November 2013 Farming Monthly

Farming

MONTHLY National

November 2013

Inside this issue...

Farm Energy

On Topic

Renewables round-up

YPC not just chicken feed

Muck & Slurry Spreading the word

Security Is your farm protected?

Also Inside: Grain | Buildings | Arable | Animal Health | Pig & Poultry | Pests | ATV | Motors

NEW & USED TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

Combines CaseIH 9120 with 35’ header & trailer, 2009, 1082 hours, Full GPS. Auto Steering & Mapping, 876 Rotor hours.

CaseIH 9230 with 35’ header & trailer, 2012, 175 Rotor hours, Pro 700 screen, Air kit, CaseIH Warranty for 2013 season & subsidised CaseIH finance subject to terms & conditions.

CaseIH 5130 with 20’ Vario header, CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH subsidised finance available subject to terms & conditions.

CaseIH 2388 c/w 24’ header, 2007, 920 hours, RDS Yield Mapping, immaculate condition.

CaseIH 2166, 18’ header / trolly, 2140 hours.

John Deere 9780 CTS Hillmaster, 2002, 22’ header & trolly, chopper & Chaff spreaders.

New Holland TC56 c/w 15’ header / trolly, chopper, 2082 hours.

New Holland CSX 7080 c/w 20’ header / trolly, approx 800 hours.

Quantum 65c two wheel drive, 2010, 3771 hours, front weights.

Quantum 65c two wheel drive, 2010, 2385 hours, front weights.

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

Farmall 75c 4wd. 2013, only 40 hours, just like new.

JX95 PowerShuttle, 2012, 983 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 540/1000 pto.

NEW Farmall 55 two wheel drive, Roll bar, CaseIH Finance Package.

NEW JXU105 4wd 24x24 Power Shuttle & PowerShift, 540/1000 pto.

16.9 x 34 tyres, air seat, air conditioned cab, twin assistor rams, front mudguards & weights. CaseIH Finance Package.

Maxxum 125 Suspension c/w LRZ loader, 2009, 2920 hours.

Maxxum 125 EP c/w Quicke loader, 2012, 887 hours.

Maxxum 125 c/w Loader, 2011, 1562 hours.

Maxxum 140 Suspension 40kph. 2012, 338 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres.

NEW Maxxum 110 EP Cab Suspension3 speed PTO. large hyd. pump. CaseIH Subsidised Finance package subject to terms & conditions.

NEW Maxxum 115 EP Cab Suspension3 speed PTO. large hyd. pump. CaseIH Subsidised Finance package subject to terms & conditions.

NEW Maxxum 125 EP. 17x16 gearbox, Suspension, 540/1000 pto. air conditioned cab, 520/70 x 38 tyres, boosts to 165hp.

CVX140 Suspension, 2008, 3447 hours, 460/85 x 38 tyres.

CVX150 Suspension, 2009, 2900 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres.

CVX150 Suspension, 2007, 4143 hours, 20.8 x 42 tyres.

CVX1155 Suspension, 2004, 3338 hours, 460/85 x 38 tyres.

CVX160 Suspension, 2009, 3568 hours, Front Linkage, 50kph.

CVX160 Suspension, 2009, 5210 hours, Front Linkage.

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

CVX195 Suspension, 2009, 4297 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres.

Puma 125 Suspension c/w LRX150 loader, 2011, 2423 hours.

Puma 140 MC, 2010, 553 hours, Pro 300 Screen, 3 spd.pto.

Puma 140 Semi Powershift, 2011, 570 hours, 40kph.

Puma 140 Powershift, suspension, 2010, 700 hours, 40kph.

Puma 145 EP. 2012, 661 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres, 40kph. trailer air brakes.

Puma 155 MC 2010, 1650 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 50kph.

Puma 155 MC 2009, 3370 hours, 50kph. trailer air brakes.

Puma 155 New type MultiController, 2010, 1635 hours.

Puma 155 2009, 2611 hours, Powershift.

Puma 155 PowerShift, 2009, 3457 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres.

Puma 160 Suspension 50kph. 2012, 560 hours.

Puma 160 Suspension, 2013, 350 hours, 20.8 x 38 tyres, 40kph.

Puma 165 + Quicke Q75 Soft ride loader, 2010, 2086 hours.

Puma 180 Suspension, 2012, 560 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 50kph.

JCB 528-70 Telescopic, year 2000, 2160 hours, PowerShuttle, Ex Water Authority.

Manitou 420 Buggiescopic - choice of 1994 & 2007 models.

JCB 926 masted forklift, cab, showing 3142 hours.

John Deere 6320 c/w Front Linkage, 2004, 4320 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres.

7530 Premium TLS 50kph. trailer air brakes, 710/70 x 38 Michelin.

Massey Ferguson 399 4wd 12x12 Shuttle, 1992, 5185 hours, 16.9 x 38 tyres.

4455 4wd 12x12 Shuttle, air conditioned cab, front weights, 2005, 3534 hours.

6170 Dynashift 4wd. 5456 hours, passenger seat, 18.4 x 38 tyres.

6455 Dyna 6 c/w Front Linkage, 2006, 825 hours, air conditioned cab.

Ford / New Holland TL 80 4wd Powershift & PowerShuttle, 2003, 340/85 x 38 tyres.

TL 80 two wheel drive, 2002, 5190 hours, 12x12 Shuttle.

TL 90 4wd PowerShift & PowerShuttle, air conditioned cab, 2003.

TL 90 4wd Row Crops, Front Linkage, air conditioned cab, 3 speed pto. 2006, 4663 hours.

TS100 Plus 4wd Row Crops, 40kph. 3 speeed pto. 3845 hours, 2007.

TM175 c/w Front Linkage, Suspension 40kph. 2005, 5933 hours.

T6010 Delta 24x24 PowerShuttle & PowerShift, 2008, 1845 hours, passenger seat.

T6070 Range Command, 40kph Eco, 2010, 1335 hours, Creep gears, 650/65 x 38 tyres.

T7040 Power Command Suspension 50kph & Creep gears, 2008, 5800 hours.

T7060 Suspension c/w front Linkage, 650/65 x 38 tyres, 2008, 3826 hours.

T7070 Auto Command c/w Front Linkage, 40kph. 2010, 1925 hours.

Other Makes Claas Ares 826 c/w front Linkage, 2347 hours, air conditioned cab, 20.8 x 42 tyres.

Deutz Agrotron M620 Suspension 50kph & Creep, 1150 hours, trailer air brakes.

Valtra M150 Suspension 40kph. trailer air brakes, 1810 hours, Front Linkage.

Kubota 5700 4wd c/w Quicke loader / bucket 1516 hours, superb condition.

Puma 195 MultiController, 2008, 976 hours, AFS Pro 200 screen.

Puma 210, 2012, 629 hours, 50kph. 650/65 x 42 tyres, weights.

Puma 210, 2010, 4183 hours, Front Linkage, 620/70 x 42 tyres.

Puma CVX 160 Suspension 50kph. trailer air brakes, 2012, 272 hours.

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

Puma CVX 180 Suspension 50kph. Front Linkage, 2010, 2357 hours.

Puma CVX 195 Full Accuguide 2010, 4770 hours, 50kph. trailer air brakes.

Puma CVX 210, Full Accuguide, 2011, 3378 hours, 710/70 x 38 tyres.

Puma CVX 225 F/Linkage, trailer air brakes, 2010, 785 hours.

Magnum 225 Suspension, 2007, 2361 hours, 50kph.

Magnum 225 Suspension, 2011, 3120 hours.

Magnum 230, 2003, 5120 hours, 650/85 x 38 tyres, front weights.

Magnum 260 Suspension 50kph. trailer air brakes, front weights.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph + Creep gears, 2010, 1255 hours.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph + Creep gears, 2010, 1480 hours.

Magnum 310 FULL GPS, 2011, 2255 hours, 710/70 x 42 tyres.

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

Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph. weights, 2011, 507 hours.

NEW Magnum 340 Anniversary model, Silver & Red livery.

Excavators & Loading Shovels Komatsu PC45, 2008, 2612 hours, 4 buckets, rubber tracks, piped, first used 2010.

Case CX130, year 2000, air conditioned cab, breaker pipes, good tracks, 6’ bucket.

Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC-3, 2010, 938 hours, reversing camera, quick hitch.

JCB 8035 ZTS 2007, 1750 hours, rubber tracks, breaker pipes, ditching bucket.

JCB Micro 8008, roll bar, adjustable tracks, buckets, 1300 hours, breaker lines.

JCB 2cx StreetMaster c/w buckets & breaker, 2006.

JCB 411 HT Loading Shovel, air conditioned, reversing camera, genuine 930 hours, ex Water Authority.

Telescopic Handlers & Forklifts JCB 527-55, 2009, 3600 hours, trailer hitch.

JCB 525-67 Farm Special Plus, one owner, very straight.

JCB 526 - 56 Agri PowerShift, 2009, 2500 hours, Q fit carriage, air conditioned cab.

Photographs on our web site : www.startintractors.co.uk Only to be sold after viewing, no guarantee given. E&OE All prices Ex VAT

Many more tractors & equipment for sale:

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

Contact a local operator:

Cambridge: Swansea: Penrith:

01223 835222 01792 310031 01768 210055

Contents

34

66

November 2013

14 42

Features

Regulars

16 18 21 24 26 31 40 42

06 14 32 44 56 57

Pig & Poultry Industry news

Animal Health Industry news

Pests Got a pest problem?

Arable Sector news

Muck & Slurry Sector news

Feature Farm Business Innovations Show

Grain

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Yeast Protein Concentrate ‘not just chicken feed’

Energy Renewables news

Machinery New machinery news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Sector news

LAMMA preview

Security Secure your farm and belongings We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or something you want to get off your chest? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2013.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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

Competition Subscribe Win his & hers Heat Holders Five sets to give away...

Great reasons to subscribe... Just £18 for • Free delivery direct to your door • Never miss an issue As far as is known, and has ever been tested, Heat Holders are the warmest thermal socks in the world.

Seven times warmer than normal cotton socks and designed to keep toes toasty warm in any weather. They are available in a range of sizes for men, women and children RRP of £7.99 (£5.99 for children’s socks). In various high street retailers as well as through www.heatholders.com Follow HeatHolders on Twitter: @HeatHolderSocks Follow HeatHolders on www.facebook.com/heatholders

12 issues

Keep up-to-date with the latest news in the farming industry by subscribing to Farming Monthly National - the UK’s leading directly distributed, national agricultural publication.

Paying by cheque: Please complete your name and address details below and make your cheque payable to Farming Monthly Ltd. Paying by debit or credit card: Please return the completed form below to: Farming Monthly Subscriptions, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ or call us on 02476 353537

Q: What TOG rating do HeatHolders boast?

A: 1 TOG B: 1.5 TOG C: 2.3 TOG

Yes please I’d like to subscribe

Send your completed answer form to: Competitions, Farming Monthly National, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Good Luck!

Name: ...................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................... .....................................................................Postcode: ........................

Telephone: ............................................................................................

Answer: ............................................................................

Name: ...................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................... .....................................................................Postcode: ........................

Telephone: ............................................................................................

Email: ...................................................................................................

Farm Type: ............................................................

Acreage: ................................................................

Email: ...................................................................................................

Farm Type: ..................................... Acreage:.......................................

Visa/Delta Card No. CVV No.

Signature

MasterCard

(Valid From)

Switch

Issue No. _______

Expiry Date

Date

By including your email address, you indicate your consent for us to email you information about selected products, events and services from Farming Monthly Ltd, our affiliated companies and from carefully chosen third parties. To opt out tick here. I do not wish you receive emails from: Farming Monthly Ltd Affiliate Companies Third parties

| News

Call for gay farmers Philippa Robinson is a Producer/Director at Nutopia, a TV production company which focuses on ambitious, groundbreaking, factually inspired shows. ’m currently researching a documentary for Channel 4 about what life is like for gay men living and working in the farming community.

I’m keen to hear from men who would be willing to tell me in strictest confidence - about their experience of being gay in the farming world. None of the conversations will be used for the documentary and there is absolutely no obligation for anyone to take part in the film.

The purpose of the conversations is to help me understand what it’s like to be gay and part of a rural community.

To find out more about what I’m doing and to have a confidential chat with me please call or text me on 07966 396199 or email me at philippa.robinson@nutopia.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

I

06 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

The Dilemma of EID Addressing the concerns about Electronic Identification. here is still a great deal of confusion about the rules for the Electronic Identification (EID) of sheep. On Thursday 21st November, John Carroll, Head of Animal Traceability at South Western Business Services, Kate Phillips, Principal Livestock Consultant at ADAS and Angus Stormonth Darling, StockTrace Managing Director will be speaking at McCartneys, Ludlow to highlight how increasing EID requirements might affect sheep farmers.

In 2014 the sheep industry will see many changes. DEFRA have issued a consultation which is likely to mandate the use of EID tags for all slaughter animals.

This will have a major impact on many farmers. In April next year the new National Database will be implemented by South Western, bringing electronic movement reporting another step closer. Now is the time to address how the increased EID requirements will affect farmers.

John Carroll, Head of Animal Traceability at South Western will introduce the company and explain the role it will play.

T

Kate Phillips, Principal Livestock Consultant at ADAS said: “It seems likely that EID is here to stay. Although the prospect may be unwelcome to many, Electronic Identification can offer several benefits to farmers. Measuring and monitoring performance can help to identify areas for attention and help farmers to improve flock productivity. The important thing is to find a solution that is right for each farming operation.”

Angus Stormonth Darling, Managing Director at StockTrace said: “The EID journey can be taken step by step and should not be overwhelming. On 21st November farmers will be able to see how easily EID can be used on farms.”

If EID feels like a burden, or the rules are unclear, or if the new National Database is a concern, please come to The Dilemma of EID evening. It is on 21st November, 7.00 pm at McCartneys in Ludlow. To find out more contact: clare@clarerowson.co.uk or telephone 07900 820 819.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Country Women walking in Warwickshire CWC incorporating Farm Women’s Club enjoy a number of organised outings each year. round 50 ladies (and some gentlemen) from Yorkshire in the North, the Sussex coast in the South, The Fens of Cambridgeshire in the East and Wales in the West, gathered at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth for the Country Women Countrywide annual walking weekend on 11, 12 and 13 October. Although the weather was less than perfect on the Saturday, the majority of those attending embarked on a six mile round trip which included lunch at Warwick Golf Club. By Sunday the weather had deteriorated and a hardy few battled the elements during a three mile walk whilst others chose a slightly drier option and visited Stoneleigh Abbey.

Country Women Countrywide is, as the name suggests, a national organisation which has continued the work of the nationwide Farm Women’s Club . Links are maintained with a growing network of ladies via www.countrywomen.co.uk , a website which can be accessed by invitation only.

In addition to the two National weekend events, in February and October, other meetings and events are organised and held locally, usually on a monthly basis. There is also a Regional lunch organised by the Southern Counties in May and discussions are underway to repeat this lunch in the

A

Keen walkers ready to resume the trek back to the hotel

A hardy bunch these ‘Country Women’!

Midlands/East of the country for the benefit of those living in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

CWC welcomes new members and if you

would like further information about this friendly organisation please contact christine@countrywomen.co.uk or 01778 345018 OR Jenny on 01273 452028

Campaign to reverse decline in rural crafts

Dorset Buttony

A new campaign has been launched to reverse the decline in rural crafts such as weaving, tapestry, felting, leatherwork, button-making and willow-weaving – and to stop some from dying out completely. s permanent infrastructure and technical assistance for craft teaching can be expensive, so the Heritage Crafts Association and FACE (Farming and Countryside Education), with the support of the Ernest Cook Trust have today launched materials to enable teachers without specialist training to reintroduce the fun and learning opportunities of traditional countryside crafts into schools.

Campaign supporter The Right Honorable John Hayes said: “Heritage crafts matter. These free downloadable resources with tested craft projects which are easy to deliver, accessible, fun for pupils and tailored to the National Curriculum will bring an important part of our heritage and economy back into the classroom.”

Materials are aimed at non-specialist teachers at KS2 and will also be suitable for Design & Technology projects at KS3. They include notes on how the craft can be a focus and enhance study across the curriculum, background on the craft, a personal statement by a maker, and details of a craft project for pupils to undertake.

The Heritage Crafts Association lead the project utilising the knowledge, experience and contacts of FACE to ensure that the resources are fit for purpose and that the resources are made directly available to the widest audience of teachers.

A

08 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Packs can be downloaded from FACE [http://www.face-online.org.uk/countrysidecrafts/]or the Heritage Crafts Association [http://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/index.php/co mponent/k2/item/158-resources-for-teachers].

Robin Wood, Chair of the Heritage Crafts Association, said: “Crafts can be invisible in the classroom, and teachers can be nervous about introducing craftwork as part of the curriculum.

These materials make it easier for teachers to show children that crafts are an important part of the world of work, the local ecology, and a great source of personal satisfaction.”

Willow Weaving

Leather Working

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

FUW leaders back family farms Two leading Farmers' Union of Wales members stressed the importance of support from government and retailers to ensure the survival of family farms during a recent meeting in London. he union's president, Bala farmer Emyr Jones, told a Family Farmers’ Association open meeting that family farmers were passionate about the food they produce but passion alone cannot sustain their businesses.

He said the Single Farm Payment (SFP) was a "lifeline" for many farmers and the prospect of the UK leaving the EU made him "very nervous". He added: “We are heavily dependent on our SFP and would not be able to survive without it.

“A referendum on Europe makes me very nervous. We feel we have to be a part of the EU to carry on farming.”

Mr Jones, who farms beef and sheep with his two sons, said the country’s farmers needed more support from Westminster and from the National Assembly in Cardiff.

Former FUW Ceredigion county chairman Ionwen Lewis said family farms were often a forgotten species.

“What must not be forgotten, though, is farming is a thriving bright spot in the British economy and it is important the law makers realise agriculture is not just about skylark numbers.

“Family farms do not just produce food, they have maintained the landscape and nurtured unique communities and the rural way of life for

T

thousands of years.”

Mrs Lewis, a former Women’s Food and Farming Union (WFU) president whose son is eventually expected to take over the farm, agreed the industry needed support but added it had a "bright" future.

She said: “British agriculture has faced challenging and often turbulent times over the last decade, with outbreaks of devastating animal diseases, low farmgate prices and increasing import costs, as well as never ending forms to fill in.

“Yet, probably because we are the most resilient and proudest of people in any industry, most of us are still around and as optimistic as ever.”

She said the WFU conference in London next year would be looking at how the problem could be tackled.

“Why do we need to produce more when we are wasting so much? We are wasting 50 per cent of the food we produce in the world.

“The best way to care for the countryside is to farm it and make full use of its produce.

“We enjoy what we do and it is always a challenge to produce more food to meet the growing demand every year - but the fact that in the UK, seven million tonnes of food is thrown away every year is horrifying.”

Ionwen Lewis

Emyr and the boys

Next Auctions on 11th November 2013 & 9th December 2013 commencing at 10.30am

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Top team at Young Farmers hatch plan to beat rural isolation A new leadership team at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) promises to reach out to more rural young people over the next year to tackle isolation issues in the countryside. he three members elected into the top positions of Chairman and two Vice Chairmen at the Quality Hotel Coventry on Sunday 3 November plan to focus on the key issues affecting rural young people today.

Claire Worden from the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (FYFC) was voted in as Chairman by members of the NFYFC Council and Hannah Talbot from Worcestershire FYFC and Chris Manley from Devon FYFC were elected as the two Vice Chairmen.

The trio take on their roles at a critical time for the Federation as they develop a new strategy to reach out to more young people living in rural areas.

During her year as Chairman, Claire plans to head up a campaign about rural isolation to help raise awareness about the unique challenges young people face who live in the countryside and to demonstrate the support Young Farmers’ Clubs can offer.

Claire Worden, National Chairman of NFYFC, said: “I am thrilled to be elected as the new Chairman of Council for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. I am honoured to represent such an amazing

T

organisation that has given me so much over the last 13 years of my membership.

“YFC has given me skills, confidence and friends for life.

We’re not just an organisation for young people involved in farming – we offer support and a social life to all young people in the countryside. I love living in a very rural area of Cornwall, but it comes with its challenges. YFC has helped me to stay connected and feel part of a much bigger community and I want to use my year as Chairman to make more rural young people aware of our Clubs so they can enjoy the same opportunities I did.”

The team will be charged with leading on the overall policy for the Federation, continuing the development and leadership of YFCs to meet the needs of its members and developing the status and image of YFC to the outside world.

More than 100 members gathered in Coventry over the weekend to pass motions that affect the running of the organisation and to elect the new Council. Four steering groups represent the views of the members and include: Competitions; Communications, Events and Marketing; Personal

10 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Development and Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The National Council is made up of 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.

Through steering groups, the National Council also decide and shape the programmes of work at NFYFC - planning events, competitions, campaigns and training for members.

Other elections included: • Competitions Chairman:David Hamer (Yorkshire) • Vice Chairman: Faith Cosgrove (Cambridgeshire) • Communications, Events and Marketing (CEM) Chairman: David Maidment (Wiltshire) • Vice Chairman: Katie Davies (Pembrokeshire) • Personal Development Chairman: Nicola Chegwidden

(Cornwall) • Vice Chairman: Sean Garrard (Lincolnshire) • Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chairman (Herefordshire): Russell Carrington • Vice Chairman: Remains open

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Anniversary

Clearly, the Mayans were wrong...

The fact that we are here and celebrating 17 years in print can mean only one thing...you can’t always be right! o, here we are close to wrapping up 2013 - we all survived the predicted 2012 apocalypse‌no, it wasn't the end of the world.

It's been another tough year for everyone.

Inclement weather still disrupts the regular farming activities, indeed - many are still catching up from the year before. Extra feed will put pressure on the wallet!

Property prices are on the up again and land has exploded in price. Better get that adjoining field as soon as you can.

Renewables are still one of the biggest talking points. FiTs might have gone down but so have installation prices and with 'robbing' utilities charging ever more for power - now might be the time to get on board. You know it makes sense.

Crop yields are down but prices are up, although inputs are up too - it never seems to get much better does it?

Farm income figures are in and it seems that it's only perhaps poultry producers that have had much good news to 'crow' about. Others have had one of the worst years ever and there are some that might well have to close their doors and give it all up.

