March 2013 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

March 2013

Inside this issue...

Security Is your equipment safe?

Buildings Agricultural Buildings Show

Pest Control Time for the professionals?

On Topic Honeybee breakthrough

Farm Finance Are you fully funded?

Also Inside: Forestry | Education | Energy | Machinery | Fuels | Fencing | ATVs | Motors

NEW & USED TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT IH 885L 4wd c/w Quicke loader, 4600 hours, one owner.

CaseIH Quantum 65c two wheel drive, 2385 hours, 2010.

CaseIH JXU 75 4wd. 2012, 590 hours, PowerShuttle, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 40kph.

CaseIH Maxxum 125 Suspension c/w LRZ loader, 2009, 2921 hours.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 MultiController + Quicke loader, 2009, 2550 hours.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 Suspension 50kph.

MultiController, 2007, 3990 hours.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 Suspension 50kph.

MultiController, 2009, 5868 hours.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 Suspension 50kph.

2010, 2465 hours, 20.8 x 38 tyres, one owner.

NEW CaseIH Farmall 75c 4wd. 12x12 gearbox, weights, CaseIH finance subject to terms & conditions.

NEW CaseIH Quantum 65c 2wd. 16x16 gearbox, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH Quantum 65c 4wd. 16x16 gearbox, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH JX95 PowerShuttle 4wd.

40kph. air cond.cab, CaseIH warranty & finance.

NEW CaseIH JXU 85 4wd. 12x12 gearbox, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH JXU105 4wd. Air cond.

P/Shuttle, 16.9 x 34, 40kph.

NEW CaseIH JXU115 P/Shuttle, 600/65 x 34 tyres, electric hydraulics.

NEW CaseIH JXU105 c/w Chillton U8 loader, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH JXU105 c/w Quicke loader, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH Maxxum 110, 40kph. Cab suspension, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH Maxxum 115, 40kph. Cab suspension, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

NEW CaseIH Puma 125, 40kph.

Suspension, CaseIH warranty & Finance.

CaseIH CS150 – 40kph. 2002, 4026 hours, 4 speed pto. Air cond. Passenger seat.

NEW CaseIH CVX150, 50kph. Trailer air brakes, full suspension.

CaseIH CVX140 Suspension 50kph. 3447 hours, trailer air brakes, 2008.

CaseIH CVX1155 Suspension 50kph. 3338 hours, weights.

CaseIH CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 2900 hours, trailer air brakes, front linkage.

CaseIH CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 3066 hours, F/linkage, 20.8 x 42 tyres.

CaseIH CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 3942 hours, weights, 20.8 x 42 tyres.

CaseIH CVX160 Suspension 50kph. 5210 hours, front linkage, trailer air brakes.

CaseIH CVX175 Suspension 50kph. 2578 hours, trailer air brakes, 2009.

CaseIH CVX195 Suspension, 50kph. 2009, 3350 hours, weights, 710 tyres.

CaseIH CVX195 Suspension, 50kph. 2009, 4297 hours, weights, 650 tyres.

CaseIH Puma 140 Suspension, 2010, 553 hours, 600/65 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 140 Suspension, 2011, 569 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 140 Suspension, 2010, 553 hours, 600/65 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 140 Suspension 40kph, 2010, 700 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 155 Suspension, 2010, 1634 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 155 Suspension, 2009, 2611 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 155 Suspension 50kph.

2009, 3375 hours, weights, one owner.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 418 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 718 hours, 710/60 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension, 2009, 2385 hours, 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension c/w Quicke Q75 loader, 2010, 2085 hours.

CaseIH Puma 180 Suspension, 2008, 2179 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 195 Suspension, 2008, 976 hours, 710/60 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma 210 Suspension, 2010, 585 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Puma CVX 160, 50kph, 2012, 271 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, top spec.

CaseIH Puma CVX 165, 50kph, 2010, 1800 hours, 580/70 x 42 tyres, F/Linkage.

CaseIH Puma CVX 165, 50kph, 2010, 3168 hours, 710/60 x 42 tyres, F/Linkage.

CaseIH Puma CVX 180, 50kph, 2010, 2357 hours, Linkage, 580/70 x 42 tyres, top spec.

CaseIH Puma CVX225 Suspension, 2009,2335 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, front linkage.

CaseIH Puma CVX225 Suspension, 2010, 785 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, front linkage.

CaseIH Magnum 225 Suspension, 2300 hours, 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 310 Suspension, 1255 hours, 2010, 650/85 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 310 Suspension, 2632 hours, 2010, 800/70 x 38 tyres, weights.

NEW CaseIH Magnum 315 Suspension, 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights, Accuguide ready.

CaseIH Magnum 335 Suspension, 1315 hours, 2010, 800/70 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 340 Suspension, 436 hours, 2011, 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 340 Suspension, 507 hours, 2011, 800/70 x 38 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 315 Suspension, ex demo, 20 hours, un – registered.

NEW CaseIH Magnum 340 Suspension 40kph. 710/70 x 42 tyres, Accuguide ready.

MF 4455 4wd. 2005, 12x12 shuttle, Ag or Turf tyres, 3534 hours.

MF 6455 front linkage, 2006, Dyna 6, air cond.cab, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 823 hours.

MF 6490 Dyna 6, 40kph. Weights, 2300 hours, suspension, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

MF 6499 Dyna 6, 50kph. Front linkage, 2008, 3330 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

New Holland TD90D c/w Chillton loader, 2007, 16.9 x 34 tyres, low hours.

New Holland TL80 Two wheel drive, 2002, 5190 hours, 12x12 shuttle.

New Holland TL90 4wd. 2006, F/Linkage, Creep gears, 4663 hours, 13.6 x 38, 3 speed pto.

New Holland TL90 4wd. 2003, 5259 hours, 16.9 x 34, low roof, Powershuttle.

New Holland TL100 4wd. 2008, F/Linkage, PowerShift / PowerShuttle, 2967 hours, air cond cab.

New Holland TS100A 2007, Row Crops, 3845 hours, 16x16 gearbox, air cond cab, weights.

New Holland T5060 4wd. 2011, 360 hours, air cond. 40kph. 16.9 x 34 tyres.

New Holland TM140, 40kph Range Command, weights, 2644 hours, 2006, 520/70 x 38 tyres.

New Holland T6010 4wd. 2008, 1845 hours, air cond. 540/1000 pto. 16.9 x 34 tyres.

New Holland TM175 Suspension, f/linkage, 2005, 5933 hours.

New Holland T7040 Power Command, 5800 hours, front linkage, Creep gears.

John Deere 5090M PowerShuttle, air cond.cab, passenger seat, 16.9 x 34 tyres.

John Deere 5620 PowerQuad, PowerShuttle, front linkage & pto, 1430 hours.

John Deere 6320 4wd. 2004, air cond.cab, passenger seat, 4320 hours, F/linkage.

John Deere 6320 4wd. 2008, air cond.cab, passenger seat, 3100 hours.

John Deere 6420s TLS PowerQuad, 2005, 3097 hours, JD loader brackets.

John Deere 7530 TLS, 2007, 1924 hours, 710/70 x 38 Michelin, trailer air brakes 50kph.

John Deere 3350 4wd. SG2 cab, Hi-lift, 9600 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres.

Deutz Agrotron M620 4wd. 2010, 1150 hours, 50kph. PowerShift, PowerShuttle.

Kubota ME9000 4wd. Turf tyres, only 195 hours, air cond. PowerShuttle, one owner.

Kubota B1610 4wd c/w loader/bucket, only 368 hours, linkage & pto.

Case 580 SLE Plus, 2001, 4500 hours, air cond. cab, Ride control, pallet forks.

Case 580K Turbo, 4467 hours, 4 in 1 bucket, pallet tines Lewis badger digger/loader, 4wd. 1750 hours, buckets, shuttle gearbox, 2002, 1750 hours.

JCB 8045 Excavator, 4.5 ton. 2007, 1650 hours, rubber tracks, quick attach, back fill blade.

JCB 8035 ZTS Excavator, 2007, choice 1935 hours or 1750 hours.

JCB 310s telescopic, 2010, JCB engine, pallet tines, air cond.cab.

JCB 535-95 telescopic handler, 2011, 274 hours, Q-fit carriage, pallet tines, superb condition.

JCB 535-95 telescopic handler, 2008, 1225 hours, Q-fit carriage.

JCB 528 telescopic, 90hp. Year 2000, 2156 hours, ex Water Authority, 3rd service.

JCB 526-56 Ag Spec. 2009, 2000 hours, air cond.cab, trailer hitch.

JCB 520-40 telescopic, 2007, 1043 hours, 3rd service, pallet tines.

JCB 411 loading Shovel, ex Water board, 2006, 930 hours, air cond. reversing camera.

Manitou MTL 634-120 LSU turbo, 2008, hydraulic latching, 3rd service, trailer hitch.

Manitou M26.4 forklift, PowerShuttle, 2001, 3025 hours, lovely condition.

Manitou 420 Buggiscopic, pallet forks, 4200 hours.

NEW McConnel PA 5455 hedgecutter, ex stock - ready to go, 1.2 head, XTC controls.

NEW McConnel PA6570T hedgecutter, 1.5m head, Revolution controls, ex stock.

NEW McConnel PA6570T hedgecutter, 1.5m head, EDS. Hydraulic roller, Revolution controls. Ex stock NEW McConnel PA6570T latest Revolution controls, linkage mounted, 1.5m head, ready to cut.

Used McConnel PA500 hedgecutter, Righthand cut, electric controls.

Used McConnel PA52 Hy-Reach, 1.5m head, proportional controls, linkage mounted.

AS Marston 5 ton Monocoque tipping trailer, grain chute, excellent condition.

AS Marston 14 ton large capacity grain trailer, hyd.door, chute, air brakes.

AS Marston 10 ton Fenlander, grain chute, superb condition.

Richard Western 10 ton grain trailer, tandem axle, excellent condition.

Henton 10 ton tandem axle sileage trailer, grain chute.

COMBINES CASE CT5060 ( TX65 ) 2002, 1463 drum hours, self levelling, 20’ header & trolly.

CaseIH 2388 AFS, 2002, 22’ header c/w trailer, 1600 rotor hours, one owner.

CASEIH 9230 our demo machine, 175 Rotor hours, 35’ Vario header,

Hitachi Zaxis 210 Excavator, 2010, 938 hours, rear camera, breaker pipes, quick attach.

Many more tractors & equipment for sale:

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

Contents

52

60

March 2013

41 74

Features

Regulars

14 19 30 33 38 46 49 54

06 16 24 34 63 68

Precision GPS farming news

Buildings Latest news

Grass & Silage Latest news

Security Is your equipment safe?

Tractors & Tyres Latest news round-up

Pests Time to outsource to a professional?

Finance The lifeblood of a successful enterprise

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Bee breakthrough

Energy What’s new in the energy sector?

Education Education & training news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH Pig & Poultry preview

Machinery New kit news 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

Competition Subscribe Win a weekend break!

Recently converted to a high standard mixing contemporary style with traditional stone building and features, Fernyford Barn is a luxury, fully equipped self-catering accommodation set on a working farm and run by the family. Neil and Dorota have done their best to make sure that their holiday cottage is a perfect blend of modern facilities and good old country comfort and cosiness.

And they have been rewarded for their hard work, having received an assessment from Quality in Tourism of Four Stars and a Gold Award. They are obviously very pleased!

Fernyford Barn sleeps 4(+1) and is ideal for couples and families. A warm welcome for babies, children and… horses – stabling available. The self-catering cottage is the ideal accommodation for a relaxing country holiday - set in the glorious Peak District countryside. Perfect for walking, cycling, bird watching and the many attractions of the Peak District including Chatsworth House and Alton Towers, it offers a perfect balance between being able to completely unwind, or, if you prefer, getting involved with the day to day life of a working farm! Neil & Dorota are happy to offer their guests the opportunity to experience the livestock on the farm, the different farming operations throughout the year and to taste quality meat produced on the holding.

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Winner of last month’s competition to win the Beautiful Tractors book is: G Locker, Ashbourne

| News

Dunns achieve Grade A award Certification success helps increase demand for UK pulses worldwide. eed and pulse processors Dunns supply specialist premium quality pulse products for human consumption markets worldwide. They have now been awarded the Grade A British Retail Consortium (BRC) ‘Global Standard for Food Safety’ certificate as they continue to develop end use markets for UK pulses and pulse growers.

“This award means that our site satisfies the stringent BRC requirements and is good news for UK pulse growers as we continue to develop end uses for added value human consumption pulse products,” says Franek Smith of Dunns. “The certification covers our processing operations – cleaning, skinning, splitting and packing of our premium quality pulses for worldwide human consumption markets.”

Dunns are one of the largest pulse processors in the UK and produce specialist premium quality pulse products for worldwide human consumption markets, in addition to being a major UK agricultural seed wholesale company.

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Market demand for pulses is based on the fact that pulses are healthy, high protein and high fibre foods. The company’s pulse products are destined for customers in the UK and throughout the world.

Dunns supply canning and packeted products for supermarkets, mushy peas for the traditional fish and chip shop trade, split green peas for soups and casseroles, and yellow peas for grinding into flours for ethnic recipes. While their dry roasted bar snacks and sweet pea paste are for confectionery products in the Far East.

“We are no longer just an agricultural facility,” adds Mr Smith, “we are also a food factory, taking in quality pulses and converting them into value added food products. So, our traceable production process forms a key part of the priority we give to the quality of our products, and this BRC award underlines our commitment.”

Next Auctions on 11th March 2013 & 15th April 2013 commencing at 10.30am

06 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

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| News

Tributes paid to farming We’ve just given you stalwart another reason to choose Kärcher hot water high-pressure V cleaners...

Tributes have been paid to one of the South’s most respected farming figures, who died last week at the age of 79.

eteran dairy farmer James (Jim) Esdaile Harrison, the founding Chairman of cooperative MilkLink and former National Chairman of the Tenant Farmers’ Association, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 20th February.

Jim, from Rudgwick in West Sussex, was previously proud past winner of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) Princess Royal Award and the Plunkett Foundation Plaque Milk Group Award.

He also held a number of highprofile positions including UK Representative on the Council of European Diary Farmers, and Honorary Treasurer to the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

In 1987 he supported Nigel Parsons and David Gore, as a founder director of Landmark Systems Limited, specialising in

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software, service and support for the agricultural, rural business and property sectors.

Nigel Parsons, now MD of Landmark, said: “I am incredibly proud to have worked for 30 years with one of the most honest and straightforward people one could ever hope to meet.

“Jim’s contribution to agriculture and in particular to the dairy sector was outstanding. His enthusiastic and wise counsel was sought out by people of all ages and in every stage of their career – he was generous with his advice, a good negotiator and a great man who will be missed by his large family, the farming community and his many professional colleagues.”

Jim leaves a family farming partnership as an enviable legacy that was built from scratch with his brothers from 12 cows on 90 acres to over 1,000 cows on 2,000 acres.

With various power options available, Kärcher hot water highpressure cleaners are ideal for the many and varied cleaning demands of an agricultural business. ot water cuts through mud and grease with ease and can reduce cleaning time by up to 40%, helping you to clean your vehicles, buildings and yards more quickly and with less effort.

What’s more, until the 28th March 2013, Kärcher will be offering customers the chance to

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claim one of 6 fantastic gifts when they purchase any HDS hot water high-pressure cleaner.

For more information about this fantastic offer, or to find out how Kärcher can make a difference to your agricultural business, please visit www.karcher.co.uk or call 01295 752 142.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Britain must act now on extreme weather Britain should improve water supply for business and farming in the face of more frequent floods and droughts, say’s Environment Agency Chairman Lord Chris Smith. ew figures published today by the Environment Agency show that one in every five days saw flooding in 2012, but one in four days were in drought, including hosepipe bans affecting over 20 million people.

Rivers such as the Tyne, Ouse and Tone went from their lowest to their highest flows since records began, all in the space of four months.

In 2012 Environment Agency flood defences protected 200,000 homes and businesses and over 6,000 flood warnings and alerts were issued.

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“Water companies, farmers and other businesses are being urged to look at ways to improve water storage, and reduce and share the amount of water they use. “ New Met Office analysis suggests that the UK could experience a severe short term drought, like the one experienced in 1976, every ten years, and with

the population in London and the already water-stressed south east of England set to grow by 23 per cent by 2035, the time to act is now.

Water storage reservoirs are one of the options for securing a more reliable water supply for irrigation, mainly used by farmers, but also commercial turf growers, golf clubs, sport stadiums and race courses. There are around 1,700 small-scale storage reservoirs across England and Wales, supplying 30 per cent of total irrigation needs. This will need to increase to help improve the resilience to future dry periods.

Lord Smith said: “The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate.

“In 2012 we saw environmental damage caused by rivers with significantly reduced flows, hosepipe bans affecting millions and farmers and businesses left unable to take water from rivers.

But we also saw the wettest year on record in England, with around 8,000 homes flooded. Interestingly 2007 – which saw some of the

08 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

most severe flooding in recent memory – also started the year with hosepipe bans.

“More of this extreme weather will exacerbate many of the problems that we already deal with including flooding and water scarcity, so taking action today to prepare and adapt homes, businesses, agricultural practices and infrastructure is vital.”

Pressures on water availability, including extreme weather events, growing demand and historic over abstraction are already affecting the availability of water supplies for irrigation. Businesses that rely on water from rivers have been unable to abstract water in the summer.

Modelling suggests that a changing climate could reduce some river flows by up to 80 per cent during the summer in the next 40 years – increasing the challenge of ensuring there is enough water for people, business, farmers and the environment.

Water companies, farmers and other businesses are being urged to look at ways to improve water

storage, and reduce and share the amount of water they use.

The Environment Agency is at the forefront of efforts to increase the country’s resilience to flooding and water scarcity. During the 2012 drought the Environment Agency granted drought permits to five water companies to ensure that 16.5 million people continued to have water.

Flood defences opened by the Environment Agency last year include Nottingham, protecting 16,000 properties, Keswick, protecting nearly 200 properties and Banbury, protecting over 500 properties in the next few years.

More than 64,000 more homes will be better protected from the devastating effects of flooding as 93 new flood defences have been given the green light to start construction this year.

The Environment Agency’s ‘Climate Ready’ Service offers practical advice to businesses, farmers and councils to help them be better prepared to deal with extreme weather like floods and drought.

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| News

Best practice = positive business improvements Potato Council’s Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR) presented not one but two Storage Days recently, providing help for industry with the challenges many are facing. otato Council’s Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR) presented not one but two Storage Days recently, providing help for industry with the challenges many are facing.

With events in Scotland and at Potato Council’s own crop storage research facility at Sutton Bridge, industry delegates participated in discussions on storage efficiencies, CIPC best practice, management of blackleg, lessons learnt from 2012, seed storage improvement, disease identification and much more besides.

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“Storage plays a key part in keeping stocks dry and the pathogen from spreading.”

Focusing on a solutions-based approach, SBCSR’s Adrian Cunnington advised that achieving skin set, a robust ventilation regime and energy efficiency were all key to keeping stored crop healthy and marketable, particularly important after the wet 2012.

Addressing store efficiency, Adrian advised that “The most efficient stores use only a third of the energy used by the worst performing stores, with air leakage in some stores resulting in a terrible waste of energy”. He went on to point out that many stores built 15-20 years ago

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now need significant upgrades but this needn’t necessarily mean overly-costly work. Adrian stressed “Don’t be put off making improvements; many older stores can be selfaudited relatively easily, and cost-effective measures put in place to restore good efficiency results without high spend”.

Prof. Ian Toth from the James Hutton Institute discussed the rise in the spread of Blackleg, and the too-early appearance in high-grade seed stocks. Again, storage plays a key part in keeping stocks dry and the pathogen from spreading.

Dr Glyn Harper, SBCSR’s plant pathologist and Rob Burns, Potato Council’s Head of Seed and Export highlighted the need for timely and appropriate action once seed is delivered. Glyn advises that “Seed should not be stored in big bags; seed stored in big bags can deteriorate up to six times faster than seed stored in boxes or stores. At the very least, raise the bags off the ground onto pallets and allow for adequate airflow around each bag. This will help mitigate any deterioration until proper storage – or planting - can be implemented.”

The overall message coming through clearly from both the events was that if you follow bestpractice storage advice - even if it’s just making practical, low-cost improvements - it will make a significant contribution to the performance of your crop.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Keep a watchful eye on Single Payment Scheme stocking density

The RPA has recently announced important changes to the Single Payment Scheme in 2013.

ACMC offer more sage advice to pig breeders. ig finishers should keep an eye on stocking densities, particularly as pigs reach heavier weights, warns Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pigbreeding company ACMC. Growth rates can start to be affected even within legal

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stocking limits. Although this is basic good husbandry, it is common to find this is not being properly controlled on the farm, he points out.

NFU urges EU farming unions to stand together on lamb The impact of the fall in lamb price is being felt by farmers across Europe and it is essential that EU farming organisations act as one to tackle it, the NFU has said. peaking at NFU Conference, livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe told delegates at a special livestock session, that sheep prices and margins on sheep farms have been put under severe pressure due to the disrupted marketing season brought on by the weather and the challenge of cheap imports.

“This challenge is not just a UK issue, it is putting sheep farmers all over Europe under pressure and we are committed to standing with our European counterparts to address it,” said Mr Sercombe.

He also outlined that following a UK farming unions summit, the

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organisations have called for European wide meetings in early March.

“We must promote lamb around the EU. But we must also look at the New Zealand lamb quota situation. The last real change to the quota was back in 1994 and the processing industry has made significant changes since then. It’s important the Commission looks at the value of imports coming into the EU and not just the tonnage.

“We’re calling on the European Commission to help promote lamb across the EU and address our concerns regarding the outdated quota regime.”

10 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

irstly, there will be only 5 drop in centres in 2013 and these will be in Carlisle, Worcester, Newmarket, Northallerton and Exeter. This obviously will lead to applicants facing substantial journeys in order to be able to submit their forms in person. The RPA has also said that applicants should be aware that they will not be providing any drop in centres in 2014 and that in 2015 it may well be mandatory to apply for the Single Payment Scheme online.

Secondly, the RPA have announced further interpretations of the situation where there is a ‘dual use claim’.

