November 2021 Farming Monthly National

+ Automatic systems + Manual Systems + Precision moisture

+ Discs + Tines + Combination

+ Loader mounted + Handler mounted + Trimmer mounted

Andrew: 07967 300 578 Office: 01805 603 363 www.pfc-eu.com info@pfc-eu.com

+ Long life + Round bales + Square bales

PRODUCTS BUILT TO PERFORM ON YOUR FARM

CONTENTS N o v e m b e r 2021

FEATURES 15

18 22 24 30 38 46 50

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Arable Cost effective P, Mg and S fertiliser with LimeX

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Livestock UK DAIRY ROADMAP ANNOUNCES HISTORIC NET ZERO CLIMATE PLAN

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Muck and Slurry Biogas Trade Fair: Vogelsang presents innovations along the digestion line

Grain How to ensure tip-top crop quality during storage

FM REGULARS

Potatoes & Root Crops BP2021 – ‘The show goes on’

National

LAMMA Tickets now available as LAMMA prepares to celebrate 40th year

Women in farming Sophie Gregory, shares her journey with us…

Security Dark nights security warning from NFU Mutual as clocks go back

Education and Training New training session for Young Farmers aims to cut plastic pollution

Farming Monthly | November 2021

6 40 42

News John Deere training helps 38 young apprentices graduate

Buildings Climate change: What threat does it pose to buildings?

Energy Agri renewables vital to preventing repeat of energy crisis

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Machinery Double victory for John Deere

ATV Polaris Off Road welcomes all-new RANGER models for 2022

Motors ISUZU UK BUILDS ON NEW D-MAX PICK-UP SUCCESS

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Farming MONTHLY National

Agriculture. Covered.

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For editorial, general enquiries or to advertise please call +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or publication. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as required and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies.

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Speed and Reliability Counts November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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Farm open day: Securing a dairying future with robots airy farmers who are facing succession and labour challenges could benefit from installing robots – and one family in Cheshire is holding a farm open day on 18 November to explain how.

James Lomas and his veterinarian wife Rhiannan reached a turning point at Meadow Farm near Nantwich , last year, facing problems common to many in the

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dairy industry.

“We needed change,” says Mrs Lomas.

“We were milking 140 pedigree Holstein cows through an outdated 16-point Herringbone parlour with glass milk jars and no automation; it was at the end of its operational life and milkings were taking three hours each side of the day.

“On top of that, James’ parents were looking at stepping back, external labour was unreliable, and having a young family meant we couldn’t sustain doing it the way things were – and we had to maintain the herd size to provide an income for both of the families.”

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Looking for a solution, the Lomas’ saw an opportunity to make the farm work for the future by converting to a robotic milking system, and to their advantage it coincided with an available EU farm productivity grant.

“We were in a situation where we could have spent £500,000 on a new conventional parlour and still needed to find and fund labour,” she says. “Or we could use the grant to convert to a robotic system which would offset labour pressures and set the farm up for a productive future.”

By Christmas 2020 the Broomlea herd was being milked through three freshly installed Fullwood Packo M²erlin robots from agricultural dealer DA Cotton & Sons; and the Lomas’ haven’t looked back since.

“Fresh cows are producing an average daily yield of 45-50 litres with the herd averaging 8,500 litres, and a five-year lactation target of 10,000-11,000 litres,” explains Mrs Lomas. “A reality of changing systems is that the transition and building work can cause interruptions so productivity in the first year or two isn’t necessarily reflective of the potential.

“Cow comfort is most definitely improved and that has massive benefits on cow health and productivity– but the immediate win is the offset of labour costs and securing a future for us and our children.”

Mr and Mrs Lomas will be explaining the transition and how to overcome common challenges at their open day on Thursday 18 November. Visitors will be able to view the whole farm and speak with the family

about their robotic conversion and what it has meant for the herd and business.

• The open day is open to farmers on Thursday 18 November between 10am and 4pm • Please confirm your attendance and obtain farm details by contacting Lesley Walker on 07503 174433 or email lesley.walker@fullwoodpacko.com.

Alternatively, call Cottons on 01829 270456 or email rogarward@dacottonandson.co.uk For more information about Fullwood Packo visit https://fullwoodpacko.com/

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RABI welcomes visitors to the Winter Fair eading farming charity, RABI, will be welcoming visitors to their stand at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on 29 – 30 November 2021 at the showground at Llanelwedd. The charity is looking forward to meeting old acquaintances and new from across the farming community and encourages everyone to come along and meet members of the Oxford and regional team.

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“As one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair draws crowds from far and wide. We expect everyone is eager to enjoy two-days packed full of competitions, festivities and Christmas shopping. I am particularly looking forward to catching-up with many of our fantastic volunteers who support us throughout Wales.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about how RABI is supporting our rural community, consider how we can all make a difference in the light of the recent Big Farming Survey findings and introduce the new services that we are developing to supplement our existing support,” says Ms Jones.

Linda Jones, RABI regional manager for Wales anticipates this year’s event being extra special.

“The farming community in Wales has missed out on so many of the big social events over the past few years. We know that these occasions are particularly important for farming people who can frequently work in isolation.

Linda Jones, RABI regional manager for Wales

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ed@tractortuninguk.co.uk www.tractortuninguk.co.uk November 2021 | Farming Monthly

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Strength with Baler Safe pH6.0 Baler’s Choice ay making is clearly weather dependant and we have all seen the variable weather conditions which this year forced a lot of hay making in late summer. This increased the hay drying problems with shorter days and reduced drying efficiency from the environment. A precision H2O moisture sensor utilising our twin star wheel for square balers and twin disc on round balers measuring through the width of the bale is essential to know if Baler’s Choice is required.

Using Baler’s Choice has many benefits in the faster and safer production of quality hay. As a rule, I recommend getting the hay dry as you may have always done as you will find some parts of the crop are above the safe dry baling range of 15% and require small amounts of Baler’s Choice. Another benefit is that as moistures increase when sunset approaches you can get the last few acres baled, yes with more Baler’s Choice but the cost or moving the rows and getting the baler back to the field the following day are more than the cost of Baler’s Choice.

Even with all the will in the world any grass that has a high ratio of stem like rye grass the drying

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process is longer than that of meadow grass. Meadow grass in comparison is relatively easy to get dry or very close to it but the feed quality is far less than that of rye grass. When baling hay there will be for the best producers at least a 5% moisture swing along a 100m row.

Commonly 6-8% swing, with several questions raised when the swing is 10% or more around the fertiliser application, tedding process and many more reasons to massive moisture swings in the field.

This leaves the question Can you get the moisture from 10-15% consistently and this is hard so it would be normal to see 10-20% of the hay needing preservative.

In more challenging hay baling, as produced on the PFC farm where 120

acres of 2nd cut a short-term tetraploid rye grass is cut around the end of June produces a crop that is very green and still growing causing moisture issues.

Moisture on this crop is consistently 16-25% moisture year on year so Baler’s Choice is essential. Applying Baler’s Choice can be done with a fully automatic system with a built-in precision moisture sensor or the entry level digital system with a gear pump. The applicator systems are designed for all hay producers great and small. At PFC we aim to provide straight forward information with real world understanding of how to produce high quality hay.

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Contact PFC now for the best prices on equipment to allow you to producing top quality forage

Prescison moisture sensors Bale management solutions Manual & Automatic applicators When baling hay and straw in challenging conditions the various application systems will allow Baler’s Choice preservative to be applied.

This allows for a larger baling window and baling safely from 15-30% moisture. Producing top quality hay and straw for all livestock and horses.

There are systems available for all types of balers. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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Organic market in ‘rude health’ as consumers demand search out welfare and nature friendly foods he latest data from NielsenIQ presented at last week’s Soil Association Certification Trade Conference shows that the organic market remains in buoyant good health with 6.5% growth¹ in the year to 25th September. This is in marked contrast to non-organic which has seen sales stall over the last 12 weeks.

Delegates at the conference heard that non-organic food sales have slowed significantly following their ‘lockdown high’ as restrictions have been lifted on the hospitality and food service sector but sales of organic are showing good resilience. The trend for more sustainable and healthier organic foods which rocketed during the pandemic has persisted and now the supermarkets are also enjoying a surge in demand for organic.

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Online organic sales have continued their strong growth up 33%² while supermarkets, which accounted for 13% of total sales of organic two years ago before the pandemic, have seen their share of total organic sales rise to 22%².

Soil Association Certification’s Business Development Director Clare McDermott said: “Organic sales have shown phenomenal resilience after the unprecedented growth they saw in 2020 at 12.6%³. Despite a significant slowing of retail sales overall the organic market has maintained its strong performance with growth at 6.5% in the year to September.

“The latest surge in organic sales proves

that the British public want food produced with more, not less, care for the environment and animal welfare. Insights show that shoppers are searching out higher welfare products that are produced with the environment in mind and want to support British farmers. We should be looking to deliver more of the benefits that agroecological farming, like organic, can provide for wildlife, soils, people and climate.”

The top reasons given by consumers for buying organic are to avoid pesticides; better for the environment; and perceived to be better quality. These factors have all increased in importance for shoppers as has animal welfare, while the taste and health benefits associated with organic foods have remained the same.

New consumer insights Sustainability is high on people agendas and COVID-19 and the climate emergency have increase this. New findings from the latest Organic Shopper Research 202144 reveals that 71% of respondents have become more concerned about the environment.

Customers are predominantly choosing organic for reasons associated with health and the environment although animal welfare is also important. Twothirds want to know more about where the ingredients in their food come from and that it is safe.

Key findings from the research: • 79% of people say they are increasingly worried about the natural world and our impact on it

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86% would like their food to be produced in a more natural way without excess processing and chemicals 77% said they want to make more sustainable choices in the products they buy 71% want to make more ethical choices in the products they buy 66% want to know more about where the ingredients in my food come from

The conference heard how by joining the dots between sustainability and the environment producers and retailers can connect people’s focus on their health, the environment and animal welfare.

These insights can help the organic sector to understand why people choose organic and identify clear opportunities to drive sales. But consumers need help to make the connection between organic and sustainability.

1, Based on Nielsen RMS data for the Organic category Soil Association Defined for the 52 week period ending 25th September 2021 for the GB total retail market.

2, Nielsen Homescan Total FMCG 52 w/e 11September 2021 3, Soil Association Certification Organic Market Report 2020 4, The Crow Flies – Organic Shopper Research 2021 - based on qualitative research and a quantitative study of 1,000 people between June and August 2021.

Paul Clements joins A C Shropshires L eicestershire-based food recycling specialist, A C Shropshires, has appointed Paul Clements as its new Operations Director with immediate effect.

Paul joins Shropshires from Enva (formerly Wastecycle) where he spent 11 years as Commercial Director. In his new role, Paul will have commercial and operational responsibility for Shropshires’ animal feed and anaerobic digestion businesses which combined, manage over 100,000 tonnes of food waste a year.

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

Commenting on his appointment Paul said: “This is a great opportunity to drive the growth of this well established and highly respected business. Shropshires’ ability to recycle food waste into either animal feed or renewable energy is quite unique and fully in line with the food waste hierarchy. As a result, we are able to maximise the value of the material we manage benefitting both waste producers and users of our products.”

Prior to joining Wastecycle in 2013, Paul held senior roles at both Shanks Group (now Renewi) and Sita UK.

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Sharon sets off on virtual wheelchair push around Great Britain

wheelchair-bound woman who was left paralysed by a horse riding accident at the age of 16 is taking on her biggest challenge yet – a virtual push around the coast of Great Britain.

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Sharon Mynard, of Quainton in Buckinghamshire, is aiming to complete her 2,795-mile journey in less than two years, finishing in Bournemouth on 26 July 2023, which will mark 40 years since the day she broke her neck and became confined to a wheelchair.

The ambitious 54-year-old, who runs a large stud and livery near Aylesbury, hopes her ‘pushathon’ will raise £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research in memory of her friend Rory Gilsenan, a fellow equestrian and champion showman who died of a brain tumour in April 2020, and for others like her partner, Tim Belfield, who has had two brain tumours removed.

She said: “I see too much of it. I have a friend whose little girl has just lost her dad to a brain tumour and it seems like everybody I speak to has been affected by the disease. It’s so underfunded compared to other cancers, too, which I didn’t realise and I don’t think other people do either. Perhaps the scariest thing, though, is the number of children and young people it affects – that’s the most heart-breaking thing for me.”

The challenge is a huge undertaking, with Sharon needing to push for more than two hours each day to achieve her goal, a much larger commitment than her pushathon last year, which saw her complete a marathon 26.2-mile distance www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

around Milton Keynes shopping centre, Centre MK. Sharon, who has a 27-year-old son, a nine-month-old grandson and a six-yearold step-granddaughter, said: “I’ll probably do 99% of it here at home. It will be boring as hell, especially this time of year when I can only push inside the stable block and where there’s lots of turning which will make it much harder – I can probably only go 100 yards before having to slow down and turn back again.”

She anticipates needing to buy a new wheelchair at some point during the challenge and has invested in push gloves to help combat the blistered hands she will get, but her biggest concern is the ‘sheer commitment’ involved.

Sharon said: “I’m not as fit as I could be but I’ll build myself up slowly. I’ve got enough horses fit over the years to know that for longevity you’ve got to take it slowly and go from there. I think what worries me most is the sheer commitment. I know we’re going to have bad weather and, although I’m not a sick person, I’m going to get a bad cold and wake up thinking: ‘I really don’t want to do this’, but I’m stubborn and will want to get to that finish line.”

Rory, a renowned producer of show horses and working hunters, rode several of Sharon’s horses, including Dexter’s Puzzle, who he competed on twice at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). He died at the age of 50, 18 months after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and just weeks after his first win at HOYS.

Tim, 56, has had two low-grade meningiomas removed, the first in 2006 and the second in November 2018. As a motor racing fan, he has ambitions of seeing Sharon push at tracks like Donnington and Silverstone on race days.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Sharon’s support in helping us to fund vital research into brain tumours. It’s hard to comprehend just how much commitment this challenge will require from her but we’re sure her determination and belief in the cause will see that she triumphs.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.

To support Sharon’s pushathon, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sharonmynard2.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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Young farmers focus on sustainability as national federation celebrates its 90th membership year FYFC has seen a surge in young people wanting to join its 581 YFCs across England and Wales since the 90th membership year started in September. There has been a 17% increase on the numbers of young people, aged 10-28, that joined in September 2021 compared with those who signed up in September 2019, prior to the pandemic.

And as membership numbers rise, NFYFC has tasked all of its clubs with a

developing skills, while celebrating life in the countryside. I am excited for the future of this amazing organisation and its next 90 years – and it's so good to shout about its success during National Young Farmers' Week!"

National Young Farmers' Week is an annual celebration aimed at promoting YFCs to more rural young people so they are aware of the benefits clubs can offer them by providing an active social network and developing skills. This year's event will look back through the

roll out of one of the biggest changes to affect any sector in the UK. The Ready for Change? online debate (27 October) involves guest speakers Andrew Meredith, Janet Hughes, Programme Director for Defra's Future Farming and Countryside Programme, and Roddy McLean, Director of Agriculture at NatWest.

Rachel Goldie, NFYFC Chair of Council 2021-22, said:

challenge to improve the environment in their rural communities through YFC Operation Green, supported by NatWest and the Environment Agency. From litter picks to local community projects, YFCs have been focusing on ways they can combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for YFC and their rural community.

During National Young Farmers' Week, which is one week before COP26, a new club training session, developed with the Environment Agency, is also being launched that focuses on preventing plastic pollution. Clubs will be urged to run the session during club meetings throughout the membership year to help raise awareness and change behaviour.

The increase in membership numbers during the 90th year positively demonstrates the continued importance of YFCs to rural communities.

NFYFC President Nigel Owens MBE said: "The pandemic has highlighted how much we all need local support and connections, especially in remote rural locations. Covid-19 restrictions have had a massive impact on young people especially – further enhancing feelings of isolation in rural areas.