Our 17th year in print has also been tough.

Royal Mail put up their prices significantly (and introduced VAT onto publisher mail). We can see now where that was going - and now having been privatised, their eye will always be on delivering increased profits each and every

S

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

year. Might be cheaper to hop in the car and deliver your own letter soon!

On the plus side, we have seen significant increases in our digital readership - it seems that farmers are really getting into Twitter and iPads! Look out for our new 'App' soon...

We are looking forward to 2014 in the hope

that things get better for all of our dedicated readers and advertisers. We'll be here delivering our style of news and content direct to your door (and mobile devices) and we look forward to your continued and valued support.

Let's try and make 2014 a 'vintage' year!

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Forestry

Government sleepwalking into an era where England’s woods may start to shrink The Woodland Trust is demanding that interim arrangements are put in place to stem a two-year funding gap for new woodland planting as England enters a new Rural Development Programme. s part of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Woodland Trust was shocked to learn that no new government funded grants will be available to landowners in England for tree planting and creating new woods in 2014 and 2015. This will have a massive impact not only on our wooded landscapes but also on how many trees we see in our towns and cities.

With just 10% woodland cover, England is one of the least wooded countries in Europe but in 2013 a new Forestry policy for England, was published which included positive aspirations from Government to increase England’s woodland cover by planting at least 5,000 hectares per year.

According to Woodland Trust estimates, the potential consequences of this cancellation of funding are that planting could halve within 12 months, and then drop by two thirds in 2015. Not only does this mean that the government’s aspirations were extremely short lived and are now

A

effectively over, it could even mean England slips into a period of deforestation as trees and woods come under growing threats from disease and development like never before.

Hilary Allison, Woodland Trust Policy Director, said: “It is vital Defra commits to interim arrangements to help fund new woods over the next two years.

By not realising that this lack of funding could have a severe impact on how well we respond to tree disease in terms of planting to build resilient landscapes, the Government is sleepwalking into an era where England’s woods may start to shrink.

“The total lack of understanding shown by Defra of the importance of funding for tree planting and creating new woods, on top of the recent changes in planning policy that leave ancient woodland at risk from development1, is extremely frustrating and very concerning.

Government must realise that tree planting is not just an end in itself; it is key to achieving the protection

and improvement of woodland, as well as creating the woodland culture so championed within their new forestry policy.”

Without an effective solution like interim grants, an impaired ability to respond to tree disease is just one of a variety of issues likely to arise in the near future with others ranging from health and wellbeing impacts to loss of wildlife habitat and ultimately the further decline of tree

and woodland species.

The Government is about to publish a consultation asking stakeholders what the priorities should be for the next seven years of EU funding for rural support.

The Woodland Trust is urging people to support its call for interim measures by getting involved in the debate at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/campaig ning

National tree map Aerial mapping company Bluesky has completed the first ever detailed digital map of tree canopy cover across England and Wales. he National Tree Map has been created from the most up to date, high resolution aerial photography, colour infrared data and detailed height models. It includes three individual map layers, detailing more than 280 million trees with a canopy cover in the region of 20,000 square kilometres – around 13.5 per cent of land cover!

Bluesky’s National Tree Map is already in use in a number of Local Authorities, commercial organisations and academic institutions with interest also being shown from Central Government agencies and utility companies.

“Previous estimates of tree cover were around 10 per cent for England and 13 per cent for the UK as a whole,” commented James Eddy, Technical Director of Bluesky International. “Using our National Tree Map we have estimated this figure to be marginally higher at around 13.5 per cent for England and Wales.”

“However, what is more significant than the overall figure is

T

the level of detail we are able to provide to those organisations and individuals who manage and protect this valuable resource. By providing crown polygons and centre points together with height attributes we are able to provide real intelligence for asset management, maintenance and risk assessment applications.”

Applications of the Bluesky National Tree Map include subsidence risk assessment by insurance companies, propagation modelling for telecommunication infrastructure planning, network resilience assessment for utility companies and carbon reduction planning for environmental mitigation projects. Existing users of the data are already reporting significant improvements in day to day planning and operational efficiency achieved through the use of Bluesky National Tree Map data.

Bluesky National Tree Map is currently available for England and Wales with work already underway to create coverage for Scotland.

10% off until end of November

12 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Anniversary

Wha teve

r yo u fa

ce,

STI HL

ha

he edge. st

Leoni Collingwood

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| On Topic

On Topic

Not just chicken feed

Yeast Protein Concentrate not just chicken feed for biofuels producers

14 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

Chickens could be the unexpected beneficiaries of the growing biofuels industry, feeding on proteins retrieved from the fermenters used to brew bioethanol, thanks to research supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). t has long been known that the yeasty broth left over after bioethanol production is nutritious, but it has taken a collaboration between Nottingham Trent University and AB Agri, the agricultural division of Associated British Foods, to prove that Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC) can be separated from the fibrous cereal matter.

The researchers have also shown that YPC may be a costcompetitive substitute for imported soya-based and similar high-value protein feeds currently used in the diets of chickens bred for meat production.

The project was born out of the vision of biofuels pioneer Dr Pete Williams of AB Agri, who was convinced valuable material was being overlooked when cereals were fermented to make bioethanol.

With Dr Emily Burton of Nottingham Trent University, he was able to secure funding from the EPSRC for a CASE* studentship that allowed them to develop and analyse the process.

To establish the nutritional value of the concentrate, EPSRC CASE student Dawn Scholey examined the composition of the newly isolated, patented YPC in a series of experiments, which showed that it can be readily digested by chickens. A paper outlining this research is published in this month’s issue of the journal ‘Food and Energy Security’**.

Project supervisor, Dr Burton says the work is only just beginning: “Bioethanol is already a 60-billion-litre per year global market but this project shows the fuel itself is only half the story – immense value lies within other co-product streams too. As well as the proteins, the yeast content provides important vitamins and other micronutrients.”

Produced by distilling and fermenting wheat and other

I

agricultural feedstocks, bioethanol has particular potential for use as a petrol substitute. Currently, the dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) generated as a co-product are sold to the cattle-feed market but this is not big enough to absorb all material that would be generated if bioethanol production ramps up significantly in future.

Dr Burton believes the project helps address an issue often raised in connection with cerealbased biofuels: “One concern with bioethanol is the perception it will compete with food crops for limited farmland. Our new work shows how the two can live side by side.”

The new, patented process separates DDGS into three fractions – fibre, a watery syrup and YPC, allowing global production of almost 3 million tonnes of supplementary highquality protein per annum alongside current levels of bioethanol produced. A project at a US bioethanol facility is now up and running, demonstrating the performance of the process at factory scale.

Every year, 800 million chickens are reared for meat production in the UK and 48 billion worldwide.

As well as helping to feed these birds, YPC could partially replace the fish meal used on commercial fish farms.

Dr Pete Williams of AB Agri, the industrial sponsor of the work, says: “We couldn’t have got this development started without the EPSRC CASE studentship that allowed us to establish the proof of concept, and to confirm the valuecreation potential of our innovative separation process. By helping us to move to the next key stage of development, it has brought closer the prospect of full-scale industrial use that could deliver major benefits to the emerging ‘green’ fuel sector.”

About EPSRC

*CASE (Cooperation Awards in Science and Engineering) funding is provided by EPSRC for PhD students working with businesses on research projects of industrial relevance. **The ‘Food & Energy Security' paper can be viewed at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fes3.30/abstract The UK Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation stipulates that renewable fuels must account for an increasing proportion of fuel supplied on the UK’s petrol station forecourts.

For more information on AB Agri: www.abagri.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

On Topic

Chickens to benefit from biofuels bonanza

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests around £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science.

This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. www.epsrc.ac.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Pig & Poultry

Pig farm future is bright thanks to ADAS A family of pig farmers in Anglesey has received a major financial investment from their bank to upgrade their rearing enterprise, helped by the experts at a leading agricultural and environmental consultancy, ADAS. ohn and Christine Jones, along with their son Paul and his wife Sam, sought business advice from ADAS through Farming Connect’s Whole Farm* service, allowing the family – based in Rhosgoch, Anglesey – to approach NatWest with a robust business plan for upgrading the farm’s pig rearing facilities.

The Jones family farm two separate units with 290 acres at Llwyn yr Arth, which includes 90 acres rented from Ynys Mon County Council and a further 80 acres on short-term private rental agreements.

The thriving grassland business stocks 200 sows and 900 sheep, but the family had to consider whether it was worthwhile to continue in the pig industry, particularly at a time of economic downturn and spiralling costs.

David Moorhouse, a national pig specialist at ADAS, advised that with the right level of investment, the family could further develop the pig farming side of the business into a more profitable venture.

Commenting on his involvement with the project, David said: “I advised the business to invest in new fattening facilities to take the pigs to a heavier weight on a more modern and efficient system. This would reap significant financial benefits for the family – taking the pigs to a heavier weight would mean a better return per animal.”

Upgrading the farrowing facilities at the farm

J

would allow the pig herd to rise to 270 sows while also maintaining low mortality rates in the piglets. The business already had a good record for animal health and welfare, however, more modern facilities would enhance this further while providing environmental benefits by lowering energy costs.

Armed with the pig rearing improvement plans, the family then worked with Cate Barrow, a business expert at ADAS. Together they produced a comprehensive business plan to present to the bank, proving the scheme was financially viable and worth of investment.

Cate Barrow said: “Investors needed to see that their money was going to be safe and would produce a return on investment. I worked with the family to draw up a business plan with regular monitoring against cash-flow projections to make sure key targets and parameters were met.”

In the summer of 2013 NatWest invested a substantial sum of money into the Jones family’s pig rearing enterprise. Work has now started on the farm to upgrade the facilities and is due to be completed by the end of 2013.

Commenting on the project, Paul Jones, said: “We were operating a traditional pig unit with 200 commercial large white cross sows pigs finished at cutter weight (68KG) on straw yards. This was very labour intensive and in addition to that, our buildings needed significant modernisation.

Paul and Sue Jones

Inside the new fattening shed

“Thanks to the expert advice and guidance from ADAS, we can bring the unit up to modern standards and efficiency levels. We had a tough start to 2013 challenged by the adverse weather conditions but we know that by the end of the year, we will be up to target in terms of numbers and pig weights.

“The future of the pig farm certainly looks bright and we are looking forward to seeing the financial benefits of running an effective and profitable business.”

For more information about ADAS, visit: http://www.adas.co.uk/

Most pig units monitoring on line within a decade Technology is giving pig farmers the edge.

Hugh Crabtree

ithin ten years, most professional pig units will be on line and monitoring such factors as temperature, water, feed, growth and pig flow. Indeed, one pig farmer has already described that farming without monitoring is “like farming blind”, Hugh Crabtree, managing director of Farmex, told a conference on Precision Pig Production organised by RASE, at Harrogate, Yorkshire.

“You can’t control what you don’t measure and, happily, a new generation of pig producers is recognising this,” he said.

He explained that the independent PIVIT (Pig Improvement Via Technology) project, started at the beginning of 2012, which aimed to find out how producers and stock-people could gain commercial advantage from monitoring, was already beginning to bear fruit. Achievable improvements included a reduction of 5-10 days in time taken to finish pigs, a narrowing in variation, a 50 per cent reduction in fossil fuel use and an 80 per cent cut in water waste.

W

The impact of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) or ‘smart’ pig farming would result in less variation between herds.

Mr Crabtree suggested that, with monitoring, 90 per cent of the national herd should aim for the level of performance achieved by the current top 10 per cent of herds. This would mean feed conversion would improve from 2.72 to 2.21, daily liveweight gain from 822g to 839g per day, with feed costs per pig produced dropping from the current BPEXrecorded average of £41.11 to £25.

“You can’t control what you don’t measure and, happily, a new generation of pig producers is recognising this” Monitoring had already seen electricity consumption drop from 40 kWh to 16 kWh per pig and electricity cost per pig produced drop from an average of £3.51 to £1.41 on farms using Farmex’s

16 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

‘Barn Report’ data capturing system.

Monitoring also enabled pig farmers to check their units’

performance ‘live’ so that potential problems could be highlighted and adjustments made on a dayto-day basis.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pig & Poultry

Success for new Georgian pig unit A privately-owned 650-sow Georgian farm, established with genetics from Britain in 2012, is on target to produce over 30 pigs per sow a year, around 20 per cent above budget. he unit, established about 50 km south of the country’s capital Tbilisi, includes its own slaughter facilities and the owners, Kalanda Ltd, recently held an open day designed to attract meat buyers.

Georgia is seriously short of homeproduced meat but the new herd is on its way to help address this — producing 380 pigs per week rather than the 320 originally budgeted for.

T

“The farm, which cost over six million Euros to establish, has 10 per cent of the country’s pig population. The long-term plan is to expand to 1,300 sows.”

“This is the most modern farm in Georgia. Due to the health status of the pigs and the very high standard of management, they have been weaning an average of 12.5 pigs per litter from gilts,” commented Matthew Curtis,

ACMC’s managing director, who made a presentation at the event.

His company is supplying greatgrandparent stock and boars to enable the unit to be its own multiplier, produce its own replacements and expand production. Kalanda is being provided with technical back-up from ACMC’s headquarters in Beeford, Yorkshire, which includes PigCom management system that, says Matthew, is highly valued.

Gilts started farrowing in July and the farm will be producing finished pigs by December 2014 The farm, which cost over six million Euros to establish, has 10 per cent of the country’s pig population. The long-term plan is to expand to 1,300 sows.

Since independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia has suffered an economic down-turn and wants to become more self-sufficient in pork production. Currently the population of around 4.3 million people consumes just 6kg of pigmeat per head per year – way below the European average.

JSR welcomes new placement student from the University of York With a commitment to investing in talented, innovative people, JSR Genetics has welcomed local student Leonie Collingwood onto its successful placement scheme. wenty-year-old Leonie, from Hull, is a secondyear biology student at the University of York who was looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience to aid her studies when she applied for the placement at JSR.

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

She will be the second placement student at the East Yorkshire-based pig genetics company following the success of fellow University of York student, Hannah Sewell, last year.

Not only is the scheme helping to train and develop some of the county’s talented young scientists, but it also further strengthens a long-standing relationship with the university, which Arthur Sykes Rymer, the grandfather of JSR Chairman Tim Rymer, helped establish.

Dr Grant Walling, Director of Science & Technology at JSR, is delighted to welcome Leonie.

He said: “The scheme is a worthwhile opportunity to work with competent students, who, in their placement role can fulfill a wide range of activities for JSR. “Leonie was collecting samples in an abattoir on her second day at JSR and has already done a lot of work with the JSR Food Quality Centre, testing the tenderness of

the meat using specialist equipment and assisting with taste panels. We will also be giving her a larger project to work on during her placement, possibly following her predecessor working on Freedom Farrowing systems to improve sow welfare and piglet survival.

“The role is quite flexible and means the students are able to assist various teams across the business, forming an essential part of the research and genetics department. We are also proud of the link it establishes between one of our local universities and the JSR business.”

The mixture of scientific research and being able to work with animals meant JSR’s placement scheme was ideal for Leonie, and she is thoroughly enjoying learning the inner workings of such an established business in the genetics world.

She said: “I was impressed by JSR’s reputation on an

international scale and the groundbreaking research and development that is carried out from its headquarters here in East Yorkshire.

“Being from Hull, I was keen to work for a local business, but I was even more determined to get the placement role following my interview with Stephen Waite, Head of Technology Transfer at JSR. He explained that I could be working on a Freedom Farrowing project, which really appealed to me, as it will be beneficial to my studies.”

Leonie will be working at JSR full-time until next summer, before she starts the third and final year of her degree. Despite the fact she has only been at JSR since September, the placement has opened up future career options for Leonie and she is now considering working in animal genetics or breeding after she graduates. www.jsrgenetics.com

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Animal Health

Industry award sponsored by Harper Adams The winner of an animal health industry award sponsored by Shropshire’s Harper Adams University was presented with their prize at a special ceremony in London. lison Holloway, who works at Fenwold Veterinary Practice in Lincolnshire, won the Harper Adams Mastermind Award at the 2013 Over the Counter Awards held at the London Marriott County Hall on Wednesday.

Compere Sean Sparling and Over the Counter editor Catherine Paice were joined by TV vet and guest speaker Zara Bowland and 100 industry guests.

The awards, now in their ninth year, showcase individuals and companies from the animal health sector who go that extra mile for their customers and act as ambassadors for the industry.

The award sponsored by Harper Adams, based near Newport, is a Mastermind-style competition that seeks to find a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) or store manager who is on another level in terms of their depth of knowledge on disease management, animal health, and the farming and food industry.

Alison, from Spilsby, said: “I‘m very excited. It’s a huge privilege to be here today in such a lovely

A

setting. Coming from a rural place it’s very special to be here in London.

“It’s quite humbling as I know the standard of SQP across the country is tremendously high.

There are an awful lot of people out there doing a great job so I am pleased to have got recognition with this award for doing what I do.”

A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is the legal term for animal medicine advisors who form a category of professionally qualified people who are entitled to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines in the UK under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

A potential SQP must register with the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA), as the body holding the professional register, but Harper Adams awards the necessary academic credits, whether assessment takes place at the university or at another centre.

Carwyn Ellis, Head of the Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences Department at

New opportunity for early protection against Enzootic Pneumonia A revised licence for the vaccine Suvaxyn™ MH-One will provide a new opportunity for pig producers to extend protection against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. he vaccine is now of maternally derived antibodies.” approved for use from “The vaccine, which adds to seven days of age with a our large and growing pig vaccine two-week onset of immunity, which and product portfolio, also benefits means that piglets can be from using adjuvants carbopol and protected by three weeks of age squalane.” when they are commonly already The performance gains from infected with M. hyo. Duration of early protection are shown in a immunity extends well beyond the field trial with 240 pigs injected at average UK pig slaughter age of one week of age which showed 176 days. significantly higher average daily “This is a significant step weight gain, providing nearly 5 kg forward, recognising the full extra weight over the study period Students graduating atMHHarper Adams University (left efficacy ofcelebrate the Suvaxyn™ to 166 days. to right) Jennyagainst Ashton,enzootic Alaw Haf Jones and Sarah Hardman One vaccine The Zoetis portfolio of pig pneumonia,” said Nigel Lodge, vaccines now offers protection National Veterinary Manager for against M.hyo, porcine circovirus, Zoetis in the UK. “Trials have parasuis, parvo virus, erysipelas confirmed that use of Suvaxyn™ and E. coli, with a broad range of MH-One at seven days reduces oral and injectable antibiotics. lung lesions - even in the presence

T

18 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Harper Adams, who presented the award to Alison, said: “Harper Adams are pleased to sponsor this important award. We are impressed again this year with the quality of the applicants. All of the applicants are worthy of recognition and reflected well the knowledge base of SQPs.” The runner up this year was Andrew Pattison of RM Jones, who received a highly commended certificate.

Healthy livestock Beef and dairy farmers in the South West have slashed the costs of hidden diseases – and now other producers across the country can do the same. major industry conference is bringing together international experts on common cattle diseases, and will present the findings of the three-year Healthy Livestock project, which has seen participants boost productivity by an estimated £16.7m a year.

The EU-funded project, which is managed by the Rural Business School at Duchy College, provided training, oneto-one visits and advice with the farmers’ own vets, to draw up individual health management plans and tackle infectious diseases on the farm.

“We are delighted with the success of the Healthy Livestock project, which has reached more than 8500 farmers across the South West,” says project manager Paul Ward. “With the current round of funding drawing to a close, it is only right to show how other producers can benefit from the valuable lessons we’ve learnt, and continue to drive herd health forward.”

Teresa Allward, who took part in the lameness, BVD, Johne’s and respiratory disease strands of the project at Langford Farm, Woollard, Somerset, is delighted with the results. “We have halved our incidence of lameness in two years and cut treatments by 25%,” she says. “We also know that we’re now low risk for respiratory disease, BVD and Johne’s, and we’ll definitely keep following through with the health plan with our vet. It’s fantastic having such a comprehensive approach of training and one-toone vet advice; we’ve now got a lot more confidence going forward,” she adds.

The conference will be held on 14th November at Padbrook

A

Park, Cullompton, Devon, and is free for people to attend. The morning session will focus on Johne’s Disease and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, with keynote speakers including Søren Nielsen, who will outline the work done in Denmark to control and eradicate Johne’s Disease.

“The average test-prevalence of Johne’s can be reduced by one percentage point a year; often 5-10% of the herd is infected, so reduction to almost nothing can be achieved in 5-10 years,” he says. “But few herds are average, so there is quite a bit of variation around that, and the level of success mainly depends on the amount of riskbased control producers implement on the farm.”

A shocking 63% of herds screened in the project were infected with Johne’s Disease, but few farmers were aware of the infection, or the hidden losses it carries. “By accepting the likely presence of Johne’s in the herd and taking simple steps to reduce infection on farm, producers can have a significant impact on disease rates,” adds Mr Nielsen.

The second half of the conference will include breakout sessions on mastitis, lameness, respiratory diseases, risk-based health planning and emerging diseases. There will also be numerous companies and industry experts on hand throughout the day to offer advice and technical support to conference delegates.

For more information or to book your place please contact the Rural Business School on 0845 458 7485 or rbs@duchy.ac.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Animal Health

Get fluke treatment right this autumn The COWS industry group (www.cattleparasites.org.uk) is urging beef and dairy farmers to consider the risk of liver fluke infection this autumn and, if indicated, to treat cattle appropriately. isk factors include a previous history of fluke infection on the farm or farm of origin and grazing wet areas of pasture or near muddy areas, such as poached ground near gateways and troughs. Abattoir feedback provides very clear evidence of liver fluke infection, whereas diagnostic tests on blood and, on dairy farms, bulk milk tank samples can test for evidence of exposure and tests on dung will only work if adult fluke are present.

Liver fluke take approximately 10-12 weeks to mature following ingestion of infective stages and not every type of flukicide is fully effective against all immature stages. It is important to choose an appropriate product and to administer it at the correct dosage and at the most suitable time of year according to the life cycle of the parasite. The COWS group is strongly advising that farmers discuss product choice with their vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) as part of their herd health plan.

Choice of drug will be influenced not only by risk of infection, but also by its meat/milk withdrawal, risks posed by other parasites that may be present and ease of administration.

