May 2019 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Cereals: The arable event 12th & 13th June 2019 page 20

Farming

MONTHLY National

May 2019

Also in this issue...

Security

| NFU and TRACKER tackle agricultural crime head on page 32

A future without rodenticides?

Also inside this month..

Preliminary results from European project suggest it’s a possibility.. page 10

New Polaris Ranger Diesel p50

AD: The future of UK farming? p36

Flytipping epidemic continues p09

PLUS: Arable | Livestock| Grain | Security | Irrigation | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS May 2019

FEATURES 09

19

12 Arable Tough conditions for weed control in UK Spring Barley crops

14 Grain

30

30 Irrigation

37

33 Livestock

Dry weather drives water savvy farming

31 Feature

Beef Expo 2019

44 Shows

N8 Agrifood Open Day

Upcoming shows and events

Pests on farms and in grain stores, Hybrid wheats

19 Finance Financing growth

20 Cereals Cereals 2019 preview

REGULARS 06 News Sustainable grazing idea wins award

24 ScotGrass ScotGrass 2019

10 On Topic A future without rodenticides

28 Slurry Easing slurry storage issues

20 Energy Latest energy news

04 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

38 Machinery Latest machinery news

49 ATV ATV news...covered.

54 Motors Latest motors news

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50

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com

A future without rodenticides

p10

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

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Former Gurkha wins prestigious award for sustainable grazing idea A former army Captain has won this year’s Pinnacle Award for entrepreneurship in farming, with his plan to offer outsourced cattle grazing services. lex Crawley, who recently gained the Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) Graduate Diploma in Agriculture, claimed the £2,000 prize at the competition run by The Farmers Club and consultancy ADAS. The Pinnacle Awards, sponsored by the Cave Foundation, present the Nickerson Cup to the best new idea from the UK’s top farm business management students. Key criteria are precise project reports and a

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strong business case, backed by robust financial analysis.

The eight finalists attended a judging day at The Farmers Club in central London, including a probing interview panel and a 10minute presentation to a room of fellow contestants, lecturers and judges asking questions from the floor.

Alex’s Grazing Management business idea beat competition from universities including Harper Adams and Nottingham.

His plan spots an emerging market for the grant-funded ‘hoofpowered’ restoration of rare

06 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

species grassland through grazing, mixed with sales of ‘wildflower fed’ premium beef. The project is aimed at meeting the needs of public bodies (like the MOD), for out-sourced grazing of large areas of low productivity grassland, offering full compliance with conservation scheme rules, environmental regulations, public access and TB movement restrictions.

Judges cited his “Excellent outof-the-box thinking, consideration of key personnel, problem solving, communication skills and financial planning.”

Asked what may have given his idea the edge, Alex, 36, who lives in Cirencester, said: “In their feedback, the judges said they liked the strategic long term vision, the level of detail and the determination to make a go of it.”

Alex who served in Afghanistan and is currently working in the Civil Service added: “The military taught us to plan in real detail, look at the worst case scenarios and plan to mitigate them, which seemed to appeal to the judges.

“I think the agricultural sector has such a huge range; you can be dealing with genetics, global economics, ecology, ethics, business and biology all in the same morning.”

Encouraging others to choose

his course Alex said: “The RAU has a focus on real world business that runs through its core. At every turn we looked at the financial realities rather than just carrying out a purely academic exercise.

We were also given plenty of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to plan our entrepreneurial approaches.

“There are some great lecturers and the small campus gives it more of a big family feel. This meant I was able to go to them and talk about all kinds of ideas and ask for advice with national experts.”

Alex also met guest of honour, Deborah Flint who - with her husband Neil - runs the hugely successful Cinderhill Farm above the River Wye, in Lydney, Gloucestershire. The couple produce artisanal sausage rolls and pies using home-grown native breed pigs and wild boar.

Tony Turner, Pinnacle Judge and ADAS Senior Business Consultant said of the competition: “It was interesting to see how much innovation was on show, driven maybe by the uncertain political climate and difficulties assessing where the industry will be five years from now.”

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| News

Is your machinery ready for harvest? Get prepared to avoid untimely breakdowns Did you know that 10% of all breakdowns in the field are due to not enough or the wrong type of oil in vehicles and machinery? Everyone has stories of something breaking down at the wrong time meaning down time in the field and costly service or repair costs. ts that time of year to ensure that all your machinery, tractors, loaders, teleporters and combines are all serviced, and topped up with greases, coolants, engine and hydraulic oils to be ready and reliable for the arduous months ahead.

Using quality lubricants extend the life of your machinery, help with fuel economy in engines, offer rust prevention and avoid water penetration whilst also ensuring all the working parts work to their maximum capacity without wear and tear.

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Trading since 1921, Witham Group offers the whole range of farm and workshop products with technical support and back up 5 days a week.

One company that is able to offer all your requirements under one roof is the Witham Group, long standing agricultural specialists with a popular online shop or trade account service. Trading since 1921, Witham Group

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offers the whole range of farm and workshop products with technical support and back up 5 days a week.

In addition they offer a handy online lubricant finder to ensure that your machinery fleet is using the right oil by simply putting your vehicle type in a search box and the results of all the lubricants, approved by the OEMS) comes up with the correct approval recommendations for use.

Witham can also provide bulk storage tanks for workshops and garages to help store bulk quantities of your most used oil safely and clearly in colour coded tanks which also helps on price when ordering in bulk.  Engines – ensure all your vehicles have the correct recommended oil and you have plenty in stock for top-up’s & engine hour changes  Hydraulic – hydrostatic drives on combines & hydraulics on loaders, forklifts etc  Back End / Transmission Oils – Keep those tractor transmissions and wet brakes lubricated.  Grease – and Grease Guns all joints nuts and bolts…for every day jobs, anti- seize protection and food grade greases

 Chain Oils for all your horticultural forestry and bailers  Coolants – keep your engines cool and temperatures stable during the hot hours of work - fingers crossed for a warm, dry harvest but you don’t want to over heat  Maintenance Sprays – for day to day rust protection and keeping smaller parts moving  Hand cleaners – for the end of those busy days – professional scrubs to softer care easy pump ranges  Spill Kits – just in case …??!!  Fence and Barn Paint – to ensure the farm is looking ship shape and all your external wood is protected from the heat and insect attack

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

AB Sugar – the first sugar company to launch global call for ideas to tackle irrigation water loss AB Sugar, in partnership with WaterAid and the Centre for Industrial Sustainability at the University of Cambridge, has announced a worldwide initiative to generate new ideas to reduce water losses from irrigation in sugar, and beyond.

B Sugar is committed to reducing its environmental footprint; water and energy are the most vital resources for all its businesses and each are increasingly under risk in a world facing climate change, population rises and increasing constraints and depletion of natural resources The Innovate Irrigation Challenge seeks to bring people together from across the globe to stimulate new ideas that can have a positive impact on the future of sustainable agriculture by approaching different ways to reduce water losses The Innovate Irrigation Challenge seeks to bring together people from across the globe to share their ideas on how to solve the challenge of water loss in agriculture. All entries are to be submitted in a 48-hour period during the 19 and 20 June 2019 online at www.absugar.com/innovateirrigation. This is the first-time we are aware that any sugar business has launched such an initiative, after AB Sugar became the first sugar business to launch its 2030 Group-wide commitments in April 2018.

An expert panel of judges will select a winner, who will have the opportunity to potentially work with AB Sugar and its partners to test the viability of their idea in the field.

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With the increasing threat posed by the depletion of water resources, the organisations involved in developing this pilot initiative trust the Challenge will help stimulate new ideas.

Katharine Teague, Head of Advocacy from AB Sugar said: “We are all witnessing the ever-increasing pressure on water resources. We see this day in and day out in our businesses across the world – which is why we have already signalled our global commitment to reduce our end-toend supply chain water and CO2 footprints by 30% by 2030.

“Making sugar is water intensive and we are continually taking steps to conserve it by improving our water efficiency per tonne of sugar produced and driving water stewardship by using less drop per crop. However, there is always more we can do to further improve this at our plants located in challenging environments and climates. Our ambition with this Challenge is to encourage idea generation that could help solve one of the trickiest issues not only in sugar, but also in global agriculture as a whole”.

Virginia Newton-Lewis, Senior Policy Analyst at WaterAid, said: “A staggering 844 million people in the world don’t have access to clean water close to home and there is the real risk that climate change

could threaten scarce water resources, so it’s vital that we explore ways to boost the amount of water available for people who need it most.

One way of doing this is by finding new techniques to reduce water use and reuse wastewater in agriculture.

“WaterAid is excited to support AB Sugar’s The Innovate Irrigation Challenge. Together, we can work towards a world where everyone everywhere has access to clean water for their basic needs.”

Professor Steve Evans, Director of the Centre for Industrial Sustainability at the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing, said: “Reducing water loss from irrigation in agriculture is no mean feat and the existing tools that farmers have at their disposal are unlikely to be sufficient. That means we need new ideas from bright and passionate people to help us solve this problem. We are delighted to be part of this initiative and are looking forward to seeing the innovations put forward.”

People who are interested in finding out more about The Innovate Irrigation Challenge can visit www.absugar.com/innovateIrrigation.

They can also join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #InnovateIrrigation.

Registration for the event will officially open on 28 May 2019.

New proposals to boost security for tenanted farmers 12 week consultations launched in England and Wales to seek views on reforms to agricultural tenancy legislation. lans to modernise and update agricultural tenancy legislation have been published as part of a public consultation and call for evidence.

The proposals build on the work of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG), which has provided advice on the key policy priorities for the tenanted sector as we leave the EU. The consultations in England and Wales set out proposals to remove existing barriers to productivity improvements and help bring about structural change, improving the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the tenant farming sector.

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“We face a period of significant change across the whole farming industry to which both landlords and tenants must be in a position to adapt over the course of the next few years and beyond” The options that are being explored include: Enabling tenants of Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) agreements to hand over their lease to

08 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

new tenant farmers on their retirement, encouraging earlier succession planning.

Incentivising more landlords to let new Farm Business Tenancies of 10 years or more, giving tenants greater security to invest and grow a sustainable businesses.

Removing barriers which may currently disincentivise landlords and tenants from investing and making improvements to their AHA rented holdings. For example, there is currently the risk that agreed tenant interest payments made on investments can be lost during the rent review process.

As the existing legislation on agricultural tenancy applies to England and Wales, two consultations will run for 12 weeks in both countries.

Farming Minister Robert Goodwill said: “We are seeking views on how we can open up more opportunities for the next wave of tenant farmers, breathe new life into the sector and step up farming productivity.

“We are exploring a number of options to reboot the sector, such as encouraging earlier succession planning and having more flexibility in current tenancy agreements.

“The policy framework for agricultural tenancies needs to be fit for the future, and I welcome all views on the proposals set out in

this consultation.”

Views will be sought from farmers in tenancy agreements, agricultural landlords and the organisations which represent these groups, as well as professional advisers and financial organisations in the sector.

The Government is also seeking to gather evidence on mortgage restrictions and repossession protections for farmland to better understand any issues that exist in this area.

Julian Sayers, Chairman of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) said: “The cross industry Group has worked closely with Defra to identify further legislative and other measures which will hopefully help to maintain and invigorate the tenanted sector.

“We face a period of significant change across the whole farming industry to which both landlords and tenants must be in a position to adapt over the course of the next few years and beyond.

“I therefore encourage all those with an interest in land tenure, which has such an important part to play in the future of many of our agricultural business, to respond to the consultation.”

The deadline for responses is 2 July 2019.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Flytipping epidemic continues Flytipping is ‘tightening the financial squeeze’ on farmers, says agricultural expert, as latest dumped waste figures revealed. ore than 3,000 agricultural flytipping incidents were reported to England’s councils last year – but a farming expert warns that this is just the “tip of the iceberg”.

A total of 3,274 flytipping incidents were reported on agricultural land last year, according to the latest flytipping stats from Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

But Will Kendrick, of Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers (FMIB), said that true scale of flytipping on England’s farmland is not reflected in the figures, as the DEFRA statistics excludes the majority of private-land incidents.

Farmers who fall prey to this crime are having to shoulder the burden, responsible for meeting the cost of clearing rubbish from their land themselves – at an average cost of £1,000 per incident. They are also liable if the dumped rubbish damages the countryside.

Kendrick said: “Flytipping is a blight on our countryside, but dumped waste is not only visually impactful and a nuisance – it can be a source of pollution and cause harm to humans, animals and the environment.

“This year’s DEFRA figures show that it is not only everyday household waste that gets dumped by flytippers – thousands of incidents involve asbestos, clinical waste and chemical and fuel waste.

“So, farmers are not only have to fork out for

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clean-up costs but also have to worry about the danger it poses to themselves, their workers, their animals and their land.

“These flytippers, both thoughtless individuals and unscrupulous ‘waste businesses’, don’t care that their irresponsible actions could lead to farmers being prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

“Innocent farmers have the choice of footing the clean-up bill or facing significant fines for not dealing with someone else’s mess.”

Kendrick stressed the importance of having sufficient protection for farming businesses, particularly in the case of repeat offences.

Many combined farm insurance policies cover the cost of flytipping – generally around £5,000 per incident and capped at £15,000.

“In our experience, there is a reluctant acceptance by farmers that flytipping it is part of their everyday lives, and they quietly deal with incidents, without making a claim,” he added.

“But if farmers are unfortunate enough to have a flytipping ‘hotspot’ on their land, costs soon tot up and their business could be put in jeopardy.

“Incomes in the farming sector are forecast to drop this year, due largely to the volatile weather, including last summer’s drought.

Flytipping only tightens this financial squeeze.”

Kendrick outlined a number of ways in which farmers can help protect themselves against flytippers.

“Be vigilant, communicate with neighbours and report suspicious vehicles to the authorities,” he said.

“Consult with your insurance broker to see what cover is afforded to you in the event of an incident.

“Deter would-be flytippers by ensuring that fields, particularly those which are roadside, are gated and locked where possible.

“If you fall victim to a flytipping incident, be cautious, as the waste could be hazardous.

Record as much detail as possible, take photos and report the incident to your local council.

“If the problem persists, consider setting up security lights and a camera. This will help provide crucial evidence should the council decide to investigate.

“Finally, and most importantly, make sure that any rubbish dumped on your land is disposed of properly and, if required, use a reputable, registered waste company to help with disposal. By failing to remove the waste or moving it on to public land, you will leave yourself open to prosecution and could face fines of tens of thousands of pounds.”

To find out more about Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers or obtain further information about farm insurance, visit fandmgroup.co.uk/ or call 01604 782 782

A new threat to rural housing?

Finding affordable rural housing is likely to be more difficult under new Government proposals to change the law on residential tenancies in England, warns the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). or almost 40 years, houses have been let with the confidence that, once any agreed term has expired, the house can stay let and the owner can recover possession when needed with only two months’ notice. It doesn’t matter whether they need the house for family use, to sell or because of problems with the tenant; the landlord has not had to give a reason and so not face possibly lengthy and expensive court proceedings, says Kate Russell, policy and technical adviser at the CAAV. “That has given the confidence for a huge expansion of the private rented sector, which has been especially important in rural areas where housing is often more expensive to buy.”

However, the Government has now published proposals for new legislation which would change the owner’s rights so that they would only be able to recover possession for a limited number of reasons. These might have to be proven in court, and include wanting to live in the house themselves or sell it.

“This change has already been made in Scotland with the result that houses are instead being used for holiday lets or are sold, damaging the vitality of rural communities and making it harder for those working in the countryside to find homes,” says Ms Russell.

More houses may also be left empty rather than

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let for short periods.

The impact of the proposed changes on the English tenanted sector is therefore very concerning, she warns. “House owners will be very concerned if they cannot be sure of recovering a house when they return from abroad, need it for family, want to sell it or where the rent has not been paid. Coming as it does on top of many other recent regulations, this may lead to some owners looking at alternative uses for let houses, whether as short-term holiday accommodation, sale, or even leaving it empty rather than face the additional risks.”

Similar legislation in the 1970s saw the private let sector shrink and many landlords discouraged from improving their properties, explains Ms Russell. “We thought we had learnt that lesson.”

There may also be consequences for agricultural tenants who sub-let farm cottages.

At the moment, a tenant farmer can often sublet a surplus farm cottage, knowing it can be ended before the farm tenancy ends. However, these new proposals would make it impossible for the farm tenant to give vacant possession at the end of their tenancy if the cottage tenant has a secure tenancy, risking claims from the landlord against the farm tenant. “That could deter farm tenants from making housing available where it might be most useful for the rural community,” she says.

Kate russell

“We currently have a successful model in which owners are confident in letting to good tenants, but these proposals could mean fewer homes available to rent in rural areas.”

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

Preliminary results of European project show a future without rodenticides In 2016, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) started an innovative demonstration project, along with seven other partners from Scotland, The Netherlands and Spain, called LIFE Laser Fence.