This is where one claimant is claiming the Single Payment Scheme and another is claiming under an Environmental Stewardship Scheme etc. In summary the RPA will now need to see an arrangement in writing between the two parties which accurately reflects which claimant is claiming which scheme and also accurately reflects that the management control that the agreement gives them is sufficient for them to be claiming under that scheme.

The RPA have also said that such dual use claims will not necessarily be allowable in future years.

Andrew Bays of BCM, specialists in rural property operating throughout Southern

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Andrew Bays of BCM

England, comments “many farmers will be inconvenienced by the decision to reduce the number of regional service centres. This seems to be particularly relevant for us in Central Southern England where the choices are Exeter, Worcester or Newmarket. It is entirely understandable that given the value of the claim, farmers wish to drop their own forms in. However, the current SPS online scheme which BCM have been using since its inception is excellent and provides all the checks (and more) that are made when dropping the forms into the drop in centres. For this reason, we would strongly encourage applicants to adopt the online system this year as the RPA seem to be warming up to say that at some stage in the future it is going to be online applications only”.

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| News

Organic sector concerns on EU consultation A consultation on the future of organic food and farming launched by EU bosses has been widely criticised by leading organisations across the sector. he multiple choice questionnaire was unveiled online, asking any citizen who wishes to complete it what they consider to be the way forward for EU organics in a number of areas.

However those in the organic sector, including leading UK organic certifier, Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), have moved to condemn the questionnaire for its lack of clarity and the fact that some questions appear to be so misleading as to be inaccurate.

The IFOAM EU Group, which represents more than 160 organisations across Europe, has highlighted the consultation to its members as a matter of urgency, given that its results could feed into proposals to amend the current regulation by as soon as the end of 2013.

The Group has pointed out that some of the questions posed are too technical for consumers and those with limited technical knowledge to answer in a meaningful way, yet at the same time do not offer enough scope for expert responses to be given in useful detail.

The “Consultation for the review of the European policy on organic agriculture” also contains questions

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which appear to be framed with very selective and leading language, which the IFOAM EU Group goes as far as to describe as “loaded”.

Richard Jacobs, Chief Executive of Organic Farmers & Growers, which represents a large proportion of the UK’s organic sector, said: “This questionnaire has appeared somewhat out of the blue and many of us are left wondering precisely what the European Commission is trying to achieve with it. It is mostly a multiple-choice exercise, with very little scope for meaningful and helpful feedback from those who know what they are talking about.

Our chief concern is that such multiple choice options can be interpreted very widely, to suit any number of agendas.

“However, unfortunately, we all recognise that we are unlikely to get the EU to withdraw or improve it as this stage, so the best thing we can do is provide advice, collectively, on what we think are the most useful answers for the health and benefit of the organic sector and organic consumers as a whole. We are grateful to IFOAM EU for very quickly doing this work, which we support and will be circulating to our licensees and many friends and

associates, encouraging them to respond.”

The consultation is open until April 10, 2013 and can be found at

http://ofng.me/euconsult with the suggested responses from IFOAM EU available at http://ofng.me/ifoam

RSPB disappointment Kendall’s call for environmental cuts will let down farmers. he RSPB has responded to Peter Kendall’s speech at the NFU Conference in Birmingham, by highlighting the need for support for wildlife friendly farmers.

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, said: “Mr Kendall says that farmers can do more for the environment than regulation.

“He is right about farmers being able to do a huge amount for the environment. But the message that we have heard over and over again from farmers who are doing their bit for wildlife is that they need support to do so.

“Any axe to the funding of agrienvironment schemes will remove support from the very farmers who can deliver the most for the

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environment. Experience with the Campaign for the Farmed Environment, which urges farmers to manage their land to benefit wildlife, shows that unless environmental measures are backed by publicly funded advice and conservation grants they are only taken up by the committed few.

“Owen Paterson understands this very well and is right to stand firm on the issue of voluntary modulation. He must be congratulated for looking at the needs of farmers, the environment and consumers in the round and pushing for the fairest deal for all.

“It is right in periods of austerity to make sure that public expenditure works hard and delivers the most it possibly can.”

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

McDonald’s unveils free tool to give beef farmers a digital advantage First of its kind online carbon tool for the beef sector launched, following three-year study. cDonald’s UK has launched a bespoke carbon tool for the beef sector, as part of a £1 million investment in helping beef farmers in Britain and Ireland improve their environmental performance and realise greater efficiencies. For the first time, the innovative ‘What If?’ tool will enable farmers to measure the carbon emissions produced per kilo of beef, and benchmark their score against top performing farms.

McDonald’s is making the ‘What If?’ tool available to all beef farmers, including those outside of its supply chain, free of charge as part of Farm Forward; its long-term programme to create a sustainable future for British and Irish farming. The tool has been created by independent environmental and carbon consultants, The E-CO2 Project, following a three-year study involving more than 800 carbon assessments on over 200 commercial beef farms across Britain and Ireland.

The launch of the tool by McDonald’s follows the publication in November 2012 of Feeding the Future, a draft report backed by leading UK agricultural organisations including the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), which called for an urgent increase in R&D in agriculture in order to increase food production in a sustainable way.[1] The Carbon Trust-verified data collected as part of the three-year study reveals that environmental performance is linked to business efficiency. Based on these findings, the ‘What If?’ tool has been designed to help other farmers take a progressive look at their beef operation, improve their carbon footprint and drive greater efficiencies.

Farmers are asked to input data including daily live-weight gains for cattle, feed use per animal, fertiliser usage, sale weights and calf mortality rates. A simple online dashboard delivers an instant assessment of current carbon emissions per kilo of beef produced, benchmarking farmers against the top 10% of

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farms in the data pool for their specific production system. The tool also enables farmers to manipulate different ‘What If?’ scenarios to see which changes have the most impact on their carbon footprint and will in turn drive greater efficiencies for their business.

McDonald’s has invested £500,000 to better understand the greenhouse gas emissions of the British and Irish beef industry. It will also invest a further £500,000 over the next three years to help show beef farmers how they can run sustainable farm businesses through McDonald’s Sustainable Beef Clubs. Farmers will be invited to share their knowledge and experiences at the free networking sessions in return for free consultancy and access to the latest research.

Warren Anderson, Vice President, Supply Chain, McDonald’s UK, commented: “The ‘What If?’ tool has been developed as part of Farm Forward, our long-term programme to support the farming industry in Britain and Ireland – it’s our way of giving something back to over 16,000 beef farmers who supply our menu. We’re thrilled that the data we’ve collected as part of our three-year study with The E-CO2 Project can now help all beef farmers benchmark their own performance and understand where they can make meaningful changes.

“As one of the biggest customers of British and Irish farming, we know that farmers are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint and keep supplying quality produce.

Developing simple digital tools and making them easily accessible will help farming to become more efficient and more sustainable, but we also believe it is important to help farmers understand and share the research and insight that sits behind them, which we will continue to do through our Sustainable Beef Club programme over the next three years.”

Andrew Wynne, Consultant, The E-CO2 Project, said: “Farmers are currently facing

many challenges such as the weather, rising costs, disease and pressure to increase their output whilst minimising the impact on the environment.

“The ‘What If?’ carbon tool will enable beef farmers to measure their carbon footprint, giving them an advantage in understanding how to reduce their emissions whilst improving their profitability.” Chris Mallon, Director, National Beef Association (NBA) said: "The 'What If?' tool will help beef farmers across the UK produce high quality beef, economically, while reducing greenhouse emissions and improving environmental performance. I'm delighted that McDonald's is investing in digital tools like this for the benefit of the whole beef sector."

Darran Messem, Managing Director, Certification, the Carbon Trust, said: “We have been working with McDonald’s and E-CO2 since 2009. In that time, we have seen the development and evolution of a technically sound and practical tool designed with the farmer in mind, helping farmers make a robust assessment of their carbon footprint. This has made it easier for farmers to understand and act on their emissions.

“Farming is a critical part of the UK economy and also a significant source of greenhouse gases. It is therefore vital that we help farmers both reduce emissions and capture the economic benefits of doing so, which is why such a tool is a great asset.”

McDonald’s is making the ‘What If?’ tool available to all beef farmers to help them achieve similar efficiencies. Farmers should visit http://mcdonalds.eco2project.com to set up their profile.

Statement by LEAF regarding horsemeat The recent horsemeat scandal has exposed just how little traceability there is in critical parts of our food chain. onsumers’ reaction has also highlighted how removed many are from the origins of their food and the people that grow and produce it.

As the leading organisation delivering sustainable food and farming, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has been helping the food and farming industry produce food with proven provenance and integrity throughout the supply chain for the last 21 years. It has also been at the forefront of engaging the public with food and farming through activities such as Open Farm Sunday and its network of Demonstration Farms. It

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believes that both these elements are key to reinstating trust in our food.

The LEAF Marque is an assurance label indicating that food is produced sustainably. It is based on LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management (IFM) principles. All LEAF Marque certified farms are independently inspected and food displaying the LEAF Marque logo can be traced back to the farm, via the LEAF Tracks system.

See www.leafuk.org for more information about LEAF and the LEAF Marque.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Animal Health

A problem with lice?

An all year round problem solved in an effective yet environmentally friendly way. hese small wingless insects are present all year round and especially noticeable amongst housed animals and infestations spread more rapidly when animals are in close contact. The female lice attach their eggs (nits) to the hair fibres and take about ten days to hatch into nymphs and a further two to three weeks before they develop into adults.

It is just possible to see adult lice with the naked eye. By carefully parting the hair, movement can normally be seen at the base of the hair. They are grey/brownish in colour and the size of a pinhead.

Biting lice are by far the most common, they feed on debris on the surface of the skin and their scavenging produces intense irritation causing crusty scurfy areas that the animal will bite and scratch in an effort to alleviate their discomfort. Sucking Lice can cause severe anaemia and infested animals can rapidly lose weight and become prone to other illnesses. Lice can only survive for a few days off their host but it is very important to treat all bedding, housing at the same time that you treat your animals, to prevent reinfestation.

Barrier Animal Healthcare’s Livestock Louse Powder (HSE Licence No. 8712) is very effective, affordable and the most environmentally friendly product of its kind on the market for the animal and the user.

This unique formulation of Livestock Louse Powder is entirely non-toxic and contains a safecarrier that does not cause carcinogenic effects. Totally safe and designed to be applied directly to all animals it is suitable for use in organic farming systems, as it falls into the exempt category of products which use only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed

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Farm animal welfare A ground-breaking report published recently reveals that farm animal welfare is not being properly managed and reported by the food industry. he Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare, the first structured benchmark of the world’s leading food companies, provides an objective account of the state of farm animal welfare as a business issue. The benchmark of 68 global food companies reveals that many companies in the food industry are not effectively managing the business risks or opportunities associated with farm animal welfare, and that a majority have yet to report on how they are managing farm animal welfare.

The report has been developed based on the assessment of farm animal welfare information published in annual reports, corporate websites, press releases and CSR reports by food companies in the retail, production and service sectors.

Nicky Amos, the Business Benchmark’s Programme Director, commented: “The central conclusion from our research is that farm animal welfare is receiving nothing like the attention that other corporate responsibility issues are receiving. While over 70% of the companies covered by our assessment acknowledge farm animal welfare as a business issue, many have yet to publish a formal policy and fewer still have set out the specific commitments that underpin this area. Of the 68 companies, only 46% have published a formal farm animal welfare policy, only 41% describe how their board or senior management oversee their approach to farm animal welfare, and just 26% have published objectives and targets for farm animal welfare.”

In the foreword of the report, Justin King CBE, Chief Executive of J. Sainsbury Plc, expresses his support for the report, saying: “In order to improve animal welfare standards we must first measure them. This Benchmark report provides a unique reflection on the relative performance of food companies on this issue. Critically, unlike other animal welfare reports, it seeks to engage investors whose buy-in is essential to truly embed and take forward the concept within businesses. As the public and customers become increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it was produced, we can expect more companies to seek to improve their management and reporting of farm animal welfare.

This report provides a great platform for them to learn from and

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in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended). It successfully rids animals, including Cattle, Horses and Poultry of both Sucking and Biting Lice; which are normally dealt with separately, and will help to prevent reduced growth rates, which can result from Lice infestation. Barrier Animal Healthcare does not recommend the use of Livestock Louse Powder on Sheep due to the density of the fleece – refer to ‘Blowfly Repel’ and ‘Barrier D Sheep Dip Formula’.

This strong formulation contains concentrated plant derivatives that act as a slow release to give up to six weeks protection with one application.

Barrier Animal Healthcare is the only company to include sterilizable maize powder as the base carrier for the louse powder and unlike other carriers it will not be metabolised via any cuts and so will not form granulomas.

After identifying that lice is the problem, thoroughly cover the animal with the product, paying particular attention to the neck, under the elbows, legs, along the back and at the base of the tail.

Use a soft brush to ensure that the product is thoroughly worked into the coat and down to the base of the hair. Where heavy infestations exist, repeat application within 5 days and as necessary until you are on top of the problem.

Visit www.footrot.co.uk or www.flyrepel.com

benchmark against their peers and will be an important tool in helping to raise standards and reporting across the sector.”

Dr Rory Sullivan, expert advisor to the Business Benchmark, commented: “The business case for companies (and their investors) to be concerned about farm animal welfare is compelling.

Regulation (in particular within the European Union), consumer concern, pressure from animal welfare NGOs, and media concerns about poor corporate practices mean that farm animal welfare is an important business risk and an increasingly important driver of investment value. While there are pockets of good practice and some clear leaders, notably The Co-operative Food (UK), Noble Foods and Unilever, our research suggests that many food companies are not effectively managing risks or maximising the business opportunities presented by farm animal welfare.”

While the overall findings suggest that farm animal welfare as a business issue is in its infancy, the Benchmark has identified some good practice examples in companies such as: • Unilever’s Sustainable Agriculture Code – which outlines a commitment to the Five Freedoms (a universal framework for analysing animal welfare), to continuous improvement in farm animal welfare performance and to ensuring all suppliers are aware of and compliant with relevant legislation • The Co-operative Food (UK) – which publishes details of its supply chain auditing to basic and higher animal welfare standards • Sainsbury’s which through its Concept Pig Farm is pioneering new techniques and sharing knowledge with farmers on higher welfare standards • Noble Foods which has developed initiatives aimed at promoting higher welfare eggs to consumers Mike Baker, Chief Executive of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, says: “WSPA is delighted to have supported the creation of this new benchmark for investors. Investors have told us that this tool will help them understand which food business companies have transparent policies in place to manage animal welfare. Our hope is that it will encourage all businesses to adopt good practices.”

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Precision

College and machinery dealer map out success RVT teams up with Harper Adams to provide state of the art precision farming equipment to students. ltra-precise GPS guidance is the name of the game on Harper Adams University’s commercial farm thanks to a unique partnership between the institution and a Shropshire machinery dealership.

Out in the university farm’s fields state-of-the-art precision farming equipment is being used that would make the average satnav look rather primitive.

Three sets of GPS guidance and documentation mapping equipment have been fitted to the farm’s tractors thanks to a longstanding business relationship between the university and Rea Valley Tractors, which specialises in John Deere, a world leader in the field of precision farming, and has outlets in Shrewsbury, Newport, Welshpool and Sudbury near Derby.

GPS in precision farming is being used for farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, variable rate applications, and yield mapping. It also allows farmers to work in low visibility such as rain, fog/mist and darkness.

Not only is the equipment benefitting the university’s farm but also the farmers and agricultural engineers of the future.

Rea Valley Tractors has also been working with the university, which will see the opening of the

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new £2.93 million National Centre for Precision Farming in the autumn, to educate students about precision farming and help them get hands-on experience.

And the university’s newly installed precision farming system also has the potential to be used to provide demonstrations and training in the use of the technology to Rea Valley’s customers.

Chris Jacques, from Rea Valley Tractors, said they had a longstanding business relationship with the university which was now supported in the main by the firm’s Newport salesman and former Harper Adams student Tom Shakeshaft.

“With the recent upsurge in GPS technology and precision farming practises, the farm had been making some very serious enquiries regarding the purchase of precision farming equipment for the university’s commercial farm,” he added.

“Subsequently a deal was struck to supply three sets of GPS guidance and documentation mapping equipment for the university farm tractors.

“Myself and Tom have also been working with the university to help provide precision farming education for the relevant student groups. This has provided a valuable insight into the world of

precision farming for the students and is hopefully starting to form some base for what the National Centre for Precision Farming will aim to provide in the future.

“Myself, Tom and Rea Valley Tractors are very pleased to have the opportunity to work hand-inhand with the university farm and the university in all ways and especially where precision farming is concerned.”

Scott Kirby, Farm Manager at Harper Adams, said: “Rea Valley have provided Harper Adams University farm business with a level of support and service over the years that never fails to impress, the service goes well beyond simply sales and repairs.

“It means that John Deere and Rea Valley are an important element of the team that are keeping innovation and technology at the forefront of the university farm’s work.

“More recently the relationship has developed further as Rea Valley and the university’s farm have worked more closely to establish a precision farming system on the farm which will provide a critical resource to support teaching and research particularly related to the National Centre for Precision Farming.

“In addition, the company has closely supported a range of precision farming field scale trials

due to start this spring looking at the use of precision farming tools in forage production.”

Engineering lecturer Simon Woods said: “Chris Jacques and Tom Shakeshaft from Rea Valley Tractors have helped Harper Adams staff to deliver training on the use of a range of precision farming technologies including machine guidance.

“Harper Adams students taking the module Farm Machinery Technology attended classroom based sessions using a machine simulation package to provide an initial familiarisation with the stateof-the-art technologies.

“This will be followed later in the academic year by the chance to use the precision farming systems now fitted to the university’s farming equipment.”

Award winning technology from John Deere John Deere has been awarded a SIMA 2013 silver medal for its new Remote Display Access (RDA) system. vailable commercially later this year, the RDA telematics solution allows remote access to the on-board GreenStar 2630 display unit.

This means that the operator working on a tractor, combine harvester, self-propelled sprayer or forage harvester can receive immediate, real-time assistance from the fleet or farm manager, or directly from the dealer – for example, to get support for machine and implement set-up (including ISOBUS), optimisation and troubleshooting. With this innovative technology, potential machine downtime or insufficient use of the equipment in the field can be significantly reduced.

When required, the operator calls the relevant expert for assistance on a mobile phone.

From anywhere in the world, that person can then log on via a dedicated website and view the machine’s on-board display

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screen on their own computer, tablet or smart phone.

This new award-winning application has been developed

by John Deere’s European Technology Innovation Centre (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern, Germany, in close collaboration with the company’s various research and development departments and external research partners.

RDA is a new addition to John Deere’s FarmSight initiative, which connects equipment, owners, operators, dealers and consultants in order to enhance productivity, increase efficiency and reduce overall input costs. Further details of John Deere’s full range of precision farming products and services will be available on the company’s stand at the Precision Farming Event being held at the Peterborough Arena on Wednesday 6th March 2013, or visit www.JohnDeere.co.uk

14 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

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| Precision

Potato planting perfection from Patchwork A Herefordshire farmer and contractor is benefitting from simpler and more accurate potato planting thanks to a new, low cost solution from Patchwork. revor Waters runs a 200acre farm near Ross On Wye and provides contracting services to a range of other businesses in the region.

Farming oil seed rape, wheat and potatoes, he operates three Case tractors and has now added a BlackBox GPS guidance system with section control which he interchanges across his fleet.

Patchwork’s WebTrack 3 visual field management tool is also used to record data and provide accurate records of jobs completed.

The products seamlessly integrate - giving highly accurate guidance when potato planting or spraying and bring a series of additional benefits. On potato work, it automatically shuts off the Grimme planter at the end of each row and helps maintain even spacing throughout, while section control when spraying eradicates overlap and offers accurate headland management.

Trevor Waters said: "We use Patchwork's section control in conjunction with BlackBox and WebTrack for our potato planting and spraying contract work.

"With the automatic shut off and accurate spacing there is no over planting. You can work fast, save money and end up with a field to be proud of.

"Furthermore, Patchwork helps us provide traceability for our customers as they can see a record of work completed, planting depth and the variety of potato used.”

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“BlackBox Go now incorporates switching technology as standard, meaning headland control – ideal for applications such as potato planting – is now available from £1500.”

Having found the BlackBox far easier to set up and install than previous competitive systems, Mr Waters is able to utilise it on a variety of jobs, transferring the BlackBox from one tractor to another. He has found it to be a flexible tool that can be configured for each application and the results have been extremely impressive.

Patchwork Commercial Director added: “Farmers and contractors can say goodbye to over or under planting potatoes by using the Patchwork BlackBox to automatically switch off the planter

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at the end of every row. The BlackBox range now offers a superior level of accuracy and versatility at an affordable price point. We are confident that no other GPS system can do everything ours can for this cost.”

As a result of additional technology now being built in to its displays, Patchwork users can benefit from significant additional features without the need for expensive upgrades.

To enable greater versatility for customers, its BlackBox Go and Advance models have both been completely enhanced. All electronic components are housed in the display so they are now vastly easier to install and move.

BlackBox Go now incorporates switching technology as standard, meaning headland control – ideal for applications such as potato planting – is now available from £1500. For tasks such as spraying, section control for up to four sections is included on the BlackBox Advance models – enabling accurate control for older sprayers without the need for major investment.

The

Best Got Better

technology,, this is the Easier to move and with greater in-built technology best BlackBox GPS system that PPatchwork atchwork has ever built.

01291 673366 www.patchwork.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| On Topic

On Topic Honeybees’ contribution to the world’s economy is huge

Novel research looks to transform the decline of the Beekeeping sector Honeybees may soon be able to communicate their poor health to beekeepers as a result of major new research which looks set to transform the practice of beekeeping and halt the worrying decline of the sector in Europe.

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consortium – initiated by Nottingham Trent University and the Bee Farmers Association of the United Kingdom (BFA) – has launched

a €1.4m EU-funded study, which aims to monitor and decode the buzzing of bees in the hive and pass crucial information to beekeepers via wireless technology.

The researchers have already developed a hi-tech method of using accelerometers – devices which are sensitive to minute vibrations – to detect and translate the vibrations caused by bees during their activities and as they communicate with one another.

As a result they have been able to monitor when a hive is about to swarm, which leads to the loss of bees – but are now investigating changes and patterns in buzzing which may indicate specific health disorders, or deterioration in the hive.

The experts are developing methods to transfer wirelessly instant alerts to the beekeeper, either via email or SMS, so that they can intervene and manage their colonies accordingly.