The table below summarises the main treatment options in relation to when they are best used post-housing.

If fluke risk is high, treatment in the autumn with triclabendazole, which kills almost all stages of liver fluke, may be appropriate, as long as there is no evidence of resistance to this drug. If the risk of infection is lower, then anthelmintics with activity against late immature/adult fluke stages can be used later

R

in the season (December/January time). If cattle are dosed around housing time, use faecal egg counts in late winter to see if a second dose is needed to remove any fluke that were too young to be killed by the first treatment. A product that targets adult fluke can be used at this time.

A limited range of products can be used in dairy cattle. COWS suggests treatment at drying off be considered if there is evidence of infection in the herd and that consideration should be given to the time of year (highest levels of infection typically occur on grass in autumn) and if cows are housed or out at pasture during their dry period.

COWS stresses that no flukicide has persistent action and allowing cattle onto fluke infected pasture after treatment immediately re-

exposes them to the risk of infection. If cattle are housed after treatment, then there is a very low risk of picking up new infection until they are turned out again. So, if turning animals back out after treatment, use tactics such as moving to ‘low risk’ areas or fencing off risky areas. If cattle must remain in risky areas, then monitoring for infection is essential as further treatments may be needed.

COWS Top Ten Tips for Controlling Liver Fluke in Cattle can be found at www.cattleparasites.org.uk, along with details of flukicide products for cattle including information on active ingredient, stage of fluke killed, route of administration and withdrawal period.

PuriCore launches new animal health wound product NovaZo New advanced wound management product for equine and companion animal market. uriCore, a global company focused on safe and effective protection against the spread of infectious pathogens, today announces that the Company has launched into the Animal Health market with a new product, NovaZo™ Animal Health Wound Irrigation Solution.

Based on PuriCore’s Vashe Wound Therapy technology, NovaZo is a safe and effective wound cleanser for use on companion and large animals of all species including competitive animals. Currently, NovaZo is available through veterinarians in the US and will be available internationally later in 2013.

The Animal Health market as a whole is rapidly growing in the US as well as globally. According to a May 2012 research report by BBC Research, the total global market for animal therapeutics and

P

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

diagnostics was $30 billion in 2011, up from $25 billion in 2008.

By 2016, this market is likely to exceed $42 billion, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2011 through 2016. In addition, BBC Research reports that the global animal health pharmaceutical segment accounts for the largest percentage of revenue in this category with nearly 48%. Sales for this segment reached $14.3 billion in 2011 and are expected to increase to nearly $21.0 billion by 2016, a CAGR of 7.5%.

NovaZo is the most recent product offering in the PuriCore Health Sciences portfolio, which includes Vashe Wound Therapy for Wound Care and private-labeled atopic dermatitis (eczema) formulations marketed in the US through Onset Dermatologics.

NovaZo is used in the

management of post-surgical incisions; moist dressings; hot spots, bites, and rashes; burn, graft, and flap dressings; and for debridement irrigation and odor control. It can be dispensed for home and farm use. NovaZo is safe for use around an animal’s mouth, nose, eyes, and ears and is non-cytotoxic, non-stinging, and steroid-free. NovaZo will be sold direct by PuriCore initially whilst the Company continues partnering discussions both in the US and internationally. More information on NovaZo is available at www.novazo.com.

Michael Ashton, Executive Chairman, said: “NovaZo is an advanced technology for wound management in all companion and large animals. One of our key growth strategies for our Health Sciences division is to capitalise

on our Wound Care technology platform by expanding our markets, applications, and formulations to drive recurring revenues. Spend on Animal Health continues to increase rapidly, and we see our entry into this segment as a significant opportunity for PuriCore and look forward to finalising marketing partnership agreements in the US and in international territories.”

Frank H. Welker, DVM, MS, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said: “In my clinical use of NovaZo, I am impressed with the amount of debris that comes off the wound without my having to touch it.

NovaZo has a high concentration of HOCl and is hypochlorite-free, making it skin-friendly and noncytotoxic and representing a novel advancement in animal wound care.”

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Buildings

RIDBA members set to get a load off their mind Load tables for steel-framed agricultural and industrial buildings are being updated by RIDBA. teel frame manufacturers and contractors who are members of RIDBA (the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association) are to get help safely designing their agricultural buildings to new Eurocode standards without having to resort to the use of expensive software.

The original load tables written

by Mel Fearn almost 30 years ago had never been reviewed or amended until RIDBA tasked consultant Dr Martin Heywood, former associate director at the Steel Construction Institute, with updating them in line with the imminent new BS 5502-22 and latest Eurocode standards as part of CE Marking which becomes compulsory next July.

The Fearn tables were nominally written using BS 449 for the steelwork design and CP3 Chapter V for the loading, with load reductions to the old BS 5502-22. But BS 449 was replaced

by BS 5950-1 in 1985 and this was itself replaced in 2010 by Eurocode 3. Similarly, BS 6399 (snow and wind loading) has been around since the 1990s and has

S

been replaced by Eurocode 1.

The new load tables demand a more rigorous design procedure, accounting for aspects of frame behaviour ignored by BS 449. The snow and wind loads are also higher due to Eurocode values being higher than CP3 Chapter V and the new BS 5502-22 makes less generous reductions for agricultural buildings.

Dr Heywood said: “While adequate for the design of simple beams and columns, BS 449 lacked some of the checks required for portal frame design, especially in regard to member and frame buckling. A quick look through the old load tables reveals significant gaps in the design of portal frames. This isn’t a criticism of Fearn but emphasises the need to update the tables.

“The new load tables will enable all manufacturers to carry out Eurocode-compliant design of agricultural buildings to class 2 of BS 5502 part 22, without the use of expensive software and this will enable them to declare the structural performance of the frames on their CE Marks.”

In addition to the load tables,

RIDBA members are being helped with fabrication procedures for their steel framed buildings to BS EN 1090 through a link-up with BM TRADA, the independent timber research, consultancy, testing and information provider and notified body for the UK construction industry, which has produced a generic factory production control manual that can be purchased by

Cembrit’s solution for ridge ventilation Cembrit’s new Continuous Vent Ridge is a practical and aesthetically pleasing fibre cement product, ridge capping solution for pitched roofs.

The Continuous Vent Ridge has many advantages over more commonly used ridge cappings.

At 3.24 Kg, it is half the weight per linear metre of a concrete or clay ridge covering. Being lightweight, the product is easy to transport and can be carried up to the roof top with ease. At 525mm length it is possible to carry 2 linear metres of ridge covering at a time.

“Our Continuous Vent Ridge is a new product that fills a gap in the market,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager of Cembrit.

“It is available in blue/black, the most popular fibre cement slate colour, and comes four different angles, 22.5˚ - 45˚ to allow a neat and tidy finish on the most common roof pitches.”

Cembrit’s Continuous Vent Ridge is simple to install as it is dry fixed with four self drilling screws. In contrast, clay and concrete ridges require on site wet mortaring, which is not only messy, but takes longer and tends not to last long term. Such ridges are usually used with a roll of corrugated material which is fiddly to install and whose long term efficiency has been

20 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

RIDBA corporate members.

RIDBA members supply over 65% of the UK agricultural market and over 15%% of the total singlestorey steel-framed market. They erect more than 6,000 agricultural and industrial buildings a year and supply an area of over 4million²m of steel-framed agricultural and industrial buildings.

questioned. This often results in necessary maintenance further down the line. Furthermore, dust suppression equipment is required when cutting these heavier ridges but the Continuous Vent Ridge can be cut with hand tools.

Adhering to roof ventilation provisions is just as important as the design and construction aspects. The BS 5250, Control of Condensation in Buildings Amendment 1, sets out the requirements for the need for roof space ventilation in both warm and cold pitches roofs.

Cembrit’s Continuous Vent Ridge has the free air capacity of 5880 mm² which more than exceeds the requirements of BS 5250.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pests

Adaptaflex conduit systems protect critical coaxial cables against rodent attack When power or communications cables are installed in rural areas including within farm buildings, roof voids or cellars, there is a risk of attack from rodents. Protection is therefore required to limit the risk of damage. Traps, poisons or sonic deterrents are mainly ineffective, but world leading electrical conduit manufacturer, Adaptaflex, has a solution. rotecting power or communications cables and wires from rodents is vital because by chewing through them appliances can be shorted, the electrical system damaged and the risk of fire increased.

Thermoplastic PVC materials actually absorb a rodent's scent and as a result, other rodents may attack it and cause the damage.

Following requests for assistance from contractors, specifiers and wholesalers, Adaptaflex has recommended the use of its nylon based, nonmetallic flexible conduit as an effective solution. Nylons do not retain the rodent's scent and therefore nylon based conduit systems can effectively protect exposed runs of thermoplastic (PVC) insulated and sheathed cables.

Nylon based conduit also has specific advantages over alternative methods of protection

P

such as armoured cables, trunking, metal-sheathed cables or steel capping. It is easier to install and, with its flexibility, is suitable for applications in awkward areas or twisting cable runs. It also has excellent fire resistance properties and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures from – 40° C to + 120° C in static applications.

The ranges of rodent proof Type PA flexible electrical conduits manufactured by Adaptaflex are made from nylon (Polyamide 6), which in fire performance terms is self-extinguishing and therefore suitable for use within buildings. It is also IP rated for protection against the elements, offers high UV resistance and is halogen free.

A wide range of conduit internal diameters is available up to 91.5mm to protect cabling of many different sizes. The conduit can be supplied in 10m, 25m and 50m coil lengths. End caps can also be provided to prevent vermin from

Rodent Proof Conduit

damaging the ends of the conduit.

Full details can be found on the Adaptaflex website: www.adaptaflex.com.

Alternatively, contacts Adaptaflex

at CMG House, Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1HT, Tel: 01675 468200, Email: marketing@adaptaflex.com

Slugs: be proactive to keep the active ingredient out of water courses So far this autumn, slug pressure has been significantly lower than during the challenging conditions of 2012 but growers should grasp the opportunity provided by the relative calm to brush up on the latest integrated control measures, according to HGCA. t is well known that the targeted use of slug pellets guards the vulnerable early stages of newly sown crops but pellets must be applied with caution to help ensure the continued use of metaldehyde-based products.

Metaldehyde is the active ingredient most commonly found in slug pellets but when it gets into water supplies it is very difficult to remove. Unless action is taken, regulatory restrictions on the use of slug pellets may be enforced.

Caroline Nicholls, HGCA Research and Knowledge Transfer Manager, explains how the industry is working together to help crack the slug control challenge: “Last autumn was a big test for metaldehyde stewardship and many growers struggled to maintain control under the exceptionally challenging conditions.

“Although metaldehyde was widely detected

I

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

at levels well above the drinking water standard, it is important to state that these levels posed no danger to health or the environment.”

To support the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s (MSG) 'Get Pelletwise' campaign, HGCA and Potato Council have worked together and issued a new Information Sheet to assist with the use of integrated slug control measures in oilseed rape, cereals and potatoes.

The publication, which focuses on the life cycle, importance, risk, monitoring and control of slugs, also contains information on the new ‘What’s in Your Backyard’ tool and application guidelines set by the MSG. Miss Nicholls continued: “Most slug pellets were applied at drilling but slug populations should be closely monitored as follow-up applications may be required.

“Warmer wetter conditions favour slug activity and the publication can be used to help growers assess risk to crops and determine if further treatment is necessary.

“From a stewardship perspective, later applications of slug pellets tend to be more problematic. This is mainly because field drains often flow more as autumn progresses.

“If you are considering making further applications, follow the MSG best practice guidelines and make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum total dose rate.”

Stewardship is an essential part of the solution but, as it is recognised that control options need to be improved, HGCA is planning to invest in new research to help the industry control slugs in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

Download a copy of the new Information Sheet at www.hgca.com/publications

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Energy

Contact an accredited pest controller in your area

LONDON Predator Pest Solutions Ltd 41 Oldfields Rd, Sutton, Greater London SM1 2NB T: 0800 112 3480 M: 07504 605306 E: info@predatorpestsolutions.co.uk W: www.predatorpestsolutions.co.uk “Pest control without a sting in the tail!”

LINCOLNSHIRE Aveland Pest Solutions Ltd Brierley Cottage Stables, Sempringham, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 0LU T: 01529 241159 M: 07889 403538 E: pests@avelandsolutions.co.uk W: www.avelandpestsolutions.co.uk “Integrated pest management for a healthier environment”

22 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

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

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pests

New improved, safer and more accurate night vision from MLS The NiteSite Spotter is the ideal piece of equipment for anyone working at night in security, surveillance and wildlife observation. istributed by MANS Location Services (MLS), the NiteSite Spotter is a handheld night vision device using infrared technology to provide distinct night vision at a distance of over 400 metres in total darkness.

Whether it is for security, finding lost or injured livestock or tracking down pests good night vision is a huge asset to anyone working in the countryside at night. The design of NiteSite Spotter provides just that. Its design allows for the operator to have their head up and remain mobile giving a wide field of view.

The NiteSite Spotter features an impressive 20x optical zoom, which can be quickly and easily adjusted and refocused as an operator pans around. It also has a battery that provides two hours of continuous use and can be fully re-charged in 7-8 hours. It can be used almost immediately as it can

D

be switched on and functioning within seconds. Its focus and zoom controls are perfectly positioned to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users and can be easily operated with or without gloves.

The NiteSite Spotter is fully BS8484 compliant and is ideal for lone workers who need safe, nonconfrontational surveillance and it can be used in any conditions as it is fully operational between temperatures of -20°C to 60°C. Mike Napper, managing director of MLS said: “This is one of the most remarkable and effective products I have ever handled. The NiteSite Spotter is ideal for anyone working in the countryside at night that needs to monitor animal movements or observe potential intruders during the hours of darkness because of its superb range and ease of use.”

Operates with Zero Ambient Light 400+ metre Range 20x Optical Zoom Ideal for :Security Pest Control Animal Search

Supplier of NiteSite Spotter MLS

MANS LOCATION SERVICES LTD +44 (0) 1249 816 181 sales@mansls.co.uk www.mansls.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Arable

Crispita meets growing consumer demand for small leaved lettuce A Syngenta survey of consumers’ salad buying habits has revealed 70% of shoppers ate lettuce at least twice a week over the summer this year, with a third eating some form of lettuce leaf every day.

he study, undertaken with shoppers at a supermarket megastore in the north of England, looked at their buying habits and salad crop demands. It included a taste test and consumer reaction to the new Syngenta frilly baby green lettuce variety, Crispita.

Whilst Iceberg remained the most widely named favoured lettuce type, a third of the shoppers named other leaf lettuce among their favourites, and over 15% selecting for mixed bags. Romaine and Gem lettuce types were also named as favourites, by 12% and 6% respectively.

Rebecca Stilton, Syngenta Campaign Manager for salads,

T

reports the survey confirmed there was now a clear desire for smallleaved lettuce; with just 25% stating a preference for large leaved lettuce types. Favourable comments included small-leaved lettuce proving easier to prepare.

“The main comments associated with Crispita were: Nice; Tasty Crunchy; Fresh and Sweet. It was also commended for its shape and good colour,” she added. It marks an important development in salad crop sales, with 72% of shoppers questioned now buying bagged lettuce; including over a third that buy exclusively bagged product.

“The consumers’ responses pinpointed the paramount

importance of flavour as the key buying decision for purchasing salad, closely followed by appearance and texture,” she advised. “That has significant implications for growers’ variety selection to meet consumers’ preferences, its shelf life attributes and retailer supply chain management.”

Syngenta Salad Crop Specialist, George Hallam, added: “Unlike the majority of baby green lettuce varieties, Crispita is perfectly suited to processing as a result of the strong leaf structure, whilst still maintaining sufficient flexibility to minimise cracking during the washing and drying process.

“The sweet taste of the Crispita leaf makes it particularly attractive to the UK consumer and sets it apart from other green baby leaf lettuce.”

Mr Hallam also pointed out that Crispita has proven to be exceptionally high yielding due to the robust properties of the leaf.

Other agronomic attributes that will make it especially favoured by growers include full mildew resistant to Downy Mildew (Bremia Bl strains 1 - 31), along with good field holding for when variable consumer demand dictates harvest over a prolonged period. Crispita is suitable for both outdoor and glasshouse production.

Effective stewardship can preserve Kerb Flo500 to fight blackgrass in arable rotations Dow AgroSciences is committed to a stewardship programme to protect the long-term future of propyzamide, one of the best options for tackling blackgrass in arable rotations. armers are advised to establish grass buffers between crops and water courses, to establish crops using non-inversion techniques and to pay attention to soil and weather conditions at the time of application.

“The wet autumn and winter of 2012/13 meant a wide range of crop protection products were detected in surface waters,” said Andy Bailey, a senior biologist at Dow. “In recent years, we have learnt much about minimising the risk of our herbicide reaching water. We will be working with farmers and their advisers to ensure the risks to surface water is minimised. Without growers

F

cooperation there is every likelihood that the products Kerb Flo 500 and newly launched AstroKerb will face restrictions on use.”

Dow AgroSciences has funded independent research at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Loddington estate and at the University of Newcastle’s Cockle Park Farm.

At Loddington on sloping land (512% gradient), two establishment techniques – ploughing and noninversion to 15-20cm were compared. Both run-off and drain flow were monitored.

“The use of a 6m buffer strip, significantly reduced run-off,” said

24 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Mr Bailey. “The width of the strip needs to be varied according to the slope. The steeper the slope, the wider the buffer strip.”

At Cockle Park, three different establishment techniques were trialled on a slope of 2%: Plough + power harrow to 20cm; a single pass, tined cultivation at 22cm depth; and light disc/press to 10cm.

“Most drain flow and surface runoff came from the ploughed land,” said Mr Bailey. “Least flow of propyzamide to drains occurred from min-tillage, but there was little difference in either non-inversion technique when it came to surface run-off.”

Further work will be commissioned, but it is clear that establishment technique affects potential for oilseed rape herbicide to reach surface water and noninversion techniques significantly reduce risk.

However, good stewardship also requires attention to soil and weather conditions at the time of application. Kerb Flo 500 and AstroKerb should not be applied when soils are frozen or waterlogged (ie when drains are running); nor when heavy rain is likely within 48 hours of application.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

CropTec delivers high quality information The latest crop growing technology was on display in Peterborough this week with growers travelling from across the country to sample it. isitors to the first CropTec event packed out seminars on four vital elements of crop production - crop nutrition, crop protection, plant breeding and precision farming.

Meanwhile, more than 70 exhibitors discussed the latest technology and techniques and a unique series of demonstrations gave visitors a practical view of crop production.

"Visitors have really appreciated the mix of seminars and demonstrations that have allowed them to take the latest thinking back to their farms," says Rupert Levy, of CropTec organisers Briefing Media.

"The Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground has provided the perfect location for the event as it allows growers from all

V

over the country to get to the event easily."

The event was praised by Graham Hartwell of CropTec's principal sponsor BASF. "We've had lots and lots of high quality conversations with farm decision makers," he said.

"It's great having a new forum for highlighting technology. CropTec also provided us with an ideal opportunity to host the launch of a new integrated farm management course from BASIS and LEAF." Farmer and chairman of the NFU Combinable Crop Committee Andrew Watts addressed the plant breeding seminar. He said: "The presentations dovetailed well, giving a good overview of the challenges facing breeders

and growers. The event gives you a chance to discuss new ideas and take them back to the farm."

Briefing Media is also organising the UK's leading farm machinery show LAMMA which will also be at the Peterborough Arena on the 22nd and 23rd of January 2014.

"We are looking forward to returning to Peterborough in the New Year," says Mr Levy.

"LAMMA is always very popular and this new venue will allow the event to go from strength to strength."

The dates for the next CropTec have already been announced - 29th and 30th October 2014 at the same venue.

Arable farmers boost profit and fight Blackgrass with energy crop Bruce and Liz Wilkinson, growers at a Northamptonshire arable farm, have converted a significant 80 per cent of their land to Miscanthus and are now reaping the rewards of stable yields and increased on-farm profitability – having signed a termed contract with supply chain solution provider Terravesta. ongstanding wheat and rapeseed growers, the Wilkinsons opted to plant 400 of the 500 acres of land with Miscanthus in 2007, amid plummeting wheat prices and pressure to make their Glapthorn farm more profitable. Since farming the energy crop, the couple has benefited from a long-term, secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional arable crops. What’s more, their fixed costs have fallen drastically, and what had been a worrying blackgrass problem, has now been naturally remedied.

Bruce explains: “We had reached a point where we had to make a change to become more profitable. Wheat prices at the time were disastrously low and we were also experiencing real issues with blackgrass – particularly with it building resistance to certain pesticides.

“We trialled Miscanthus in one of our fields with flood ground in 2005, and two years later we converted almost all of our land to it. Our land has a mixture of soil types so historically it’s not been the easiest to manage, especially in terms of profitability. By changing over to Miscanthus, we now benefit from reliable yields and profit margins, and we’ve also found a natural way to ward off blackgrass.”

Thanks to a long-term, RPIXlinked contract with Terravesta, the Wilkinsons now rely on competitive prices and reliable, guaranteed returns. Growing Miscanthus also presents a more relaxed working

L

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

lifestyle for the couple.

Bruce adds: “Ultimately, the switch to Miscanthus has been a lifestyle choice. It’s a hands-off crop and our contractors handle everything, so we’re far more relaxed now. Working with the Terravesta team essentially makes our lives simpler as they bring stability to the growers as well as the rest of the Miscanthus supply chain. We know things will happen when they say they will – so we get full peace of mind.”

Terravesta chairman William Cracroft-Eley adds: “It’s great to see farmers, like the Wilkinsons, recognising the true benefits this ‘wonder crop’ has to offer – not only financially, but also as a low maintenance and future-proof alternative to arable. By switching to Miscanthus they’ve even been able to tackle blackgrass in the process, which is notoriously troublesome and can lead to expensive management, suppressed yields and compromised cropping, if not controlled.

“There has never been a better profit potential for Miscanthus growers, and 2013 has brought a best-ever price of £70 per tonne to those committing to our long-term, index-linked contracts. With everincreasing demand from end-users fuelling even further market growth, now really is the time for Miscanthus!”

