economic, ecological and technological perspective, biomethane is the energy source of tomorrow. The commissioning of the biomethane refinery in Arneburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, underlines this statement. The plant, which reflects the entire know-how of the industry, stands in stark contrast to the abandoned nuclear power plant building site next door, a vivid reminder of an era of conventional energy production.

After a building time of only eight months, one of Germany‘s largest biomethane refineries has gone live in the Altmark Industrial and Commercial Zone and has been supplying the public grid since May. With four digesters of 4,900 m³, six digestate storage units of 5,000 m³ and a liquid reservoir, the plant of the operator Nordmethan from Vechta, Lower Saxony, produces 1,650 standard m³ of raw biogas an hour.

250 m³ of this raw material are used for the heat needs of the plant, which was designed by WELTEC BIOPOWER. By means of chemical amine treatment, the gas is converted into about 700 standard m³ of processed biomethane an hour, with a methane content of 99 percent – enough to supply 5,000 homes with power and

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heat. For this purpose, a solid matter dosing feeder loads maize silage, whole-plant grain, sugar beets as well as dry chicken dung, chicken manure, liquid manure and water as substrates into the stainless-steel digesters. In total, the substrates delivered by local farmers amount to more than 70,000 t a year.

As Altmark is a region traditionally characterised by agriculture, with a high proportion of grassland, the plant site is attractive, and the raw material supply is secured. This is one of the reasons why since 2009, the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) has been promoting this historical cultural landscape with a special regional development concept as one of Germany‘s 25 bioenergy regions.

Another strategic advantage: The Industrial and Commercial Zone boasts an exceptionally good traffic infrastructure connection that facilitates the transport of substrate and digestate to and from the site.

Thanks to these optimum framework conditions, other companies that also depend on plant materials have also settled here; for example, the cellulose producer Zellstoff Stendal produces several thousand tons of cellulose a year primarily from tree bark. The production waste is

Plans for anaerobic digestion plant?

But only long-fribre substrates?

Weltec has the answer!

MULTIMix - the new liquid feeding system.

as biog D& A e th am us @ ingh Visit in Birm show F24) d (stan

WELTEC BIOPOWER We build AD plants made from stainless steel

Call us for more information: phone 01926-67 62 12 www.weltec-biopower.co.uk

26 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

Organic energy worldwide

converted to energy in the company‘s own biomass power plant, one of the most powerful and efficient of its kind in Germany.

Like a monument to how energy used to be produced in the past, the abandoned building site of the Stendal nuclear power plant, which was supposed to become the largest nuclear power plant of the German Democratic Republic back in the 1970s, is located in the immediate vicinity of the WELTEC plant and the biomass power plant. The work on this site, which used Russian technology, was stopped in March 1991, after the building costs had exceeded Deutsche mark 7,000,000/MW (3,58 Millions Euro) and serious security deficiencies had been detected. The coal-fired power plant in Arneburg, which had been planned a few years ago, would also

have been threatened by decay. The building project was suspended after local initiatives had protested against the plant for years.

In contrast, the future belongs to plant concepts such as the biomethane refinery in Arneburg, which ensure sustainable energy supply and create jobs: „The biomethane refinery in Arneburg demonstrates that we must provide the right answer to the growing demand for biomethane for the various utilisation paths. This sustainability is also highlighted by the fact that Nordmethan GmbH has created ten regular jobs and two training jobs“, says Jens Albartus, Director of WELTEC BIOPOWER.

CAP reform and crop diversity can be springboard for growth Linking CAP payments to crop diversity represents a growth opportunity for farmers, according to anaerobic digestion (AD) specialist EnviTec Biogas UK. nder the new rules, 30 per cent of direct payments will depend on demonstrating environmentallyfriendly farming practices – including crop diversification.

Full details are yet to emerge, but “greening” the CAP is likely to include a requirement for farms with an arable area of between 10 hectares and 30 hectares to grow at least two crops, with no crop covering more than 80 per cent of the land.

Farms with arable areas larger than 30 hectares would have to grow at least three crops, with the main crop on no more than 75 per cent of the arable land and the two main crops covering less than 95 per cent of the land.

Modelling carried out by Dutch researchers predicts that greening the CAP will result in increased farm incomes in extensive farming areas of the EU – especially grazing areas – while incomes would decrease in intensive arable areas.

But EnviTec Biogas, which plans, builds and services farmscale AD plants on farms across the UK, said intensive arable areas in this country should use greening as a springboard for revenue growth.

Mike McLaughlin, managing

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director at EnviTec Biogas, said: “It’s an opportunity for growth, not a threat to it.

“If you are essentially being forced to grow a variety of crops, it seems crazy to me that you would diversify into output that is just as vulnerable to the vagaries of the commodity markets and the supermarkets.

“Break crops can be introduced that not only restore soil condition but that can also feed an AD unit – and if you have to introduce more crop types, growing feedstocks for an AD facility makes a lot of sense.

“The heat and electricity can be used by the business, and the surplus energy can be exported to the grid under the Feed in Tariffs (FiTs).”

The digestate produced at the end of the process is applied to the land as an organic fertiliser, significantly reducing chemical fertiliser costs, Mr McLaughlin said.

Mr McLaughlin added: “Surely it would make sense to investigate receiving really significant income from the FiTs and other incentives that are set in the long term.

“Cash from AD allows for better business planning and the stability it brings helps lever in funding for further capital investment.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Energy

Edina supply and support local businesses in disposal of food waste Edina has been involved with several Anaerobic Digestion projects throughout the country of late as part of its ongoing commitment and competitive contribution to the industry. orking with farmers and AD supply companies such as Marches Biogas, MT Energie, Projen and Binowa among others, gensets have been supplied to Swancote Energy, Wykey Farm, Wigley Farm, and Pancross Farm (S Wales) in the last 24 months.

The success of the MWM TCG2016(V12) at Swancote Energy, initially running on a feedstock of maize and grass silage helped to facilitate the expansion of the site to include food and drink waste and the processing of Category 3 animal by-product. This prompted the delivery of the 1.5MWe MWM TCG2020(V16) with the two engines now producing 2.1MWe. Edina offers full product support, keeping downtime to an absolute minimum through a dedicated nationwide team of engineers.

Swancote now handles 38,000

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metric tonnes food waste per year.

Other projects handle a variety of food, effluent and other waste with similarly high results of efficiency, reliability and uptime in excess of 95%.

With employees from the farming community Edina is particularly aware of the challenges faced by the industry today and the need for sound investment and diversification.

With a thorough knowledge of the process from finance, planning and to grid connection and beyond Edina can provide expert technical advice and continuing support.

Edina are delighted to have won the contract to supply the MWM TCG2016(V12) to Lea Hall Farm for delivery in the Autumn and look forward to continuing to work with them on their preparation.

As the exclusive distributor for MWM in the UK since 2006 and

involved in power generation for over 25 years, Edina has a proven track record from design, packaging, and project management to servicing, monitoring and after-care.

Larger scale waste treatment enterprises include projects with Biffa, Bio-Collectors, Cory Environmental, Shanks and

Malaby to name but a few. The MWM range of 500 – 2MWe is proving a popular choice with unbeatable longevity and efficiency. On the UK’s largest waste Anaerobic Digestion facility at Cannock, Edina have installed three 2MWe containerised units which are operating at full output.

AD plant to go ahead after appeal Plans for a farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in County Durham will go ahead after the planning inspectorate allowed an appeal against the proposals being refused. ull costs have also been awarded to the appellant after Durham County Council’s planning committee went against officer recommendations when they refused the development, which comprises a waste reception building, two digester tanks and two pasteurisation tanks, together with a combined heat and power (CHP) plant on 1ha site on High Hedley Hope Farm at Bishop Auckland.

The proposal detailed how the AD plant will produce energy and biofertiliser by breaking down waste to release gas that can be used to drive a generator. Feedstock for the proposed facility will originate from the farm (farmyard manure and grass silage) and also be imported from food manufacturers and abattoirs.

The AD plant would have a power output of 500 kilowatts which would be used to heat animal sheds on the farm, with any excess being diverted to the National Grid. During the November 2012 planning committee, however, councillors reported ‘serious local concerns’ about the impact of the development from odour, traffic and noise, and stated that they considered the proposal to be contrary to the waste local plan due to its size and location.

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But in considering the appeal by Prism Planning on behalf of their applicant Mr WJ Denham, which was heard in April over two days, the planning inspector ruled that although the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) does not deal with waste policy, it does propose the creation of renewable energy as a core planning principle and establishes the presumption in favour of development that is sustainable, giving “very strong encouragement to projects that would lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases”. He went further in favour of the proposal, pointing out that in the Government’s National Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan, published in 2011, there is a commitment to increasing energy from waste through anaerobic digestion and, at the time of publication, more than half the active schemes were located on farms.

In his finding, he said: “Crucially, this was not a document the Local Planning Authority was aware of when it took its decision to refuse the appeal scheme. There are several more references in the Framework to sustainable development and meeting the challenge of climate

28 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

change. In summary, Government evinces very strong support for the types of process proposed at High Hedley Hope Farm.”

Steve Barker, of Prism Planning, said: “To win the appeal is a great outcome for a proposal which in our view – and the planning inspector – should have been approved in the first instance is a great outcome for our client. To be awarded full costs reinforces the strength this application had in terms of its benefits and appropriateness in terms of its siting, environmental and visual impact and sustainability.

“While it is common for appeals to overturn a refusal at planning committee, it is the norm to see full costs awarded in one in 1,000 hearings so we are extremely pleased and very happy about this double win.”

The inspector also found weaknesses in the council’s reliance on planning policies and strategies which were revoked earlier this year, but recognised that while certain relevant policies had been saved it was accepted that Local Plan policies had been drafted when AD technology was in its infancy, before commercial anaerobic digestion and ahead of the Government’s support

for it. “Under these circumstances very little weight can be accorded the strategic policies, though the Local Plan does acknowledge the benefits of farm diversification”, he added.

In considering the appeal, the planning inspector identified three key areas of issue - first, the effect the proposed development would have on the environment, with particular reference to visual impact; the implications for the living conditions of nearby residents, especially with regard to noise and odour; and the sustainability accreditation of the project. After detailing his findings in his 15-page report, the inspector stated that “there are no cogent reasons why the appeal scheme should be resisted. There would be some changes visually and possibly to the noise environment. However, these would not be inordinate and are far outweighed by the encouragement and policy direction evinced by Government through the Framework and the Strategy, especially on the lines of sustainability.”

Prism Planning is regarded as the one of the expert planning consultancies when dealing with planning applications for AD plants.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Largest UK installer of Earthmill announces small-scale wind turbines strategic merger with at Norfolk Show TGC Renewables Windcrop is helping communities in Norfolk to cut their electricity bills. he market leaders of small-scale wind turbines proved popular at this year’s Norfolk Show demonstrating how forwardthinking farmers can harness wind power to cut costs, reduce carbon and generate free green electricity.

Windcrop teamed up with farming and gardening machinery specialists Randells to install a fullsize demonstration turbine to power the Randells stand, enabling the company to bring the option of wind power to life and dispel any fears about the size and noise of the system.

Staff at the Windcrop stand were inundated with enquiries from people eager to hear of the economic and environmental benefits of having one of Windcrop’s 5kW, 15 metre-high, turbines installed in their land.

Following the event, John Moore, managing director, said: “This is our third year of exhibiting

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at the show and we have had lots of interest proving that small wind is a popular choice for the agricultural community.

“We pride ourselves on providing a hassle free process by taking on the planning and using our innovative installation technology to minimise disruption and this has proven a popular choice here at the Norfolk Show.”

Since it was established as a small start-up company in Norfolk almost four years ago, Windcrop’s commitment to the environment and its passion for helping local communities to enjoy the benefits of wind generated electricity has helped it to become the largest installer of small-scale wind turbines in the UK, with more than 520 turbines in the ground to date.

For more information about Windcrop visit www.windcrop.co.uk or call 01603 882152.

Agricultural wind turbine specialists, Earthmill Limited, have announced the company’s merger with the wind energy division of Bristol-based TGC Renewables. he merged business, which will be known as Earthmill (The Green Company), sees the creation of the largest distributor and installer of Endurance wind turbines globally and the UK’s biggest 50225kw wind turbine installer with over 100 machines already installed. The merger is effective immediately.

With a sales and service area covering Yorkshire, Bristol, Wales and Scotland, as well as a presence in Devon and Cornwall, Earthmill will provide a complete portfolio of installation and maintenance services to customers based throughout the UK. The new company will also continue to act on behalf of its farming customers as an independent project developer within the medium-scale wind power industry.

Under the terms of the agreement, Earthmill will continue to operate dedicated regional teams to provide valuable and independent long-term advice and understanding of the opportunities available to local farmers and landowners from the renewable energy sector.

“Guiding farmers and landowners through the key stages of planning and financing of wind power development is an increasingly important service for would-be investors who are looking for impartial advice and support when considering either land rental opportunities or direct wind turbine investment,” explained Steve Milner, Managing Director of Earthmill.

“Today’s announcement is an important step, not only for the two companies involved in the merger, but also for the medium-scale wind industry within the UK,” Mr Milner adds. “Earthmill is well known as the North’s leading agricultural wind turbine specialist, and our amalgamation with the wind energy division of TGC Renewables cements our position as the number one choice for farm-scale wind turbines across the whole of the UK. One of our keys strengths and goals is to provide exceptional customer service, and this merger will enable us to offer an unparalleled

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level of service to even the most remote parts of the country.”

Glenn Johnson, CEO of Endurance Wind Power, added: “We warmly welcome today’s announcement as we believe a larger, and therefore stronger distributor will be able to provide our customers with even greater levels of service and quality. This in turn will match our own worldleading engineering standards.

We look forward to working with all our UK partners, including Earthmill, as we press ahead with our plans to meet the UK’s rapidly rising demand for 50kW and 225kW farm-scale wind turbines.”

Speaking on behalf of TGC Renewables, Ben Cosh, Managing Director commented: “Founded in 2006, TGC Renewables is one of the most experienced energy developers in the UK, with specific expertise in retained project planning, finance and development. Our listing in the 2012 Sunday Times’ Fast Track awards reflects the company’s growth and is testament to our success within the industry.

“However, with over 350 megawatts of wind and solar energy initiatives currently in development, and with a pipeline of projects that continues to grow, it is critical that we dedicate sufficient management focus to each of these very different energy markets. In this respect, Earthmill and the wind energy division of TGC Renewables are perfectly matched, with the combined entity well positioned to deliver the highest possible level of service to our customers.”

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| Energy

Spectrum Energy Systems 10kW turbine proving to be a huge success!

Spectrum Energy Systems, specialists in the supply and installation of solar PV arrays and wind turbines up to 500kW, launched the Tozzi Nord 10kW wind turbine at Cereals 2013 and was an instant success. vailable from Spectrum Energy, the TN535 is manufactured in Italy by Tozzi Nord and is currently the highest output 10kW wind turbine available today.

Thanks to its technological features, output and design, the TN535 possesses an outstanding quality profile, which can be installed at farms, farmhouses, small and medium sized companies.

The turbine is able to produce 37,300 kWh at a wind speed of 5m/s – an ideal performance that guarantees a long-lasting and profitable investment. It is available in single and three phase and comes with a comprehensive warranty and service package.

“The purchase of a wind turbine is a decision that requires extensive knowledge and thorough understanding of realistic goals and achievable returns. By working together, Spectrum can help you develop a successful renewable energy project,” said Paul Scholey,

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Spectrum’s Wind Specialist.

Exhibiting at the Royal Welsh Show, Spectrum’s Wind, Solar and Engineering specialists will be on hand throughout the show to equip you with the most relevant and up-todate knowledge, support and advice to ensure you find the perfect partner for your renewable energy needs.