The research is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of beekeeping, making it far less timeconsuming and costly, as well as improving the health

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

On Topic monitoring of the honeybee. Beekeeping currently requires physical visits and regular inspections of every single hive by Europe’s 600,000 beekeepers, who have to nurture their bees, regardless of conditions.

Beekeeping generates more than €400m a year in Europe alone, yet only 54% of the total demand for honey and other bee products is being produced on the continent. Bee populations and beekeeper numbers in Europe have been falling at an alarming rate and honey imports to the EU, from countries such as Argentina and China, have risen by 20% since 2001.

“Despite its importance and the obvious potential for growth, serious problems face the beekeeping sector,” said Dr Martin Bencsik a physicist and researcher in Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology.

He said: “Action to bring modern management tools to beekeeping and action to halt the decline of the European beekeeping sector is urgently needed, particularly as bees play such a vital role in agricultural productivity. We now have the potential to achieve this.

“Our tool will allow us to remotely diagnose colony status without the need for systematic invasive opening of individual hives for inspection.

Commercial beekeepers will be able to keep more hives over greater geographical distances, which will both increase their efficiency and profitability.”

Honeybees' contribution to the world’s economy is huge. The economic value of pollination worldwide is estimated to be at least €153bn, which represents

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almost one-tenth of the value of the world’s agricultural production for human food. More than two-thirds of food crops and more than one-third of food production depends on pollinators, while 84% of vegetables grown in Europe depend on pollination.

The study, funded by EU Framework Programme 7, also involves the European Professional Beekeepers Association (EPBA) in Germany, and the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in France.

SMEs including the Research and Information Centre for Bee Culture in Belgium; Germany’s CAPAZ GmbH and SZOMEL Services and Trade LLC of Hungary, are also collaborating.

David Bancalari, the Research and Administration Officer of the Bee Farmers Association, said: “This could be the golden hour for bee farmers. For years we have been struggling to improve the health of our bees. We know early intervention is crucial. This research could give us those vital, lifesaving early signs of problems allowing us to tend to our bees much sooner – giving us the equivalent of the golden hour in human first aid.”

Yves Le Conte of the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) added: “This research is especially stimulating as it can lead to a new modern way of managing hives and it will also be a very beneficial tool for research into honey bee biology.”

More about the honeybee The honey bee is the only bee that can be moved in or out of crops in large numbers for pollination. A typical colony is 30,000-50,000 honey bees. Loss of bees due to swarming results in a zero honey crop for the year. Honey is bees own food and it is essential for the colony to store honey for use over the winter months in order to survive.

Colonies can collapse and die in a matter of weeks if affected by disease since bees do not have an immune system in the way that humans do. Intense vigilance on the part of beekeepers is essential for a colonies long term survival.

For more on Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology visit www.ntu.ac.uk/sat

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Fuels

Fuel Oil Storage Are you planning to substantially alter your fuel oil store, or add a new one? f so, you will need to meet the requirements of The Water Resources (Control of Pollution)(Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 2010. These are commonly referred to as SSAFO, and apply in England and Wales.

You have to comply with the SSAFO Regulations where the total quantity of agricultural fuel oil stored on the farm is more than 1,500 litres. You may be exempt if your oil storage was in place before 1991 but please consider bringing your storage up to the regulatory standard.

How can the different tank designs comply with the regulations?

A single-skin tank or primary container requires secondary containment (a separate bund) to comply. It must be constructed insitu, enclosing the container and its ancillary equipment.

Where a bund is constructed from brick or concrete block, it should be reinforced and rendered on the inside with waterproof oil resistant material.

A double-skinned or twin walled tank is a primary container with another “skin” around it with a

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small gap in between. The second skin often provides some structural support to the inner container, and none of the pipe work or ancillary equipment is contained, so isn't a bund.

Double-skinned tanks therefore don't comply with the SSAFO regulations unless a separate bund is provided around the tank and ancillary equipment.

Self bunded or integrally bunded tanks and fuel stations are specifically-designed and manufactured oil storage containers with an integral bund that protects the container and its ancillary equipment.

Manufacturers and suppliers may make claims about the environmental performance of their products but some tank systems may not comply with all the SSAFO regulations. Here are some factors to look out for: Bottom off take tanks These tanks have the outlet from the primary tank at the bottom. Where they rely on a gravity feed to an external factoryfitted off-take point fitted with a flexible delivery hose, it does not meet the SSAFO regulations and

18 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

requires additional containment with a bund.

Where the off-take is to serve fixed plant such as a grain dryer via a solid feed pipe, they do meet the regulations. Most tanks are supplied with a pre-installed coupling for this purpose. If the tank delivers fuel using a pumped system and the flexible delivery hose can be kept inside the bund after use, then it does meet the SSAFO regulations. It also has the benefit that the facility can be sited at ground level avoiding risks with high-level supports, and allows easy access for filling and inspection: it does not rely on gravity for the fuel delivery, and everything is contained.

A further alternative has the pump-set external to the tank, connected to the tank by a fixed pipe. The flexible delivery hose doesn't need to sit within the bunded area to be compliant with the SSAFO regulations, but it should have its own protection from spillage and unauthorised use.

Top off take tanks These tanks draw the fuel from an outlet at the top of the tank.

This means that a pump and nonreturn valve is required to dispense fuel, making them inherently safer. Tank systems are available as complete fuelling stations with all valves and pipe work within the bund. They comply with the SSAFO regulations.

“Double-skinned tanks therefore don't comply with the SSAFO regulations unless a separate bund is provided around the tank and ancillary equipment. “

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| Buildings

Better by design Improving profitability through farm infrastructure. he Agricultural Buildings Show takes place this year at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh on Wednesday 20th March 2013.

This unique event provides the farmer with a practical insight into the planning, design and construction of all kinds of installations from the simplest barn through to a complete new grain store or milking parlour.

Investing in buildings is one of the most significant and long lasting decisions a farmer will make, with the results being a vital factor in the success or otherwise of the business in the years to come. The Agricultural Building Show has been set up to act as reference point covering all faces of farm buildings. Its aim is to bring together farmers and the trade under one roof to discuss the best possible solutions for the farm business.

“A new farm building – for housing stock, grain storage or a milking parlour – is probably the largest investment a farm is likely to make in a generation,” says Andy Newbold of show organiser, FarmSmart Events. “As severe

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weather in past winters has shown, it is vital to ensure the structure is designed and built to the correct standards using qualified and reputable contactors. These are the companies that exhibit at the event.”

The show is organised in association with Rural & Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA), which has detailed knowledge of the function and environmental requirements of modern agriculture and industrial buildings. Its members, many of which will be at the event, offer a breadth of expertise about the siting, planning, design and construction of farm buildings.

This expertise also extends to conversion for diversification and other rural building design issues.

Alongside the exhibition, is a seminar programme where visitors can also learn about the latest building and planning issues, as well as hear about the practical aspects of managing a project from start to finish. This year’s planned presentations will include RIDBA’s short listed contenders for the FAB awards, and why these buildings fulfilled the judge’s

Agricultural Building Show Event Facts:

Last year’s show was bustling

criteria of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Also Graeme Lochhead from Lochhead Planning & Design will talk through specific issues around designing and building housing for cattle.

Date: Wed 20th March 2013 Address: Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB Tickets: £10 if booked in advance (£15 on the door) Telephone: 0845 4900 142 Web: www.farm-smart.co.uk/abs

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Buildings

Boost yields by improving cow welfare with GEA Farm Technologies A happy cow is a more productive cow and with GEA Farm Technologies range of cubicles and brushes improving your cow’s welfare, which can help boost yields, has never been easier. ows spend approximately 14 hours a day lying down, and as cows produce milk when they are lying down the more comfortable they are in the cubicle the better.

The new M2M cow cubicle, developed by Kingshay together with GEA Farm Technologies, has a unique 38º angle which provides simultaneous adjustment for both height and length and allows optimum space for cows to lunge forward and sideways as they go in and out of the cubicle.

The M2M not only provides superior cow comfort by providing the best positioning for the cows while lying and standing but its flexible design means it can be used in any situation too, making it the first choice for deep litter or mattress bedding systems.

Grooming is also of considerable importance both biologically and socially. Brushing the skin removes dirt and improves circulation keeping cows calm and happy which can increase milk yields - Research has shown that cows that use a brush can produce up to 3.5% more milk.

The horizontal E-Brush and angled M-Brush are powered by an electric motor and rotate when the cow rubs up against them. Made from strong wear-resistant nylon bristles the

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brushes have a robust structure which can withstand the forces yielded by cows and since they provide some resistance, the cows are able to apply pressure without pushing the brushes out of their reach.

Martin Partington, Farm Equipment Manager at GEA Farm Technologies, said “Not only do

we provide cubicles and brushes but we offer an extensive range of farm equipment suitable for all dairy sheds ranging from water troughs, mattresses slurry scrapers, automatic feeding systems and more. Visit us at the Agricultural Buildings Show to find out what we can do for

GEA Farm Technologies (UK) Ltd Telephone: 02476 692 333 info.geafarmtechnologies.uk@gea.com www.gea-farmtechnologies.co.uk engineering for a better world

20 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

GEA Farm TTechnologies echnologies

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Buildings

What makes a building a Dry, light and airy Waddington building?

The perfect combination to keep your animals healthy.

There is definitely a recipe for success and when choosing an agricultural building provider, Waddington’s think it boils down to this.... here are buildings and there are buildings...

Attention to detail, correct design, quality products and experienced erectors are not always on offer.

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“Our first ever steel building 70+ years old!”

A building must be thoughtfully designed, taking account of access, loadings, use, dimensions, cladding, ventilation, rooflights and materials.

Options like floor ties, wall thickness, tractor rails, shedder plates, oversails, kicking boards, door and gate design need to be

considered. Then an accurate and detailed quote and drawing should be produced, with a ‘post code’ specific structural design.

Once started, the bases must be accurately set with four bolts per base and adequate concrete.

The steel must be shot blasted, precision fabricated, correctly stiffened, fully welded, then painted with two coats of high quality paint or galvanised. The timber work must be tanalised, accurately cut and drilled. The cladding should be fit for purpose and of top quality. The concrete panels must be the best available and correctly laid.

Erecting crews must be highly experienced, take care of their job, apply attention to detail and take pride in their work.

Finally, a man bearing the company name should call out and inspect the building to confirm that it is top notch.

Only then, would a building be a Waddington Building.

22 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

ctive airflow by natural ventilation is essential for maintaining animal health and is vital in the successful rearing of young stock. Natural ventilation allows clean fresh air to flow into a building whilst warm, humid air rises up and out of the housing carrying with it waste gases like carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane. This positive airflow also effectively removes airborne pathogens, dust and mould spores.

So how do you know if there is a problem and what is the solution? How do you feel when you go into the barn, does it feel damp, humid or dusty? Breathe in deeply, does it make you cough? If in any doubt consult your farm vet who can carry out a smoke bomb test to show the extent of airflow through the shed. If there is insufficient airflow then Secure Windbreaks can replace solid side panels or if cold draughts are a problem Secure Windbreaks can be fitted above exposed doors or feed runs. The windbreaks are made in a range of sizes and can be fitted rapidly and held in place with a simple hook & ratchet

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Scott & Bruce Begg

system. In no time at all Secure Windbreaks convert a draughty open shed into a comfortable, airy livestock shelter.

At Upper Criggie near Stonehaven (only 3 miles from the sea and at 450ft elevation). Scott and Bruce Begg wanted a system to improve the comfort of their housed beef herd during the harsh wet winters. Scott Begg reported that, “Secure Windbreaks have done a great job. The building is now sheltered but airy and the rain no longer blows in so we’ve saved on bedding.” “It’s as good as a door in shutting out the weather” is the opinion of Bruce Begg.

For more information about Secure Windbreaks contact:Thomas & Fontaine Ltd 0800 7832804 or visit our website:www.securecovers.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Major industry conference on the future design of farm buildings Farm building design is changing, with new materials, techniques and regulation paving the way for improved animal welfare and structural integrity.

n the first event of its kind, the Wessex branch of the Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association (RIDBA) is holding a national conference on Friday, 19th April to examine the issues and opportunities surrounding farm building design over the next 10-15 years.

Attracting high profile international speakers, the conference will consider the impact of animal welfare and performance on building design; increasing landscape protection; emerging planning and agricultural policy changes and other topical issues.

“As the farming industry develops, buildings are getting larger and having to deliver more than ever before,” says Peter Chance, Wessex secretary of RIDBA. “There is increasing pressure to protect the countryside, and planning permission is becoming more and more difficult to obtain. Design and siting of farm buildings is vitally important – but we must always remember that farming made the countryside as we all know and

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enjoy it and must be allowed to adapt to change.”

The event, which will be held in the stunning Georgian Guildhall in Bath, will be followed by the national RIDBA AGM and the inaugural Farm and Agricultural Building Awards. “Farm buildings are capable of delivering more than just a roof over the heads of animals, crops or machinery,” says Mr Chance. “With the right design and build, they can be both functional and attractive. It is only right that we celebrate those that excel in achieving their objectives: Complementing the local landscape, being fit for purpose and designed with sustainability in mind.”

Writer and broadcaster Kate Humble will be the guest speaker at the dinner and will present the FAB awards.

A full programme of the event is available on www.ridba.org.uk. To reserve a place book online or contact Tony Hutchinson, national RIDBA secretary, on 01449 676049.

Eildon Concrete Scotland based concrete suppliers. 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 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

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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.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Energy

Energy bills blown away Sustainability Live 2013 Farmers & land owners beat high energy costs with small wind turbines. cross the country, from Cornwall to Orkney, farmers and landowners are reducing energy costs by generating their own energy using the wind power.

With energy prices continuing to increase, many have locked down electricity costs by investing in an Evance small wind turbine.

Cornish family on track to cut energy costs The Stubbs family, who run a beef farm near the coast in Cornwall, took the decision to purchase an Evance R9000 small wind turbine, due to its all-round excellent performance record.

The family’s decision has significantly reduced their energy costs - estimated to save around £1,500 per year. “With the cost of oil continually on the rise we decided to maximise our investment by converting our oil fired Aga to electric. This means, at any one time, our cooking, heating and lighting can be powered by green energy - it’s all part of our ambition to be as energy self-sufficient as possible,” explained Patrick Stubbs.

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Orkney landowner switches from oil to affordable wind power The rising cost of oil and the sometimes unreliable deliveries, made Anne Chapman, look to wind power. “We are a close community on Rousay, and two other islanders had already invested in small wind turbines to power their homes,” explains Anne Chapman, who lives on Rousay, a small island off Orkney’s mainland.

As a land owner and in a location with a good wind speed Anne saw her Evance turbine installed in November 2011.

“Since then it has performed consistently and has proved to be very stable during strong wind gusts we get on the island. Also visitors often remark on how quiet the turbine is – even when operating during high winds.”

“I now use wind energy to power my electric cooker and storage heaters instead of heating oil. Financially, I’m finding that my energy bills are minimal – under £500 per year - and now I’m not reliant on oil,” concluded Anne.

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24 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

The ultimate event for the UK’s energy, water and energy from waste industries.

ustainability Live returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 16-18 April 2013.

Comprising three shows - NEMEX energy Live, IWEX water Live and the brand new EfW EXPO energy from waste Live - this unique event will showcase the latest products and services from leading companies to thousands of industry visitors.

As well as the opportunity for visitors to meet hundreds of exhibitors face-to-face to discuss their individual company needs and requirements, each show will be running free to attend CPDaccredited seminar programmes.

There are hundreds of seminars to choose from, featuring expert speakers offering insight and advice into the latest industry developments, as well as showcasing new innovations across the energy, water and energy from waste sectors.

All shows are free to attend and located together so that visitors can find everything they need under one roof.

EfW EXPO energy from waste Live – the new power behind energy from waste Joining the Sustainability Live family for the first time, EfW EXPO - energy from waste Live is a new UK exhibition dedicated to energy from waste suppliers and will cover the whole spectrum of advanced thermal treatment and pre-treatment processes, including, gasification, autoclaving, anaerobic digestion, MBT and incineration with combined heat & power.

Under the EU directive requirement for 15% of UK energy to come from renewables by 2020, organisations will have to rethink their approach to resource-hungry processes and to improving sustainable business practice. EfW EXPO will showcase best practice and cutting edge solutions from this fast developing sector and will bring together industry professionals all looking for inspired innovation and fresh ideas.

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As well as the chance to meet exhibiting companies, the show will feature an unrivalled and comprehensive seminar programme, which will review the latest energy from waste market developments, combining the best in thought leadership with practical solutions to ensure sustainability sits at the heart of business processes. Topics covered will include – Landfill Gas Generation, Bio-fuels, Feedstock, Anaerobic Digestion & Biogas and RDF & SRF (Refuse Derived / Solid Recovered Fuels) Exhibitors at EfW EXPO energy from waste include: Netzsch Pumps & Systems – showing the TORNADO rotary lobe pumps range which since launch have been primarily used in the environmental and wastewater, oil and gas, pulp and paper and food and pharma industries.

CAD-Schroer – is supporting green energy providers by offering all companies in the renewable energy sector a 70% discount on its MPDS4 3D plant engineering software. This offer will be open to qualifying organisations visiting Sustainability Live.

The well-established Environment and Energy Awards celebrating excellence and innovation from businesses and technology providers in the market place will take place during Sustainability Live. The black tie dinner which was a sell-out last year, returns on the first night of the event, Tuesday 16th April, at the National Motorcycle Museum.

With so much on offer, Sustainability Live is a must-attend event for all professionals across the energy, water and energy from waste industries looking to network with like-minded individuals and source the latest product and services information to keep their organisation at the leading edge of innovation.

For up-to-date exhibitor news, seminar programmes and details on how to exhibit or free registration as a visitor, visit www.sustainabilitylive.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

RBS release figures Bowled over by solar? showing renewables lending at its highest in I the Midlands

Bowler Energy’s steps to a successful solar installation.

Energy Now Expo 2013 starts (and ends) with a bang in Telford.

he Royal Bank of Scotland have released figures showing that the Midlands is leading the way in renewable energy lending as Energy Now Expo 2013 hit Telford for a two day event last month, showcasing renewable energy options for farmers and landowners.

With lending figures of £9.73 million for the Midlands, it shows that there is strength and a positive outlook with regards to renewable energy in the region.

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Figures show that in the Midlands alone, lending for Photovoltaic projects was £2.07m across 22 projects and £5.06m across 12 wind turbine installations, the remainder was made up of other renewables-classified projects.

Total renewable energy project lending figures for the UK reached £25 million in the past twelve months, with the Midlands ranking top, followed by Scotland, the North and South West.

David Jacobmeyer, Energy Now Expo organiser said: "It is fantastic, but not surprising, to hear that the Midlands is in such a strong position in the industry with people being proactive in investing in renewable energy. I’m certain that the region’s high concentration of farmers and landowners are one of the key reasons for this trend, as continued renewables investment is essential for the sustainability of this sector. Energy Now Expo 2013 started on a high and these new figures from RBS show that the renewable energy industry is going from strength to strength."

Expo highlights included: • The wind panel which featured Stephen Norman, Senior Wind Energy consultant from the Met Office and Windcrop managing director, John Moore • Discussions regarding on-farm energy savings from dairy farmer, Malcolm Fewster • Young farmer competition winner, James Wilkes from Hartville, presented "Combining technologies to achieve maximum output" • A busy exhibition hall including the new low emission vehicle zone With 160 exhibitors and presentations from TV presenter Dick Strawbridge, Ian Burrow, Head of agriculture & renewable energy at NatWest Bank and DECC deputy director Charles Phillips, the event was jam packed, providing visitors to the expo with a wealth of information and guidance.

For more news on the show visit www.energynowexpo.co.uk

t pays to be well prepared and do some research before starting out in any new enterprise, but it is particularly important when considering a new solar PV installation.

However, there are a number of steps which can help to minimise the potential for anything to go wrong.

Firstly, select a reliable and long-standing company that can see the project through from start to finish. A PV system needs to be productive for the next 20 plus years, so it is vital that the company chosen has a proven track record, and is likely be around for this length of time to offer backup.

Next, investigate the financial side in depth. This needn’t be time consuming or complicated, but it is important to know how much energy a site is predicted to produce, and what this means in terms of feed-in tariff, export tariff and offset savings. The energy installation company should provide a site-specific quotation, showing all these factors, as well as system cost and payback period.

A full, comprehensive site assessment is crucial before the project progresses any further. It is important that the site surveyor thoroughly assesses the site to identify any issues which could potentially cause problems further down the line.

Some PV systems require planning permission; others can be built under permitted development regulations. It is important to know which category the proposed system falls into.

District Network Operator (DNO) consent will also be required. This may be straight forward, or it may involve some upgrade work.

It is very important that only good quality components with insurance-backed warranties are used. The system will need to last over twenty years, so cheap components may well be false economy.

Finally, once completed, the system needs to be registered for the feed-in tariffs, before any payment can be received.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

Maize gains favour for biogas production Alternative cropping options may have to be considered and maize for biogas production could be an option. ccording to the latest information from Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the National Non-Food Crop Centre (NNFCC), there are now 97 nonwater company biogas plants in the UK - 39 of these are classified as farm feedstock bio digesters.

“The increase in the number of anaerobic digesters (AD) has created a market for – and an interest in growing - high biomass crops such as maize and grass silage. Crops like these are important for stabilising or supplementing other AD feedstocks such as low yielding slurries or food waste,” explains Ruth Stanley, agronomy manager with BASF. “Cereals and rape meal can also be used as AD feedstocks, giving high biogas yields, but given the current high commodity prices, they are rarely grown solely for digestion. Because maize is such a valuable feedstock, it already accounts for 80% of the material used in biogas production across Europe.”

With many farms having to consider alternative cropping

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options this spring, maize might offer some a profitable alternative where good soil husbandry and agronomy practises are followed.

Maize has a natural fit in many rotations as a break crop and can be used as a tool to control problematic blackgrass. Plant breeders have made many advances over the last decade to develop a wide range of varieties to suit early or late harvest situations.

Miss Stanley advises growers considering maize for the first time, to follow some key pointers that will lead to a profitable crop. “The most important stage to get right is establishment: maize needs good soil structure and moisture to get off to a good start.”

According to Simon Draper, Agronomist for the Maize Growers Association, “early weed control at the cotyledon stage of the crop is also vital because maize is a poor rooter and early weed competition causes a problem” to the emerging seedling.