For more information on Miscanthus or to sign up to a contract today, please contact

Terravesta on 01522 731873 or visit www.terravesta.com

Low-drift consultation BCPC pushes for use of drift reduction technologies to avoid wider buffer zones.

CPC has responded to the recent Chemical Regulation Directorate (CRD) consultation on the adoption of low-drift nozzles within updated interim measures for aquatic buffer zones. These interim measures were introduced in 2011, in response to increased standards for protecting aquatic life in the new EU pesticide regulations. They established the possible setting of aquatic buffer zone widths for individual products – above the 5 metres maximum in LERAPs – up to 20 metres. On introduction, there was no opportunity to reduce the width by using drift reduction technologies (DRTs).

BCPC believes that the proposed introduction of the option to use low-drift nozzles in the updated interim measures will still protect aquatic life from pesticides. It will also provide the opportunity for more products to be authorised and reduce the crop area not protected against weeds, diseases and/or pests.

However, BCPC is concerned that

B

the proposed changes only involves drift reducing nozzles rather than all DRTs. “Other DRTs, which offer at least 75% reduction in drift, equivalent to using 3-star nozzles, are already accredited by CRD under LERAPs,” says Jim Orson, Vice Chairman of BCPC. In the longer-term BCPC strongly advocates integrating the interim measures with LERAPs. LERAPs incentivise farmers to adopt good spray practice. This has resulted in the widespread adoption of DRTs, with significant benefit to the environment. It also takes the size of the watercourse and product dose into account.

“Integrating the proposed changes in the Interim Scheme into LERAPs would result in a single set of rules for protecting the aquatic environment from spray drift that would be easier to understand and adopt,” says Mr Orson. “In addition, innovation will be further encouraged by extending DRT classes to those that reduce drift by 90%, 95%, etc.

– as already used in some other Member States.“

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Muck & Slurry

UK Fertiliser industry takes the lead on environmental standards and security The UK’s fertiliser industry can be proud of taking the lead in its commitment to the environment and climate change as well as fertiliser safety at national and European level, said Roger Brogden, Chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s Fertiliser Sector. r Brogden told the Fertiliser Sector annual dinner how AIC is looking five years ahead to pre-empt policies that could hamper the efficient use of fertilisers in UK agriculture and help shape practical solutions.

He cited three key areas. First, environmental standards where ever more sensitive analytical equipment can detect the most minute traces of impurity.

“We need to take the lead to ensure that limits are matched to specific need,” said Mr Brogden.

Second, the recovery of phosphorus, one of the world’s scarcest resources.

“As an industry, we will be pressing for ways to recover phosphorus in forms that the fertiliser industry can utilise for plant nutrition,” he said.

Third, greenhouse gas targets to 2050 put the industry – already tasked with producing more, whilst

M

emitting less – under ever greater pressure.

“Next year will see the whole farming industry bring together leading experts from academia and industry to assess what is technically feasible. We will be shaping our destiny by taking expert opinion to help state clearly what can – and what cannot – be achieved.”

The issue of fertiliser security has once again risen up the policy agenda as a result of the tragic events at the West fertiliser business in Texas.

In the UK, the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) has ensured rigorous safety and security in the supply chain, right up to the farm gate. Now the challenge is to extend professional standards on to UK farms.

“I don’t want to be alarmist, but many farming families sleep close to far larger quantities of fertiliser than caused the devastating Texas

26 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

explosion,” said Mr Brogden.

“I welcome the increased collaboration between Red Tractor and the farming unions to address the challenges of farm storage. I also welcome the inclusion of questions to explore farmers’ attitudes to safety and security in the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice.”

Mr Brogden told delegates that the AIC fertiliser sector is in good heart, despite the challenges it faces. The efforts of staff and

“We need to take the lead to ensure that limits are matched to specific need” members alike ensures AIC is well placed to take a positive lead in developing initiatives and practical solutions, rather than reacting to less considered, onerous regulations.

Soil Nitrogen analysis Better yields - reduced costs - NVZ compliance. hat was once a simple task to dispose of a waste product has now become a complex operation not only with the machinery to cope with the environmental demands but also the whole operation and its management.

Once it was simply the case of spreading on grass when the land could carry the weight of the tractor and machinery, but now timing must be considered when the land can best accept it, not frozen so it

W

runs off into water courses etc.

The amount must be considered particularly in Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones as well as what is best for the crop at that particular time.

Qualex can help with your testing requirements so that you can make best use of N, P and K, maximising yields and reducing input costs for your crop.

Contact Bob Painting on 01249 890317 or visit www.qualex-analysis.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

A valuable commodity Gone are the days of slurry being a headache and for one Yorkshire farm, their slurry is a valuable commodity that forms an important part of the integrated farming business. ocated near Barnsley, J & E Dickinson in recent years have made a considerable investment in their slurry handling and storage systems, so that they can fully capitalise on the benefits that the slurry from their pig and dairy units provides.

And slurry is something they have no shortage of, with the farm running a 300 cow Jersey dairy herd, in addition to 800 breeding sows and a 5000-place finishing unit.

L

“The slurry is a valuable byproduct and has the potential to save us a lot of money” All the slurry and manure is retained on the farm for use on the 400ha of arable and pasture, in a fully integrated system which sees the high butterfat milk from the dairy herd being sold locally for cottage cheese and yoghurt production. In return the farm has back all the whey from the yoghurt plant, which is fed to the pigs, and the slurry from the pig and dairy units is spread both on the pasture for the dairy unit, but also on the arable land which grows crops used for animal feed.

Whilst the main farm houses the dairy herd and fattening unit, a second neighbouring unit is home to the breeding unit. As the farm is also located within an NVZ, during the closed period, slurry from this unit is transported to the main farm for storage.

“We have recently built a new one million gallon storage tank, which is filled over the closed period, plus we have an existing

half million gallon tank,” explains unit manager Steve Higginbottom.

“Between them, this gives us just enough capacity to get through the closed period but we do have an additional old tank if we need extra overflow capacity.”

For complete flexibility the farm operates two 2,500 gallon Hi-Spec tandem axle slurry tankers which are operated by Paul Robson. The oldest of the two, which was bought in 2009, is fitted with a 6.0m Bomech trailing shoe and used for both spreading onto bare ground but also for transporting slurry from the breeding unit to the storage tanks during the closed period.

The second tanker which was bought last year, is fitted with a 12m Vogelsang dribble bar for spreading into standing crops. It was also specified with a full length sight glass, sprung drawbar and steering axle to reduce scuffing and increase tyre wear.

“Having been very pleased with our original Hi-Spec tanker which has had a lot of heavy use, because it is used all winter to ferry slurry to the storage tanks, we also chose to stay with Hi-Spec because they provide a complete machine,” says Steve. “Other manufacturers we looked at would only supply the tanker and we would have had to buy the dribble bar separately and pay a local engineer to mount it.”

“I particularly wanted the Vogelsang boom, because having seen one at JSR Farms, I was impressed by the built quality, but also by the folding mechanism which means the dribble bars fold upwards so that they cannot drip.

We have also adapted the boom slightly with shut-offs to avoid

spreading slurry in the tramlines, partly to avoid run-off but also so that if you do run out half way down a tramline, you are not running through slurry and creating ruts going back down it.”

In addition to spreading using the two tankers, using an underground pipe network, a local contractor, Miles Simpson, is also brought in to spread slurry using his umbilical system with a 12m dribble bar onto the grassland and some of the arable land.

“The slurry is a valuable byproduct and has the potential to save us a lot of money,” says Steve. “We use an advisor, Martin Pickering, who provides us with a complete nutrient plan, application

rates and how much additional bagged nutrient we need to apply, plus he also handles all the NVZ documentation.”

“Weather permitting, generally during the spring we will do three applications of slurry onto the oilseed rape, and two into the wheat and barley, working on the basis that the slurry has an N value of 38-40. We also regularly soil test but find that all the P and K needed comes out of the solids applied in the autumn. For the future we are also looking at using GPS steering for greater accuracy, especially when on bare ground or on grass and to also record field application data.”

7.5 metre Bomech trailing shoe

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Muck & Slurry

Give tanks a final check in preparation for the closed spreading period Recent weather and field conditions have provided an excellent opportunity for livestock farmers to spread any slurry remaining in tanks in the approach to the winter housing period. aving empty tanks at the point of housing enables you to make the most of your existing slurry storage capacity. It will also provide you with the flexibility in early spring to choose when to spread in order to maximise the nutrient value of slurry and coincide with peak nutrient demand from grass.

Even where good planning exists, it is important not to be complacent and assume that the

H

tanks you emptied over the past few months are empty now. A final check of all tanks should be made to make sure that they have not filled up over the summer with rainwater or yard run-off. This is also an opportune time to give the farmyard a thorough check over to ensure that no roof water or clean yard water can enter tanks unnecessarily and use up valuable storage space.

Remember that the Nitrates

Action Programme (NAP) closed spreading periods are as follows: Chemical nitrogen fertiliser must not be applied from midnight 15 September to midnight 31 January.

Organic manures, including slurry, poultry litter, sewage sludge and abattoir waste, must not be applied from midnight 15 October to midnight 31 January.

Farmyard manure (FYM) must not be applied from midnight 31

October to midnight 31 January.

Dirty water can be spread over the winter months, provided that NAP application restrictions are complied with.

Further details are contained in the Nitrates Action Programme 2011-2014 and Phosphorus Regulations guidance booklet which can be accessed online or from your local DARD Direct office.

Spreading the word: Harry West Dual Spreaders Maintaining the Harry West reputation for quality, these machines should be top of your shopping list. ntroducing the Harry West Dual Spreader range 1300 gallon to 3000 gallon.

These spreaders will deal with slurry and solid material and

I

having the small and large machines in our range will suit most farmers and contractors.

With the design of the Dual taking the material forward keeping weight on to the rear of

28 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

the tractor ensuring traction is maintained. The low power requirement and low ground pressure large radius tyres will ensure fuel economy and create minimum ground compaction.

With our well built and easy to maintain robust design ensuring longevity keeps these machines market leaders

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

EnviTec Biogas UK reports record numbers at Nextgen 2013 Farmers and landowners are becoming increasingly aware of the range of options to produce renewable energy on their sites, according to feedback from Nextgen 2013. nviTec Biogas UK reported a constant flow of enquiries to its stand at the renewable energy event, from farmers and landowners looking to introduce innovations including anaerobic digestion (AD) units to their businesses.

E

“We were very busy over the two days.

From the conversations we had, it is clear that farmers and landowners are increasingly recognising the benefits of AD units, but want reassurance about their purchase. They recognise the value in turning waste, crops, slurry and forage into renewable energy. However with such units representing considerable investment, they want to be absolutely clear about the process.”

The main theme of enquiries centred on the provision of service and support back-up, financing options - and the productivity and output of the plant.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

John Day, UK sales manager for EnviTec Biogas UK, a market leader in the design, manufacture, supply and servicing of AD plant, said: “We were very busy over the two days.

“From the conversations we had, it is clear that farmers and landowners are increasingly recognising the benefits of AD units, but want reassurance about their purchase.

“They recognise the value in turning waste, crops, slurry and forage into renewable energy.

However with such units representing considerable investment, they want to be absolutely clear about the process.

“As a UK-based company, with a dedicated service department headquartered in the Midlands, we were able to answer their questions and help them make informed decisions about the introduction of AD to their farms.”

At the Stoneleigh event, particular interest was shown in the new AD compact unit, which delivers EnviTec Biogas UK’s renowned quality in a compact design.

Offering proven technology on a small footprint, the EnviFarm Compact plant, allows users to achieve maximum output, with minimum installation space.

The introduction of the new compact unit builds on the time-proven technology and advantages of the established EnviFarm Classic Plant, successfully installed in farms in the UK. EnviTec Biogas UK also showcased their pioneering technology, which offers a highly efficient method of upgrading biogas.

Utilising membrane technology, the process increases the amount of high-energy methane from approximately 50 per cent, to as high as 99 per cent.

With a strong balance sheet and dedicated UK-based service and back-up team, EnviTec Biogas UK, which is based in Staffordshire, has helped farmers across the country make informed decisions about the introduction of AD to their farms.

Nextgen 2013 took place at Stoneleigh Park on 9-10 October 2013.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Muck & Slurry

SMP’ly the best

The slurry specialists

SMP Concrete introduce new products for dairy farmers.

Tramspread’s reputation is spreading...

stablished in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone in 2001, SMP Concrete Products Ltd entered the agricultural precast market with a revolutionary portable cubicle system which has been developed over the last 12 years to gain it prominence in today’s agri market place.

E

SMP have developed a unique cubicle bed whereby the entire cubicle steelwork, either for the portable cubicle or adjustable cubicle system can be easily installed and removed from the concrete bed with minimal effort which now holds UK, Irish and European patents.

Over the past number of years the product range has increased

to include cattle slats, cattle drinkers, slurry channels, feed troughs, and blocks and the recent development of a double sided feed trough and a sand kerb for dairy farmers wishing to bed their cows with sand.

The sand kerb is designed to create a cubicle ‘heel stone‘ behind which sand can be placed to bed the cow. The kerb is uniquely shaped to reduce the risk of the animal pushing forward while lying in the bed, while also maintaining minimum sand spillage from the bed.

The kerb is easily fitted to an existing concrete floor or foundation by simply bedding it with sand or mortar and bolting down through the recessed holes in the kerb.

The new double sided feed trough / bunker is unique to SMP as the removable post system from the portable cubicle bed (patented), has been adapted to create a removable post in the trough to which a feed rail can be easily fixed.

For further information on our products please visit our website @ www.smpconcrete.co.uk

30 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

ramspread equipment has been applying slurry to land and growing crops since 1988. In 1999 it started its own contracting business emptying predominantly pig slurry stores in Suffolk when 80% would have been applied in the autumn and 20% applied to crops in the spring.

These days we cover five counties with four umbilical systems spreading up to 600,000m³ per year of farm slurry and digestate, with 30% applied in the autumn and 70% applied on crops in the spring as top dressing using Tramspread’s 24m dribble bars with ISO BUS technology, transporting the flow meter’s information to John Deere’s Green Star3 2630 touch screen display allowing the downloading of m³/ha and total m³ applied. The tractors are also equipped with Star Fire GPS receiver for field application mapping and auto steer.

T

All slurries are nutrient tested then all application information and field maps are forwarded to the customer.

“These days we cover five counties with four umbilical systems” Tramspread are well known as suppliers of slurry and digestate handling equipment, i.e. Bauer pumps, Joskin slurry tankers and applicators, Albers Alligator and Agri-Tank slurry stores, Reck slurry mixers, Nock separators for slurry, digestate and green bedding, Tramspread engine driven pump units and contractor pump trailer units, SIL remote controls, 6m, 12m and 24m dribble bars, and drag hose from Hilcoflex and Snap-Tite.

For more information, contact us on 01449 766133 or visit www.tramspread.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Feature

*

UR BOOK YO KETS

FREheEfaTrmIC ingshow.co.uk

www.t CALL 08000y Lim6ite8d6970

Farm diversification exhibition growing fast

* Availabilit

Farm Business Innovation 2013 set for bumper harvest. here’s not long now before the first ever Farm Business Innovation 2013 and event organisers, Prysm Group already have a bumper crop of exhibitors and visitors. The show’s debut is well on track to fulfil its amazing potential with incredible support from the top names in diversification. With 120 exhibitors scheduled to take part in the Olympia London event, spaces are selling fast and Farm Business Innovation looks set to offer a bumper crop of eager visitors.

Those exhibitors cover every aspect of diversification, from offering office space or turning grazing land into glamping, to filling up a fishing lake and preparing a paintball arena. The country’s best land-based business companies have confirmed they will exhibit at the first ever Farm Business Innovation. Exhibitors include Clive Ellis Woodland Management; Artichouse, Finland’s leading log home manufacturers and exporters; John Lambe Associates, consultants to the leisure industry for planning, design and landscape; Russells Mobile Homes, the biggest mobile home and static caravan off site sales in the south; Sovereign Design Play Systems Ltd, children's play equipment manufacturers; Technology Crops Ltd; Animal Housing Solutions; Anytime Booking; Clear Sky Safari Tents; and The Woodland Trust.

Farmers, smallholders, land owners, estates and others with an interest in rural business have embraced the event and its ambition to benefit land-based business as a whole. Visitor registration is exceeding expectations at this early stage – and growing every day. Event Director Gary Hall says, “Everybody knows that farmers need to diversify, but few of them seem to know where to start.

That’s why so many visitors have registered already; because we can offer them so many solutions under one roof. One day at our show could sort out the next 10 years of their business – or longer!”

The show floor will be packed with 3,000 visitors across the two days, drawn by the unique

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

opportunity to hear first-hand from an unrivalled array of the very best keynote speakers. Already confirmed to speak are BBC The One Show’s Kate Beavan; Ian Burrows, Farmers Weekly’s Diversification Farmer Of The Year 2012; Clive Rich, The £10 Billion Negotiator; Charlie Forbes Adam, steward of Escrick Park Estate; Ian Butter, chartered surveyor and town planning consultant; Doug Richard, from BBC TV’s Dragons Den; and Alastair Sawday, broadsheet journalist, BBC Radio 4 pundit and holiday guide publisher.

As if this amazing list of keynote speakers wasn’t impressive enough, Farm Business Innovation also boasts 70 insightful seminars from diversification professionals who work in the sector every day, along with the most respected thought leaders from the world of business.

Establishing Farm Business Innovation 2013 as THE event for driving diversification for farmers and land owners, our supporters include The National Farmers' Union, The Country Land & Business Association, The Renewable Energy Association, The Countryside Alliance, The Solar Trade Association, The Soil Association, The Institute Of Chartered Foresters, and National Farm Attractions Network.

Tom Borthen, Marketing and Communications Director for Prysm Group, says, “We have a strong track record as the organisers of the UK’s biggest business exhibition (The Business Show) and we bring every bit of that expertise to Farm Business Innovation 2013. We understand what visitors value and how to provide an environment that fosters business, making the show unmissable for exhibitors and delegates alike.”

Farm Business Innovation 2013 delivers a complete farm business exhibition packed with inspiration, ideas and advice to help rural entrepreneurs to diversify. The event runs alongside the 30th Business Show – the UK’s biggest business show – giving visitors the chance to learn even more about the business side of things on the day. Book your free tickets now at http://www.thefarmingshow.co.uk

ng farmers, show devoted to helpi This is THE UK business d new ways fin to re mo ners, estates and ow d lan rs, lde ho all sm how you could more money. Find out to use land to bring in revenue stream income with an added complement your core able energy or rism, glamping, renew such as a farm shop, tou ngshow.co.uk mi far ation visit www.the storage. For more inform

RMERS AONRDE INSPIRINGERFSATO MAKE M LAND OWN LAND MONEY FROM THEIR

80 FINRAERES

MT SPEAKERS SEPER EX

S 100 EXHIBAITDOVR ICE PRACTICAL

WORKSHOPS

28TH & 29TH

NOVEMBEORN O LY M P IA

LO N D

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Energy

New Feed in Tariff rates in 2014 Recent figures announced from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), showing deployed and preaccredited capacity under the Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme up to September this year, indicate that several renewable technologies have now exceeded their 20% degression thresholds.

£ £ £ £

£

£

ll wind turbines (up to 5MW) and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) up to 500kW will be affected by a 20% reduction in tariff rates from April 2014, however this is the maximum degression level and will not be exceeded.

Deployed hydro capacity has already exceeded the 2.5% degression threshold and this is likely to reach the 5% threshold by the end of the year. The FIT rates for AD installations between 500kW – 5MW will be reduced by at least 5% from next April.

Figures for Solar PV are subject to more frequent changes, with degression based on quarterly deployed capacity figures. The data from DECC shows that for the period July – September 2013 there was not enough deployment of PV installations up to 50kW to trigger any degression. Current tariff rates will remain the same until early 2014, but a degression level of at least 3.5% will take place from April 2014. PV installations over 50kW will be affected by a mandatory 3.5% reduction in FIT rates from January 2014.

These changes reiterate the importance of gaining Preliminary Accreditation, if you have planning permission and a confirmed grid connection for your project.

Applications for Preliminary Accreditation received before 31 December 2013 will enable landowners to lock in to the current higher FIT payments for a period of time, while a project is installed and commissioned. This

A

32 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

£

is especially important for wind turbine projects and anaerobic digestion up to 500k, given the now confirmed 20% degression.

The validity period for this tariff guarantee is 6 months for PV, 12 months for Wind/AD and 2 years for hydro technologies.

Mark Newton, partner and head of renewable energy at Fisher German, said it is likely wind turbine projects on lower wind speed sites would not be as attractive from next April, however good rates of return will still be achievable when turbines are correctly positioned, on sites with good wind speeds.

He added: “We would hope that when the feed-in tariff rates do come down, that there will be a reduction in the price of wind turbines to ensure the UK market for wind is still viable but this is not guaranteed”.

“Historically as feed-in tariff payments have gone down this has been partially offset in the last three years by increased savings through on site electricity usage, and as energy prices continue to increase above inflation. The income from electricity export also continues to increase, with up to 6p/kWh now being achievable through a power purchase agreement (PPA)”.

“We would urge landowners to seek expert advice to take financial advantage of the current higher feed-in tariff payments, and ensure that the best rates of return are achieved as feed in tariffs decrease through degression”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

AD silage harvesting using Fob Activated Weigh Beams

Trailer on wheel pads

With the introduction to the market of a portable unmanned weighbridge with fob activated tare weights for tractor/trailer combinations, agricultural contractors and bio-gas plant operators have not been slow in looking into ways of using this system to its maximum potential.

AD silage harvesting

he existing system from GRIFFITH ELDER consisted of beams and ramps, armoured cables, traffic light on a stand, and indicator housed in a waterproof case with printer and built in power supply.

The fobs that activate the system are solidly constructed and supplied on a lanyard.

The most attractive features of this system is its speed of operation, portability and ease of use, all important features when you need to keep cycle times from field to clamp to a minimum, especially if you are relying on seasonal workers who are carting and may need to be called upon

T

with short notice.

The iceing on the cake is the addition of Biogas Weighbridge Software that is run on a laptop and controls the whole system. It has been specifically designed for Biogas intake material to make the weighing of vehicles very swift.

Features include dry matter content (to a pre-defined value) which can be corrected when true dry matter analysis is known.