The Spectrum team will also be demonstrating the TN535 throughout the event and encourage all visitors who are interested in renewables to come along to see them within the Energy Now Renewables Area which is located in the Countryside Care Area.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Tozzi Nord wind turbine or the products Spectrum Energy offer go along to the Energy Now renewables area between 22nd – 25th July. Alternatively contact Spectrum on 0845 47 47 604 or visit their website www.spectrumenergysystems.co.uk

VG Energy signs distributor agreement with Lely VG Energy, the UK’s leading provider of renewable technology products, has signed an agreement with the Lely Group to distribute the Lely Aircon 10 wind turbine, extending the number of new agreements signed to three since April 2013, with the recent additions of Gaia Wind and Endurance. ith more than 300 wind power installations already in operation, and with the addition of the Lely Aircon 10kW to an already unequalled range of class leading turbine products, VG Energy can confidently boast to be able to offer a wind turbine suitable for all wind speeds and site conditions. Currently VG Energy is in partnership with 13 leading wind turbine manufacturers, supplying and installing over 25 wind turbine models ranging from 6kW to 2.0MW in size.

Co-owner of VG Energy, Jim Paterson said: “Working in partnership with a legend in the farming sector, an innovator and market leader, such as Lely, with its 70 years history, is a truly exciting proposition for VG Energy, as is being able to sell and market the Lely Aircon 10s turbine. The Lely Aircon 10s is widely regarded as being the quietest wind turbine available in the market and will enhance our offering under the 20kW range. We share a similar philosophy, where our commitment to our customer is the priority. Our range of wind turbine products

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cannot be matched by any other company in the UK. We are proud of this, but take greater pride in our commitment to our customers. At all times our advice is honest and our customers can be rest assured that when they work with VG Energy, they are entering into a partnership with a reliable and trusted company. Over the years, we have demonstrated our commitment to offering the best possible levels of customer service.

By selecting VG Energy, our customers will benefit from our extensive project development, installation and operation and maintenance services.”

Founded in 2008 by two visionary agricultural businessman, award-winning VG Energy provides a full turn-key solution for any renewable project whether wind, solar or biomass. The company is unique in the UK wind industry, employing over 60 technical specialist staff operating out of 4 regional UK offices with the capability to fully complete projects from start to finish in-house from initial site visit through planning, construction, installation, and

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operation and maintenance of the project on the customers land. VG Energy currently employs a wide range of professionals including, site surveyors, planning consultants, architects, project managers, and fully qualified electricians and engineers.

Over the last five years, VG Energy has consented, sold, and installed a significant percentage of all wind turbine FIT projects in the UK, while also expanding into the larger segment of the market.

About the Lely Aircon 10 wind turbine Lely specialize in the agriculture sector and have a rich history dating back to the late 1940′s. In 2012, the Lely Group acquired one of the most respected turbine manufacturers in Aircon. The acquisition is in line with Lely’s strategy to increase its focus on sustainable farming by facilitating decentralized energy sourcing.

The German designed and manufactured Lely Aircon 10s is widely regarded as being the quietest turbine in the UK market, even in wind speeds at rated output (> 10 m/s). It operates without a

gearbox which allows the blades to turn more slowly whilst reducing noise emissions. The advantage of the AIRCON 10S compared to others in the 10KW market is the outstanding strength, reliability and durability of the turbine which reduces annual maintenance costs and machine 'down time'.

The Lely Aircon 10s turbine is also equipped with remote monitoring support which is provided continuously by Lely Aircon in Germany. This monitoring is based on commercial scale turbine technology and enables Lely Aircon to monitor the performance of the machine and diagnose any faults or reductions in operating efficiency that may occur during operation. The Aircon 10S has a design lifetime of more than 20 years. It is MCS certified and suitable for the UK Feed in Tariffs.

The turbine also comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty as standard.

For more information on VG Energy, please visit www.vgenergy.co.uk

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| Energy

Kingspan Wind launch high performance KW15 wind turbine Kingspan Wind launched its new, much anticipated, high performance KW15 wind turbine last month. longside the launch came news of a free insurance package – believed to be the most comprehensive on the market.

The KW15 is the latest addition to Kingspan Wind’s acclaimed small turbine portfolio and the launch is generating enormous interest, particularly among agricultural and rural communities.

The company’s other turbines, the KW3 and KW6, already enjoy worldwide popularity, with over 4,400 currently operating in 60 countries, many with more than 20 years’ continuous operation.

Gavin Kerr, Technical Sales Manager for Kingspan Wind advises: “The launch of our new 15Kw turbine demonstrates our commitment to advancing and expanding our existing product portfolio, and it positions Kingspan Wind firmly as a global leader in the small wind turbine arena. The 15Kw turbine has been extensively tested to ensure that it matches the durability and efficiency of the existing KW series - widely regarded as the most reliable wind turbines on the market.”

All Kingspan small wind turbines are able to operate in any wind speeds, even storm-force conditions, without needing to stop. As wind velocity increases, the blades pitch and cone to

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protect the turbine while at the same time maintaining continuous energy production. And none of the turbines have a gearbox, reducing the number of moving parts - consequently, they require minimal servicing during their lifetime.

The KW15 incorporates a number of technical advances in small wind technology specifically to ensure responsible operation, and enhanced aesthetics. The KW15’s distinctive clean lines are expected to be well received by both local authorities and planning departments as well as by landowners.

Mr Kerr added: “Our experienced Kingspan Wind team will be on hand to help savvy customers understand the financial benefits of producing their own green electricity, whilst generating income from the government’s Feed-In Tariffs and taking control of their own energy generation.

“The new KW15 can effectively reduce your carbon footprint, help future proof against rising electricity costs and provide an excellent return on investment for smart consumers.”

Commenting on the continued popularity of the Kingspan Wind range, Mr Kerr continues: “There are very few manufacturers who

can reference such longevity in the wind market and we know customers find this very reassuring.”

To add to customers’ comfort and peace of mind, all Kingspan Wind systems now come with a free and exclusive Royal Sun Alliance wind turbine insurance policy. Called Connect and Protect, it provides comprehensive cover, including damage, break down and loss of revenue and Feed in Tariff payments.

Kingspan Wind customers will qualify for 12 months’ free Connect and Protect insurance alongside the product warranty provided the installation has been carried out by a Kingspan Accredited Installer.

Mr Kerr adds: “Connect and Protect is backed by two major UK-based PLCs, Royal Sun Alliance and Kingspan, so consumers can invest with confidence. We are very proud to be able to offer our customers the

most comprehensive wind turbine insurance package on the market for no initial charge – once you’re connected, you’re protected.”

Kingspan Wind has also recently launched a wind-crofting initiative for landowners, farmers and businesses. Wind-crofting is rapidly gaining in popularity because the requisite planning permission is far easier for multiple installations of these small-scale turbines with a tip height below 25 metres than for a single mediumto-large scale system.

Bespoke packages are available for off-grid and direct heating applications where customers wish to reduce heating costs or a reliance on diesel generators while benefiting from Feed-in-Tariff income.

For more information: www.kingspanwind.com, call 0800 328 5689/01560 486 570, or email info@kingspanwind.com.

See the UK's No 1 small wind turbine - the Evance R9000 - at the Livestock Event Farmers combat high energy costs with Evance small wind turbines with the company offering free planning services for British farmers. his year visitors to the Livestock Event being held on the 3rd and 4th of July at the NEC Birmingham - will be able to learn how they can lock down energy costs for 20 years and secure additional financial benefits through the use of Evance small wind turbines.

Visitors to the Evance stand DF204 can discover the average wind speed for a specific site location and, therefore, the potential electricity generation of an Evance R9000 small wind turbine.

A demonstration model of the R9000 – the UK’s No1 small wind turbine – will also be on the stand.

Farmers throughout the UK are using small wind turbines to capture energy to power lighting, cereal dryers and milking parlours. The Evance R9000 – designed & manufactured in

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the UK - is proving to be a sound investment.

“Many farmers are already feeling the impact of rising energy prices and even more increases are predicted,” said Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines. “Those that live in a windy location could lock down electricity costs – for the next 20 years – and also receive a Feed-in Tariff 1 income.”

For a site with a mean annual wind speed of 6 m/s the R9000 can deliver a return of up to £5,000 a year & two R9000 turbines up to £10,000 a year.

“To find the best location for a R9000 on a specific site we carry out a free initial desktop survey, and for a limited period we are now offing farmers a free planning service!” adds Kevin.

“We’re proud that more and more are turning to Evance, and recognise that our UK

manufactured turbine keeps on proving its reliability and performance. Those who have made the investment in an Evance R9000 are gaining significant energy savings – some are virtually energy self-sufficient!”

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| Cereals

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| Cereals

Cereals 2013 ‘a resounding success’ Visitors, exhibitors and sponsors have hailed Cereals 2013 as a resounding success, underlining the event’s reputation as the leading technical event for the UK arable sector and a place to do business. total of 25,850 farmers, agronomists and other professionals - the second highest number of visitors in Cereals’ history - attended this year’s event, which took place at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire, on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th June.

Despite one of the toughest seasons in memory and the prospect of another poor harvest ahead, there was a sense of buoyancy that underlined growers’ determination to move on and glean as much information as they could to help put their businesses back on track.

There was no shortage of advice, with a record 500 exhibitors covering technical, machinery and business topics.

Many reported high footfall and a healthy interest in their products.

Allan Wilkinson, head of agriculture at HSBC, Cereals’ principal sponsor for the 10th successive year, described the show as more buoyant than expected. “It was really busy and our best event yet,” he said.

“There was a sense of realism about the coming harvest, with many combinable crop businesses facing large falls in cash flow.

However, one poor year does not materially affect a well-run farming business. Visitors were making the most of the event to focus on the undoubted longer-term opportunities that exist.”

Event director Jon Day said the figures reflected the resilience of the arable sector and the determination of farmers to bounce back.

“The feedback from all involved, both visitors and exhibitors, has been exceptional,” he said. “There was a tangible sense of optimism despite all the recent weatherinduced problems. People seem determined to put the past year behind them and look to their 2014 cropping with renewed hope and determination.”

For the third year running the event attracted top-level political interest, with agriculture minister David Heath attending on Wednesday.

Opening the event at the HSBC stand, he conceded the past 12 months had been “pretty awful” and harvest prospects were not good. But he added there was “very considerable optimism” for what was happening in agriculture longer term due to the rising population both in the UK and globally.

The Arable Conference at Cereals, in partnership with the

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Oxford Farming Conference, was again a strong draw thanks to a combination of well-known and expert panellists and some very topical subjects. These included the effect of red tape on agriscience, excessive wheat claims, factors influencing grain prices and the wheat yield plateau.

New for this year, a series of technical seminars also proved popular. Topics included correcting soil damage, the rising cost of crop disease protection, precision farming developments and controlled straw burning to control resistant blackgrass.

The technical content of the show was stronger than ever.

Hundreds of Crop Plots took centre stage, covering the latest varieties, technology and agronomy advice. Other specialist areas including Working Demonstrations, Post-Harvest Technology, Business Area, Potatoes and Renewables and Sprays and Sprayers were also packed with visitors.

Upbeat comments Comments from exhibitors and visitors reflected the upbeat feel of the event. RAGT marketing manager Sarah Middleton noted particular interest in two Recommended List candidate wheats, Skyfall and Solace, and newly recommended soft Group 4 Cougar and candidate OSR Ginfizz.

“We had another great event,” she said. “We had some very good conversations, with farmers, the trade and end users – and we’ve booked for Cereals 2014.”

NIAB TAG’s commercial technical director Bill Clark described cereals as a great success. “We didn’t stop for two days with an extremely busy stand from start to finish,” he added. “We saw over 5,000 visitors and signed up nearly 200 new Network members for our Three Months Free initiative, and the variety plots were as popular as ever. Well done the Cereals Team.”

The Cereals event proved a great vehicle to launch LifeCycle, Dow AgroSciences’ new whole farm approach to controlling arable weeds, and its new oilseed rape herbicide ASTROKerb, said the company’s Liz Tomkinson.

“Our team were kept busy across the two days.”

Marketing manager Andy Gamble of Vaderstad, which revealed its new Carrier XL, said the first day was extremely busy.

“It wasn’t just us – lots of people said they had a fantastic day with a large number of guests.

“The event had a very positive vibe - overall we sold a 5m TopDown, closed deals on two Rapid Jumbo drills and a couple of other machines and generated a good number of leads.”

Gordon Day, branch tactical marketing manager for John Deere, whose single fuel 6M series tractor range made its Cereals debut, said he was happy with the show, considering the state of the market and the industry. “We had a good first day and were very busy - the mood was probably better than we expected. Overall we had good interest.”

Amazone brand manager Simon Brown said: “As far as footfall is concerned we had our busiest Cereals for four to five years.” The company launched a 4m Cenius folding trailed mulch cultivator, showed its EDX Precision air seeder and the new hi-tech ZA-TS mounted fertiliser spreader. “We have some very good leads and plenty of demo work booked.”

New Holland chose Cereals to mark the first UK showing of the T6 and T8 ranges of tractors and the new Roll Belt baler. That helped boost footfall, said marketing manager Dick Spencer.

“We also spent a lot of time designing the stand to encourage people onto it. We concluded 16 sales during the show, including one combine, a large baler, two T5s, two T6s and the rest T7s.

Overall we had a good event.”

Interest in the Renewables Area continues to grow. John Moore, managing director of small wind turbine specialist Windcrop, reported hundreds of enquiries from people eager to discover local wind speed and to hear about the company’s 5kW, 15 metre-high, turbines.

Jake Freestone, farm manager at Overbury Farms, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire said Cereals was an important event as it contained the latest innovation in one place and provided a great networking opportunity. “It’s a shame I have to travel so far from the west, but it was worth the

journey,” he added.

Lincolnshire farmer Mark Ireland, who farms at Grange Farm, North Rauceby, near Sleaford went to Cereals to look at sugar beet cleaner loaders and winter and spring barley varieties required by the maltsters.

Cereals covered nearly every aspect of the arable sector, Mr Ireland said, and he was especially impressed with some of the research and development on the Velcourt stand. “I covered nearly every reason that I attended and only wish I had the time on Thursday to go again!” he added.

Thousands of tweets Thousands of messages appeared on Twitter during and after Cereals from exhibitors and visitors praising the success of the event, including: Agrii: Another successful year at #cereals2013…fantastic to see so many people over both days FreewattUK: Thank you for a very productive two days! Plenty of farmers still understandably interested in great returns from #solarPV. Roythornes Solicitors: Thank you to everyone who came to visit us - excellent 2 days & lovely to see so many people.

Anglia Grain: A brilliant couple of days…UK Agriculture showcased in a brilliant light.

Elsoms Seeds: A fantastic 2 days @CerealsEvent - great to see so many visitors to the Elsoms stand…another successful year Weaving Machinery: very busy two days: good business….Now to sort all enquiries tomorrow!

Sunk Farmer: Had a great time at @CerealsEvent I'm still feeling a tad leggy after all the walking. chrisdicko91: Good day at #cerealsevent today. Plenty of kit, crops and kit. #lovinit rtkfarmer5: Wet socks, burnt face. Thanks to all who spoke to me giving thought provoking ideas. Some great shiny kit.

Fantastic 2days @CerealsEvent Cereals 2014 will take place at Chrishall Grange, near Royston on 11th and 12th June.

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| Cereals

Newcastle University wins 2013 Cereals Challenge A team of students from Newcastle University has won the 2013 Cereals Challenge with their focus on a comprehensive and effective agronomy package on their crop of winter barley paying off. ith only one point between the winners and runners up, it was a tightly fought competition with last year’s winners Harper Adams taking second place, and local Lincoln-based Riseholme College taking third place.

The Newcastle University team goes away with a trophy and £1000 prize money to share between the team members plus an additional £500 for the university.

For the 2013 challenge, students were required to grow a crop of winter barley reflecting the increasing hectares of winter barley being grown as new varieties offer feed yields similar to those of second wheats.

Judged by Keith Norman, technical director at Velcourt, Dick Neale, technical manager at Hutchinsons and Alastair Priestly of Patrick Dean Ltd, the Cereals event host farmer on the Tuesday before Cereals, the competing teams were assessed on input cost management, estimated crop yield and the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of agronomic recommendations, as well as the marketing of the crop.

However, conditions on the Boothby Graffoe site have been particularly challenging this season and the student teams

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Winners of the Cereals Challenge 2013: Newcastle University

have had to carefully consider their recommendations to nurture the crop through the difficult early spring conditions.