“Timing is critical. Don’t be tempted to leave your herbicide applications too late as weed competition can dramatically

knock the crop back. The best approach therefore is a reliable

Green Power positions Emerald Biogas announces recruitment drive to power Green Energy plant. new anaerobic digestion (AD) facility, which is set to officially open in May, is recruiting for staff to operate the plant.

Emerald Biogas, the North East’s first commercial food waste AD facility is currently under construction at Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate and once launched will make a significant contribution to the region’s renewable energy sector.

The company is initially looking to recruit four staff to oversee the daily operation of the plant with four further appointments planned for later in the year, as the facility builds to its maximum production capacity.

Emerald Biogas comprises three directors with solid track records in waste and recycling.

Antony and Adam Warren are owners of the successful animal by product, food waste collection and recycling business, John Warren ABP and Ian Bainbridge owns a diverse farming, land and resource management, and plasterboard recycling business, Agricore.

In addition to the announcement of the current recruitment, ten new jobs have recently been created at John Warren ABP to ensure the company can effectively manage

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26 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

pre-emergence herbicide with good residual activity.”

the waste streams and deliver to the Emerald Biogas plant.

Antony Warren, director, Emerald Biogas said: “Construction of the site is currently well underway and we are now in a position to begin recruiting. Initially we are looking to employ a number of operatives who will be responsible for managing the delivery of the waste before overseeing the various stages of the digestion process. As the plant reaches its optimal capacity in the summer, we expect to bolster the resource again with supporting administrative staff and additional HGV drivers.

“To ensure the plant is supplied with a consistent stream of food waste we have also recruited for new positions at John Warren ABP to manage increased deliveries.”

The plant will utilise a proportion of the 800,000 tonnes of food waste generated across the region to generate renewable energy to power almost 2,000 homes and heat to be supplied to the surrounding businesses, as well as fertiliser for use by farms within a tenmile radius.

Fore more information about the recruitment opportunities contact Emerald Biogas at www.emeraldbiogas.com

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Energy

Trioliet biogas feeding systems Stationary mixers with infinitely long life. he challenge for any biogas producer is to generate as much energy as possible with a minimum energy input. To achieve a positive return on investment is not always that simple.

Most important is the kind of feeding system. For the feeding of biogas plants Trioliet offers stationary mixers with vertical augers with a capacity from 7 up to 80 mÂł. The feeding systems of Trioliet have a number of advantages.

The vertical augers feed the digester very accurate. All kinds of organic waste, such as silage and other long fibrous residues that usual are difficult to dispense, are being well mixed and accurately discharged before being transported into the digester.

Besides that each auger is being driven by an electric motor and thanks to the small auger diameter they require low horsepower (up to 7.5 and 5.5 kW for mixing).

Triocot lining The most important advantage is the durability of Trioliet’s mixing chambers.

Due to the high degree of

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acidity of the organic materials the mixing chambers have a lot to bear. Therefore Trioliet developed a special lining; Triocot. Triocot at least doubles the lifespan of feeding systems for biogas.

Research demonstrates that the thermoplastic lining resists acids and mechanical wear of circulating products as a result of which stationary mixers live considerably longer. Trioliet even gives four years warranty on the Triocot coating*.

While other manufacturers choose the relatively expensive stainless steel, Trioliet chooses for a polyethylene lining. Polyethylene has some advantages over stainless steel. It is easier to handle, it is lighter and the wear is minimal. Besides that Trioliet covers the entire tub and not only the key spots. The Triocot lining can also be applied on existing mixers on location.

Actually the tub gets an infinitely long life because a new lining can always be applied, if necessary.

Tests have shown that the life of an 8 mm thick polyethylene lining is equivalent to a lining of 5 mm thick stainless steel. The Triocot lining in

the biogas systems of Trioliet are 8-12 mm thick. Other manufacturers often apply liners of only 2-3 mm stainless steel.

Customer Satisfaction Survey A satisfaction survey showed that 98% of Trioliet customers are satisfied about the Triocot lining and consider it as very reliable. In particular the longevity is mentioned as one of the main advantages of Trioliet’s biogas

mixers. More than 50% of those surveyed say with certainty that they would choose Triocot lining on their Trioliet stationary mixer feeder in the future.

For more information contact Ben Norris, Sales Manager UK on 07920 154374, email b.norris@trioliet.com or visit www.trioliet.com * Ask for the conditions.

Come and see us at Sustainability Live 2013 Stand P30

28 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

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| Energy

Increase gas production Metomex trace elements improve the fermentation process.

averham, in the county of Norfolk, has been successfully running a Biogas Plant since October 2011.

Its’ CHP (Combined heat and power unit) of 1413 KW supplies electricity to 2500 houses. The plant, built by the German company Agraferm Technologies AG, based in Pfaffenhofen, Bayern, ferments roughly 25,000 tonnes of corn and grass silage a year.

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“The addition of Biogas additives such as Metomex is not new. Without the addition of these fermentation additives Biogas production would drop considerably.”

The successful operation of the Biogas plant is based on Agraferms’ typical compact design, with an optimised ratio between the main Fermenter and post Fermenter which leads to a high plant performance.

The factor that determines the success of a biogas plant is the biological process. For the majority of plants this is its’ largest resource for the production of Biogas. In Taverham, the plant operator’s aim was to optimise and accelerate this biological process.

The possibility to operate the biogas process efficiently and safely through the addition of trace elements was used from the start at the Taverham plant. A trace element product from the

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company Omex Environmental is dosed at regular intervals into the Fermenter. In Taverham the plant technology was designed by Agraferm so that the plant operator could gain a higher loading rate and with this an increased degradation rate of the organic substrate. This is where Metomex comes in: In addition to greatly improved biological process stability, Metomex enables a short retention time, a result of higher loading volumes.

More substrate variety with fermentation additives With the addition of Metomex the gas yield clearly increases.

With continuous addition of Metomex the loading rates could be increased in the plant to 10 kg oDM/m³.d, - this loading rate has been held since the end of commissioning. “With the addition of Metomex the degradation rate could be clearly increased”, ensures Dirk Harders, Service Manager of Agraferm Technologies AG. This is particularly essential with difficult biodegradable substrates like grass and manure. Therefore, with the addition of Metomex, increasingly favourable Substrates like manure and grass are easier to ferment. Positive side effects: The substrate is homogenous; which reduces the mixing energy.

Metomex was developed so that complexed trace elements have an impact on the biological process.

This means that the micronutrients are surrounded by biological, biodegradable molecules. This ‘packaging’ prevents chemical precipitation so that the required

quantity is dramatically reduced.

These complexed trace elements can on the one hand be absorbed more easily through an optimal binding site and on the other protect the ‘packaging’ from sulphide, carbonate and hydroxide precipitation. As the effective formulation is non-corrosive, it is therefore safe to handle and can be easily placed into a userfriendly container.

The addition of Biogas additives such as Metomex is not new.

Without the addition of these fermentation additives Biogas production would drop considerably. Requirement: the

addition must be regularly repeated, as the material is partly being used up and partly being flushed out with the substrate current. The amount to be added should without fail be arranged with the Plant Operator. ‘The more the better’ can often be counterproductive. The advantage of Metomex is its high yield. For example for a 500 kW plant only 300 ml of Metomex is needed per day, which only equates to a cost of around 10 Euros.

For more information about Omex or the Metomex product, call 01553 770092 or visit www.omex.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Grass & Silage

“Making the Cut” – a Silage Special Interest Day The British Grassland Society (BGS) and the Silage Advisory Centre (SilAC) are organizing a silage management best practice day on March 12th in Cheshire. A registered Dairy Pro event featuring silage experts and demo sessions to help farmers get the most out of their silage this season. ith the silage season fast approaching, UK farmers need to start thinking about ways to ensure that only top quality silage makes the cut and how to maximize their silage production and farm profitability.

Anticipating this and following on from SilAC’s 2012 National Silage Farm Survey, BGS and SilAC have teamed up and organized “Making the Cut” - a silage special interest day to help farmers make the most of their silage.

Taking place on March 12th on the farm of Stuart and Andrew

Itinerary

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Yarwood of Lower Medhurst Green Farm in Cheshire, the day will comprise of a speaker programme and on-farm practical demo sessions.

With some of the top grassland management and silage production experts confirmed, sessions on the day will include: Dave Davies on silage clamp management, Rhun Fychan discussing bale silage, machine maintenance tips and live demonstrations from Kuhn Farm Machinery, film performance and wrapping best practice from Dow

and Bpi minster films, and Shirley Heron from Volac discussing the use of additives in silage production.

The Lower Medhurst Green Farm has been in the Yarwood family for nearly a century. The Yarwood’s have a long history with silage, as Stuart’s father was one of the first farmers in the area to begin making silage in the 1950’s.

Today, Stuart uses silage as a huge part of the winter ration for all his stock, which includes 250 pedigree Holstein- Friesian milkers and 100 young stock. With 300ha

Programme of the day: Speaker Programme 10:00 Registration and sign-up 10:20 Introduction to the Silage Advisory Centre David Craig, SilAC / Dow Chemical 10:30 Introduction to the farm Stuart and Andrew Yarwood 10:50 Management factors to reduce clamp silage losses Dave Davies, Silage Solutions Ltd 11:10 Management factors to improve bale silage quality Rhun Fychan, IBERS 11:30 Additives in silage Shirley Heron, Volac 11.50 Q&A Session

of land, the Yarwood’s make on average 2000t of clamp silage and 450 bales, producing 3,500-4000 litres of milk from forage.

This silage event is registered with Dairy Pro, current members and those who join at the event will get their attendance registered on the personal development record and achieve Dairy Pro points.

Places must be booked in advance and cost £15 for BGS members and £20 for nonmembers. To register, please visit www.britishgrassland.com

On-Farm Practical Demo Sessions 12:45 Getting machinery ready for the season Kuhn Farm Machinery 1:15 Bale wrapping demo Dow Chemical, bpi.minster films 1:45 Baled silage best practice Rhun Fychan, IBERS 2:15 Clamp management Dave Davies, Silage Solutions Ltd 2:45 Closing remarks BGS President Elect 3:00 End

Opportunist threat

New grass ley developed

Prepare for weed explosion in grass this spring.

Horizon Seeds aim to address 2013 forage problems.

ivestock farmers could see many more perennial weeds like docks and thistles in pasture this spring after last year’s washout.

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Docks left uncontrolled last summer shed millions of new seeds onto pasture

While many struggled to get their silage harvested, those who had planned to keep on top of weeds by spraying were forced to leave them, as the weather never came right.

Weed expert David Roberts of Dow AgroSciences, believes up to a third of the area of grassland that would normally have been treated across the UK was left unsprayed – allowing any weeds present to set seed freely and gain an even stronger foothold.

“There will be millions more dock and thistle seeds lying in the soil waiting to germinate this year,” says Mr Roberts. “And the poor physical

state of many fields will not help.

“Weeds are opportunists and establish quickly in bare patches where soil is exposed. Extensive poaching caused by livestock trampling or tractor traffic last summer will be an open invitation for weeds which will replace productive pasture. With silage stocks running low on many farms and concentrate costs sky high, growing weeds instead of grass does not make economic sense.”

Pasture rejuvenation Mr Roberts advises remedial action this spring.

“A lot of autumn re-seeding was also abandoned last year and many fields will be desperately in need of rejuvenation. Spraying infested fields with herbicide, before overseeding with grass, will be the best way to repair swards and reduce weed numbers.

“Where infestations cover more than 5% of the field, an overall spray using a tractor-mounted sprayer is the most cost-effective method of perennial weed control. Translocated herbicides containing the active ingredient triclopyr such as DoxstarPro, which penetrate deep into the root and kill the plant from within, offer the most reliable, longterm control.

30 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

new forage mix designed to help livestock producers address 2013’s specific problems of poaching, poor nutrient availability and potentially low yields has been developed by forage specialists Horizon Seeds.

The ‘Horizon Power Ley’ has nine optimised seed varieties to provide rapid germination and quick production to help fix the immediate problems faced by many producers this year whilst laying down the foundation for future high yields, says Horizon Seeds seed specialist Martin Keats.

“Many livestock producers have very little reserves of forage left and the condition of grassland currently means many are having to re-visit their re-seeding plans and replace older unproductive leys if they are to build forage stocks back up in the future.

“In particular, land that has suffered severe poaching will need re-seeding or overseeding as a matter of priority. The decision will need to be made between shorter or longer term leys - or a combination of both.”

The new Power Ley features varieties that have a pronounced creeping growth habit with a strong root structure to search out key nutrients and provide rapid

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improvement of soil structure giving long term benefits. The mixture also has components that will thrive in cooler, wetter and lower fertility situations.

The mix will also help dairy and beef farmers produce higher grass yields to build up forage stocks in the future through a carefully designed recipe of Westerwolds and Hybrid Ryegrass, intermediate and late Perennials, Timothy, Smooth Meadow Grass and Meadow Fescue, with a balance of Diploid and Tetraploids.

“Although 2013 has got off to less than an ideal start for forage production, livestock farmers have got to start making plans to produce 15% more forage than their annual requirement this year to restore sadly depleted feed stocks and build a buffer of home-grown material.

“The Horizon Power Ley has been specifically developed to help growers do precisely this,” Martin Keats explains.

More information can be obtained from Horizon Seeds on 01379 873377 or by visiting www.horizonseeds.com. A comprehensive guide is available upon request.

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| Grass & Silage

MPA Highlights benefits of lime to UK food security The viability and potential profitability of any cropping system is largely dependent on the health and structure of its principal asset - the soil.

he challenges of climate change on weather patterns, escalating variable production and fixed costs determine that business viability, survival and success largely depend on managing the soil.

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Healthy, well-structured soils offer every potential for maximising yield potential, whilst additionally affording opportunities for longer term sustainability.

Sustainable soils are based on adequate drainage, the correct

degree of compaction/structure, and the appropriate soil pH - one wrong element can result in missed opportunities. Record rainfall and flooding are leaving soils saturated and anaerobic (lacking in air and oxygen). This presents the perfect situation for nutrient leaching and increasing acidity. Now, prior to land work and fertiliser application, is the best time to walk fields and check soil pHs. Producing evidence of acidity in crops is costly.

Lime is traditionally bought from the nearest quarry but, be aware, lime quality varies: “Coarse materials will neutralise your bank balance, but not your soil acidity”.

Reputable merchants and suppliers will be able to provide the producers’ ‘Product Data Sheet’. This document supports compliance with current UK Fertiliser Regulation, covering all recognised agricultural liming materials.

What should you look for? It is legally required that all producers of agricultural lime products detail the name of the material i.e.

Ground or screened limestone etc.

Trade names are permitted, but must name the parent rock. The term “Aglime” is illegal. The declared neutralising value (NV) should be provided and will depend on the parent rock type Limestone is typically around 50 – 54 NV. Finally, the percentage of material passing a 150 micron sieve should be set out. This final declaration on sizing might sound superfluous, but is crucial to the speed with which your chosen product will react to reduce acidity and increase soil pH and, therefore, to its effectiveness.

Every load should be accompanied with a weighbridge document which includes these declarations. Without this guarantee the price may be acceptable but the product may be less so.

“Sustainable soils are based on adequate drainage, the correct degree of compaction/structure, and the appropriate soil pH - one wrong element can result in missed opportunities.”

Historically, the agricultural lime subsidy was only paid on materials which met regulatory standards of proven quality.

Regulation (EC) 2003/2003 Fertilisers will soon incorporate all agricultural liming materials as EC Fertilisers (Lime). This panEuropean regulation will stipulate new EU specifications for liming products to ensure materials of proven quality are delivered.

As Winston Churchill was quoted “Price is what you pay, quality is what you get”.

Further information and contact details: www.aglime.org.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Fencing

Hampton XNET™- Superior Fence with Superior Strength!

How strong is Hampton XNET™? They decided to find out... hen asked by a customer ’Just how strong is Hampton XNET™?’ UK manufacturer, Hampton Steel Ltd, decided the only option was to take product testing to another level. ‘We have the proof and many expert testimonials across various sectors but sometimes a more tangible approach is required. Hampton XNET™ far exceeds more traditional fencing in terms of its strength and versatility and with the help of six of the workforce I think we more than proved that. Hampton XNET™ is built to last’ Peter Matten, Sales Director of Hampton Steel Ltd Featuring a smooth animal and fleece friendly X shaped knotted joint, Hampton XNET™’s wires are locked tight to provide a superior fence with superior strength trusted by deer farmers, zoo keepers and thoroughbred horse breeders the world over. An optional hinged lower or upper section is a simple addition to the configuration. For example, this means the fence can easily be

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angled out at the hinge thereby inhibiting access by burrowing or scaling animals. The advanced technology of the design makes the high tensile Hampton XNET™ almost self-supporting requiring fewer posts, making it easier to erect.

Centrally located in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Hampton’s manufacture the longer, labour saving and more cost effective, 500m rolls of hinge joint stock fence and Hampton XNET™ stock fence and up to 2000m rolls of high tensile barbed wire. ‘We recognised the potential for the larger 500m rolls and this has been confirmed by the increased demand in the market and positive feedback from our customers.

These larger rolls provide not only valuable cost savings but, improved levels of efficiency and the quality our customers deserve.

It is these high standards of product specification combined with total customer satisfaction that underpin our business and

32 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

provide the benchmarks by which we operate’ Said Peter Matten, Sales Director of Hampton Steel Ltd..

Hampton’s also produce line wires, staples, galvanised and pvc coated chain link fencing and are suppliers of hexagonal wire

netting.

You can view the entire range at www.hamptonsteel.co.uk or call 01933 234070 to talk to one of the sales team.

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| Security

Have you taken any precautions to deter theft?

Equipment tracking - another method of protecting machines and recovering losses. heft of plant and agricultural equipment has been estimated to cost the UK up to £1 billion per year. It’s a highly organised activity, but where one key can often be used to start numerous vehicles from tractors to combines, it’s easy to see why thieves perceive it as a low risk/high profit activity.

The UK insurers’ research centre ‘Thatcham’ working alongside other stakeholders within the Home Office Plant Theft Action Group (PTAG) have worked hard to drive down agricultural crime. This in turn led to the Combined Industry Theft Solutions group (CITS) being formed where further progress has been made in the security of both construction plant and agricultural equipment.

Specific areas of progress include: • Equipment identification (CESAR) • Unique Keys A unique key does not need to be a mechanical key but can also be a PIN code • Immobilisation • Equipment tracking These countermeasures are now being used extensively to

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‘design out’ agricultural crime with the resulting security levels on equipment being reflected as a star rating and published on the Thatcham website www.thatcham.org/nvsr.

Thatcham has driven the standards in all of the above areas by using its knowledge of vehicle security and engaging with the following key stakeholders: • Construction Equipment Association (CEA) • Agricultural Equipment Association (AEA) • Insurers • Police & Government

• Finance Industry Having traditionally been associated with improving vehicle security on passenger cars, engagement with these stakeholders enabled Thatcham to employ their knowledge and experience to this new vehicle type. The graph above shows theft of tractors over the years reflecting the dramatic impact of some of this work.

With agricultural equipment now more secure than ever before farms are experiencing less down time and loss of revenue due to thieves being unable steal machinery that was once exceedingly vulnerable.

In addition to the standard fit security equipment is the addition of tracking and fleet tracking equipment, designed and tested with agricultural machines in mind, enabling farm managers to be confident that the device will continue to operate in the tough environment in which it is used.

Thatcham categorise different tracking systems from Category 5 to Category 7 dependent on the system capabilities. Category 5 systems have all the features required to meet the UK Police requirements for what is known as a level one response, including automatic tracking of unauthorised movement of equipment. With the benefit of a Secure Operating Centre, Category 5 has helped set new standards in recovery with the fastest recovery being 10 minutes and the average just 2 hours.

Insurers have noted this and asked that Category 5 systems be fitted to driven equipment with Category 7 as a backup device.

Category 6 systems should not be ruled out as they too offer a good standard of recovery.

Plant Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) The UK Motor Insurance Industry working with other key stakeholders has also taken the action of sponsoring a national police unit - PANIU. This unit has the following objectives:

• To assist patrol police officers with the identification of stolen agricultural equipment • Build a national picture of thefts of equipment • Maintain an accurate database of all stolen equipment • Work in partnership with auction sites and port authorities • Advise equipment manufacturers, owners and hirers on crime prevention tactics • Share intelligence with other Police Forces and agencies such as Interpol, SOCA and DVLA Thatcham’s Vehicle Security Research team works very closely with PANIU supplying technical backup and advice on theft MOs and the devices used to steal farm equipment.

This cooperation with all stakeholders enables PANIU to reduce and pinpoint where thefts are occurring.

“With the help of industry partners, we’ve made significant in-roads into the problem of construction plant and agricultural theft in recent years, however the key stakeholders continue to meet on a regular basis and we recognise that there’s no room for complacency if we are to stay ahead of the determined thief.” Mike Briggs, Security Research Manager, Thatcham Research Find out more about Thatcham’s work at PlantWorx, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on 1416th May

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Security

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Quad bikes stolen every month!

BBC Radio interview Automatrics to ask how they successfully reunite owners with stolen tractors and quads.

ractor and Quad Bike theft remains a constant worry to farmers and understandably so with recent figures detailing theft losses hitting £53 million in 2011. The theft figures were presented by NFU Mutual’s Mr. Tim Price at the ‘Preventing Crime in Rural Communities Conference’ held at the Royal Cornwall Show ground in Wadebridge on the 15th February 2013.

The Cornwall event followed a sister event at WestPoint Exeter Devon on the 1st February. Both events were attended by BBC local Radio and were organised by the Country Land Association (CLA) in cooperation with the NFU and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Big ticket items such as tractors with values of between £60-100K are specifically being targeted by professional gangs with 22 tractors recovered from Poland and beyond. Mr Barry Mudie from Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) has previously reported at last years ACPO rural crime conference that 886 Quads had been reported as stolen between Oct 2011 and Oct 2012 on the Police National Computer (PNC). More recently NFU Mutual is reporting a trend on the theft of the older model tractors which represent a somewhat easier target.

BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald interviewed Automatrics Managing Director Richard Taylor at WestPoint to evaluate how farmers could ensure vulnerable equipment could be recovered in the event of a theft.

Automatrics were on hand at both events to discuss theft recovery solutions with farmers and law enforcement officers. Fitz asked a series of probing questions live on air about the ALL new Automatrics Mtrack Thatcham Approved Theft Recovery device.