"YFC at Home proved to be a lifeline for many throughout lockdown restrictions and it is encouraging to see rural young people reconnecting with their local clubs in person and being back in the heart of their communities. YFCs have spent 90 years excelling at bringing rural people together, building confidence and

organisation's nine decades but with a clear message about looking to a more sustainable future for all.

Messages of support for the 90th year will be shared during National Young Farmers' Week and include a special letter from NFYFC's Patron The Queen, who wrote: "As your patron, I was pleased to learn that clubs have begun meeting again, following a very challenging period throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I send my best wishes to you all for a most memorable and enjoyable year marking this notable milestone."

Using the hashtag #YFCMadeMe, NFYFC will also share stories throughout the week from successful former YFC members who will talk about the impact the organisation has made on their lives.

Case studies include the youngest-ever Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith, Defra Minster Rebecca Pow and the shepherdess from Clarkson's Farm Ellen Helliwell. (See summaries in notes to editors).

Ellen Helliwell, a former member of Hope Valley YFC in Derbyshire and Penrith YFC in Cumbria, said: "Experiences such as stockjudging, rallies, the tug of war and public speaking helped to build me as a person and gave me skills to use later in life in my career.

And I have had so much fun along the way. I don't really know why anyone would have to think twice about joining YFC. It's a no-brainer."

The week will also include an online debate for young farmers to discuss the

90th year, and it feels even more special as we emerge from the pandemic. It's great to see so many rural young people re-discovering YFC and choosing to shape a more positive future for themselves through the many opportunities being a YFC member offers.

"We must ensure NFYFC is around for many more decades to come and that means not only protecting the organisation but also our planet. YFCs play a key role in their rural communities and together we can make a big impact on our local environment."

National Young Farmers' Week is made possible thanks to support from NatWest.

This will be the fourth year the bank has supported the event.

Roddy McLean, Director of Agriculture at NatWest, said: "The future of agriculture rests with many of the young people involved in Young Farmers' Clubs and it's why we are proud to support National Young Farmers' Week for a fourth year.

"As we face one of the biggest changes in the history of British agriculture in the UK, we are keen to help equip those who are just beginning their farming journeys with the right skills, tools and networks to succeed."

National Young Farmers' Week runs from 25-29 October and information about joining a local Young Farmers' Club can be found on the NFYFC website here. http://www.nfyfc.org.uk/ Becomingamember/Becomingamember

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"It's amazing to be celebrating NFYFC's

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HAT-TRICK FOR JCB AS HYDROGEN ENGINE WINS TOP AWARD

CB's super-efficient hydrogen engine has won one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in British automotive engineering honouring technical achievement.

At a ceremony in London, JCB Chairman Lord Bamford was presented with the Royal Automobile Club's Dewar Trophy for the company's development of a hydrogen fuel motor. It is the third time that JCB's innovations have been honoured with the Dewar Trophy.

John Wood MBE, Chairman of the Dewar Technical Committee, said: "JCB has been a pioneer in terms of powertrain development since it started building its own engines in 2004. That ethos has continued with its latest hydrogen-fuelled engines, which are an inspiring combination of current expertise and next-generation technology."

Anthony Bamford said: "We're extremely proud that the Royal Automobile Club has chosen to present JCB with the Dewar Trophy for the third time. Our new hydrogen-fuelled engines can be put into production relatively quickly and it's an important and pioneering step towards a zerocarbon future, and testament to the amazing abilities of our British engineers."

JCB's purpose-engineered zero CO² hydrogen fuel motor was designed after a challenge to the company's engineers from Anthony Bamford. The newly designed motor harnesses JCB's existing expertise and supply chain infrastructure. The company is investing £100 million in the project and has two prototype hydrogen fuelled machines on test: a backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler.

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1957, the Dewar Trophy has been presented in recognition of 'an outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive field during the preceding year'. In 2019 JCB was recognised for the launch of the 19C-1E electric mini

excavator. In 2007, JCB won the Dewar Trophy after the JCB Dieselmax team set a dieselpowered Land Speed Record of 350.092mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, USA.

Presented to the Club in 1904 by Sir Thomas Dewar MP, and since

Lord Bamford pictured with the Dewar Trophy and the JCB hydrogen fuelled engine being honoured with the award.

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November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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John Deere training helps 38 young apprentices graduate he latest group of talented young service technicians and parts personnel have successfully graduated from John Deere’s pioneering Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes.

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The 38-strong cohort passed the national scheme – provided by training provider ProVQ – and their achievements have been recognised at a special event held for them at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham.

Berkshire, and Henry Atkins from Midhurst in West Sussex, pick up the runner up prizes of a certificate and high street vouchers worth £250.

service engineering technician (level 3) qualification, while in Parts Tech individuals complete a Retailer Apprenticeship Standard (level 2).

John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran said: “Our apprenticeship programme has been running for nearly three decades and was created because we saw the trend of fewer people coming into the industry. We needed to take steps to ensure that there was new talent to fill our business and dealer network.

New students are enrolled each year; apprentices need to be resident in the UK, employed by a John Deere dealer and aged 16 or over. The standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as up to eight weeks each year at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre. Further details can be found at http:// apprenticeshipfinder.co.uk/john-deere.

“That work is as relevant today as it was then. To see these fantastic individuals graduating from their courses and taking the next big step in their careers is incredibly rewarding.

Now entering its 30th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in

“Helping to give these young people their first step on the career ladder builds a strong foundation for their future success, and John Deere places great importance on supporting them to reach their full potential.

Madeleine Green John Deere dealer Ben Burgess saw success for two of its staff with James Skipper from Beeston in Norfolk winning the Ag/Turf Tech Apprentice of the Year for 2021 while Madeleine Green from the company’s Oakham site in Rutland won the Parts Tech award.

Both were presented with new Apple iPads as their prize by John Deere Apprentice Centre Manager James Haslam.

Farol saw its Ag/Turf Tech apprentices Ciahran Quick from the company’s Shefford Woodlands dealership in 14 |

Farming Monthly | November 2021

“We aim to nurture and mould these enthusiastic apprentices who have the skills and desire to work in our business and across the industry.”

The next intake is already being enrolled with 61 Ag Tech and Turf Tech technicians so far signed up for their three-year course, in addition to six Parts Tech apprentices who study for two years.

John Deere’s apprenticeships involve students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales and marketing. Ag Tech and Turf Tech candidates study towards the land-based

James Skipper the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, almost 1,000 apprentices have graduated through the three main schemes and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

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Gorwydd Caerphilly wins Best British Cheese at World Cheese Awards 2021 orwydd Caerphilly from Trethowan Brothers in North Somerset has been named Best British Cheese, sponsored by Savencia Fromage & Dairy, at the World Cheese Awards. Taking 7th place overall in this year's competition, the traditionally made and organic raw cow's milk cheese stood out from the crowd as entries from six continents were judged at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos in Oviedo, Spain on Wednesday 3 November, during the Asturias Paraíso Natural International Cheese Festival.

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In another highly successful year for the Trethowans at the World Cheese Awards, their Pitchfork Vintage Cheddar also took joint 14th place. This comes following both cheeses being named in the Top 16 at the last edition of the competition, when Pitchfork Cheddar claimed the title of Best British Cheese two years after production began at the dairy, which is based just five miles from the village of Cheddar.

Todd and Maugan Trethowan commented: "This is our 25th year of making Gorwydd Caerphilly. It has been our life's work and we have put our heart and soul into it, so for it to be recognised as the Best British Cheese by such an esteemed group of judges means the world to us. It's great that the complexities of these more subtle cheeses are rewarded. We think that our organic, unpasteurised milk promotes a fuller and more rounded depth of flavour. To have both our cheeses in the final 16, two years in a row, is something we and our fantastic team are extremely proud of."

Other honours around the UK went to Arran Brie from The Island Cheese Company - Isle of Arran Cheese, which picked up the Best Scottish Cheese trophy, sponsored by Rennet & Rind, and Trefaldwyn Blue from Trefaldwyn Cheese, which was named Best Welsh Cheese, sponsored by Food & Drink Wales.

In total, British cheesemakers won eight Super Gold, 15 Gold, 24 Silver and 41 Bronze awards.

The 33rd edition of the World Cheese Awards was bigger and more international than ever before, featuring over 4,000 entries

for the first time. The competing cheeses represented 45 different countries, including recent additions such as India, Japan and Colombia, as well as established cheesemaking nations such as France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

All entries were judged in a single day, as 250 experts from 38 different countries considered their appearance, texture, aroma and flavour. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Super Gold accolades were awarded during the morning session, before the Super Golds were reassessed to find this year's Top 16. The International Super Jury, featuring the great and good of the global cheese community, then debated the best cheeses on the planet in front of a live audience, before crowning this year's World Champion Cheese.

ForFarmers New regional Total Feeds Specialist appointed to support ruminant farmers across the south orFarmers are pleased to announce that Simon Pickard has recently joined the team in the south of the country as the regional total feeds specialist. Bringing many years' experience to the role, Simon will be providing technical advice and expertise on the full range of alternative feeds available to

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the ruminant businesses.

"With a base near to Andover, I'll be covering a large part of the south, all the way from Norfolk across to the South West," explains Simon. "As part of this role I will be responsible for working with both farmers and our team of ruminant specialists to add value through our huge range of alternative feeds available.

"Covering everything from straights, blends, co-products,

and liquids, as a total feed business, ForFarmers has access to a substantial range of alternative feeds. It's really exciting to have such a wide range of options available, and I'm looking forward to helping farmers find a solution which works for them and enhances their feed efficiencies".

Simon started his career at Sparsholt College, Hampshire and has worked in the feed industry ever since. "I've built

up over 25 years experience in the alternative feeds sector and have a really good breadth of knowledge in this area. For me the best part of this new role is putting this expertise to use and helping farmers to talk through their challenges and come up with the right solution for them. It's really all about that personal approach to help ruminant businesses improve production efficiency and reach their performance goals."

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| News

Farm vets respond to COP26 methane pledge s an association committed to working towards greater sustainability, the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) broadly welcomed the pledge to curb methane emissions by 30% by 2030 that emerged as one of the first agreements at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

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What is less welcome however is the inevitable commentary that places a disproportionate emphasis on agriculture’s role, particularly when UK farming is leading the sustainability charge, including an ambitious goal set by the National Farmers Union of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across England and Wales by 2040.

Just 100 companies have been identified as the source of more than 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, and there isn’t a farm amongst them. The Carbon Majors report demonstrated that a relatively small set of fossil fuel producers hold the key to turning around the planet’s carbon emissions, yet so many headlines on this subject focus on the impact of agriculture, even though we know that in the UK our farms amount about one tenth of UK greenhouse gas emissions – and just 6% if only considering livestock farming.

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

In order to have conversations about sustainability that can contribute to real change, it is vital that we take an evidence-based approach – one that understands the science and realises that biogenic methane, the kind produced by cattle, is not the same as the methane produced by fossil fuels. A cow’s natural carbon cycle sees CH4 broken down after 10 years into CO2, and in turn recycled via photosynthesis and rumination.

It is also crucial to note that not all livestock production is the same – UK beef production is a sustainability success story – we have some of the highest welfare standards (which we must protect), and emissions from British beef are 52% lower than the global average.

via imports produced to lower standards.

High welfare food production and food security should remain the goal.

In the coming weeks BCVA will launch its own Sustainability Policy and a key message from this paper will be that achieving net zero warming in British farming will require a bespoke on-farm approach, because there is no definitive blueprint to success or single-bullet solution.

BCVA President, Elizabeth Berry says, “As farm vets we are allied to a sector that acts as guardians of the countryside, and our farm clients understand their crucial role in the management of soil, water, nitrogen, and carbon cycles and in turn the biodiversity of the UK’s farmland.

We work alongside our colleagues in UK agriculture to drive increased efficiency in both the dairy and beef sectors by providing preventive healthcare and treatment. We all share a commitment to meet welfare standards, safeguarding public health and creating an environment that meets our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.”

Warming mitigation must take place in a context of whole-farm sustainability, in particular paying attention to health and welfare, biodiversity, soil health, water management, diffuse pollution, and social, ethical, and economic factors.

This must be achieved without outsourcing our environmental footprint

It is of particular concern that the government commitment to Net Zero by 2050 does not include the impact of imported goods and associated transportation. As such, in a context of agriculture, it would be quite possible to meet the requirement by outsourcing our food production overseas, to an area with a much higher carbon footprint or worse environmental record. This would exacerbate global warming whilst also damaging our own farming industry. This is a loophole that should be closed as pressure mounts on this government to demonstrate how it plans to meet its own targets as part of an international pledge.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

THE BLACK FARMER LAUNCHES POPPY SAUSAGE TO RAISE MONEY FOR REMEMBERANCE he Black Farmer, a leading food, drink and lifestyle retail and wholesale business, owned by Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE – who remains the UK's only black farmer, has today announced its support for Remembrance, with the launch of its Poppy Sausage fundraising packs.

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Pack design painted by former Grenadier Guardsman Dougie Adams

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Sausages available at national supermarkets

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10p of every pack sold goes to charity

The beautiful painting featured on the packs was painted by former Grenadier Guardsman Dougie Adams. As a courageous war veteran, Dougie finds comfort, solace and peace of mind in painting following the emotional trauma experienced at war in Afghanistan and a diagnosis of PTSD. Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones aka The Black Farmer says: "Today I witnessed true courage. It came in the guise of a sensitive, vulnerable young man whose demeanour tells of such trauma and emotional pain that his whole body has been affected by the experience. His mind has visited the very dark side of human nature, a place that we as humans have evolved never to visit. But in order for us all to stay safe in our democracy, we need our young men and women to be prepared to go to this place from where they may never return - if

they do, the experience can scar them for life.

Every year in November we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. This is a time to reflect, appreciate and honour the men and women who went on this journey never to return. Our liberty is the gift they have left us. Remembrance Day is when our leaders bow their heads to the fallen for one minute before we go about enjoying the spoils of their sacrifice.

This should be a reminder to us all to put our hands in our pockets and give generously to support those who have given so much for us, not just in November but all the year round.

After hearing Dougie's story and many more like his, I figured that the one thing all we humans have in common is food.

Here lies the opportunity to raise awareness of the ongoing support that these heroes need, and this is how my 'Poppy' sausage was born – a delicious Pork Tomato & Basil and a Chicken Tomato & Basil with a significantly red look.

I have managed to get the major supermarkets on board with this very important initiative (the notable exceptions being the German owned retailers). 10p from every pack will be going to charity. Wherever this 'Poppy' Sausage is sold people can be confident that a donation will be going to The Not Forgotten, a charity which has been an important source of support for Dougie in his recovery.

The Not Forgotten have been proudly

supporting wounded service personnel and disabled veterans for over 100 years through a tailored and varied programme of social activities, challenges and peerto-peer events. The Not Forgotten is an important and inspiring charity.

Dougie is one of thousands of ex-service personnel trying to find a way back from the dark side. Now, thankfully, this trauma is recognised and has a name Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

For Dougie, his condition is managed with medication and weekly therapy. His one comfort is painting and it seemed only fitting that I ask him to paint the picture that would appear on every one of these special edition packs of sausages. For a brief moment his face lit up at the idea that through all his darkness there was something he could do to give back to his friends and colleagues who didn't make it back.

At the end of our long Zoom conversation, which at times was a struggle for him, when he revisited the horror of doing three tours of duty in Afghanistan as a 23-year-old. The only luxury he wanted was to be able to travel to visit his great friend's grave. The last time he was with him was when he escorted his coffin onto the plane that was flying his body home. His friend was a Fijian and his final resting place is in New Zealand.

Still in his recovery, Dougie shows great courage and for those of us lucky enough not to have experienced hell, I hope the 'Poppy' sausage will be a way to show our military personnel that we honour them."

Showcase for local farming and food at the Cornish Winter Fair

housands of visitors are expected to head to Wadebridge to enjoy this year's Cornish Winter Fair when it takes place at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge on Saturday 20th November.

in attendance.