The project is partially funded by the EU Life+ programme. With a total budget of over â‚Ź3 million, the consortium aims to eliminate rodenticide use and decrease crop losses. LIFE Laser Fence presents an innovative technology, LaserFence, to keep birds and mammals away from productive fields while maintaining animal welfare.

grilaser, a novel light technology developed by Bird Control Group (BCG) has already shown great results on scaring birds away from crops and consequently reducing crop damage and bird exposure to pesticides.

The LaserFence project is conducting trials in the UK, The Netherlands and Spain to evaluate Agrilaser technology for deterring ground animals. Trials have shown that the approaching beam can deter such animals, though there are also some inconclusive results.

Therefore, specialists from BCG and LJMU have been working on developing new light beams with alternative characteristics, including colour and modulation. The researchers believe

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10 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

that different animals have varying perceptions of different light specifications, and this will change their response to the LaserFence beam. “We expect to identify which light characteristics are best suited for each species and adjust our light beams accordingly. For example, first trials with the new wavelengths showed different responses from animals. For instance, blue beams may be more effective than red beams,� reported Steinar Henskes, CEO of Bird Control Group.

The LaserFence project is also evaluating the safe working procedures for these devices, and monitoring animal welfare. To date the project has not observed any distress in the animals to which the LaserFence beam has been moved towards. Another hurdle faced by the project

was concern regarding safety issues raised by local authorities where the trials were being carried out. Bird Control Group engineers continue to develop solutions so that users are able to operate the equipment at the highest safety levels and within the internationally recognised safety standards. These include a so-called Projection Safety System inside the device, which shuts the laser down when projecting outside of its installed boundaries.

This avoids the system directing the laser into areas where, for example, people might be present. A second important device developed

by Bird Control Group is the launch of the LIFE LaserFence remote control module, which allows users to remotely shut off the systems when there is a risk of inappropriate exposure.

Project manager of BCG and Engineer, Joep

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| On Topic

Everaers said: “The new systems now can be compared to modern smartphones, which can identify the device´s angle and turn the system off in case it presents a potential dazzle hazard to the user and the people around”. The system automatically detects when it is directing within its correct boundaries and switches the laser on again, which allows for robust engineering of the system for autonomous operation concerning safety.

Because of these important improvements to the LIFE LaserFence system from BCG, the LIFE Laser Fence project will enter a new phase with an extensive testing of its functionality with different types of animals. In this way the consortium aims to attend to the demands from local farmers in Spain, Netherlands, Germany and UK, who suffer from crop damage due to

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intrusion of deer, wild boars and rodents, such as; rabbits, hare, rats, squirrels and mice.

In addition, specific trials with rats will be undertaken in isolated barns in the UK and Scotland to evaluate the system´s efficiency in scaring rats away. If successful, the system would be able to reduce the reliance upon highly toxic rodenticides, which has a great impact on nature as the poison accumulates up in the food chain. In 2013 it was estimated that damage caused by rats on farms cost the UK farming industry between £14 and £28 million per annum1 Dr. Martin Sharp, Laser Fence’s project manager, is optimistic that the newly developed light systems will develop more reliable results.

“From our extensive trials with the current light beam, we are aware of excellent results for

birds, but for rabbits and other pest animals there is a variation in response. We hope that with the new light beam modules we can increase consistency in the deterrent effect and offer an effective and sustainable solution to limit crop damage due to intrusion of animals.”

The project is due to finish by the end of 2019. The final results will be communicated during a conference in Liverpool at the end of this year entirely dedicated to the project. It is possible that a project extension will be sought to allow more trials over the winter of 2019 / 2020 and into the following spring.

More information: www.laserfence.eu

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

Tough conditions for weed control in UK spring barley crops Spring barley growers are being advised to modify their approach to broad-leaved weed control to counter the dry conditions being experienced across much of the UK. ngland’s eastern counties have seen very little rainfall in April following a dry first quarter of the year during which rainfall was down 15% against the long-term average, according to Environment Agency statistics.

South west England and Northern Ireland have seen more rain than most but Corteva Agriscience, the agriculture division of DowDuPont, says growers will want to create the conditions for spring barley crops to thrive if they are to realise their yield potential.

Controlling key competitive broad-leaved weeds such as cleavers, chickweed and fumitory will be vital but herbicide category manager Alister McRobbie says the dry weather is making effective weed control tough.

“Many spring crops were drilled early and in good conditions but the recent dry spell has left some fields struggling get away,” Alister said.

“This has resulted in more open crops, and with it, the increased risk of late germinating

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weed flushes.

“For those weeds already present, a lack of soil moisture will limit herbicide uptake through the root, and leaves will harden off.

“Weeds will not actively grow without warmth and moisture so most will be dormant at present but they will move away rapidly as soon as the rain comes.

Alister said there are a number of tactics growers can employ in dry conditions to maximise herbicide efficacy.

Maintaining higher rates of herbicides which target the main weed threat in spring crops will help ensure chemical enters the plant.

“Consider adding an adjuvant to improve uptake and use higher rates,” Alister said.

Avoiding crop damage to maximise yield is likely to be of increased importance this season so Alister advises growers to avoid complicated tank mixes and consider splitting out some treatments.

“Leave an appropriate interval between pesticide and liquid nitrogen applications to

allow crops to recover,” he adds.

“And avoid coarse quality sprays. If crops are already stressed this will damage their potential further.”

Timing applications is also important.

Alister advises spraying in the middle of the day and in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest.

He said: “Consider fieldwork early in the morning or later in the evening when soil moisture and humidity is at its highest and soil temperatures are cooler.”

Alister recommends products containing Arylex Active, such as Pixxaro or Zypar, which are favourable in marginal conditions compared to sulfonylureas which require actively growing plants.

“Activity may be slightly slower than usual, but the active will sit in the plant and do the job once the weed enters active growth,” he said.

“Growers should be aware of the higher risk of residual carryover of sulfonylurea chemistry in dry conditions too.”

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| Arable

Contact your nearest dealer: Central Cropsprayers Limited Unit J Sandford Industrial Park Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2AN 01948 840187 www.centralcropsprayers.co.uk Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

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May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Grain

Pests on farms and in grain stores As soon as you start to accumulate large amounts of food in one place, pests will always become a problem. We take a look at the pest problems farms and grain stores have and ask what should you expect from your pest controller. s one client recently remarked to me when I arrived on his site after harvest - "I hope you know what you're doing, I'm storing 2000 tonnes of rat food!"

And he was right!

Pests on farms and grain stores Pest controllers who 'take on' farms are very different to pest controllers who do your day-to-day rat and mouse work in houses and offices. They have to really know their onions. With so many food alternatives to rodenticide, you have to think like a rat to win the rodent war.

Proofing As always, excluding pests from the grain store is the first line of defence.

A good professional won't just rodenticide up around the farm.

They will also do some 'proofing' work to keep grain stores pest proof. This might be a simple as sticking a bit of wire wool in a gap or applying some mouse-proof mastic (rather inventively called

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Mouse-Stop).

Some people might think this a big task but making a little improvement on every visit, you soon end up with rodent-hostile surroundings.

Some people might think this a big task but doing a little improvement on every visit Site visits Then there is the question of visit frequency. Different companies follow different procedures.

Some still follow the traditional agricultural pest calendar: eight visits in the year, clustering around the cold months and you won't see them much in the summer.

This is a little archaic now. In 2011, The Environment Agency successfully argued in the law courts that this 'traditional' schedule of visits is environmentally irresponsible.

Some will visit every six weeks and throw in extra visits if there is a problem, but even this is becoming dated.

Responsible use of rodent poison The new Campaign for

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Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) rules stipulate that if the rodenticide is put down, then it should only be in response to a live infestation. If you have to resort to rodenticide, then a proper site environmental assessments needs to be done to help prevent secondary poisoning.

Rodenticides should never be used for monitoring purposes as this could cause undue risk of harm to the surrounding environment.

Naturally, this pushes us towards monthly visits as a minimum and, especially, a heavy focus on proofing and habitat management.

Rodenticides do harm the environment when misused After the introduction of the Biocides Products Regulation (BPR) in Europe, rodenticides were one of the first groups of chemicals to be analysed for safety. The result was clear.

Rodenticides do harm the environment when misused, and we are only allowed to hang onto them because there is no viable

alternative.

But levels of rodenticide residue in the wild food chain are being closely monitored and it won't take much to change the minds of the regulators.

How to hire a professional pest controller for your farm It is up to us to ensure pest control is being carried out professionally on our farms and that includes hiring audited professionals trained to a high standard. All pest controllers belonging to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) are audited to the British Standard EN 16636 and only employ technicians with the recognised industry qualifications.

The world is changing around us, LEAF, Red Tractor, CRRU and BPR are all pulling in the same direction. Environmental responsibility is key in the modern landscape. The days of gamekeepers and farm hands doing the rat baiting are moving into history. Be warned.

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| Grain

Early trials results show promise for hybrid wheats Testing hybrid wheats under a wide range of UK growing conditions is the aim of nationwide trials established by crop protection specialists Hutchinsons. ybrid wheats offer yield and grain-quality improvements over conventional wheat in terms of consistency and and stability, and the opportunity to add in traits such as heat and drought tolerance or winter hardiness, says Stewart MacIntyre, northern seed manager.

“These will provide UK growers the opportunity to maximise wheat production on fields that are limited in their yield potential due to perhaps later drilling date, the rotational position of the crop or just simply from site limitations – and is timely when many growers are looking closer than ever at their costs of production.”

“There is no doubt that in the future hybrid wheats will play a part in helping growers maximise their output whilst aligning with integrated crop management.”

“However it’s important to understand how these potential benefits manifest over the growing season in comparison to conventional varieties - and the best ways of managing them - under UK growing conditions,” he adds.

“After all it is only by monitoring and measuring these differences that we can fully understand how to grow them to fulfill their best yield potential.”

In autumn 2018, Hutchinsons established a

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series of hybrid wheat trials across its extensive regional technology trials sites, where any differences between hybrid and conventional wheats could be monitored, measured and potential crop management techniques trialled.

“We hope to learn much more than just looking at varietal differences and disease scores. What we are aiming for is to really understand how to properly manage these genetics using improved agronomy and digital tools,” explains Mr MacIntyre.

“First results are already showing differences in tillering with the hybrids showing a greater biomass than conventionals. At our Carlisle site, the hybrids have an average tiller counts of 6, whereas in the conventional varieties it’s just 4. At our Helix site in Northamptonshire, these results are replicated with hybrids producing double the number of tillers over those of the conventionals.”

“We will now look at how we can manage this biomass over the season in order to maximise the yield potential - and this will be the critical learning. For example, the effects of variable seed rates and different bio-stimulants are being trialled.”

We will be in a position to share these and more results at our various regional technology trials open days in June.

Hybrid wheats at a glance

Stewart MacIntyre

• New generation hybrid wheats expected in the early 2020’s • Yield, quality, consistency and stability benefits over conventional wheats • Fit into integrated crop management programmes • Opportunity to add traits such as heat, drought and herbicide tolerance • Best suited to tough growing conditions on more marginal sites • Hybrid wheats are already grown in Europe, France and Germany predominantly.

• Trials will aim to learn more about managing hybrid wheats under UK growing conditions Hybrid wheat is a cross between two carefully selected pure wheat lines, so each hybrid variety has genes from both parents - which means it expresses hybrid vigour, The benefits of hybrid vigour can be seen in better-developed root systems, more even plant establishment, increased tillering, early maturity and greater resistance to stress and disease, as well as other attributes which come from the combination of characteristics, such as better standing ability.

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| Arable

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| Grain

Make safety first priority to avoid harvest accidents With this year’s harvest season rapidly approaching on arable farms, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has put together a farm safety checklist to help farmers keep this year’s harvest both accident and injury free. ragically every harvest brings with it a toll of deaths and serious injuries amongst farmers and their workers,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.

“A lot of farm safety advice is straight-forward common sense. However, time after time accidents result from failure to follow basic safety and maintenance procedures – often because farmers and their staff are under pressure, tired, or working flast out to trying and beat forecast bad weather. In these conditions normal safe working procedures can go out of the window, raising the risk of something going badly wrong.

“That’s why good preparation, clear management guidance and staff training can reduce the risk of injuries and time-consuming stoppages” As well as putting lives at risk, accidents can lead to Health and Safety Executive investigations, with the farm required to pay the costs. from April 6 this year, the new hourly rate charged by the HSE under their Fee For Intervention (FFI) scheme is £154 per hour, nearly a 20% increase on the rate (£129) that has applied since the scheme was introduced in 2012.

NFU Mutual harvest safety checklist Before harvest

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Check combines and balers and carry out all recommended maintenance Check electrical wiring for rodent damage before start-up after storage Thoroughly check tractors and trailers to ensure they are safe and roadworthy with particular attention to signals, lights, brake efficiency and wear on links, pins and couplings.

Check fire extinguishers are in place and are the correct type, fully charged and in full working order.

Make sure regular and casual harvest staff are trained in the correct use of machinery – especially safe working around power lines, on slopes and in the year.

Check that field entrances are not obscured, for example by overgrown hedges or long grass.

During Harvest Regularly cleaning out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers Switch off engines and ensure parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance Always stop and investigate hot-running engines or bearings Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers Keep mobile ‘phones on your person - not left in a tractor or pick up cab.

Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that the machinery will safely pass under wires and restrictions.

In very dry conditions, keep a sprayer filled with water on hand attached to a tractor to lay a fire break in the event of a crop fire.

In The Yard Instruct drivers to keep to safe speeds in the grain yard Check signs are in place to help lorry drivers go to the right place, and alert members of the public to any potential hazards Keep children away from working areas Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out Ensure fire extinguishers are readily accessible Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.

NFU Mutual Risk management Services can help farmers avoid accidents by producing a comprehensive and confidential report that gives constructive advice about where improvements need to be made and why. For more information, contact you local NFU Mutual branch office – or visit nfumutual.co.uk

See what easy grain storage looks like The Cereals Event will be the last chance to meet Gibbons Agricultural and see their range of grain storage products before this year’s harvest. t the cutting-edge of grain storage solutions, Gibbons manufacture modern systems to save farmers time and money.

Their packaged solution to grain storage – the Plug&Cool Barn System – has attracted attention from all over the world. It is easy to see why, as the system provides everything farmers need for easy, effective and

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energy-efficient grain temperature control.

You’ll be able to see all of the elements of the complete system at the Cereals event, from Gibbons’ best-selling grain fans to their durable Plug&Cool Pedestals and web-based control panel.

As a company established for 50 years, timetested manufacturing is at the heart of everything they do. That’s why all of their grain fans come with a 5-year manufacturer’s

warranty, their Pedestals feature unique dualadaptor sleeves to give farmers the flexibility they need, and their web-based control panel is completely user-friendly and accessable from any device.

Visit Gibbons Agricultural at stand 956 to see their products for yourself and find out how they could save you time and money this harvest.

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Grain

Unexpected septoria levels in the winter wheat variety Cougar a ‘one-off’

Unexpected levels of septoria tritici infection reported on the winter wheat variety Cougar in 2015 appear to have been limited to that specific variety.

he conclusion is based on AHDBfunded research that conducted genetic and phenotypic analyses on septoria tritici isolates collected from the field in 2015.

Tests on a range of Recommended List (RL) varieties, at both the seedling and adult stage, found that these isolates could only overcome the resistance mechanisms in Cougar itself.

Catherine Garman, who

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manages disease research at AHDB, said: “Because the ‘Cougar’ isolates did not overcome resistance in other varieties, it appears to have been a one-off incident. It means growers continue to have very good varieties available to help them manage this disease.”

The latest edition of the RL includes varieties with excellent levels of resistance to septoria tritici, such as KWS Extase and LG Sundance, which have disease ratings of 8.1 and 7.9, respectively (where 1 = susceptible and 9 =

resistant).

Fungicide sensitivity screens on the isolates, conducted as part of the research, also found no unexpected mutations.

The research was delivered by the team behind the UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS). Managed by NIAB, and funded by AHDB and Defra, UKCPVS analyses leaf samples infected with cereal rusts and

mildews. From these samples, pathogen isolates are selected and tested to check their virulence against wheat and barley varieties.

The testing can detect new races of cereal pathogens capable of causing disease on previously resistant cereal varieties.

Further information about UKCPVS, including how to send in a sample, can be found at ahdb.org.uk/ukcpvs

Potential to cut back on nitrogen applied to cereals and oilseed rape Relatively dry winter conditions across most of the UK mean farmers could potentially reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to cereals and oilseed rape. he extent of the ‘low’ and ‘moderate’ excess winter rainfall (EWR) zones is much wider this year, spreading further up the eastern coastline and more inland than average.

As lower EWR is associated with higher levels of residual soil nitrogen (N), the AHDB Nutrient management guide (RB209) should be followed to fine-tune remaining N applications.