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Automatrics Mtrack device has been specifically designed to ensure recovery technologies remain ahead of ever intuitive criminals, and to additionally offer end users with a significant reduction in life ownership costs.

Automatrics have listened to customer needs, where battery powered theft recovery tracking is favoured but where ongoing battery replacements have sometimes raised concerns. The new Proactive product complies with ISO 14001 environmental standards and utilises the very latest compact rechargeable battery technology to ensure a truly covert installation. Owners simply recharge their Automatrics Mtrack Proactive device when required, providing a greater flexibility in customer preferred position reporting frequency with recharge intervals to suit. This new mtrack product range recently helped Automatrics win an OPERC Silver award at the Plant Equipment Manufactures Innovation Conference (PEMIC) presented at JCB VIP centre in Uttoxeter.

Richard summarized to listeners to consider the following theft recovery tracking attributes • Source Thatcham Approved devices • Consider Radio tracking as fallback technology in case the GPS signal is blocked • Consider battery powered tracking units which are more covert • Units must work outside UK • Consider tracker size and being waterproof, small robust devices can be more easily hidden • Must have an ability to recover from inside steel shipping containers • Should have a SIM card for international coverage with SMS and roaming enabled

Secure Your Assets with Automatrics Mtrack Earn 12.5% NFU Mutual Discount Call 01329 663812 www.mtrack.co.uk

Automatrics certainly discourage DIY tracking, as the Police response cannot be guaranteed as quite often they are called to locations which are out of date with unreliable data or PAYGO SIM cards disconnected. Fitz also asked about Farmers concerned with paying annual subscription fees, Richard explained that annual fees are part of the Insurance approval, the Insurers need to know devices are fit for purpose and have been approved

by Thatcham. In return, Insurers NFU Mutual give 12.5 % discount for the Automatrics Mtrack Theft recovery service, considered by many with its 98% recovery performance as the industry benchmark.

Automatrics Mtrack delivers a reliable means of equipment recovery in the event of theft, even in the most challenging of circumstances when equipment is hidden inside steel shipping containers prior to being exported out of the UK. Since 2006 mtrack has arguably delivered the greatest recovery success of any theft recovery tracking system on an international scale averaging between 95-98% performances. This

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* Complies with The British Insurance Industry’s Quality Assurance Process Product Quality Assured by Thatcham Motor and Insurance Repair Research Centre.

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| Security

Visionaire GPS Keep your equipment safe and secure. he high end tracking system from Visionaire has benefits over other systems which are often costing much more. The high quality hardware provides superior performance offering security together with historic movement activity over the last twelve months. The system records every trip the vehicle makes, start-stop times, route taken, speed, distance, engine run time and even driver behaviour. This information can be viewed easily from the Internet.

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“Other activities can also be monitored- PTO engagement and quad bike tilt alerts if the bike turns over are just two examples. The system is ideal for self propelled farm machinery, lorries, and 4wd trucks.”

The system can be configured to alert for unauthorized movement even if the vehicle is started with its own ignition key

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(85% of vehicles are stolen using their own key). You can also put a geo-fence around the protected area. In either situation the system will alert you if the vehicle moves unauthorised. Alerts are sent by email and text. If an alert is received you can look on the system and see where the vehicle is travelling to. This information is live and can be invaluable to the authorities in the recovery of the vehicle, often within a very short time. If the vehicle goes where it should not you will know about it at the time- not two days later when you open the barn door to find the vehicle has gone!

Other activities can also be monitored- PTO engagement and quad bike tilt alerts if the bike turns over are just two examples. The system is ideal for self propelled farm machinery, lorries, and 4wd trucks.

For the professional’s choice of GPS tracking systems call the UK distributor Carrotech on 0845 5775594 or email sales@carrotech.com www.carrotech.com

The heat is on: farmers need to stay vigilant FPS advises consumers to be on guard against oil theft. omestic oil theft is on the rise. That’s the message from FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) urging domestic oil consumers to be extra vigilant when it comes to safeguarding their supply.

The oil in your tank is now more valuable than ever before this, in turn, has led to a substantial increase in the theft of heating oil.

One look at the local newspapers will confirm that it’s a phenomenon that’s happening right across the country.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of oil theft. The FPS has the following advice for consumers: If your tank has a lid, fit locks.

Consumers with the ‘vent and fill’ design should fit the lockable cap designed to secure this type of container. Of course, locking your tank may prevent your supplier from filling your tank if you’re not at home, so make sure your supplier has a key or code for access.

Make sure your oil gauge is correctly attached and in good

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working order, so that you can monitor any discrepancies. A remote electronic oil level gauge can be purchased that will set off an alarm if the level falls suddenly.

If you belong to a neighbourhood watch scheme you can discuss this issue of oil theft with your group co-ordinator so that everyone of the scheme can be vigilant.

FPS Chief Executive, Mark Askew warned that consumers in rural areas may be at greater risk: “Consumers in isolated locations, especially with tanks sited near the road should be especially vigilant.

If you’re particularly concerned, consider relocating your tank to an area that is more secure, remembering to leave it accessible for deliveries. Fitting CCTV and/or security lights to monitor your tank can also go some way to deterring potential thieves.”

For further advice, contact your supplier, tank installation engineer or the FPS Technical Manager, Tony Brown, on 01565 631313.

Further help can also be found at www.oilsave.org.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Education

Differentiate your produce on quality to meet shifting customer demand Investing in the skills and professionalism of their staff can help livestock businesses to ensure they meet the growing customer demand for quality and transparency. s the horse meat crisis unfolds the key concern for farmers and suppliers who are adhering to current legislation is how can we differentiate our products to rebuild trust?

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“Lantra’s Professional Skills Framework can help farm businesses to focus on the skills needed to differentiate their business on the professionalism of their staff and the quality of their produce, whether that is livestock or crops.”

The shift in consumer confidence can already be seen, with small-scale butchers witnessing a 30% uplift in sales, as shoppers seek out locally sourced high quality meat (Q Guild, 2013).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that demand for fresh meat has

remained strong with growing demand for British beef (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, 2013).

Clearly it is not all doom and gloom. The crisis presents an opportunity for livestock businesses, explains Madge Moore, Lantra’s National Director for England: “The businesses which can evidence the skills and professionalism of their staff can use this to reassure customers that their products exceed regulatory requirements and conform to high standards.”

Being proactive is essential urges Madge, before adding: “Simple business tools are available which can help businesses to ensure that their staff are developed and trained in accordance with the latest best practice in terms of legislation and technical developments.”

Lantra’s Professional Skills Framework is a simple online tool which allows businesses to download inspection requirement

36 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

checklists and allocate responsibilities to staff members in relation to particular aspects of the inspection criteria. “A key feature of the tool is the ability to allocate job roles to individuals, be those industry specific jobs or bespoke jobs, highlighting which roles which require a certificate of competence or require training in accordance with regulation,” explains Madge.

As Agricultural Consultant with Harvey Hughes Ltd, Andrew Nicholas has been one of 300 agriculture businesses involved in piloting the online business tool and helping to refine it to meet the needs of employers: “The Professional Skills Framework addresses the need for businesses to identify skill requirements and ensure staff are developed and trained in line with changing regulatory and technical developments. This will undoubtedly have economic benefit to both businesses and staff” he explains.

Lantra’s Professional Skills Framework can help farm businesses to focus on the skills needed to differentiate their business on the professionalism of their staff and the quality of their produce, whether that is livestock or crops. By identifying gaps in learning and competence it can help employers build the professional standards, leadership and management skills needed to become a thriving business.

Lantra is currently working with trade associations and their members across 15 sectors to develop tailored solutions to support professionalism and skills development.

For more information on the professional standards frameworks being developed for agriculture and 15 other sectors visit www.lantra.co.uk/PSF, email toby.mckechnie@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 69 69 96.

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| Education

New training programme for woodfuel production SAC Consulting leads European Woodfuel Training Project.

AC Consulting (a Division of SRUC) is leading a project to help expand the European woodfuel sector by developing a new training programme for woodfuel production. The project will create a network of trainers who will deliver the course across Europe.

SAC Consulting is working with training providers Rural Development Initiatives and partners in France, Estonia, Turkey, Finland and Austria to deliver the ‘WETNet’ project. The partnership is enabling the UK to learn from the vast experience of established woodfuel sectors in some of the partner countries. The project is funded by the EU Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Transfer of Innovation

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Programme.

The training programme has been developed by looking at existing woodfuel training standards in all of the partner countries and carrying out a wide reaching consultation. The key skills required to produce quality woodchip or firewood, from forest to wood energy plant and all aspects of the supply chain in between, have been identified.

The course is aimed at the training needs of individuals working in woodfuel, or running a woodfuel business. The fist pilot of the course was held in France in November and a second pilot course will be held in Austria in February.

SAC Consulting Biomass Consultant Kate Hutchinson said:

“We’ll be holding a third and final pilot training course here in the UK in the Spring to help polish the content of the programme and we are keen to get a good representation of woodfuel trainers there from across the UK so we’d like to hear from anyone who’s interested in attending. Our next step to roll out an accredited version of the training programme to the woodfuel supply chain later this year.”

Will Richardson, of Rural Development Initiative, which runs the ignite woodfuel training courses, said: “Although we are starting to see real change in the biomass supply sector with fuel quality and reliability on the increase, there are still significant barriers in place to allow it to reach

its full potential. One of these barriers is a suitably skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will allow confidence to grow amongst users of biomass fuels.

The WETNet project is a significant step towards achieving this goal and we are delighted that the UK will be benefiting from the years of knowledge and experience developed by our European partners that we can apply to the sector over here.”

For more information or to contribute to the project, please contact Kate Hutchinson, SAC Consulting, kate.hutchinson@sac.co.uk (0131 535 3075) or Will Richardson, Rural Development Initiatives, will.richardson@ruraldevelopment. org.uk, 01765 609 355.

University of East Anglia to deliver £1.5 million agricultural training programme Farmers will be able to develop vital new skills in marketing and sustainable land management - thanks to a £1.5 million Defra-funded training programme led by the University of East Anglia.

he funding comes as part of a £20 million government business training scheme, announced recently by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

The aim of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) initiative is to bring the right skills and business knowledge to rural areas.

It is hoped that access to firstclass training in land management, supply chain and benchmarking and marketing will help rural businesses take up new opportunities and compete on a global scale.

UEA will use its share of the funding to provide as many as 6,000 people working in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors with access to subsidised training via its Centre for Contemporary Agriculture (CCA) LandSkills programme.

The national CCA Landskills programme is delivered by key organisations in English agri-food training including colleges, consultants and the Royal Agricultural Society. Its aim is to deliver cutting-edge training to

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help rural businesses prosper in the 21st century.

UEA plant scientist and CCA chair Prof John Turner said: “This award from Defra is a wonderful opportunity for UEA to combine its knowledge and resources with those of training partners in CCA LandSkills, to develop and improve skills in the English agricultural food production workforce.

“We will aim in particular to improve the competitiveness of the industry in an ever changing and increasingly challenging market.”

Announcing the funding Owen Paterson said: “Having the right skills to run a business is crucial if budding entrepreneurs want to be successful. For too long the needs of rural business people have been overlooked. Those days are now over. Businesses in the remotest parts of the country will now have access to the best training so they can grow and help our country to compete even more in the global race.”

As well as focusing on the business side of rural industries, the CCA LandSkills programme will also raise awareness about

environmental issues – to strike a sustainable balance between efficient production and looking after natural habitats, reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, and managing land responsibly for future generations.

Courses are delivered in conjunction with colleges including Easton College in Norfolk, Otley College in Suffolk, and Myerscough College near Preston.

Other partners include rural business consultants ADAS, the European Food and Farming Partnerships, Rural Renaissance and Kite Consulting, as well as marketing group Tastes of Anglia, rural chartered surveyors Smiths Gore, and the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

Mike Mack of Smiths Gore said: “This programme allows the farming sector to set the training agenda, empowering farmers to define their training needs and enabling them to be met.

“The programmes being delivered by CCA partners will provide training in some of the most important areas. Training in rural land management, supply

chain and benchmarking and marketing will enable rural business growth as people learn how to sustainably manage their land, identify how their products impact their supply chain and how to market new products and services to new customers and other businesses.”

Rob Bunn, supply chain manager at Yorkshire-based beef suppliers Dovecote Park, said "We are very pleased that Defra has issued a national training programme for farmers. Working with Smiths Gore and CCA LandSkills, we are currently exploring ways to support the farmers we work with across England in areas such as benchmarking and managing their soils."

The CCA Landskills training programme was launched in 2010 and the new funding will run until March 2014.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Finance

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| Tractors & Tyres

Deutz-Fahr Agrotron Series 7 TTV Packs a bigger punch for the larger farm. he new Deutz-Fahr Series 7 TTV range is targeted both at contractors and large scale farmers and offers tractors designed to provide generous power ratings combined with high levels of torque. As such, these tractors come in to their own when operating large cultivators and seed drills.

The range comprises three models: the 7210, 7230 and the 7250, the latter rated at a maximum of 263hp.

Power is provided by a new sixcylinder Deutz TCD 6.1 litres engine which features four valves per cylinder, centrally positioned injectors, a turbocharger, an intercooler and a waste gate along with DCR (Deutz Common Rail) high pressure fuel injection system operating at 2000 bar. Maximum rated power is delivered at an engine speed of 1900 rpm and the power remains virtually constant between 1600 rpm and 2100 rpm.

The TTV transmission is manufactured by ZF and is a tried and tested system which is

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universally respected for its design and reliability within the agricultural tractor manufacturing business. It provides a top speed of 60kph and, when travelling at 40kph, allows the engine to run at a fuel saving 1300rpm. Control is via a joystick which provides infinitely variable speed variations from zero through to its top speed.

For the pto, the 7210 TTV is equipped with a 540/540E/1000/1000E gearbox with mechanical selection, and the larger two models have 540E/1000/1000E speeds as standard with selection made using an electro-hydraulic clutch which also provides a soft start pick-up.

Particularly when pulling tillage equipment is an active wheel slip control which operates when the tractor slows down after the accelerator is released. It is a feature which also automatically engages four wheel drive and differential lock and is also designed to increase safety when transporting heavy loads on steep

gradients.

Braking is catered for by the PowerBrake and there is the electronic parking brake (EPB) which provides ‘smart’ braking in response to the load and data received from the active control of the TTV transmission.

In the hydraulic system maximum lift capacity for the rear linkage is 10,000kg, the control is handled by the tractor’s EHR electronic management system which offers functions which include quick soil engagement, oscillation damping for mounted implements, position selectable transport lock, lift height limiter, rate of drop control and maximum permissible wheel slip setting.

Front lift capacity for the optional front linkage is 4500kg.

There is a separate power steering pump rated at 44 litre/min.

To power auxiliary circuits and for the main hydraulic system there is a load sensing pump rated at 120 litres/min (165 litres/min can be specified) which feeds four double acting spool valves as standard and up to seven if requested.

There is a further option for two

Contact your local dealer: Day & Coles Ltd Unit 1-4 Enterprise Court Newton Close Park Farm Industrial Estate Wellingborough NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Fax: 01933 675858 www.mowerpro.co.uk

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spool valves to be fitted at the front of the tractor. All spool valves have timer and flow control functions and their operating levers and ports are colour coded.

The Series 7 TTV range’s new MaxiVision cab, which will be standard on all TTV Tier 4i tractors over 120hp, has all its key operating elements for engine control, driving, pto-functions and hydraulic control located on the new armrest along with the new joystick control For the cab itself, extensive use of glass provides good unrestricted views of proceedings and high quality of materials are used throughout the cab – not least in the seating department where the driver and his passenger can now enjoy even greater comfort.

Johnson Bros Greenway Lane, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 8ET Tel: 01328 863812 Fax: 01328 856276 www.johnson-bros.co.uk R.F Hayden The Workshop, Drayton House Farm Drayton St Leonard Nr. Wallingford, Oxon OX10 7BG Tel: 01865 891646 Fax: 01865 891674 www.rfhayden.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Sheep & Lambing

Real Real 0% 0 Zetor Finance and £750 Purchase Pu rcha Reward for Forterra HSX 140 G reat P Great Purchase Rewards on F or ter HSX 130 = £ 1,500 Forterra F or terr HSX 120 = £ 1,000 Forterra Further Further Purchase Purc Rewards available available for for other o models.**

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HAYWARD UNITED FARMES LTD (Suffolk)

LW Y LW YARNOLD ARNOLD LTD (Hereford & Worcestershire) Crif tens Farm, Upper Sapey, WR6 6E S Tel: 018 86 85 3637, Fax: 018 86 8 5 3512 w w w.zetor-dealer.co.uk

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SMITHFIELD TRACTORS SMITHFIELD TRACTORS (South Wales) Llanelwedd, Builth Well s, LD2 3SR Tel: 01982 5 5 3221, Fax: 01982 55204 8 w w w.smithfield-tractors.co.uk

MARRS O MARRS OF FM METHLICK ETHLICK (Aberdeenshire) School Brae Garage, Methlick, AB41 7DS Tel: 01651 806910, Fax: 01651 80691 w w w.marrsofmethlick.com

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TREBOR SON TREBOR JONES & S ON (North Wales) The Mount, Llanf yllin, SY22 5LE Tel: 01691 6 4 8 411, Fax: 01691 6 4 8163 hw w w.farmingmachiner ypow ys.co.uk

WHARFEDALE WHARFEDALE TRACTORS TRACTORS LTD (Yorkshire) Unit 1, Rif fa Business Park, L S21 2 XB Harrogate Road Tel: 0 1132 8 41117, Fax: 01132 8 4 3110 w w w.whar fedale-tractors.co.uk

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| Tractors & Tyres

Zetor: Never more desireable, never more affordable Zetor Forterra HSX is proving its reliability and fuel efficiency. etor’s flagship Forterra 140 HSX has never been more affordable thanks to a new finance deal from Zetor UK. All 140 HSX models ordered from February 2013 until the end of May 2013 will not only be eligible for a Purchase Reward of £750 in customer cashback, but buyers will also be able to borrow up to £30,000 at 0% finance on a 38-month payment profile, subject to approval. In a finance deal that’s unique in the UK tractor market, anyone needing to borrow more to finance their purchase can also access flat rates between 0.2% and 1.0% on balances between £32,000 and £40,000, again spread over 38 monthly payments.

Even after your Customers get their new Forterra 140 HSX home, they will continue to save money thanks to Zetor’s high-efficiency, 16-valve, high-torque engine. This 4.2-litre unit with mechanical fuel injection is effectively the same motor that produced an average fuel consumption figure of 283g/kWh when Germany’s leading agricultural association, DLG, and Profi magazine tested the Forterra 135 at the end of 2011. The figure, recorded during the DLG’s Powermix test that monitors the fuel used during a range of operational scenarios, showed the Forterra 135’s average fuel consumption was 5.7% better than the average result of all 61 tractors that had been tested at the time.

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For peace of mind, anyone buying a Forterra 140 HSX now gets a full two-year factory warranty as standard. This is not an insurancebased scheme, but Zetor’s ISO 9001-certified tractor plant standing firmly behind its products to guarantee them against component failure for a full 24 months. Customers that want to increase the warranty period can pay £1,000 for a third year and £2,000 for a fourth year (all prices subject to VAT).

With an updated chassis that features a

longer wheelbase for greater comfort and stability, and increased weight to match the power of the latest Zetor engines, the Forterra 140 HSX retains the traditional ruggedness and ease of servicing that the brand is renowned for, but combines this with the advanced control systems and operator comforts that today’s buyers expect.

To find out more about the Zetor tractor lineup, call 02476 363382 or visit www.zetor.co.uk

“The HSX is an all-round, compact, multipurpose tractor which fits in well with our system. It has certainly matched up to our expectations and it performs well alongside our other tractors.”

Customer, Co. Durham

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Buildings

42 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

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| Tractors & Tyres

The New Holland BigBaler’s outstanding design is recognised with the 2012 GOOD DESIGN™ award Productivity enhancing design and innovative styling coupled with outstanding productivity with up to 20% higher capacity and 5% increased density. ew Holland’s multi-award winning BigBaler large square baler range has received yet another prestigious accolade: the 2012 GOOD DESIGN™ award. This internationally renowned award was conferred on the BigBaler range by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies in recognition of its outstanding design and cuttingedge styling.

“This award recognises that New Holland’s distinctive design and styling are fundamental for efficient agriculture. From the hallmark sculpted side shields, to the single piece fully opening hood, the BigBaler represents the perfect distillation of New Holland’s harvesting spirit.” Stated Bob Hatz, Product Director of Hay & Forage and Crop Production at

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New Holland Agriculture. “The BigBaler has not only increased capacity by up to 20% and density by up to 5%, but it has also revolutionised large square baler styling: increasing productivity and enhancing the operator experience as never before."

Internationally awarded baling excellence This award cements the BigBaler’s segment-leading position on both sides of the Atlantic. The recent North American AE50 award focused on the BigBaler’s unsurpassed productivity and efficiency, with outputs as high as 110 bales/hour.

A sought-after Silver Innovation Medal was bestowed on the BigBaler by the jury from the Sima Exhibition, which will take place in Paris, France in February, the judges were particularly impressed by the outstanding safety features and its operator friendly design.

Industry leading baling productivity and efficiency The BigBaler is packed with a whole range of productivity enhancing features including the MaxiSweep™ pickup to ensure constant smooth feeding together with the SmartFill™ system, which guarantees uniform flake formation courtesy of a network of precision sensors. Advanced PLM systems, including ActiveWeigh™ on-the-go bale weighing technology will enhance yields and profitability.

The BigBaler range has offered the world’s large scale farmers and professional hay and forage and biomass contractors the ultimate in large square baling technology for over a quarter of a century.

Successive generations of New Holland large square balers have pioneered baling firsts which have now become industry standards such as double knot technology, electronic proportional density

control and the pre-compression chamber.

New Holland’s Centre of Harvesting Excellence The BigBaler is produced at New Holland’s Centre of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium where it benefits from the world’s most advanced harvesting expertise.

The World Class Manufacturing facility is home to both product management and development teams, together with the testing and manufacturing departments; this fully integrated model ensures close collaboration and continual dialogue to guarantee the peerless competitiveness, functionality and quality of the BigBaler.