“This year it was the team that were able to respond to the season by considering every aspect of the crop’s requirements; managing lodging, disease and nutrition to keep the crop healthy, as well as making the best marketing decisions,“ says Dick Neale, technical director with

Hutchinsons.

The Cereals Challenge, organised by Hutchinsons and Velcourt, is a competition that challenges students to grow and market a cereal crop on the Cereals site. The challenge now in its fourth year continues to be as popular as ever with 13 teams competing for the six places for the 2013 challenge.

Team leader of the winning team, Greg Colebrook who is

doing an agricultural degree at Newcastle says. “We are thrilled that we have won the Challenge.

Growing a real time barley crop has been a really useful learning experience, and for all of the team taking part in the Cereals Challenge it has confirmed our interest in crop production and particularly agronomy as we look ahead to the future. “

Get soils ‘fit to work’ Arable farmers must ensure their soils are working to maximum efficiency if they are to obtain optimum performance from their crops, says Kevin Ashford, agronomist for Sustainable Soil Management (SSM), the soil advisory division of The Glenside Group. hile much of their focus will be on correcting physical damage done in the past two years, he says they also need to get a really accurate assessment of the soil’s chemical and productive capacity before making plans – something many of the soil tests currently available fail to do.

The company highlighted the issue at Cereals 2013 by growing a set of six plots of wheat, with a central control plot being grown according to RB209 recommendations, based on the standard soil test provided to all exhibitors by the event organisers.

“Before the event we completed one of our Albrecht ® Soil Surveys on our plot, which identified that the soil was calcium-dominated.

Magnesium levels were lower than would be considered ideal, but what was there was tied up by the calcium and so not available to the plant.

“On the rest of our plots we responded to

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this by including some kieserite in the fertiliser regime, which successfully addressed this situation.

“On these trial plots we applied the 250kgs of N recommended by the standard soil test the organisers do on the site, but it generated just 27.30 tonnes/hectare of biomass in the wheat crop sampled just ahead of the event.

“We adjusted our strategy in response to the Albrecht ® Soil Survey results, cutting the nitrogen applied to 200kgsN/ha and adding Biagro Phos N to balance the soil and ‘free up’ the magnesium, and some Marraphite biostimulant, a combination that raised that figure to 32.20 t/ha “In cost terms this was broadly neutral, with the treatment costing around £48/ha, which was almost the same as the saving on nitrogen.

“But the crop treated with our regime had almost 5 t/ha more biomass, which would be expected to produce significantly greater yield,

while utilising the fertilisers applied more efficiently – a benefit in both business and environmental terms. ”We would stress that these were not replicated trial plots and that biomass does not always translate into yield. However, if we have increased biomass we will have increased the amount of sunlight and energy captured by the plants, and thus will be returning more carbon to the soil.

“This will help build organic matter levels in the soil, and so help improve soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and ultimately, the sustainability of the farm itself”.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Spaldings announce a thundering success at Cereals 2013

Master Driers The new generation...

Spaldings have a record breaking first day at the two day outdoor event. paldings have reported that orders valuing in excess of £123,000 were taken on their stand during Cereals 2013. The two day event which was held on 12th-13th June at Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire is earmarked by many in the farming community as the one to attend each year pulling in numbers in excess of 25,000 each year. “ This fantastic event allows us to showcase some of our extensive product range and it was pleasing to see so many customers new and old visit our stand to enjoy the hospitality and discuss their needs with our experienced and knowledgeable staff, which judging from the figures is something they really appreciate,” says Roger Chase, Agricultural Sales Director for Spaldings.

Spaldings is a company that has a strong loyal customer base

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that appreciate the extra care taken to ensure their staff are knowledgeable and that the products are of the highest quality.

Mr Chase believes that these important factors have allowed the company to grow year on year over the last 55 years.

“Beating our previous years on stand sales by over 20% really emphasises why we are the market leaders and how our customers trust us to deliver on our products,” says Chase. “The success of this show means that next year we are going to have to challenge ourselves to produce an even better range of products for our customers to ensure that next year is even more successful!”

For details of products supplied

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

o Cereals 2013 has come and gone! Despite the rain Master Driers welcomed a lot of customers old and new on to their stand to discuss the features and benefits of their new generation of mobile grain Driers.

To recap for customers who did not make it to the show, they have introduced a new generation of Driers which embraces the technology they think is necessary to help their ‘customers’ meet the demands of modern grain drying.

Master Driers have introduced ‘Touch screen controls’ on their fully automated models to make adjustments easier to set and control, which, along with their Mastermatic option and Moisture meter, gives an extra dimension to

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a fully automated grain drying system. Add to this our telephone assist and our ‘3 stage burner’ and you are looking at the leading edge of mobile grain drying.

Our range today covers models from 12-45 tons and features our popular PTO drive or electric drive options along with dust extraction and our 450mm diameter centre auger. All this adds up to a range of Driers that will give you the very best in mobile drying.

Also on view was our range of wet grain bins. From 3 ton to 31 tons we have a bin that will match your Drier. Take a look at the web site www.masterfarm.co.uk for further details.

Master Driers the one to watch!

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| Cereals

New Holland T8 Series Auto Command™ Range: More power and Auto Command™ efficiency. ew Holland’s flagship T8 Series tractor range has been further enriched with the introduction of the renowned AutoCommand™ continuously variable transmission. The new range-topping T8.420 develops an impressive maximum 419 hp with engine power management making it the world’s most powerful continuously variable transmission tractor.

The six model T8 Series line-up, with outputs ranging from 273 hp to 419 hp, is powered by efficient ECOBlue™ SCR Cursor 9 engines, developed in collaboration with FPT Industrial, and delivering Tier 4a emissions compliance.

“The T8 Auto Command will become the tractor of choice and the ultimate working tool for large scale cash crop farmers, hay and forage contractors, together with large dairies and transport intensive operations,” stated Luca Mainardi, Head of Tractor and Telehandler Product Management.

“With a longer wheelbase and even more power on tap, the T8 Auto Command is set to improve its already impressive all-round performance. Furthermore, it perfectly complements the existing full powershift model range.”

Auto Command™ transmission for maximum efficiency New Holland has tailored its Auto Command transmission for the T8 range to perfectly match its dimensions and usage profile. The Auto Command transmission uses intuitive force-based logic and is controlled via the ergonomic CommandGrip™ handle, identical to that found on T7 Auto Command models. The four modes of operation known from T7 Auto Command -- Auto, Cruise, PTO and Manual -- provide the same flexibility to optimize task or fuel efficiency. All transmission functions are grouped in one place

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for a smooth seamless application of power: if working in Auto mode, the operator simply selects the desired working speed, and the Auto Command will adjust the engine speed and transmission settings to achieve the most efficient performance.

The T8 Auto Command features four points of optimized efficiency where the transmission drives through a full mechanical connection. These points have been engineered by design to correspond to the most frequently used operating speeds. Whether you need a speed for planting, tillage, baling or road transport, T8 Auto Command can deliver.

Available in 40kph ECO and 50kph options, customers can reach top speeds at lower engine speeds if loads permit (1400 rpm and 1725 rpm respectively), ideal for businesses that undertake extensive transport activities.

Even more stable. Even more traction.

All T8 Auto Command models benefit from an increased wheelbase, improving stability and traction: units fitted with standardduty rear axle by 500 mm versus equivalent current models, while T8.420, fitted with the new heavyduty 5" bar axle, by 1000 mm versus Ultra Command models.

The wheelbase of 3550 mm in total, is a full 14% longer than the nearest competitor, yet T8 tractors still deliver staggering turn performance.

All T8 Auto Command models can be delivered with Group 49 rear tires. If air volume and flotation is the requirement, 900/60R42 tires are offered; for row crop use, 480/95R50 tires provide a longer footprint to generate greater traction. These are the largest rear tires currently available in the market for high powered tractors.

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Extensive ballasting options for enhanced in-field productivity The long wheelbase and flexible ballasting options mean that the T8 offers ultimate in-field performance in high speed cultivation tasks. The TerraLock™ traction management system ensures 100% of the power is transmitted to the ground.

Terraglide™ front axle suspension improves traction and enhances comfort by counteracting

bouncing whilst lifting even the heaviest rear mounted equipment.

Improved transient response maintains performance in demanding conditions: if you encounter an area of compaction, the engine will respond immediately for zero slowdown.

Ground Speed Management ensures forward speed is always achieved at the lowest engine speed.

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| Cereals

Advice for farmers on the go!

New Catchment Sensitive Farming ‘cab cards’ available at Cereals 2013. new set of handy wastebusting and environmentboosting ‘cab cards’ were launched at the Cereals 2013 event in Lincolnshire last month.

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“ The new CSF cab cards have been produced as a training aid in collaboration with the Training Association in East Anglia and used in farmer training. ” Produced by Catchment Sensitive Farming, the checklists provide an easy way to help busy famers plan farm operations to avoid waste, save money and check that they are working in a water-friendly way. Four ‘cab cards’ have been produced that cover the important topics of fertilisers, pesticides, soils and organic manures.

The laminated cards are designed to be kept in the tractor cab as a useful source of guidance, advice and a source of information for farmers on the go.

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Farmers can use the cards as a reminder of what to consider when planning fertiliser, organic manure, soil or pesticide management and check what needs to be done when preparing for and undertaking field operations.

The aim of the new cards is to help farmers producers action plans that will ensure they get the best from their land, while also protecting the local environment.

For example, as fertilisers typically represent around 30% of the variable costs of crop and forage production, a quick run through the checklist on the Fertiliser card could help identify how to save money, time and reduce nutrient losses. Farmers are given pointers on how to draw up a straightforward action plan for farm operations that could help them save on their overheads and avoid damaging environmental activity.

The new CSF cab cards have been produced as a training aid in collaboration with the Training Association in East Anglia and used in farmer training.

Copies of the cards can be freely downloaded from the

Natural England website: http://publications.naturalengland. org.uk/category/7936752 Catchment Sensitive Farming is a joint project between the Environment Agency and Natural England, funded by Defra and the

Rural Development Programme for England, working in priority catchments within England.

For more information please visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwo rk/farming/csf

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Cereals

Cereals proves a winning show for AFT Interest at the recent Cereals event for AFT Trenchers equipment proved extremely high with sales of top-end equipment made on the stand. here was a lot to see as AFT had a whole range of equipment on show, including the AFT 100 trencher, the 75 WizzWheel, the new stone trailer and new AFT Traction pedestrian trencher.

Sales made on the stand included a top of the range AFT 100 trencher and AFT Stone trailer.

Peter Smith, Sales Manager was astonished at the level of interest and enquiries generated at the show. “We went to Cereals with an open mind and from the moment the show opened we didn’t stop dealing with enquiries and requests for demonstrations.” Said Peter “An AFT 100 trencher, one of the largest models in the range was sold on the stand along with a stone trailer.”

When asked why the sudden demand?

Peter replied “There is a huge amount of interest in drainage given the unpredictable weather conditions and people obviously wanted to go to a show to see what their options are. There is so much negativity around it is great to be able to report

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some genuine positive business.”

The latest AFT 100 Trencher sold at Cereals is fitted with a new Hydraulic Lift Pipe Reel ‘inboard’ to keep the whole unit within the width of the tractor, making road travel much safer.

A tough trencher, the AFT 100 is suitable for tractors from 65 to 140hp (48-105kW), with creeper gearbox and is capable of digging to a depth of 1.6 metres

deep and 300mm wide. Accurate depth and grade of trench is achieved with the use of our Laser System.

The AFT 100 trencher is designed to create efficient land drainage preventing the soil from becoming saturated. This allows crops to flourish, obtaining the right level of moisture to encourage good root development and natural growth. At the same time the land remains accessible for machines at all times. It is the most economical way, long term to improve crop yields.

For more information on our full range of trenchers visit our website: www.trenchers.co.uk

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| Cereals

Pharmaceutical seed quality will aid growers’ oilseed rape Pharmaceutical-like care will be taken to produce the highest quality seed for Bayer CropScience oilseed rape varieties. he benefits would be of greatest value to growers who took steps to tackle a perhaps hidden problem on farm – volunteer oilseed rape, Adrian Cottey, the firm’s seeds campaign manager said at Cereals 2013.

As well as producing hybrid varieties well suited to the UK grower, and providing the best agronomic advice on how to grow them successfully, Bayer would use its expertise to ensure seed quality was of the highest standard to help maximise the performance of the varieties, he explained.

“Quality seed delivers uniformity for growers, which aids performance and management. In the longer term, as we produce step changes in yield performance and bring new traits to market, it will also be crucial for delivering those enhancements to growers.”

The firm had nearly 20 years’ experience of breeding hybrid oilseed rape seed and recognised that the seed production process was more challenging than that for open pollinated varieties, he said.

“Our team sees this as a near pharmaceutical process, as the requirement to eliminate all other sources of pollen and to maintain the separation of seed at and after harvest is total.”

The first step in the process is to use separate locations in Belgium, where oilseed rape is not commercially grown in large quantities, for the

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production of male and female lines using completely separate drilling and harvesting equipment and separate stores.

Similarly there is a desire to find new areas in the EU and beyond to produce commercial seed free from the dangers of outside pollination brought by volunteers and nearby oilseed rape fields, while still gaining the benefits from a favourable climate.

“There are no shortcuts with this, so we are prepared to use remote regions, utilise farms with irrigation or even use Southern Hemisphere countries that do not grow much oilseed rape – it will be worth it to achieve the genetic purity we want in our hybrid oilseed rape seed,” said Mr Cottey.

A basic seed purity of over 99% was required to have any chance of meeting commercial hybrid certification purity standards of over 90%, he explained. “Then various specific quality control tests are performed in specialised laboratories before we pass the seed to the certification authorities to make sure the grower is buying the highest quality hybrid seeds.”

But all of this effort can be partially wasted if significant quantities of volunteer oilseed rape are growing in the planted field, he noted.

“Around 5% of shed seed can survive through a three or four-year rotation, which could be as many as 250 seeds / sq m. Typically growers are

trying to establish just 40-50 plants / sq m of the sown variety,” he said.

“Experience in trials suggests that maybe 1020 volunteers are establishing, which could be reducing yields by 3-5% and oil content by 1-2%, as well as making the crop harder to manage.

And as new traits and potential step changes in performance are gained it will be critical to grow crops in an environment as free from volunteers as possible.”

To understand the extent of the problem, Bayer was undertaking a survey of 100 growers on the stand at Cereals 2013 to gauge the level of volunteers growers felt their crops suffered from, he said.

“We also intend to use our agronomic expertise alongside independent advice to prepare the guidelines for growers to both limit further seed shed, and to reduce the seed banks in the soil.”

Future technological developments would also help growers achieve better volunteer control, he added. “For example, herbicide tolerance is an opportunity to reduce the current seed bank, while genetic anti-pod shatter and anti-pod loss traits could reduce the amount of seed being returned to the soil. Both of these are in our sights as future traits in Bayer seeds.”

Cultivating Success...

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Swift

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July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Cereals

Deep tine cultivator gives KUHN versatile new option in minimum tillage arena Cereals 2013 marks a significant step forward for Kuhn Farm Machinery in the minimum tillage arena, the highly versatile cultivator made its worldwide debut at the event. iewed by the company as a landmark development, the Performer deep tine disc cultivator has the capacity to provide a powerful single-pass solution across a range of conditions whilst also offering the versatility of disc-only or tine-only functionality to suit individual requirements.

Available in 4 and 5 metre working widths for tractor power up to 500hp in its wider format, the Performer comprises twin disc gangs (10cm working depth), four rows of tines (35cm working depth), levelling discs and the new 700mm diameter HD-Liner

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roller. The disc gangs function independently of each other and comprise 510mm diameter serrated discs, with 30 in total on the 4 metre model and 38 on the 5 metre machine. Discs are mounted to afford 560mm underbeam clearance, allowing free flow of crop residues.Tines are arranged in four rows with 280mm inter-tine spacing and 850mm underbeam clearance. Tines are curved for optimum mixing and operate with nonstop hydraulic safety at 800–1,200kg pressure. A choice of shares is available for different functionality.