Suppliers, field names, crop types and varieties, clamp sites, vehicles tare weights etc can all be pre-defined and put into the programme before the season starts. Reporting options include pre-defined reports for daily work

records, clamp summaries, yield per field and yield per farm.

Alternative reports can be user designed and saved in a spread

sheet format or csv file for use in other software packages like “Gatekeeper”.

I.C Electrical integrate at Leicestershire farm I.C.Electrical have recently completed an Anaerobic Digestion Plant Electrical installation and Controls package at a farm in Leicestershire which is producing 1.2 MW of electricity and is being used to supply the farm and also import onto the grid system. he process uses Pig slurry, waste bread and waste yeast products and also waste beer product which is processed and fed into the digesters to produce the gas to supply to the engine.

The farm are seeing numerous benefits - utilising the pig slurry which had previously been stored and disposed of at a cost, producing the electricity to power the farm, selling surplus electricity to the grid system plus following pasteurisation, the resulting digestate is a high quality fertiliser which can be used on the farm and sold to other users.

The involvement from I.C.Electrical Ltd included liaison with the process design company for the farmer, the design, build and installation of an MCC / PLC panel, design and installation of LV Mains and control cable, HV cable

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

installation to RMU, design and installation of small power and lighting within the new processing building and offices, instrumentation supply and installation, specification and supply of main transformer, commissioning assistance plus PLC automation software design and implementation using a working partner. Collaboration was key to complete these disciplines with I.C.Electrical Ltd. interfacing with other package suppliers including Uniflare, Edina, Triolet, Vogelsang and Brewchem in order to integrate these into the overall package.

I.C.Electrical are very pleased to have had the opportunity to be involved with this project and use it for reference and as a “showpiece” of their capabilities and workmanship to any interested parties.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Energy

Agraferm Technologies AG: Continuing to grow in the UK Contract for tenth AD plant in the UK signed. graferm Technologies AG has signed the contract to build its tenth AD plant in Great Britain. The project, which is worth around four million Euros, is the construction of a bio methane plant in Holkham, Norfolk. Agraferm Technologies AG, based in Pfaffenhofen in Bavaria, is one of the leading manufacturers of AD plants in the UK with a total output of around 70 million cubic meters of raw biogas per year from its plants, which is equivalent to an electricity output of around 20 MW annually.

A

“In the service of our customers it is important for us to be able to react quickly and complete projects promptly.”

This will be the tenth biogas or bio methane plant built by Agraferm in the UK, including the plant in Poundbury in Dorset, which is the first ever agriculture-based bio methane plant in Great Britain to feed into the national grid. Here the biogas produced in the plant is upgraded to natural gas quality and fed to Scotia Gas Networks, providing the model town of Poundbury, designed by Prince Charles, with electricity and gas.

Agraferm has already begun to develop their presence locally in order to continue to grow the business successfully in Britain. Such as the setting up of a technical and biological service team which serves all of the existing plants. For the chairman Eike Liekweg, this is the logical consequence of their strategic commitment to the British market. “The tenth AD plant will be completed and commissioned next year.” said Liekweg, “In the service of our customers it is important for us to be able to react quickly and complete projects promptly.”

Agraferm specialises in building biogas, bio methane and CHP plants thus covering all the various applications for AD plants. “Our successful expansion in the UK confirms our strategy and our technology”, said Eike Liekweg. Agraferm plants are characterised by their compact structure. The technology used allows for a wide variety of feedstock despite the space-saving compact design thus ensuring maximum use of space, maximum fermentation of the feedstock and maximum output.

One of the main aims of the energy policy in the UK is the use of biogas technology for the disposal of organic waste products. Agraferm in collaboration with their subsidiary BTA International GmbH is well equipped to deal with communal and industrial organic waste.

BTA International GmbH was recently contracted by the British company Interserv to set up the Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre. The plant will handle 200,000 tons of household waste from the city of Glasgow annually.

From the point of view of industrial companies it is important that the government and the industry work together to devise an AD master plan, given the political goals to speed up the development of renewable energies and to find alternatives for the disposal of organic waste. Such a commitment would enable planning and continuity far beyond the elections in 2015. Only then can jobs be created in the industry, technology be further developed and investors’ trust be built up.

Anaerobic Digestion loan funding opens to English farmers Providing the ideal opportunity to investigate new AD installations. recent announcement

by Owen Patterson has been made that loans to cover 50% of the project costs (up to a maximum of £400,000) will be available to English Farmers investing in on farm anaerobic digesters. This loan is available for small scale plants up to 250kW, and are expected to be issued to farmers at the beginning of 2014.

Carys Williams of Rostons comments that this funding will provide an opportunity for farmers to install AD on their farm. In addition to the loan funding, farmers can also apply for a grant of up to £10,000 which will help cover the costs of investigating the opportunity and creating a business plan.

A

Should you be considering an AD installation, it will be well worth investigating this recent announcement further and should you wish to discuss this please feel free to contact the Rostons Team.

For further information contact the Rostons office on 01829 773000

34 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Fuels

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

Lark Energy teams up with Armstrong Energy to deliver 30MWp of Solar Farms Lark Energy has partnered with Armstrong Energy on the development and construction of three solar farm projects in the Lincolnshire and Rutland area totalling 30MWp. he three projects are: 5.7MWp in Bourne, Lincolnshire; 14MWp in Burton Pedwardine, Lincolnshire; 9MWp at Hansen Cement’s Ketton Works in Rutland.

Lark Energy has developed all three projects and is also providing the EPC and O&M services. Armstrong Energy has acquired the project rights and is providing the finance.

The solar farm at Limes Farm in Bourne was completed and commissioned before the end of March 2013. It consists of some 19,760 panels and will produce enough energy to power 1,450 homes per year.

The first 9MWp phase of the Burton Pedwardine project is now nearing completion and will connect to the grid in November.

It will be followed by a further 4.4MWp early in the new year.

When completed, the solar farm, which utilises low grade

T

agricultural land, will produce enough electricity to power over 3,360 homes. (Please see attachment for photo). The third project is on brownfield land at Hanson’s Ketton Cement Works in Rutland. Construction started in October and most of the energy produced will be used by the works itself. Jonathan Selwyn, Managing Director of Lark Energy said “These projects provide significant new clean energy capacity on the local electricity network. All three projects had the support of the local authority and the wider community. The Ketton project is notable for its brownfield location and significant on-site energy use.

We remain optimistic about the long term prospects for the UK’s large scale solar sector and these projects demonstrate Lark Energy’s comprehensive service offering from development through construction to long term

Solar pioneer Conergy UK & Ireland more bankable than ever Conergy UK & Ireland announced today changes to its module warranties and performance guarantees on EPC services, following its sale to Florida-based Kawa Capital Management, Inc., which has $500m under management, on 2 October. s a result of this transaction the Conergy unit in UK has a much stronger balance sheet and is now offering a bankable EPC service for developers with performanceratio guarantees. Likewise PV modules sold by the company are backed by new warranties.

For product sold to British and Irish customers by Conergy UK & Ireland prior to its sale to Kawa, warranty-holders of either PowerPlus or EcoPro modules can receive a re-stated warranty by contacting the company.

Manufacturer warranties are also available for P-Series products.

Robert Goss, MD Conergy UK & Ireland, said: "Developers, installers and distributors want

A

security about panel performance over the long-term, and we're delighted to say that Conergy UK & Ireland is more bankable than ever. With a robust financial parent, clients can have full confidence in our premium warranties going forward, while future customers will benefit from market-leading performance guarantees."

Andrew de Pass, partner, Kawa Capital Management, Inc. said: "With our Conergy experts we can guarantee our customers secure investments – in the right projects, in the right quality of both systems and services, at the right conditions and attractive return-oninvestment."

36 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Burton Pedwardine site

operation and maintenance of the plant.

We are delighted to have teamed up with Armstrong Energy for the financing of these projects.

We have worked successfully with them on previous projects and look forward to working with them on further projects over the coming months.”

Steve Mahon, Director of Armstrong Energy said “These projects further demonstrate our

ability to deliver energy infrastructure investments that provide inflation-proof income to investors. Our partnership with Lark Energy is a good example of our approach, which is to build long term trusted relationships that repeatedly deliver value for all parties, be they suppliers or investors. We hold Lark Energy in the highest regard for the quality, honesty and pragmatism of their team.”

Farm solar solution Eco-conscious farmers who aren’t able to power their barns using mains electricity can use a new solar alternative. olar Systems has developed a Plugin Wattbox, which is perfect for farmers as it enables them to provide off-grid electricity for outbuildings using solar power.

Phil Grabham, Managing Director of Solar Systems, which is based in Somerset, explained: “Following on from the success of our Pluginsolarpanels, we are excited to announce our new product, the Plugin Watt-box.

“This is a great solution for farmers who want to power their barns but aren’t able to use mains electricity.

“The product contains batteries, which are charged by our Pluginsolarpanels. The Pluginsolarpanels can be mounted on barns and outbuildings or positioned freestanding in open spaces.

“People simply plug the panels into the Plugin Watt-box. The energy produced by the panel is then stored by the Watt-box where it is converted into 230 volts AC. This energy can then be used to power all manner of

S

applications and appliances such as lighting, electric fencing or recharge emergency mobile phones and torches.

“The Plugin Watt-box comes in two output capacities 500 watts (w) and 800w and produces enough energy to run five low energy light bulbs for up to 10 or 22 hours respectively.”

The Plugin Watt-box can either be hard wired into a circuit or used as a portable unit. The 13amp socket outlet on the unit enables people to use the power by plugging their appliance in. If the circuit is overloaded an alarm will sound.

Phil added: “The Plugin Wattbox is a great way to produce green electricity without the bills.”

Solar Systems is a specialist in solar technologies. The company has a wealth of experience in the design and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermal panels for homeowners, land owners and businesses across the South West.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Solar Energy UK success First choice for solar With debates surrounding the development of solar farms recently, the Large Scale Feature Area at the Solar Energy UK Exhibition in Birmingham last month proved to be a focal point for many visitors.

221% year-on-year increase in landowner attendance from previous years, demonstrates real on-going interest in ground-mount solar farms.

Dedicated feature area and seminars gave landowners and farmers an understanding of the large scale solar market, best practice solutions on how to either reduce energy bills for those involved in factory farming with high energy consumption or investment opportunities for agricultural farmers looking for commercial opportunities for long term growth by turning their land into a solar farm which can still be suitable for sheep grazing, biodiversity and nature conservation. Speakers included the National Trust, The British Beekeepers association, The Solar Trade Association and developer BELECTRIC UK. First time exhibitors and large scale sponsors, BELECTRIC UK said they, “…were pleased to exhibit and sponsor the Large Scale Solar Feature at Solar Energy UK and present [their] world leading solar

A

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

development and construction capabilities for solar farms, solar rooftops, and solar car parks.

Toddington Harper, CEO also mentioned, “We look forward to working with the new contacts we made at the event, and remain open for business and continued growth in 2014”.

UK’s largest solar dedicated event saw a 32% increase in unique visitor numbers at the NEC Birmingham in October this year, affirming it’s place as the leading b2b networking event for UK solar industry.’

If you are a landowner interested in reducing your energy bills or looking for investment ideas then why not attend Large Scale Solar UK conference. For further information on attending, visit largescale.solarenergyevents.com or join the mailing list for the latest news on upcoming events: uk.solarenergyevents.com/stay-upto-date Solar Energy UK will be taking place again at the NEC Birmingham, 14 – 16 October 2014.

BELECTRIC is the world market leader in the development, construction and operation of the highest efficiency and most reliable solar farms and solar photovoltaic rooftop installations. ur UK team is based in Buckinghamshire with the capability to deliver the full turn-key solar development and construction process. Our objective is to offer a single point of contact with whom you can build a strong and lasting relationship.

If you did not have the opportunity to meet any of our staff at the Solar Energy UK last month, please feel free to browse our website or give us a call. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss ideas you may have for projects and to explain what differentiates us in the market: • We construct the world’s highest efficiency, best quality solar farms • The ability to construct solar projects using our in-house experienced teams, without having to rely on third parties • Experience of working within the requirements of different subsidy regimes including single farm payments and agricultural stewardship

O

• A commitment to best practice operational maintenance services throughout the lease period • A package of biodiversity measures designed to bring net gain to sites including installation of bee hives and planting of wild flowers • Extensive in-house research and development capabilities that ensure our design and technology remain at the forefront of innovation • Our in-house construction resource guarantees installations of the highest possible quality and within the necessary timeframes • A commitment to undertaking extensive community engagement as part of the design process.

If you are interested in learning more about BELECTRIC UK and the different services we offer, please contact Raoul Tufnell from our team on T:01895 452 640, M: 07964 918604, E: info@belectric.co.uk or visit our website www.belectric.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Energy

Falling farm incomes and green scheme deadlines lead to turbine ‘wind rush’ More than 500 planning applications have been submitted for farm turbines across the UK and 200 new farm turbines will be installed by April 2014. dramatic fall in income, coupled with rising energy costs, is seeing increasing number of farmers turning to wind turbines as an additional source of revenue ahead of looming energy regulator deadlines just over two months away.

All proposed new turbines need to be pre-registered with regulator Ofgem by 31st December and hundreds of farmers are now working to beat the end of year deadline and benefit from the maximum available revenues.

There are now over 500 planning applications being considered by councils across the UK and figures from the leading turbine suppliers show that over 200 farm scale turbines could be connected to the grid by the next Feed-in Tariff deadline in April next year as farmers seek to bolster incomes.

“More and more farmers are looking beyond traditional crops to survive and the financial benefits of wind turbines for farms are

A

becoming more widely known,” according to Steve Milner, managing director of Earthmill, one of the UK’s only specialist farm-scale wind turbine installers and suppliers.

“Over the last quarter, we have seen an increase in demand of over 150 per cent for single-turbine surveys and power generation evaluations from some of the UK’s 300,000 working farms,” he added.

“Impending reductions in the Government’s green energy incentives are also fuelling record demand for farm-scale wind turbines which we anticipate will continue for the foreseeable future as a result of the current economic malaise in the farming industry. It is giving farmers the motivation to look at renewables as an additional source of revenue, especially those in dairy, pig and poultry farming where large amounts of electricity are consumed.”

The massive fall in typical farm

revenues shows no signs of letting up with Defra estimating they will be slashed by up to 50 per cent this year. After two years of poor harvests and unusually harsh weather, dramatically rising energy costs are also taking their toll on cash-strapped farmers.

“Recent innovations in turbine design have improved generation levels from turbines and lifespan.

Farmers who install one or two turbines on land in the ideal weather locations, and with the right topography for a turbine site, can see the double benefits of energy savings and generation income that typically add up to well into five-figure sums and can top £100,000 a year in many cases,” added Mr Milner.

“Despite the recent upsurge in interest, currently only five per cent of UK farms have a turbine which is a fraction of those who would be suitable. As one of the windiest places in Europe, the UK and, in particular, Scotland, Wales, the West Country and the North East,

have some of the most exposed farming land - whilst that isn’t great for all farming uses, it is ideal for power generation.”

Mr Milner said farmers looking at a new installation before the April reduction in the Government’s Feed-in Tariff incentives will gain the most as they will benefit from the new wave of super-efficient turbines that can generate more power than earlier models and also outlast them.

“It is a once in a generation opportunity for farmers and landowners and one that fits with the Government’s green energy agenda,” he said. “As well as the obvious motivation protecting their business against the ever increasing cost of energy, more and more farmers are also feeling good about their role in supporting the generation of renewable energy,” he concluded.

UK’s first ‘new generation’ wind turbine installed on Cornish farm Super-efficient British built farm turbine generates power for 150 homes. he first of a new generation of farm-scale wind turbines has been installed on a farm at Liskeard in Cornwall where it will generate the equivalent electricity used by almost 150 homes.

The first Endurance X29 to be installed on UK soil is also the first to be built in the UK in a brand new Midlands factory and is now generating clean energy on Matthew Rowe’s Great Tredinnick dairy farm.

It will generate power for the dairy farm, up to 500,000 kWh per year, the equivalent of the power consumption of 150 homes.

The installation was carried out by farm turbine specialist Earthmill, one of the UK’s only specialist farm-scale wind turbine installers and suppliers. It is also one of a handful of authorised suppliers than can install the Endurance X29 in the UK. The 225kW unit was built by Endurance Wind Power at its new factory in Hartlebury near

T

Kidderminster.

“The X29 is relatively modest in size, requiring only a 30m mast which makes it a great option for farms with high power requirements,” said Steve Milner, managing director of Earthmill.

“The key to its improved performance is that it has a very efficient generator which operates at a low level resistance, allowing the turbine to start producing energy at a wind speed of just 4 metres per second, a really light breeze.”

He added: “The financial benefits of wind turbines for farms are becoming widely known, with farmers turning to them as an additional source of revenue in the wake of a dramatic fall in income, coupled with rising energy costs.”

Endurance’s investment in new manufacturing facilities is evidence of the boom in the farm wind market. The plant is creating up to 100 new green jobs and will eventually build 100 turbines a

38 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

year.

New turbines need to be preregistered with regulator Ofgem by 31st December and hundreds of farmers are now working to beat the end of year deadline and benefit from the maximum available revenues.

There are now over 500 planning applications being considered by councils across the UK and figures from the leading turbine suppliers show that over 200 farm scale turbines could be connected to the National Grid ahead of the looming energy

regulator deadlines.

A report published last week by Renewable UK on the small and medium wind market shows that the industry doubled in size last year and the technology is injecting over £100m into the rural economy.

“The report shows the vital role that farm wind is playing in supporting the cash strapped rural economy, with 86 per cent of small-scale turbines installed in rural areas,” said Endurance UK managing director Dave Rankin.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Free advice on turbine feasibility for investors University of Central Lancashire teams-up with Solcap to provide free advice on wind turbines. enewable energy providers UFW’s Northern reseller, Solcap Energy, has teamed-up with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) who have secured European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) to offer a free feasibility study to farmers, landowners and businesses in the region considering investing in wind turbines.

The feasibility study, carried out

by UCLAN’s IsWind-Tech team, includes a visit to sites across the North West of England from the renewable energy experts to assess the land, wind conditions and the potential for energy generation on a specific plot.

And now, as part of the new relationship with the progressive renewable energy providers UFW, represented by their exclusive Northern reseller Solcap Energy, the technical experts are also in a position to advise potential investors on further options for the

R

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

best wind turbine available for their land and position.

The collaboration marries the most sophisticated renewables systems on the market with the technical expertise of UCLAN’s dedicated specialists and, farmers and landowners will have access to quality, free advice and reporting.

Solcap Energy’s Angus Fraser said: “consultative advice is essential when considering an investment like this. We highly recommend that investors seek expert guidance. This is a great scheme for those who are interested in a wind turbine but have been put off by the initial costs to assess suitability.”

For more information, contact Angus Fraser at afraser@solcap.co.uk or David.Taylor@ufw.co.uk For an initial consultation, visit the IsWind-Tech site at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/iswindtech/ services.php.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Grain

Could you be the next HGCA Monitor Farmer?

Forward thinking cereals and oilseeds growers who are looking for ways to boost the performance of their business are being sought across England and Wales.

Monitor farmer Brian Matheson and HGCA Regional Manager Gavin Dick

Richard Laverick of HGCA

GCA is looking to recruit eight growers to host Monitor Farms, as it rolls out a concept that has proved successful in Scotland, where four HGCA Monitor Farms are already established. HGCA also set up two pilot Monitor Farms in Yorkshire to refine the concept and provide a blueprint for the national programme.

The essence of an HGCA Monitor Farm is that it is farmer-led, dealing with real time onfarm issues to drive improvements in technical performance, bottom-line profitability and longterm sustainability.

H

“What we need as farmers is local knowledge about local conditions and local crops, and to benchmark so we can have a handle on how to improve our yields and make more money.”

Host farms are supported by an HGCA facilitator offering advice and guidance, as well as an Arable Business Group made up of growers from the surrounding area, providing a forum for discussion and an opportunity for members to benchmark their businesses.

Through open days, specialist talks and updates on the HGCA website, the monitor farms reach out to growers in the local community and beyond, helping to build sector resilience.

Richard Laverick of HGCA said: “The Monitor Farms have proved very popular with producers because they offer real time support,

40 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

pragmatic decision-making and the chance to examine the impacts of those decisions down the line. We are now offering eight more growers the opportunity to become HGCA monitor farmers – not only making their own businesses more profitable, but also sharing best practice with local growers and further afield.”

For Yorkshire grower Robert Atkinson, one of the reasons he became an HGCA monitor farmer was that the project is directed by farmers such as himself.

“I like the idea of peer-to-peer learning.

When farmers get together you learn so much more than with classroom-style teaching.

“What we need as farmers is local knowledge about local conditions and local crops, and to benchmark so we can have a handle on how to improve our yields and make more money.”

For more information about the Monitor Farm programme, or to register your interest in hosting a Monitor Farm, visit the HGCA website or email richard.laverick@hgca.ahdb.org.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

BDC supports long term success of farmer Ben Smith It has been nearly 25 years since farmer Ben Smith, based at Wantage, first took delivery of a 23tph Svegma drier. t the time he was farming approximately 1000 acres arable and 500 acres of rough grazing and grass.

By 1999 a neighbouring 1000 acre farm was purchased and then a further 500 acres, so the original drier was drying produce from some 2500 acres. Further acquisitions have meant that today Ben is farming around 4500 acres, used to grow combinable crops – oilseed rape, winter wheat and beans. It is therefore no surprise that he has now made considerable new investments in new Svegma grain driers as well as other handling systems through long term supplier BDC Systems and dealer BK Grain Handling engineers who designed the proposed layout of the systems and obtained the necessary planning permission on his behalf.

With the significant expansion of his business, for the last four years or so Ben had been trying at times to dry over 10,000 tonnes a year of wheat and over 2000 tonnes of rape with the original Svegma 23 tph drier. Not surprisingly it struggled to cope with that capacity and also the handling equipment backing it up was inadequate and old.

Ben was also now running three articulated lorries to deliver his produce through the winter and several times other farmers had also asked

A

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

him to dry their produce, but the lorries were too big for the farm's intake pit. There was a similar issue during the harvest period.

To address the situation, a 50 tonne capacity pit was built and if Ben takes on any contract drying, he can also pick it up with his lorries and tip it into the new pit. A new combine harvester was also acquired. Everything is now of sufficient capacity to cope with the required tonnage.