To find out more about the BigBaler range, visit the dedicated website on www.newbigbaler.newholland.com

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Tractors & Tyres

Mitas showcase Super Flexion tyre For the first time in Europe, Mitas unveiled a Mitas Super Flexion Tyre (SFT) at SIMA, which is a major international agricultural exhibition. Mitas SFT tyres are made for high-horsepower tractors (>180 hp). o what makes Mitas tyres stand out from the crowd?

“Mitas’ Super Flexion Tyres compete with the Improved Flexion concept,” said Andrew Mabin, marketing and sales director.

“The SFT enables the flexibility of variable inflation pressure and optimal performance according to application. SFT is Mitas’ response to the compromised performance of one-pressure-for-all Improved Flexion tyres.

Original equipment manufacturers require each element of farm machinery to contribute to the overall performance, including tyres,” Mabin added.

“Mitas SFT draws on the performance of Continental SVT farm tyres,” said Mabin. “Mitas has been successfully manufacturing Continental agricultural tyres since 2004, under licence. The SFT concept will appeal to European original equipment manufacturers and farmers alike,” added Mabin.

“The hallmark of SFT is gentle groundhandling,” Mabin said. The SFT tyre on display is 900/60 R42. This tyre exerts a ground pressure reduced by 33% when compared with an IF tyre of the same size. The tyre on display has a contact area (flat plate) of 4,800 cm2 and nominal load of 8 tonnes.

The 900/60 R42 tyre is currently the largest and heaviest Mitas farm tyre. It weighs 426 kg and has a diameter of 2.15 m. Its recommended inflation pressure spans from

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0.8 to 2.8 bars depending on speed and load.

At SIMA, Mitas presented various tyre sizes that are going to extend its major tractor, combine and farm implement tyre lines, such as Continental CHO, SVT, HC70 and Mitas RD03, AC70T, AC85 and Agriterra 03. For example, the new 320/90 R54 Mitas AC85 increases the

number of sizes in the Mitas row-crop series to 17.

Mitas has been selling American-made SFT tyres in North America since summer 2012. The SFT tyre on display at SIMA has been manufactured in Europe.

Firestone: Farming efficiency Company enters sprayer market with Performer Row Crop. xpanding its strategy to provide farmers with tyres that improve farming efficiency, Firestone has launched the Performer Row Crop series.

The new tyres are designed to provide maximum efficiency in the field and on the raod through their high load-carrying capacity and high speed index, thereby enabling farmers to use large tanks and save time in spraying operations.

“Firestone concentrates on solutions that give farmers a more efficient and sustainable

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44 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

way of working, through savings in fuel consumption and working time” says Harald Van Ooteghem, Senior Manager Marketing Planning, Bridgestone Europe.

Firestone has carried this field efficiency through to the road, designing the new tyres with a high speed index. Combined with the Dual Angle Lug drive pattern, Performer Row Crop tyres allow farmers to drive fast in all ground conditions, resulting in further savings.

The tyres also demonstrate excellent accuracy, providing good ride comfort and steering

response, even at these higher speeds.

On display for the first time at the SIMA 2013 International Agri-Business Show is the Performer 270/95R48 Row Crop tyre. In order to meet all farmers’ sprayer needs, Firestone will expand the size line-up of Performer 85-90-95 series in the near future.

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Pests

Rodent control – protect your crop and your reputation with a professional With ever changing rules and regulations, isn’t it time you considered outsourcing your pest control requirements? f you use rodenticide on a regular basis you will have noticed that the labels on some products are changing. If you haven’t noticed labels changing it may be time to consider putting your pest control in the hands of a professional as they are aware of changing requirements, and are probably adapting their treatment strategies to cope with any new instructions.

Consulting the label is second nature to trained pest controllers; it was a requirement of the Control Of pesticide regulations. As the United Kingdom moves towards European legislation regarding pesticides (Biocidal Products Regulations) some rodenticide labels are changing drastically.

Recent consultations from the Health and Safety Executive to manage Environmental risks from rodenticides could further affect labels. For example, some rodenticides may become more restricted, with baiting only allowed ‘in and around buildings’.

If you do not monitor the product labels, you could effectively be

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breaking the law tomorrow using a method that is legal today.

It is not only essential to consider using a professional pest controller for legal reasons. You need to consider a professional for practical reasons as well. The wet weather throughout 2012 has helped displace rodent activity in a number of areas, putting farms food stores at risk from contamination and rodent damage. Rodents typically contaminate 10 times the product they consume, so if your crop has already been reduced it is essential that what remains is protected by a professional proactive pest control contract.

Last year’s wet weather may also cause additional issues with rodent activity this year that have not yet been fully considered. In typical years rat activity is subject to 2 controlling measures, the harvest of crop in autumn that removes their food source and cold temperatures during the winter months that help restrict pest numbers. However, the wet conditions in many areas have

46 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

resulted in crop remaining in the fields over the winter months, offering rats a food supply throughout the winter months.

Couple this with the lack of a sustained cold snap throughout winter, and we may be in for a bumper year for rats, if not for crops.

And don’t forget just how much damage a rodent can do to property as well as food and goods. Rodents continually growing incisor teeth require wearing down, leading to the rodent gnawing. Rodent gnawing, by squirrels as well as rats and mice, can be incredibly damaging to buildings and equipment,

leading to destruction and fire.

Only 4 weeks ago the BPCA reported on a firm in Southampton that lost 3 coaches and 3 minibuses due to a fire that was suspected to be the result of rodent gnawing. Don’t leave it to chance – use a professional.

If you cannot be sure that you can control rodents on your farms legally, economically and professional, take the safe option and use a professional who is a members of the leading trade body in the pest industry. Contact the British Pest Control Association on 01332 294288, or visit www.bpca.org.uk for details of members in your area.

N.I pest control scheme armers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take advantage of a pest control scheme run by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). The scheme will put farmers in touch with people who shoot so they can help reduce damage caused by pests.

Speaking during a recent meeting of the North West dairy group in Limavady, BASC NI director Tommy Mayne highlighted the benefits of the BASC/UFU Pest Control Scheme which has been in operation since August 2011. The pest control service is provided free of charge and has proved popular with members of both BASC and the UFU. Speaking after the meeting Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: “Shooting is the most effective way of reducing pest damage but some farmers have reported difficulty in making contact with reliable shooters. This scheme puts BASC NI members in touch with their local farmers who may be experiencing difficulties with pests. BASC members get access to new areas for shooting opportunities and farmers get much needed help with pests that are damaging crops, taking livestock and spreading disease.

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Farmers will also have peace of mind from knowing that BASC members are covered by the BASC insurance policy which covers both the shooter and the farmer.”

Since the scheme started BASC members have dealt with a range of pest problems across the province from feral pigeons in sheds to woodpigeons damaging crops and foxes taking poultry and newborn lambs.

Ian Marshall, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president, said: “Farmers have an ongoing problem with pest control on farms and this scheme provides a winwin situation for shooters and farmers. I would hope all BASC and UFU members will register as soon as possible to extend the scheme."

The pest control scheme is only available to BASC and UFU members. If you are a shooter but not a BASC member, phone 028 9260 5050, visit the BASC website: www.basc.org.uk or email: nire@basc.org.uk to join. Farmers who are not UFU members but want to take advantage of the scheme can join the UFU by phoning 028 9037 0222. BASC NI will put UFU members in touch with their closest registered BASC members.

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| Pests

Contact an accredited pest controller in your area

Fuminex Ltd YORKSHIRE 20 Carr Avenue, Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS25 6EG T: 01977 684002 M: 07968 739872 E: office@fuminex.co.uk W: www.fuminex.co.uk “Total solutions for all your pest problems”

Strathearn Pest Control SCOTLAND Cramond, Rectory Close, Crieff, Perth & Kinross PH7 3EA T: 01764 653958 M: 07801 987752 E: r.wilkie@strathearnpestcontrol.co.uk W: www.strathearnpestcontrol.co.uk “Professional pest solutions since 1979”

Positive Environmental Ltd WEST MIDLANDS The Perrys,Westmoor, Hereford, Herefordshire HR4 7HN T: 0800 9788934 M: 07530 843336 (24hrs) E: info@positive-environmental.co.uk W: www.positive-environmental.co.uk “Your local pest control services for the West Midlands”

Command Pest Control EAST ANGLIA Church Lane, Preston St Mary, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9NQ T: 01787 248049 E: sales@commandpestcontrol.co.uk “Quality without compromise since 1986”

Rutland Pest Control and Environmental Services EAST MIDLANDS The Old Piggery, Easton Lodge Farmyard, Wansford, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE8 6NP T: 01572 822175 M: 07767 321333 E: info@rutlandpestcontrol.co.uk W: rutland-pest-control.co.uk “All pest problems covered and preharvest grain store spraying specialist”

Killsect (Rodentkill) Pest Control Services YORKSHIRE Sunny Manse, Topham Ferry Lane, Sykehouse, Goole East Riding of Yorkshire DN14 9BQ M: 07969 693103 W: www.killsectpestcontrol.co.uk “Accredited CRRU Technician Solving agricultural pest problems across Yorkshire”

Conquer Pest Control NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Chestnut Lane, Barton in Fabis, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG11 0AE T: 0115 830735 E: enquiries@conquerpestcontrol.co.uk W: www.conquerpestcontrol.co.uk “Quality service to cater for Nottinghamshires farm pest problems”

DRE Pest Control CAMBRIDGESHIRE 19 Wallmans Lane, Swavesey, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB24 4QY T: 01954 230708 M: 07836 245670 E: info@drepestcontrol.co.uk W: www.drepestcontrol.co.uk “A local family company since 1974”

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Pests

Designed by farmers for farmers

Scare’m!

Protect your crops.

Safe and simple rabbit control. 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.

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 has been designed by farmers for farmers. Efficient in collapsing all sizes of tunnels and warrens, the

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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.

armers are very good at making things out of stuff we find around the farm and many of the home made bird scarers are very good, but with the added pressure our crops are under this year due to the adverse weather and the birds seaming to be so difficult to control it may now be the time to try professionally made reliable and effective bird scarer like the tried and tested Scare’m.

The self launching Scare’m is without doubt the leader in its field.

Not only is it the strongest and toughest on the market but it is designed by a farmer for farmers using only the highest quality materials. It quietly patrols your fields 24 hours a day. The Hawk protects even more acres than the standard kite. The hawk is very realistic and a natural deterrent to many birds from Pigeons and Rooks to Geese and Cormorants.

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Scarem comes in a complete kit and is so easy and quick to assemble and to move from one field to the next in a matter of minutes. It really works!

Scare’m is designed by a farmer for farmers through extensive self testing - About nine years ago John was having trouble with pigeons on his farm along with every other arable farmer in the country. “I have found since designing and using the Scare’m on my oil seed rape crop my yields have increased massively along with my profit margins and it is so easy to use and looks after itself allowing me time to get on with other jobs on the farm”.

Contact Scare’m! at Tawney Barn, Tawney Common, Nr Epping, Essex CM16 7PX Tel: 01992 524991 Mob. 07802 628011 or email: john@gallowayfarms.org website: www.scarem.co.uk

Plagued by rabbits & moles?

We could SAVE you £500* per acre for lost crops Remote control burrow blaster device successfully removes unwanted pest habitation for:

Rabbits Moles Rats A safe and reliable way of removing tunnel systems

Call for a free demonstration 0800 9801516 or 07956 850443.

Warrenater

Made in UK

ROBSON specialists. Highfields Farm, Stowting, Ashford, Kent TN25 6BG

*based on wheat price at time of print

48 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

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| Finance

Agriculture workers put financial security at risk without personal accident cover Novastris helps self-employed workers in the agriculture sector ensure an accident doesn’t put their home and family at risk. arming is one of the most respected jobs in the working world. Yet, in 2012, it was also branded the most dangerous job in Britain.

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the rate of major injury in the agriculture sector is one of the highest of all industries.* With a significant proportion of agricultural workers self-employed – and therefore without any immediate protection from an employer - it’s clear that an unexpected loss of earning due to accident or death could have a catastrophic effect on family finances. Loss of income could put the family home at risk if the rent or mortgage can’t be paid. It could also mean having to cut back on other essentials. Yet despite the risk, many agricultural workers don’t take out Personal Accident Insurance. novastris, the innovative new insurance provider, investigated why.

“Our research shows that many people working in agricultural

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professions find it difficult to access an insurance policy online that will give them immediate protection,” explained Steve Nickerson, Director, novastris. “If they do find a suitable service, because of the ‘high risk’ associated with their job they may need to be ‘referred’, making it harder for them to purchase insurance. With busy lives, if something’s not easy to buy it gets forgotten or left until later – which might be too late!

“With a large proportion of agricultural workers self-employed, we wanted to address this problem by giving workers access to a Personal Accident insurance policy that they can buy online instantly. And because it offers cover for many agricultural roles with no need for referral it means agricultural workers can obtain invaluable financial protection and support should they be unable to work for a period of time, due to accident or injury. Or, should the worst happen, their family are financially supported in the case of

Accidental Death.

The cost of a policy for a 28 year old self-employed farm worker would start at £2.44 per month, providing Accidental Death cover with a tax free cash lump sum payment of £10,000.

Optional extra benefits include: • Permanent total disablement • Extended disablement cover • Cover for home alterations to increase accessibility • Funeral expenses • Cover for dependants in the

event of the insured’s injury or death • Bereavement package to support immediate family members by covering the cost of counselling sessions “Our goal is to give agricultural workers financial protection that is easily accessible for themselves and their families at very little cost,” concluded Steve Nickerson. “novastris Personal Accident cover can be purchased online in a matter of minutes with only the highest risk professions requiring a referral.”

* Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/hs agriculture.htm - February 2013

Buildings cash cow truggling farmers have been handed a boost after new planning regulations were introduced that could see redundant farm buildings converted into cash cows.

The Government has just announced that new legislation due to come into force this spring will allow land owners to change the use of buildings from commercial use to residential use, and from agricultural use to commercial use much more easily.

Agricultural property experts at rural planning specialists Fisher German believe the announcement, by The Department for Communities and Local Government, will provide farmers with an opportunity to make the most of their assets during a difficult period for agriculture.

The new rules will allow farmers to maximise the potential of redundant or under-used agricultural buildings by converting them for use as offices and potentially retail outlets, leisure facilities or even restaurants.

The new regulations will only cover the change in the use of buildings while any external alterations or development such as a new access from the highway will still require the benefit of planning permission.

Gemma Field, planner at Fisher German, said: “The forthcoming changes to development rights for agricultural buildings are really good news for the sector.

“A lot of farmers are struggling to make ends meet in the current climate and this will provide them

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with another valuable opportunity to maximise their assets and increase income.

“Up until now changing the use of buildings has been a lengthy time-consuming, complicated and expensive process.

“The new system will represent a time and cost saving for applicants, with a prior approval application costing £80 with a decision period of 28 days, as opposed to a planning application which would cost £385 and have a decision period of eight weeks.

“The new rules will significantly reduce the number of hoops which farmers need to jump through and I’m sure it’s an avenue many will be exploring.”

Building conversions over a certain size, yet to be confirmed, will still need to be accompanied by a stringent prior-approval process. This will cover issues such as transport and highways, development in areas of flood risk, land contamination and safety hazard zones.

While the new proposals do not allow conversion from agricultural use straight to residential use, there could be scope for this by converting a building to office use, and then into residential use at a later date.

The new rights will initially be for a limited period of three years.

This will be reviewed towards the end of that period and they may then be enforced indefinitely.

Fisher German is nationally renowned for its work in rural property matters and has 14 offices throughout England.

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Finance

Cashflow warning for rural businesses The weather may have had more serious consequences for you than just the loss of crops. armers and rural businesses could be sleepwalking towards a cashflow crisis if they haven’t prioritised their financial forecasting, experts have warned.

Two years of extreme weather events, variable harvests and fluctuating commodity prices have created a situation where many business are likely to declare poor financial results on the back of previously strong profits.

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“You simply can’t plan retrospectively nowadays – the successful businesses are the ones who look as far forward as they can.”

And this, according to accounting experts, could lead to serious and in some cases terminal cashflow difficulties if it isn’t properly factored into longterm financial planning calculations.

Nick Holmes, Managing Partner at agricultural tax specialists Chavereys explained: “We have a situation where farming businesses have had mixed results for 2012-13. The lucky ones will generate decent profits on the back of that but the unlucky ones will already be feeling the pain– but all farmers are now looking at a potentially poor harvest for next year which is where the problems will be compounded or start to begin. Few farmers will enjoy two consistently strong harvests.

“Fundamentally all businesses should be reviewing, as a matter of urgency, what their position for the 2012/13 tax year is looking like and building it into their cashflow predictions.

“It is also vital that they are accurately forecasting forward for their 2013-14 tax position and even beyond, because there is real potential that any historical profit made might not be there in cashflow terms to meet their tax obligations.”

According to Nigel Parsons, MD of rural business software specialist Landmark Systems, the problem could be further compounded by the wider squeeze on bank lending.

He said: “Cashflow has always been an issue for farmers and it is something that most will keep a close eye on.

“However we could be heading towards a situation where reduced drilling areas, poor harvests and rising feed prices all combine to limit the amount of cash available to a business at a time when borrowing has never been tougher.

“In our view it is more important than ever for businesses to get their forecasting and reporting in order so that on the one hand they can take the necessary long term strategic decisions to manage their tax liabilities and on the other they have all the formal reports that the banks now require in order to approve lending should it be required.”

Nick Holmes added: “You simply can’t plan retrospectively nowadays – the successful businesses are the ones who look as far forward as they can.

“The Revenue is increasingly taking an interest in rural businesses and our advice is that it is worth investing in the right accounts management system because it will save money in the long run.

“Not only does it allow you to plan ahead more accurately but the banks and the authorities tend to be more understanding, during for example tax investigations, because they can see a business which is committed to good record-keeping is likely to be well run.”

More information on tax planning and accounts management software is available at www.landmarksystems.co.uk and www.chavereys.co.uk

50 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

Nationwide growth in renewables fuelled by increased lending Despite 2012 being the wettest year on record and delivering the worst UK crop for nearly 30 years the last 5 years have been largely successful for British Farmers. ince 2008 the value of the UK Agricultural industry has risen by 60% to £24 billion. Despite the overall good health of the industry, many farmers, in particular Dairy Farmers are under immense financial pressure, and seeking to diversify their incomes through Land Based Renewable Energies.

With developers eager to secure flat farmland with immediate access to the national grid, and renewables becoming progressively cost effective to install and maintain, UK farmers are well placed to generate an enormous amount of revenue from Wind Turbines, Solar Panelling and increasingly popular Biomass and Biogas installations.

The Renewable Energy team at Nationwide Corporate Finance have been working with farmer’s across the UK to help get more of these projects up and running in 2013. Having secured funding of over £4.3m in 2012 for similar projects they are well placed to offer the following advice to farmers interested in generating additional revenue streams from Land Based Renewables.

1 Research your Renewables – A mass of information is available online, but there are also a growing number of renewable energy demonstration farms where you can visit working installations, including Farmer of the year Steve Edmunds in Bridgewater. Careful planning and preparation early on can save you from disruption later on, and you may find that seeing the equipment in action will give you a few new ideas to consider.

2 Secure Suitable Funding – Last year over £25 million went to supporting renewable energy projects, so there is a huge pool of funding available, and many options for Farmers looking to fund their project. Renewable energy should be viewed as an investment, and it is important to find a financial service that is tax efficient, flexible and willing to develop a long term relationship with you.

3 Think Long Term – With long equipment life spans, maintenance and service options should not be overlooked. This is especially true in the case of Biomass

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installations, where equipment can last for 20 years or more. There are a wide range of schemes available with varying ownership options and maintenance packages.

Despite concerns from some quarters about the amount of the UK’s agricultural land being taken out of production, the diversification of farming revenues to this area looks set to continue, with the NFU estimating that the farming sector could be meeting up to 25% of the country’s renewable energy requirements in the future.

If you would like to know more about your options for funding a land based renewable energy project then the team at Buckinghamshire based Nationwide Corporate Finance are available on 01234 240 155 and can help you to find a suitable source of finance to begin making two livelihoods off the same land.

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| Energy

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Finance

Finance Update - Making the most of Government Initiatives Do you know how capital allowances can help grow your business? Terry Harvey, Head of Group Tax at Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC provides an insight into the changes in the Annual Investment Allowance for 2013. nderstanding how ever-changing government policies affect the day to day working businesses of the agricultural community nationwide is an arduous task. It is essential however, to the profitability of any organisation to have a firm handle on how you can maximise returns through utilising current opportunities.

Accountancy practices will advise on the best way to acquire assets to ensure that your money works in the most effective way, whilst providing the flexibility that you need. Unfortunately, more often than not, it’s only after an asset is acquired that your accountant will become involved. A significant level of understanding within an agricultural business is vital so that these benefits can be gained from the outset and the correct acquisition choices can be made.

What changes have been introduced and why?

As you may know, in an endeavour to stimulate capital spending in businesses, the Chancellor announced in his Autumn 2012 Statement that the Annual Investment Allowance for qualifying capital expenditure was to dramatically increase from £25,000 to £250,000 from 1st January 2013 and will be valid until 31st December 2014.

So, what is the Annual Investment Allowance?

The Annual Investment Allowance, more commonly referred to as AIA, gives businesses 100% up front tax relief for expenditure qualifying for capital allowances up to £250,000. The AIA is in addition to any other first year allowances that may arise, for example on environmentally beneficial assets.

What assets do I have to buy to claim the AIA relief?

Essentially purchases of plant, machinery and equipment (other than cars), that have been bought through outright purchase or using Hire Purchase or a similar ownership product.

Please note - Plant, machinery and equipment that is leased does not qualify for the AIA enhanced relief.

How much is it worth?

If you spend £340,000 in a year, £250,000 will get 100% AIA relief and the balance of £90,000 will get either standard 18% writing down allowances or the lower 8% if applicable.

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Terry Harvey, Head of Group Tax at Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC

For example, the purchase of 2 x Destoners @ £50,000 each.

About Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is a member of the Hitachi group of companies, one of the largest and most respected companies trading today.

Visit www.hitachicapital.co.uk

With AIA claimed this will give a £100,000 tax deduction in year 1, worth £20,000 at the current small company tax rate of 20%. Without AIA, capital allowances would be £18,000 (worth £3,600) in year 1 with smaller amounts each year thereafter.