The event celebrates the best of Cornwall's farming and food industry and incorporates the competitions from the 14-year-old Wadebridge Prime Stock Show.

A large selection of quality Cornish crafters will also showcase their diverse array of unique, hand-made gifts and products.

Several hundred entries have been received for the competitive sections that include livestock showing, produce, cookery, floral art and handicrafts classes.

The event's farm and food education area will offer the chance to meet cattle, sheep, pigs and an array of poultry.

There will also be activities for younger families to have a go at such as milking a mock cow and driving toy tractors.

Visitors to the free-to-attend event can also kick off their Christmas shopping among the 100 trade stands that will be

Father Christmas will be in attendance, meeting children in his grotto in aid of the farming support charity, RABI.

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Traders will include a number of local food and drink producers such as Trevethan Gin, Haywood Farm Cider, Treway Farm Turkeys and Deli Farm Charcuterie who will be selling their tasty treats.

The event will take place undercover within the venue's exhibition halls with doors opening to the public at 10am and running until 5pm.

Chris Riddle, Honorary show secretary, said: "With so much to see and do, the Cornish Winter Fair is incredibly popular and we look forward to welcoming competitors, traders and thousands of visitors for another great day out."

For more information about the Cornish Winter Fair please visit: www.royalcornwallshow.org/cornishwinter-fair and keep up-to-date with the latest news via the Cornish Winter Fair Facebook page or Twitter feed: @TheWinterFair.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Arable

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isitors to the Life Scientific stand at Croptec can enter a free tombola - so come along and try your hand at grabbing one of the lucky tickets to win any number of prizes from golf umbrellas, insulated lunch bags, torches and Wonder wipes.

Fun aside, Croptec is the first time that the industry will hear about two exciting new products that Life Scientific will launch next spring.

Kaskad is a a reverse engineered Debut containing 50% w/w triflusulfuron-methyl. Formulated as a water dispersible granule, this herbicide can be tank mixed to provide control of a wide range of broad leaved weeds in sugar beet and fodder beet.

Sudo Mor is a reverse engineered Moddus containing 250g/L trinexapac ethyl, a plant growth regulator for crop height reduction, to prevent lodging control and protect yield in all varieties of winter and spring wheat, winter and spring barley, winter and spring oats, rye, triticale, durum wheat and grassland seed crops.

Life Scientific has also been working hard to get a new EAMU for Difenostar (difenoconazole) use in Linseed.

These additions to the Life Scientific portfolio reflect the importance and significance of the UK market to the business; since launching into the UK market four years ago Life Scientific now has more than 17 products on the market for use by UK growers.

“We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the stand over the two days of Croptec, and having face to face conversations once again!” says Ruth Stanley, UK country manager for Life Scientific.

“Our team will be on hand to answer any questions on our current and developing product range, and in particular if you have any questions about the reverse engineering process and how our products meet registration requirements, Rachel Staunton, Life Scientific’s Product Characterisation Lead, will be available to talk through how this process is managed from rigorous testing, to storage stability studies and developing analytical methods for active ingredients.”

Who is Life Scientific?

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Life Scientific was established by Nicola Mitchell in 1995, and is headquartered at Belfield Office Park, adjacent to its original home on the UCD campus. The company, which has well established links with UCD and with Enterprise Ireland over many years, currently employs 80 people (including more than 30 scientists) and has an annual turnover of €60 million.

•

Initially they were a product registration company providing contract services for multi-national and generic companies to gain new or support existing registrations.

•

The company has a very strong scientific base and developed a particularly strong position in doing five batch analysis. They had a very good reputation in this area and even MNCs companies would get LS to undertake this work for them. A five batch analysis is required for any new active ingredient source/ supplier and all impurities have to be identified, described by some as ‘looking for a needle in a haystack’.

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In 2020 CEO Nicola Mitchell won the highly prestigious and acclaimed Irish 2020 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nicola will now go on to represent Ireland and compete at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June 2021.

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

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| Arable

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Arable

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armers can avoid spiraling fertiliser costs by sourcing agricultural lime rich in phosphate, magnesium and sulphur at a modest price during the 2021/22 sugar beet campaign.

LimeX – a proven pH balancer and soil conditioner, approved by the Soil Association for organic use – is available through backloading, providing efficient costeffective haulage from sugar factory to farm.

LimeX leaves the with Glenn Carlisle factory inherent nutritional value equating to at least £15 worth of phosphate, magnesium and sulphur for every tonne of LimeX

spread at current fertiliser prices.

“Careful management of your soil pH is the key to ensuring the nutrients within your soil are at the most available to the plant,” says Glenn Carlisle, LimeX business manager, “And because our product has such fine and consistent particle size it’s very fast acting and more efficient at raising pH and available calcium levels than ordinary ground and screened limestone.”

“At a time of challenge within the haulage industry we’re encouraging customers to consider backloading LimeX when sugar beet is delivered into the factory over winter, to maximise haulier efficiency and achieve a least-cost transport solution,” says Glenn.

Come and visit us on stand 2.25 on 24th and 25th Nov at the East of England Showground for more information on LimeX.

“With an additional benefit of 9kg of phosphate, 8kg of magnesium and 6kg of sulphur in every tonne, farmers can cut out a huge proportion of their fertiliser costs whilst keeping on top of their liming.”

You don’t have to grow beet to be a LimeX customer! LimeX supply over 250,000t of product to farmers across the UK and Ireland every year.

The UK’s No.1 Liming Product Optimises soil pH Increases available calcium Fast acting and long lasting Provides valuable nutrients Improves soil structure Flexible service options

Over £1 5.0 worth o 0 Phosp f Magne hate, sium Sulphu and every T r in onne!*

*values accurate to Sept 2021 fertiliser prices

Customer service 0800 090 2376

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

limex@britishsugar.com LimeX is a business of British Sugar plc limex.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

REPORT IDENTIFIES POOR SOIL HEALTH AS NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT oil health should be formally recognised by government ministers as a critical asset for maintaining food and societal security, according to a new report by the Food & Global Security Network.

turn rapidly into conflict – and even war.

have also contributed to the document.

“Healthy soil and a balanced ecosystem are critical for food sovereignty and a peaceful society. This is why we urge governments and food businesses to take the security risks associated with soil degradation and ecological breakdown extremely seriously.”

In addition to stressing the importance of government leadership in encouraging soil regeneration, the report also outlines the critical role food businesses and farmers can play in improving soil structure, increasing biodiversity, and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The report, Soil health: a national security profile, says agriculture and environment ministries around the world should work alongside defence departments to jointly oversee the production of secure food supplies, as well as the regeneration of soil function.

The soil health report was published by the Food & Global Security Network, a project of Farmwel, and supported by FAI Farms who develop practical solutions to support sustainability within the food supply chain.

“Food businesses, supported by governments, must show leadership to reverse the trend of degeneration, while bold action must come from the ground up through the adoption of regenerative farming practices,” said FAI Farms’ Øistein Thorsen.

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Ffinlo Costain, chief executive of Farmwel and founder of the Food & Global Security Network, said the right to affordable nutrition underpins peace and civil stability, but the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss were already affecting food production.

“If we see a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, which seems increasingly likely, we could experience extreme disruption in global food supplies,” he said.

“When food is scarce, prices rise, inequality increases, and simmering resentments can

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It outlines the critical importance of soil health through independent writings of 22 experts, including military minds, NGO leaders, scientists and farmers.

Writers include FAI Farms chief executive Øistein Thorsen, Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, the UK’s former Climate and Energy Security Envoy, and Patrick Holden, founder of the Sustainable food Trust.

Sue Pritchard, the chief executive of the UK Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and renowned Australian soil microbiologist Walter Jehne

“For soil health to realise its full potential, regenerative farming must become the new conventional agriculture.

“Agroecology is a low risk and low-cost solution that can mitigate the security threats connected with poor soil health,” he added. “With COP26 in sight, agroecology and regenerative farming can produce great food locally and at scale, while greatly accelerating carbon drawdown, regenerating biodiversity, and managing precipitation to provide greater drought resilience and better flood protection.”

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Grain

How to ensure tip-top crop quality during storage

by Andrew Head, MD of BDC Systems Ltd

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lot of drying was necessary this harvest. Our customers having already purchased a grain drier reaped the benefits of a significant return on investment.

Grain should be stored at 14.5% moisture content (mc) and oilseeds at 7.5%-8.5% mc. The three most common ways of drying crops are via: •

Continuous flow driers – dries the crop quickly, can continually extract 10-12% moisture. Most have some wet storage facility enabling the handling of the daily harvest throughput.

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Mobile batch driers – keep the crop inside the drier until the target mc is reached, often chosen for a mixed farm where a permanent installation is unviable.

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Floor store bulk drying - probably the slowest way to dry crops - between 0.5 and 1%mc can be extracted per day.

With a hot air drier, continuous flow or batch, the crop usually comes off the drier at 5o-10oC above ambient temperature. Ventilation must start quickly to prevent insect and mite infestations.

Target storage temperatures: •

Within two weeks of harvest – below 15oC

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Within three-four months of harvest – below 12oC

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End of December – below 5oC

Below ground -v- above ground ventilation •

Below ground ventilation - viewed as expensive, but easiest when loading and unloading stores. Fans on the outside of the store, force cold air up through the crop via laterals set in the floor.

The three options for above floor ventilation are: •

Airstacks/Pedestals - vertical columns with a perforated/louvred bottom section; ventilation are fans positioned on top of the columns, air is drawn down through the crop into the column’s bottom section, then expelled by the fan.

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Pyramids/Floor Vents – positioned on the floor, with external below ground ducting, floor vents suck warm air down through the crop, whereas pyramids blow cold air up through the crop.

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Half round perforated pipes - sit on the floor, external fans blow cold air up through the crop.

Automatic monitoring uses temperature probes positioned in the crop. The probes are linked to a controller that automatically turns the fans on/off if the ambient temperature is 5oC lower than the crop temperature.

Manual -v – automatic temperature monitoring Manual monitoring is time consuming – having to walk the crop, take temperature readings, turn fans on/off to get the temperature down.

Decisions around how best to store crops are difficult. Be sure you get the best advice to make the right choice, maximise your budget and keep your grain in tip-top condition.

For more info visit: bdcsystems.com or call 01672 810851

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

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| Grain

Fertiliser recommendations revised on back of price spike

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HDB has issued new guidance to help growers plan their nitrogen (N) applications, following a sharp increase in the cost of fertilisers.

The current energy crisis has led to unprecedentedly high fertiliser prices of up to £2 per kilogram of nitrogen and reports of prices per tonne well in excess of £600, with potential to rise further before spring 2022.

As a result, AHDB commissioned ADAS to conduct a two-stage study to help arable growers and their advisers decide whether to reduce N applications, if so by how much and assess the impact on yields.

The first stage, published by AHDB today (9 November), looks at the three major UK

crops: wheat, barley and oilseed rape.

The price spike means growers need to factor a new ‘economic optimum’ – or the point at which the value of extra grain produced is not worth the cost of the extra N applied – in their nutrient management plans.

RB209 price tables have been extended up to £2.50 per kilogram of nitrogen (or £863 per tonne of ammonium nitrate), £350 per tonne for grain and £700 per tonne for rapeseed to reflect current strong prices for both inputs and outputs.

For example, the new data indicates that at a grain price of £200 a tonne, a rise in the ammonium nitrate fertiliser price from £345 to £863 a tonne would see a reduction in N application of 70 kg/N a hectare. Similarly, at a rapeseed price of £500 per tonne, the same price rise for N would see a reduction

in fertiliser application of 70 kg/N a hectare.

The resulting changes in yield would be -0.6 tonne per hectare and -0.25 tonne per hectare respectively.

Dr Georgina Key, AHDB’s cereals and oilseeds crop nutrition specialist, said: “Significantly reduced production, in the UK and on the continent, has led to prices of nitrogen fertilisers increasing dramatically.

Over the past few months the price rise of fertiliser has outpaced prices for grain and as such it is absolutely essential that farmers consider adjusting nitrogen fertiliser applications in the spring to ensure they are still at an economically optimum level.”

The second part of the study, reporting in January 2022, will consider further arable crops, as well as other aspects of crop nutrition management affected by price increases.

How should farmers manage costly nitrogen fertilisers? armers are considering how much nitrogen to apply in the spring.

AHDB’s crop nutrient management specialist Dr Georgina Key explains how new guidance helps farmers adjust their use of costly nitrogen fertilisers and the likely effect this will have on yield.

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The widely-reported energy crisis may have caused our domestic energy bills to increase, but it has also led to shortages of carbon dioxide and nitrogen fertilisers.

Significantly reduced production, in the UK and on the continent, has led to prices of nitrogen fertilisers increasing dramatically.

Over the past few months, the price rise of fertiliser has outpaced prices for grain. As such, it may be necessary to reduce nitrogen fertiliser applications in the spring to ensure they are still at an economically optimum level.

AHDB’s Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) provides guidance on the economic optimum application rate for a

range of cereal and oilseed crops. These recommendations are based on a set ratio between the price of grain and fertiliser.

Today (9 November 2021) AHDB has published updated guidance on how to adjust application rates based on the price of grain, rapeseed and fertiliser. The new guidance, compiled by ADAS, takes account of the dramatic price rises seen recently.

Tables 3.1 and 3.2 guide farmers on how much to adjust their application rates by, depending on the price of grain or rape seed and fertiliser. The guidance has been extended to account for grain prices up to £300/ tonne, rapeseed prices up to £700/ tonne and nitrogen fertiliser prices up Table 3.2 Extended version of RB209 Table 4.22 to to £2.50/kg N. embrace current prices and trends for oilseeds

Table 3.1 Extended version of RB209 Table 4.22 to embrace current prices and trends for cereals

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Importantly, AHDB has also published the likely effect of reducing nitrogen fertiliser applications. Table 3.3 shows that reducing nitrogen fertiliser applications by 60 kg N/ha to a cereal or oilseed rape crop would, albeit at the economic optimum level, likely reduce yield by 0.5 t/ha and 0.2 t/ha respectively.

Table 3.3 Effect on grain yield of adjusting N applied from the optimum at a break-even price ratio of 5 kg grain per kg N for cereals o

November 2021 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Potatoes

BP2021 – ‘The show goes on’ he show is happening and happening big’ is the message from British Potato event organisers who say overwhelming industry support has strengthened their resolve to get the doors open amid challenges.

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Big events in the calendar like Potato Europe and Agritechnica fell by the wayside. But show director Steve

Wellbeloved says BP2021 phones kept ringing and, as a result, the show will be the biggest yet – such is the determination of exhibitors to showcase new products and services.

“In addition to Covid, we were naturally anxious when an agronomy event announced it would stage on the same dates. Yet, once again, major crop production businesses decided British Potato couldn’t be missed and the number of agronomy exhibitors is actually up for 2021,” says Wellbeloved.

The industry voted heavily to part with AHDB and some feared this might have knock-on effects. It does, in the sense that that they won’t be exhibiting, but the show itself has been operated commercially by the British Potato team for several decades so is unaffected.

“Requiring Covid Passes for entry might also have added a hurdle, but again support has been very heartening. In fact, many have told us that while they still aren’t going to other events, the arrangements for BP2021 have given them the peace of

Potatoes – Every tuber is in safe hands with Haith.

IN-FIELD

+44 (0) 1302 831911

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sales@haith.co.uk

Farming Monthly | November 2021

PROUD SPONSORS OF

IN-TAKE

BOX TIPPLERS

WASHERS & DESTONERS

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INNOVATION COMBINED

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Strategic Partner www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes mind to attend,” he says. “One even described it as making a once every other year potato pilgrimage to Harrogate!

“In some ways, the challenges of the last 18 months have actually helped the show as major new product launches that were initially scheduled for other shows are now set for British Potato. So, visitors are guaranteed the chance to see many new developments at first hand, as well as having a great catch up after such a long period of isolation.

“One thing we would say is that getting the free tickets in advance will save time on the day, so we’d encourage everyone to go to the visitor website at www.bp2021.co.uk and click on registration.”