RB209 describes how to estimate a field’s soil nitrogen supply (SNS) index by the Field Assessment Method. In addition to information on soil type and the previous crop, the method requires an estimate of the rainfall range for the field.

Ideally, this should be based on EWR, as it provides a good indication of the potential loss of nitrate through leaching.

Published on the AHDB website, the final EWR estimates are based on data from 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019, averaged over 199 (40 km by 40 km) regions. For each of these regions, a colour-coded UK map highlights the RB209 EWR category:

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Low – less than 150 mm EWR (annual rainfall less than 600 mm) Moderate – 150 to 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall between 600 to 700 mm) High – over 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall over 700 mm) Despite the relatively dry winter, 31 of the 199 regions still had EWR in excess of the long-term average (1981–2010). These were mainly situated on the west coast of England, Wales and Scotland.

Sajjad Awan, who manages nutrient research at AHDB, said: “By early February, it already looked like it was going to be an exceptionally dry winter. Although there have been some significant spells of rain since then, particularly during early March, it has remained relatively dry, for most. In fact, the East coast of Scotland has just experienced its driest winter since 1964.

“All nutrient management plans should now be revisited. It’s particularly important to do this for spring malting barley crops, because these need to be grown to meet tight grain nitrogen band specifications.”

The EWR maps, as well as RB209, can be accessed via ahdb.org.uk/ewr

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| Finance

UK Agricultural Finance has provided a £1m bridging loan to complete the conversion of a large farm house into a holiday rental property The borrower had a strong track record in securing complex, value enhancing planning permissions for the development and subsequent rental of properties for the holiday market but needed the capital to complete the development of a large farmhouse and numerous out-buildings. he loan was unusual, in the fact that the borrower had only partially completed the development of the site. Early on in the process, one of UKAF’s directors visited the site to meet the borrower and understand the

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nuances of the opportunity, so that UKAF and the borrower could both be confident that this would be a financeable opportunity. UKAF has a team of agricultural and rural specialists who pride themselves on dealing face-to-face to ensure responsible and well-informed underwriting decisions.

Mark Thompson, COO of UK Agricultural Finance: “We are extremely pleased to assist in the development of this project, supporting the local rural economy and providing capital to a client that needed to funds to complete their vision.

Midlands goat farm set for growth with HSBC UK support Long Meadow Goats, a family-run farm in Redditch, has built a new barn and extended its existing premises after securing a £150,000 business loan from HSBC UK.

he funding has provided business partners, John Walley and Charlotte Mercer, with an additional 1,000 sq ft of space to increase farming capacity after a strong first year in trading. The business, which prides itself on sustainability and high animal welfare standards, will use the extra barn space to rear more one-week-old billy goat kids before turning them out to graze free range across the farm’s 16 acres.

On a global stage, goat meat makes up 60 per cent of red meat consumption but, in the UK, it has traditionally been reared for dairy purposes only. However, consumer demand for goat is increasing as a healthy alternative to other red meats and requires less intensive farming practices.

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Goat meat is set to hit the mainstream market in 2019 and, with extra capacity, Long Meadow Goats is confident of increasing its existing client base outside of London, where the business supplies most of its meat to highend restaurants and butcheries.

Charlotte Mercer, Co-owner of Long Meadow Goats, said: “The extra barn space will allow our business to grow organically. Domestically, goat meat is becoming a foodie trend and is finally getting the respect it deserves from chefs across the UK. We are well-placed to fulfill this demand and most importantly continue to produce highquality British free range meat without compromising on animal welfare. Thanks to the support from our HSBC UK Relationship Manager, Ritin Jogia, we can look forward to a bright future.”

On a global stage, goat meat makes up 60 per cent of red meat consumption but, in the UK, it has traditionally been reared for dairy purposes only Andy Hipwell, Agricultural Director for the Midlands, HSBC UK, said: “Jonathan and Charlotte have spotted an opportunity to be early movers in a niche market, which is set to expand over the coming years. The new-found popularity of goat meat has meant that the business needed to increase farming capacity and HSBC UK was happy to support these expansion plans, ensuring the business has the capability to meet future demand.”

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Cereals

Cereals is Europe’s leading technical event for the arable industry, and on the 12th and 13th June will welcome farmers and arable professionals to experience the very best of what the industry has to offer. rom the true cutting edge of technology to the very latest in best practise and CPD education, Cereals will provide unrivalled access to all of this across it’s amazing programme of features, seminars, and live demos. Tickets for the event are readily available from the cerealsevent.co.uk website now, where you will also find information on everything you will see across both days of the event.

Cereals is pleased to announce the addition of a number of new features to the event for 2019.

Features like the Ride & Drive Arena will give visitors an opportunity to get hands on with the amazing equipment and machinery on display. This feature will allow visitors to test the power, capabilities, and performance of each product, whilst also discussing the detriments to determine the very best product to fit each visitors’ need. As well as being a tremendous bit of fun, this feature will prove invaluable in allowing visitors to assess and decide which product is perfect for them.

As well as this feature, the Sprays & Sprayers Arena will provide a dedicated space for visitors to experience the capabilities of the cutting edge in spraying technology. The Sprays and Sprayers Arena is sponsored

by Syngenta, a business that provides products and solutions to help farmers achieve global food security for a growing population sustainably. Syngenta works by looking at agriculture through the eyes of growers, and by applying world-class science to develop crop protection products and seeds. The arena will showcase the newest sprayers on the market, from a wide range of businesses including John Deere and Bateman Engineering. The sprayers will be tested right in front of your eyes, ensuring you can

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find the correct model for your arable farming needs. The equipment being tested will include self-propelled, mounted, trailed, air assisted, and twin fluid sprayers.

The Working Demo Area at Cereals has always been a crown jewel in its feature listing. Being able to offer visitors access to live demonstrations of the products, machinery, and technology on display across the event. This year, Cereals will have 5ha to play with for the working demos, and it is going to be full of demonstrations of the latest and greatest from our incredible exhibitor listing. This will be your chance to not only witness the capabilities of these products, but meet and discuss your needs with the experts and secure the ideal solution.

International Farming Superstars promises to be one of the most informative and helpful features of the new and improved Cereals event. By hosting a collection of the World’s most innovative and forward-thinking farmers, the transfer of their experiences and solutions to farmers across the UK has never been easier. This will benefit the industry immensely as a wider range of farmers will be able to survive and thrive with the new knowledge they have gained.

The Soil Pit gives the visitor a greater understanding of the composition of the soil they grow their crops in, and the effect that cropping and mechanisation have on soil health and structure. The 20-metre long by 1.5-metre deep pit delivers a ‘worm’s eye view’ of roots and soil structure, providing a unique opportunity to explore the foundations of a farming system and discover the impact of different cropping options on soil structure. Not only this, but visitors will be able to hear from experts in the field, who will be discussing some of the biggest issues farmers face in the volatile times we find ourselves in.

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As well as these features, the seminar programme at Cereals will be an opportunity to gain relevant CPD education, as well as key insights from some of the industries leading minds. We have dedicated theatres for specific topics, including the Conservation Agriculture Theatre, Innovation & Tech Theatre, and the AHDB Cereals Theatre. With a full programme of the highest quality seminar, there is a plethora of opportunity for visitors to leave Cereals filled with new knowledge, ready to tackle the coming year

with confidence.

There is so much happening at Cereals 2019 that the only way to get the full information is to visit cerealsevent.co.uk and explore all the amazing event features. You can register for your tickets on the website to secure your attendance before you begin planning your busy schedule for the event.

Cereals 2019 will be the biggest and best edition of the event yet, and we cannot wait to welcome you onto the site.

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| Cereals

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May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Cereals

Graham Heath Construction announce special offers ahead of Cereals 2019!

Graham Heath Construction are ready for yet another year at one of the UK’s leading arable event, Cereals 2019 this June. With their upcoming attendance, they’re ready to announce their special offers. ach year, their team put several offers on the table to showcase at the arable event, which are always a big hit. But this year, they’re offering more than a couple offers.

This is their first year tag-teaming with the Cereals Event to offer 10,000 lucky visitors a £500 Voucher to use against their building with Graham Heath Construction. Whether you’re seeking a quote for an agricultural, industrial or equestrian steel framed building, you’ll be able to knock a generous £500 off!

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How do I get my voucher?

Every visitor at the show will be given a free bag of goods at the entrance. Inside 10,000 of these bags will include a £500 Graham Heath Construction Voucher.

There’s no catch, but you will need to visit their team at Stand 748 to get one of their Estimators to validate the voucher for you before you head home!

In addition to these vouchers, they’re also featuring four special show offers, two of which will be available immediately when ordered at the show. You’ll be able to get your hands on a 120 x 60 x 30ft Straw Store and a 120 x 60 x

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22ft 1,500T Grain Store at extremely competitive prices.

However, during the 2-day event, they’ll have a 1,000T 80 x 60 x 20ft Grain Store and a 100 x 40 x 15ft Livestock Building available immediately. These two offers will be ready to go once ordered, therefore you’ll have your 1,000T Grain Store in time for harvest this year!

Graham Heath Construction are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of steel framed buildings for the agricultural, industrial and equestrian industries. They’ve been supplying premium buildings for over 15

years’ and collectively the team have over 20 years’ experience working within the industry itself.

Whether you’re looking for an ‘off the shelf’ design or know exactly what you want for a bespoke building, they can deliver – no matter how big or small your project may be. Contact their team today for your free, same-day quotation.

Call 01270 781158 Email info@ghconstruction.co.uk Visit www.gh-construction.co.uk

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| Potatoes

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| ScotGrass

ScotGrass 2019 ScotGrass is set to return to Crichton Royal Farm at Dumfries in 2019 by the kind permission of the SRUC. The event, which takes place on Wednesday 15th May 2019, gives visitors an opportunity to see the latest grassland machinery in action on field scale plots at a commercial dairy farm. ScotGrass is once again kindly sponsored by Volac. he triennial event, which is organised by the AEA on behalf of industry exhibitors, attracts livestock farmers and grassland contractors from throughout the UK and is a popular showcase for major equipment manufacturers.

The event, which is organised by the AEA on behalf of industry exhibitors, attracts livestock farmers and grassland contractors from throughout the UK. Held on a commercial diary farm the working event is also a popular showcase for major equipment manufacturers such as New Holland, the company will be attending this year's event and are supported by their local dealer Lloyd.

Strong New Holland presence New Holland equipment on display will include two Foragers, a

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Centenario T5 tractor (a limited edition tractor part of the Centenario Range, which celebrates the 100 years anniversary of Fiat Tractors and has a characteristic dark red colour) and two T6 DCT specialty tractors – one in Ford blue and one in Terracotta, so both limited editions, homages to the Ford legacy of New Holland and the strong heritage of Fiat tractors, pioneering in agricultural technology for a century.

Additional New Holland grass equipment will include a Discutter F32P, MegaCutter 860P and Disccutter C320P Mower Conditioners, together with two rakes a ProRotor C660M and ProRotor C820 and a ProTed 880 tedder.

2019 Mower of the year to get its first UK outing Pottinger UK will be taking a pretty comprehensive range of

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machinery to ScotGrass this year.

In terms of new products a highlight will be the companies new NOVACAT A10 CROSS FLOW mower combination, which was recently named 'Machine of the year' in the mowers category at the 2019 SIMA Show in Paris, France.

Pottinger's revolutionary technology enables swaths to be merged directly behind the cutterbar. Thanks to the new cross conveyor auger the swath is merged immediately after mowing without needing a conditioner, offering a cost-effective and lightweight system for merging swaths. Additionally its low weight and low power requirement reduce fuel consumption.

Knowledge trail for quality forage: In additional to the machinery demonstrations there will be a

series of Knowledge trail stations covering Grassland Conservation, quality forage, Soil Structure, and the use of precision farming for forage.

Industry experts will also be on hand to answer questions on technical subjects affecting the livestock industry, together with numerous product and service suppliers.

ScotGrass is a one-day specialist Grassland event held once every three years, attracting several thousand visitors connected with grassland production. This year's event is taking place at the SRUC's Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries DG1 4AS on Wednesday 15th May 2019.

10am – 3pm Demos 9am – 4pm Statics

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| ScotGrass

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May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 25

| ScotGrass

Working debut for new John Deere forager at ScotGrass 2019 John Deere’s new 9000 Series self-propelled forage harvester will be making its UK show working debut at ScotGrass 2019 in Dumfries in May. It will be demonstrated (on plot 13) alongside the company’s latest wrapping baler and 6R Series CommandPRO tractor. he 9000 Series combines new forage harvesting technology with several efficiency enhancing developments to form the basis of John Deere’s HarvestMotion concept, which significantly increases throughput and enables industry leading fuel economy.

Performance improvements of up to 10 per cent have been verified through numerous field tests conducted by both John Deere and several independent research institutes.

There are four models in the series from 625 to 970hp, with the flagship 9900 powered by a new 24.2-litre V12 Liebherr engine with striking twin exhausts. This provides oustanding torque capacity and copes easily with peak loads at lower engine

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speeds, even beneath 1400rpm.

The large crop channel width of 850mm is designed to handle the foragers’ higher throughput, to ensure the best possible forage quality and chopping efficiency.

John Deere has also extended its range of kernel processors by introducing the XStream KP model for the 9000 Series range. This high performance processor has been developed together with the US based company Scherer, an experienced leader in kernel processor technology, and increases processing intensity by 10 per cent at all cutting lengths.

Kernel processor rolls are available with a standard sawtooth design on the Premium KP unit, and either the sawtooth or a new XCut design on the XStream KP, which features a spiral cut groove across the roll surface. Both roll designs are also available with the

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proven Dura Line heavy-duty coating for increased durability.

The kernel processor can be removed in just five minutes for quick changes between maize and grass.

The new 9000 Series selfpropelled forage harvesters are also available with John Deere’s complete range of AMS precision

farming systems, for improved operator comfort and cutting quality. These include AutoTrac automatic steering and the latest HarvestLab 3000 near infrared constituent sensing system with AutoLOC automatic length-of-cut settings and silage additive dosing on the move, based on dry matter content.

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| ScotGrass

Clingseal: designed to maximise silage quality and minimise waste Typically, forage consists of between 40% and 80% of the diet in most dairy and beef production. So, considering that feed as a whole represents a significant element of costs, it is clear that maximising forage quality and minimising waste are critical in terms of reducing costs and ensuring livestock are presented with a feed which will stimulate intake and be efficiently converted into meat or milk. In recent years, many farmers began using Clingseal, a thin, flexible, low permeability film (that sits directly beneath the traditional black silage sheet) to make the most of their clamp silage. o, how does it work? Being thin and flexible Clingseal clings more closely to the contours of the clamp surface and tucks in more at the sides. As such it helps eliminate air pockets and provides a close fitting air barrier to significantly reduce top and shoulder losses from aerobic spoilage. In doing so it helps to create the right anaerobic conditions for a faster, more efficient fermentation process that can deliver enhanced silage quality.

Using Clingseal during the clamping process is especially beneficial when ensiling moist feeds like brewers’ grains and crimped maize which are not only higher value crops, but are also more susceptible to wastage.

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While Clingseal is flexible enough to mould itself to the clamp surface, it is tough enough to be handled robustly and can withstand being walked on whilst it is being laid.

Clingseal is manufactured right here in Scotland using the latest blown extrusion manufacturing techniques. Visitors to the Scotgrass event can meet the team behind the product on the Visqueen stand at this year’s show.

Cutting Your Losses Clingseal can help maximise returns from your forage harvest.

IBERS have calculated that in-silo losses can range between 5% and 18% of the total crop during the fermentation process, so it is not hard to see why Clingseal is a worthwhile investment.

Applying Clingseal…. some top tips for better application.

• It is essential to ensure the clamp has been filled and compacted correctly before applying the product.

• Do not overfill the clamp as this can make the problem of surface waste worse.

• Apply Clingseal to the clamp surface as soon as possible after filling.

• Take care to finish, seal and cover the pit to a high standard.

• Ensure the film tucks in well where it meets the clamp walls.

• Use a high quality silage sheet such as Visqueen Agri-S to cover the clamp.

• Sheets should be firmly weighted down.

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| Slurry

Easing slurry storage issues with Bauer separation solutions When dairy farms set out to address a shortage of slurry storage capacity, installing a separator is one of the most positive and effective solutions, because with the liquid fraction extracted and pumped to a lagoon, only fibrous material remains to store in bulk. dairy unit with an existing storage problem or looking to increase herd size will gain 2030% more capacity by installing a separator,” points out Adrian Tindall of Bauer.

“Separation also allows these different materials to be stored and applied to the land in the most appropriate way.”

Separated materials also provide more consistent nutrient analyses than slurry, so they can be applied at the appropriate rate to reduce reliance on bagged fertiliser, while conforming to Nitrate Vulnerable Zone restrictions where necessary.