In absolute cash terms the amount of tax relief available is the same under AIA as it is under ordinary capital allowances over the life of the asset. The difference is the acceleration in receiving tax relief under AIA compared to other capital allowances.

When comparing the capital allowances and tax relief available over the period of the asset ownership, we need to take account of the time value of money and the timing of tax relief. By making certain assumptions regarding disposal date, residual value and assuming borrowing rates are 8%; we can compare the impact of AIA with ordinary capital allowances.

The exact outcome will be different for each business, dependant on their own circumstances, but

52 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

in the example, tax relief under AIA has a net present value around 40% higher. In this example this is worth around £6,000 in today’s money based on the £100,000 spend.

This helps show why there are few reasons not to take advantage of the current generous AIA. Making use of the tax relief now is even more beneficial if the business is subject to the full or marginal rates of corporate tax, because it is anticipated those rates will fall over the next few years.

What is the date used to determine when expenditure occurred?

The date on which an unconditional obligation to buy the asset arose, will be the date used. For practical purposes this is likely to be the invoice date when buying the asset or, if significantly different, the date brought into use (e.g. for assets to be acquired under a ‘milestone contract’ where the ownership of the asset passes to the company as it is constructed but there is no unconditional obligation to pay until a certificate is issued to verify completion).

What happens when accounting periods cross with the change in the AIA amount?

If an accounting period crosses a change in the AIA, the maximum AIA is effectively time-apportioned by considering how much of the period fell before and after the change in the AIA amount. However, for expenditure incurred before the date the AIA was raised, the maximum is calculated as though the AIA had not been increased.

Points to consider AIA can be allocated to expenditure which would otherwise attract the lowest (8%) rate of capital allowances and generally it may be a good idea to allocate the AIA to this expenditure first.

So you may ask, what does this mean for me?

Essentially the AIA provides a way to discount the cost of new assets which can be used to help develop your business. The increased AIA allowances during 2013 and 2014 have been introduced to encourage local business growth and to provide a platform for investment. Additional information can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Founded in 1982, Hitachi Capital Business Finance provides Hire Purchase and leasing facilities for businesses across the UK, in transport, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and materials handling sectors, with additional expertise in block discounting and syndication services. Hitachi Capital Business Finance is a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, part of Hitachi Ltd, one of the world’s largest and most respected groups. Additional information about Hitachi Capital Business Finance is available at http://www.hitachicapital.co.uk

The above information and examples assume that all transactions are carried out on a commercial basis between unconnected third parties and that therefore the anti-avoidance rules will not apply. They are provided for information purposes only. Readers should refer to qualified accountants or tax advisers for advice in respect of their own business.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Finance

Rural Finance: helping you grow your business Putting the money where the need is. ural Finance Ltd is the leading and largest agriculutural broker in the UK. At Rural Finance Ltd we’re here to put the money where your need is. With a network of over 30 brokers throughout the UK we will ensure a local broker is available to visit you and serve your needs.

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“Bad workmen blame their tools, but good rural businesses depend upon theirs, and do all they can to get the most from them. Rural Finance Ltd can ensure that happens and continue to help your business grow!”

As getting finance is the foundation for every business, Rural Finance Ltd provides your business a bespoke tailored service offering you the best option to fit your requirements. We continue to preserve the competitive edge for all our customers with the fine relationships we have with the leading finance companies.

We may be at home in the country, but just like the modern rural entreprenuer, we thrive on change. So whatever piece of machinery you see when you peer over the hedgerow, its possibly that we financed it. And if we didn’t then we probably would do!. We can even finance equipment that you have purchased from auctions or privately from other farmers.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The list of assets we’ll back is endless, for rural and agricultural businesses, large and small, traditional and diversfied.

Of course not all your assets cost the same, last as long, nor pay for themselves all year round. At Rural Finance Ltd we can tailor the term and payments to your cash flow and have repayment arrangements that suit your business seasons. You can choose your facility from hire purchase, leasing, contract hire, mortgages and unsecured loans. It’s all part of the service of providing flexible solutions to meet the varied and changing finance requirements of your business.

Bad workmen blame their tools, but good rural businesses depend upon theirs, and do all they can to get the most from them. Rural Finance Ltd can ensure that happens and continue to help your business grow!.

Contact us to discuss your requirements: Tel: 01978 660360 visit www.ruralfinance.co.uk or email enquiries@rural-finance.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Machinery

Match making business The 'Basil' family grows Dealers work together to bolster services to farming and groundscare customers.

“Fork” the rubbish: brush up with the 'Basil'. nvicta Forks & Attachments are the largest manufacturer of Mechanical Fork Attachments in the UK stocking more than 25 product lines from Tipping Skips and Work Platforms through to Lifting Jibs and Drum Handling equipment to more specialised items such as Scissor Grabs and Fly Jibs.

The company has been manufacturing the Fork Mounted Sweeper for over 8 years, selling into Construction, Industrial and Farming applications with great success. At its launch it was given the name `The Basil` (as in Basil Brush) and customers soon embraced this name, asking for information on The Basil and not the Fork Mounted Sweeper.

As standard we supply in 3 sizes 1500, 1800 and 2450mm wide with 8 rows of Bristles, but recently we have developed the `V` Sweeper in 1500 and 2450mm widths with an additional 3 rows of Bristles in the `V` to add to the growing family. The advantage of the `V` Sweeper is that it can clear larger areas due to its larger gathering capacity when compared to the standard inline

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hen two businesses have similar interests but complementary skills, locations and product lines it often makes sense to work together.

And that is precisely the scenario that has brought together farm tractor sales and service dealer Hilton Machinery, based at Market Drayton, Shropshire and amenity equipment specialist Burrows Grass Machinery, located between Stafford and Cannock.

“By working with Burrows Grass Machinery, farming customers in the southern area of our territory will have a local source of McCormick parts and a workshop facility for servicing and repairs,” explains Julian Kearne of Hilton Machinery. “And as our sub-dealer for McCormick tractors supplied to the groundscare sector, customers will benefit from Burrows’ specialist knowledge and experience.”

Hilton Machinery was awarded the McCormick sales and service franchise for Staffordshire and parts of Shropshire and Cheshire in 2010, and upgraded its operation the following year by moving into new workshop, parts and retail premises in Market Drayton.

The company has successfully re-introduced the McCormick range into the area, partly thanks to the appeal of the four- and sixcylinder tractors but also by investing in product support. Last year, the company appointed senior service technician Eric Derry to add to the firm’s resources for workshop and onfarm repairs and maintenance.

“Eric lives near Cannock only 10 minutes away from Burrows in the southern part of our McCormick territory, so as part of our new arrangement we can pull a tractor into the workshops there for him to work on rather than shipping it across to Market Drayton,” notes Julian Kearne. “It

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means we can look after customers in that part of our territory more easily and efficiently.”

Customers in the area will also have access to a stock of McCormick parts held at the Burrows’ premises and can pickup urgent spares orders from there too.

“We have a reciprocal arrangement to supply our farming customers with the mowers and other small equipment sold by Burrows,” adds Julian Kearne.

“Our arrangement will benefit the customers of both businesses.”

The showroom, parts and workshop on the A34 at Bednall between Stafford and Cannock served as an International Harvester dealership for many years. Today, Burrows Grass Machinery, which is part of the Darlaston-based Rubery Owen Group, occupies the premises as a major supplier of professional groundscare equipment to local authorities, contractors and golf courses.

“We have a franchise that gives us compact tractors but there is increasing demand for sturdier 80120hp machines to handle bigger gang mowers and other vegetation control equipment,” says Clive Watton of Burrows. “The McCormick products in this power sector are ideal for our customers, who want a relatively simple, easy to drive tractor, that’s reliable and represents good value for money.”

The partnership has already resulted in Burrows supplying a pair of 92hp McCormick C-Max tractors to one of the largest groundscare contractors in the area. Cropper Grounds Maintenance provides diverse services to schools and commercial premises from its base in Fenton near Stoke-onTrent, majoring on grass and hedge cutting, landscaping, tree surgery and weed control.

54 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

design. However the standard inline can sweep to the left or right with the optional `Angle` bracket.

Recently shown at the LAMMA 2013 event, the 'V' Sweeper received the same fantastic response as at previous shows such as The Driffield and Great Yorkshire, generating much interest along with a number of orders to boot.

Michelle Donaldson, General Manager said: “Visitors to the stand stated that they had seen several other brushes but the Basil stood out from the rest in its construction design and finish which put it in a class of its own”.

For more information contact us on 0113 277 1222, visit www.invictaforks.co.uk or email sales@invictaforks.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

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

Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325

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

Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884

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

Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU Tel: 01829 749391 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

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Machinery

First three-point 10 rotor tedder on the market CLAAS has introduced the new VOLTO 1100, which is the world's first three-point linkage mounted 10 rotor tedder. It has a working width of 10.70 m and features the newly developed MAX SPREAD crop flow concept. he new VOLTO 1100 achieves significantly higher outputs and demonstrates a greatly improved spread pattern, but at the same time is also particularly gentle in the way it handles the crop, so keeping leaf shatter to a minimum.

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“When the new VOLTO 1100 was designed, great value was placed on robustness and low maintenance requirement.”

The tines on the new MAX SPREAD crop flow concept are angled at 29.3 degrees and designed so that at all times they are either facing or crosswise to the direction of travel. As a result, the new MAX FLOW concept enables the spreading arms to work 65% longer when aligned in the direction of travel. This results in an increase in the pick-up rate so enabling significantly higher working speeds.

By contrast, conventional tines act in opposition to the direction of travel for about half of the travel area, which limits forward speed.

In addition to providing an improved crop pick-up, because the angle of the tines means that the tines are always at right angles to the crop, the tines deflect backwards in the direction of the tine windings. As a result, unlike conventional tines, this means that the crop flows between the rotors in a straight line, creating greater space for the crop, so allowing for greater throughputs and gentle handling of the crop, which is aided by the fact that the VOLTO 1100 can be operated at a reduced PTO speed.

The crop flow concept also has a positive effect on crop spread and the rotors act rather like the discs on a fertiliser spreader, in that they achieve a wider and more even distribution of harvested material.

The new VOLTO 1100 is fitted with the hydropneumatic CLAAS CLK power drawbar. Spring-

56 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

loaded cones ensure that the machine runs smoothly, even at high working speeds, despite the working width of 10.70 m. In addition, the implement is automatically centred after cornering, preventing the tedder from grounding on undulating land.

For different crop conditions, the spreading angle can be adjusted between 16° and 12°, without the use of tools. To enable easy manoeuvring, the VOLTO 1100 can be fitted with a headland lift and a headland crop guard is also available as an option, which can be folded down hydraulically, where necessary.

When the new VOLTO 1100 was designed, great value was placed on robustness and low maintenance requirement. It is

equipped with innovative safety frames made of glass fibrereinforced Polyamide, is characterised by low weight and high stability, and reliably absorbs vibrations during use and transport.

The gearbox has continuous lubrication and is connected via massive square tubes. Power is transmitted between the rotors via the well proven, maintenance free drive concept. The round spreading arms are secured to the rotor plate and stabilised via an additional support ring. Five coil spreading tines are used to provide the necessary stability and flexibility and the rotors are carried by 6.5 or 8.5 inch impellers.

For further information call CLAAS on 01284 763100 or visit www.claas.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

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 Tractors Ltd - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 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.ukMarch 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Machinery

BoomTrac vs Blackgrass Anyone looking to update an existing sprayer should consider some form of automated boom height control system, say Northamptonshire arable farmer Joe Lee and his TAG agronomist Chris Page. oth believe the John Deere 840i trailed sprayer equipped with BoomTrac to be a crucial part of the farm’s weed control strategy, thanks to increased accuracy and consistency of herbicide application.

Joe Lee farms 800ha (2000ac) of arable land as part of a partnership with his father and uncle at Handley Park Farm near Towcester. Although the land varies from medium to heavy in places, most is a medium loam and the crop rotation is split into thirds, comprising winter wheat, spring barley and oilseed rape.

Maintaining a good level of weed control is crucial within the rotation, he believes. “We try hard to keep on top of grass weeds like blackgrass – it’s important not to get complacent, particularly as we have a three-part rotation.”

Blackgrass control usually involves what he describes as a “lot of glyphosate” coupled with a combination of cultural methods that encourage chitting.

“Previously we have been notorious locally for our high blackgrass levels, but due to improved chemical application and timing, since we’ve had this sprayer we are now hopefully turning the corner,” he says.

Joe Lee has had his John Deere 840i sprayer for two years, following an older 800 Series model that he ran for about six years, and was very pleased with, to the extent of recommending it to several other farmers in the area.

Equipped with a 4000-litre tank and 24m boom, the current model is also fitted with a suite of technology options that maximise effectiveness but minimise the cost of spraying, including Sectional Control automatic boom control of eight 3m sections and BoomTrac

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automatic boom height and tilt control. The sprayer is towed by a John Deere 6930 tractor equipped with AutoTrac automatic steering, and for more accurate application it is also fitted with angled TeeJet nozzles.

“Last autumn, we found that it was quite warm and that the air current would alter the degree at which spray would hit the target area, which is something the BoomTrac system alleviated straight away. It’s now a case of entering the target height, often 50cm depending on the nozzle being used, and you’re guaranteed this is the height the boom will remain, regardless of terrain or speed,” says Joe. “I consider boom height control to be equally as important as auto section control in boosting efficiency and accuracy. What the 840i gives you is complete peace

58 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

of mind that you are doing the job you set out to do.”

Boom height control is a quintessential tool for sprayer operators, agrees Chris Page, the farm’s TAG (The Arable Group) agronomist. “Hitting the right target areas and minimising losses to the environment are equally important, which is why maintaining the correct spraying height is crucial,” he says.

“Every droplet has to count. The importance of ensuring maximum efficiency from pre-emergence herbicide applications right through to products like Atlantis is also crucial. Otherwise poorer control can result, resistance to such products will build and we will be left with a reduced armoury against grass weeds.”

Boom control also allows operators to put their energy into other aspects of spray application,

he adds. “When you’re dealing with wider working widths, it’s critical to have more control over the whole boom and ensure boom stability when travelling at speeds of around 14kph.

“In 2012’s wet conditions, sprayers were sinking into damp ground regularly and I noticed that machines which could adjust their boom height quickly, and hence apply herbicides more consistently, gave far better weed control.

“I would maintain that it’s well worth specifying some degree of automatic boom height control on a new sprayer,” says Chris Page.

“Both for the operator’s peace of mind and for environmental protection, being able to ensure spray is consistently applied to the target area, regardless of the conditions, is essential.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

P & D ENGINEERING

TRP LIMITED

COOKS MIDLANDS LTD

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912 www.panddengineering.com

LEICESTERSHIRE Stanton under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 www.trp-scotland.co.uk

CRANWORTH FARM SERVICES

NORFOLK High Common, Cranworth, Thetford IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391 www.c-f-s.info

KEITH DAVIES AGRICULTURAL

YORKSHIRE HANDLERS LTD

CRAGGS OF CONDER GREEN

DAY & COLES AGRICULTURAL LTD

YORKSHIRE Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY Tel: 01904 489988 www.yorkshirehandlers.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE Hem Monor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840 www.keithdaviesagricultural.co.uk

LANCASHIRE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Thurnham Mill Buildings, Conder Green, Unit 1-4 Enterprise Court, Lancaster LA2 0BD Newton Close, Park Farm Ind.Est. Tel: 01524 751405 Wellingborough NN8 6UW | 59 March 2013 | Farming Monthly www.craggsofcondergreen.co.uk Tel: 01933 673900

| Groundcare

Keep estates and lawns under control with Kubota’s range of mowers and tractors For farms with large estates, gardens or lawns, finding the time to keep the lawns maintained can be difficult. y investing in a Kubota ride on mower, the time spent on cutting lawns can be kept to a minimum.

Now is a great time to think about investing in a Kubota ride on mower, as the company is running a generous springtime cashback offer. Purchasers of the highly efficient Kubota GR2120 will get £300 cashback, while £200 cash back is being offered on the agile GR1600 and T1800 ride on mowers.

All three of the ride-on mowers offer power and precision, with exceptional fuel efficiency to ensure longer working periods.

Users will also benefit from a range of performance enhancing features, including Kubota’s GlideCut system, which offers optimum efficiency levels when it comes to cutting and collecting.

The range also offers high torque, superior combustion capability and a heavy-duty shaft transmission system to deliver power smoothly to the HST. This maximises durability while

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minimising power levels, as well as significantly reducing both noise and vibration levels.

Manoeuvrability of the mowers is made simple with Kubota’s Glide Steer system. This is complemented by the 4WD feature, which allows users to easily access difficult areas, as well as effortlessly tackling hills and slopes.

Upkeep of lawns and grounds can also be made much simpler with a compact tractor and mowing attachment. For a versatile solution, Kubota’s BX2350 23HP compact tractor makes light work of even the most challenging jobs.

Its 3-cylinder indirect injected, liquid cooled diesel engine offers users a powerful machine, supported with important features such as HST transmission and independent mid and rear PTO, which is easily engaged and disengaged with a single operator lever.

The BX2350 incorporates a rear 3-point hitch and drawbar as standard, as well as two auxiliary

60 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

hydraulic valves. Its power steering ensures agile handling and improved efficiency. A range of mid mounted mowers can be used with the BX2350 with side discharge desks offering 48”, 54” or 60” cutting widths. A 48” rear discharge is also available, and can be quickly converted to a mulching deck.

The BX2350 also incorporates a front bucket that can be used for turning cuttings piles, which again may be useful for creating mulch.

The front loader can also be used for various ground works, while the tractor can be teamed with a range of other attachments such as a trailer.

The engine has been designed with reverse air flow to help reduce

the risk of overheating, as well as preventing grass from getting in the radiator grill and keeping the operator cooler.

Kubota’s range of ride on mowers and the BX2350 compact tractor both represent good value for money, coupled with low running costs. All of Kubota’s machines and equipment are reliable without compromising on performance, and are fully supported with aftersales services through the national network of Kubota’s specialist dealers.

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

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Forestry

New Holland, the Clean New Director to head Energy Leader, supports Forestry Commission tree planting in Niger England New Holland, in partnership with Tree-Nation, will plant 120 Moringa trees in Dosso, Niger.

Forestry Commission England has announced its new Director England who will take charge on 11th March. an Gambles, previously Director of National Infrastructure at the Planning Inspectorate, has experience from both the public and private sectors, including HM Treasury and as a management consultant. Ian's 12 years in consultancy were focused principally on developing and implementing strategy within the public sector. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Sir Harry Studholme, Forestry Commission Chair said: “I am delighted Ian is joining us at this exciting time. Ian’s wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, along with his excellent knowledge of Government, his energy and his enthusiasm will be a huge asset to the Forestry Commission over the coming years.”

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his is part of a larger project, which aims to plant over 50,000 trees this year in the county to combat desertification and climate change as well as helping to alleviate local poverty and malnutrition.

Each journalist who attends the New Holland Press Conference at the SIMA International Exhibition in Paris, France, will receive a bonsai tree – a symbol of the Moringa tree planted in their name in Dosso.

They will also be able to keep an eye on their tree’s progress, as they will be invited to join the TreeNation community and they will be regularly updated on their individual tree’s progress.

This initiative, financed by New Holland and in collaboration with Tree-Nation, is another example of the Clean Energy Leader strategy in action. New Holland is committed to sustainable farming practices, which enhance agricultural efficiency and productivity whilst respecting the environment.

By supporting tree planting, New Holland is not only contributing to reducing the global carbon footprint, the Moringa trees

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also support local communities.

Their leaves are highly nutritious and are a rich source of protein, vitamins A, B and C and contain more than four times the calcium of an equivalent quantity of milk.

They can also be used as cattle feed, and test results show, that when fed Moringa leaves, cattle gain more weight and milk output increases significantly.

Tree-Nation is the preeminent global social network, which is focused on reforestation projects and has received United Nations Environment Programme backing for its ‘Plant for the Planet’ Campaign.

To date, more than 100,000 individuals and over 200 companies have supported their projects. Tree-Nation has already planted more than 500,000 trees in projects across Africa and South America to fight climate change, deforestation and help local economies. Their objective for 2013 is to reach one million trees.

Visit www.thecleanenergyleader.com / www.tree-nation.com for more information.

Ian commented: “I am very pleased to come on board at such a pivotal time in the Forestry Commission’s history. I look forward to helping the organisation seize every opportunity to grow a stronger woodland culture, play a vital role in the growth of the green economy and enable people to enjoy their forests to the full.”

15% off until 15th March

62 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Suzuki ATVs: Looking after all your animals Never a better time to buy a Suzuki ATV. o help farmers cope with the cold and wet weather and get to grips with lambing season, Suzuki re-launched their 0% finance campaign.

Until 31st March 2013, business customers are able to receive 0% or low rate finance options when purchasing a brand new Suzuki ATV from a participating dealer.

This promotion is available on the Suzuki KingQuad range, which are perfect ATVs for the difficult conditions this time of year brings. The KingQuads feature fuel injection for consistent starting in all conditions, selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive for challenging terrain and load-lightening power steering on selected models.

Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB, stated, “Suzuki are pleased to be able to help customers financially in such an important, and often

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challenging, season. This promotion allows business customers to upgrade to a new Suzuki ATV, with less pressure placed on their finances.�

In addition to the 0% finance campaign, Suzuki is also offering customers a free branded workwear kit upon the purchase of a new Suzuki utility ATV. Customers can also take advantage of the courtesy ATV scheme, whereby a new Suzuki ATV is loaned to a customer when their utility ATV is taken to an authorised dealer for service or repair work.

For further information on Suzuki’s promotions, please visit suzuki-atv.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

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March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

New Honda Foreman signs in All-new TRX500 strengthens Honda ATV line up. onda (UK) has further strengthened its marketleading product offering with the the fifth generation of its heavy-duty ‘Foreman’ ATV. Two new models have be added to the Foreman family - TRX500FM (manual shift) and TRX500FE (electric shift) – and have both undergone a total redesign from the ground up, using an entirely different design procedure that places extensive customer feedback at the heart of the changes.

Taking the durability and performance for which Honda ATVs are famed, the new Foreman models now come with a raft of significant new features designed to improve rider experience, increase usability and meet the needs of the demanding utility market sector.

• redesigned engine – a sophisticated water-cooled, 475cc single-cylinder, OHV four-stroke engine with a higher compression ratio provides excellent ‘low down’ power - perfect for pulling away with heavier loads.