Following recommendation from BK Grain, Ben has also invested in not only new Svegma driers, but also Skandia handling equipment and a pre-cleaner.

He had invested in the original Svegma drier because of its simplicity of operation and use as well as being easy to clean. Over the years barley, wheat, beans, peas, rape and linseed have all been successfully dried by a highly reliable Svegma drier that has been virtually trouble-free. It was therefore an easy decision to replace it with two new latest generation Svegma driers when the time came to increase capacity.

BK Grain convinced Ben about the quality and reliability of the Skandia and Aagaard equipment. The new intake pit now has a 150tph Skandia intake conveyor and the installation also includes Skandia elevators and

chain and flight conveyors. The grain is then transferred into a holding hopper via a new 150tph Aagaard pre cleaner. From here, the grain is fed into the two 34tph Svegma driers.

“I have been really pleased with the quality and the running of the new Skandia equipment.

It all went together with very few problems and one thing I did like was how slow the chain runs, and together with the plastic bottom tray, it runs very quietly,” says Ben. “It has been really good to see how well the Skandia equipment and the Svegma driers have been integrated with the hopper bottoms of the driers matching the drag chain. This is much better than cutting and carving to make it fit. Another good feature is the fitting of the inverters to be able to slow down the drag chains even more. Also fitting inverters on the drier fans stop the driers from lifting off light products. This seems to work very well.”

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Security

Clock on and lock up

Rural Crime Top 10

1:Tools & equipment

2: ATVs/Quad Bikes

Park out of sight. If outside, secure to a ground or wall anchor set into a solid surface. Sterling Locks offers 10mm and 12mm security chains with a protective nylon sleeve in a variety of lengths to give the reach necessary to padlock the vehicle to a solid object or security anchor. Consider fitting remote stand alone alarms for sheds or outbuildings.

Digital door locks provide controlled access to buildings or garages without requiring everyone to have keys.

3: Oil/Diesel

Ideally make sure tanks are securely fenced in so they are a) out of sight and b) difficult to access. Use a heavy duty hasp and staple and anti-tamper padlock. Lock the filler cap on the tank too.

4: Machinery

Keep machinery stored in a building that is securely locked. If it’s not possible to secure the building apply spot security by fitting a ground or wall anchor and then locking the machinery to it using a heavy duty hardened steel chain and a Sterling ‘U lock’ for extra strength.

5: Garden Equipment

Secure garden sheds with a combination locking bolt if a number of people need to access the equipment. If padlocking the shed, check hasps and staples are large enough and are well mounted. Use quality security cables to link items together – the extra time it takes to unbundle them may be enough to put the thief off.

6: Livestock & Animals

The inconvenience of keeping multiple keys to hand often stops owners from locking every gate on a property.

The simple solution is to use combination or keyed alike padlocks for areas accessed by a number of people or on frequently used gates.

Pedigree and working dogs have also become a target for thieves so remember to secure kennels too.

7: Vehicles

Make sure that entering the property is going to be an obvious hurdle. Don’t be subtle, make the security obvious right at the gate. Keep vehicles locked at all times and store keys away from vehicles out of sight and ideally inside a key cabinet and not just a kitchen drawer. Stand alone alarms are useful for localised protection, if you haven’t invested in a full burglar alarm system.

Security lighting will also help discourage thieves. Vehicle immobilisers provide the last line of defence.

8: Metal

As with vehicles, create the right impression using highly visible deterrents such as hi vis security chains, cables and strong padlocks. Back this up with stand alone alarms and remote trigger lighting.

Rural Security Tips for Winter from Sterling Locks.

he top takes most frequently listed as stolen in rural crimes are: 1: tools/equipment, 2:atv’s/quad bikes, 3:oil/diesel, 4:machinery and 5: garden equipment.(NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey 2013).

To help farmers and rural dwellers protect their property, Sterling Locks is publicising a list of simple measures to help decrease the vulnerability of all of the top ten most stolen items.

One of the key differences between urban and rural crime is that thieves often scope out their targets in more depth. At this point visible security measures can be a benefit, as gangs know the property will take time to enter and that they may encounter further problems once they have gained access. Easy measures such as chaining and locking gates, padlocking outbuildings, using security anchors mounted on walls or concrete floors may seem simple – but they do work.

Thieves know the difference between good quality security measures and those that can be jimmied or hack-sawed. Padlocks need to have hardened shackles and should be attached to well anchored, strong hasps and staples. Chains should be hardened steel too, while security cables should feature braided

T

steel cores. Using these to lock up each item of value can ensure every stage of the process becomes more problematic for a potential burglar. This can reduce the amount that is taken and might even deter the thief in the first place. Easily achieved steps like additional lighting and stand alone alarms will help ensure attention is drawn to any intruders. Another straightforward measure is to use a post box at the end of the property. This limits the number of people needing to enter the property, so gates are more likely to be kept closed and it is easier to spot anyone who is unexpectedly driving or walking near the house.

Advice from Sterling Locks is – keep it simple, make it obvious and invest in quality cables, padlocks and chains that burglars will recognise as tough enough to pose a challenge.

Contact Sterling Locks on 0113 250 3603 or visit www.sterlinglocks.com

42 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Security Measure If ladders are kept on the property, they are a target for burglars who then use them to get further into the property.

Wherever the ladder is stored, it should be securely locked.

Equipment such as power tools, strimmers & chainsaws can be locked together using hardened steel chains or security cables.

9:Tractors

10: Trailers

As with vehicles If possible keep trailers and other vehicles in yards that are overlooked, perhaps by the farm office. Secure them when stationery either using a locking cable, but ideally fixed to a ground or wall anchor.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

John celebrates claim free 56 years of insuring his tractor with Cornish Mutual If you think you’ve done well building up your no claims bonus then meet John Sweet whose Ferguson tractor has been insured with the same insurance company, Cornish Mutual, without a claim being made on it since being bought brand new - in 1957. he Truro-based regional insurer believes it is the longest running continuous insurance policy for a farm vehicle that it has had on its books – more than half the life of the company itself which is this year celebrating it’s 110th

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

anniversary.

Mr Sweet, of Stannavia Farm, Polgooth, near St Austell, was just 16 when his late father John Kingsley Sweet, bought the Ferguson FE-35 tractor to work the family’s 20-acre market garden – and it is still in regular use today.

Mr Sweet said the family had been Cornish Mutual Members since 1904 when his grandfather – also John Sweet – returned from mining in South Africa to build a house and establish the farm.

His grandfather was also one of the pioneering early motorists in Cornwall, having travelled to London in 1905/1906 to buy a car, which he then drove back to Cornwall without any previous driving experience - and that was insured with Cornish Mutual too.

Mr Sweet said: “It’s really part of the family and has always been very reliable tractor. Even now it still almost always starts first time and all I do is change the oil every couple of years. I regularly use it to cut the grass around the house, move trees and other odd jobs and I still have all the original equipment that came with it.

“We’ve always insured with Cornish Mutual because we get good customer service from them.

I’ve never had a claim on the tractor although about 10 years ago someone vandalised the doors to the shed we keep it in, but the tractor itself was fine.”

Mr Sweet’s story came to light when he visited the Cornish Mutual offices for an open day as part of the firm’s 110th anniversary celebrations.

Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, said: “One of the great things about our anniversary has been the number of people who have come forward to tell us about their family’s association with Cornish Mutual going back generations.

“Mr Sweet’s is a fantastic story and it is incredible to see thenand-now pictures of him with his

tractor and to reflect that we’ve been insuring the vehicle for the last 56 years. We’re incredibly proud of Cornish Mutual’s values and the way we do business and it is wonderful to see that loyalty reflected back in the stories of our Members and their families.”

Cornish Mutual is the only general insurer in the South West offering insurance to farms, businesses and individuals.

In 2012, the Truro-based firm became the first mutual insurance company in the UK to hold Chartered Insurer status, one of less than 22 insurers in the country to achieve this highest level of recognition from the CI institute.

For more information and to find out about the open day, visit the Cornish Mutual website at www.cornishmutual.co.uk or call 01872 277151.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Machinery

Stock farmers capitalise on summer excess The benefit of feeding root crops to stock is well recorded over centuries of application, however, modern farmers are increasingly returning to this basic means of providing valuable cost effective nutrition to a variety of stock in today’s demanding climate. elatively cheap to grow whilst maximising on natural fertilizers and requiring minimal husbandry, animal feed root crops are reawakening farmers interest in providing stock with a home grown winter forage supplement.

New varieties of staple or main crop turnips provide fast growing catch crops high in energy for Autumn, Winter or Spring feeding.

Technology and 2013 weather patterns have also played a major part in providing farmers with high yielding cash crops such as potatoes, turnips and carrots.

Grown initially for human consumption, these high yielding crops have benefitted from the ideal growing conditions of the 2013 seasons, enabling supermarket buyers to be to be fussy about the quality on offer with thousands of tons of crops being rejected. Combine this with the tons of stale and rejected bread as well as brewery and distillery mulch, sheep, cattle and dairy herds could be in for a varied and appetising diet this winter!

R

Ritchie Rooting for Farmers It’s one thing growing these crops economically but quite another feeding them efficiently and this is where British Agricultural Machinery manufacturer Ritchie’s range of Root & Grain feeders plays it’s part in the modern farming approach.

Suitable for front or rear tractor mounting, or telescopic forklifts, this hydraulically driven Root & Grain feeder can be used to self load, mix, chop and dispense crops to suit stock feed needs.

This one tonne capacity heavyduty feeder incorporates a stone trap into the design to eject stones and debris providing protection to the augers and knives. Likewise a full-length trash trap positioned under the central auger, helps deliver cleaner feed to housed animals.

Stock farmer Eric Jolly uses his Ritchie machine daily throughout the winter months feeding a mix of crimped barley and root crops directly to his housed bull beef, calving cows and fatteners. The machine has proved efficient and

effective allowing one person to use it as a self-filling front-end bucket, in a drive in- drive out clamp process, before discharging into feed troughs.

Root crops could be the farming

flavour of the month this winter!

For full details of the Ritchie Root & Grain feeder contact: your local Ritchie representative www.ritchie-d.co.uk

Five year finance now available on Kuhn Minimum Tillage range Following significant additions to its minimum tillage range in 2013, Kuhn has now introduced five year finance on several new and established models in this range.

his latest offer, which is valid on orders placed with Kuhn dealers between 1st September and 31st December 2013, provides 0% finance on 50% of retail price on machines including the new Performer deep tine disc cultivator, Optimer, Cultimer and Discolander heavy discs.

Schemes can be structured with annual instalments (one payment in advance and four annual payments) or monthly instalments (five in advance with 55 monthly

T

payments). The same offer applies during this autumn period for Kuhn round balers, round baler combinations and bale wrappers.

Kuhn Finance is a partnership between Kuhn Farm Machinery and De Lage Landen, a fully owned subsidiary of Rabobank Group.

Further details on Kuhn Finance are available by calling 0845 366KUHN or 0845 3665846, or by visiting the finance section at www.kuhn.co.uk

44 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Pests

46 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Featured Dealers:

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

Ravenhill Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

B and B Tractors Mansfield, Notts NG20 0E 01623 847171 www.bandbtractors.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New MLT629 compact size handler

Kverneland Group wins two Silver Medals for Inovation at Agritechnica Two Kverneland Group innovations have been awarded silver medals at Agritechnica 2013, the world’s leading agricultural machinery show being held in Hanover, Germany, from November 12 to 16. he IsoMatch Simulator is an easy to use PC application to demonstrate use of the IsoMatch Tellus dual screen universal terminal with Kverneland Group machines. This software development makes it very easy for dealers, customers, operators and students to learn about precision farming and Isobus technology on any computer.

By providing all the functions of the IsoMatch Tellus directly on a PC, the IsoMatch Simulator allows virtual training before buying or using equipment. This makes it much easier and quicker to familiarise yourself with the features and benefits of Kverneland and Vicon Isobus machines, without needing a tractor or an Isobus implement.

Using integrated GPS simulation, PC users can replicate operations as if they are in their own fields. Such innovation makes it possible to go through set-up processes in advance of fieldwork, to ensure productivity is boosted.

For Kverneland and Vicon

T

The Manitou Group constantly adapts its range of products to the requirements of farmers and the newest product in the range, the MLT629, which has replaced the MLT 627 further enhances the Manitou brand’s range of compact and high-performance solutions. rue to its engineprocurement strategy, which combines “performance/usage”, Manitou has chosen a Perkins engine for the MLT 629 in response to a requirement for compact design and performance in the compact telescopic forklift sector.

For a smooth performance, the MLT629 has engine torque that is amongst the most efficient: 420 Nm at 1400 rpm.

The dashboard with digital screen gives intuitive access to all the information that is essential, while the JSM single joystick is provided for ease of use and complete control of the machine.

Exclusive to Manitou, the Manitou JSM allows control of all movements with one hand safely and effortlessly: raising and lowering the boom, crowding and tilting, auxiliary service for operating attachments and also

T

EH

Farmstar Limited Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900

P

Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk forward/reverse direction of travel.

This allows you to always keep one hand on the steering wheel whilst maintaining full control of the MLT. Although the MLT629 is a compact machine the cab is spacious with an ergonomically designed driving position for maximum comfort. Low noise

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

levels are achieved through the full soundproofing of the cab and the insulation of the engine compartment. Three levels of finish are available Classic, Premium and the Elite. This top of the range spec includes pneumatic cloth seat with active suspension, Bluetooth car radio, air conditioning and boom suspension.

The MLT629 is available with 20” or 20” compact tyres (low profile cab) for a more compact design, and in a 24” version aswell.

“The MLT 629 meets the requirements of a large number of users for compact design and performance. Ideally suited to work in the courtyard of a farm, its excellent visibility is a significant safety feature, combined with a high-performance engine torque for maximum productivity. The design of the MLT629 is based on ‘field experience’ incorporating the expertise and quality of the MANITOU brand.” Explains Paul Bidwell Marketing Manager Manitou UK Ltd. Where manoeuvrability is essential the MLT will perform.

Compact and versatile, the MLT629 can turn sharply in restricted spaces and easily work in the most confined farm buildings.

After a successful launch at the Irish Ploughing Match in September the MLT 629 is now available in the UK. RETAIL PRICE MLT 629 Compact 20” £57,336 MLT 629 20” £57,336 MLT 629 24” £58,146

“The IsoMatch InDemo kit uses ‘sticks’ measuring 15cm long, and with an integrated Isobus plug.” dealers, the IsoMatch Simulator creates the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of the IsoMatch Tellus to potential customers. In addition, the system offers further advantages as a support tool. Engineers can help customers over the phone by simulating exactly what they see on their in-cab IsoMatch screens, and working through operational problems button-by-button.

A promotional video of IsoMatch Simulator can be found using the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =a--XYf3Iy3g.

The IsoMatch Simulator will be available to download free of charge from http://www.isomatchtellus.com, following its live launch being held at Agritechnica (12-16 November 2013), at the Kverneland Group’s stand in Hall 5, Stand D38.

IsoMatch InDemo is a portable demonstration kit that simulates Kverneland and Vicon implements on any Isobus tractor without connecting real machines. The Kverneland Group is the first and currently the only company in the market that provides this innovative solution.

The IsoMatch InDemo kit uses ‘sticks’ measuring 15cm long, and with an integrated Isobus plug.

Each ‘stick’ represents a different implements and when plugged into any Isobus tractor, it functions as if it is the genuine implement.

The user interface of the machine is then visible on the in-cab terminal and functions such as section control with a spreader, seeder or sprayer, can be used.

For the end user, IsoMatch InDemo provides more transparency with compatibility and allows operators to check and experience implement functions and capability with their tractor.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Buildings

48 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New John Deere tractors & baler make UK show debut at Agriscot AGRISCOT, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, November 20, Stand No. 178 (Lowland Machinery Hall)

ohn Deere’s new 6100MC and 6110RC tractors will make their public debut at AgriScot in November, alongside the new F440R fixed chamber round baler for larger farms and contractors. The latest model XUV Gator 855D 4x4 utility vehicle and AMS precision farming solutions will also be on display.

Designed specifically for medium size arable, livestock and mixed farms, and available now from local John Deere dealers, the 6MC and 6RC Series tractors from 90 to 110hp feature a more compact, manoeuvrable design and are powered by Stage III B compliant 4.5-litre four-cylinder PowerTech PWX diesel-only engines. The 6RC engines are also equipped with Intelligent Power

J

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Management (IPM), producing an additional 10hp when needed.

The 6090MC, 6100MC and 6110MC tractors are equipped with PowrQuad Plus transmissions, while the premium 6090RC, 6100RC and 6110RC models offer three powershift transmission choices. These include PowrQuad Plus, AutoQuad Plus and the new AutoQuad Plus EcoShift, which automatically reduces engine rpm when reaching high speeds to help reduce fuel consumption.

The tractors’ durable full frame is specifically designed to accept John Deere H Series front loaders, which are available in non selflevelling, mechanical self-levelling and hydraulic self-levelling versions.

The F440R fixed chamber round baler is aimed at customers who produce more than 3000 bales per season and focus on silage production. One of a new line of 400 Series balers for 2014, this model utilises a number of components from the premium 900 Series, for faster baling in heavy grass windrows without plugging.

These include the high capacity 2 or optional 2.2m pick-up and MaxiCut rotor with 13 or 25 knives, as well as new 600/50-22.5 wide tyres. Other features include a small colour display, a cartridge type automatic greasing system and long-life components including stainless steel strippers and heavy-duty chains and bearings.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Machinery

Advanced harvesting technology nets New Holland two Agritechnica silver medals New Holland has further confirmed its position as the industry leading harvesting manufacturer, with two Agritechnica silver medals for combine harvester innovations.

he unique-in-the-industry Opti-Speed™ strawwalker system improves productivity by up to 10% and the Cornrower header perfectly combines in field efficiency with New Holland’s hallmark commitment to sustainable farming practices.

“New Holland is committed to developing innovations which bring practical benefits to the world’s farmers and contractors.”

Stated Carlo Lambro, Brand President, New Holland Agriculture. “Furthermore we, together with the world’s farmers, have the great responsibility of maximising sustainable food and energy production. Opti-Speed™ technology helps reduce losses, which subsequently means more grain is available for food production. The innovative Cornrower header enables farmers to produce both food and fodder from maize crops as well as converting the previously wasted by-product of maize stover into productive energy through biomass.”

Ground-breaking Opti-Speed™ strawwalkers: up to 10% higher productivity The Opti-Speed™ strawwalker technology, which was recognised with a silver medal, is exclusively available on the CX7000 and CX8000 Elevation range of super conventional combines. The range, which includes the world’s most powerful strawwalker machine, producing up to 490hp, is extensively used by the world’s professional large-scale farmers and contractors.

The unique Opti-Speed™ system delivers up to 10% higher productivity by automatically

CX Elevation Cornrower

CX 8090 Elevation OptiSpeed

T

varying the strawwalker speed based on the field’s gradient. The operator simply selects from four pre-set crops, and the OptiSpeed™ system autonomously modifies the strawwalker speed.

When driving uphill, the strawwalker speed reduces to decrease the transport speed of the straw over the strawwalkers and when driving downhill, strawwalker speed is increased to prevent blockages. Moreover, in flat fields, this system is particularly beneficial for maize harvesting thanks to slower strawwalker speeds. As such, a productivity gain of as much as 20% can be achieved.

Innovative Cornrower header: onepass swathing reduces operating costs and improves bale density by up to 15%

50 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

New Holland, through its Clean Energy Leader® strategy, is committed to improving farming productivity and sustainability and the silver medal winning Cornrower header is a key element in this. The fully integrated Cornrower system can be fitted to conventional maize headers, and it produces uniform windrows of finely chopped maize stover. This fine chop can increase bale density by up to 15%, and the bales also benefit from improved combustion and fermentation profiles, perfect for biomass production.

This one pass system reduces operations’ fuel consumption as well as limiting in field compaction.

Furthermore, all maize stover is chopped and remains clean and free from dirt and stones. Any lost

“New Holland is committed to developing innovations which bring practical benefits to the world’s farmers and contractors.” kernels fall onto the windrow, and as such bales used as fodder have an improved nutritional profile.

This superfine chop system also allows the stover to release moisture more quickly to reduce the time from chopping to baling.

Additional usages include as absorbent animal bedding and as a ration supplement which, when mixed with hydrated lime and water can help to reduce the cost of fodder by up to 40% when compared to traditional maize silage.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Agritechnica

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

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

Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325

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

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

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

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 www.nigelquinnams.co.uk Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd Providence Foundry, Foxholes, East Cowton, Northallerton, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01262 470221 Tel: 01325 378552 November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Machinery

Kubota strenthens M-Series range Leading manufacturer of groundcare and agricultural machinery, Kubota, has unveiled two new models in its leading M-Series range to offer users more power from their tractors.

he mid-range units have been designed in response to customer requests for a machine with similar dimensions to the popular M40 models, but with a larger engine.

The new models therefore feature more powerful 4 cylinder 3.3ltr turbo-charged diesel engines, along with additional modern

T

enhancements that ensure users get a truly robust unit that satisfies their every need.

The M6060 is available in Rops and Cab variations and features a 63.5hp engine, whilst the M7060 is only available with a Cab and has a more powerful 71hp engine.

Both have the same stylish looks that have set the M-Series range

52 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

apart from competitor machines.

With efficiency being a key driver of product development, both models feature an eco drive function that allows for lower RPM’s in high gears and limits the top speed to 39.9km/h. This not only creates lower cabin noise but also provides superb efficiency and better fuel consumption.

Adrian Langmead, Business Development Manager at Kubota, commented: “The new M6060 and M7060 follow on from the popular M40 models but with more power and increased levels of responsiveness, offering users a mid-range tractor that can easily tackle any job at hand.”

The M6060 and M7060 also features improved cab design that allows for easier, more practical operator engagement including close-proximity finger touch controls. The seating position and design has been improved to make users more comfortable, allowing for extended periods of activity.