Unlike slurry, no pre-application mixing is needed so the liquid fraction is easily applied by dirty

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water irrigator, or by tanker or field injector, while solids with 30% or higher dry matter can be stockpiled in field heaps – where nitrogen losses will be lower than from slurry – in readiness for application ahead of ploughing for maize, cereals and other spring crops.

“That’s got to be a better approach than scraping or pumping whole slurry to an above ground store or lagoon where it settles out and has to be mixed before being spread,” Mr Tindall adds. “In fact, the cost of installing mixers in a new slurry store is about the same as a separator, so it makes more sense to go the separation route and reap the additional benefits.”

Bauer is a long-established specialist in the manufacture of

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screw type separators for both agricultural and industrial applications, with an emphasis on performance, durability, low running costs and easy servicing.

“All our separators are built with a cast iron housing that contains a heavy-duty stainless steel screw and stainless steel screens,” Mr Tindall points out. “They have few moving parts and components are hard-wearing for a long and lowcost service life.”

Screens with a choice of slot sizes suit different materials and the weighted discharge flaps are adjustable to create sufficient resistance in the raw material for liquid to be extracted efficiently at good throughputs.

Bauer’s agricultural separator range includes the 2.2kW S300 Compact, 5.5kW S655 and S855

(the former able to operate on a three-phase electricity supply), a 7.5kW Green Bedding version of the S855 capable of achieving the higher dry matter levels needed to create a soft cubicle bedding material from the fibrous fraction.

There is also the unique Plug & Play mobile solution with any of the full-size separators installed.

Motor size apart, the principle difference between these machines is the length of the separation chamber, which influences throughout; the S300 Compact is rated at up to 16cu m/hr, the S655 at 20cu m/hr and the S855 at 30cu m/hr – in all cases, output on the day is greatly influenced by the consistency and make-up of the material.

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| Slurry

Solutions to meet impending slurry storage legislation If proposals in Defra’s Clean Air Strategy are adopted, covering slurry will be a requirement in England from 2027. This will cause concern for some farmers who will need to seek new slurry storage. However, a flexible, scalable solution is already available in the UK that will keep slurry not just covered but entirely contained.

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utch company Albers Alligator have been manufacturing bag tanks for more than 35 years.

These tanks represent a costeffective and flexible solution to contain slurry in small and large

volumes.

Bag tanks range in size from 200 cubic metres to 7,000 cubic metres and can be located on any soil type as only a shallow foundation is needed. The tanks have integral hydraulic or electric stirrers, fill/empty pipes and are self-venting so relatively little management or farmer involvement is needed.

John Tydeman from Tramspread who market and install Albers Alligator tanks in the UK comments.

“These tanks are proving ever more popular.

They are lower cost and easier to assemble than comparable slurry solutions on the market and often don’t require any planning permission. We expect to see interest rise now that Defra has outlined its plans. These bags

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can help a great many farmers adhere to the new legislation.”

Bag tanks are low to the ground and have minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.

Many farmers have installed bag tanks without requiring planning permission. However, those looking to install a bag tank are advised to seek guidance from their local authority.

Albers Alligator also produce Winbag, a portable tank. These smaller bag tanks range from 100 cubic metres to 350 cubic metres and are typically used as overflow storage but can be used as a temporary and portable solution requiring only a level, smooth site. A reeling device called Winsystem rolls the whole bag on to a trailer and will unreel it in another location.

The ability to take these bags anywhere on the farm, unreel and fill offers a solution to farmers with difficult to reach fields. The bags are watertight so can be remotely situated, tanker filled or pumped to and emptied when the slurry is needed.

Defra’s Clean Air Strategy also dictates that

splash plates will be banned from 2025 and farmers will be expected to use low emission spreading equipment, such as trailing shoe, dribble bar or injection. Using umbilical systems also removes the need for multiple trips to fill up a tanker. Slurry can be pumped from the main tank to a Winbag in a satellite location. Once the area surrounding the Winbag has been treated it can be reeled in and moved to another location to repeat the process.

Adopting and adhering to new legislation is often difficult and costly for farmers. However, there could be grant funding under the capital element of the Mid Tier Stewardship scheme to help with the cost. A typical 100 dairy cow unit producing 2.25 cubic metres per cow, per month would require a bag tank size of 1,500 cubic metres to keep 6 months slurry. A tank of this size costs £56,500 which includes installation and is expected to last at least 20 years. A 100 cubic metres Winbag is £23,000 including the reeler.

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Irrigation

Dry weather drives ‘water savvy’ farming Below average rainfall is triggering UK farmers and growers to adopt water savvy techniques early in the year, to be prepared should another agricultural drought hit. he Environment Agency (EA) has already declared irrigation prospects ‘moderate to poor’ in the East of England – in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex – areas reliant upon chalk aquafers for supply. Many other areas are also classified as ‘moderate’, with much of England in a weaker position than 2018*.

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“If your business has water storage facilities which are fully topped up, you could approach the EA to find out if you could trade water with a neighbour.

Exploring investment into techniques like precision irrigation could reduce the volume of water needed through the season” Acting to help, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board is calling the industry to consider options to place them in a stronger

position for the summer.

AHDB Water Resources Scientist, Nicola Dunn said: “With time to prepare, we’d encourage farmers and growers to develop contingency plans and consider options, which could make the difference between a profit or loss situation this summer.

“Throughout winter and spring, the EA has issued certain areas with ‘hands off flow’ notices, meaning farmers and growers must stop abstracting water to top up storage facilities. This means later in the year, savvy techniques will be needed to help businesses get more from the water they have in the worst affected areas.

“If your business has water storage facilities which are fully topped up, you could approach the EA to find out if you could trade water with a neighbour. Exploring investment into techniques like precision irrigation could reduce the volume of water needed through the season. And, in the longer term if you’re planting crops, there may be more resilient varieties you could choose where the market dictates, which manage better in dry conditions.”

Speaking on the AHDB Podcast Lincolnshire

farmer and Chairman of Nene Potatoes, David Hoyles, said: “We grow a variety of root crops, peas and some cereals on farm. Last year we prioritised our irrigation focusing on our most profitable crops first, as a result our potatoes and beetroot yields turned out well. However, our sugar beet crop, which was not irrigated, delivered a yield almost 25 per cent less than we achieved in 2017.

“This year is looking like a bigger challenge than last, because our reservoir is currently at 30 per cent. We’re already irrigating, but to help us manage and target our water use we’ve invested in more soil moisture probes, we’re also getting out with a spade to check ground conditions. A learning from last year was that we need better crop nutrition, so we’ve also been looking at different ways to do that, with bio-stimulant trials underway we’re following the ADAS guidance and taking samples from our crops as we go. The good thing is, we have time to prepare and we’re acting early to make sure we’re better protected.”

To listen to the AHDB podcast visit: bit.ly/AHDBweatherpodcast. For more information on the weather and tools to help farmers visit ahdb.org.uk/weather.

Farmers urged to get the professionals in to fix their pipes Water company makes plea after two failed fixes led to water quality issues idlands water company Severn Trent has urged farmers to think twice before fixing water pipes they’ve damaged while working in their fields.

The plea comes after two recent damages in Shropshire, with the latest one seeing the farmer fixing the water pipe himself, only with a sewer pipe. The first damage was repaired with a non-hygienic pipe meaning that the whole system had to be repaired again and then disinfected and flushed so it was fit for use.

Rob Taylor, from Severn Trent’s Network Control team, said: “We know that farmers will tend to try and repair water pipes themselves but, on this occasion, it caused us a huge problem.

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“If it was an electricity cable or a gas pipe, you wouldn’t try and fix it yourself so we’d ask you to get the experts in if you do accidentally damage a water pipe.”

“If the farmer had got in touch, he would’ve had to pay for us to come out to fix it but, in the long run, it would’ve cost him a couple of thousand whereas us having to put a water pipe in and flush it out and clean it will end up costing tens of thousands.

30 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

“We know the temptation is always to try and sort it out but that’s not always the right answer when the health of, potentially, hundreds or even thousands of people is at stake.”

Once called out, water company engineers can assess whether there has been any danger of dirt getting into the pipe which would immediately lead to customers being put onto a do not drink notice until the pipe is thoroughly disinfected.

“We know that getting a bill for the repair

isn’t what farmers want,” said Rob. “But the fact is that we’re experts at what we do and it’s better for us to check and to repair than to take a risk and potentially have to pay tens of thousands of pounds and to put your neighbours out while we carry out our work.

“If it was an electricity cable or a gas pipe, you wouldn’t try and fix it yourself so we’d ask you to get the experts in if you do accidentally damage a water pipe.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Feature

Farmers invited to shape the future of agricultural research at N8 AgriFood open day Farmers are being invited to “peak over the hedge” into an operational research farm and have their say on where scientists should be focusing their efforts to support the future of agriculture. or the first time ever, northernbased food resilience research programme N8 AgriFood is throwing open the gates to three of its university farms in an effort to strengthen links with local farming communities.

N8 AgriFood operates across the eight most research intensive universities in the North of England, with scientists investigating all areas of the food chain, including agriculture.

The Farm Open Days will see local farmers and agricultural businesses find out about research projects that may help increase productivity and efficiencies in their work, as well giving them the opportunity to contribute towards and help shape future projects.

Topics will cover soil and plant health, agritech and robotics, livestock health including diagnostics and breeding, and working with industry.

Sally Howlett, one of N8 AgriFood’s

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knowledge exchange fellows based at the University of York, who is coordinating the Farm Open Days, said: “As a research programme, we want to create a network of farmers who are interested in working as equal partners in research with us.

“To help build those relationships, we want to give farmers the chance to look over the hedge and see what goes on at a research farm.

“By coming along to the open days guests will be able to see some of the results from trials that have been carried out by N8 on the farms. We would also like to see farmers share their areas of concern with us, and help shape the areas of farming and agriculture that we look at in the future.”

The first Open Day is being held at the University of Liverpool’s facilities on Tuesday 14th May. After convening at the University’s Leahurst Campus, the day begins at the 200acre dairy facility Woodpark Farm, before

heading over to Ness Heath farm after lunch where the topic shifts to beef and sheep. Areas of research being presented include fluke control in cattle, sheep parasite control, and robotics for lameness diagnosis in beef cattle, among others.

On Friday 21st June the University of Leeds will then host an open day at its Spen Farm facility, with a focus on arable and soil health.

Plans for farming systems research will be discussed, as well as soil health and smart agrisystems. The day will conclude with a hog roast and networking.

The aim is that after the Open Days researchers at N8 AgriFood will have a list of topic areas identified by farmers where they would like academics to work with them on codeveloping research solutions.

To register for either event please visit www.n8agrifood.ac.uk/events

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Security

Yorkshire Dales volunteers work alongside police to keep rural communities safe

Dedicated volunteers have taken to the roads and fields around a Yorkshire Dales beauty spot for the first time to help keep their community safe.

ore than a dozen volunteers joined North Yorkshire Police officers and PCSOs, keeping a watchful eye out across Wharfedale on the evening of Wednesday 1 May 2019 - the first operation for the newly-formed Grassington Mobile Rural Watch scheme.

The Mobile Rural Watch volunteers - made up of local farmers and residents - had a steady shift working with officers, with a number of vehicles stopped and checked to ensure they were in order.

One Watch member spotted some poor driving by a vehicle.

Following police checks, it was

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established that the driver, an 18year-old, had already been issued with a Section 59 warning for his manner of driving. Officers contacted his parents straight away, who agreed to cancel his insurance policy to stop him driving as a result.

Local PCSO Emily Hewitson said the Mobile Rural Watch operation had been "a great success", with volunteers keen to arrange another one soon.

Inspector Lorraine CrossmanSmith said: "The support provided by our Mobile Rural Watch volunteers is an invaluable part of policing here in Craven.

"With their local knowledge, we are better able to provide an effective policing service across

hundreds of square miles, gathering intelligence and directing officers to key points of interest and suspicious activity.

"I'm extremely grateful for the efforts of the Grassington volunteers, and wish well as they plan further operations and develop their scheme."

Mobile Rural Watch schemes operate across the North Yorkshire countryside. Volunteers use their own vehicles, and are equipped with police radios so they can communicate with officers. By drawing on the expert local knowledge of the volunteers, any suspicious activity or vehicles can be checked out in real time.

Watch schemes are supported

by North Yorkshire Police's

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), and its Rural Taskforce. The Taskforce works closely with local groups and individuals to identify and solve issues of concern to rural communities. They gather and intelligence about those who target or commit offences in rural areas, take part in proactive operations to disrupt offenders, and, alongside NPTs, provide a visible presence in rural villages and towns and villages.

To find out more about Rural Watch schemes in North Yorkshire, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, or Rural Taskforce officer, by dialling 101.

NFU and TRACKER tackle agricultural crime head on Strengthening its commitment to protecting the farming community.

RACKER, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, and the National Farmers Union (NFU) have renewed their long-standing

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partnership, confirming their commitment to supporting farmers and agricultural businesses in taking a stand against the rising risk of rural crime. The relationship sees a wider range of innovative products now being offered to

32 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

protect assets and those using them.

The latest NFU Mutual Annual ‘Rural Crime Report’ highlights that the UK bears the cost of £44.5 million every year, as a result of illegal activities. This is a substantial increase of 13.4% since 20161. The cost of agricultural vehicle theft alone rose by half a million pounds in 2017, demonstrating the need for NFU members to strengthen their armour against criminals. Quad bikes are a particularly lucrative target for thieves; the recent cost of stolen quad bikes to the UK was £2.3 million.2 The continued collaboration between TRACKER and the NFU helps members to significantly reduce the physical and financial burden theft brings.

In addition to protecting farmers against the loss of a quad bike, NFU and TRACKER are providing valuable accident and emergency support through its ‘bike down’ feature. Available on TRACKER Vantage, this feature will immediately send an alert to a stored emergency contact should the farmer find themselves trapped or injured under an overturned quad bike meaning the safety of both the vehicle and the owner are protected at all times.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at TRACKER, explains, “Every year rural crime costs UK businesses tens of millions of pounds and causes unbearable anxiety. We have seen many cases of farm owners losing out on days, or even weeks, of work because equipment or quad bikes were stolen. Last year when a Hitachi digger worth £20,000 was stolen in Overall & LCbusiness Lyon & CountyChampion Antrim theTA small - British Blue x Heifer owners Son thought it was going to be a great loss to the company.

Fortunately, the equipment was fitted with a stolen vehicle recovery device, which led police right to the stolen digger within a few hours.

“TRACKER is the only company which has invested in every UK police force, making it the ideal partner to tackle the size of the problem. We are delighted to be working with NFU to bring our award-winning technology to its members. Not only are we helping them stay one step ahead of thieves, but also ensuring that any stolen vehicles or machinery are quickly returned, negating any commercial loss.”

Sam Durham, NFU Chief Land Management Advisor adds, “As the NFU stated in its Combatting Rural Crime report3, high value machinery often cannot be replaced swiftly and theft puts agricultural operations at risk, from feeding livestock to harvesting crops.

TRACKER provides an important part of a farm’s arsenal of security equipment, helping to deter criminals or ensure the swift recovery of stolen vehicles and machinery.”

NFU members already gain access to exclusive discounts on a range of SVR solutions from TRACKER, as well as benefitting from a 12.5% discount on NFU Mutual Tractor policies, when selected TRACKER products are fitted.

TRACKER Vantage is a competitively priced tracking and security solution with integrated GPS technology. Delivering movement and geofence alerts to vehicle owners via the use of a unique app.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Breedr to make livestock trading smarter and financing easier Founder Ian Wheal to present on ‘Integrating Supply Chains’ panel at NBA Beef Expo 2019. reedr’s vision is to help farmers trade livestock smarter and finance faster, by enabling the value-chain to buy and sell animals based on data rather than how they look. Founder of the company, Ian Wheal, will be discussing the benefits of data-led trading in the ‘Integrating Supply Chains’ seminar alongside Dr. Stefano Vandoni of science-driven nutrition company Belcham and Ryan Law of meat processors Dunbia at NBA Beef Expo on 23 May 2019.

Traditionally, the way that animals are sold to processors is fragmented – some farmers sell to finishers, others through agents, at market or direct – so it is difficult for processors to see what is becoming available and for kill sheets and customer insights to be fed back to producers.

James Wright, UK Manager at Breedr, explains: “It’s all about linking up the supply chain, to get more value for the farmer and more consistency for the processor and retailer.

We are making it possible to scale the meat market by increasing traceability and transparency across the supply chain.

“At the moment processors issue a kill sheet, showing the weight and carcass information, which is often supplied as a sheet of paper or

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pdf. To use this data, farmers need to retype it into their system. If this data was more accessible and informative it could be used to improve meat production.