Levelling discs are mounted on curved

arms and have elastomer protection and there are height adjustable border discs. The HDLiner roller is notched for better rotation and provides 225kg/m downward pressure. The roller can be lifted out of work when not required, for example when carrying out nonconsolidation work.

Robust in construction, the Performer is designed for low maintenance in the toughest conditions. All discs are mounted on maintenance-free hubs and the tines are dropforged for added strength. The machine is fully hydraulically adjustable and folds to a transport width of 3 metres.

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| Cereals

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01952 881000

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

Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325

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

Bromyard, Herefordshire Tel: 01885 488884 Chester, Cheshire Tel: 01829 749391 Romsey Agricultural Machinery Ltd Shorts Farm, Sherfield English, Romsey, Hampshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01794 323159 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 www.nigelquinnams.co.uk

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

Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

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

Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221 July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Cereals

APM at Cereals 2013

Speciality rapeseed

A definite date in the diary for the company next year.

A possible 4-5% price premium could be achievable...

gricultural suppliers APM celebrated twenty-five years of service this year and had their best ever Cereals show, confirming their return next year. On display were some examples of the huge stocks of agricultural products they now carry for nationwide delivery, all contained in their new 500 page catalogue.

For farmyards and grain stores, the ever popular and versatile SweepEx sweeper system showed how to save time and money, whilst the new MegaMax heavyduty machine is 65% quicker than a standard push broom, with its patented side retainers that hold bulk volumes of material in front of the brush, avoiding spillage at the sides. A popular display, APM’s Brigadier high performance vacuums are designed specifically for agriculture and industry, featuring the easy to empty wet/dry models for clearing water, sludge, oil and debris.

There was a top quality hydraulic wheel changer that’s ideal for use with agricultural wheels and will lift 1500kg and 2150mm ø. When it comes to wearing parts APM’s Maxipart is a

nterest in speciality crops has rarely been higher but despite the recent recovery of some oilseed rape crops the difficult weather for much of the season has left growers looking for higher gross margin opportunities.

The current High Erucic rapeseed (HEAR) offer from Technology Crops Ltd (Techcrops) is one such opportunity. Starting with a 15% premium over the '00' price, the Techcrops contract then includes the full FOSFA bonuses for oil content, admixture and moisture. With HEAR varieties such as Rejane or Palmedor running at around 3% higher oil content than many '00' types, that can add another 4 to 5% to the price a grower can finally get for his rapeseed crop.

In fact over the last 7 years Techcrops growers have, on average, gained by up to £150 per hectare by choosing the speciality crop option.

Yields of the HEAR varieties are often equivalent to '00' standard too. Across 5 sites with NIAB TAG in 2012, Palmedor, gave a higher seed yield than both Compass and Excalibur.

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name farmers can rely on for uncompromising quality in cultivation, plough, drill or other wearing metal parts and APM carry major stocks in tungsten, hard faced and standard to minimize downtime and maximize working time on the farm.

Their grainstore pedestals and fans ventilate and cool crops to prevent hot spots and insect infestation and can be used in rape, grain, potatoes, peas, beans and many more crops.

They also carry a wide range of rat poison from Wild Cat extruded blocks for increased bait security to Wild Cat Cut Wheat, ideal for mice, through to Wild Cat VRWhole Wheat for controlling widespread rat infestation.

Just a few examples of the vast stock of agricultural products available from APM. Call them on 01794 388622 or visit www.apmsupplies.co.uk

42 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

A recent grower survey conducted by Techcrops among their growers for the 2013 harvest, showed that HEAR crops are vigorous too. Of the growers who expressed a view, 80% said that their HEAR crop came thorough last winter better than their '00' equivalent and half of those specifically mentioned Rejane as their best variety for vigour.

To find out more about the Techcrops offer and for details of the new 'Harvest and Storage' contract too, call 01376 333888 or visit www.techcrops.com.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Count on Perry this harvest Perry of Oakley Ltd, with their 65 years of experience, are the UK’s oldest manufacturer of grain drying and handling equipment. t Perry we aim to provide not only the best specification grain handling and drying equipment but to also provide the best back up possible with a large stock of spare parts and a dedicated Technical support line.

For all your last minute requirements for grain handling equipment, order now and still have equipment delivered before harvest. Visit www.perryofoakley.co.uk for pricing details.

New product.

To compliment our range of square flanged ducting available from stock we now stock a full range of clip together round ducting. Thicknesses from 1mm for dust extraction systems to 2 and 3mm thick for grain conveying. A range of diameters from 150, 200, 250, 300mm plus larger diameters to order.

Full range of diverter valves from manual to pneumatic and motorized with and without switches are available Ex stock.

Spares requirements.

We carry a large stock of spare parts for our own grain handling

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and drying equipment. Chain and flight and elevator buckets and bearing are available ex stock.

Replacement troughs and ducting, some are ex stock or on short lead times.

We also stock a full range of chain and sprockets to suit Carier machines.

Technical support Line.

During Harvest if you have any technical questions relating to machinery service, operating or breakdowns you can call our dedicated Technical Support Line on: 01404 890305. We are also posting help videos on our website continually so you can also look for information on our website.

Perry of Oakley - British machinery for British farmers.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Cereals

Fob activated Weigh Beams prove best sellers at Cereals Ideal solution for Harvest. ereals 2013 started with the weather forecast in a changeable mood, but this didn’t dampen the interest in the 2.8m portable weigh beams (sold to J & R Armstrong Farms Ltd) displayed on the Griffith Elder stand with the new WB6RF portable indicator with fob activation.

This Interest was fuelled by the possibility of an un-manned weigher that can be activated on approach and have the ability to apply a dedicated vehicle weight to the weighing, all done in one pass without the driver getting out of the cab.

The applications are most attractive at harvest time when cycle times from field to farmyard are most important, especially if you are relying on seasonal workers who are grain carting and may need to be called upon at short notice. The plug and weigh

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system has been described as idiot proof as the fob activates the system, tells you when to stop and go, records weights to memory and automatically prints out a ticket (if desired).

The system consists of beams and ramps, armoured cables, traffic light on a stand, and indicator housed in a waterproof case with printer and built in power supply. The fobs have no batteries to worry about and are solidly constructed and supplied on a lanyard. The simulator on the stand also showed a large LED display unit (optional extra) that is also powered by the internal 12v power supply.

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DanCorn at Cereals Another successful showing this year. ereals 2013 was another successful show for DanCorn Ltd despite the stormy Thursday afternoon which found several customers taking shelter in their marquee from the somewhat inclement weather conditions.

Regardless of this they were able to show one of the smallest grain dryers from their range, the DC12CELP, together with a working display of a silo stirrer system, samples of the Skandia conveyor range for which they are importers, an example of the ventilation equipment offered and a Westfield WR08 x 36’ mobile auger.

With 2012-2103 projects nearing completion, Cereals is seen as a shop window for farmers considering improvements or additions to existing grain storage and drying facilities. Dan-Corn

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were able to discuss the many and varied aspects of this area of farming with a significant number of farmers and dealers who, in particular, wanted to better understand the principles and effectiveness of the silo stirrer systems which is a very economical method of drying and storing grain.

Although 2012-2013 has been a very difficult season Dan-Corn has continued to increase its sales and are confident that they will continue to do so through the coming 2013-2104 season.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

LW VASS (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Springfield Farm, Bedfordshire MK45 2AX Tel: 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk

CENTRAL CROP SPRAYERS LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel: 01948 840187 Mob. 07850 744335

ACARE SERVICES LTD Norfolks’s Sprayer Specialists, Bunker Hill, Norfolk NR22 6AZ Tel: 01328 820449 www.acareservices.co.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Cereals

Trelleborg exhibited new high performance products at CEREALS 2013 Trelleborg Wheel Systems, a leading global supplier of tyres and complete wheels systems for the agricultural industry, showcased its extensive range of high performance solutions, specifically designed with professional farming in mind, at Cereals 2013. aking centre stage on the stand was the company’s latest product innovation, the IF 800/70R38 CFO TM3000.

Engineered according to the company’s innovative BlueTyreTM technology, TM3000 is a new generation of radial tyres designed for harvesting applications. It has been developed to provide farming professionals with improved productivity, while fully respecting the environment.

During the exhibition, Trelleborg introduced the first size in the new range, the IF 800/70R32 CFO. The range will then be expanded over the coming months with three new sizes: IF 800/65R32 CFO, IF 800/70R38 CFO and IF 1050/50R32 CFO. As well as the TM3000, Trelleborg displayed its innovative TM1000 High Power and the TH400 range, its new radial agro industrial line.

Versatile in several applications,

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products in the TH400 range are able to operate on the toughest of soils, while coping with the most demanding conditions. The range, which has been designed for use on the latest generations of

46 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

telescopic handlers, backhoes and mini loaders, provides high stability even when booms are fully extended to handle heavy loads.

The first size, 460/70R24, was presented at the exhibition. The range will then extend to include eight more sizes by the end of the year.

John Westwood, Trelleborg Wheel Systems UK Managing Director, commented: “We are extremely proud of our new product innovations and Cereals was the perfect occasion to show them all! We wanted to showcase

the new solutions we have launched in the last few months directly to those that can benefit from them the most. The excellent results that can be achieved by all our new tyre solutions will be published in our latest product leaflets, as well as in our new apps: Tyre iBrochure and Tyre Book.

Trelleborg’s popular 650/85R38 TM900HP, 680/55R26.5 Twin Radial, 540/65R34 TM800 High Speed and the 650/5R32 TM2000 also featured on stand.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Royal Welsh

50th Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells Interesting fact from the last 50 years -There were only five Beef Breed sections at the 1963 Royal Welsh Show. he role of the modern Royal Welsh Show is a rounded one. As well as its principal function of showcasing the cream of Welsh livestock and the high quality food and drink produced in Wales, it encompasses the wider spectrum of farming and rural life and successfully bridges the gap between town and country. It provides something to interest everyone through its kaleidoscopic range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, Sports Village and a 12 hour programme of exciting entertainment that continues throughout each of the four days of the event.

The first Royal Welsh Show was held at Aberystwyth in 1904. After moving to 37 different venues throughout Wales it settled at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, in 1963.

This year marks the show's 50th anniversary on the permanent site and the book illustrated here charts in words and pictures its development and the transformation of the showground during the last half century into one of the finest of its kind in

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Europe.

A memorable record of some of the interesting highlights in the history of the show at Llanelwecld, the book will be available for

purchase at the Royal Welsh Show in July. Don’t miss the opportunity of obtaining a copy.

In addition to this a specially commissioned polo shirt to

celebrate the 50th Show at Llanelwedd will be available to purchase from the Joules tradestand.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Security

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| Royal Welsh

Lusitano horses will star at Royal Welsh Show Classical horsemanship and the skills and style of riding practiced in bullfighting from horseback will be among the exciting main ring attractions at next month’s Royal Welsh Show. iders from the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art mounted on Lusitano horses, one of the world’s most beautiful and versatile equine breeds, will perform twice daily over the four days of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from July 22-25.

Because of their rare characteristics Lusitano horses are popular as mounts for dressage and ideal for all forms of equestrian art. They are also in demand for jumping, eventing, driving and leisure riding.

Originally bred as war horses and for bullfighting from horseback, they are still used in the bull ring today, though for bullfighting of the non-lethal kind where neither horse nor bull is harmed. In Portugal it is now illegal to kill a bull in the arena.

Visitors to the show will see the Lusitanos as they were in the 18th

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century, the same riding styles, saddles with short stirrups, and costumes worn by the riders displaying the agility and the floating elevated movement of the horses.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art was founded to uphold the teaching, practice and promotion of this traditional form of Portuguese culture. It uses horses exclusively from the Alter Real Stud Farm which was established in 1748 by the Portuguese royal family to provide horses for the country’s national riding school and for royal use.

In the early 20th century, as Portugal renounced its monarchy, the Alter Real strain faced extinction. Records were destroyed, stallions gelded and the stud discontinued. However, a specialist in Iberian horse breeds saved two stallions and several

mares and was able to re-establish the strain, turning the herd over to the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture in 1942 when the stud

was reopened. The Portuguese state has maintained ownership of the stud ever since.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Pig & Poultry

Sainsbury’s steps up British sourcing with commitment to 100% British fresh pork Sainsbury’s today announced its milestone move to all its fresh pork being 100% British. he commitment comes ten years after the retailer guaranteed all fresh chicken as British and enforces its commitment to British sourcing.

Sourcing from more British farmers than ever before, sourcing closer to home will increase Sainsbury’s supply of British pork significantly.

From 3rd July 2013, traditional favourites including Pork loins, chops and joints will all be British, adding to Sainsbury’s British credentials on ham and fresh sausages. The move gives its pig farmers the confidence to invest in their future and reduces reliance on Pork from the EU including Dutch and Danish. Sainsbury’s has built its investment as part of its commitment to double the amount of British food it sells by 2020 and responded to customers

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increasing interest in home grown food.

Sue Lockhart, Head of Agriculture at Sainsbury’s said: “Sourcing food closer to home and developing even stronger links with farmers is a key part of continuing to lead on fresh food.

Our customers trust us to source the very best fresh food in a sustainable way and we’re pleased to announce fresh pork as our latest progress. This summer customers will see more British food than ever before from beef burgers through to blueberries from Scotland.

The leading work we do in partnership with our growers and farmers in the UK and abroad continues to expand. Most recently we allocated £1.2 million funding to drive the future of British farming which has shown

that agriculture is evolving and continues to offer benefits throughout the supply chain – from farmers through to our customers.”

Meryl Ward who was recently awarded an MBE for her work on pig welfare and a member of the Pork Development Group said: “This is amazing news, especially as it comes at a time when pig farmers have had such a challenging year. The commitment will give farmers confidence to invest in their business as they have a guaranteed order with a major retailer. Earlier this year Sainsbury’s supported it’s Sainsbury’s Pork Development Group (SPDG) members with a price premium because of the rising cost in feed, it’s responsive moves like this that farmers need

for a sustainable future.”

While Sainsbury’s has led on all fresh chicken being British for over 10 years, today’s announcement coincides with further development to source more British poultry. All breaded and roast chicken is now British, along with all of the chicken in our fresh ready meals, pies, pizza topping, quiches and soups. Further areas including frozen whole bird and portions and all our canned petfood is now British and Irish, offering customers a wide range regardless of their budget.

Farming Minister, David Heath said: “British pork has a reputation across the world for its high welfare standards, quality and taste. Choosing British meat and dairy is a positive way to support British farming and enjoy locally sourced food.”

New partnership will see establishment of São Tomé and Principe’s first breeding herd In a joint venture to improve the sustainability of island nation São Tomé and Principe’s food supply, the country’s government and the government of Taiwan have signed up to a new partnership with JSR Genetics, which will see 56 Landrace and Large White gilts and boars flown out of the UK in July. ue to the insufficient supply and poor quality of domestically produced pork, the nation of São Tomé and Principe, located off the western coast of Central Africa has a pig industry in decline and is forced to import a large proportion of its pork at great expense.

The new partnership with JSR Genetics will allow the islands to establish their first breeding herd for the production of their own slaughter pigs, improving the quality of pork available, creating a sustainable stock of high index pigs and reducing costs.

Ben Rawson, Key Account Manager at JSR Genetics, is pleased that JSR is part of such an exciting project which will make an invaluable difference to the pig industry in São Tomé and Principe, as he explains: “For a small island nation which is trying to secure improved sustainability through the promotion of tourism, importing the vast majority of its food supply from abroad is incredibly expensive. This new partnership will provide the people of São Tomé and Principe with access to

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the high-quality meat associated with these JSR sire lines, and the ability to produce lots of litters using high index pigs will be truly invaluable.

“The pigs have been selected from our Nucleus unit and after being placed in isolation for 30 days, will be flown out in a propeller plane in July. We’re very pleased to be involved in the project and look forward to seeing the results.”

Since the island was first colonised by the Portuguese in the 1400s, São Tomé and Principe have been producing pork through native breeds, which have never been reared for breeding purposes before.

The move is part of the Taiwan Technical Mission which aims to achieve agricultural technical cooperation between Taiwan and São Tomé and Principe. The Mission has been on-going for around five years, and it is hoped that this latest stage, the Pig Development Project, will be fully implemented by 2017.