These days one of British Potato’s appeals is its whole supply chain coverage. Yet its origins date back to the post war years and the Government’s focus on encouraging mechanised harvesting. 2021 is seeing a renaissance with four international manufacturers bringing giant self-propelled units to the show – the most for nearly 20 years.

“AVR, DeWulf, Grimme and Ploeger are all bringing machines for growers and contractors to see at first hand,” says organiser Carla Lowndes. “This is matched in other areas too.

For example, with Sands opting to join Bateman in also bringing self-propelled sprayers to site. So there’s certainly plenty for machinery fans to see and discuss.”

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November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Potatoes

Tong keeps an eye on automation at BP2021 eading potato and vegetable handling equipment manufacturer, and sponsor of the BP2021 British Potato exhibition, Tong Engineering, will be showcasing equipment advances from field to pack, as well as the latest technologies in automation

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customers to maintain efficiency at every stage of the vegetable handling process is greater than ever, and we have introduced several new product developments across our range during this time that are truly streamlining the potato handling process.”

As part of the company’s ongoing product development programme, advancements have been applied to its in-field, onfarm and packhouse solutions, including the launch of the new FieldLoad PRO mobile fieldloader, MonstaFill high-capacity box filler and patented E-Tip all-electric box tipper, as well as design updates across its bestselling range of washing and polishing equipment.

have seen significantly increased demand for handling solutions that integrate advanced vision grading systems, and a large number of our latest turnkey projects feature specialist optical sorting equipment.”

“An exciting advancement for the potato industry is the new internal potato defect sorting capabilities of the MAF Pomone weight grader.

We have been the UK distributor of MAF equipment for over 30 years and we are very excited to unveil the new MAF-exclusive, patented IDD8 internal defect sorting technology for potatoes at BP2021.”

“The event is the perfect opportunity to meet with customers old and new to showcase the advanced handling solutions we offer as a dedicated manufacturing partner from post-harvest to pack.

We very much welcome visitors to join us over the two-day event on our stand 211, to discuss their upcoming projects with a selection of tasteful appetisers and refreshments.”

“Optical sorting

and optical sorting, at the UK’s largest biannual potato event in November.

Exhibiting in Hall 2 at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, Tong is welcoming visitors to the company’s stand to discuss how the latest equipment developments can address the real challenges currently facing vegetable producers, by minimising labour requirements whilst maximising capacity and yield.

“Since the industry last met at the British Potato event the handling requirements of growers and freshpack companies have far from stood-still,” says Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “The priority for our 26 |

Farming Monthly | November 2021

technologies are also progressing incredibly fast and are replacing manual sorting facilities more and more,” says Edward.

“Reducing the reliance on the workforce to achieve efficient grading and sorting is at the forefront of equipment upgrade projects large and small. We www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

LATEST VERSION OF HAITH'S ROTA-TIP TO LAUNCH AT BRITISH POTATO 21 ith over 170 machines sold, Haith's Rota-tip range is the potato industry's most popular box tippler, and visitors to this year's British Potato will be the first to see the next generation of the class-leading machine.

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The Rota-tip PRO, which has had a patent application granted, will take centre stage on Haith's stand on 24 and 25 November.

The Rota-tip PRO features all-electric drives and a new mechanism to allow it to take boxes of varying heights, which will be clamped to ensure they're secure and that the contents are not spilled during the process.

Haith has also added a powered rotation lid to the new Rota-tip PRO. In previous models, the web lid is fixed, but in the latest version, the lid extends just before the tipping process starts.

warm welcome, and we will be treating them to some of Yorkshire's finest food and drink as normal!"

Haith Group has exhibited at every British Potato show, and once again, the company is one of the event sponsors as the company continues to support the industry and the potato growers that have put their trust in the company's products.

To find out more about Haith and its range of vegetable handling equipment, please visit www.haith.co.uk, email sales@haith.co.uk or call 01302 831 911.

To make transportation easier, the new Rota-tip PRO has a narrower footprint than previous models.

The 300mm difference means that the new Rota-tip PRO takes up less space, making it ideal for small packhouses and facilities.

Haith's strategic partners GRIMME will also have a strong presence on the stand as both companies make their first appearance at British Potatoes since formalising their working relationship.

"As well as our team, who will be able to talk to people about our class-leading range of vegetable handling solutions, we will have members of the GRIMME sales team with us as part of our strategic working relationship," says Duane Hill, Haith's managing director.

"And, just like previous shows, visitors to our stand are guaranteed a www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Potatoes

Sustainable Sprout Control • Is a naturally occurring product, in widespread use in the food industry, • Is approved for use on organic potato crops, • Has no harvest interval or MRL, • Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage, • And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the • storage of other crops or seed potatoes,

iox-M is a wellestablished and highly effective treatment for the control of sprouting in potatoes in store. Biox-M is in widespread use in the UK and on the continent on crops destined for both fresh, processing and organic markets.

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Approved for use in the UK in 2012, the 2020 harvest season was the first to see widespread adoption of Biox-M as the principal product for sprout control. Many store managers used Biox-M for the first time in 2020/21 and have made great strides in understanding and implementing best practice in store management. The industry has gone into the new season much better prepared and with much greater familiarity than a year ago.

Every store is different. That

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

• Is effective at higher storage temperatures, reducing the risk of acrylamide • development when crop is processed,• Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes treated, • And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every customer; effectively carbon neutral.

Biox-M is the natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

seems obvious but is hugely relevant when dealing with an unfamiliar product, which behaves very differently to the “old chemistry”. Understanding the distribution of the fog (and then vapour) in store is essential to achieving excellent sprout control. Much has also been learned about the best use of fans to ensure an even distribution in store during application (find and address the ‘dead’ spots in store, and don’t run the fans too fast), and then the appropriate use (but not overuse) of fans to maintain an even distribution of vapour during the closed period following treatment.

Fans should be run on a limited basis only during the closed period following treatment.

The first application of Biox-M should be made when eyes are merely ‘blinking’. There is no advantage in delaying until sprouts are well-established.

Getting the fog distribution and air

circulation right in store has seen increases in the interval between treatments. Crops treated with Biox-M were successfully stored through to the end of June.

Biox-M is very much part of the wider sustainability toolbox, which customers and consumers increasingly expect growers to consider. Biox-M comes from a naturally occurring perennial crop, spearmint (mentha spicata), grown in a number of countries around the world – India, China and the US are large exporters.

Carbon is sequestered in the crop and in the soil (perennial crops sequester carbon in soil much more effectively than annual crops). Spearmint oil is extracted by a simple process of steam distillation. To deliver a uniform product with a minimum level of carvone, the oil is blended to produce Biox-M. No synthetic, persistent or harmful chemistry is involved.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

BIOX-M

| Potatoes

Exceptional sprout control in fresh and processing crops

Contact:

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 07973 172722 Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 07775 785748 www.junopp.com 29 November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

| LAMMA

he LAMMA Show returns to the halls of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on 11-12 January 2022 to celebrate its 40th year as the UK’s leading agricultural machinery, equipment and technology show.

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“To celebrate this important milestone in LAMMA’s history, we are not only looking at our past, but focussing on the future of our event and the UK farming industry,” says Kate Walsh, Event Manager of LAMMA. “We are planning some exciting new features at the show and re-inventing others. LAMMA’s beginnings are deeply rooted in bringing the best of farm machinery innovation under one roof and looking to the future; something we aim to continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”

The Farm Safety Zone, sponsored by Safety Revolution, returns to the show for the fourth consecutive year. Key organisations, charities and industry figures will raise awareness on vital aspects of farm safety and how to minimise risk and accidents on farm.

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

The Farming 4.0 Trail is centralised around the theme of “The Future of Agriculture”, highlighting the role data, robotics and other devices will play in achieving Net Zero. Exhibitors already on the 2022 Trail include Airial Robotics, Crop4Sight, Agrifac, Bayer, and more.

celebration of this historic moment,” says Sanjeev Khaira, Director of Arc Media, which recently acquired LAMMA from previous owners AgriBriefing. “The show’s longevity and success are testament to the vision of its founders, evolving and growing from strength to strength and bringing the industry together year after year. We look forward to seeing its continued growth and support for the industry through future challenges.”

Over 700 manufacturers, dealers and distributors will fill 11 halls at the NEC, showcasing the latest products, knowledge and services available for farmers and producers in all corners of agriculture, including potatoes, barley, dairy, poultry, horticulture and much more.

Also with an eye on the future, LAMMA has partnered with the Institution of Agricultural Engineers to offer the 2021 Young Engineer Award, celebrating upcoming agricultural engineers. The award winner will be announced at the show.

Sponsored by Kramp, registration for LAMMA 2022 is free of charge; visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register at: https://www.lammashow.com/shownews/visitor-registration-opens-forlamma-19

“We are delighted to be part of LAMMA’s

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LAMMA SHOW RETURNS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS 11-12 January 2022 at the NEC, Birmingham Join the farming industry and see launches, UK debuts, global brands and small manufacturers, altogether under one roof.

Bring your team to the UK’s largest farm machinery showroom, network, get social and do business.

3 700 exhibitors 3 Farm Safety Zone 3 NEW Farming 4.0 Trail: The Future of Agriculture 3 NEW Young Engineer’s Award 3 CPD points

Sponsored by:

Supported by:

Register for your FREE ticket at lammashow.com www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

31

| LAMMA

Speed and Reliability Counts L

arge volumes of stock held in the UK

As Perry of Oakley design and manufacture all their drying and handling range in the UK they can get stock items to you fast. This is a big focus for Perrys during 2022 especially with their expanded warehouse facilities and expert view of the stock needed to keep your grain facilities moving.

Technical support when you need it The Perrys technical support and sales team have over 400 years of experience making Perrys the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of grain drying, handling and storage. The team are on hand, especially during harvest, to help you keep your machines running.

New product ranges Perrys have developed two

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

products to assist in the safe and efficient use of grain driers; the fire detection systems and the moisture control system. The fire detection system can be retrofitted to any make of drier, providing vital early warnings of fire helping you reduce the damage to the drier and surrounding plant. The system can be stand alone or integrated into your control panel. A moisture control system is also available after extensive testing. Using well proven moisture measuring technology and a unique sampling system to ensure accurate moisture readings the system can reliably control the output from the drier. The system is compatible with any PLC controlled Perry drier and can also be adapted to control any other drier.

Full range of drying, handling and storage solutions The extensive range of continuous flow driers, chain & flight conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners, belt & bucket elevators, belt conveyors, U-trough and tubular screw conveyors, and now also storage bins and silos means the Perry team will be able to find the right combination of machines to meet your needs and budgets.

Contact Perry today Contact Perry today for all handling, storage & drier requirements on +44 (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

A new range of modular augers with capacities ranging from 20tph to 125tph have also been developed, to be supplied from stock making them an ideal quick solution.

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• Different drier ranges to fit your budget, throughput and space requirements.

• Industrial, light industrial & agricultural range of handling equipment, including chain & flight conveyors and belt & bucket elevators.

• Flat bottom & hopper bottom silos, giving storage capacities from 27m³ to 26,000m³.

• All controlled by Perry’s own advanced touch screen PLC panel.

Find out more on the Savannah & Mistral Range of Continuous Mixed Flow Grain Driers, plus all other Perry Machines at LAMMA 2021 Hall 8, Stand 8.720 11th - 12th January 2022 NEC, Birmingham

The UK’s Most Experienced Manufacturer of Grain Drying, Handling & Storage Equipment • Continuous Flow Grain Driers & Belt Driers • Chain & Flight Conveyors

• Flat & Hopper Bottom Silos • Belt & Bucket Elevators • Aspirator Cleaners • Belt Conveyors

• Augers & Screw Conveyors • Ducting & Valves • Levelling Conveyors • Twin Trace Conveyors

Perry of Oakley Ltd.

Visit us online at

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

www.perryofoakley.co.uk

33 sales@perryofoakley.co.uk +44 (0)1404 November 2021 | Farming Monthly 890300 |

| LAMMA

BDC Systems Ltd to showcase next-generation Skandia HLine elevator for the first time in the UK at LAMMA 2022

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OVID-19 restrictions meant that BDC Systems Ltd had to delay showcasing Skandia Elevator’s nextgeneration of grain handling

elevators, the HLine, to the UK market until LAMMA 2022 – Hall 8, Stand 8.410.

“Despite Skandia H-Line elevators being available for delivery for some time, LAMMA 2022 will be the first time in the UK that larger farm enterprises, commercial grain storage operators and milling plants, all requiring high tonnage grain handling capability, will be able to ‘see’ them in the flesh,” explained Andrew Head, MD, of Skandia’s sole UK and Ireland Agent, BDC Systems Ltd. “As a BDC Systems partner for 10 years, the new H-Line will allow us to

successfully continue to meet the demand for Skandia’s robust and reliable grain handling equipment across Ireland,” said James Connor, owner of Irish Grain Systems. “Skandia has listened to market demands and the nextgeneration H-Line delivers what customers want: elevators that are easier to maintain, have optimised flow which means less wear and tear to both machinery and grain and, which can now reach an overall height of 70m.”

By listening to its customers, Skandia has ensured that the H-Line elevators meet their key needs by delivering: • easier and simpler maintenance - inspection doors and cleaning hatches increase crucial ‘up-time’ during harvest • a head pulley, bearings, top shaft and drive which can all be removed as a complete assembly •

a redesigned elevator hood and

head profile which now follows the trajectory of the grain

•

increased leg dimensions so that the elevator can withstand higher loads

•

a Very Low Elongation (VLE) belt which means that although the elevator is higher (up to 70m), the belt stretches considerably less so has a long service life, minimising re-tensioning – saving both time and money

Skandia’s design and build of each component of its next-generation H-Line elevator means that assembly and adjustments have become simpler, enabling a speedy but safe installation so the elevator can be up and running very quickly.

“A huge amount of thought has gone into the design of the H-Line. This shows Skandia’s willingness to listen to its customers so that it continues to improve and develop future-proofed grain handling equipment that meet today’s market demands and those of tomorrow,” said Mr Head.

For more info visit BDC at: Hall 8, Stand 8.410 https://bdcsystems.com/ or call: +44 (0) 1672 810851

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Flow Driers – tph the apacities from 5 to over over 100 100 tph winning combination: apacities from apacities from 55 to to over 100 tph ully galvanised galvanised for indoor indoor or outdoor installation ully galvanised for • Capacities fromor 5 outdoor to over installation 100 tph ully for indoor or outdoor installation ully automated, energy efficient low noise operation ully automated, automated, energy efficient efficient low noise noise operation ully energy low operation • Fully galvanised for indoor or outdoor installation eal for cereals, oils seeds, pulses and seed crops eal for cereals, oils seeds, pulses and seed crops eal for •cereals, oils seeds, pulses seed crops Fully automated, energyand efficient low noise operation ust control Turboclean fans ust control Turboclean fans ust control Turboclean fans • Ideal for cereals, oils seeds, pulses and seed crops • Dust control Turboclean fans

Northern England England Area Area Sales Sales Manager Manager II T: T: 07468 07468 698188 698188 II E: E: john@bdcsystems.com john@bdcsystems.com Northern Northern Northern England England Area Area Sales Sales Manager Manager II T: T: 07468 07468 698188 698188 II E: E: john@bdcsystems.com john@bdcsystems.com 01672 810851 sales@bdcsystems.com www.bdcsystems.com

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

• Storage solutions • Aeration equipment • Cleaners, weighers • Mill and mix

Complete Grain Plant Solutions

BDC Systems Ltd | Grafton Road | Burbage | Marlborough | Wiltshire | SN8 3BA

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

After a long 2 year break Valtra will be attending LAMMA 2022 ven smarter and even more comfortable - Valtra’s 5th generation tractors are now here. Following the successful launch of the award winning G Series in August last year and the A Series at the start of 2021, Valtra continues its development into the fifth generation with its new N and T Series tractors.