“A data-led supply chain allows visibility of animals in the pipeline, which is why processors are interested. Rather than buying animals based on weight, as they currently do, they are able to select the ones that will be within their specification and know when they will be available.

To enable this, Breedr is leading an Innovate UK project to create smart contracts for the livestock industry by using blockchain to assure the lifetime data of an animal.

Blockchain is a method of securely sharing data around the world and making sure that data cannot be edited. Copies of the data are stored across hundreds of thousands of computers that are used to authenticate the information and prevent it from being tampered with. The data is encrypted and can only be read within Breedr using a secure login.

Breedr is working with Imperial College London to develop the software; with Deloitte to address the legalities; and with Dunbia to gain input from the processor perspective. A number of farmers from across the UK are also involved to ensure the system works well for farmers.

Breedr co-founder and CEO Ian Wheal

A major benefit of smart contracts is that instead of an animal being bought based on the way it looks, it is bought based on its track record.

James gives the example of compensatory growth, an evolutionary strategy designed to help cattle survive hard winters. He says: “If you cut down an animal’s feed intake and then start feeding it again there will be a jump in growth. With a smart contract you will be able to see that the low growth rate has been caused by restricted rations. A farmer would be prepared to pay more in anticipation of rapid growth with enhanced feeding. The idea of data-led trading is that you are buying and selling animals on their potential performance.”

Breedr CEO Ian Wheal comments: “Transparency and traceability is being demanded by customers, and farmers already collect a lot of data for regulatory purposes.

Our aim with Breedr is to make data into actionable insights for the benefit of everyone in the value-chain.”

Breedr is a sponsor of Beef Expo 2019 and will also exhibiting on Stand 24.

The 2019 NBA Beef Expo will be held at North West Auctions, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Milnthorpe, Cumbria on Thursday 23 May 2019.

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Livestock

Huge support for cattle competitions at Beef Expo ‘19 rganisers of the beef industry showcase, the National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo 2019, taking place in Cumbria on 23rd May, have announced huge support for its two key competitions, as entries start to draw to a close. he NBA Commercial Cattle Show and the South Devon Herd Book Society Performance Championships have both attracted encouraging entry numbers, as the national event for the beef sector, Beef Expo 2019, this year takes place at North West Auctions’ J36 Rural Auction Centre in Crooklands, Cumbria.

“We are currently up to 115 entries, with only five spaces free as we draw to the entry deadline,” explains Julie Sedgewick, organiser of the Cattle Show Competition. Sponsored by Caltech Crystalyx, there is more than £6000 of prize money up for grabs for the national competition.

“It has been really encouraging, we are really happy with the excellent level of support,” she adds. “It is particularly pleasing to see new entrants coming in, and the central location and being in a low-risk TB area certainly helps.”

Entries have been recorded from across the UK, with many coming down from Scotland, as

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well as from as far afield as Somerset and Lincolnshire, as well as a good level of competitors from Wales.

“We will have four classes of Limousin heifers, split into weights, with 35 entries anticipated,” adds Julie. There are no more than 10 animals in any class.

Experienced judge at many national shows, and award-winner himself, Gavin Scott of Gateside Farm, Linlithgow, will be judging the Native and Continental classes, as well as the Supreme Championships.

Another well-known name and face, Tudur Edwards of Corwen will be judging the Baby Beef classes, Baby Championship and Young Handlers competition. Mr Edwards brings a wealth of experience, and was also the 2015 winner of the Agri-Expo Supreme Beef Championships.

For the fourth year, the South Devon Herd Book Society is also holding its Performance Championships, in which performance breeders from across the country are invited to compete.

Caroline Poultney, breed secretary at the South Devon Herd Book Society, says, “We are still taking in bookings, and are aiming for 2025 animals.

“We are excited to be bringing this event to a different part of the country, and look forward to showing off the breed here and its fabulous attributes. Exhibitors will be coming from north, east, south and west!”

There is £500 prize money up for grabs from the Society, plus money back on animals forward. Entries are open until 7th May. Caroline adds, “It’s the fourth such annual event, aimed at pushing the use of genetic and performance information as a breeding tool.”

Both competitions take place during NBA Beef Expo, taking place on Thursday 23rd may at North West Auctions’ J36 Rural Auction Centre in Crooklands, Cumbria. Entry forms, schedules and visitor tickets are available by visiting www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beefexpo/

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Comfort Slat Mats - ‘The best on the market” When Jim Orr, a beef farmer was researching mats for his new slatted shed, he wanted to get “the best on the market”.

A mat that was safe for the animals, long lasting and giving the cattle a soft, dry, clean non-slip floor. im had a look at all the black rubber slat mats on the market, visiting a number of farms, and the one recurring feature he saw was “all the mats come up and/or curl up and expand”. Then a neighbour from Scottish Borders introduced him to COMFORT SLAT MATS. Once he saw the mats in situ, Jim was convinced that Comfort Slat Mats were “the best on the market”.

One unique feature of Comfort Slat Mats, apart from the green colour, is the snap-lock fixing mechanism which grips the side walls of each slat and requires no bungs or screws to hold the mat down.

A curved surface on top promotes the animal waste away from the floor creating a dry, clean environment and when the cattle walk on the mats, their weight creates a flat surface to walk upon.

Once the cattle move off the mat it always returns to a curved surface which aids with displacing the waste.

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Amanda added “we pride ourselves on giving a great service from the first phone call until the mats are fitted and farmer is satisfied. The feed-back we get from our farmers is phenomenal and our repeat business tells me that Comfort Slat Mats are the BEST”.

Come along and see us at Beef Expo 2019!

For further information contact: Johnnie Pierce at ICE Comfort Slat Mats T: 00 353 1 8643494 E: sales@comfortslatmat.com www.slatmats.com

See us at Beef Expo 2019

Jim says the cattle are “less stressed” than before and there is “definitely a big difference between concrete and Comfort Slat Mats” Also, by developing a unique air-cushioned core in the mat, Comfort Slat Mats created “grip” through the cattle’s hoof sinking into the mat.

Since installing Comfort Slat Mats last year, Jim reports his “cattle seem very comfortable” on the mats and has “a lot less bother with their feet” than previously. He is happy to report that the Comfort Slat Mats have “not moved an inch” since they were installed which was one of Jim’s main concerns with alternative black mats.

Jim says the cattle are “less stressed” than before and there is “definitely a big difference between concrete and Comfort Slat Mats”.

Amanda of D. Birch Milking Equipment, agents for Comfort Slat Mats said that “the curved shape of the mat, the wings which grip the slat keeps the gap between each slat clear ensuring a clean floor. The mats are measured and tailor made to fit each slat insuring a perfect fit every time”.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

Anaerobic digestion: the future of UK farming As the uncertainty of Brexit continues, and its ultimate impact on the UK farming industry remains unclear, one thing is certain - the nature of UK farming is going to change now that the UK Parliament has declared that we face a climate emergency. nvironmental concerns will from now on rule the roost, with focus shifting onto reducing carbon and ammonia emissions and restoring soil fertility. On-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) can address all these issues.

The Committee on Climate Change has recognised the important role diversification of agriculture, including bioenergy, can play in carbon abatement through greenhouse gas sequestration, which has a capacity of 35-80% by 2050 compared to 2016. 324 AD plants are currently using agricultural wastes and energy crops as feedstock, contributing not just to reduced CO2 emissions but also to reduction in emissions of diffuse gases like methane.

This is also providing vital investment in rural communities and producing soil-restoring natural fertiliser in the form of digestate.

At UK AD and World Biogas

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Expo 2019 in Birmingham on 3rd4th July the environmental demands being placed on the farming sector will be addressed in a theatre specifically dedicated to all things related to farming and on-farm AD. Over two days, the Future Farming Theatre will also provide insight into the business benefits of adopting AD in farming and practical advice on how to develop and improve a plant’s operation and cost-effectiveness. Eminent speakers from the National Farmers’ Union, Future Biogas, NNFCC, Amur, Imperial College, and Ark Agricultural, among others, will share their thoughts, and delegates will hear a case study from Copys Green Farm – providing the audience with multiple opportunities to: learn how to grow and diversify their income through AD; hear practical advice about feedstock and digestate management, with the potential to cut fertiliser costs by £100 an acre; find out the latest regulatory news and technical advances,

36 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

including the development of the biomethane tractor and other offroad vehicles; network with fellow farmers, suppliers, investors and many other sector stakeholders.

Read the full programme here.

Other theatres will also offer valuable information about food waste and water management, innovations and plant optimisation, and hundreds of exhibitors will also be on hand showcasing their latest equipment and services.

Organised by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, the UK’s AD industry trade body, in partnership with the World Biogas Association, UK AD and World Biogas Expo 2019 will also enable delegates to discover international trends and learn from the experiences of overseas operators. The event will also see the launch of the World Biogas Summit alongside the Expo to explore the global benefits of biogas in society, not only in tackling climate change but also in improving land use and urban living.

The evening of 3rd July will be dedicated to celebrating excellence in the industry with the AD and Biogas Industry Awards ceremony – a glittering occasion to network with the best in the sector.

This year’s event promises to be hugely stimulating at a time of great challenges for the farming sector, and will provide a unique opportunity for farmers to take their place in the forthcoming AD revolution in agriculture.

Entry is free, but registration is advised at www.biogastradeshow.com to receive email updates and delegate badge in advance of the event.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Complete Crop Nutrition Packages for on-farm AD The optimisation of the anaerobic digestion process by ensuring the optimum parameters for the operations and health of the digestate biology is now a globally accepted and adopted practice. The addition of essential supplements like micronutrients, enzymes and iron has shown proven results in increasing biogas production and methane content in the biogas stream. he addition of enzymes to anaerobic digestion plants is a technology applied to various sectors such as the agricultural industry, to augment the quality and manufacturing accuracy of the end-products.

OMEX has made this technology available to anaerobic digestion within the UK as the sole distributor of DSM Enzymes, a producer of specialised enzymatic products to effectively consume substrates with a high dry matter content. Axiase and MethaPlus improve biogas production, reduce viscosity and minimise mixability issues in digesters.

Similarly, the addition of micronutrients has been acknowledged by the anaerobic digestion industry and has been successfully applied to produce enhanced biogas and methane content. This technology has also been implemented into the agricultural sector to increase crop yield and plant stamina.

Another augmentation technology for anaerobic digestion is iron supplementation for the reduction of hydrogen sulphide. Over the years and following incidents of digesters corroding, the biogas community has looked towards safer alternatives and the successful case has been made for the use of powdered iron hydroxide products.

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OMEX Environmental Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier of all these performanceenhancing products for biological and nonbiological processes worldwide. OMEX is based in the UK with manufacturing facilities in three continents, experience of over forty years in process optimisation and a dedicated follow-

up service for the support of all products supplied.

Visit us at this year’s UK AD and World Biogas Expo 3rd – 4th July on stand C400 to see how we can help. View our range of products now at www.omex.com or contact us via email environmental@omex.com

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Energy

Large-scale solar back on track for rural estates

Hugh Taylor

Developing large-scale solar parks is becoming viable again, particularly for rural estates looking to invest, according to a group of industry professionals including Barclays and Old Mill. lthough the Government effectively killed off the large-scale solar industry when it closed the Feed-In Tariff and Renewable Obligation to new schemes in 2016, the cost of the technology has since dropped so much that it’s worth thinking again, says Hugh Taylor, chief executive at independent power and energy consultancy Roadnight Taylor.

“The cost of solar installations has declined by a third since 2016, while at the same time revenues from wholesale electricity have increased by more than 80%. With the technology now proven and reliable, we are entering a period when subsidy-free, utility-scale solar is viable once more.”

A growing number of large corporate organisations are seeking to buy their green energy direct from owners of big renewables plants, so there are opportunities for landowners to meet these needs, he adds. “While there are some big installations programmed for 2019/2020, many proposed schemes are not yet feasible for traditional solar investors – but given the cost of land rents and the premiums developers charge to investment

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funds, those with their own land are well-placed to capitalise on the rising clean energy demand.

“By securing borrowing against land, it’s possible to get low rates of interest, and if you pay for the grid connection and planning application yourself, then there is no need to pay a premium to a developer,” says Mr Taylor. “It makes the whole project considerably cheaper, and returns of 5-7% are feasible at the moment. Rather than going straight into a lease with a developer, some of our clients are investing further into the project, from grid and planning costs to potentially owning or co-owning the whole scheme.”

Appetite for lending According to Karl McConville, national director of landed estates at Barclays Agriculture, banks have good appetite to lend into the farming and renewables sector.

“Interest rates for estate and farm owners are significantly lower than those for corporates because typically landowners have strong security and established businesses with long-term plans – the default rate is extremely low.”

So what do banks need to know to finance such a project? “We need a budget – including a contingency fund – with likely

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returns over the life of the loan so we can see how it will be repaid,” explains Mr McConville. “We want a trading background for the wider estate to prove it’s a solid business, assets as security, and to know the team you’re putting in place to bring the project to life.

It’s important that you have a strong team with good credibility and background.”

Loans for solar parks will typically be set over 10 years, and long-term fixed rates are at historic lows, he adds. “From a rates perspective now is as good a time as it’s ever been to take out debt – but you must have done your due diligence.”

Farms and estates which can use the electricity themselves can generate even higher, double-digit returns, although it’s important to get an independent specialist to accurately model half-hourly net demand to ensure the installation is appropriately sized, warns Mr Taylor.

Tax benefits In addition, there are tax benefits to be had by investing your own money, says Andrew Vickery at head of rural at Old Mill.

“From an Inheritance Tax (IHT) perspective trading activity is preferable to rental, as the estate is more likely to qualify for

Business Property Relief (BPR).”

Generating your own electricity counts as a trading activity, while simply leasing a site to an operator counts as rental. In addition, if the estate uses a lot of the electricity in-house, that further improves the chance of the project being classed as trading activity.

In what is known as the Balfour matrix, if an estate generates more than 51% from trading activities it qualifies for BPR, offering 100% relief from IHT. The Balfour matrix considers five tests relating to trading versus rental activities: Turnover, profit, asset values, time spent and overall context.

Where landowners have partially invested in a scheme – say, paying for grid connection and planning permission – but still lease the site at the end, it will be a more valuable lease but will still count as rental activity, explains Mr Vickery.

“However, there could be hybrid options depending on how you structure the agreement. It’s about risk versus reward – if you base the lease on profit share or turnover that carries higher risk, so would count as trading and yield the associated benefits for IHT and other taxes.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

edie live 2019 Join the UK’s leading energy, sustainability and resource professionals at edie live on 21-22 May 2019. Discover innovative energy solutions; be inspired by thought leadership and best practice case studies to accelerate the transition to low-carbon; overcome your business challenges with energy industry experts in free consultations; and pinpoint future strategy to prepare for the long term. t edie live 2018, edie launched Mission Possible to inspire and empower businesses to achieve a low-carbon, resourceefficient future.

Achieving this future requires a number of step-changes for you to turn your Ambition into ACTION. In 2019, we’re taking things to the next level, at edie live on 21-22 May at the NEC, we will provide you with the platform to harness innovation, forge new collaborations and evolve your business strategies to achieve a low-carbon, resource efficient future, today.

We will show you how to increase energy efficiency, drive down consumption and boost the bottom-line. Here’s a taster of what to expect at edie live 2019: Stay in the loop with our free

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seminar sessions across four theatres: • Energy Theatre: A must-attend for anyone seeking to cut carbon emissions, increase efficiencies and unlock new revenue-driving energy opportunities.

• Innovation Theatre: Harnessing technological breakthroughs for a low-carbon, resource-efficient future • Circular Economy Theatre: Accelerating the resource revolution • Sustainability Keynote: Strategic insights to transform business, for good • NEW! Future Systems Hackathon 2019: unite with hackers and tech experts to solve real-world problems and accelerate the shift towards business systems of the future • 100+ product experts: uncover next generation technology, products and solutions

• Advice Clinics: book a free one-to-one, 20-minute consultation with an energy experts and work towards implementing a sustainable energy strategy • Workshops: collaborate with peers to solve the challenges preventing you from achieving your ambition. Topics include:

Getting to grips with your data, Unlocking the value of energy storage, Achieving a flexible energy future • EV showroom and charging hub: discover how electric vehicles can save you money and CO² through smarter business travel choices

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Security

Pirtek Cambridge Tel: 01223 835222 Pirtek Derby Tel: 01332 205000 Pirtek Harlow Tel: 01279 427300 40 | Farming Monthly | May 2019

Pirtek Luton Pirtek Penrith Pirtek Preston

Tel: 01582 597050 Tel: 01768 210055 Tel: 01772 620111 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

McCormick back at the Cereals event to showcase latest 140-310hp arable tractors High performance McCormick tractors for ploughing, cultivations, drilling and other arable farming operations return to the Cereals event on 12/13 June 2019 at Boothby Graffoe, Lincoln as manufacturer Argo Tractors continues to raise the profile of the range throughout the UK and Ireland. ith its rejuvenated format and even greater emphasis on information to help arable farms perform profitably, we consider the Cereals event to be an ideal shop window for the 140-310hp tractors in the McCormick range,” says Adrian Winnett, managing director of Argo Tractors operations in the UK and Ireland.