JSR will also be instrumental in the training of the staff and setting up the breeding programmes to

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help São Tomé to develop professional skills amongst their pig farmers, such as artificial insemination, which will allow the islands to produce lots of litters and maximise output.

Dr. Reagan Chou, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission, said: “The Taiwan Technical Mission has been working closely with JSR on this project as part of an ongoing initiative to help São Tomé and Principe become self-sufficient and provide high quality nutritional food to their people. With the help and coordination of both JSR and the Technical Mission, we have been able to choose high quality

pigs, which will soon be shipped to the island. The Taiwanese government also offers help and support in a range of other agricultural and livestock projects as well as running a medical mission to improve the health of the island’s citizens.

“All parties have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the project and JSR will be providing quality training which is vital for the future success of the mission. The scheme has posed many challenges and obstacles, which both parties have overcome, helping to developing a strong, positive relationship for the future.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pig & Poultry

Bison Products for Aviagen Turkeys Aviagen Turkeys are Europe’s largest turkey suppliers, supplying some of the world’s biggest poultry brands such as Bernard Matthews. sing multiple breeding programmes and production centres, Aviagen have created a secure

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global supply source for turkeys in both Europe and the USA. Utilising diverse and robust genetic lines, Aviagen turkeys give the best

Don’t delay culling sows Cull sow prices may be down — up to £30 per head compared with last year — but pig producers have been advised not to put off replacing older, less productive animals in their breeding herds. atthew Curtis, managing director of ACMC, believes that better times are coming for the pig industry.

“There is evidence that the size of the breeding herd is falling in mainland Europe, which will reduce supplies of pigs and therefore firm-up pigmeat prices.

In addition, feed prices are likely to stabilise or even reduce, so much-needed profitability could return,” he says.

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The extra sows being slaughtered on the Continent are having a knock-on effect on the price for British cull sows, many of which are exported. But producers need to keep their herds young and productive to make the best use of the situation. He believes it will be false economy to hang on to older sows until cull sow prices improve.

New Zealand poultry processor invests in MTech software MTech Systems — the global supplier of software for poultry, pig and animal feed industries — has reached agreement to supply Van Den Brink Poultry, one of the largest chicken processors in New Zealand. nder the agreement MTech Systems will provide business advisory services over the next 12 months together with integrated software covering Van Den Brink broiler growing operations on North and South Islands.

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“The broiler software will provide real time management information, costings and volume forecasting while automating grower settlement payments and giving the business scheduling of live birds to its

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processing facilities,” said Jim Johnston, Director of MTech Systems Europe.

“Following visits by Jim Johnston and Steve Parsons in February last year and again recently, we now have detailed plans covering areas for improvement across our whole business,” said John Timms, executive general manager of Van Den Brink Poultry. “This has contributed to our very good business results for two years running.

“What’s more, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of MTech’s software modules and are now implementing the livestock module and also evaluating their other systems with a view toward implementing them once our review is complete.”

Van Den Brink is the third largest chicken processor in New Zealand and has been in business for over 60 years.

performance in a whole host of differing environments.

Aviagen have taken the lead as a key stakeholder in the global food supply, and have strived to take its responsibility to the supply chain seriously. One of the primary focuses for the company is to keep harmful pathogens such as salmonella and mycoplasmas out of the food chain. Aviagen believe that keeping these diseases under control, begins with the primary breeder.

The company’s commitment to animal welfare is a cornerstone of their strategy. Aviagen have made a pledge to improve the health and living conditions of its turkeys, whilst increasing the performance of the product. Welfare procedures meet or exceed industry standard practices, and this policy extends to all employees and third party contractors.

One of the major stumbling blocks for poultry farmers is temperature regulation. In summer months, conditions can become intolerably hot for livestock.

Adverse conditions can be a double edged sword for poultry producers. The first issue being animal welfare - poor environmental conditions will have an adverse effect on the overall

good health, and therefore quality, of the poultry produced. Secondly, an unstable or hot environment can have a huge effect on the amount of waste produce. With each turkey being worth up to £5, it is important to adopt effective temperature regulation in order to maximise profit.

Aviagen have embraced the use of the Bluemax 950 fan – the world’s largest free standing industrial fan manufactured in Leyland, Lancashire by Bison Products. An incredibly robust and manoeuvrable fan, it is ideal for circulating large volumes of air (air output of 20,000cfm) thanks to its 5 35” blades, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for the company’s produce. Bison have supplied many key players in the farming industry with the Bluemax 950.

The fan has become a vital cog in Aviagen’s poultry production cycle, with bosses finding that Bison’s Bluemax 950 is the unrivalled solution in the battle to maintain climate.

More than meets the eye Early in his poultry career, Joice and Hill Sales Director, Peter Cumbers managed the Babraham Breeding Farm in Cambridgeshire. wenty five years later Babraham Farm is being managed by none other than Peter¹s son , Brad Cumbers .

But there is much more to this story than keeping up a family tradition !

Peter ran the Babraham Breeding Farm in Cambridge for the ISA Poultry Services Company for four years. Then, in 1988, with perfect timing,he was promoted to Area Sales Manager for East Anglia the year that Edwina Currie was forced to resign after she issued a warning about salmonella in British eggs !

Brad joined Babraham in September last year to help redevelopment of the farm, including the installation of new equipment and a total refurbishment of the farm. The site was stocked in January this year with Bovans Brown and ISA Warren Parent Stock - 20,000 females in total .Babraham Farms

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is now a modern Joice and Hill parent stock farm with the highest standards of bio security, providing high quality hatching eggs to the Joice and Hill hatchery at Eye. Said Peter Cumbers, “Naturally I am delighted to see Brad working in the egg sector. Family connections aside, Joice and Hill are committed to bringing young people into the business.”

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Beef Expo

TB Busters at Beef Expo Beef Expo success TB Busters had a very successful day at the Beef Expo.

Cross Compliance Solutions stand ‘busy all day’.

t was the first time that we have had an independent show stand of our own and we were therefore delighted to have a constant flow of farmers and distributors coming to our stand in order to learn more about our revolutionary common-sense approaches to not only putting farmers clear of TB, but advising farmers on how to make their farms more profitable while still being under TB restrictions.

Now, after months of product testing, we are happy to announce the upcoming launch of two new products. The first is an energiser lock box that screws into the ground like our stands but can be locked in place to prevent thieves steeling your electric fence energisers and batteries. This should be available to buy once testing is complete within the next 2 months.

The second is the new badger proof mineral bucket stand with a base made completely from 3mm box section instead of plate which has just finished its final tests, showing that the gaps between base bars no longer starve the grass of sunlight and also make it

ross Compliance Solutions attended the Beef Expo event recently, held this year at Malvern. “Our visitor-flow was excellent” commented Charles Mayson, Managing Director of CXCS. “We had four members of staff on our stand and we were busy all day”.

As well as greeting new contacts many regular clients were made welcome too – “It’s a great pleasure to see clients on our stand and we had great feedback regarding the job we are doing for farmer customers”.

CXCS deals with all the paperwork necessary to get through an RPA inspection for

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easier to screw in to soft or uneven ground, creating a base which is even firmer than the current stand yet costing the same price of only £65-£75 depending the bucket size the stand holds.

With vets and Defra confirming that by leaving mineral buckets on the ground you are vastly increasing your risk of infecting your cattle with TB, more and more farmers are coming to us to buy our stands and get advice on how to reduce the risk of TB to their business.

TB Busters are the only company to provide a tailor made biosecurity service customized to each individual farmer, performing a full Farm Biosecurity survey and suggesting the best way to reduce the impacts of TB on your agricultural business. This could be through badger proof fencing around your farm yard, badger proofing water tanks and feeders or using our badger proof mineral bucket stands.

So, with TB Costing farmers an average of £12,000 for each TB breakdown, can you afford not to invest in TB biosecurity leaving your cattle vulnerable to TB?

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farmers who are in receipt of the Single Farm Payment. This includes NVZ calculations, soil erosion maps and similar items, all of which have to be in proper order for an inspection – or risk deductions from the annual payment. “Some deductions can be severe”, says Mr Mayson, “missing off a ditch from your maps, or some horses from your NVZ numbers can bring real pain, we know, we’ve seen it when we’re called in to help”.

CXCS staff made lots of new friends at Beef Expo. “We look forward to getting to grips with the challenges that our enquiries bring to us – and the clients like it too!”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Beef Expo

Beef Expo 2013 declared a resounding success Beef Expo 2013, the UK's specialist technical event for the Beef industry, organised by the National Beef Association, was declared a resounding success by event chairman Neil Lloyd.

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ith so much happening in the beef industry at the moment, including CAP

reform, falling suckler cow numbers and rising input costs, this year's Beef Expo provided a

Farming minister says coupled payments have no place in UK agriculture Farming minister David Heath told a packed Question Time session at Beef Expo 2013, Malvern, that coupled payments had no place in the future of UK agriculture. esponding to a question on the future of agricultural support payments Mr Heath said coupled payments had to disappear from the UK in order for farmers to fully focus on meeting market demands. "Any suggestion of extra coupled payments is completely out of line with the way CAP reform should be moving. I believe existing coupled payments in Scotland will have to be removed quicker than Scottish ministers believe," he added.

When questioned by Gloucestershire sheep and beef producer Michael Weaver about the future of EU farm support payments Mr Heath said he shared his colleague Owen Paterson's view that the long-term future should involve the removal of all agricultural support. "But this cannot happen in the near future.

Single Farm Payment and pillar two support payments are an integral part of farming in the EU in future, but we cannot turn the clock back to commodity support.

"I believe support payments are here to stay for the next two financial rounds of the CAP, but I want to see them directed to the right place for the right things."

NFU vice president Adam Quinney said there was no way the UK could follow the example set by New Zealand in the mid-1980s and remove farm support overnight.

"We live in a different business climate, with different structures and different priorities. What is important now is to get the balance between pillar one and pillar two payments right.

"I do not want to see increased modulation, the last 18 months have shown how essential pillar one payments in supporting farm businesses when conditions outside of their control threaten their businesses."

And to help farmers adapt to the modern market and improve both on-farm and supply chain efficiencies Mr Quinney said their

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needed to be a national livestock database that was able to link information from all parts of the chain together.

Mr Quinney, answering a question from Leicestershire-based farmer and NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe, said it was essential that farmers were able to access information about how their stock have performed once they left the farm in as near to 'real-time' as possible. "We need to apply modern technology to capture real and meaningful data.

The industry should have access to a database that can be used for business purposes, not just to meet regulatory needs," he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Heath told the audience that his department was working on a plan for the eventual eradication of bovine TB from the UK. "I truly want to see the UK get back the TB free status it once enjoyed and that will involve a lot of work by everyone. It will involve biosecurity measures, badger control, vaccination programmes and cooperation by everyone involved. We have to look at every part of the equation to ensure we do the best we can."

John Cross, chairman of the TB eradication advisory group, said his board had recently presented a full report to government for consideration. "But we have to be clear, this is a genius disease that will take a lot of dislodging. It will be a long, hard slog over a long period. The strategy we've formed is a giant jigsaw of measures, actions and attitudes for the future."

Speaking on the subject of TB Mr Quinney said he wanted to see government address wasted money in current TB controls as a priority. "At the moment government is spending ÂŁ100m on TB control, ÂŁ30m of that is on testing, but ÂŁ40m is on administration. That is clearly wasteful and we need to drive out these administration costs and find better ways of doing things."

unique opportunity for UK beef farmers to meet and find out the latest information on breeding, feeding and herd management.

"A crowd of more than 5500 meant a busy time for trade stands and proved the event's appeal to beef farmers. What was so pleasing this year was to see all sectors of the beef supply chain, from farmers through to processors and retailers, taking time to build relationships at the event."

Mr Lloyd said it was vital that with demand for British beef at an all time high there was meaningful communication between all members of the supply chain. "I was heartened to see these relationships being built at Beef Expo and hope they can be strengthened for the future."

Beef Expo 2013 was billed as a celebration of British Beef and that is exactly what it was, said Mr Lloyd. "Despite the ongoing weather, political and trade issues in the beef sector farmers at the event were in good heart and determined to forge profitable, sustainable futures in the beef

sector."

NBA director Chris Mallon said Beef Expo 2013 had been a tremendously successful event and had set the tone for the next 12 months. "The beef industry has come through a challenging year, but with prime, store and breeding cattle prices all at levels many farmers believed they would never reach farmers have much to be confident about.

"The future of British beef production is strong and increasing demand for British product should instil some much needed confidence in the industry too. I was delighted to see so many farmers at the event all of whom were looking to the future with great positivity.

"The NBA is working hard at all levels to ensure British beef farmers can face the future with confidence. It was pleasing to have farm minister David Heath MP at the event and talking in a very positive manner about the beef sector and its place in both British agriculture and society as a whole," he added.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Sheep

Family farms the backbone of Britain “Family farming units are the backbone of agriculture” at NSA North Sheep. ithin the region of 7000 people in attendance, at this year’s North Sheep - The National Sheep Association’s, Northern biennial one day event, held at Crimple Head Farm, near Harrogate has been hailed a huge success. The event, which focused on the future of the Sheep Farming Industry, attracted farmers, academics, industry experts, exhibitors associated businesses and breed societies from throughout the UK. Across the day, whether in opening speeches or seminars, speaker after speaker emphasised the role farmers in general and sheep farmers in particular, played in British food and the protection of rural life and landscape and how vital these roles were in the protection of everybody’s futures.

In his opening address, the Chairman of the organisers, Adam Watson, referred to the many challenges faced on farms in the last 18 months. In previewing North Sheep, he believed that the event provided “people with a one-stop-shop showing everything that was good about the sheep farming industry – and a great opportunity to focus on the future.”

The Head of Agriculture for Barclays Bank, Martin Redfearn, opened the event and set the tone, saying: “Sheep farming is vital to all parts of the agriculture industry and the strength of that industry is its people”. He added: “The role of the stockman is almost indescribable – what he or she can see in the pen, shed or field of livestock today, maybe is what any blind fool can see tomorrow. You can see tomorrow. You can improve it from what it is but it has to be there to start with – he or she has to have instinct for livestock.”

Chief Executive of the NSA, Phil Stoker added his belief that farmers “are the foundation of all land management in the country, and that family farming units are the backbone of agriculture.”

That tone of support and optimism for the future was nowhere better made that by Liz Philip, principal, Askham Bryan College, who presented a seminar for young entrants entitled “Opportunities for the Future”. To her “The farming family was the bedrock of British food production.” “Young people,” she added, “can invent the future of farming.” She could see that ahead farming would have the added dimension of greater entrepreneurship. “New entrants are business people who want to farm.”

NSA North Sheep acts as an industry forum and was used as a platform for the British Wool Marketing Board to announce their 2013 wool prices. Farmers saw the latest developments in flock management and healthcare as well as the commercial aspects of their business. The farming industry is facing many important changes and this year’s seminar programme looked in detail at the challenges and opportunities the industry faces in the future.

Hugely popular during the day were the sponsored farm tours. The trip by trailer offered an oversight of the Wilson’s farming enterprises and also offered Yorkshire tasters of real ale and real pork pies and flapjacks from local makers, Kendall’s Butchers and Park View Bakery, of nearby Pateley Bridge.

Crimple Head Farm is run by 3 generations in the name of J M Wilson and Sons. The 1000 acre farm runs flocks of 1000 horned Dalesbred

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ewes and 300 Masham and 50 Mule ewes along with 30 pure bred Texels and 100 head of breeding cattle. The Wilson family are very keen supporters of the National Sheep Association and the Sheep industry and David Wilson is himself Chairman of the Dalesbred Sheep Breeders’ Association.

David said afterwards how grateful he was to the teams of people who had helped to set up and make the farm smart for the day. “I couldn’t be happier and prouder,” he added. “North Sheep hasn’t been to this county for 10 years, and the event was a triumph and a showcase for Yorkshire farming and produce.”

One of the highlights of the competitive spirit of North Sheep was clearly, on the day, the Shearing competition. Thought to be rare these days, the crowds flocked to see some of the North of England’s best shearers, with 30 year old Adam Berry of Kendal clipping his way to the trophy.