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Valtra’s 5th generation tractors have been designed to offer the customer the best possible tractor experience and are packed with improvements to make your life easier. Valtra U-Pilot headland management system boosts precision, and the brand new A-Pillar display puts information right where your need it.

With Covid restrictions having now been eased Valtra UK & IE are excited to announce that after a 2 year break from attending shows they will be back at LAMMA 2022 on the 11-12 January at the NEC near Birmingham.

Visitors to the show will have the chance

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to view the complete tractor range from A through to S Series and cutting edge smart farming and digital solutions. The LAMMA show, now in its 40th year, is the UK’s leading agricultural machinery, equipment and technology show attracting over 40,000 visitors. LAMMA 2022 offers free entry and car parking, making it the ideal event to visit with colleagues, dealers, customers, industry contacts and friends alike On display at the show Valtra will have a new A115, G125, N175A, T235D with Unlimited features and unique colour wrap finish, T255V and S394. Also, for the first time, Valtra will have the Diesel Dragon pulling tractor on show on the stand. The stand is located in Hall 9, stand 9.210.

Valtra Smart Farming Solutions Valtra continues to lead the way in Smart Farming with a suite of technologies that work seamlessly together - Valtra Guide, ISOBUS, Section Control, Variable Rate Control and TaskDoc. A key design

principle is the ease of use. All smart functions can be controlled from the unique SmartTouch armrest which will be available to demo at the show. Visitors to the show will also be able to try Valtra Connect telemetry. Valtra Connect allows you to manage your tractor fleet, letting you follow how productive machines are, which work has been completed, and what still needs to be done. It gives you the information you need to ensure optimum utilisation rates, reduce operating costs and improve uptime.

Pre-registration for the show Valtra are encouraging visitors to LAMMA to pre-register their interest in attending the show with them. Anybody who pre-registers will be entered into a competition to win some fantastic Valtra goodies in a prize draw including a Valtra Unlimited watch worth £200. Preregistration will be live mid-November on Valtra.co.uk and more details will be available via their social media channels.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| LAMMA

Samco CTS 1600 round bale chaser makes UK debut ollecting round bales is a time-consuming process, but the new CTS 1600 from Samco allows one operator to load 16 round bales in under eight minutes. This significantly reduces the labour and extra machinery traditionally needed to gather round bales, as well as lowering soil compaction.

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The CTS 1600 is built at Samco’s manufacturing facility in Ireland and features a hydraulically operated soft hand bale squeeze, that lifts and rotates the bales onto the chaser, with just one joystick click from the operator.

“This handling method allows both netted and wrapped bales to be gathered without damaging them,” says Matthew

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

Shine, Samco director. “The new chaser will load itself automatically, by stacking two bales side by side at double height, before moving the stack down its length on floor rollers.”

Once full, the 16 bales are secured by the chaser’s caged sides, which move inwards to hold the bales in place; built-in sensors fine-tune the position of the sides to the size of bales, while gripping bars along the top and rear of the chaser prevent any movement during transport. A Danfoss load sensing hydraulic system controls the main functions of the machine.

Unloading times are kept to a minimum as the CTS 1600 can simultaneously offload eight bales (in four stacks of two on their ends). The operator then moves the trailer forward to unload the remaining eight bales. This quick turnaround time allows for a speedier return to the field to continue loading. Its 7.3m length helps the CTS 1600 unload in tighter areas, allowing more bales to

be stacked on a smaller footprint.

“During demonstrations last summer, we were surprised at just how manoeuvrable the chaser was,” says Mr Shine. “The operator was able to travel down narrow lanes and negotiate small yards that would previously only have been accessible with a loader. The chaser’s manoeuvrability is further enhanced as only the rear half of the chaser tips, enabling bales to be unloaded where height restrictions are an issue.”

The CTS 1600 runs on a brace of airbrake equipped ADR axles and features a choice of three 710/40 R22.5 tyres and a steering axle, if required. There’s an incab colour screen for fine-tuning settings and monitoring bale numbers along with a manual mode, which lets the operator stack the chaser with odd-sized loads. A rear-facing camera gives excellent vision and helps keep bale stacks tight when unloading.

For more information on the CTS 1600 round bale chaser, Samco is exhibiting at LAMMA on the 11-12 January 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham. The chaser has also been entered into the Young Engineers Award at the show. The final pre-production and design was completed by 27-year-old Samco employee, Paddy Lane, who has worked for Samco for over three years.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

RAGT Seeds at LAMMA 22 – intelligent seed breeding for forward-thinking farmers

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ovel and improved crop traits delivered by one of the world’s most advanced plant breeding programmes will be the core focus on the RAGT Seeds stand at LAMMA 22.

Visitors will be able to talk to RAGT plant breeders and members of the commercial team about the latest combinable and forage crop developments as well as soil health plants.

The stand will include an impressive range of indoor crop plots featuring innovative varieties designed to meet the needs of today’s farmers.

RAGT Seeds remains at the forefront of DNA technology, adopting new techniques and developing them to optimise trait selection across its breeding programmes.

Managing director Lee Bennett says: “Our experience in this area brings many advantages in developing and breeding the varieties we sell and the advice we provide.

“This has helped RAGT become and remain Europe’s number one cereal seed provider.”

The development of genetic markers and advances in technology have greatly increased the accuracy and speed at which the presence or absence of desired characteristics can be detected.

“This is invaluable in helping breeders tackle the many challenges that crop production faces,” says Mr Bennett.

“Some of the more obvious examples include helping to improve pest and disease resistance as the chemical armoury dwindles, boosting crop resilience in the face of climate change and improving nitrogen use efficiency to help growers drive down input costs and carbon footprints.

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bunning spreaders

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“All this must be combined with improved yields and quality, while ensuring rigorous end user specifications and changing consumer habits are met to help growers make the most of an increasingly volatile market.”

A raft of new material is coming along RAGT’s breeding pipeline, including several exciting high yielding wheats with excellent disease resistance, some very promising spring barleys and oats with improved yields of top quality grain and new hybrid oilseed rapes.

developments is BYDV resistance in wheat.

“RAGT is the first company to introduce this trait in Europe, through the presence of the Bdv2 gene that originates from a wild goat grass,” says Mr Bennett.

“This offers protection from the day the wheat is planted to the day it is harvested for less than the cost of a single pyrethroid spray. Plant resistance greatly simplifies crop management, removing the need to monitor and control aphid populations with foliar-applied insecticide sprays while benefiting the environment.”

Commercially introduced in 2019, BYDV resistance is now present in a range of milling and feed wheat varieties nearing the market. Some of these also feature orange wheat blossom midge resistance, raising the prospect of insecticide-free wheat for many growers.

Mr Bennett says: “It is our intention at RAGT to provide growers with as much information as possible about our varieties, above and beyond what appears in the official lists, to help ensure growers get the best from their crops.

“LAMMA provides an excellent opportunity to do just that and we look forward to showing existing and new customers some of the exciting developments that RAGT has to offer, helping them make the best choices for their own farms.” * Find out more by visiting RAGT Seeds in Hall 10, Stand 10.200 when LAMMA returns to the NEC on 11-12 January 2022.

One of the most exciting November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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First generation dairy farmer, Sophie Gregory, shares her journey with us, which led her to win Dairy Industry woman of the of the year award ello I am Sophie Gregory from the Dorset/ Devon border. I am a first-generation dairy farmer who shares farming just over 1,000 acres with my husband Tom and our 3 feral children.

The farm is spread over two different sites on two tenancies.

We milk 360 cows calving in two 9 week blocks.

We are organic and we are proud to supply Arla which is a farmer owned co operative.

Our journey into agriculture has been a rollercoaster and something we appreciate everyday. In 2012 my husband Tom who was at this point foot trimming, came to me with the dream of dairy farming. I told him he was mad and there was no way I was going to trade the settled secure lifestyle we were enjoying. We spent the next two years building capital via a high welfare veal unit we set up alongside my husband foot trimming and relief milking. I was training and working as an accountant for a local rural firm. The dream didn’t fade and after a couple of no’s in 2014 we went into partnership to

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

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take on a 600 acre tenancy.

Since then we have converted to organic expanded the herd and are continuously looking at ways to improve the environmental, social and economic bottom line of our business. Over the last 7 years, it’s been a steep learning curve. I was once told by a farmer we look up to tough times don’t last tough people do and I’ve always come back to this in tricky times. We have been lucky enough to have support from landlords, business partners and other farmers. Before coming to the farm, I had never been in a parlour let alone milked a cow. Still to this day, I feel a fraud calling this my job as even in the depths of winter I can’t imagine doing anything else. The freedom, variety, and joy it gives me daily fuels my soul.

My day-to-day jobs now include milking on a rota basis it’s all shared around, rearing the 150 head of youngstock and the day to day paperwork which comes with farming. I am still 7 years in a bit of a liability on any machinery more than the scraper tractor but will step in if needed. I’ve come to

accept that it’s better to play to your strengths.

I love nothing more than having school visits, farming discussion groups, and interacting with the local community. I am also involved in a charity called Discovery Farming which showcases farming at local shows and hosts school visits. You’ll find me showing kids how to milk clover the wooden model cow and answering all the fantastic questions the children come out with. As a farm, we are keen to encourage people from non agricultural background into the industry and always have an apprentice working with us alongside hosting work experience students. We also get involved in open farm Sunday showing the public round virtually last year via Facebook. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

This year in 2021 I was completely shocked and honoured to win Dairy Industry woman of the year award for my work in educating and mentoring the next generation. I am hoping to use this recognition to launch a few educational indicatives I have. I am super proud to work in such an inspiring industry. I think the industry has so much to offer and it is our place as the farmers to showcase this in a positive way. To anyone wanting to get into the industry I would give the following advise have dreams, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people. It’s important to never stop learning and not forget to look after yourself along the way.

Follow Sophie’s journey on Instagram on: https://www.instagram.com/ farmer_in_training

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Buildings

Climate change: What threat does it pose to buildings? ith the COP26 summit beginning in Glasgow this month and the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published in August, climate change is back on the news agenda.

The IPCC report presented further evidence of rising global temperatures and the likely range of future temperature increases if little or no action is taken to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, for the first time it reported that we’re already seeing the impacts of climate change in the form of extreme weather events, such as flash flooding and wildfires.

With buildings accounting for 17% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions (2019 figures), reducing the energy demand of buildings is a priority for the UK government in its attempt to make the UK net zero by 2050.

With the IPCC predicting an increased frequency of extreme weather events, climate change is also on the agenda of those responsible for our codes and standards, as they strive to ensure buildings remain safe from stronger winds, higher temperatures and potentially deeper snow.

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The role of buildings in greenhouse gas emissions Buildings contribute to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in two ways: • Embodied carbon: The CO2 associated with the building fabric and its construction • Operational carbon: The CO2 associated with the operation and use of the building The relative importance of embodied carbon and operational carbon depends on the use of the building and its design life.

For a heated building with a 50-year life, the embodied carbon will be small compared to the total operational carbon over the 50 years, whereas for an unheated building that is demolished after only ten years, the embodied carbon will be far more significant.

Changes to building regulations over the past couple of decades (e.g. improved insulation and airtightness and more efficient lighting) have significantly reduced the operational 40 |

Farming Monthly | November 2021

carbon of buildings, increasing the relative importance of the embodied carbon in the process.

The embodied carbon of a building, building element or construction material may be assessed by what is known as the life cycle assessment (LCA). This takes account of all of the processes and associated CO2 from when the raw materials are extracted from the ground through to their disposal or recycling at end of life.

It should include carbon emissions associated with the materials themselves (including waste materials that are not recycled), the manufacturing processes and transportation.

For many common materials, the embodied carbon values may be obtained from established databases. Many manufacturers declare the embodied carbon of their products as part of their environmental product declaration (EPD).

The operational carbon is due to the energy needed to operate the building and includes heating (and potentially cooling), ventilation and lighting. The energy performance of buildings is already highly regulated (e.g. Part L of the Building Regulations in England) and these rules are set to become more onerous as new buildings are pushed in the direction of net zero.

The operational energy of a building, and hence the mitigation measures required to reduce its carbon footprint, will depend on building use.

For commercial buildings, reducing heat loss through the building envelope has been a priority for the past 20 years and the regulations have pushed for lower U-values (a measure of how much heat conducts through the building envelope) and airtightness.

Such concerns are irrelevant for a semi-open sided livestock shed, but there is an energy demand associated with lighting and ventilation. While the use of more efficient lighting and ventilation in this instance will reduce the operational carbon of the building, an even greater benefit can be realised by good building design to maximise the use of natural daylight and ventilation (also better for the welfare of livestock).

Design for reduced CO2 emissions As the impact of climate change becomes more apparent so the need to tackle it will become more urgent and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of human activity will intensify.

This started in earnest in the UK at the start of the millennium with incremental changes to building regulations to reduce operational carbon and the greater use of environmental assessments, such as BREEAM, to grade buildings in terms of their overall environmental impact.

In parallel, documents such as the ‘Green Guide’ will gather and disseminate data on the environmental impact of building elements and EPDs for construction products have become the norm.

However, with the UK government now committed to net zero, it is safe to assume that an even greater emphasis will need to be placed on the environmental design of buildings in future.

Likely changes can be grouped into three categories: • Improved energy efficiency to reduce operational carbon • Better use of more sustainable materials to reduce embodied carbon • Greater incorporation of renewable energy devices Reductions in operational carbon are likely to be achieved by continuing recent trends aimed at minimising energy wastage from inefficient lighting, mechanical plant (heating, cooling and ventilation) and heat loss through the building envelope, but the emphasis of these reductions may change.

For example, as the thickness of roof and wall insulation has increased over recent years, emphasis switched from U-values to airtightness, since proportionately more heat was now being lost through leaky joints.

This change has resulted in modern houses that are theoretically very energy efficient, but uncomfortable for the occupants, who take matters into their own hands by opening the windows in the middle of winter while the heating is on. Needless to say, there is now a greater emphasis on human behaviour and control systems. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings For unheated buildings, optimising lighting and ventilation are likely to be key, i.e., allowing as much daylight in as possible without too much solar gain leading to overheating.

As operational carbon is reduced, expect a greater emphasis to be placed on the embodied carbon of the building, with sustainable sourcing and the greater use of recycled materials becoming normal practice.

There could also be a move towards structural forms that minimise material weight at the expense of fabrication effort (e.g. lightweight trusses) and construction methods that reduce waste (e.g. offsite manufacturing – which is already standard practice for frame manufacturers).

Finally, as demand for renewable electricity increases to charge all of those electric cars that we will soon be driving, it is likely that the trend to cover building roofs with photovoltaic (PV) arrays will pick up again, if the financial incentives are right.

However, PVs add weight to structures and can potentially

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increase wind loading, so there may be implications for the design of the structure.

There are also options to harness the power of the sun to meet local energy needs, for example cladding grain stores with transpired solar collectors (steel sheets with tiny perforations) to collect hot air to dry the grain.

The consequences of climate change on buildings One of the most shocking aspects of the recent IPCC report is that the impact of climate change is already apparent. We’ve been warned it’s going to get worse even if we slash carbon emission over the next couple of decades.

Given that all buildings have to be designed for what the Eurocodes call “climatic actions” (wind, snow and sometimes ice and thermal expansion), it should not come as a surprise if climate change results in more onerous design conditions for our buildings.

CEN (Europe’s standards organisation) is already considering how best to factor climate change

into the Eurocodes, with the option of applying a scaling factor to snow and wind loads being considered.

It is also likely that the maximum temperature values used for calculating steel expansion (very important for bridges and railway track) will increase. This rise in peak temperatures will also increase the risk of buildings overheating.

Another consequence of climate change is likely to be heavier rainfall, requiring the redesign of gutters and drainage systems.

Conclusions Climate change has arrived as a physical reality in the form of heat waves and storms and as a political priority. In both senses it will have consequences for the way buildings are constructed and operated.

With buildings accounting for 17% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the energy demand of buildings should be a priority for our sector as we seek to limit the impact of climate change and minimise the harm to our planet.