• new fuel injection system – featuring a 36mm throttle body

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that provides instant throttle response, consistent performance through the power range and trouble-free cold weather starting.

• new rear suspension – the combination of a new steel swingarm design and a single, high-quality shock absorber with 174mm travel enables wellcontrolled power delivery, as well as increased comfort, precision and work capability.

• adjustable pre-loading – both front and rear shocks are adjustable and pre-loadable, allowing the user to set personal preferences according to terrain and the task in hand.

The new Foreman has a different look and feel, too. All new body styling gives it a more purposeful and ‘open’ appearance and redesigned front/rear mudguards offer exceptional mud and splash protection. Improved steering geometry, new seat design, upgraded rider position and a smoother gear change all combine to offer a first-class rider experience that is considerably less fatiguing during prolonged use.

The TRX500 FM model is priced

64 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

at £6,715.00 ex VAT and the TRX500FE at £7,150.00 ex VAT and, as with all Honda ATVs, the new models come with a two-year warranty*.

Honda (UK) National Dealer Council representatives, Tom Taylor (Taylor ATV) and Tim Rochfort (Cleanacres Machinery Ltd.) offer the following opinions of the new Foreman: Tom Taylor: “In my opinion, the machine is very good indeed and it carries a lot more ‘punch’ than its predecessor. The most outstanding area of improvement is the increased power and torque.

The steering is more positive and the ride is far improved because the suspension is better.”

Tim Rochfort:“Significant improvements have been made to body work, rider position and comfort. The seat is softer, the steering lighter and it is a much cleaner and drier ride.

The single rear shock absorber offers a new level of comfort, control and stability that operators will really appreciate … without any of the “roll” that is more common to IRS. It’s much better for towing, too.

“In my view, it’s much easier to ride for a longer period of time something customers have been asking for.”

Phil Webb, Head of Power Equipment at Honda (UK) comments: “We didn’t want to simply add a few new bits to the old Foreman, we wanted a completely reworked machine featuring significant changes that people really wanted.

So, we undertook a comprehensive survey of customers and input their feedback into the design process and this exceptional new machine is as much a testimony to them as it is to our engineers and designers’ clever design. The Foreman has definitely evolved but will continue its heritage as a class-leading, heavy-duty ATV.” *subject to following the service schedule

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV About Honda’s ATV range Honda created the original All Terrain Vehicle back in the seventies, and today, Honda is the world’s leading ATV manufacturer. Offering the market’s most comprehensive range of All Terrain Vehicles including two-wheel and four-wheel drive options, the Honda Utility ATV Range offers a variety of transmission types, plus a huge choice of engine sizes ranging from 85.8cc to 675cc. www.honda.co.uk/atv

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| ATV

New ATV qualifications Operating these machines safely is paramount.

Farr too many opportunities to miss Have you thought about becoming a Farr ATV dealer?

s the leading Awarding Organisation in vocational qualifications, City & Guilds has launched two brand new qualifications for those who operate an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

These Level 2 Qualifications have been designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to operate the machines safely. Employers can comply with their Health & Safety requirements by asking to see the City & Guilds skill card, which all learners receive on successful completion of the qualification.

The latest statistics from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ‐ Fatal injuries in farming, forestry horticulture and associated industries 2010/11 show that transport (being run over or vehicle overturns) ‐ accounts for 26% of the fatalities. A number of these fatalities related to farming accidents using an ATV, but they could quite easily happen in any working environment where ATV’s are in operation.

Both the Level 2 Award in Sit Astride (Quad Bikes) and Level 2

A

Sit In ATV Handling, qualifications are practically assessed and the learner must answer one to one questions verbally with their Assessor. The qualification covers pre use checks, instrument and control recognition, safe driving and manoeuvring the vehicle on various types of terrain, including slopes.

City & Guilds has departed from their usual format of offering only independent assessment for ATV qualifications. For the fist time there is an integrated training and assessment version available, for Sit‐in ATV’s.

Jack Ward, CEO of Land Based Services said, ‘these qualifications have been designed to meet the needs of land based industries.

On completion of the training course learners are subject to a rigorous practical assessment, synonymous with City & Guilds’ robust quality assurance systems.

This ensures that successful learners are competent and safe’.

For further information on this qualification www.nptc.org.uk tel: 02476 857 300

66 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

ARR All-Terrain Vehicles have had a busy 2013 so far. With a successful showcase at LAMMA and a new depot opening in the Midlands, we have seen our dealership network grow throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

F

To find the nearest FARR AllTerrain Vehicle please visit our website www.farruk.com or call 0800 028 8818.

NEW DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NATIONWIDE!!!

Please call 07714 399 029 for further information.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Polaris are Kings of the Castle eckforton Castle in Cheshire, with its Land Rover Experience off-road course, was the snowy venue for this year’s Polaris Dealer Conference. Spread over two days at the end of January the heavy snowfalls of the previous week did not deter a turnout of 52 dealers, ninety six people in all, who made it to the venue. On the first day there was a full overview of Polaris Britain in 2012, which saw the company celebrating its 10th year as the UK subsidiary of Polaris inc.

“The reports for the year were all positive,” says Country Manager Phil Everett, “with ORV unit sales up 5.4%, PGA business up by 34%, overall revenue up by 17.8% and an operating profit up by an exceptional 43%. We have an industry-leading three full-time ORV Area Managers and have also appointed a new technical staff member to provide comprehensive support for all our dealers.” In his presentation Phil pointed out the rapid change in the market in the past three years with the Polaris Ranger taking 59% of the sales split in 2012. The castle setting and challenging 4x4 tracks were an ideal backdrop for

P

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

the launch of new Polaris models led by the Ranger XP900 which boasts 37 new features, the most important of which is the shift of the new, British designed, Prostar Twin EFI engine to behind the seat, reducing noise and heat. A direct outcome of extensive customer surveys which also led to an increased wheelbase, the improved ergonomics and the most progressive Polaris suspension to date. Other new additions to the Polaris line-up include the Ranger 800 Midsize with sporty EFI power and a top speed of 55mph, and the RZR 570 INTL also boasting many updates.

Comments on the meeting conclude that it was the best dealer conference to date and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ride out on the 2nd day. They found the presentations and seminars informative and extremely useful for their business, it was reported, and generally went away motivated and inspired for the year ahead with Polaris.

Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

Get more for your money with Isuzu Accessory packs boost value of hard-working Isuzu D-Max pick-up. he Isuzu D-Max Eiger pick-up, available from £18,499 (CVOTR), can now be specified with fully-fitted ‘Work’ or ‘Work Plus’ accessory packs, each saving buyers hundreds of pounds on the cost of the individual constituent parts.

The ‘Work’ pack, which includes a tow bar, a payload liner, front and rear rubber mats and waterproof front seat covers, now costs only £499 (+VAT), saving customers £346 (+VAT)

T

of very competitive contract hire deals.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “The Isuzu D-Max is a compelling proposition for fleet and private buyers alike and this offer makes our best-ever pick-up even better value for money. It is the perfect hardworking, everyday workhorse with the refinement and versatility for weekend family adventures. Isuzu enjoyed its highest-ever sales in 2012 thanks to the introduction of the

(CVOTR) for the range-topping Isuzu D-Max Utah Auto.

The double cab Isuzu D-Max Eiger comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, upgraded audio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning as standard.

All new Isuzu pick-ups are available with the company’s pioneering, five-year / 125,000-mile warranty. The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a reengineered super-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo

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

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.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

on the recommended retail price. The ‘Work Plus’ package adds super-tough, premium BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres and is available from £999 (+VAT), representing a saving of £411 (+VAT).

The Isuzu D-Max Eiger, part of the ‘Premium’ range of Isuzu pick-ups, is available on a range

68 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

D-Max in July and this offer demonstrates our commitment to providing further value for money.”

The Isuzu D-Max is available in three body styles – single, extended and double cab – with prices starting from £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level single cab 4x2 rising to £21,999

diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, while still returning fuel economy of 38.2 mpg (combined), and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

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

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

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

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

Sheaf Motors Derbyshire 01246 296969 www.sheafmotors.co.uk

Culverwell Cars East Sussex 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Redesigned Chevrolet Captiva SUV debut in Geneva Being widely acknowledged as the creator of the entire SUV segment with the Suburban in 1935, Chevrolet has more than 75 years of experience in designing great sport utility vehicles. At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the brand presents the restyled edition of its Captiva compact SUV in Europe for the first time. he new Captiva introduces several changes to the rear and front of the vehicle, including new LED tail lamps, angular chrome exhaust tips and a remodeled bumper. Up front, it sports a lower bumper, a new grill mesh as well as restyled foglamps. New 18-inch alloy wheels further enhance Captiva's road presence.

The Captiva will now feature keyless entry and start as standard on upper trims. Inside, the vehicle will boast fresh seat colours, new fabrics (upper specifications: leather seats), and restyled trims in the instrument panel. A dual-zone climate system, an ambient lighting package and heated rear seats provide even more comfort on select specifications.

Offering up to seven seats, along with additional convenience features, the restyled Captiva is a typical SUV for the family.

Chevrolet will up the ante even more by launching Trax this spring, its contender for the popular and fast-growing small

T

SUV segment. Trax will be available in front and all-wheeldrive configurations.

"With Captiva and Trax, Chevrolet will offer two very distinct SUVs in Europe, both featuring Chevrolet’s iconic design," says Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe.

"Trax combines the agility of a small car and the versatility of an SUV, making it perfect for today’s urban explorer. The larger and more powerful Captiva has a more upscale presence. Captiva is the ideal companion for those who want to have some adventure, but feel that they could do with more space, capability and that extra bit of convenience," Docherty added.

Trax sales to start in spring Trax is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in Europe as of spring this year. Chevrolet's new small SUV features an athletic, inspired styling, a choice of three fuelefficient engines and sporty, responsive ride characteristics.

The engine line-up will comprise a

140 hp (103 kW) 1.4L turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.6L petrol engine as well as a 1.7L diesel engine which produces 130 hp (96 kW). All manual transmission variants come with Start/Stop technology. Trax is offered in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Prices start from £15,495.

For more information visit www.chevrolet.co.uk

The new Peugeot 2008 Peugeot’s modern and stylish urban crossover. eugeot’s stunning new compact crossover – making its world debut in road-ready production trim – builds on the success of the popular supermini. With its perfect mix of contemporary styling, clean and efficient engines, plus a versatile cabin, it’s an exciting addition to the Brand’s already comprehensive line-up.

The 2008 is the latest expression of Peugeot’s renewed brand positioning on its move up market and clearly visible in the 208. The 2008 signals the Marque’s arrival in a highly competitive sector, pushing customers’ expectations to a new level. The car oozes desirability, with an athletic design, engaging driving experience, high levels of comfort and equipment, and outstanding quality in materials and finish.

Further enhancing Peugeot’s strategy of enhancing its crossover range to attract new customers, the 2008 is a truly global car. It addresses the increasing demands of customers around the world and is the first vehicle produced by the Marque which

P

70 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

has been designed, developed and engineered simultaneously by employees based in Europe, China and Latin America. Vehicles for Europe will be produced in the factory in Mulhouse, France.

The 2008 brings a new level of innovation to the B-segment by combining the expertise and experience of two acclaimed Peugeot vehicles; as a compact crossover, it blends the success and design of the award-winning 3008 with all the features, performance and state-of-the-art engines of the new 208 supermini.

With a characterful on-the-road presence, the 2008 is intended for young city-dwellers who love the urban environment but also enjoy escaping from it at every opportunity. In keeping with the dynamism of its profiled silhouette, power comes from the latest generation of low fuel consumption Peugeot engines.

With e-HDi diesel and threecylinder petrol technology, Peugeot's urban crossover stands out from the competition due to CO2 emissions starting at just 98g/km. Fuel economy can be as high as 61.8mpg.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Holdcroft Subaru Leek Road, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Tel: 0800 881 5546 holdcroftsubaru.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Peartree Cross, Ashburton, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ13 7RB Tel: 01364 652302 www.devon-subaru.co.uk

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

| Motors www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ289 a month.* Now available with an optional 180PS engine, automatic gearbox and BlueMotion Technology.

Pop into your local Van Centre today.

*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 180PS. 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.

72 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Abridge Van Centre.

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0844 412 8201 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Alan Day Van Centre.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0208 226 2032 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

Breeze Van Centre.

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QY Tel: 0844 412 8224 Search online for Volkswagen vans Breeze Poole.

Gilder Van Centre.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1XS. Tel: 0844 412 8264 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Gilder Van Centre (Newark).

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET. Tel: 0844 811 2417 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 0843 509 2833 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 0843 509 2836 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 0844 412 8904 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

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: 0844 412 8312 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Robinsons Van Centre.

Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4LX. Tel: 0844 412 8327 Search online for Volkswagen vans Robinsons.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff).

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff CF10 4BB. Tel: 0844 873 4690 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Cardiff.

Vindis Van Centre.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 0844 873 4683 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: 0844 412 8240 Search online for Volkswagen vans Peterborough.

Sinclair Van Centre (Swansea).

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 9GW. Tel: 0844 811 2986 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Swansea.

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 31st March 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers.

This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

Get your truck...you’ve pulled!

Great Wall Steed now certified for 2.5 tonne towing. he Great Wall Steed, the UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick up, has been newly certified in the UK to tow 2.5 tonnes unbraked, a significant 500kg increase over the original towing capacity based on tests conducted in China. The major uplift in towing capacity is the equivalent of hauling a further eight beaters in a shoot wagon or an extra Thoroughbred in a horse trailer, greatly enhancing the capabilities of the Steed as a workhorse for the rural pursuits sector.

The new tests, commissioned by Great Wall Motor Distributors (UK) Ltd and conducted by an independent team of engineers and consultants at the Millbrook Proving Ground, have been fully validated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

A series of exacting tests measured the Steed’s capabilities when towing increasingly heavy loads over different terrains and inclines at varying speeds. The new 2.5-tonne certification applies to all Great Wall Steed vehicles registered in the UK after 1 January 2013.

Great Wall Motor (UK) took the decision to have the vehicle independently tested in the UK after its own technical team indicated that the Steed outperformed the indicated Chinese towing parameters. In China, the vehicle’s domestic market, pick-ups are rarely used as tow vehicles so manufacturers typically do not explore a vehicle’s true maximum towing capability.

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“We were sure that the Great Wall Steed was able to tow more than its original homologation dictated, and so we decided to conduct our own tests and make it official,” explains Haydn Davies of Great Wall UK. “We’re very impressed with how the Steed performed during the test, its newly certified towing capacity of 2,500kg coupled with an already

impressive payload making it a stand-out model in a highly competitive segment.”

The Great Wall Steed boasts a maximum payload of 1,050kg and a spacious cargo bay measuring 1,380 x 1,460 x 480 mm (length, width, depth). It is available from a network of more than 50 official Great Wall dealerships, with prices starting from £13,998 CVOTR.

PUMP UP THE

VOLUME HOLDCROFT AND THE NV200.

PRACTICALLY GENIUS. Sound impossible? Just wait till you open the back doors and see for yourself. 4.2m3 of load capacity means bigger loads, IHZHU SLFNXSV DQG HYHQ TXLFNHU ÞQLVKHV And because it’s all in the footprint of a compact van, it’s even easier to park and get about town too. Now that’s more than practical, it’s practically genius.

Nissan. Innovation that excites.

LIST PRICE FROM £13,700+VAT

NV200 SE 1.5 dCi FROM

£169

+ VAT per month contract hire*

OUR PRICE FROM UÊ ÕiÌ Ì UÊ iVÌÀ VÊ7 ` ÜÃ UÊ,i>ÀÊ*>À }Ê > iÀ>

£9,495

+VAT

SAVE FROM £4,205+VAT

Book a test drive today Holdcroft Nissan Leek Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6AL Tel: 0800 881 5538 www.holdcroft.com *BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Contract Hire is available subject to status and conditions on eligible vehicles registered between 01/01/2013 and 28/03/2013. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Example based on 6+35 profi le, 10,000 miles per annum on a nonmaintained contract. Further charges may be made subject to mileage and condition. Excess mileage will be charged at 2.6 pence per mile (excluding VAT).

RAC cover, vehicle excise duty and 3 year/100,000 mile warranty included. Contract Hire Finance provided by Nissan Business Finance, a trading style of Arval UK Limited, Windmill Hill, Swindon SN5 6PE. Model shown is NV200 SE 1.5 dCi priced £13,970 exc. VAT and optional metallic paint at £350. Models subject to availability. Prices correct at the time of going to print. Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, The Rivers Offi ce Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS. Price excludes OTR charges of £270 for road fund licence and first registration fee.

74 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Auto Services Perth Ltd Perthshire Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

Brenwood Motor Co Fife Tel: 01592 655550 www.brenwood.co.uk

John Pease Motor Group Essex Tel: 01376 545540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk

Dow Storey County Durham Tel: 0191 3888261 www.dowstorey.co.uk

Furrows Shropshire Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk

Bob Gerard Ltd Leicestershire Tel: 0116 259 2224 www.bobgerard.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

G.C. Stanbury & Son Somerset Tel: 01398 323545 www.gcstanbury.co.uk

Stringfellows Trade Outlet Ltd Derbyshire Tel: 01773 741487 www.stringfellows-outlet.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Hepworth Motors West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 683172

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 75

FREELANDER 2

4HE CALM BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

With all the performance and reliability youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to expect, the latest Freelander 2 with a remodeled interior. Features such as touch-screen audio and phone, a redesign items, make the Freelander a pleasure to travel in.

Call us today to book a test drive.

Barretts - Ashford

'UY 3ALMON n +NUTSFORD

2OCAR -OORE

01233 506 070 www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01565 632 525 WWW GUYSALMON KNUTSFORD LANDROVER co.uk

01484 516016 www.rocarmoo

Barretts - Canterbury

,ANCASTER n 2EADING

(UNTERS $E

01227 475 475 www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

0118 404 0077 WWW LANCASTER READING LANDROVER CO UK

#HIPPERlELD n (ERTFORDSHIRE

#OLLIERS n %RDINGTON 7EST -IDLANDS (UNTERS n .O

01923 263 030 WWW CHIPPERlELD LANDROVER CO UK

08430 225 688 www.colliers.landrover.co.uk

08451 276 506 www.hunters.d

08451 236 726 www.hunters.n

"vwVÂ&#x2C6;>Â? Ă&#x2022;iÂ? Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2C6;}Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192; vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Ă&#x20AC;iiÂ?>Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC; Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;}i Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;ÂŤ} ­Â?Ă&#x2030;£ääÂ&#x17D;Â&#x201C;ÂŽ\ 1Ă&#x20AC;L {ä°{ ­Ă&#x2021;°äŽ q {Ă&#x2021;°£ ­Ă&#x2C6;°äŽ " 76 | Farming Monthly | March 2013 Ă&#x201C; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;\ÂŁnx q ÂŁxn }Ă&#x2030;Â&#x17D;Â&#x201C;° www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

2 sets new standards for driver and passenger comfort, ned centre console, and improved stowage for small

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01937 531 531 WWW ARMSTRONGMASSEY LANDROVER CO UK

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(ARTWELL /XFORD

#OPLEY n (ALIFAX

derby.landrover.co.uk

0844 324 1720 WWW HARTWELL OXFORD LANDROVER CO UK

01422 363 340 www.copley.landrover.co.uk

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$UCKWORTH n "OSTON

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norwich.landrover.co.uk

01205 722 110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.uk

08433 833530 www.kentdale.landrover.co.uk

L>Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;°x ­n°Ă&#x2021;ÂŽ q Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2122;°n ­Ă&#x2021;°£Ž Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;> 1Ă&#x20AC;L>Â&#x2DC; {n°Ă&#x2021; ­x°nÂŽ q xĂ&#x201C;°Ă&#x17D; ­x°{ÂŽ Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;i` www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

March 2013 | Farming Monthly | 77

| Motors

Land Rover demonstrate latest technical innovation The world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission revealed. y the time you read this, Land Rover will have demonstrated the latest in a long line of technical firsts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with the announcement of the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car. The ZF 9HP transmission is specifically designed for transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.

Land Rover is the lead partner on the project, working together with ZF which is widely recognised as the world leader in transmission technology.

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“The small package space is achieved by a number of innovative design features.”

Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine gives significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

Smaller ratio steps give improved response during acceleration, improved shift quality, drive and refinement. The higher top gear not only reduces fuel consumption but the lower engine revs improve comfort and reduce noise when cruising at high speed.

The 9HP is extremely robust and perfectly complements Land Rover’s rugged all-terrain ability whilst delivering exceptionally high levels of refinement and efficiency.

The lowest ratio in the 9HP is far lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is specifically designed for off-road use, towing and more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude, giving the driver a heightened sense of control.

With extremely fast gear changes described by ZF as being; ‘below the threshold of perception’, the 9HP is not only highly responsive but versatile too.

Whereas the existing six-speed transmission makes shifts sequentially, the 9HP has a skipshift function for much swifter downshifting under rapid

78 | Farming Monthly | March 2013

deceleration or from greater driver input demands. The torque converter incorporates a multistage damper system for smoother pulling away and improved refinement.

“We are extremely excited about the 9HP which has been tailored exactly to dovetail with the unique attributes of our vehicles. It will add another layer of performance, refinement and efficiency, further enhancing Land Rover’s world class abilities,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The innovative adaptive shifting system matches the driver’s mood within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving then slipping seamlessly into a more economical regime just as quickly when taking a more relaxed approach. Curve Mode, longitudinal acceleration and pedal position all control upshift prevention.

Fast-Off mode measures the rate of throttle release, anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds the gear if necessary. If the driver requests a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast, the transmission will remember the request and make the shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level.

The 9HP is a masterpiece of packaging and despite the extra three gear ratios is only 6mm longer and weighs 7.5kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The small package space is achieved by a number of innovative design features including a new hydraulic vanetype pump, which also contributes to improved efficiency, two patented dog clutches replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and an Intelligently Nested gear set.

Land Rover was chosen by ZF, one of the world’s most technically advanced transmission manufacturers, to be the lead partner on the 9HP and Land Rover engineers have worked in partnership with ZF engineers to jointly develop the transmission to suit the brand. The Land Rover transmission engineering team is already extremely experienced in engineering ZF products to suit Land Rover vehicles having integrated the 8HP with the Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport. The 9HP is produced at ZF’s Gray Court facility in South Carolina.

Further info from www.landrover.com

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