Winners of the Stock judging Competitions, sponsored by Carrs Billington Agriculture, were, in the Gents, Cecil Hutchinson, of East Harle; the Ladies, Margaret Iveson of High Force Farm, Bainbridge; 25 years and under, Eddie Heard; and 18 years and under, Henry Forsett. Entrants were required to show their keen eye for champion stock by judging four pens with Dalesbred, Teeswater, Mashams and Mules.

The third NSA North Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year Award was made to a neighbour of the Wilson’s at Crimple Head - Josh Ryder of Central House Farm, Haverah Park near Harrogate. Receiving trophy his emphasised that North Sheep is a flagship in farming. “This couldn’t be a better event to win it at, he added.

Josh illustrates and confirms the spirit if the days’ opening speeches. He works at CCM auction and on the 300 acre family home farm where they run 1200 Dalesbred and Swaledale and a small herd of sucklers.

Askham Bryan College sponsored the competition, and the young entrants (all under 26 years) performed five tasks – Stockjudging;

lamb selection; shearing two sheep; answering questions on flock management and demonstrating dosing, vaccination and foot trimming skills. Josh will represent the NSA Northern Region at the final of the UK Young Shepherd of the Year to be held at NSA Sheep 2014, in Malvern, Worcestershire.

The highlight for those who enjoy the end product almost as much as the production was North Sheep’s very own popular version of Ready Steady Cook. The winning chef was is Andrew Atkinson, a lamb buyer of Felliscliffe Harrogate,, who clearly knows as much about preparing lamb as about purchasing it.

Sponsored by CCM Auctions and featuring prime local lamb, the Heats involved the runner up, Ted Ogden from Craven Cattle Marts, Ian Smith from Wharfedale Farmers Mart, and Stephen Maskill, also a lamb buyer. Chefs were on hand from Harrogate College assisting.

Celebrity chef Stephanie Moon, and Northumberland’s Frankie Walton did a tremendous job of judging and humorously entertaining the audience.

There was a fantastic showcase of trade stands, winning best indoor stand was Logie Durno Sheep, from Aberdeenshire, Best Outdoor Trade Stand, Ripon Farm Supplies, Wool on the Hoof was won by The North of England Mule, Lleyn Sheep Society.

Speaking yesterday the organiser of NSA North Sheep Julie Sedgewick said: “We were delighted with the high number of visitors that turned out and this demonstrates yet again how the sheep farming industry continues to be such an important part of British agriculture.

We had a record number of trade stands, sheep breed societies and support from sponsors, and I would like to thank them all.

Their attendance and support helped us to produce what was a tremendous event.”

For further information on NSA North Sheep 2013 please contact event organiser, Julie Sedgewick on 07836 773888 or visit www.northsheep.org.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

Texels embrace DNA technology

Mobile conveyer range A new system complete with hydraulic lowering trailer.

Texel breeders are to become the first sheep breeders in the UK to wholeheartedly embrace the use of DNA technology to both protect the brand identity of the breed and shape future breed improvement strategies. orking in partnership with GeneSeek Europe, the leading DNA testing provider (owned by the food and animal safety company, Neogen), the British Texel Sheep Society will be using a novel SNP panel to test and provideparentage verification.

An important approach to enable exploitation of genomic information and assist breed development explains Society chief executive John Yates.

"This Society initiative, GeneTex, is a UK first in this volume across many of the 2000Texel breeders who will be among some of the first in the world to use this novel SNP panel. While initially the aim is to protect the breed and brand identity by parentage verification, the future aim will be to develop genomic selection criteria to enable Texel breeders to use all the tools at their disposal to breed sheep suited to the modern commercial market.

"The collaboration with GeneSeek will allow wide scale use of DNA and access to genomic technologies in years to come, as this technology becomes more affordable. This technology will have a direct impact on the Society's breed development strategies, and assist the Society in using new breeding tools to exploit the extensive and expanding knowledge we have of our breed."

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Initial work on developing a parentage database, the British Texel Sheep Society will use a specific ~100SNP panel on Texel DNA provided by UK breeders.

Adding new tests to the panel in the near future, ultimately the breed will be driving towards Genomic Breeding Values (GEBVs) that will offer greater accuracy for existing traits and, more importantly, allow for selection using traits with lower heritability, such as specific health traits and meat eating quality," says Mr Yates.

And in another UK sheep industry first DNA samples for use in Gene-Tex will be collected using an innovative nasal sampling device. Allowing an affordable and simple non invasive means to protect the breed at the same time as complementing the extensive collection of phenotypes, provided through the continued expansion of data collection from the entire membership and from performance recorded flocks he adds.

"Gene-Tex will, therefore, see the adoption of three unique pieces of technology to further advance the Texel breed and ensure it can maintain its place as the UK's number one terminal sire breed and the breed of choice for forward thinking sheep farmers."

ith demand for the 3m mobile conveyor system, DM Handling Systems is now offering the new range of mobile conveyor systems that come with a hydraulic lowering trailer that kneels down quickly and very simple to use. The conveyor can be easily removed giving you a great hydraulic trailer/platform for other jobs. Pen sides can also be installed to the sides of the trailer making a great mobile sheep pen or any other task you have in mind. This system is good for motorways as well as in the field.

The conveyor when removed can be used for all the same jobs

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as on the trailer, but is more flexible when removed for loading sheep into the shearing trailers and dippers. With this system it takes the stress out of working with the sheep and done effortless with the remote control.

The new conveyors operate without a ramp, so no more bottle necks! sheep flow is important for the farmer, so thats why we developed the "rampless" conveyor system.

If you would like more information on our products visit our website dmhandlingsystems.com or call us on 01324 711755.

NSA Sheep 2014 Date and venue set for NSA Sheep Event 2014.

SA is pleased to announce that NSA Sheep Event 2014 will be held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, on Wednesday 30th July 2014.

Helen Davies, NSA Event Organiser, says: “We wish to build on the success of the 2012 NSA Sheep Event, the sector’s biennial premier business-tobusiness event, which was staged at Malvern and hailed a resounding success. It attracted

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a record turnout of over 11,000 visitors doing business with 250 exhibitors.

“NSA is looking forward to returning to the Malvern showground and working with the Three Counties Agricultural Society on what is seen as the premier sheep event in the UK, with a technical focus on the whole supply chain.”

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Machinery

Kubota’s leading M-Series even better value Agricultural machinery and tractor specialist, Kubota, has introduced a three year 0% finance offer on its industry leading M Series tractors, making them better value than ever before. he M Series has evolved over time to be one of the top selling tractor ranges.

All models utilise Kubota’s advanced diesel engines that are designed to offer the power and torque to get the job done, whilst improved efficiency ensures lower running costs.

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56 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

Dave Roberts at Kubota, comments: “The M Series is a versatile range that offer agricultural and amenity customers the power, durability, and efficiency they need for optimum performance. The range features Kubota’s latest engine technology providing users with

the power and torque they need, whilst meeting latest EU emission regs” User comfort and ease of operation have also been a primary focus in the design of the M Series including spacious cab designs, air conditioning, power steering, power shuttle and radio CD player.

The 0% finance offer applies to orders placed for new M-Series tractors with Kubota dealers before the 31st December 2013.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Machinery

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| Machinery

Precision guidance for all from John Deere John Deere has established a new partnership with Leica Geosystems to provide mobile phone network RTK (NRTK) corrections via the company’s dealers in the UK and Ireland, for repeatable, highly accurate (+/-2.5cm) precision farming applications. ohn Deere’s latest Mobile RTK offering has three different components. The John Deere Mobile RTK Modem provides the connection to the RTK corrections over the mobile phone network. This comes with an open SIM capability, allowing customers to choose their own service provider.

John Deere Mobile RTK Access

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

In addition, John Deere’s new partnership provides access to the Leica Geosystems NRTK

New Stubble Master Spearhead Machinery were pleased to introduce the Stubble Master with it’s UK debut at this year’s Royal Highland Show. he Stubble Master is the latest generation rotary mulcher offering from Spearhead that builds on an award winning heritage to deliver even higher levels of quality, performance and durability to professional vegetation control markets worldwide whilst still ensuring increased output, reduced operating costs and a quality finish.

The new Stubble Master boasts a series of exciting features, including: • Spearhead’s renowned HD6 cutting system for fine chopping of vegetation and crop stubble residues providing an even spread and faster decomposition.

• Staggered wheel alignment combined with larger diameter wheels and walking axles to assist with smoother operation and higher working speeds in turn reducing fatigue on the mowers chassis. They also provide improved stability and durability when the machine is in transport.

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• A smooth heavy duty delta shaped body that promotes excellent flow from the rear of the machine providing better spread of chopped material and a clean output whilst avoiding chaff build up on the deck.

• All round safety chains to prevent the ejection of flying debris.

• Optimum deck to ground cutting position that is constantly maintained and adjusted through tie bars that run from the front to the rear of the machine.

• Wing float, allowing the wings to follow the contours of the ground.

• An angled deck inlet at 45 degrees to allow a clean input; letting vegetation flow into the front of the machine without obstruction.

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

Mobile RTK collects information from a synchronised network of GPS reference stations set up across both countries to calculate the correction data. To provide complete geographical coverage, the Leica Geosystems service uses data under licence from reference stations owned by Ordnance Survey Great Britain, Ordnance Survey Ireland and Land & Property Services in Northern Ireland.

In addition to the satellite GPS signal, Mobile RTK correction data is sourced from a countrywide

pool of existing base stations, so users don’t need to invest in their own. A centrally located server (see illustration) calculates the correction signal, which is then transmitted via the mobile phone network to the vehicle, equipped with the John Deere Mobile RTK modem and StarFire 3000 receiver.

This maintains continuous data connection, even in difficult terrain or across wide geographical areas.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Machinery

Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford LtdMonthly - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH 60 |Tractors Farming | July 2013 T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New Coulters go to work Farmers around the UK have been putting their Kverneland drills to work equipped with the latest generation CX-II Coulter.

or Suffolk grower Strutt & Parker Farms, investing in a DF2 front tank/6m power harrow drill combination with CX-II coulters has made the difference between getting crop in the ground and missing out on the prospect of harvesting up to 14,000 tonnes of wheat.

“We bought the drilling outfit in late October after wet conditions forced our cultivator drill off the fields,” explains Martin Bowers, farm manager at The Old Forge, Bury St Edmunds. “And our local dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen really stepped up to the challenge to get us drilling in just a few days.”

“While we had planted 725 hectares last year, we still had 1,200 hectares of cereals to get in.”

The one-pass operation wrapped around a Challenger MT765C - allowed the farm to work later into the season and for longer. And based on its performance, Mr Bowers intends to make the DF2 outfit a regular part of the farm’s cultivation and drilling strategy, which operates with two differing strategies.

“It is a heavy outfit, and I’d like to try it on a flat-track Challenger to see if it rides and performs any differently.”

Operator Sean Frost adds that working on ploughing, the outfit demands everything the MT765C has to offer, to maintain an output of 4ha/hour.

“Although the outfit is heavy, almost every aspect of it appears heavily engineered,” says Mr Frost.

“Working on Hanslope series chalky boulder clays, it has taken

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a little time to get coulter pressure just right,” he says. “And there are times when I’d like to apply even more pressure. But overall, we’re pleased with the coulter performance, sowing depth and germination from this latest system.”

In addition to a more traditional plough-press-drill system, Strutt & Parker Farms operates a min-till system, where a stubble cultivator and drill is often the regime of choice for first wheats and oilseed rape crops. And with a 3,200ha workload, the farm accepts it needs to have more than one high output drilling option available that can be used in a wide variety of seedbed conditions.

“The last season has brought home the fact that we do need more machinery choices with our current workload,” says Mr Bowers. “Using the Kverneland drill, we worked through some very frosty conditions and while crops initially looked small and feeble, they’ve got away well and look much better than expected.”

“And the spring-sown wheat and barley is looking really good.”

In search of more coulter stagger and greater clearance to work with min-till seedbeds, Keith Morton of Saltoun East Mains, Haddington, East Lothian, bought a 3m s-drill Pro with CX-II coulters for the 2013 Spring drilling season.

“I liked the greater stagger, and I have to say that I’m very pleased with the way the drill and its coulters operate,” says Mr Morton.

“We’ve enjoyed some great, even germination this year, and we’ve never had the drill blocked. It has worked its way through wet patches much better than my

previous drill would have ever done.”

His outfit is one that uses two power harrows – one up front and one beneath the drill – which gives one-pass capability when not working directly on ploughing or cultivated soils.

“We would have to carry a press to balance the weight of the rearmounted combination, and I’d rather use something up front that offers a bit more functionality than just pressing,” he says. “The front power harrow starts the seedbed preparations and makes it easier for the combination.”

Travelling at speeds of around 8km/h, Mr Morton says outputs of 1.2-1.6 ha/hour are easily achieved.

Having planted a wide variety of seed types this spring, including wheat, spring barley and mustard, Mr Morton says the drill has exceeded expectations.

“We have around 120 hectares of our own land, plus a further 60 hectares that we drill for neighbours,” he explains. “And all the crops we’ve planted so far with the CX-II coulters are looking very good.”

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Machinery

BDA best in CLAAS for preventing harvest disruption The time critical logistics of one UK company will play a vital part in minimising harvesting machinery downtime this spring, as farmers in UK and Ireland face yet another weather-ravaged crop calendar.

DA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation) will be helping harvesting machinery manufacturers to make spare and service parts readily available around the clock by using BDA's daily in-night air-bridge and specialist distribution networks to make time critical, hi-speed, Innight and early morning deliveries next day.

The pressure to keep harvesting machinery operating will be even higher than usual this year, with food and forage crop growth considered to be lagging six to eight weeks behind the norm due to cold air and soil temperatures.

Coupled with reduced winter crop sowing, this is certain to reduce 2013 yields significantly. The unsettled weather forecast could further delay crop development and compress harvesting windows, making it absolutely vital to maximise process efficiency.

BDA has been providing door to

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door logistics solutions to CLAAS, the European leader in the combine harvester market and the world leader for self-propelled forage harvesters, since 2007. The service links the European Distribution Centre to the UK and Ireland, ensuring an early morning, next day delivery of required parts.

Vital repairs to agricultural machinery are completed within hours of spares being ordered.

Steve Court BDA's Sales & Marketing Director points out: "CLAAS is in its centenary year and has just turned out its 450,000th harvester. The company is experienced enough to recognise that the aftersales supply of spare parts and the fastest logistics delivery is critical for it to continue to be a leading manufacturer. As long as its spares are readily available all year round, farmers can be assured of minimum harvest disruption."

The CLAAS dealer network is

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supported by domestic regional storage centres, as the effective cost of inventory storage of some parts would not be economical for individual dealers to keep in stock.

CLAAS constantly holds over 135,000 different items at its central storage depot in Hamm Uentrop, Germany, dispatching up to 10,000 ordered components per day.

Orders from the UK and Ireland are picked up at 18:00 by BDA's own vehicle courier fleet. The vehicles are driven directly to a BDA hub at Maastricht airport, where the CLAAS freight is then loaded on to a BDA aircraft.

Following a 22:00 departure, the freight-only flight arrives at the BDA central UK hub, Coventry airport, at 22:30 local time.

The CLAAS shipments for deliveries in England, Scotland and Wales are unloaded immediately and injected directly into the in-night network in Coventry where they are consolidated with the UK originating orders from Saxham, Suffolk, for a country-wide delivery by 08:30, including the largest part of the Scottish region.

In a similar onward journey CLAAS shipments either originating from Hamm, Germany,

or from Saxham, UK which are destined for the Irish and Northern Irish regions are loaded onto the aircraft at Coventry for departure to Dublin at 01:00, where shipments arrive at 02:15 and are injected into an Irish In-night network.

“ The pressure to keep harvesting machinery operating will be even higher than usual this year, with food and forage crop growth considered to be lagging six to eight weeks behind the norm “ The requirement to look beyond the conventional logistics solutions, provides CLAAS with an immediate delivery solution for its customers. One such customer is James Stow of agricultural machinery dealer, Western Harvesters. He comments: "The CLAAS spare part service is seamlessly efficient because parts that are not available in UK are delivered directly from Germany with the UK originating spare parts at the same early morning delivery."