Dr Martin Heywood RIDBA Technical Consultant

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

41

| Energy

Follow 4 steps for successful on-farm AD plant design

By Steven Cotterill, 3D CAD Designer for Anaergia UK

hether you’re developing a small-scale digester or a large biomethane facility, embarking on a new onfarm anaerobic digestion project can be a daunting prospect. A comprehensive design phase to determine the most successful layout for your site can reduce the risk, ensuring your plant remains profitable for years to come. Here are Anaergia’s four design cornerstones to set your on-farm AD project on the path to success…

W 1.

Follow the process flow

At a well-designed on-farm AD facility, process dictates positioning. In so far as the site footprint will allow, design the layout of your plant to follow the flow of material. This will enable feedstock to be pumped or conveyed over the shortest

distance possible, reducing the likelihood of downtime from blockages and lessening wear and tear on feed equipment, process pumps, macerators and conveyors.

This design principle can be applied across the whole site. A compact layout is more cost-effective, as a smaller footprint means less land, less concrete and less labour will be required to build the plant. However, make sure to factor enough space into your design for landscaping, planting and shielding, which are often required by planners.

2.

Enable easy access to equipment

Farming Monthly | November 2021

Finally, consider DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations). Avoid siting equipment that will need regular maintenance within a DSEAR zone, to reduce the time that operatives will spend in this high-risk area.

3.

Maintenance is vital for successful AD operation, so ensure that forklift trucks, small vehicles or lifting machinery can easily access key equipment such as tanks, pumps and mixers. This will give service engineers the flexibility to quickly remove, repair and if necessary, replace parts and equipment, reducing downtime.

Ensure that high level equipment

42 |

can be easily reached via steps or access ladders with a sufficient platform for working, or that there is room for a cherry picker or scissor lift. If the plant has a flexible membrane roof, you will also need to allow access for cranes, as the lifetime of the membrane is shorter than the subsidised life of UK AD plants and it will need replacing.

Protect your people

The health and safety of site operatives and visitors is paramount and, as stated above, full consideration to DSEAR and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) must be followed. The potential for explosive atmosphere increases near to pressure relief valves, as these are a final safety measure of biogas release should the flare fail to light when excess biogas is not being consumed.

Therefore, as well as siting key process equipment away from ATEX-zoned areas, try to avoid locating any electrical equipment or instrumentation within the biogas release zone. If this is not possible, then ensure that equipment or instrumentation are correctly ATEXrated.

Establish clear personnel routes throughout the facility. Inside the reception building, provide designated walkways for operatives to follow, as well as barriers and/or handrails to protect people from tipping vehicles and bucket loaders. Arrange process pumps and www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy traffic light system may also be required.

Locate the weighbridge as close to the operations office as possible to enable efficient communication between drivers and site personnel. If the weighbridge needs to be located further away, then ensure there is a serviceable automated ticketing system.

Make certain there is enough turning and reversing space for vehicles delivering feedstock or collecting digestate. If delivery vehicles are tipping into a reception building, it should be high enough to accommodate the bulk trailer at full tipping height.

Factor in enough parking spaces to accommodate all staff and contractors and situate car parks as close to the reception as possible. This will ensure that new personnel arriving on site can easily and safely get to reception prior to signing in and being inducted.

associated pipework away from walkways to avoid trip hazards and consider placing pipe runs and electric cables above head height on support frames to keep floors clear for access.

Take into account the maximum number of personnel that could be on site at any one time and ensure there are adequate facilities available. In the unlikely event that operatives come into contact with large quantities of digestate or feedstock, it is important to make sure that the site includes good washing facilities and

toilets in both clean and dirty areas.

Showers, changing rooms, laundry rooms and a sufficient-sized mess room for operatives and contractors are also essential.

4.

Take care of transport

When designing your AD facility, consider vehicle movements in and out of the site, as well as within the site boundary. A traffic management plan is a good starting point and depending on the number of vehicles expected on site, a

Fueling a sustainable world

Finally, ensure that the bund size is adequate (110% of the largest vessel or 25% of total tank volume, whichever is higher) and that vehicles can easily access it, whether via a ramp or flood gate.

To conclude, a comprehensive site design coupled with strong 2D and 3D concept artworks can help developers to visualise their proposed on-farm AD plant and correct any potential layout issues before building works commence, saving both time and money. For expert AD design and layout advice, contact ukoffice@anaergia.com

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| Energy

Agri renewables vital to preventing repeat of energy crisis ecent soaring gas prices have highlighted the need to decarbonise and decentralise the energy system. The UK relies on natural gas for half its electricity generation and according to the government, 60% of natural gas was imported in 2020, which is why global market prices are a real concern for the domestic market. Increasing renewable energy production in the UK is key to encouraging domestic control and mitigating a future energy crisis.

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Renewables not only provide a number of opportunities for those within the rural economy to diversify their income, they’re also crucial to reducing harmful emissions and reaching net zero by 2050.

And Farmers are said to be pivotal to this energy transition, and the avoidance of a repeat of this energy crisis, by using their land to host renewables, switching to renewable fuels and electrified vehicles and considering options such as growing bioenergy crops.

Renewable energy has been the foundation of Low Carbon Agriculture Show for 11 years, and the event which takes place on 8 and 9 March 2022 at the NAEC Stoneleigh, will outline opportunities for farmers, update on current policy, and provide guidance on ways to optimise existing systems, as well as discussing the additional support needed in the sector.

Frank Gordon, REA Director of Policy, says more government action is needed.

“The present gas crisis has brought into sharp focus the dangers of being exposed to risks such as low electricity 44 |

Farming Monthly | November 2021

supplies and volatile global energy prices – storage for the energy produced by renewables would act as a buffer against this in the future. Support for longer duration energy storage to balance supply and demand is also critical,” he says.

Batteries are slowly becoming more affordable, and hydrogen will offer possibilities in the future.

“However, government funding is not the only requirement, we also need consistency and substance when it comes to legislation and market regulations. This could be achieved via a long-term heat decarbonisation strategy, more frequent Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions for large power projects with an auction every year on a rolling 3year horizon, and increasing renewable transport fuel production and EV uptake.”

In addition, Frank says there is increasing recognition of the value of using naturally produced biofertilisers such as that certified under the REAL Biofertiliser Certification scheme and soil management to lock up carbon under the soil.

Lisa Howkins, sales and marketing director at NFU Energy, supporters of the show, says there are many benefits for farmers looking at renewable opportunities: “The need for farmers to develop an energy strategy that will shield them from the effects of such a volatile market has never been so important.

Low Carbon Agriculture show will take place in person on 8-9 March 2022, at the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, to cut through the noise and give realistic and practical advice for farmers and landowners looking at reducing harmful emissions and renewable energy opportunities, and to support the rural economy as we move through the agricultural transition.

“Farmers who are buying electricity from the grid and have land or a rooftop available can look at solar panels where payback periods are in the region of six to eight years, or much less if electricity prices stay high. Wind turbines are still a good option if you can get planning permission. Heat pumps offer the opportunity to replace gas consumption with net-zero-friendly green electricity.

“The need to reduce energy waste and therefore reducing spend is vital,” adds Lisa.

The event will provide practical guidance on sustainable land use, renewable energy generation and emission control, cutting through the noise to get to the heart of what new changes mean for farmers, by covering specific pressing topics such as government policy, carbon storage, soil health, natural capital, net zero, renewable energy, low emission vehicles and agri-tech.

Held in partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Low Carbon Agriculture show incorporates four expos including: ‘Environmental Business Expo’, ‘Farm Technology Expo’, ‘Energy Now Expo’ and ‘Low Emission Vehicles Expo.’

To learn more, visit www.lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk/.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Biogas Specialist WELTEC BIOPOWER Takes Over Operations of AD AGRO

Director Jens Albartus: Through the merger of the business fields of AD AGRO and WELTEC, we establish promising synergies in the entire value chain of biogas and biomethane. ith immediate effect, the operations of the biogas plant manufacturer AD AGRO have continued under the umbrella of the WELTEC Group in Germany. „Through the merger of the business fields of AD AGRO and WELTEC, we establish promising synergies in the entire value chain of biogas and biomethane“, explains Jens Albartus, Director of the biogas specialist WELTEC BIOPOWER. „AD AGRO was faced with the decision of implementing a suitable succession strategy. The goal was to perpetuate the successful use of the expertise and experience gained in almost 200 biogas projects. The profile of AD AGRO fitted snugly in WELTEC BIOPOWER‘s spectrum of products and services“, explains Uwe Heider, Managing Partner of AD AGRO. „Both companies are specialised in custom-tailored, technically mature plants. Thus, this step drives the expansion of our market position and our growth“, underlines Albartus. He continues: „In this connection, we are happy to join forces with Mr Heider, a market expert who will henceforth perform sales activities for WELTEC.“ AD AGRO had been established as BD Agro Renewables by the Big Dutchman Group in May 2006. In the context of a management buy-out, the business was taken over by its Director Uwe Heider as of 1 October 2012 and continued to operate under the name „AD AGRO systems GmbH & Co. KG“. „We guarantee AD AGRO customers continuity in the business relationship, and with our WELTEC Group, we will be able to offer an even broader range of products and services. Our team of process engineers, biologists, service engineers and other specialists boasts a wealth of experience gained in more than 350 biogas plants that we have planned and built“, says Albartus, drawing attention to the benefits of bundling the businesses.

Expressing his confidence that by means of the takeover, WELTEC will further expand its international market position, he adds:„In the coming years, the biogas landscape will change and play an even more important role in reducing carbon emissions. Our positioning enables us to effectively take part in this process.“

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Energy

UK's first wind farm celebrates 30th anniversary

International artist Luke Jerram creates experimental light projection at Delabole wind farm he UK's first ever wind farm is celebrating its 30th birthday as the COP26 climate conference opens in Glasgow.

To mark the occasion, renewable energy company Good Energy commissioned renowned artist Luke Jerram to create an experimental light projection.

The piece, which features moving images depicting nature, messages to world leaders and audio of children's voices, was projected onto a wind turbine at Delabole, the birthplace of UK renewables.

Over 150 residents of the village came to see the artwork in and celebrate the anniversary of the wind farm which was originally built by the Edwards family 30 years ago.

Good Energy, which owns and operates the wind farm, commissioned the project to inspire world leaders on the eve of the hugely important climate conference.

Nigel Pocklington, CEO of Good Energy, said: "The UK's journey to net zero started in a small Cornish village back in the 90s. The Edwards family were pioneers of a green revolution 30 years ago, at a time when wind power was barely heard of. We wanted to mark this anniversary, bring the community together, and send a message to world leaders that the time is now."

"We've come a long way in 30 years, and there is a long way to go to tackle this crisis. Climate change is a huge challenge, but this wind farm shows us that some of the answers are simple and already known."

Artist Luke Jerram commented: "We all need to do what we can to fight climate change. As an artist I'm hoping my skills in visual communication may be of use. The

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question is, what can you do, to play your part? No matter what skills you have, they'll be needed in this climate emergency.

"This commission has given me the opportunity to test out new ideas.

Some of the imagery we projected is only be visible through long exposure photographs."

The company, which earlier this year appointed an advisory board of secondary school age students called the Good Future Board, is also sponsoring the 16th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY16) in Glasgow. It will be hosting a live meeting of its Good Future Board members at the event, which is run by YOUNGO The Official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), on the 30th October.

When asked what message they wanted to see from COP26, Good Future Board members commented: Mahnoor Kamran, 17: "I would like to see a democratic response to the climate emergency: one where the voices of the Global South are most prominent!"

Akash Thaker, 18: "I want to see cohesion between science and government to ensure our futures are protected whilst safeguarding those who are most at risk due to climate change."

Kathryn Gornall, 15: "I want to see history being made. I want to see our future being saved. I want to see ACTION." Jack Solly, 13: "I want to see meaningful action being taken immediately. Not words, not targets, but action. World changing action."

Shaina Shah, 14: "I want to see world leaders devise innovative and practical solutions and put them into action now."

Farming Monthly | November 2021

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| Energy

Devenish and Mara Renewables Corporation secure funding towards sustainable Omega-3 DHA human health solution orthern Ireland headquartered agri tech company Devenish and Canadian partner Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara) have secured funding support to develop algae-derived products that will improve human and environmental health.

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Devenish is receiving funding of up to £384,216 from Innovate UK and Mara Renewables Corporation is receiving advisory services and research and development funding of up to $376,247.00 (CAD) from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

The result of a joint bid with Canadian headquartered biotech company Mara, the partners will use the funds to develop an innovative algae-derived poultry feed with the aim of improving human health worldwide.

Richard Kennedy, Chief Executive, Devenish explains: “The typical human diet lacks healthpromoting fats such as Omega-3 DHA. The main source of these nutrients is oily fish, yet the recommended one serving per week is consumed by very few across the globe. There is, therefore, a public health need to make the consumption of Omega-3 DHA more accessible through more popular, globally consumed foods, such as poultry meat, and this is where the nutritional expertise of Devenish and Mara’s patent protected manufacturing method combine to great effect. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

“This funding will allow Devenish and Mara to focus on developing the next generation of OmegaPro, our naturally enriched Omega-3 DHA rich poultry feed, formulated using a sustainable algaebased source.

“We are extremely grateful for this support, which will allow Devenish and Mara to work towards improving agricultural sustainability and human health on a global scale,” Richard said.

Matthew Sharman, Group Science and Technical Manager, Devenish added: “Produced with sustainability in mind and dense in nutrients, this chicken will provide an important source of omega-3 DHA oils in the human diet, whilst enhancing the overall efficiency of poultry production.

“The processes involved will reduce the carbon footprint of omega-3 DHA production and develop a novel sustainable protein source, making progress towards the goal of achieving net zero agriculture emissions. We are enthusiastic to launch this project, the findings from which we believe will inspire similar work within other species sectors such as aquaculture and pigs.”

Roberto Armenta, Chief Scientist and Director of Research & Development, Mara said: “Mara believes that algaederived nutritional products can supplement and enhance conventional methods of agriculture to deliver health benefits on a global scale. For several years, we have successfully commercialized natural, algal omega-3 products; however, to-date, the algal

protein component from our process has remained underused. Results from this project will not only supply further nutritional benefits to the food chain, but conserve the resources required for our bioprocess, and reduce CO2 emissions.

Mara’s partnership with Devenish, facilitated by Innovate UK and NRC IRAP, will hasten our route to market and accelerate delivery of the benefits of algal nutrition to the consumer.”

Katrina Hayter, challenge director for the Transforming Food Production said: “UKRI’s UK-Canada competition is an important initiative that helps UK businesses create strong international networks, access expertise and develop international market opportunities. This is a very exciting project which will integrate cutting-edge technology into everyday farming techniques that could help both UK and Canadian agriculture improve productivity and sustainability and ultimately make our respective agricultural systems more climate friendly.”

Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas whilst connecting them to partners, customers and investors.

Devenish and Mara have recently formalised their partnership through the launch of Humanativ, a new joint venture company which will enable them to bring their innovations to the global animal nutrition market.

To find out more about Humanativ, visit www.humanativ.com

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Security

Dark nights security warning from NFU Mutual as clocks go back armers and other rural dwellers are being urged to be vigilant to avoid becoming victims of rural theft when the clocks go back, as criminals use the cover of darkness to steal from the countryside.

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• Farmers advised to review security as nights get darker • Rural crime totalled £43.3 million last year – as thieves changed tactics over the pandemic to target highvalue GPS systems and smaller machinery

• Shortages and rocketing prices mean diesel, heating oil and fertiliser could be targeted by thieves • As thieves become more active again, the last quarter of the year could see a return to costlier thefts commonly seen between October to December NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, warns that the combination of dark winter nights and fewer people out and about after dark could lead to an increase in rural crime this winter.

The warning comes as organised criminal gangs continue to target farms in overnight raids for expensive GPS systems and quad bikes. In some cases thieves, who already know the layout of farms, are targeting victims of theft a second time.