“The new-generation X7 Series and the X8 Series cater for a broad range of arable farming applications and implements with a choice of powershift and stepless transmissions, different levels of equipment, and precision farming options that include factory-installed ISOBUS implement control and Topcon guidance, section control, variable rate applications and so on.

“So we’re pleased to be making a return to the UK’s leading arable farming event to showcase these features and encourage farmers and contractors to get behind the wheel to discover for themselves what the modern McCormick range has to offer.”

McCormick X8 VT-Drive The top model in the McCormick range will take centre stage on Stand 842 at the Cereals event to highlight a three-model line-up of 264310hp tractors that deliver a great deal of performance while being sufficiently versatile to handle operations such as manure and digestate spreading in addition to all tillage operations.

The tractors come to McCormick Premium specification, which means they have front axle and cab suspension, a top-spec driver’s seat, and the convenience of all-electric spool valves for the hydraulics system.

This is based on a 157-litre or 212-litre/min variable output piston pump, supported by a 115-litre/min piston pump dedicated to the steering and ancillary systems to ensure the main system never runs short of flow.

The high-output hydraulics package also

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includes 12-tonne capacity rear implement linkage paired with a three-speed pto system, and fully integrated 5-tonne capacity front links with optional pto.

These systems are configured to the optimum settings for different applications through the McCormick Data Screen Manager, a 12in colour touch screen terminal with ISOBUS implement control capability that is also used to set-up the VT-Drive stepless transmission.

This delivers seamless acceleration and ground speed control for optimum outputs and work quality with any implement, together with automatic adjustment of engine revs and transmission ratio in line with the parameters set by the operator.

Different modes that can be fine-tuned by the operator help extract the most cost-efficient performance from the powertrain while making the driver’s task easier and less tiring over a long working day – all the more so when Topcon guidance and other precision farming functions are added to Premier cab’s control features.

McCormick X7 P6-Drive and VT-Drive The latest McCormick X7 Series tractors from 140-225hp will also feature at the Cereals event.

These latest-generation machines are available with the new P6-Drive semi-powershift transmission in addition to the stepless VT-Drive alternative, exhaust compression braking on all six-cylinder variants that relieves wear and tear on the friction brakes during road travel, and a new semi-active hydraulic cab suspension option.

Revised power outputs from the Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final four- and six-cylinder engines include an automatic ‘boost’ when operating pto-driven implements such as power harrows and air drills, and when hauling trailers, tankers and spreaders on the road.

The P6-Drive transmission is an advance on the previous design in serving up more speeds

in total and more powershift steps for a further improvement in speed control versatility.

Within each of the five ranges, the operator can shift manually or automatically among six powershift ratios to find the best ground speed for the prevailing conditions and the work being done.

While VT-Drive versions are available to Premium specification only, McCormick X7 Series tractors equipped with P6-Drive can be had to Premium and simpler Efficient spec. The latter will suit operators who want the same powertrain performance but are happy with manual spool valves and fewer electronic features.

Haith launches new service department The UK’s leading manufacturer of vegetable handling and processing machinery, Haith Group has introduced a new service and maintenance department. ustomers taking out a service agreement for their Haith machines or needing help to maintain their equipment will be supported by a proactive new team, headed by Service Director, Chris Haith.

The specialist vegetable handling and processing machinery manufacturer has recruited extra people to work in the new department. Newly appointed Service technicians Andrew Elmhirst, Josh Finelli and Michael Hampshire will work alongside longterm Service engineers, Karl Smith, Chris Walsh

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and Jonathan Oliver.

“Hundreds of farmers, growers ,food producers and processors rely on our machines as part of their operations and ensuring that they are running to maximum efficiency is crucial,” says Chris. “While we make our machines as easy as possible for people to use, they are intricate and sophisticated pieces of engineering which need to be looked after correctly. Our new service team members have undergone extensive training so they know each of our machines inside and out and are best placed to ensure that the optimum performance of our graders,

washers, polishers and tipplers.”

As well as working to service schedules, Haith’s team will also offer a rapid response service for people needing immediate help with their Haith handling machinery.

The new team will be based at Haith’s Doncaster head office but will look after customers across the UK. Annual service packages start from as little as £900. People wanting further information about the new team and the service and maintenance packages should email service@haith.co.uk

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Machinery

New CLAAS baler and mower on display at ScotGrass First launched in 1973, the CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvester has gone on to become the world’s leading self-propelled forage harvester, with over 40,000 machines having been produced in that time. he JAGUAR forage harvester always attracts a large crowd when working at grassland demonstrations and visitors to this year’s Scotgrass event will be able to see two of the latest JAGUAR models being put through their paces. Both machines will bear special 40,000 branding in celebration of this latest production milestone.

In addition to machinery from the extensive CLAAS Tractor and Green Harvest product range, on display at a working event for the first time will be the latest addition to the ROLLANT fixed chamber round baler range, the ROLLANT 540, and the new DISCO MOVE front mower, which can move over a range of 1000mm independent of the tractor linkage.

40,000 JAGUAR forage harvesters Over the 46 years that it has been in production, the JAGUAR forage harvester has consistently led the way in the development of innovative solutions and outstanding efficiency, resulting in it becoming the world’s leading selfpropelled forage harvester.

Since the introduction of the first JAGUAR 60SF in 1973, powered by a 120hp engine, the JAGUAR range has grown and developed to where there is now a total of 11 models offered, in two ranges, with power outputs from 884hp down to 408hp.

As CLAAS continue to lead the way in forage harvester technology, the latest development is the announcement of the JAGUAR TERRA TRAC, which uses an innovative version of the long established rubber tracked TERRA TRAC crawler system originally introduced on LEXION combines.

New ROLLANT 540 round baler New for this season, ROLLANT 540 fixed chamber round baler range features new rollers and a stronger chassis, with the choice of net or film wrapping. A new drive

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concept and outstanding ease of maintenance ensure high performance and a long service life.

The redesigned baling chamber on the ROLLANT 540 has 15 rollers and makes bales with a diameter of 1.22m and width of 1.25m. The serrated profile of the rollers maintains optimum bale rotation even under moist conditions. The rollers are fitted with specially hardened 50mm stub shafts, which are bolted to the roller body and can be individually replaced if necessary. The rollers which have the most load are fitted with new double race bearings for a longer service life.

The tailgate closing rams are horizontally mounted, resulting in high baling pressures. For maximum bale density, pressure of up to 180 bar can be applied to the rams.

Options include the MPS II system, where three of the chamber rollers pivot into the chamber for additional bale compression, early bale rotation, and a perfectly uniform bale shape.

The baling rollers are driven from the left side of the machine and each roller has direct drive, resulting in uniform force distribution to the rollers with a lower power requirement. The rotor and main drive have 1.25-inch drive chains, and the tailgate rollers are driven with a 1-inch chain.

The chains are lubricated via an eccentric pump and all the lubricating nipples of the MPS and tailgate are combined on the righthand side. A central lubrication option is also available.

On ROTO-CUT versions the chopping mechanism has 15 knives, with a theoretical cut length of 70 mm. The knives have individual protection against foreign objects and can be swung in from the cab, and should a blockage occur, the cutting floor can be lowered with a command from the control terminal.

Both film or net can be used with

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the ROLLANT 540 and a ramp on the right side of the machine simplifies the task of loading the wrapping system. For operating the baler, there is a choice between the CLAAS COMMUNICATOR, the OPERATOR terminal or a tractor ISOBUS terminal.

New DISCO MOVE front mower Also on display will be the new DISCO MOVE front mower, which incorporates an innovative new design that allows the mower to move over a range of 1,000mm independent of the tractor linkage, so ensuring optimum contour following in the most uneven of fields.

The DISCO 3200 MOVE has a working width of 3.0m and is available both with (FC) and without (F) a tined conditioner. The DISCO MOVE mower incorporates a completely new design of headstock giving up to 600 mm of upward travel and 400 mm downward for improved contour following. The mower unit is also able to pivot laterally from the central pivot point, which is set at a 30-degree angle. As a result, the mowing unit can swing backwards at a slight diagonal angle to avoid obstacles.

The mower bed is able to

respond very quickly to finer ground contours thanks to the tried and proven lower pivot point from the current PROFIL range. The new headstock combined with the low pivot point assures excellent contour following, especially for larger tractors and at higher speeds.

The tractor’s front linkage remains in a fixed position and has no effect on the ground contour following. The headstock can be coupled either directly to the tractor front linkage or using an A-Frame and the hydraulics integrated in the headstock also take over the function of raising the mower bed at the headland using a single acting hydraulic service from the tractor.

The headstock also includes integrated ACTIVE FLOAT hydraulic suspension as standard, eliminating the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor and the suspension pressure can be adjusted at any time while working.

On request, the DISCO MOVE control mechanism can be incorporated into the control unit of large-scale triple mowers. The mower is then controlled centrally via the operating terminal, and the rear mower takes over the function of regulating the ACTIVE FLOAT suspension.

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| Livestock

Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

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

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Shows

‘Groundswell’, The Conservation Agriculture Show 2019 - The forum for farmers who want to grow and profit from a healthy soil Groundswell, the agricultural show focused on no-till techniques, soil regeneration and the value of livestock in arable and mixed farming situations returns on 26-27th June at Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire. roundswell presents practical ideas on how to farm in the new environmental and political climate while regenerating your core asset – the soil. It is an independent event featuring speakers, workshops and seminars; exhibitions from a wide range of innovative farming companies and field scale direct drill demonstrations.

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“Groundswell is a unique agricultural show in the fact that you can spend a day learning the principles of Conservation Agriculture, whilst also engaging with the organisations who can help make it a reality” Speakers: The show features a range of respected voices in regenerative agriculture, including: Allan Savory (Zim), Founder of The

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Savory Institute and world leader in Holistic Management; Charles Massy (Aus). Leader of Australia’s regenerative agriculture movement; Joel Williams, an independent soil advocate who unravels the links between healthy soils and plant health; Jay Fuhrer, (USA) a Soil Health Specialist employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, North Dakota; Frédéric Thomas, (France), a leading proponent of Conservation Agriculture in France and around the world; Isabella Tree, Author of “Wilding” and responsible for the 3,500acre rewilding project at Knepp Estate in West Sussex.

Discussion Panels & Workshops include: The AHDB Soil Pit, the Affinity Water Catchment Hub, Agricology discussion tent, and new for 2019 – the ‘Food for Thought’ Area exploring the links between soil health and a healthy diet.

Direct Drill Demonstrations will take place on both days, 12 machinery manufacturers illustrating seeding directly into standing cover crop with minimal soil disturbance.

Paul Cherry, Host Farmer: “The

Government’s stated ambition for the future of food, farming and the environment is that public money will be spent on public goods that enhance natural capital. The new Environmental Land Management System will bring in a new era for farming. For any farmer looking to adapt to this scenario whilst maintaining viability as a food producer, Groundswell is the place to be.”

“Groundswell is a unique agricultural show in the fact that you can spend a day learning the principles of Conservation Agriculture, whilst also engaging with the organisations who can help make it a reality. Groundswell offers a welcoming environment for two days of information exchange with some of the world's most experienced "soil caretakers" - the farmers, scientists and the organisations who all have a role in shaping the future of UK farming.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Shows

Cambridgeshire County Show The Cambridgeshire County Show Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary on Sunday June 2nd 2019, it promises a fantastic day out for the family. his year, show visitors will be able to see large eagles flying, cheeky terriers racing, American quarter horses performing, Along with stalls selling produce and crafts, a farm animal area, fairground rides and everpopular food and beer tents, the show will also feature some spectacular main ring displays.

Highlights include a breath-taking show from quad bike stuntman Paul Hannam, magnificent eagles and vultures in flight-displays and American quarter horse demonstrations as well

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as cheeky terriers racing through the crowds to make everyone laugh. You will also get the chance to see, the sheep dogs ‘comingbye’, Young Farmers Clubs’ competing and much more.

Farm robot Tom will be one of the attractions at the Cambridgeshire County Show, demonstrating just much farming has changed in recent years. Tom is part of a ‘groundbreaking’ trial at Wimpole Home Farm and a fleet of remote controlled Tomlets will also make their UK premiere, so that everyone — young and young-at-heart — can get a feel for

the latest in agri-tech. Why not log onto the website www.cambscountyshow.co.uk and download your robot entry form today for a chance to win a Family Ticket to the Cambridgeshire show. (Deadline 6th May) Come along and join the fun on Sunday 2nd June, 10am – 5pm, at Wimpole Home Farm SG8 0BW. Please follow Show road signs for free car parking. Dogs welcome on leads. Tickets: Adults £10, Family £30 (2 adults, 2 children), OAPs and Under 16s £6, Under 5s free

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| Shows

The countdown is on for the Royal Highland Show The Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland’s most iconic and enduring annual events, is putting the finishing touches to its 179th Show taking place from 20 – 23rd June 2019 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. illed as the biggest and best celebration of farming, food and rural life, the ‘Highland' is one of Europe’s most impressive rural shop windows, showcasing handpicked livestock, the finest food & drink and rural living at its most vibrant.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, partners of the Show since 1981, is again showing their support for the four-day event.

New for 2019 Clydesdales take Centre Stage This year, in association with the Clydesdale Horse Society, the Show will place a special emphasis on the Clydesdale Horse, Scotland’s national draught breed. Organised by the Clydesdale Horse Society (CHS), a thrilling performance will salute the role of the Clydesdale as the historical power behind farming, showcasing the evolution of its use over the years, right up until the present day.

The display will take place in the main ring on the Friday afternoon and will feature both the horses and the farming machinery that was once powered by the Clydesdales. The finale will involve a drill ride by the Strathorn Drill Display Team, which promises to be a stirring display of the breed’s power and beauty. The machinery will also be on exhibition after the performance beside the CHS trade stand so visitors can have a closeup look at the technology that has shaped the farming industry we know today.

Marking a milestone for the Forestry Commission The Show will also be celebrating the centenary of the creation of the Forestry Commission and marking a new chapter of huge investment in the industry, which is working towards securing the next 100 years in the future of Scotland’s forests.

The Forestry Arena witnesses record breaking attempts, with the Scottish Pole Climbing and Utility Pole Climbing Championships taking place alongside thrilling bike displays and forestry demonstrations.

Come dance with me On the Friday night of the Royal Highland Show, feast your eyes on the Eightsome Reel extravaganza.

Taking place in the Main Ring at 7pm, dancers will be piped in before kicking off the traditional dance to the sound of a ceilidh band. This will then be followed by further entertainment from a singer

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and ceilidh band.

Scotland’s Larder Live!

As part of the Show, Scotland’s Larder Live! is the country’s largest food and drink festival and has become one of the biggest celebrations of Scottish produce.

A visit is an absolute must, offering a chance to taste new and exciting artisan food and drink from across Scotland, as well as a fantastic line-up of demonstrations, talks and more from some of Scotland’s greatest chefs in the Cookery Theatre.

Once visitors have sampled their way around Scotland’s Larder Live!, they’ll be able to see the results of this year’s Scottish Bread, Cheese, Butter and Ice Cream Championships unfold.

The Royal Highland Show’s strict Food Charter ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food be served at the Show – from venison burgers to tasty fish and chips and locallygrown strawberries.

A focus on Traditional skills Proud to display Scotland’s traditional skills, visitors will be able to marvel at the skilfulness of competitors as the Show plays host to the Scottish Open Farriery Championship Horse-shoeing and shoe-making competitions in the Forge, while the Sheep Shearing Area demonstrates the amazing speed and dexterity of some of the country’s most experienced sheep shearers.

The best of livestock The big attraction at the Show is without doubt the livestock – with more than 5,000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats and horses, not to mention poultry, heading for the Showground over the four-day event. However, there will be other furry friends entertaining and enticing showgoers over the 4 days of the Show, including The Ben Potter Eagle & Vulture Display Team, the Totally Terriers Event Display Team and Mordor Gun Dogs, who can all be found in the Countryside Area.

Scotland’s largest horse show The Royal Highland Show is the largest equestrian show in Scotland with almost 3,000 horses and ponies competing in classes for light and heavy horses, private driving, heavy horse turnouts, harness and grooming plus top class show jumping.

The Royal Highland Show offers an impressive array of equine sections and classes, 34 categories in total, including nine much sought-after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

Over 2,200 riders are expected to

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compete over the four days.

With a challenging International Stairway class, which allows British Show Jumping to monitor up and coming riders and horses, a vibrant top class show jumping section, seven championship Final classes and a total prize fund of £45,000, the Royal Highland Show is undoubtedly Scotland’s premier equestrian event.