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

The JCB Farm Master 435S Agri Wheeled Loader Productivity, efficiency and operator comfort hit new heights.

CB has launched a new version of the UK’s most popular high performance wheeled loader to put greater productivity in the hands of larger farms and contractors. The JCB Farm Master 435S Agri builds on the success of its predecessor – the 434S Agri – as the industry’s first heavy class wheeled loader built exclusively for agricultural applications.

“The 434S established new levels of performance for heavy-duty farm loading and handling operations with features and specifications designed specifically for agriculture,” says Edward Roach, JCB Agriculture Product Marketing Manager. “Its replacement builds on a successful formula with improved traction, faster travel speed and greater comfort and convenience for the operator – and a significant reduction in fuel consumption bringing lower running costs.”

Like its predecessor, the new 4.2-tonne payload Farm Master 435S Agri is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins QSB six-cylinder engine but with catalyst and particle filtration exhaust after-treatment technologies to meet European Stage 3B emissions rules.

It also has a variable geometry turbo generating increased performance at lower engine speeds.

Peak outputs are unchanged at 230hp and 945 Nm torque, so the machine’s unrivalled power-toweight ratio of 16.8hp/tonne, which gives it agile silage clamp climbing performance, remains uncompromised.

However, apart from the inherent fuel efficiency of the Cummins engine, an ECO power setting that limits engine speed to 1800rpm for light duties is joined by a new ‘low idle’ feature.

This automatically cuts engine speed to just 700rpm after 30 seconds of inactivity – when waiting for a silage trailer, for example – and can be augmented by an optional auto engine shutdown if required.

Together with a lower cooling fan speed to cut power loss, these features contribute to significant reductions in lifetime fuel usage.

With 750/65R26 MegaXBib tyres installed, the 435S Agri has impressive traction and flotation for a machine weighing more than 13.6 tonnes. But a new option of an automatic locking front axle differential adds further tractive effort in challenging conditions as an alternative to the

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standard limited slip differentials at both ends.

“Service intervals for the loader’s axles have been extended to 1500 hours and wheel speed braking is introduced for reduced heat build-up, less brake wear and increased efficiency,” notes Edward Roach. “These all contribute to lower lifetime running costs.”

Further efficiency gains come from the unique driveline for a wheeled loader – a six-speed powershift transmission with automatic shifting and torque converter lock-up in all gears giving noslip mechanical drive to the wheels.

The new Powerinch feature disengages the clutch when full engine speed is required at low ground speed for optimum loader tear-out and lift.

On the road, the transmission gearing provides a 48kph top speed option to enable the machine to keep pace with other vehicles in a silage-making or muck spreading crew.

Operators get to enjoy a quieter working environment in the new cab, where maximum noise level is down to just 70 dB(A). Climate control air conditioning with increased ventilation and air recirculation is a new alternative to the standard system and an Actimo XXL luxury air suspension seat is introduced as an option for best comfort through a busy working day.

“There is also a new instrument display combining analogue dials and colour LCD screen with additional features,” says Edward Roach. “It also provides the operator with more useful information, such as fuel consumption, to help manage and record the loader’s use.”

Service and maintenance access remain unrivalled – all daily checks can be performed at ground level, gull wing doors expose the engine bay and a swing-out hydraulic drive fan gives clear access to the cooling package for cleaning.

Operators who appreciate how the loader arm suspension can boost productivity by absorbing vehicle

movements over a rough surface can now exploit the system at slower speeds. The current machine must exceed 6kph for the suspension to become active but with the 435S Agri, the operator can ask his dealer to set Smooth Ride Suspension activation at whatever speed he chooses.

“Together with other new features, the new JCB Farm Master 435S Agri is even more operatorfocused than before,” says Edward Roach. “For example, float, kickout and return-to-dig are now selectable rather than permanent features of the loader control system, and we have standardised on electrical quick-hitch implement attachment from the seat for safety as well as convenience.

“Big farms and contractors who need a loader of this calibre have a choice,” he adds. “They can buy an industrial loading shovel adapted for agricultural work and accept the inevitable compromises or invest in the purpose-built Farm Master 435S Agri with every detail tuned for farming applications.”

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

Smaller chassis, bigger heart New Polaris Ranger 800 doesn’t miss a beat. he new Polaris Ranger 800 has a chassis that is smaller than full size Rangers, making it easier to manoeuvre, park and store. But that doesn’t mean this Ranger is any less capable of getting the toughest jobs done.

At its heart is an 800 Twin Electronic Fuel Injection Engine with 50hp delivering big power in a midsize chassis. Big enough in fact to give you a 1,250 lb/566 kg of towing capacity to tow trailers and wheeled equipment with ease, and a top speeds of 55mph.

Because you most probably need to get to the most inaccessible places the ground clearance is an impressive full 10” to keep the ride smooth and clear obstacles on rough terrain. All helped of course by the legendary Polaris front and Independent Rear Suspension with its generous 9” of travel and five-point adjustable preload at the back, so you can stiffen the suspension for heavy loads, and MacPherson Strut at the front with its long 8” of travel.

On Demand True All-Wheel Drive is a bit of a mouthful but it’s what keeps you moving where others fear to tread, engaging all four wheels when you need more forward traction, reverting back to 2WD when you don’t. You also get VersaTrac Mode in 2WD which unlocks the rear

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differential for easier, tighter turns without scuffing the grass.

When you need to carry stuff there’s a capacious dump box with Polaris Lock and Ride cargo system to accommodate hardworking accessories in seconds.

Standard equipment includes a speedometer and instrument cluster with electronic fuel gauge and your creature comforts are catered for with ‘Best in Class’ ergonomics for outstanding driver and

passenger comfort, extra legroom and easy slide-through cab design that lets two adults in and out quickly.

As you would expect of Polaris the handling is predictable with the midsize chassis and lighter overall vehicle weight making it easier to negotiate turf, trails and rough terrain.

Driving is believing and a Polaris dealer can arrange it. For more information call Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 or visit www.polarisbritain.com

Quadzilla hits utility market with new Terrain 500 4x4 Quadzilla Quads has introduced the Terrain 500 4x4, a powerful and tough 500cc utility specification machine.

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his machine is aimed squarely at the agricultural and land management

market sectors, where the retail price of just £3500 plus VAT will prove attractive to those who

64 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

believe that utility ATV prices have spiralled out of control.

The new Terrain model is based on Quadzilla's highly-successful work and leisure 500ES model, which has gained a reputation for rugged reliability and strong allround performance since it was introduced into the Quadzilla range in 2008.

The 500ES has proved ultrareliable in a wide range of work, leisure and even sporting environments, out-performing many larger capacity, high-cost ATVs across all activities and uses.

Quadzilla saw the 500ES as the ideal basis for developing a more work-focussed machine and set about redesigning and testing a number of areas over an eighteen month period in real working conditions here in the UK. The new Terrain features the

latest development of Quadzilla's well-proven 500cc, single cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine, driving though a CVT automatic transmission with selectable 2 and 4 wheel drive with a front wheels diff lock. An all-round independent suspension system maintains traction, control and rider comfort in tough conditions and hydraulic disc brakes make light work of controlling speed.

The specification includes ultratough steel wheels, full-size front and rear racks, full road legal kit including a powerful full lighting system, a tow bar and a front electric winch.

The Terrain is available in red, black or blue from Quadzilla dealers nationwide.

For further information visit www.quadzillaquads.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Biker Warehouse London Road Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6HG Tel: 0845 2692269 www.bikerwarehouse.co.uk

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

Quad Zone Mill Cottage, Clows Top Nr Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 9HP Tel: 01299 832699 www.quadzone.co.uk

Extreme Quads Unit 5 Fleet Road Ind. Est. Holbeach Lincolnshire PE12 8LY Tel: 01406 420002 www.extremequads.co.uk

North Cornwall Motorcycle Centre Hospital Road Stratton, Bude Cornwall EX23 9BP Tel: 01288 355162 www.ncmc.co.uk

Manic Quads Units 19 / 20 Highfield Ind. Est. Folkestone, KENT CT19 6DD Tel: 01303 259625 www.manicquads.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

Juke cleans up with flexible new diesel Lower emissions, greater fuel economy, reduced noise and more torque – these are just some of the benefits of the latest 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine now in the Nissan Juke. ince its launch in the UK at the end of 2010, more than 19,000 Jukes – around a third of all sales – have been powered by the 1.5-litre dCi engine. With a host of improvements the new engine is expected to be even more popular.

The changes have boosted maximum torque from 240Nm to 260Nm at 1,750rpm, with 80 per cent of this figure available from just 1,500rpm to improve driveability. And with CO2 emissions of only 109g/km and combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg, the new unit is the most efficient engine in the Juke line-up.

The improvements have been achieved thanks to a host of technical changes.

These include revised piezoelectric fuel injection nozzles, which now have a more precise spray pattern for better combustion (with as much as 15 percent less unburnt fuel) and a new, more responsive, low-inertia variable geometry turbocharger fed by a more direct – and more efficient – air intake path.

In addition, a closed-loop lowpressure exhaust gas recycling (EGR) system, in which the exhaust gas is cooled before being re-introduced to the intake

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system, has helped ensure the unit is compatible with forthcoming Euro6 emission regulations.

Other changes include a new thermostatically-controlled variable displacement oil pump which reduces internal friction by adapting automatically to the engine’s needs and oil viscosity.

The new diesel features low friction enhancements including diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings for the tappets and now also features Nissan’s automatic Start/Stop system. With highly efficient smart management technology the engine restarts within 0.5sec of the clutch being engaged. Reduced combustion noise further enhances the unit’s overall refinement.

Changes have also been made to the gear ratios. The 1st and 2nd ratios are a little shorter to allow sharper responses at low speeds, while the remaining four ratios are slightly longer, taking advantage of the improved torque to deliver better fuel efficiency. Over the official combined cycle, the new Juke 1.5-litre dCi returns 67.3mpg as opposed to the previous unit’s 58.9mpg, a 14 per cent improvement. CO2 emissions fall from 124g/km to 109g/km.

Fuel efficiency is also helped by

the use of the Nissan Dynamic Control system, which enables the driver to select from three engine settings – Eco, Normal and Sport.

This system now not only selects appropriate pedal sensitivity settings in Eco and Sport modes, but also limits maximum engine torque in Eco mode to 220Nm. In Normal and Sport, the full 260Nm is available. The unit’s overall power output remains at 110PS while performance figures (109mph maximum speed, 062mph in 11.2sec) are also unchanged. The new generation engine will be available across all Juke grades excluding the NISMO. The best-selling model is expected to be the n-tec, which showcases new technology such

as the latest Nissan Connect communication centre. As well as new navigation software and a 5.8inch colour touchscreen, the system incorporates advanced features such as Google Send-ToCar, which allows an owner to plan a journey on their PC or tablet at home or in the office and then send the instructions to the car ahead of the trip.

“As well as the obvious advantages of lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency, the higher levels of torque from the new engine mean greater flexibility and more refined cruising as well enhanced in-gear performance around town,” said Paul Wilcox, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Nissan in Europe.

Renault Captur posts impressive residual value forecast with CAP Taking fight to MINI Countryman and Peugeot 2008, amongst others, Renault Captur launches with impressive residual value forecast up to 43% over 3 years/60,000 miles enault’s UK resurgence is well under way, with Clio and ZOE already picking up their fair share of acclaim from public and media pundits alike.

Not to mention Dacia already outselling hordes of established rivals, just a few months since its launch. Now it’s the turn of the eagerly-awaited Captur crossover to build on the gains, starting with an impressive set of residual value forecasts from leading provider, CAP. Captur, the French marque’s first compact crossover, launches on 1st July, but already its chic looks, frugal engines, high equipment levels, ingenious touches and plethora of personalisation options are proving a winning combination.

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Showing that its got the substance to back up its undoubted style, CAP believe that the Captur Expression+ 1.5 dCi 90 will hold onto a sizeable 43% of its value over three years/60,000 miles. Impressively, it matches the current class leader in this respect, the MINI Countryman. It also benefits from one of the lowest depreciation figures in its class, trumping the aforementioned MINI with ease. A Countryman loses up to £17,000, while even the closest priced equivalents to the Renault, typically lose anywhere between £11,000 and £14,000 over the same period. Captur by contrast, is forecast to lose a considerable £4,000 to £6,000 less.

Emphasising the new model’s inherent desirability, the likely best-

66 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

seller, Dynamique MediaNav dCi 90 is forecast to retain 42% over the same period.

The picture is much the same with the petrol-engined versions.

Mind you, the expected best-seller, 0.9 TCe 90 three-cylinder turbo, is state-of-the-art. On entry-level Expression a sizeable 41% is predicted to be the norm.

Commenting on the latest Renault to continue the marque’s continued upward trend, UK Managing Director, Ken Ramirez, said, “The eagerly anticipated and completely new Renault Captur

will soon be in our showrooms throughout the country; expanding our brand’s presence into the rapidly expanding compact crossover class. We’re delighted that the RV providers, as well as the media and our customers, have recognised its appeal.”

The Captur range is already available to order, ahead of its official showroom launch on 1st July 2013. Prices start from only £12,495 on-the-road. More information on Renault’s latest addition is available at http://www.renault.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Limited run Volkswagen Amarok edition targets style-savvy customers Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching a special edition version of its highly acclaimed Amarok pick-up. alled the Amarok edition, it’s based on the popular Trendline specification but includes more than £3,400 of additional equipment, representing a customer saving of over £2,000.

As well as added value, it also offers more style and exclusivity, with just 300 vehicles available to UK customers.

Bolstering a Trendline specification that already includes body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, the Amarok edition’s additional design features include striking 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, a black side step, black styling

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bars across the load area, rear privacy glass and special edition decals. Drivers also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, a protective coating for the load area, interior floor mats, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation with a five-inch colour touchscreen as standard.

The Amarok edition comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg.

Customers can choose the sixspeed manual transmission, which comes with selectable 4MOTION, or the latest eight-speed automatic transmission with permanent

4MOTION. The automatic version boasts BlueMotion Technology, which includes low rollingresistance tyres, start/stop system and regenerative braking to provide greater economy and lower emissions.

The Amarok edition is available in two colours: Reflex Silver, with black door mirror covers, or Deep Black, with silver door mirrors.

‘Creating the right image is very important for a lot of our customers, so we’ve had great pleasure creating the bespoke specification for the Amarok edition,’ said Mark Hopkins, head of marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘It not only looks great,

but offers fantastic value too,’ he continued.

Retail prices start from £22,495 (excluding VAT) with the manual transmission and rise to £24,225 (excluding VAT) for the automatic transmission. The Amarok edition is on sale from July.

For full details of the Amarok edition, or to find the nearest Volkswagen Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk, or call0800 717131. For the latest updates follow Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on Twitter @Volkswagen_CV or Facebook: facebook.com/VolkswagenComme rcialVehiclesUK

Volkswagen Passat TDI sets Guinnes World Record A classic among fuel economy drives is conquering all US States apart from Alaska and Hawaii.

Volkswagen Passat TDI, produced at the company’s Chattanooga (Tennessee) plant, has now covered the distance of 8,122 miles with record low fuel consumption of 93.5 mpg and within 16 days. The record drive was witnessed by officials of the

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Guinness World Record Organisation.

The driver team, blogger Wayne Gerdes and engineer Bob Winger, achieved a fuel consumption of only 3.02 litres per 100 km, or 93.5 mpg. ‘We felt we had a good chance of beating the existing record with a series production

Passat TDI,’ Gerdes said, ‘but to smash it by averaging over 93 mpg is really impressive and a testament to the potential of Volkswagen’s TDI vehicles. It also shows how much the fuel consumption depends on the driver.’ The previous world record was set at 81.54 miles per gallon.

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ279 a month.* Now with a 140PS engine, best in class cargo area of 2.5m2, and impressive off-road performance thanks to selectable 4MOTIONÂŽ four-wheel drive.

Also available with an optional 180PS engine.

Pop in and ask us for more details.

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 140PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required.

68 | Farming Monthly | July 2013

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| Motors

Abridge Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Sinclair Van Centre (Swansea).