Adrian continues: “Extensive research and development has gone into the new cab design in order to ensure better user comfort and control. This allows for longer, more comfortable periods of activity which result in higher levels of productivity.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Agritechnica

Cambridge: Swansea: Penrith: Crawley: www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Contact a local operator:

01223 835222 01792 310031 01768 210055 01293 571707

Harlow: 01279 427300 Preston: 01772 620111 Derby: 01332 205000 Milton Keynes: 01908 565500 November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Machinery

Winter servicing key to optimising modern combine harvesters’ performance, says Case IH Winter servicing of combine harvesters by an approved dealer with the experience, knowledge and equipment to do the job correctly and efficiently will pay for itself through increased performance, reliability and lower operating costs, according to Case IH. ase IH Product Specialist Paul Freeman states, “Harvest represents the culmination of the farm’s entire year’s work and in many cases combinable crops account for their total revenue, so maintaining the combine to the highest possible standard makes sound commercial sense. Trying to cut corners will ultimately prove a false economy.”

Whilst the use of state-of-the-art electronic systems has

C

dramatically increased the performance, output, reliability and comfort of modern combine harvesters Mr Freeman emphasises that it has also made correct servicing more important than ever to ensure they continue to operate to their full potential.

“Case IH Axial-Flow® combines have the simplest mechanical configuration of any modern combine, providing them with a significant edge in terms of efficiency, performance and

Krone awards Mitas The leading German producer of agricultural machinery, Krone, awarded tyre manufacturer Mitas as the best supplier in the segment “delivery of tyres.”

he ceremonial event was held in Spelle, Germany, on 18 September.

“Mitas won the award in a strong competition of six major tyre manufacturers,” said Gerhard Schulterobben, Mitas’ German sales subsidiary director. ”It is a great success for Mitas and recognition of the topquality products and associated service we offer,” Schulterobben added.

Schulterobben received the award on behalf of Mitas from Bernard Krone, the general director and owner.

“Mitas focuses on agricultural tyres,” said Andrew Mabin, Mitas’ sales and marketing director. “We are proud that

T

Krone, one of the major original equipment manufacturers, appreciates our close attention to detail and reliability.”

reliability, together with lower servicing requirements and maintenance costs,” Paul Freeman states. “However, they should always be serviced by an approved dealer, who will address any potential issues before they become a problem, install routine upgrades and update the operating software.”

Whilst some owners may think that they can carry out the annual service themselves, or get the job done by a local mobile fitter, Matthew Pratt, After Sales Area Manager for Case IH, cautions that maintaining a modern combine correctly involves much more than just cleaning the machine, changing the oil and replacing the filters.

“A key part of the post-harvest servicing schedule that Case IH dealers carry out is to ensure that the power-plant, drive system and other mechanical components operate at optimum efficiency, but servicing and updating the combine’s electronic systems is now equally important, requiring specialist knowledge and equipment,” Mr Pratt emphasises.

“The Electronic Service Tool used by Case IH dealers enables any technical issues to be detected and rectified quickly, so the customer benefits from fast, efficient servicing, which minimises downtime and costs. During the service the dealer will also update all the on-board software, which will greatly optimise the combine’s operating efficiency, performance and working life, delivering a greater overall return on investment.”

Paul freeman

“Combines that have been dealer-maintained have fewer callouts during harvest, saving the customer significant downtime and cost at a critical time of the year.

Regular servicing by the dealer will also create a detailed history for the machine, making it more attractive to a potential purchaser and enhancing its second-hand value.”

“Harvest represents the culmination of the farm’s entire year’s work and in many cases combinable crops account for their total revenue, so maintaining the combine to the highest possible standard makes sound commercial sense.”

The Case IH Axial-Flow® range currently includes six models, the 5130, 6130 and 7130 from 299 – 415hp, together with the 7230, 8230 and 9230 from 449 – 571hp.

The range incorporates a new cab which creates the ultimate in operator environment, together with cutting-edge unloading technology that includes a folding auger and industry-exclusive pivoting spout option to improve trailer filling accuracy.

”It is a great success for Mitas and recognition of the top-quality products and associated service we offer,” Mitas beat out strong competition amongst the premium tyre manufacturers that were also short-listed for the delivery of tyres award in the financial year of 2012/13. Krone has a distinguished reputation as a premium supplier in agricultural engineering and cooperates with more than 430 serial part suppliers.

54 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New addition to CLAAS high horsepower XERION range of tractors Following the successful launch of the high horsepower XERION 5000 and 4500 versions two years ago, these two models have been joined by a third model. At the same time all three models for 2014 will benefit from new engines and a number of other updates and changes. he XERION has proven itself in both arable and more specialist applications, being ideal for heavy cultivations or more specialist work such as slurry and digestate spreading, silage clamp buckraking or for specialist work such as timber processing.

The new addition to the range, the XERION 4000, has a maximum power output of 435hp and will be available in three versions: TRAC with a fixed centrally positioned cab, TRAC VC with a rotating cab or SADDLE TRAC which has a forward mounted cab.

The new XERION 4000 follows the same design as the two larger versions and follows the same design concept that has been central to all XERION models.

Central to the XERION is the TRAC concept of building the tractor around a full-frame load bearing chassis from which the main components are suspended, in which the cross bracing is now bolted on rather than welded for added strength. The four large equal sized wheels, enable the XERION to put down a large tyre contact area for minimal wheel-slip and maximum traction, ensuring optimum efficiency.

This unique design results in a tractor that is highly manoeuvrable, is capable of safely carrying large loads but able to efficiently convert engine power to tractive power, so ensuring high output and low running costs. The XERION is also the only tractor in this high horsepower sector to have a 50kph CVT transmission, making it far more versatile than similar sized articulated or tracked tractors.

High torque engine All three XERION models are powered by TIER 4 final compliant Mercedes engines that use SCR catalytic converter technology. The high performance characteristics of these engines mean that they develop maximum torque at between 1450-1500 rpm and remain torque stable over a wide

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

engine speed range, making the engine extremely fuel efficient when used for high traction applications such as cultivating.

Fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the use of a hydraulic reversible fan with automatic speed adjustment based on a number of factors including the coolant temperature, and the hydraulic or transmission oil temperature. The engine also features charge-air cooling using air drawn in from the top of the bonnet, and is started using a 24volt on-board supply. And as part of the design re-style, the exhaust has also been moved to the righthand side under the cab.

Drive to the four equal sized wheels is through either an ECCOM 4.5 or 5.0 CVT transmission. As before, the Eccom 4.5 transmission provides full power and a maximum speed of 50kph at a reduced engine speed in either direction. For those who will mainly just use their XERION for heavy cultivations, the optional Eccom 5.0 transmission is 500kg lighter, has a reverse speed of just 30kph and has the option of not having a PTO coupling.

Each axle is designed to handle maximum loads of up to 15 tonnes and as before has a total of six different steering modes with a minimum turning circle of just 15.7 metres. The design of the XERION also ensures that overall road width is kept to a minimum, measuring just 3.00 wide when fitted with 710mm tyres.

The full frame chassis provides the XERION with a wide range of ballasting options to ensure even loading between the axles and maximum traction. Up to 6.8 or 5.0 tonnes can be carried on the front and rear linkage respectively, whilst a further 3.4 tonnes can be carried on a base plate behind the cab.

Three-fingered Multifunction control In the cab, all the main operating functions are controlled using the new CMOTION

multifunction control lever. This is designed so that all the main functions are operated using just three fingers, and also incorporates a hand rest.

The thumb is used to control functions such as the hydraulics, changes in direction, CSM headland management and GPS steering. The index finger is used for cruise control and two programmable buttons, whilst the middle finger panel incorporates a freely programmable rocker switch for functions such as engine speed or hydraulics.

In addition, the whole lever can be moved forwards/backwards and sideways to change speed and wheel angle, for instance when crab steering.

Using a combination of CEBIS and the CMOTION control, the operator is able to set-up and control a wide range of operating functions, including three different driving modes. In Automotive the transmission ratio and engine speed are automatically regulated according to the speed selected using the foot throttle. With Cruise Control, the engine speed is automatically regulated for optimum efficiency whilst maintaining the forward speed set using with CEBIS or the CMOTION control. E-Gas enables a constant PTO speed to be maintained at optimum engine efficiency.

CEBIS can also be used to alter various operating parameters, such as engine droop value, allowing specific engine characteristics to be set-up and saved for different operations, or for hydraulic flow rates to be adjusted for individual spool valves.

As standard, the XERION is

equipped with a 195 l/min hydraulic circuit operating at up to 200 bar, with flow rates of up to 105 l/min available for each spool valve, and up to seven rear and three front spools can be fitted. If required, a Power Hydraulic system with a maximum flow rate of 250 l/min at 1650rpm can be fitted for use with equipment such as swan neck slurry tankers.

As with all the main operating systems on the XERION, the electronic linkage is easily set-up using CEBIS and operated via the CMOTION control. The rear linkage has a maximum lift capacity of 10 tonnes, whilst the front linkage has an 8.1 tonne capacity.

“The XERION is also the only tractor in this high horsepower sector to have a 50kph CVT transmission, making it far more versatile than similar sized articulated or tracked tractors.�

The spacious cab includes the availability of a number of seat options, generous storage including a cooler compartment under the passenger seat, excellent all-round visibility and numerous connection options, including ISOBUS and is fully PGS ready. The XERION can also be specified with CLAAS TELEMATICS enabling full performance data to be monitored and recorded and is also ready to work with the new TONI (TELEMATICS On Implement) and ICT (Implement Controls Tractor) operating systems.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55

| ATV

Suzuki put a stop to illegal grey importing of ATVs into the UK Suzuki GB PLC (SGB) has recently concluded a case putting a stop to sales of illegal grey market Suzuki ATVs being imported and sold within the UK market. rey import vehicles are cars, motorcycles and other motor vehicles imported from overseas, but not through Suzuki’s official distribution arrangement. The illegal importing of vehicles to the UK can have significant impacts on both manufacturers and end users. In some cases the imported ATVs may not meet UK regulations such as CE marking, leaving owners or employers vulnerable, particularly from a Health and Safety perspective.

A High Court Judgment was obtained against Leek/Staffs based traders G&B Flexitowers (a firm) – owned by Geoffrey Keith Bailey and Steven Brian Fernyhough. The Court has ordered G&B Flexitowers, and its partners, Geoffrey Keith Bailey and Steven Brian Fernyhough, to pay damages and costs to SGB, has forbidden them from any future infringements of Suzuki’s trademark rights and ordered them to disclose full details of their infringing activities including supply and sales lines to SGB. “We are very pleased to have put a stop to sales of these illegal grey import Suzuki ATVs in the UK. The illegal importing of ATVs is not just frowned upon, it can have some very serious consequences for the purchaser. These buyers won’t receive the same great level of service they could expect from an official Suzuki dealer,

G

nor will their dealer have had the proper Suzuki training that all official dealers are provided.

Also, an ATV bought on the grey market may affect your ability to get the ATV serviced and

will result in difficulties when selling a nonEuropean model.” commented Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB.

Work will become play on the farm with BRP’s new Outlander 1000 6x6 – XT Utility manufacturer, BRP, the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of motorised recreational vehicles, is launching its ground-breaking new Can-Am Outlander 1000 6x6 XT to join its extensive utility line-up for 2014. imed at the farming and forestry sector, the Outlander 1000 6x6 XT is purpose-built for farmers who want a working utility vehicle that can handle vigorous work and drag heavy cargo over narrow trails yet still enjoy a comfortable ride over rough terrain or through forest.

The new is based on the second generation Generation 2 chassis, Can-Am Outlander ATV platform, which features industryleading performance with its reliable 82 hp Rotax 1000 V-Twin engine and upgraded suspension to provide a no-compromise utility ATV with precision-engineered handling. Its six feel drive – power, freedom, confidence, comfort, versatility and modularity – makes the ATV more agile, with its

A

precision-engineered handling and Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS ) so it can get right up to the side of a tree or fence and farmers will find it is faster and more stable without a trailer on the back, reducing the swaying effect.

Riders will benefit from the industry’s exclusive Dual-Level rear cargo box with big flat bed on the back that has a load capacity of 363kg and can hold round hail bails, logs, farm dogs and general everyday farming equipment. In addition, the front rack can hold up to 45kg. For those that require a trailer as well, there is a Can-Am logging trailer that can be purchased separately to provide an additional 750kg towing capacity.

The six wheel drive Can-Am

56 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

with Visco-Lok provides quicker engagement of the front differential, progressively transferring power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one automatically without having to push any buttons. There is also no wheel hop or driveline wind-up so the system is totally transparent to the driver and extremely easy to steer, and it can lock up to 100 per cent with no rev or speed limiter.

Additional features include two colour options, light grey and yellow and a pre wired rear winch

for towing. The D.E.S.S (Digitally Encoded Security System) offers farmers peace of mind with its antitheft key system. It utilises electronic key codes that are required to match each specific ATV’s engine control module (ECM). The machine will not start unless the coded microchip in the key matches the pre-installed code. Two keys are included with each model. The performance key allows the ATV to operate at maximum performance while the normal key limits acceleration and top speed.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Škoda reveals that Yeti exists In response to findings from Oxford University surrounding the mystery as to the existence of the Yeti, ŠKODA has confirmed there have been more than 7,500 sightings on roads up and down the country during this year alone. he vehicle manufacturer has also found that every day motorists are looking to get their very own Yeti at 134 locations across the UK. The Yeti has drawn considerable interest since it was first discovered by the British public in 2009. Furthermore, since it took its first big steps, it has been bestowed 15 awards by industry officials thanks to the crossover’s exceptional performance and practicality as it roams the city streets as well as its more native mountainous terrain.

Naveen Dayal, National Communications Manager for ŠKODA UK, comments: “The Yeti has always been at the centre of attention. It’s great to see that it’s once again making the headlines because of its unique looks and behaviour.

“We found that people have been infatuated by the Yeti over the last few years, and so much so that thousands now own one.”

Motorists have fallen for both the two and four-wheel drive variant of the Yeti which prides itself on its rugged styling, high body strength, and a raised ride height. This is in addition to the comprehensive list of standard equipment on the inside, which includes air conditioning and varioflex seating.

A slippery slope or winding road is no problem for the Yeti thanks to a choice of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines. The Yeti can cover up to 61.4 miles for every gallon of fuel used whilst emitting only 119g/CO2 for every kilometre that it travels thanks to Greenline II technology.

T

Prices start from £15,250 for individuals looking to get their hands on the Yeti and to discover for themselves what all the hype is about.

Ford Ranger kicks of new season for Tigers rugby star Leicester Tigers and England rugby star, Louis Deacon, has taken delivery of a new Ford Ranger during his benefit year. he 6ft 6in ‘lock’ has teamed up with Ford dealer, Sandicliffe, and Everards Brewery, an existing operator of new Ford Transit Custom vans.

Louis Deacon, 33, has been with the Tigers – England’s most successful rugby union club – since 2000, and took delivery of his four-wheeldrive Ranger Limited last month.

“When you are as tall as I am there are very few cars in which you can be really comfortable, so the Ranger is perfect for me for long journeys and for carrying all my kit around - and it’s a great family vehicle too,” he said.

Nick Osborne, Sandicliffe’s commercial vehicles sales manager, said: “The Tigers’ Welford Road ground is just across the road from our Leicester dealership, so all of the staff feel an important part of the club and its successes. Having Louis driving one of our Ford Rangers is a big boost for everyone.”

“The association between family-owned local businesses, Sandicliffe and Everards Brewery, is strong. We have just delivered two Ford

T

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Transit Customs, specially equipped as service vans for engineers to visit the brewery’s 175plus public houses.”

The new Ford Transit Custom vans carry all the beer pumping equipment which the Everards technicians require to help keep the ale flowing to customers.

“When you are as tall as I am there are very few cars in which you can be really comfortable, so the Ranger is perfect for me for long journeys and for carrying all my kit around - and it’s a great family vehicle too,”

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Motors

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ279 a month.* 1RZ ZLWK D Éœ 36 HQJLQH EHVW LQ FODVV FDUJR DUHD RI P DQG LPSUHVVLYH RII-URDG SHUIRUPDQFH WKDQNV WR VHOHFWDEOH 027,21ÂŽ IRXU-ZKHHO GULYH $OVR DYDLODEOH ZLWK DQ RSWLRQDO Éœ 36 HQJLQH 3RS LQ DQG DVN XV IRU PRUH GHWDLOV

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage.

Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 140PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required.

58 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Abridge Van Centre Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex.

Telephone: 020 8045 6006.

Find us on your sat-nav using IG10 3TQ. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/abridge

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

Sinclair Van Centre Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan.

Telephone: 01792 447 578.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

Telephone: 01902 546 561.

Find us on your sat-nav using SA4 9GW.

Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/sinclair

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

Alan Day Van Centre Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London.

Telephone: 020 8920 4000.

Find us on your sat-nav using N11 3UT.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff)

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull) Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01482 908 520.

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff.

Telephone: 02921 150 093.

Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB.

Find us on your sat-nav using CF10 4BB.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/cardiff

JCT600 Van Centre (York)

Volkswagen Van Centre (Peterborough)

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/alandaynewsouthgate

Breeze Van Centre Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset.

Telephone: 01202 900 304.

Find us on your sat-nav using BH12 4QY. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/breezepoole

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York.

Telephone: 01904 848 302.

Find us on your sat-nav using YO30 4WW. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.

Telephone: 01733 615 052.

Find us on your sat-nav using PE1 5YS. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/peterborough

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Telephone: 01743 600 031.

Find us on your sat-nav using SY1 3TL. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by December 20th, 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Motors

Audi RS Q3 Quattro is SUV residuals star Strongest residual value prediction in the UK SUV sector for first ever Audi RS ‘Q’ model. low is not a word that will often be associated with the new 310PS Audi RS Q3, but it certainly applies to the pace at which it depreciates according to leading trade guide CAP Monitor. The first ever Audi RS SUV is notable for achieving a higher percentage of estimated value retention after three years than all-bar-one of the thousands of new cars currently available on the UK market.

Experts at CAP Monitor expect the new departure for Audi high performance division quattro GmbH, which is now available to order priced at £43,000 OTR, to retain 52% of its original value after three years/60,000 miles.

This outstanding prediction positions the RS Q3 ahead of not only every other SUV currently available on the UK market, but every car currently rated by CAP Monitor with the exception of the Cayman sports car produced

by Volkswagen Group sister company Porsche.

Commenting on the very positive forecast for the latest addition to the Q3 family, Head of Sales Paul Sansom said: “All Audi models are characterised by strong residual values, but the RS Q3 sets a particularly high benchmark. This prediction not only reflects the perceived quality, reliability and desirability of the Q3 range, but also the respect the RS badge commands, particularly among UK buyers.

These factors, combined with the inherent strength of the Audi brand, make the Q3 flagship one of the most compelling propositions not only in SUV terms but in the UK performance car market as a whole.”

At the heart of the new RS Q3 is a 2.5-litre,

S

five-cylinder TFSI engine linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

Producing 310PS and maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft), it gives a gloriously distinctive five-cylinder rasp as it powers this unique RS Q model from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Despite its ability to thrill, fuel economy sets a new precedent for an RS model – up to 32.1mpg is possible according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 206 g/km.

RS-specific sports suspension and quattro drive True to Audi RS tradition, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system underpins the RS Q3, and in conjunction with lowered, RS-specific sports suspension helps to deliver composed, flat cornering without forsaking equally important everyday ride comfort.

Electromechanical rack and pinion steering offers quick and accurate turn-in, and ventilated disc brakes with a weight-saving wave contour design provide progressive and steadfast stopping power.

The exceptional performance and incisive handling are channeled through striking 20inch Twin-spoke V-design alloy wheels, and the very special status of the RS Q3 is also underscored by RS-specific body detailing.

Inside, the RS theme is continued by the instrument cluster with its grey gauges overlaid with white scales and red needles, heated and Fine Nappa leather-upholstered front sports seats embossed with RS Q3 logos, a flat-

bottomed RS multi-function sports steering wheel complemented by aluminium race inlays and bright aluminium pedals. The Driver’s Information System also includes additional boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer modes.

In addition to the RS-specific touches, standard equipment also includes the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, the Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers incorporating Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, a Bluetooth phone interface, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lights which have a dark red tint when they are not lit.

Ford revealed as the driving force for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Ford, the UK leader in automotive sales, engineering and manufacturing, has signed up to become the latest partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. s a partner with a presence in 90% of Commonwealth countries, Ford is well matched to this iconic sporting event that will be watched all across the world.

As the Official Automotive Partner, Ford will provide the Organising Committee with over 1,100 vehicles for use during the Games and for transport when the Scotland leg is under way of the iconic pre-cursor to the Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The Baton, which departed from Glasgow last month to begin an epic 190,000km, 248day international journey, returns in June 2014.

Ford vehicles will then convey it and its support team the length and breadth of the country throughout the 40-day domestic leg before it arrives back in Glasgow for the momentous Opening Ceremony.

Ford will support the Games with a wide range of market-leading vehicles, including Ford Focus, Ford C-MAX, Ford S-MAX, Ford Galaxy and Ford Tourneo. The importance of delivering a sustainable Games will be reflected by a low CO2 emissions output across the majority of the fleet. A dedicated line-up of Ford

A

60 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Focus Electric Vehicles will be available to transport the Organising Committee.

Ford will also become an Official Partner of Team Scotland, Team England, Team Wales and Team Northern Ireland.

The Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014 and will feature 6,500 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth. They will compete in the largest sporting and cultural event to happen in Scotland in a generation.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend 11 days of world class competition, with up to 15,000 volunteers showcasing the best the city has to offer. A global TV audience of more than one billion will also share in the Games experience.

Ford has a long history of sports-related sponsorships, most notably sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman, Glasgow 2014 said: "It's a proud moment in our journey to Glasgow 2014 to be able to welcome Ford into the sponsor family and we are excited to be

working with them as our latest partner. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are a great opportunity for sponsors to be involved in a unique occasion which reaches across the globe. Ford is perfectly placed to help us deliver a successful Games and leave a lasting legacy throughout the Commonwealth.

“With the success of the ticket launch, the volunteer programme and our commercial partnerships, we are on the way to achieve a memorable Games experience for all.”

Mark Ovenden, Ford UK Chairman and Managing Director said: "Ford is delighted to be an Official Partner of Glasgow 2014 and to be able to support this important cultural and sporting event.

“Our best-ever vehicle range enables us to provide a fleet inclusive of low-CO2 cars that will help deliver a sustainable and inclusive event for a huge global audience."