An agricultural shop window With the vast majority of manufacturers, dealers and specialists from across the agricultural sector represented at the Show, the professional farmer has a unique opportunity to review the latest releases and developments.

Over the four days of the “Highland”, visitors will get to explore the complete range of modern farm equipment, machinery and techniques, and get up to the minute and relevant advice and support.

Grass roots learning This year over 30,000 children are expected to visit the Royal Highland Show where The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is providing free interactive

activities for school groups and the public at the Discovery Centre.

With the help of RHET coordinators and volunteers, there will be ten interactive sessions a day and on the menu will be cooking, baking, tasting and science experiments.

Hosts, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), is proud to host the Royal Highland Show which has become a must-visit for those working in the sector. RHASS Chairman Jimmy Warnock said: “The Royal Highland Show is undoubtedly the most significant celebration of farming and food in Scotland, where members of the public can engage with rural life and gain a deep appreciation for our agricultural industry.”

“It is fantastic to see that the Royal Highland Show continues to attract a large and diverse audience, with almost 190,000 people attending last year. We look forward to welcoming families, foodies and farming enthusiasts alike this June.”

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| Shows

Glastonbury vibe at Royal Bath & West Show Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, but what you may not know is that founder Michael Eavis first caught the bug at the Royal Bath & West Showground in 1970. And having been President of the Royal Bath & West Show for two years, his legacy remains in the Pilton Tent, a hub of live music, bars and fresh local food. ’m very keen on the Pilton Tent, it’s a wonderful area, and brings a real festival atmosphere to the Show – I started introducing it on day one of being President and wanted it to continue every year,” he explains.

It seems rather fitting, given that Mr Eavis was inspired to create his first festival at Worthy Farm, Glastonbury, having attended the Bath Blues Festival at the showground almost 50 years ago.

“I was completely bowled over by that – it’s what started my festival career; it all started at the showground,” he says.

As a boy at boarding school, Mr Eavis had a passion for pop music and he even got caned for listening to Radio Luxembourg at midnight when he was nine years old!

So the Bath & West Festival of Blues and Progressive Music, which took place in 1970, was just up his street and he fell for it hook, line and sinker. He started his very own festival on the farm that same year, which he called the ‘Pilton Pop Festival’. It cost £1 to attend, which included free milk from the cows.

It’s much bigger now though, with over 200,000 people attending. “It’s wonderful to see so many lovely people enjoying themselves – not unlike the Bath &

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West Show,” he says. “It has so much of our rural heritage to see, from cheese and butter to cream teas from the Women’s Institute.

There are amazing cattle and sheep shearing - the skills and talents of the countryside people are unlimited.”

So how does the farm run smoothly alongside the festival?

“We have 500 milking cows and 500 young stock – the dry cows graze away from the festival site, but we have to keep the milking cows in to avoid any e-coli issues for our visitors,” says Mr Eavis.

“We have 400 people who clean up after the festival, with magnets to pick up any metal, and then we can turn the cows back out. The grass comes back pretty quickly after reseeding, and on a year off from the festival, the cows will graze all summer – it’s lovely to see them out.”

Because he has to buy in so much feed for the cows when they’re housed, it’s not feasible to be organic, but Worthy Farm is as green as possible in other ways.

“About 20 years ago we were among the first farmers to have solar panels on the barn roof, and we have an anaerobic digestion plant which produces electricity from slurry,” he explains.

As the festival takes up all of Mr Eavis’s time and energy, he has two farm managers. John Taylor oversees the herd and milk production while Steven Kearle

runs the whole farm and takes care of the crops and feed management.

“We all speak most days, and are currently moving to a local feed supplier,” says Mr Eavis. “The farm is really important to me – the family have been farming for 150 years. I’m a farmer first and foremost, and it felt like a tribute to my great grandfather when we won the NMR Gold Cup after five generations of milking.

“But I also go and listen to gigs all the time and run competitions for bands at the Pilton working men’s club every couple of weeks – that’s my job.”

From a farming perspective, Mr Eavis’s links to the Royal Bath & West Show go way back. “We always went to the Show, even before it settled at the permanent showground, when it was a travelling show,” he says. “My father let me drive the car to Exeter one year when I was about 12 years old – I loved it. He was urging me to drive faster and overtake people – I think I’ve got some of his habits!”

John Taylor and his wife Pam have exhibited cows at the Show on occasion, too, although it’s a lot of work getting the animals used to walking on a halter, he adds. “We’re producing 16,000 litres of milk a day, so it’s a big operation. There is huge demand for milk in the UK, and for cheese and milk powder worldwide. It’s a

massive industry and we should be proud of what we’re doing – our food is needed worldwide and the climate and grassland in Somerset is just right for milk production.”

Visitors to the Bath & West Show will be able to sample plenty of local dairy produce and get up close with dairy and beef cattle in the showing rings, which is real highlight, says Mr Eavis. “It’s really nice to speak to producers, there are so many lovely people dedicated to making cheese, butter, yoghurts and honey – there’s an incredible array of skills at the Show.”

So what is he most looking forward to doing at the event? “I could spend half my time looking at the rural crafts area, then have lunch at the Pilton Tent and listen to some great music. Then I’d like to go off and see all those wonderful people putting their heart and soul into what they’re doing.”

For anyone who wants to enjoy the festival atmosphere into the evening, camping is available onsite.

The Royal Bath & West Show will be held on 29 May – 1 June.

Tickets are available from the website: www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 776 6777. Children - for the first time - can go free during the May half term, with a £3 discount on early adult bookings.

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Shows

Summer’s here – and so is the Royal Cornwall Show!

The gates open for the three days of farming, fun and shopping on Thursday 6th of June. griculture is the beating heart of the Royal Cornwall and if you want a one-word description for the event, it is this: quality.

It is something the organisers pride themselves on and insist upon in every aspect of the show.

Livestock entries are always well supported – the cattle section provides a fine show of beef and dairy cattle and entry records have been set in recent years in the sheep and pig sections.

Competition will be as hot as ever with exhibitors travelling from across the land to compete for the chance to win a Royal Cornwall title and pick up some silverware.

Trade space is always at a premium at the Royal Cornwall Show. There are over 1,000 trade stands and they sell out very quickly indeed. This year saw the greatest demand ever and space was allocated very early on, with the waiting list of hopefuls still growing!

Within the total of stands to browse around are those for machinery. Dealers and manufacturers always put on a great display at

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Wadebridge – which now boasts one of the leading machinery exhibits in the UK. There can only be one reason why the machinery exhibitors want to be here – because they do good business.

Selling at the show and following up leads taken there provides them with a good flow of business for several months. The Royal Cornwall is an essential part of many companies’ annual marketing effort.

Alongside machinery, there is a full-scale motor fair, with an astounding number of new models on display. If you are planning to buy a flashy set of wheels or a functional 4x4 or just want to stand, stare, admire and dream, this is the place to be in June. The choice is immense.

A walk around this well-cared for and wellappointed showground will bring you in contact with all sorts of delights.

A fantastic flower show which ranks highly on the national scale, a thriving forestry display and ring where this important industry promotes itself, a steam fair that’s always full of surprises, the countryside area with twin programmes of displays and demonstrations, a

three-day dog show with Crufts qualifiers up for grabs for the first time, an immense array of talent in the Westcountry Arts, Crafts & Design marquee and three live music and performance stages.

And if that’s not enough then linger a while at the main ring where you will discover the true meaning of entertainment.

Every day you can watch the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, the Adrenaline Tour Motocross Display Team and Atkinson Action Horses, featuring the equine stars and their talent stunt riders from Poldark. They’ll be joined by the incredible RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team, the dogs and their handlers will be showing off their many skills.

It’s clear to see why 120,000 visitors head to Cornwall’s largest event each year to enjoy everything that the show has to offer. It can take the full three days to properly cover the 96 acre showground.

To find out more please visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk and follow the show on Facebook (Royal Cornwall Show) and Twitter (@royalcornwall).

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Fencing

Save time & help the environment?

Use Solar Powered Electric Fencing… hy not use a solar powered electric fence to manage and rotate your pastures more efficiently this spring/summer? Solar panels and solar energisers make electric fencing more convenient and save you time as there is much less need to charge your batteries.

They also use sunlight, a sustainable source of power, to keep your fence working.

How does solar work? A solar panel takes sunlight and converts it into power that can be used by an electric fencing energiser. It does not power the energiser directly – the solar panel feeds the 12v battery. So an energiser during a sunny day of 12 hours will say consume 100 units of electricity from a battery. In the meantime the solar panel depending on its size will put back roughly 75%. The 12v battery is being trickle fed by the solar panel and therefore the battery will keep its charge longer before it needs a big boost charge on a conventional charger.

Your Solar Options: If your system is battery operated why not get a solar panel

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(and stand) and use this to trickle feed the battery you already have.

Or you could check out the solar energisers available – Shrike (now with add on solar panel) and the Fire Drake Range.

About Us: www.electricfencing.co.uk is the largest specialist online supplier of electric fencing in the UK. We have the most extensive and comprehensive range of Hotline electric fencing products to cover all of your electric fencing needs.

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

Chat to the experts on electric fencing about your electric fencing conundrums…

Call: 01620860058 Email: info@electricfencing.co.uk www.electricfencing.co.uk

May 2019 | Farming Monthly | 49

| ATV

Polaris

The all-new RANGER Diesel from Polaris: Durable. Dependable. Capable.

Polaris has introduced the all-new RANGER Diesel for 2019, developed specifically for markets in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. ebuting in dealerships this spring, the new RANGER Diesel redefines refinement with the introduction of a brand-new diesel engine and updated chassis, along with superior levels of comfort, handling and driving capabilities that make it even more durable, dependable and capable.

Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles EMEA, said: “We’re very excited to launch the new RANGER Diesel this year. We’ve taken the proven attributes of the existing RANGER Diesel model and upgraded almost every aspect so it’s tougher, more reliable and can tackle anything thrown its way. It’s the result of two years of research and development, fuelled by direct customer feedback and in-depth usage analysis; with a new engine and a new chassis, it is built for hard work.”

Refined performance with the all-new diesel engine The new RANGER Diesel is made to perform to the highest standards for years to come. The all-new three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine is the most powerful engine in its class, delivering 24.8 horsepower and 40.8 ft.lb of torque. Paired with more consistent power and better torque distribution for a smoother ride, the new engine offers a lower cost of ownership thanks to over 200 hours between service intervals, plus a

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longer filter life and less oil consumption. With the highest top speed in its class of 65kph, the RANGER DIESEL is built for the heavy-duty long haul.

Enhanced ergonomics with the upgraded chassis The exterior design captures the essence of RANGER, boasting an aggressive style with its all-new one-piece chassis. More rugged throughout with reduced flex, the new chassis design is even more robust for an improved ride.

Internally, the RANGER Diesel has enhanced ergonomics for ultimate comfort; the wider chassis seats three people with plusher seats, increased storage, and more legroom to get in and out of the vehicle easily. With all improvements being the result of customer usage analysis and feedback, the new RANGER Diesel has been developed for less engine noise in-cab and upgraded technology like a new digital gauge for a refined look and feel.

Built for the job at hand with class-leading capabilities RANGER Diesel is built for the job at hand, and every job after that. With 1134kg of towing capacity and a 720kg payload capacity, ‘capable’ only scratches the surface. The RANGER Diesel also has the highest ground clearance in its class of 33cm – a 20% increase from its predecessor.

True on-demand technology The new RANGER Diesel features on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD), meaning all four wheels engage automatically when the vehicle needs

more forward traction and reverts back to twowheel drive when it doesn’t. The electric power steering (EPS) lets you ride all day with less fatigue, and Polaris installed technology like the Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control (ADC), controls downhill braking for smooth, controlled descents on steep declines with or without a load.

More of the right tools for the job Polaris is proud to offer over 200-engineered accessories to elevate every ride with the new RANGER Diesel. From cab systems to winches and plows, there’s an accessory waiting to make the RANGER work even harder and smarter. The RANGER Pro Shield Cab System offers threetimes better dust sealing than the competition, with multiple windshield, door, rear panel and roof options to fit any situation. Featuring an improved door fit and tip-out functionality, the RANGER Diesel is better equipped than ever to get more done, year-round.

The RANGER line-up for model year 2019 consists of the following models: • RANGER 570 in Sage Green • RANGER 570 with EPS in Sage Green • RANGER EV in Avalanche Grey • RANGER XP 1000 with EPS in Sage Green and White Pearl • RANGER XP 1000 EPS ABS in White Pearl • New RANGER Diesel in Sage Green

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| ATV

Honda ATV

Exceptional mobility can help reduce farm crime Rural crime remains a constant issue for many farms and estates. High value machinery and workshop tools are tempting targets and there is a ready market for stolen goods including livestock. The chances of perpetrators being seen and caught are relatively low as rural locations mean there are often few neighbours to report unusual activity, and outlying fields and buildings are often unvisited for days or even weeks at a time. ncreased security checks at vulnerable locations helps prevent crimes occurring and allows early detection, but adding these to the long list of jobs to be carried out each day is often timeconsuming and inconvenient. An increasingly popular solution is to use one of Honda’s best selling ATVs or UTVs allowing large distances to be travelled quickly and cheaply over almost any terrain.

Honda’s conventional ATV lineup includes models from 250– 680cc - all designed for a working environment and with powerful, reliable 4-stroke petrol engines, manual or automatic transmissions and dependable shaft-drive. Front and rear load racks are standard and a tow hitch is suitable for trailers up to 600kg, depending on the model. For those with larger loads or passengers to transport the Pioneer UTV offers advantages including a large rear tipping cargo bed capable of carrying up to 386kg, plus towing capacity up to 680kg, and the Pioneer 700-4 comes with 4 seats including 2 at

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the rear which fold away below the load bed through Honda’s innovative QuikFlip arrangement when not needed.

All have large flotation tyres, enabling travel over terrain impassable to most other farm vehicles and powerful worklights allow safe operation in the dark.

The purpose-designed petrol engines provide superb fuel economy and their low operating noise allows discreet operation, essential for tasks such as vermin control and making them ideal for farm security patrols.

Being considerably smaller and lighter than tractors or conventional 4x4s allows operation where space is limited such as in wooded areas off established tracks. This ability to travel where other vehicles can’t makes them much better suited to patrolling sensitive areas and their high travel speed makes it possible to travel around even large estates in just a short time.

New Hondas protected However, like other farm machinery ATVs are at risk of theft, and their compact size and light weight makes them especially tempting. Honda’s popular range

accounts for more than half the total UK market and, to deter potential thieves and protect the investment, the manufacturer is offering a Thatcham-approved anti-theft tracking system free of charge with every new ATV or UTV sold through its dealer network.

The Datatool TraKKing Adventure GPS tracking device operates in conjunction with a smartphone app, allowing the machine’s location to be checked by the owner at any time. When the ignition is switched off the system is automatically set to alert the owner if the vehicle is moved.

If the owner determines that the movement is unauthorised then a message is automatically sent to the Datatool monitoring team and the police, who can use the device to track its location. Because theft

is detected quickly and the location is known, recovery is far more likely than for vehicles without the system. Additional options include an automatic alert to the owner if a severe impact is detected improving safety for riders and, because the precise location is known, assistance can be provided quickly if needed.

The device is supplied and fitted by all Honda main dealers and the only additional cost is a monthly £8.29 + vat subscription to the service.

To find out more about the many ways in which one of the range of Honda’s ATVs or UTVs could help improve the running and efficiency of your farm or estate, just visit www.honda.co.uk/ATV to find the name of your local main dealer.

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| ATV

Kawasaki The Royal Berkshire Shooting School partner with Kawasaki Motors UK

A Kawasaki MULE PRO-DXT has been welcomed to a new home at the world-renowned Royal Berkshire Shooting School in partnership with Kawasaki UK and Kawasaki dealer TH White. stablished in 1991, the facility is a clay shooting school at its core with the aim of teaching the art of shotgun shooting.

Game is simulated in the training and every guest is provided with an instructor. Located close to London and catering for groups from 4 to 100 people, Managing Director of the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Dylan Williams explains, “There are three elements to the school - private tuition with 15,000 to 20,000 students a year and 8 fulltime instructors providing the coaching. We host up to 14 large charity functions every year and as of September2018 we have helped raise over £30 million for worthy causes since the school was established. The school also offers group sessions for businesses to conduct team building workshops, for entertaining clients, or leisure groups looking to celebrate events such as birthdays.

The MULE PRO-DXT has been faithfully commissioned to carry out a variety of duties that a hard working UTV can handle, from chauffeuring guests to moving equipment across the 100 acres of natural beauty at the venue.

“When we are handling clay pigeons, it is like handling eggs, so we need to know that when we are moving 10,000 clays, we need 10,000 clays to arrive intact at their destination,” said Dylan. “The torque of the MULE PRO-DXT is a pleasure and makes it extremely suitable to use on our turf or when climbing inclines.”