Shortages and sharp rises in the cost of diesel, heating oil and fertiliser are also raising the risk of vital supplies becoming top targets for rural thieves this winter.

NFU Mutual reported that the cost of rural theft in the UK fell by 20 per cent to £43.3m in 2020 as lockdown measures helped keep thieves out of the countryside. However, in recent years (2018 and 2019), the cost of rural theft peaked from October to December and there are increasing concerns thieves are becoming more active as they are able to move more freely again.

Robin Till, of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Ltd, said: “The longer nights and inclement weather means criminals can move around farmyards and rural properties more easily without being noticed.

“Now is a good time of year to step up security and assess how you have set out your stall. Are your entrance and exit points secure, and are

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

there expensive items on display? Could you target-harden valuable items with multiple layers of security?

“While thieves like the cover of darkness, they hate anything that will announce their arrival so intruder alarms, security lighting and systems which send alerts and CCTV footage to mobile phones are good deterrents.

“Thieves target anything they can sell on for a profit, which is why we are urging farmers to secure stocks of fertiliser and their diesel and heating oil tanks as prices soar.

“These thefts cause disruption and huge anxiety in the farming community and we want to work together to make it harder for criminals to steal from our farms and villages.”

NFU Mutual’s Risk Management Services Ltd (RMS) provides advice to farms across the UK to manage risks and has produced a farm winter rural security checklist: • •

Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves Lock outbuildings at night and carry out regular security checks during colder months

•

•

implements to deter thieves and aid recovery by police

Ensure security lighting, intruder alarms and cameras are working correctly Avoid leaving vehicles and implements where they can be easily seen from near-by roads by criminals searching for theft opportunities

•

Use tracking devices, immobilisers and CESAR-marking on tractors and quadbikes to deter thieves

•

Consider mechanical devices to anchor down quads ‘Know what you own’ - record all makes, models, serial numbers and photograph kit to help police investigate and aid an insurance claim

•

•

Never leave keys in machines when not in use

•

Remove GPS systems where possible and lock them in a secure place overnight

•

Store diesel and heating oil in tanks away from the public gaze and consider a fuel tank alarm

•

Store fertiliser in a secure building

•

Store portable tools such as chain saws, jet washers and welders in a secure locked ‘cage’

•

Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings

•

Mark tools, equipment and

NFU Mutual has provided £430,000 support for schemes set up to tackle rural theft this year. These include the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, which co-ordinates farm machinery theft intelligence between NFU Mutual, police forces, Border Force and Interpol.

For more information on trends and advice on how to beat rural crime, NFU Mutual’s 2021 Rural Crime report is available at www.nfumutual.co.uk/ ruralcrime.

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November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

49

| Education and Training

New training session for Young Far N

ew training to tackle plastic pollution by inspiring behaviour change among young farmers launched on 28th of October, just days before COP26 and during National Young Farmers' Week 2021.

The training session has been developed for the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) by the plastics and sustainability team at the Environment Agency, as part of its work on the Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution Project.

have learnt with others to widen awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution.

The module launches off the back of NFYFC's YFC Operation Green project, which called on YFC members to help improve the environment in their rural communities through litter picks or other local projects. A YFC Operation Green toolkit to help YFCs take action was also developed with the Environment Agency and clubs have been

The training recognises the important role agriculture and everyone in rural locations must play in protecting the environment. The course will join NFYFC's suite of training modules, called The Curve, which YFCs deliver during club meetings as part of their club programmes.

The new module aims to provide solutions that will enable YFC members to help prevent plastic pollution and drive long-term positive behaviour change amongst young people. Based around six activities, the session will encourage members to think about and discuss the impacts, scale and sources of plastic pollution, particularly in rural environments.

A major part of the module is focused on helping YFC members connect how plastic waste in the countryside results in polluting the oceans, as there is often a misunderstanding about the origin of plastic found in the sea.

Some key agricultural reminders about plastic waste include: •

Keeping waste plastic clean, dry, sorted and contained to keep costs down

•

Burning, burying and long-term storage of plastic waste on site is illegal

•

The legal responsibility to manage your waste and and dispose of it properly.

On completing the module, YFC members will hopefully be inspired to make a pledge to do something to help tackle plastic pollution, like reducing their own waste production, implementing good waste management, or sharing what they 50 |

Farming Monthly | November 2021

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| Education and Training

rmers aims to cut plastic pollution recording their work in the build-up to National Young Farmers' Week 2021 (25-29 October), supported by NatWest.

Working with The Environment Agency, we have created an interactive and engaging course that aims to inspire our members to think differently and do what they can to prevent plastic pollution.

NFYFC Chair of Council Rachel Goldie said: "With COP26 only days away, we hope the new Plastic Prevention training module will also help to encourage YFC members to take positive action against climate change.

"As one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK, representing the next generation of farmers, it's important we find new ways to motivate YFC members to do what they can to protect our environment."

During the pandemic, NFYFC also worked with the Environment Agency to develop plastic prevention resources and activities for YFC members to do at home and these are also available for clubs to run now they are meeting again.

Environment Agency project officer Claire Horrocks said: "Land-based industries have an important role to play in protecting our environment. Working with young farmers is a great way to inspire the agriculture sector to take positive action to reduce and reuse plastic waste, and implement good waste management practice.

"Young people are at the heart of our work as it is their energy and passion that can help shape new generational habits, contributing to long-term behaviour changes."

The training module was piloted in Leicestershire with 30 members of Rearsby & District YFC earlier in October and Club Chair Matt Kirk said: "This training module really opened our eyes to the problems caused by plastic pollution and showed how even making small changes can have a big impact. It's great that this course has been developed for Young Farmers' Clubs by NFYFC and the Environment Agency as the information has been tailored to make it relevant to people living in rural communities and working in agriculture.

"After the session, we all discussed the pledges we would make to tackle plastic pollution and ideas ranged from drinking more from reusable cups and bottles to looking at the use and disposal of plastic on our farms."

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Livestock

Calibrate your feeding equipment to keep costs in check ith the cost of straights and concentrates at current highs, it is even more important to be accurate with your dairy herd feeding. It goes without saying, 'to manage you need to measure' so think about when you last checked the calibrations of your in-parlour feeding system, robots, out-of-parlour feeders or feeder wagon itself says Ben Watts, Head of Technical & Innovation at Kite Consulting.

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"These calibration systems are designed to be accurate, but they can, and do, drift out of kilter over time. With parlour and out-ofparlour feeders especially, the pressure the cows can give them to get that last tasty morsel can affect their calibration" he says.

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

"Ideally, systems dispensing concentrates should be checked and recalibrated with each new load of feed. It does not take long, and all you really need is a bag or bucket and some accurate (ideally digital) kitchen scales.

"There are safety considerations when calibrating/checking the TMR feeder wagons, so care is needed. Ask your dealer or agent for help and advice in this respect. Simply keeping the weigh cells clear of mud and muck is a good regular service tip," he adds.

How much could inaccuracy be costing?

"For a 250-cow herd, with an average 4kgs fed in the parlour or out-of-parlour feeders, you would be feeding 1 tonne per day," says Ben. "A 10% drift could be 400g per

cow or 100kgs per day. This equates to 3 tonne per month, and with current concentrate prices heading north of £250/ tonne this could Ben Watts, be as much Head of Technical & Innovation £750/month or at Kite Consulting £9,000 per annum! If you are feeding organic concentrates at say £450/t – this equates to £1,350 per month or £16,200 per annum. Now is the time to get the scales out!" Ben concludes.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

CIEL supports next generation of livestock experts

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IEL, the UK’s livestock innovation Centre, is offering a new student bursary award to assist the grassroots of livestock research and development.

Available for this academic year, the opportunity is designed to support undergraduates to deliver their final year dissertation research.

Students undertaking livestock-focused research aligned to industry challenges at one of CIEL's 12 academic partners can apply for the chance to secure a bursary of

£1,500. A further £500 prize will be awarded for the best dissertation, as judged by CIEL. Commenting on the bursary support, CIEL CEO Lyndsay Chapman, says she is delighted CIEL is supporting future skills for the next generation entering the agrifood sector.

“The food and farming sector is a progressive industry, underpinned by the work of scientists across our universities, colleges and research partnerships,” says Mrs Chapman.

“To be able to continue to advance British agriculture, we need to ensure there’s support and opportunity at the grassroots of livestock-focused research; whether it be through industry support, like the CIEL student bursary award, or commitment from the government to support R&D as highlighted in the BEIS Innovation Strategy.

“It’s an exciting time to be working in agrifood and I look forward to seeing the projects put forward by the upcoming graduate talent,” she concludes.

For more information on how to apply, contact enquiries@cielivestock.co.uk

UK DAIRY ROADMAP ANNOUNCES HISTORIC NET ZERO CLIMATE AMBITION T he UK Dairy Roadmap initiative has today launched its climate ambition for the dairy sector, announcing a historic and ambitious commitments to improving the sustainability of dairy.

‘The Dairy Roadmap Climate Ambition: Supporting UK Net-Zero’ sets out the dairy industry’s support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming, and will set a minimum standard for improvement across the entire industry.

In meeting the challenge of Net Zero, the climate ambition paper commits the sector to a range of scientifically robust and evidence led targets and sets out a delivery programme to support their achievement.

Specifically, the climate ambition paper sets plans to: •

Reach Net Zero carbon by 2050;

•

Maintain positive actions which reduce climate warming caused by methane and nitrous oxides.

Paul Flanagan, Dairy Sector Director at AHDB said: “The strength of the Dairy

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Roadmap is in the span of people and organisations working towards common goals. Our working groups include farmers, processors, retailers, data companies, academics and trade associations. We’ve already made big strides in reducing the environmental footprint of the entire dairy supply chain and we must not be shy about telling that story. However, the opportunities for more sharing of best practice and innovations are huge, and we can accelerate these through collaborations like the Dairy Roadmap.”

Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK said: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching our Net Zero climate ambition today. This work builds upon the many commitments and efforts our processors and farmers have already made, and brings the sector together to move forward as one on this journey. We are dedicated and committed to the sustainability of the sector and in our drive to continually improve.

Together we can rise to the challenge, and we’re excited to get going in building the sustainable dairy sector of the future.”

NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “UK dairy farmers are already working hard to address the challenge of climate change, and we are now committing to do even more. We are engaged in initiatives to

reduce the carbon footprint of dairy, such as improving productivity, efficient use of nutrients and incorporating renewable and bioenergy systems on farm via solar panels and anaerobic digesters.

“The Dairy Roadmap climate ambition will encourage dairy producers and processors to work together to achieve a common goal, while demonstrating that we can produce climate friendly food to our consumers. Our commitment to sciencebased targets and a recognition of the role of methane is an important step in cementing the sustainability of dairy for the long term.”

The ambition paper also outlines a range of other commitments which include: •

A commitment to dual accounting and reporting of carbon footprints using both GWP100 and GWP*;

•

Calculate an updated and robust overall carbon footprint for UK Dairy GHG footprint for UK dairy;

•

Develop best practice and guidance on how to reduce emissions at farm level.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Livestock

Breedr smashes crowdfunding target B reedr, the free app which is transforming the British beef industry, has smashed its crowdfunding target just 24 hours into the campaign.

Initially opening to existing farmer members and investors, the firm raised over £1.6m in just 24 hours, well beyond its £1m target. The Crowdcube campaign opened to the public on Monday 25 October, and is likely to reach the investment ceiling far earlier than expected.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support from our farmer members and investors,” says Ian Wheal, founder of Breedr. “People are really keen to help make the beef supply chain more efficient, improving farmers’ profits and environmental footprints.

“We know that farmers support agri-tech businesses which are changing the industry for the better – based on the success of the Small Robot Company, for example – but we’re genuinely touched that they share our vision of efficient, data-driven supply chains.”

160,000 cattle registered on the platform.

Farmers can use the free app to record all of their livestock movements, weights and growth rates, and medicine usage.

They can also buy and sell cattle directly with other farmers, with nearly 4,500 animals – worth £3m – traded since January 2021.

In addition, the firm launched the world’s first long-term, minimum fixed beef contract in March, offering farmers confidence in investing for the future and the ability to borrow against their stock.

“By using their own data to become more efficient, Breedr farmers are finishing animals more quickly, in-spec and with two tonnes less food than average – saving more than 800kg of carbon per head,” says Mr Wheal. “The opportunities are incredible, and we want our producers to be part of building a profitable and resilient future for the whole sector.”

Panel - Farmer investors

Remus Brett, investment partner at LocalGlobe, says the time is right for such farmer-focussed technology to make real change. “This is an enormous market that is still relatively undisrupted, so has huge potential. We think the timing is ideal.”

Lorna Townsend keeps 25 Limousin cross suckler cows near Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and having used the app for over a year is keen to invest in its future development. “It’s a great tool; really informative and easy to use. I have all the information on my animals at my fingertips, and in future I’d like to see my costings for each animal from start to finish,” she says.

Breedr, which launched in 2019, now has more than 1,000 active farmers with

“The fact it’s run by farmers for farmers is important to me; we’ve offered to do

anything we can to help it develop.

We’ve recommended it to all of our friends and the Breedr community is really strong too. It not a replacement for auction markets but it’s saving us all time and money.”

Jonathan Chapman keeps 550 pedigree Aberdeen Angus suckler cows at Hele Barton, Bude, Cornwall, and uses Breedr to record all of his livestock data including weights, genetics, and medicine use. “There’s a lot of data that we as farmers are recording that’s underused: We want to make the most of that.

Looking at what’s happening with data in other industries I can see the potential for Breedr to make our lives easier and more profitable,” he says.

Having established his own start-up business focussing on measuring and improving beef eating quality, Mr Chapman can see the financial benefits of investing in the company. “There’s very little competition, and potential to develop several different revenue streams: The industry is ripe for this to come along.”

•

To find out more or to take part in the CrowdCube fundraising campaign, visit www.Crowdcube.com/breedr. For more information about Breedr, visit www.breedr.co or call 01243 210286. Interested parties can invest upwards of £10 and receive shares in the same way as publicly listed companies.

RABDF Calls on Government for Joined-Up Emissions Policy after Methane Pledge he Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) calls on the Government to create a joined-up approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions onfarm after the UK signed a Global Methane Emissions pledge at COP26 in Glasgow yesterday (2 Nov).

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infrastructure, for example.

However, the RABDF believes it is unacceptable to focus on just one greenhouse gas, such as methane, with a joined-up agriculture policy required to tackle farm emissions.

More than 100 countries have pledged to cut emissions of methane. This commits signatories to reduce their overall emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, compared with 2020 levels.

Peter Alvis, RABDF Chairman, said: "It is difficult for agriculture to focus on a single gas because of the complex nature of livestock farming and the range of systems. We need to look at it holistically and have a policy that can tackle emissions collectively.

The new initiative emphasises making cuts by tackling methane from livestock farming and leaks from oil and gas wells and other fossil fuel

"Whilst we have the Clean Air Strategy and the Environment Land Management (ELM) scheme coming down the line, this is not supplying

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farmers with the tools they need to reduce emissions.

"We need (from the Government) a policy that is driven by up-to-date and accurate data. This will allow farmers to evaluate the best options for their systems, ensuring they can produce high-quality British food with lower emissions."

The RABDF also stresses the importance that farming should not be seen as the scapegoat for methane emissions, nor should food production be exported to countries with lower animal or environmental standards than we have in the UK.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Allflex Livestock Intelligence launches LED-equipped version of its intelligent SenseHub monitoring ear tag Longer-lasting battery and multi-function LED take the guesswork out of finding individual animals within the herd environment llflex Livestock Intelligence has launched an updated version of its intelligent SenseHub monitoring ear tag which not only boasts improved battery life but also features a multi-function LED to make it easier to find individual animals in a group environment.

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The new monitoring ear tag constantly monitors subtle fertility and rumination behavioural patterns in dairy and beef cattle of all ages to provide an accurate assessment of when animals are in heat or in need of additional attention or treatment.