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Land Rover raises exclusivity of Range Rover Introduces long wheelbase and Autobiography Black models. and Rover is extending customer appeal of its family of luxury vehicles with the launch of a new long wheelbase Range Rover and the addition of an exclusive specification – the Range Rover Autobiography Black.

The first Range Rover long wheelbase in 20 years, this new model will cater for a growing group of consumers looking for the ultimate SUV, and a unique alternative to the traditional long wheelbase saloon cars in the segment.

Clever packaging has increased rear legroom by 140mm for rear seat passengers, boosted recline to 17 degrees and executive seating package provides enhanced comfort and space.

The new Range Rover Autobiography Black makes its debut at the Dubai motor show in early November. It represents the pinnacle of desirability to bring even higher levels of refinement to the world’s finest luxury SUV. The interior has been carefully crafted and tailored to meet customer needs with subtle but distinctive exterior detailing and is appointed and finished with the highest quality leathers and materials.

“With the addition of the Range Rover long wheelbase to our portfolio of luxury SUVs, customers can now choose a vehicle that offers superior levels of interior space and comfort to compete in a market dominated by saloon cars up until this point.

“The Range Rover Autobiography Black is our most luxurious specification yet. It epitomises sophisticated design with immaculate attention to detail. The subtle, elegant and luxurious finishing touches combine with a first class experience for both driver and passengers to deliver new levels of exclusivity to our customers,” says Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover.

Both derivatives exude Land Rover’s renowned breadth of capability and performance with first customer deliveries from March 2014 for the long wheelbase and August 2014 for the Range Rover Autobiography Black.

Long wheelbase extends customer appeal Land Rover is set to extend customer appeal with the reveal of a long wheelbase Range Rover at the LA Auto Show on 20th and Guangzhou on the 21st November.

An additional 140mm to rear legroom has been achieved by lengthening the bodyshell in front of the rear wheels. Clever packaging ensures the signature floating roof and distinctive Range Rover silhouette have been retained to ensure this addition to the family line-up is instantly recognisable.

Available with either bench or individual Executive Class rear seats, the second row executive style seats can recline to 17 degrees, a full eight degrees more than the nine degrees on the standard wheelbase. Passenger Seat Away slides the front seat forward to provide additional space and comfort. For added convenience, the long wheelbase is equipped with powered side door blinds and a panoramic sunroof as standard, as well as increased stowage. Range Rover long wheelbase models will carry a distinctive ‘L’ badge mounted into the exterior accents behind each front wheel arch.

The long wheelbase will be offered on Autobiography and Autobiography Black

L

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

models. A Range Rover Hybrid derivative will also become available later in 2014.

This is the first Range Rover long wheelbase since the Range Rover LSE which ran from 1992 to 1994.

New levels of exclusivity with Range Rover Autobiography Black Land Rover will be unveiling its most exclusive specification vehicle to date at the Dubai International Motor Show on November 5th – the Range Rover Autobiography Black, available in long wheelbase only.

Based on over 40 years of experience, the new Range Rover Autobiography Black has been designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Engineered To Order’ (ETO) division to deliver an unmatched combination of luxury and design and all-terrain performance.

“The Range Rover Autobiography Black is an opportunity to harness the strong emotional connection that Land Rover has with its customers the world over. This exclusive vehicle has been developed by the specialist Engineered to Order team to offer our customers an unrivalled and luxurious driving experience that provides a seamless integration between the needs of business and leisure,” says John Edwards, Managing Director, Individual Products Division.

Subtle but distinctive exterior detailing A number of changes to the Autobiography Black exterior give it a distinctive and subtly different character. A unique design finish has been appointed to the front grille and side vents along with distinguishable badging in black enamel and chrome. Signature rear lamps and auxiliary vents to the front add to the exclusivity of this vehicle with a chrome accent finish to the tailgate.

Two new and exclusive Autobiography Black wheel designs accompany the core Range Rover wheel choices. These are 7-spoke 21” and a 22” wheels with a high gloss polished finish, the latter of which will be available from spring 2014.

“The Range Rover Autobiography Black is the latest step in our transformational journey that moves luxury to another level. This vehicle is an intensely design focused response to our customers’ desire for more choice and exclusivity,” says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer.

“The highest standards of precision detailing, together with the use of the finest crafted materials, have been achieved inside and out. Autobiography Black represents the pinnacle of desirability in the world of luxury inhabited by our Range Rover customers,” McGovern adds.

First class travel The Range Rover Autobiography Black incorporates a unique seat cover design with the desirable Executive Class seating package.

This package offers the ultimate in rear seat luxury with two individual fully adjustable seats and a re-designed full extended centre console to offer supreme comfort and functionality.

Large 10.2 inch rear screens are fitted to the rear of the front seats which together with Meridian Audio provides passengers with a fully immersive experience.

Re-designed exclusively for the Autobiography Black, the rear centre console includes electrically deployable tables covered in black leather with integrated USB charging

sockets and cup holders. The chiller compartment provides additional space for glasses and bottles and increased stowage is available to the rear. The headphone stowage trim can be removed to reveal a ski hatch whilst the entire rear console can be illuminated in harmony with the vehicle’s mood lighting settings.

Sumptuous leather seating is complemented with a massage function and bolsters with 18way seat adjustability for the driver and front passenger. Seat memory and climate control is available to the front and rear occupants. Rear passengers benefit from the addition of lumbar massage and powered recline, a calf rest for the rear passenger side occupant and Solar Attenuating privacy glass.

Customer-configurable LED mood lighting allows the owner to set the tone by varying the intensity of the lighting from a range of 10 colours. This feature is concentrated on the door handles and stowage compartments, as well as following the lines of the lavish, veneered surfaces on the centre console. The footwell lighting can also be adjusted to ambient rather than plain white.

Finer details include leather-wrapped parcel shelf, A, B and C-pillar lower sections and a perforated leather finish on the door insert. The seat backs, ski hatch, parcel shelf and upper Dpillar are also leather wrapped. Tread plates are illuminated with ‘Autobiography Black’ script whilst a brushed stainless steel tailgate finisher completes the detailing in the loading bay.

Exclusive colour combinations Three exclusive colour combinations are available with the Range Rover Autobiography Black at launch; Ebony/Lunar, Espresso/Tan and Dark Cherry/Ivory, the latter including a unique duo-tone seat. These will be followed by Lunar/Cirrus in spring 2014, when a unique Poltrona Frau seat design in Navy/Ivory also becomes available, providing further opportunity for customers to tailor the interior to their personal taste

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors

70 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

| Motors

Weathering the winter Great Wall Steed put to the test for cancer charity Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger.

This week, he is advising motorists on preparing their cars for the cold season. eter Rodger said: “Now is the time to give your car a once-over before winter conditions take hold. Bad weather can strike suddenly and more severely than you expect, so it’s really important to be ready, rather than wait for the cold to arrive.”

Some simple tips to prepare your car for winter: In a UK winter you are most likely to encounter wind and rain, so make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition, your screen wash is topped up and that the inside of your windscreen is clean to help avoid misting up.

Do a thorough check of your vehicle: check your engine coolant level and make sure last year’s ice scraper and de-icer are up to the job, and the battery is OK. The legal minimum for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but for optimum safety start looking for

P

replacements if the depth is below 3mm.

Test all your lights regularly, and change any bulbs that need it. Now is a good time to get headlights checked for their “aim” – not too low to work, or too high so they dazzle.

If the weather is getting icy/snowy, pack an emergency kit, including a warm coat, high visibility jacket, some food and water, a good pair of boots, deicer and scraper, a torch, a spade and a mobile phone with a well-charged battery.

Remember to store your emergency breakdown number in your mobile phone.

Rodger said: “Many roads are still pot-holed after last winter, and we have just seen what the wind and rain can do. Now is the time to start preparing for the winter.”

Chinese car maker Great Wall Motors is providing Northern Ireland-based charity, Eye Feel Good, with a Steed pick-up vehicle for its community-based activities.

he UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick-up will be used by the charity to tow a 2.5-tonne, 24ft high climbing wallaround the UK and Ireland throughout 2014 to raise awareness for the charity.

Exploiting the Steed’s full towing capability and ample load bay storage area, together with its allterrain flexibility, Eye Feel Good will put the Steed through its paces on a daily basis.

The climbing wall being towed by the Steed, kitted out with a range of routes for all abilities, makes for a fun and challenging addition to school sports days, scouting events, community youth projects or corporate events.

“We’re delighted to be able to support a charity like Eye Feel Good, which has raised over £50,000 to date since it started in 2009, and with the Great Wall’s certified towing capacity of 2,500kg it’s the perfect partner for Eye Feel Good’s touring campaign,” commented Neville Matthews, Managing Director, Great Wall UK. In handing over the Steed to the charity, Matthews was joined by Noel Hughes of Great Wall Motors, as well as Peter Eakin, Des Orr, John Barr and Noel Gormley who

T

64 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

all run Great Wall dealerships in Northern Ireland. Eye Feel Good’s Chief Executive, Richard Fee, collected the vehicle on behalf of the charity.

Fee added: “We’re very grateful to the team at Great Wall for all their support. With the loan of a Steed, we will be able to travel all over the country with our own ‘great wall’ – of the climbing variety – so we’ll have the opportunity to raise awareness and much-needed funds to assist those living with cancer.”

“With the Great Wall’s certified towing capacity of 2,500kg it’s the perfect partner for Eye Feel Good’s touring campaign,” Eye Feel Good’s aim is to raise money for those living with cancer – in all 26 districts in Northern Ireland – by inviting people to take part in a wide range of moneyraising events, including wedding fairs, fashions shows, canoeing, football and rugby matches. The charity also organises fun outdoor activities for children during the holidays.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

CJB Great Wall Hertfordshire Tel: 01279 656265 www.cjbmotorsales.co.uk

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Masters Shirley Surrey Tel: 08445 582284 www.mastersgroup.co.uk

Ryedale Garages Ltd North Yorkshire Tel: 01751 431343 www.ryedalegarages.co.uk

Pulrose Motor Services Ltd Gwynedd Tel: 01758 612827 www.pulrose.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

No horsing around Land Rover to be official sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.

D-Max secures MPG Marathon podium finish at first attempt The Isuzu D-Max has underlined its credentials as one of the most cost-effective pick-ups by achieving remarkably high levels of fuel efficiency during the Fleet World Group’s MPG Marathon 2013.

iloted by journalist Dan Gilkes and co-driver Ray Penford, the D-Max competed in the light commercial vehicle class and recorded an average of 52.08 miles per gallon over the two-day competition – an amazing 36.3% increase over an already class leading official combined figure of 38.2 mpg.

The Isuzu D-Max Eiger double cab 4x4 was an impressive second overall out of the 22 competitors, which included a host of fuelefficient passenger cars, in its first MPG Marathon competition.

The MPG Marathon is a test of fuel consumption for standard production cars and light commercial vehicles, which serves to demonstrate how employing smarter, efficient driving techniques can save money at the pumps. The winner is the vehicle that achieves the largest fuel economy improvement over the manufacturer’s official combined cycle figures.

The Isuzu D-Max pick-up is powered by a Euro 5-compliant 2.5-litre twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine, producing 163 PS at 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 2,000 rpm. The new engine, despite its high power output, is one of the cleanest in the pick-up segment, with CO2 emissions of just 194 g/km and official fuel economy of 38.2 mpg (4x4 manual models).

William Brown, General

P

and Rover will extend its support for international sporting excellence as an Official Sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.

Taking place every four years, the games are the leading dedicated international competition for equine sport, bringing together the world’s finest horses and riders across a wide range of disciplines.

Land Rover’s agreement to support the event as its exclusive car partner builds on its longestablished involvement in equestrianism and international sponsorship, including the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, the US Equestrian Federation and the Gucci Paris Masters; in 2010 Land Rover USA supported the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.

Land Rovers have long been the vehicle of choice for people who ride, own horses or enjoy following equestrian sport, thanks to their all-terrain performance, towing capabilities and great versatility.

The 2014 Games will take place from 23th August to 7th September, in Normandy, France with events hosted across five

L

venues in the whole region. Four Olympic and Paralympic disciplines will be featured: jumping, eventing, dressage and para-dressage. There will also be competitions for driving, endurance, reining and vaulting, together with exhibition events for polo and horse-ball.

Land Rover will provide a fleet of official vehicles at all the events in the two-week programme. The games will be one of the year’s highest profile sporting occasions, attracting around half a million visitors and a cumulative global television audience of 500 million.

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the most important event in world equestrianism in 2014, as Land Rover has a long and successful history of supporting horsemanship and sport at all levels. This prestigious competition will provide an exceptional platform for us to connect with audiences in key markets around the globe and demonstrate the quality, performance and appeal of our vehicles.”

66 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

Manager at Isuzu UK commented: “Performing so well in the MPG Marathon reinforces a key attribute that contributes to the broad appeal of the Isuzu D-Max. Even with the official combined cycle figures, the Isuzu D-Max offers class-leading fuel efficiency, and with sensible purchase prices, affordable finance packages, a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty and excellent residual values, it is hugely cost-effective for both fleets and individual owners.”

Event organiser and editor of Fleet World, Ross Durkin, commented: “The MPG Marathon highlights the fuel savings that can be achieved by any driver in any vehicle. And you don’t have to be a seasoned, hyper-miling pro to do it.

“The drivers had strict time limits to make sure they kept up with the traffic at all times, and faced some really challenging conditions at times. The motor manufacturers and technology suppliers have done a tremendous job in improving the fuel efficiency of all new cars and vans, but motorists should see their published fuel consumption figures as a target to beat, not the maximum achievable.”

Isuzu D-Max sales for 2013 are 140% up versus the previous 12month period.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Tallis Amos Group Leominster Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.garlandskoda.co.uk/isuzu

Tallis Amos Group Bibury Gloucestershire 01285 740115 tallisamosgroup.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Isuzu North London Middlesex 0208 805 6135 www.isuzunorthlondon.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

68 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Comedian Milton Jones ‘on the road’ with new Jeep Grand Cherokee Long, tiring journeys are no joke, but one of Britain’s most popular comedians has discovered the best way to arrive in style on the gruelling last leg of his six month UK tour – in a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. uickfire comic Milton Jones has taken delivery this month (October) of the Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD Overland 4x4 car as part of a support deal with Jeep, and already he’s feeling the benefits.

“This is a big tour, and we have been zigzagging across the country for months. If I’d put together a shortlist of cars I would love to tour in, the Grand Cherokee would have been top of it,” said the Time Out and Sony Awardwinning stand-up.

“It’s got a comfortable, warm rear seat, we can plug our computers into the on-board USB ports, and, most importantly, it can take all my equipment – including a projector screen and two projectors – in its large boot.”

Milton still has more than 20 venues to visit before the tour, appropriately called ‘On The Road’, finishes on 23 November, and the Grand Cherokee will be with him every step of the way, especially as winter starts to bite.

“It’s good knowing that Jeep is among the best when the going gets rough,” said Milton.

“We were travelling in heavy wind and rain recently, but the car felt steady and sure-footed

Q

on the road.”

With 247bhp and 570 Nm of torque available from the 2987cc V6 turbo diesel engine, the new Grand Cherokee has been designed on a platform delivering premium on-road performance while maintaining Jeep’s legendary four-wheel drive torque-on-demand off-road capability.

And with significantly lower emissions than the previous Grand Cherokee together with fuel consumption of up to 37.7 mpg (combined), the new car also offers real value in terms of running costs.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee range starts at £36,995 (OTR) for the 3.0 CRD V6 CRD Laredo, rising to £49,495 (OTR) for the 3.0 V6 CRD Summit.

For details of Milton Jones’ ‘On The Road’ tour, visit: www.miltonjones.com or email: emma@kppr.tv

Mitsubish Outlander plug-in Hybrid EV starts sales in Europe Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has started retail sales of its pioneering Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (or “PHEV”) with the first units reaching The Netherlands – the designated launch country in Europe - after production commenced late August at MMC’s Okazaki plant, near Nagoya. uch expected by dealers and customers in a region forecasted to be its largest global market, Outlander PHEV has already achieved over 10,000 signed orders across Europe since December 2012.

Managing a fine balance between production capacity and overall demand, MMC will launch Outlander PHEV sequentially in Europe, starting with selected PHEV markets (The Netherlands, Nordic countries, etc) from this month onwards.

Quite competitive (purchase price and running costs), the EUspecs Outlander PHEV only differs from its Japanese market equivalent in complying with mandatory EU regulations and

M

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

with a chassis fine-tuned to better suit European driving style.

As a reminder, essential EU market performance figures for the (permanent electric ”Twin Motor 4WD”) Outlander PHEV include: Maximum driving range : 824 km* Range in Pure EV Mode : 52 km* Fuel consumption : 1.9 l/100 km* CO2 emissions : 44 g/km* Maximum speed : 170 km/h (where legal) Charging: 5 hours – normal charging (230V / 10A) 30 minutes – quick charging / up to 80% (CHAdeMO standard) Max. cargo volume: 463 l (VDA method – w/rear passengers) Towing capacity: 1,500 kg (w/brakes)

Curb weight: 1810 kg *measured as per EU mode Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engined (ICE) vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid EV high tech showcase, Outlander PHEV is rather a further variant of New Outlander – next to the petrol or diesel options - and developed as such from the start of the program: a unique / no-compromise proposal in the industry…. … The first self-power generating Twin Motor (permanent) 4WD Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

Outlander PHEV meets its market at a time of profound changes in the mindset of global customers, vindicating Mitsubishi

“Managing a fine balance between production capacity and overall demand, MMC will launch Outlander PHEV sequentially in Europe, starting with selected PHEV markets (The Netherlands, Nordic countries, etc) from this month onwards.”

Motors’ claim of 20% of its production made of electric/hybrid/plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2020.

November 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Subaru Outback gets a makeover and diesel auto 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel mated to Lineartronic CVT for the first time. aunched in Europe in 1996, the original Subaru Outback pioneered the ‘Crossover’ concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle.

Upgraded for the 2014 model year, Subaru engineers have now realised further improvements to the Outback, enhancing the car’s handling characteristics with revised suspension components and the latest incarnation of Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control. The model also features a revised design for both the interior and exterior.

However the most significant change for the Outback is the introduction of a new powertrain pairing. A world first, Subaru engineers have combined the popular 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) – bringing improvements in driveability, fuel economy and emissions while also widening the car’s appeal immensely.

With the new engine and gearbox combination the 2014 MY Subaru Outback will return 44.8 mpg and 166g/km CO2 on the combined cycle.

Visual refresh The Outback line-up has received a visual upgrade, refreshing the vehicle’s looks.

Emphasising the Outback’s sense of toughness and its ability to tackle all roads and conditions, the latest model features body-coloured cladding in place of the previous iteration’s black plastic.

Buyers now have a wider range of colours to choose from – including two new colours: Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic – while larger fog lamps and the addition of a gloss black finish to the front headlamps give the car greater road presence than before. The alloy wheels now have a gunmetal finish as

L

70 | Farming Monthly | November 2013

standard.

The upgraded cabin of the latest Outback features clearer and more modern instrumentation – including the addition of a liquid crystal instrument cluster display and new materials for a number of dashboard elements. Black metallic panels bring about a more modern and premium appearance and feel, while instruments within the cockpit have been moved to improve user-friendliness.

Engaging handling, in all conditions Subaru engineers have worked hard to further improve the Outback’s ride and handling, notably through alterations to the car’s front and rear suspension. The result is a more stable ride and increased comfort for occupants.

The engine and front and rear suspension systems – the latter with a self-levelling feature as standard – are mounted on their own subframes, bringing about reduced vibration and noise. The fourth-generation Outback’s double-wishbone rear suspension is compact enough to give buyers a 526-litre luggage area (with the rear seats upright).

The Outback continues to offer a significant 200mm of ground clearance, while the placement of the compact, horizontallyopposed engine and transmission afford a typically Subaru-like low centre of gravity, endowing the Outback with high levels of cornering stability.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system features on all Outback models. For those equipped with a manual transmission, the AWD technology is accompanied by Active Torque Split, and for those with the Lineartronic CVT it is coupled with a centre differential with viscous limited slip differential. Both drivetrain layouts deliver reassuring driving dynamics in all conditions, both on- and off-road.

High levels of standard equipment The 2014 MY Subaru Outback 2.0D

Lineartronic variant will feature a new trim level, the SX. High levels of standard equipment are featured inside and out.

For the exterior there are new 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, along with bodycoloured bumpers, body-coloured power folding door mirrors (with integrated LED indicator repeaters), and matching colourcoded door handles. Silver roof rails and a roof spoiler are other exterior accents, while a power-sliding glass sunroof (with sunshade) and UV protected front, side and rear glass also feature. Self-levelling automatic HID headlamps and rain sensing wipers add convenience for the driver.

Further highlights include front fog lights, pop-up headlight washers, heated mirrors, rear window defogger with timer, front and side window defrosters, and a windscreen wiper deicer function.

Inside, the new SX model provides the Outback with a wealth of useful equipment.

Audio and cruise control functions are present on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while new sports seats at the front are heated to provide extra comfort when the weather turns cold.

For further comfort and convenience of driver and passengers, dual-zone automatic airconditioning, Bluetooth® hands-free system, audio system with USB connectivity and a VGA centre display with rear vision camera are all present.

New speedometer and rev counter dials feature in the Outback’s upgraded instrument binnacle, while a one-touch lane change facility has also been added which activates the indicators to flash three times.

Additional features of leather interior and satellite navigation are available as dealer fit options if the customers wish to upgrade.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands Tel: 01676 533145

Bulldog Twyford Reading, Berkshire Tel: 0118 9321 331

Beechwood Subaru Derbyshire 01332 381 900

Wolverhampton Subaru West Midlands 01902 351153

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544

Newcastle Subaru Tyne & Wear Tel: 0191 274 2000

Shukers Shropshire 01743 444500

Europa South Yorkshire 0114 285 9955

www.unityautomotive.co.uk

www.unityautomotive.co.uk

www.bulldogtwyford.co.uk

beechwoodsubaru.co.uk

www.subarunewcastle.com www.shukers.com/subaru

www.subaruwolverhampton.co.uk

www.europaprestige.co.uk

Holdcroft Subaru Staffordshire 01782 606 130 www.holdcroft.com