Being equipped with a Half Cab package including a windscreen, roof and rear panel, the four seater MULE PRO-DXT can be converted to two seats which simultaneously extends the cargo bed for increased carrying capacity.

“The windscreen is a no-brainer for the school. It protects the drivers from the elements as well as wayward clay pigeons. From a management perspective the MULE is incredibly manageable and economical, being a diesel especially,” Dylan said.

The scale of the Royal Berkshire Shooting School is vast with over 7 towers, 70 automatic traps and over 120 manual traps. “Everyone who attends is here to learn and get better and

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the profile of the clientele ranges from 10 year olds, many females and even a regular gentleman who attends three times a week who is in his 70s,” Dylan explains.

“We pride ourselves on making everything effortless for our customers. If they want to have a two or three hour shooting session that requires a lot of cartridges for example, we will use the MULE as a support vehicle to move cartridges and guns around ahead of them at certain shooting stands. We also have a number of clients that are physically challenged and the MULE will aid us in transporting them from A to B so they can embrace the whole experience along with everyone else. We also pride ourselves on the natural beauty of the property here and if we use other equipment like cars or tractors, they may have an adverse impact on the environment. Low flotation tyres taking large amounts of weight with careful driving means that this place can look as good in January as it does in July and to me the aesthetics are paramount.”

The partnership came about from recommendations by Bettws Hall, a Kawasaki ATV/UTV dealer located in Wales who offer a sport shooting facility and have also managed a game farm for over 29 years. Local to the school is Kawasaki dealer, TH White Ltd. who are known to the Royal Berkshire Shooting School and their clients, therefore it was natural

for them to join the party and provide maintenance for the MULE PRO-DXT. “I thought, Bettws Hall is running six of the best shoots in the UK in some of the most arduous terrain of any location and we were conscious of wanting a product that could do it all. From carrying our clients in relative luxury as they go up and down the valley on our property, to fulfil a tough work regime of putting out tens of thousands of clays per year, moving batteries, chain harrowing and the whole lot.

There was no other real option than looking for the Kawasaki MULE PRO-DXT,” Dylan commented.

In the true style of dedication that is so prevalent in everything that they do, The Royal Berkshire Shooting School plan to organise RUV training for their staff, conducted by the European ATV Safety Institute (EASi).

Kawasaki Motors UK Product Manager for ATV and MULE, Simon Riches said, “The MULE PRO-DXT is a rugged and very versatile UTV which has proven itself over the years, not only in the farming market but as a workhorse in similar sporting environments. We at Kawasaki Motors UK are pleased to be associated with the Royal Berkshire Shooting School and look forward to the future partnership.”

Find out more about the Kawasaki MULE range here - www.kawasaki.co.uk

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

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV Dealer profile: MKM Agriculture

Suzuki ATV talks to Ant Deacon, a Suzuki Dealer with a rich history in all thing’s ATV. nthony Deacon is part of a family-run Suzuki ATV Dealership known as MKM Agriculture, which is based in Bedfordshire on their 25-acre family farm. They are a longstanding Suzuki ATV dealership with a successful partnership of 16 years. We had the opportunity to ask Anthony a few questions and hear all about his colourful history with Suzuki ATV. Q: When was MKM Agriculture established?

A: MKM was established by my father, Mark Deacon, in 1987. At the time I was six months old – so it’s easy to keep track of, as the business and I are of a similar age!

Q: Could you tell us about the history of MKM Agriculture?

A: As my father came from a farming background, it was easy for him to understand the wants and needs of the local farmers. With that in mind, MKM Agriculture was established and began to sell farm machinery. In 2003, we diversified into selling Suzuki ATVs and incredibly sold 13 new ATVs in our first year of trade!

Q: Can you please tell me about your personal history with ATVs including your racing career?

A: As mentioned before, I’ve been a part of this business since I was sixth months old. I’ve gone from a being in car seat whist dad did business, to having a small cattle farm and using ATVs, to working for my dad in the dealership during the school holidays to finally,

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running the dealership. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Suzuki GB ATV Racing team – travelling all over the UK and Europe to places like Slovakia, Belgium and France to mention a few. For as long as I can remember, a part of my life has always involved ATVs. Q: How many years have MKM Agriculture been a Suzuki Dealership?

A: We have been a Suzuki dealer since 2003.

In fact, we even won the Suzuki Dealer of the Year Award in 2007 which was a very proud moment for us, considering the quality of other Suzuki ATV dealers spread across Britain.

Q: How many Suzuki ATVs do you estimate you have sold?

A: Last year alone we sold 50 Suzuki ATVs, based on this I would say we have probably sold around 500 since becoming a Suzuki ATV Dealership. Our most popular models are the KingQuad 500 and 750.

Q: How would you describe MKM Agriculture today?

A: I would describe us as an ATV specialist since 2014. The market has grown substantially, and we have been lucky enough to grow with it.

Q: Who would you say are your current customers?

A: We have a large and diverse customer base. I always say our customers are “farmers, game keepers and formula one teams”. Our customers come from a vast array of backgrounds – wildlife, small holdings, estate management, equestrian, recreational and

racing.

Q: What do your customers say about the Suzuki ATVs they purchase; what is their feedback?

A: We always receive very positive feedback!

The Suzuki ATVs are known for their rider comfort, the rider experience, ease of use, powerful transmission, and for being reliable.

Q: What do you like most about Suzuki as a Brand and Suzuki ATVs? A: It’s a very profitable business to be in.

Simply put – Suzuki’s sell well.

They very rarely have issues, so warranty claims are minimal. Selling the Suzuki ATVs gives me confidence that my customers’ expectations will be met and won’t cause them any issues. Because of the Suzuki brand and its offering, I am able to sell these ATVs with conviction and confidence.

Q: Can you please tell me about EASI training? And why you think it’s important?

A: I have been an EASI Training instructor for the past 5 years. The reason behind this was that I felt in order to be a professional and responsible dealer, it would be good practice to become a qualified instructor. This way I am also able to offer my customers the whole package. By selling a machine with training I am giving the best possible customer service by showing the rider how to train and thereafter ride correctly. It is also important as it allows the customer to get the most out of their Suzuki ATV and correctly maintain the machine.

For more information on Suzuki ATVs visit: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk

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| Motors

Mercedes Benz EQC 4Matic UK pricing and specifications announced The new Mercedes-Benz EQC 4MATIC is now available to order, with prices starting at £65,640 OTR for the EQC 400 4MATIC Sport. he EQC is the first fully-electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz’s new EQ brand. It is powered by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery which has a range of 259 miles (WLTP) and an output of 408 hp and 765 Nm of torque. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 111 mph.

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The EQC features the pioneering MBUX multimedia system which has numerous EQspecific functions such as range display, charge status and energy flow. MBUX also includes the innovative ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant with voice activation. EQ-optimised navigation can also be set via MBUX, which bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. It also

informs the driver of nearby charging points.

EQC Sport models come as standard with Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera; Blind Spot Assist; Mirror package; Keyless-Go Comfort package; Multibeam LED Headlights; Seat Comfort package with electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support for front seats; heated front seats; 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; 10.25-inch touchscreen media display and

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| Motors

instrument cluster; and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours.

AMG Line trims add AMG black panel radiator grille in a twin-blade design; AMG sport seats in leather upholstery; carbon fibre trim; running boards; 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels; and AMG front apron in a jet-wing design, air inlets with trim parts in chrome and inserts in high-gloss black.

AMG Line Premium models feature all of the above equipment and add an electric sliding roof; Burmester surround sound system; ENERGIZING package; MBUX Augmented Navigation; smartphone integration; and wireless charging (for compatible smartphones).

EQC AMG Line Premium Plus trims add

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MBUX Interior Assistant; head-up display; Parking package with 360o camera; and memory seats.

The Edition 1 features all of the Sport equipment and adds an electric sliding roof; MBUX Augmented Navigation; ENERGIZING package; Burmester surround sound system; black or polar white paint; leather upholstery; 20inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; smartphone integration; and wireless charging.

The limited edition EQC Edition 1886 comes as standard with the Sport equipment line and adds MBUX Interior Assistant; Driving Assistance package; Parking package with 360o camera;

electric sliding roof; Memory seats; Burmester surround sound system; ENERGIZING Comfort; wireless charging; head-up display; 20-inch tenspoke alloy wheels; smartphone integration; and MBUX Augmented Navigation.

The Driving Assistance Package Plus is available for ÂŁ1,695 (only in conjunction with AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus models) and includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC; Active Steering Assist; Active Lane Changing Assist; Active Braking Assist; Pedestrian warning function near pedestrian crossings; Evasive Steering Assist; and Congestion Emergency Braking Function.

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| Motors

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| Motors

Straight six performance and efficient mild hybrid refinement for Range Rover Range Rover is renowned for combining peerless luxury and refinement with traditional all-terrain capability. Now, with the latest 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, enhanced performance and quicker responses go handin-hand with improved fuel economy at the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment. awdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “Continued investment in our engine manufacturing plant in Wolverhampton is delivering new clean and efficient engine technology for our customers, giving the greatest breadth of choice yet.

“The P400 MHEV option on Range Rover Sport, with its refined, purposeful power delivery, has been well received by UK customers so we anticipate a welcome reception to this addition to the Range Rover range of vehicles.”

The latest 400HP Ingenium engine delivers 550Nm of torque that powers the new Range Rover from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and to a top speed of 140mph.

With the introduction of an electric supercharger that delivers immediate boost by spooling in 0.5s up to 65000rpm, the smooth and responsive six cylinder engine provides an impressive torque response, comparable with engines with much bigger displacement. This is thanks to the optimal coordination between electric supercharger and twin-scroll turbocharger, which virtually eliminates turbo lag.

The innovative combination of advanced features includes a twin-scroll turbocharger that, alongside Continuous Variable Valve Lift, boosts power by helping the new engine breathe with maximum efficiency. Not only does this optimise performance and fuel economy, while reducing emissions, it does so with the customary poise and refinement customers expect from a Range Rover.

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These features, underpinned by the latest Ingenium petrol engine, form part of a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain designed to bring enhanced efficiency to the range with fuel economy of 30.4mpg (9.3L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 212g/km* (NEDC equivalent combined). It is the latest step taken by Jaguar Land Rover to ensure it offers an electrified option on all new models from 2020.

Based around a new start-stop system, the latest 3.0-litre engine is paired with an electric motor that can harvest energy through deceleration and store it in a 48V battery. This energy can then be re-deployed through torque-assist, reducing CO2 emissions and the work load on the engine.

Nick Rogers, Executive Director of Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said:“Traditional Range Rover strengths have been heightened with the introduction of the latest 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. Advanced technologies, such as Continuous Variable Valve Lift, work alongside a mild-hybrid system that harvests energy as you drive, to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The otherwise wasted energy is used to power the electric supercharger, which enhances vehicle capability by enhancing the torque curve at low engine speeds for greater responses. Superior comfort is achieved thanks to the natural mass balance of the engine, which allows it to run more smoothly.”

In addition, an updated paint palette includes two new colours, as Eiger Grey replaces Corris Grey and Portofino Blue is now available instead of Loire Blue. Customers can also choose a new 22in Gloss Black wheel, in

addition to the existing 21in and 22in options.

The headlights on Range Rover have been updated to include two new features as standard. Available on both Matrix and Pixel LED systems, Sign Post Dimming identifies road signs and turns off the individual LEDs that could reflect back and cause glare for the driver. Tourist Mode has also been added to the Pixel system, allowing a driver to select whether they are driving on the left or right-hand side of the road and adjusting the beam pattern accordingly.

Connectivity has been enhanced with the addition of a new Smartphone Pack, fitted as standard across the range. Offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile device mirroring, it provides intuitive access to customers’ favourite compatible apps such as navigation and music streaming.

Owners continue to benefit from traditional capability features, for tasks such as Terrain Response 2. There is also a suite of safety technology, including optional Adaptive Cruise Control – featuring Stop & Go and Steering Assist – alongside High Speed Emergency Braking.

The updated colour palette, enhanced LED lighting and improved connectivity are available on the latest Range Rover Sport, in addition to the new 400PS Ingenium engine. Launched on the special edition HST model, the latest 400PS Ingenium engine is now available on additional trim levels.

The latest Range Rover is available to order now, priced from £83,655 OTR in the UK, and can be configured at www.landrover.co.uk

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| Motors

Isuzu D-Max XTR - capable in the extreme Isuzu UK has announcedthat the new Isuzu D-Max XTR – the most sophisticated and authentically capable version of this award-winning pick-up – is on its way, as the prototype of this striking new model was revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show. eveloped for offroad enthusiasts and drivers who want a vehicle to complement their lifestyle, this professional pick-up boasts authentic capability with a bespoke Pedders suspension upgrade as standard and substantial kerb appeal with a sophisticated body kit and aggressive styling. XTR will sit between Blade and Arctic Trucks, completing the Adventure range of Isuzu D-Max pick-ups.

Capable in the Extreme The Isuzu D-Max is renowned for being tough, strong and reliable but this existing capability has now been taken to the next level with a bespoke Pedders suspension and brake system engineered specifically for XTR. Built to endure the harshest conditions, a new front suspension upper arm in conjunction with

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newly designed damper units help achieve a longer suspension articulation, giving impressive offroad performance. In addition, suspension height is set higher than a standard D-Max meaning XTR benefits from a 250mm ground clearance with no compromise on vehicle handling and stability.

New performance front brake discs have been designed for a consistent brake pedal feel, high wear resistance and better anti– corrosion protection. They are also fully vented and slotted for improved heat dissipation and braking. Kevlar ceramic front brake pads work in combination with the discs to give a much improved braking performance and stopping power.

The set-up of springs and shock absorbers make for a more comfortable and refined ride.

These have been tuned specifically with XTR’s new wheels

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and tyres in mind to maximise driving enjoyment.

17” alloy wheels have a heavy duty, rigid design which doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s towing and load carrying capabilities.

Entirely fit for purpose, they have been engineered to handle offroading and, in conjunction with XTR’s bespoke Pedders suspension, exceed the expectations of a tough and reliable D-Max. The Isuzu D-Max XTR retains its superior 3.5 tonne towing, outstanding 125,000 mile / 5-year

warranty (whichever comes first) and 5-year roadside assistance in the UK and across Europe.

William Brown, Managing Director for Isuzu UK said: “The new Isuzu D-Max XTR is a unique and sophisticated pick-up with authentic off-road 4x4 capability. It fills a gap in the Isuzu D-Max range, allowing us broaden our brand appeal and complete the new adventure range.”

Pricing for XTR starts from £33,999. Available to pre-order now, the Isuzu D-Max XTR will arrive in dealerships later this year.

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| Motors

Mitsubishi L200 “Truck King Battle” winner makes public debut The Mitsubishi L200 eSports Concept, winner of the inaugural Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Truck King Battle, has today made its public debut at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. n display at the Mitsubishi Motors Brand Experience stand, the L200 eSports Concept is based on the ‘Truck King Battle’ winning entry from Joanne Tulloch of Livery Dole Mitsubishi in Exeter, whose concept of an eSports gaming truck gained the highest online engagement across the social media channels of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK during the competition. This winning entry has been realised thanks to Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and Ralph Hosier Engineering who had the task of building this unique show vehicle.

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Based on a standard Mitsubishi L200, this heavily modified show truck benefits from a chassis extension of 800mm and has been widened by 80mm to enable it to house a twin gaming area. Each of the two race simulator gaming setups is complete with a racing seat and Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing wheel, pedal box and gear shifter. Xbox One consoles are linked to curved 24-inch LED screens which are being used to run Forza Horizon 4.

The rear tailgate has been heavily modified and now incorporates a set of fold-down steps to allow easier access to the gaming area, which itself is covered with a bespoke fabrication

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to allow for the additional headroom required. The rear area is completed with a coffee machine and refreshment bar, allowing for hours of uninterrupted gaming. Two 22-inch LED screens are also situated on the outside of the vehicle to allow onlookers to see what is happening and keep track of the game progress but can be folded away into the rear area during transportation. All of this technology is powered a roofmounted 150w solar cell, which is capable of charging up the four 105Ah deep-cycle leisure batteries to give up to eight hours off the grid playing time.

The exterior of the L200 eSports Concept is fitted with Speedline

Mamba alloy wheels, which have been finished in distinctive metallic rose gold and fitted with large offroad tyres. There are also modifications to the front and rear wheel arches and a light bar is fitted to the front of the roof area.

Finally, the front grille, vehicle badges and bespoke vehicle decals are finished in the rose gold colour scheme to complete the look.

Following the conclusion of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, the L200 eSports concept will have some final modifications before being unveiled to the motoring press at the 2019 SMMT Test day on May 23.

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