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0208 045 6006 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 01482 908 520 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

Alan Day Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Newark).

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 9GW. Tel: 01792 447 578 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Swansea.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0208 211 4784 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2ET. Tel: 0163 691 8116 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Newark.

Breeze Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield).

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QY Tel: 01202 900 304 Search online for Volkswagen vans Breeze Poole.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S9 1XS. Tel: 0114 404 0021 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Sheffield.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 01743 600 031 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 01902 546 561 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire YO30 4WW. Tel: 0844 412 8292 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 York.

Pentraeth Van Centre.

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5RW. Tel: 01248 208 036 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff).

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff CF10 4BB. Tel: 02921 150 093 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Cardiff.

Vindis Van Centre.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 01480 731 255 Search online for Volkswagen vans Vindis.

Vindis Van Centre (Northampton).

Gambrel Road, Weedon Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN5 5BB. Tel: 01604 315 852 Search online for Volkswagen vans Northampton.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Peterborough).

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5YS. Tel: 01733 349 336 Search online for Volkswagen vans Peterborough.

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 30th September 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers.

Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

The only pick-up to carry a 6 year / 125,000 mile warranty*

Auto Services Perth Ltd Perthshire Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

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

NMG 4x4 Centre Norfolk Tel: 01603 401044 www.nmg-uk.com

Hepworth Motors West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 683172

Brenwood Motor Co Fife Tel: 01592 655550 www.brenwood.co.uk

John Pease Motor Group Essex Tel: 01376 345540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk

Furrows Shropshire Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk

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

Class leading insurance

Class leading fuel economy

t Leather interior t Heated seats t Galvanised body panels t Air-conditioning t Keyless entry t Six speed manual transmission t Steering wheel audio controls t Bluetooth速 hands free

0 08430 8430 2 227144 27144 greatwallmotor.co.uk greatwallmotor.co.uk

2.5T TOWING

*6 year / 170 25,00|0 m ile warrant yMonthly comprises o| f thJuly e first 2013 3 year / 60,000 Standard Limited Manufacturer's Warrant y with an ex tended 3 year / 125,000 mile (wwww.farmingmonthly.co.uk hichever comes sooner) Ex tended Power tain Farming Warrant y. Terms and conditions apply. For full details ask your local dealer or visit greatwallmotor.co.uk. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. America.

| Motors

New Škoda Yeti ‘Adventure’ is wild ŠKODA is launching a special edition of its highly acclaimed Yeti compact SUV. alled the Yeti Adventure, it’s based on the best-selling SE trim level but includes more than £2,250 worth of additional equipment at no extra cost.

The arrival of the Yeti Adventure is the latest chapter in the outstanding success story of the ŠKODA Yeti. Since its launch in 2009, more than 21,000 have been sold in the UK and it has won 15 awards along the way, charming buyers with its on-road performance, familyorientated practicality and rugged styling.Offering exceptional value for customers, the Yeti Adventure builds on the already comprehensive list of equipment included as standard on SE models.Additional design features include stunning 17-inch blackand-chrome ‘Matterhorn‘ alloys, a black roof with black door mirrors, silver roof rails and black side mouldings with chrome ledges.The ŠKODA Yeti Adventure is available in two colours: Candy White and Brilliant Silver Metallic, both of which come with a black roof (there is no extra charge for metallic paint).Inside, the special edition Adventure upholstery comes with striking silver stitching and tyre print design. In addition to SE trim equipment, Yeti Adventure includes Amundsen+ satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a multifunction steering wheel to control the audio system and telephone. The Yeti Adventure is available in two- and four-wheel drive with manual transmission only, and comes with a

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choice of two engines.The first, available in twowheel-drive guise, is the 2.0-litre TDI CR 110PS DPF. This frugal engine offers 55.4mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle and emissions of only 134g/km. The second option, in four-wheel-drive only, is the 2.0-litre TDI CR 140PS 4X4 DPF, which has efficiency figures of 48.7mpg and 152g/km.

The pair are priced £18,640 and £21,215 respectively and both qualify for ŠKODA’s current 7.9% Personal Contract Plan / Hire Purchase campaign. Complete with three years’ free servicing, it’s available through ŠKODA Finance.

The ŠKODA Yeti Adventure is on sale from 22 July 2013.

Fiat dealer sponsors Panda 4X4 Trans-European charity drive Keith and Kery Schofield

The new Fiat Panda is already known for its reliability on long journeys across varying terrain, but now a 4x4 version of the award-winning city car is going to demonstrate its ruggedness, comfort and economy all over again. ntrepid father and daughter adventurers Keith and Keri Schofield are attempting a 10,000km TransEurope Arctic to Africa road trip in aid of the charity Hope for Children in their own Panda 4x4. The pair, whom Fiat dealer Glyn Hopkin has agreed to sponsor, are hoping to raise more than £8,000 from the drive.

Bought from the Chelmsford, Essex dealership last December, the 0.9-litre TwinAir Panda 4x4 embarks today (28 June) on the trip of a lifetime. The adventurers plan to share the driving: first to Norway’s Nordkaap, north of the Arctic circle, then south to Tarifa, Spain – the gateway to Africa on the South-western tip of Europe – before returning to Essex.

“We needed a vehicle that would be up to the challenge of getting us safely, economically and comfortably from the northernmost tip of Europe to the southernmost tip of Spain,” says

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Keith. “But it couldn’t be just any vehicle, and we decided to go for the car that Top Gear magazine crowned as their SUV of the Year, the Fiat Panda 4x4. We are delighted with it and can’t wait to get going.”

Fiat paid for the sign-writing on the car and has made a donation towards Keith and Keri’s plans for a 10,000 Euros (£8,500) fund for the international charity, which helps disabled, orphaned, poor and exploited children.

Earlier this year a two-wheel drive Fiat Panda

TwinAir, driven by Philip Young and Paul Brace, completed a 10,000 mile trek across Africa, smashing the Cape Town to London world record time in the process.

The Fiat Panda 4x4 costs £13,950 (OTR) for the 0.9 TwinAir and £14,950 (OTR) for the 1.3 MultiJet. More details about Keith and Keri’s charity drive can be found at:http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Schofi eldFamily

July 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

| Motors

D-Max tows its way to the top of the pick-up segment Isuzu UK has announced that the towing capacity of the new D-Max has been increased by 500 kg – adding to its already impressive list of credentials. he increase has come as a response to customer feedback and to satisfy those who were demanding extra capacity.

All 4x4 models of the D-Max will be able to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes, with the new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max pick-ups registered in the UK from July 1 2013.* With confirmation of the new certification to tow 3.5 tonnes, the Isuzu D-Max becomes the most capable pick-up in the segment.

The Isuzu D-Max is proving to be hugely popular with UK buyers, after the Japanesemarque announced record sales of 824 vehicles during the month of March.

This latest capacity-boosting announcement follows Isuzu’s introduction of the new accessories range at the 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show, allowing owners to fully customise their own vehicle.

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William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK comments: “The Isuzu D-Max already boasts class-leading fuel efficiency, residual values and our pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty, however the addition of segment-best 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity demonstrates that the Isuzu D-Max is the pick-up of choice for business and recreational users alike.

“The Isuzu D-Max was already a compelling proposition, winning awards and breaking sales records, so it’s fantastic that we can now also offer the highest towing capacity in this highly competitive segment.”

The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications: Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999

(CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic. *Subject to any existing un-registered 3 tonne towing capacity vehicles remaining in IUK dealer network

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

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

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

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

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

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

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

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

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

Ashburton Motor Works Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

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

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

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

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Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire Tel: 01733 893704

Carstins West Midlands Tel: 01676 533145

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Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544

Bulldog Twyford Reading, Berkshire Tel: 0118 9321 331

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon Tel: 01364 652302 Newcastle Subaru Tyne & Wear Tel: 0191 257 3309

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Mitsubishi Outlander forward collision mitigation system awarded by Euro NCAP Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) – fitted to the New Generation Outlander launched in Europe a few months ago - is the latest advanced safety systems acknowledged by Euro NCAP through its “Advanced Rewards”. hether avoidance, crash or post-crash, advanced technologies define today’s frontier in the development of safer car and since 2010, Euro NCAP Advanced have rewarded and recognized car manufacturers which made available new safety technologies demonstrating a scientifically proven safety benefit for consumers and society.

For each technology nominated by a car manufacturer, Euro NCAP assigns a panel of objective experts who review evidence provided by the said manufacturer.

Through logical and rigorous analysis of the way in which the technology has been developed, tested and validated, and from any real-world experience that may exist, the system’s performance and its expected effectiveness can be determined. Where a strong case is made, Euro NCAP will reward the technology, such as today with Mitsubishi Motors’ FCM.

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5-star Outlander A further testimony of Mitsubishi Motors’s contribution to a safer driving environment, the FCM system (see below description) was first introduced in 2012 with the 5-star Euro NCAP awarded Outlander, together with other advanced safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control* (ACC) system and Lane Departure Warning* (LDW) system – to be later deployed on future models as well.

As Euro NCAP stated today: “Mitsubishi Motors’ Forward Collision Mitigation system rewarded by Euro NCAP is an example that some car manufacturers are making efforts to help us further reduce accidents and casualties on the roads by providing consumers with Autonomous Emergency Braking systems.”

Together with ACC and LDW, the Euro NCAP-awarded FCM system complements Mitsubishi’s

continuous development of its various safety-related initiatives and innovations, whether for its proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) structure[2], the fine-tuning of active safety-related areas or the regular introduction of new passive safety features.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM)[3] The FCM system - using the same 77 GHz radar used by the Adaptive Cruise Control system detects obstacles on the road in front of the Outlander and will automatically apply the brakes when necessary to help prevent a collision or to help reduce the severity of a collision.

When the possibility of a front collision arises, the driver is warned through a buzzer and a light in the instrument panel. The FCM will also increase the brake pressure in the circuit.

If the driver then hits the brakes,

the Brake Assist function will activate earlier than normal When the risk of a collision becomes highly possible, a twostage Automatic Braking function is engaged: First stage: low braking pressure is automatically applied prompting the driver to avoid the collision Second stage: high braking pressure is automatically applied to help mitigate or avoid the collision FCM can help avoiding a collision when the car is driving at less than 30km/h and the system detects a stationary object. With respect to other moving vehicles, FCM can also help to avoid a collision when the speed difference between the vehicle being detected and the Outlander is less than 30 km/h. Where the speed difference is greater than 30 km/h, FCM cannot help prevent a collision, but can help to reduce the severity of that collision.

Five new dealers join the SsangYong network SsangYong sales & service now available in Cardigan, Cheltenham, Christchurch, Nelson and Yeovil. he importer of Korean SsangYong cars, SsangYong Motor UK, has added a further five locations to its network of franchised dealers.

The new appointments are: • Autovillage, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire • BV Rees, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire • Lynx Garage, Yeovil, Somerset • Steve Durkin Vehicle Services, Nelson, Lancashire • Think Cars, Bransgore, Christchurch, Hampshire “We warmly welcome these five new partners to the SsangYong franchise,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “The SsangYong value proposition is increasingly being recognised by the motor industry,

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and 25 new dealers have joined the network in the last 18 months.

“With the range now starting from just £14,995 for our recently introduced Korando SE, motorists are seeing real value in the brand which is gaining a reputation for its well-engineered, reliable and honest cars, every one of which is backed by a 'no-quibble' 5 year limitless mileage warranty.

“In the last year we have added two new LCV models to the range, the Korando Sports pick-up and Korando CSX commercial, and there will be further launches within the next few months, the seven seat Turismo MPV and Rexton W, a serious contender in the 4x4 market sector,” he added.

SsangYong Motor UK is continuing to look for dealers to take on the franchise in a number of open points across England, Scotland and Wales, including: Aberdeen, Borders, Cambridge, Chester, Greater Manchester, Leicester, Liverpool, London & South East, Luton, Mid & North Wales, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Reading, Sheffield, Teesside and Watford.

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Dealer principals interested in finding out more can click here: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/be come-a-dealer or contact Nigel Thomas, network development manager on 01582 488192 or 07775 825059. E-mail: nigel.thomas@smotor.co.uk

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Fourth Tow Car win for Discovery 4 The Land Rover Discovery 4 has secured an exceptional fourth successive victory in the annual Tow Car Awards. very year since its launch, the model has proved itself the class of the field in the 1,900kg+ category in the UK’s most prestigious towing honours.

Announcing the success for the Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine praised Discovery 4’s all-round qualities and enduring status as the best in its class.

Motton said: “As an all-rounder, the Discovery remains the best big tow car you can buy. No car this big and tall should handle the lane-change test with such confidence, but the Discovery stays firmly in control, however lively the caravan gets behind it.

“The Discovery is one of the most practical tow cars you can buy at any price, thanks to plentiful luggage space, load adaptive suspension, trailer stability control and a well-installed tow bar.”

He added that towing ability was just one aspect of the Land Rover’s all-round capability and appeal: “It’s a fine car to drive without a caravan too, thanks to effortless performance, a

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commanding driving position and a supremely smooth ride.”

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We are delighted that yet again Discovery 4 has excelled in the Tow Car Awards. This fourth successive win reinforces its enduring leadership as a vehicle that’s not only immensely practical and capable, but also stylish, comfortable and desirable to own, thanks to its combination of Land Rover engineering, design and quality.”

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between Practical Caravan

and What Car? magazines and the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Cars are put through a series of towing tests and are further assessed on regular driving quality, safety, running costs and value for money. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details, such as boot space and the ease with which towing accessories can be fitted.

The Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS has at its heart Land Rover’s twinturbocharged, direct injection 24valve V6 diesel engine, matched to a smooth and efficient eight speed

automatic transmission. With 256 PS and an impressive 600Nm of torque available from just 2,000rpm, it is perfectly equipped to excel as a tow car.

Powertrain performance is supported by the added benefit of features such as the standard-fit Trailer Stability Assist, which monitors trailer behaviour and applies selective wheel braking to correct any potential problem, and Tow Assist, a reversing aid that is included in the optional Surround Camera System.

every car with Grip Control – the Peugeot 2008 drove straight to the top of the slope. The average gradient of 27 degrees coupled with a 90-degree corner posed no problems. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, drivers were even encouraged to perform an emergency stop on the descent.

The car’s advanced traction system brought it quickly to a halt with the minimum of fuss.

The launch of the Peugeot 2008 Crossover was the largest media driving event ever staged at Tamworth Snowdome, the UK’s first indoor show slope when it opened in 1994.

Grip Control is designed for customers with active lifestyles who drive on a wide range of surfaces and occasionally need extra traction. It is patented technology from the PSA Group, Peugeot’s parent company.

Acting through components which are already fitted to the vehicle, Grip Control works on the car’s front wheels to boost driver confidence and safety. Standard mode is designed for normal road conditions and where there is a low level of skidding. However, the driver can switch away from Standard mode using the dial located in the centre console,

opting instead for Snow, Off-Road, Sand or ESP Off. The result is a level of performance usually associated with 4x4 off-roaders.

The all-new Peugeot 2008 Crossover with Grip Control costs from £16,195 on the road.

The Peugeot 2008 Crossover range starts from £12,995 on the road and is available in UK dealerships from the 18th July.

Demand is anticipated to be as strong as it has been for the much acclaimed 208, which has already secured over 35,000 UK orders during its first full year.

Snow joke Peugeot 2008 shows off ski skills at sweltering summer launch event. he all-new Peugeot 2008 Crossover has demonstrated the capability of its pioneering Grip Control enhanced traction technology in the most dramatic way – by driving up and down an indoor snow slope.

During the recent launch event for UK media, the driving route took journalists out of the Summer sun and into the rather cooler climate of the popular Snowdome in Tamworth, Staffs.

Once inside, guests discovered examples of the stylish new compact crossover parked at the base of the 170-metre ski slope.

First they took the wheel of a 2008 without Grip Control and struggled to get more than a few metres on the hard-packed snow.

Swapping to a car with Grip Control, which is standard on Allure and Feline trim levels with 1.6 petrol and diesel engines, the contrast in performance couldn’t have been more stark. Thanks to the enhanced traction control and all season tyres – a feature of

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