The addition of a bright flashing LED makes it easier for herd managers and their staff to spot which animal(s) the SenseHub system has highlighted as being in need of attention either for heat, health or routine examination purposes, while an improved battery extends the outgoing tag’s three year lifespan to up to five years.

“The new monitoring ear tags have been developed as a result of feedback from existing SenseHub users who told us they wanted a system which would make it easier to spot individual animals when

housed in a group environment,” explains Paul Mitcham, Allflex’s monitoring sales manager for the UK. “The new tags not only make it easier and less timeconsuming to find individual animals, but can also be configured to the user’s preferred settings. For example, the LED can be programmed to flash quickly (every 0.6 seconds) or slowly (every 1.6 seconds) to differentiate between animals in heat and those which have been highlighted as requiring additional medical attention or treatment.”

To further enhance their functionality and ease of use, and to extend battery life, the new tags can also be configured to only

flash at certain times of the day. For example, the LED can be set to be on during the day and off at night, and to flash for a set duration ranging from 10 minutes to 10 hours.

The small (70mm x 38mm x 17mm) and lightweight (24.5gr) tags are fully waterproof (IP68 rated) and are ideally suited for placement in the ears of cattle of all ages. They are also easy to remove and can be re-fitted to another animal, and are compatible with all existing SenseHub Dairy, SenseHub Beef, Heatime Pro+ and DataFlow II monitoring systems. They are also covered by a full 4-year warranty.

BGS and AHDB join forces to offer grazing mentoring

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he British Grassland Society (BGS) and AHDB are offering farmers the opportunity to receive one-to-one guidance to improve their grazing strategy.

the potential of their pasture. The one-toone guidance on their grazing strategy is specifically tailored to each farm.

to Perthshire. Farmers will receive two visits from their mentor, alongside conversations to help with problems and update on progress. They may also visit their mentor's farm if appropriate.

"Better production and utilisation of grass and forage provides an opportunity to

Kenton Bennett, dairy farmer from Dorset, has had a BGS grazing mentor since May 2021 to help him get more from his grass.

Farmers will receive impartial guidance and ongoing support about their grassland management from an experienced grazing mentor.

The mentors are livestock producers and grassland managers who have undergone training to help farmers set goals, plan and overcome any weaknesses to improve grassland efficiency.

reduce costs and optimise profits on any livestock farm, and the key to success is to learn from other farmers' experiences and expertise."

Siwan Howatson, AHDB Animal Health and Welfare Senior Scientist, said: "The BGS Grazing Mentors can help farmers unlock

Eight new mentors joined the project this year, with a mixture of dairy, beef and sheep farmers across Britain from Cornwall

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Kenton said: "We've learnt a lot from our grazing mentor.

Although we've had a tough year it's taught me to plan better for next year. You can take a lot of knowledge from someone that's already been through it."

Any farmers who are interested in receiving mentoring from autumn to 2021 to 2022 can find more information at britishgrassland.com/grazing-mentors.

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| Muck & Slurry

Envirosystems wins “DEFRA Farm Innovation” research funding to reduce slurry emissions nvirosystems, the UK’s leading slurry inoculant manufacturer, has won a share of Defra’s highly competitive £5 million Farming Innovation Pathways (FIP) research funding to help the industry move towards net zero emissions.

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The SME has partnered with Myerscough College for an 18-month lab-to-field feasibility project, which started in August 2021. The aim of this collaboration is to deliver a unique bacterial approach to mitigating slurry ammonia emissions and enhancing slurry fertiliser value.

Head of Research at Envirosystems, Dr David Townsend, says: “This project allows us to combine our 20 years’ experience providing SlurryBugs® to the industry with advances in technology to develop a new cost-effective option for reducing slurry ammonia emissions and bought-in synthetic fertiliser costs for farmers.”

“Traditional approaches of capping or acidifying slurry to reduce ammonia

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emissions can have detrimental impacts on microbiological populations and lead to over acidification of soils. Our proposed solution takes a more holistic approach to this growing issue and provides a more cost-effective and sustainable approach than covering slurry stores.”

Operations Director at Envirosystems, Dr Henry Russell, adds: “Our solution will have clear advantages over alternative strategies, both currently on the market and those recommended by DEFRA. Harnessing an existing biochemical pathway in slurry will allow wide adoption and application to any farm, regardless of their slurry system. We look forward to proving this technology on farms and then, once the project is completed in early 2023, rolling it out to the wider market.”

The FIP funding is delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s Transforming Food Production programme, in partnership with Defra. The project will also produce wider human health benefits through improved air quality and environmental benefits to ecosystems affected by excess ammonia emissions.

UKRI Challenge Director for the TFP challenge, Katrina Hayter, said: “As the UK gets ready to host COP26 in November, it is timely that we can unveil so many great projects in the vital area of agriculture that will help meet our net zero goals. Working closely with farmers in the innovation process means that pressing challenges are identified. Solving these challenges will result in maximising productivity, reducing emissions, and making our farms more resilient and sustainable.”

For more information, please contact Dr David Townsend or Dr Henry Russell at Envirosystems UK Ltd on 01772 860085 or visit www.envirosystems.co.uk.

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| Muck & Slurry

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Biogas Trade Fair: Vogelsang presents innovations along the digestion line t the Biogas Trade Fair (December 7 - 9, 2021) in Nuremberg, Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG is exhibiting its broad product portfolio for applications along the digestion line. The focus is on powerful pumping, cutting and disintegration technologies, as well as on systems for solid matter feeding. In Hall 9 at Stand D28 Vogelsang is also presenting its new XSplit separator to the biogas specialist audience for the first time. “For biogas plant operators, the separator enables optimal preparation of digestate

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for further use in downstream processes. And that with a very good cost-benefit ratio,” says Rainer Zobel, Director Sales EU Industry, Wastewater & Biogas at Vogelsang.

XSplit separator: proven technology redesigned Vogelsang has taken a proven solid-liquid separation concept for digestate and liquid manure and redesigned the technology behind

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| Muck & Slurry

it. The result is the user-friendly and powerful XSplit separator, which features different design and maintenance compared to other separators on the market. Moreover, the XSplit distinguishes itself with convenient functionalities, such as the simplicity of setting the desired degree of dewatering and the reliable plug formation during start-up without adding auxiliary agents.

DisRuptor as a pre-assembled system solution Vogelsang is also presenting the DisRuptor for mechanical disintegration as a compact system solution. This version of the DisRuptor is completely pre-assembled and commissioned at the factory. Once on site, it only needs to be set up, connected and then is ready for immediate use. The DisRuptor has already proven itself as an input saver in the field. Its mechanical disintegration can increase gas yield and reduce the quantity of needed input materials, while simultaneously reducing power consumption.

Vogelsang at the Biogas Trade Fair, December 7 - 9, 2021, Nuremberg: Hall 9, Stand D28

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| Muck & Slurry

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he long awaited Farming Investment Fund grants are finally here, we spoke to Mastek to get an overview on their range of machine which are available for grant funding.

Mastek offer a range of dribble bars and trailing shoe applicators to fit tankers of all makes and sizes.

The first in the line-up of machines shown below is their new 7.5m Micro Trailing Shoe. This machine is fixed to the tanker using fixed brackets and features a clever sequencing valve which unfolds the arms then tilts them to the ground all on the same hydraulic circuit.

The company offer what they refer to as a “junction box” as standard which allows filling points to be fitted to the rear of the trailing shoe. The micro shoe features the company’s micro supercut macerator, this is proving to be a very compact yet reliable macerator.

Second up is the well-known 7.5m Professional Universal Dribble Bar weighing in at only 450kg, the machine simply replaces the slurry tankers existing

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| Muck & Slurry

door meaning fitting is quick and simple Mastek pride themselves on being able to fit to any make of tanker including Joskin, Pichon and all the Irish slurry tanker manufacturers. The machine features sprung break away and stone trap as standard. This machine is very popular on tankers from 1300 gallon up to 3000 gallon.

The final machine in the line up is the companies vertical fold dribble bar known as the Hybrid Dribble Bar. This machine can feature 3 or 4 point linkage or can be bolted to the chassis of any suitable tanker. This machine is available in widths of 10 or 12m and features hydraulic accumulator break away and a junction box on the rear to allow for easy filling.

Mastek fit their own award winning “SuperCut” and “Micro SuperCut” macerators to their range of dribble bars and trailing shoes which are designed to handle long fibre and debris by using 6 unique V-shaped cutting discs to shear long fibre and plastic. Each hose outlet has a one-way air valve, this gives an even flow and helps to prevent blockages. Mastek told us they have machines working on farms using sand bedding and although these customers see increased wear the overall lifetime of parts is very impressive compared to other macerators on the market.

Slurry Systems, Dribble Bars and Trailing Shoe Applicators

FARMING INVESTMENT FUND GRANTS

OPENING OCTOBER - Call us for more details

Mastek offer their own line up of flow meter with either a touch screen tablet display or the popular ISOBUS version allowing the user to view the flow meter on their tractor display screen with no need for an additional display box cluttering up the cab. These flow meters can record the amount of slurry applied to individual fields, something which is becoming more and more essential for farm nutrient records.

The team at Mastek comprises of Mark Roberts who covers the North of the UK and Scotland and Ben Willcox who covers the South of the UK and Wales. Mastek have a growing network of dealers throughout the UK who can offer you a solution to fit your tanker.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

01939 220079

www.mastek.ie October 2021 | Farming Monthly

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two are one of the biggest British manufacturers of farming machinery and their award-winning muck spreaders are being praised by customers for their high product outputs and excellent back up support.

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In 2021 Ktwo have continued to be recognised as the best British manufacturer of farming machinery. Their most recent award wins include BUILD Magazine’s Construction & Engineering Awards 2021 Best Trailer & Muck Spreader Manufacturer (they won UK Leading Innovators in Agricultural Machinery in 2020), SME’s British Made Awards 2021 Best Agricultural Trailers & Muck Spreaders Manufacturer and EU Business News Agriculture and Farming Awards 2021 Best International Trailer & Muck Spreading Machinery Manufacturer.

Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director, says ‘’We pride ourselves on our innovation and quality, and we are very proud to be recognised as the Best Trailer & Muck Spreader Manufacturer in the UK and internationally. We continue to improve our products around our customer needs, and

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our improved MK5 versions of our Ktwo Bio and Ktwo Evo spreaders have been very well received by customers which is a credit to our fantastic team.’’

The Ktwo Bio range of rear discharge muck spreaders with twin horizontal beaters are designed with the most accurate of applications in mind and are the perfect choice when spreading higher value products. Whilst the Ktwo Evo range of rear discharge muck spreaders with twin vertical beaters are designed to cope with the most demanding conditions whilst at the same time providing extra accuracy and the highest outputs available.

Ktwo launched the improved MK5 versions of the Ktwo Bio and Ktwo Evo in 2020 and the improvements further increased volume and ease of emptying which has been well received by farmers and contractors nationwide. ‘’We received our new Ktwo Bio 1600 in 2020.’’ Explains Adrian from Thoresby Farms in Nottinghamshire, ‘’we love it due to the high output and spreading accuracy.

One of the key features for us was the hardened beater tips and wear plates due to spreading pig muck which has a high

stone count.’’ Adrian was also very pleased with the support from the Ktwo team, ‘’The machine is very reliable, and we have good back up support from Ktwo on wearing parts. Ktwo supported us all the way in getting 100% output of the machine, all the time. ‘’ Ktwo have continued to focus and grow their service team to support their customers and provide a high standard of backup assistance.

Robinson Contract Services, who were the first to receive the new MK5 Ktwo Bio’s in 2020, have always recommended Ktwo both for their machines and as a company.

Their General Manager explains ‘We have always had excellent backup from the Ktwo team regardless of whether this has been for parts, advice or joint head-scratching when problems have arisen. The Ktwo Bio’s spread pattern and distance remain consistent across all manure types, enabling us to operate at the most common tramline widths without the need for lots of extra wheel marks and compaction in between - which is always a bonus with the customer! The Ktwo spreaders are also liked by the staff at Robinson Contract Services due to their ease of use (always a

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| Muck & Slurry

bonus when using seasonal staff), their ability to handle all products we’ve put through them and the fact that we can maintain them easily, to a high standard, in-house.’’

Will Green of Green Agricultural services says ‘’Having run Ktwo Bios in the past I have switched to Evos due to a change in workload. I have always found the support from Ktwo fantastic. The machines have always been brilliant, the build quality and spread patterns are outstanding. I would recommend them to anyone, not only for the machines but for the support Ktwo provide.

These spreaders are a cornerstone of my business and will continue to be so for many years to come.’’

Ktwo’s award winning spreader range also includes the versatile and popular Ktwo Duo muck spreaders and the lighter duty Ktwo Eco muck spreaders. All models come with a host of optional extras to suit most requirements.

Ktwo’s demo team cover the UK, to arrange a demo contact the Ktwo team today on +44 (0)1844 299290 or email sales@ktwo.co.uk For more information visit: www.ktwo.co.uk

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| Machinery

The John Deere 6120M is No.1 in the Best Utility Tractor category.

uropean agricultural machinery journalists have announced the Tractor of the Year for 2022, with John Deere winning two awards.

The 7R 350 AutoPowr model took first place in the overall Tractor of the Year category, while the 6120M AutoPowr received the Best Utility Tractor award.

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wide, spacious cab offering maximum quality and comfort;

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excellent field performance;

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high efficiency;

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ActiveCommand Steering (ACS);

In the main category, the John Deere 7R 350 AutoPowr tractor impressed the judges in all aspects of the very rigorous voting process:

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EZ Ballast weight system.

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on-board technology and automation package;

In the Best Utility Tractor category, the John Deere 6120M AutoPowr model scored highly with the following features: •

compact design and flexibility due to

the short 2.4m wheelbase; •

high payload of 4.7 tonnes;

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latest precision farming technology;

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excellent suitability for front loader work.

Tractor of the Year is an international award programme that has been running since 1998. The jury consists of 26 leading agricultural technology journalists from 25 European countries. For the second year in a row, the awards were presented at the EIMA International agricultural technology trade fair in Bologna, Italy.

The John Deere 7R 350 has been awarded Tractor of the Year for 2022.

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| Machinery

Inspire

Introducing Inspire 1200C/S

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Full control in 8 sections! This is a key feature of the new 12 metre seed drill Inspire 1200C/S. Väderstad Inspire 1200C/S is built to combine capacity with sound agronomics.

Visit vaderstad.com to learn more.

Where farming starts November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Machinery

gricultural equipment manufacturer Claydon, European market leader in direct strip seeding technology, has further expanded its UK distribution network with the appointment of highly respected dealer JJ Farm Services Limited in Gloucestershire.

we understand what customers require from their dealer and go the extra mile to ensure that they are well looked after. The innovative range of Claydon products are designed by farmers for farmers. They are manufactured to an extremely high standard, very versatile and complement the other brands which we offer, enabling us to cater for every requirement.

Based at Far Stanley, Gretton near Cheltenham, the family-owned business will manage the sale and service of Claydon Opti-Till® equipment in an area bordered by the M5 to the west, north to the M42 in Warwickshire, south to Cirencester and across to the M40. The territory compliments those covered by existing Claydon dealers Ross Farm Machinery, which has depots in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Turney Group’s branches in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

“The UK farming sector is having to adapt to a range of pressures, from ever-rising inputs costs such as fuel and labour to increasing legislation and a greater focus on soil health. These are prompting a move towards reducing the time, cost, complication, and risk of establishing crops, key areas where Claydon products offer tremendous benefits. Despite having only just taken on the franchise we have already sold two Claydon Hybrid drills following successful demonstrations with our own Hybrid M3F 3m Seed & Fertiliser unit.”

Beef farmer and agricultural contractor James Jenkins established JJ Farm Services in 1980. A family run firm with a team of experienced staff, the business takes pride in its ‘old-school’ values of integrity and personal service combined without a no-pressure approach to sales.

These attributes see customers across three counties return year after year.

At the heart of the Opti-Till® System, the Hybrid drill incorporates Claydon’s leading tine technology which delivers exceptional versatility in all climatic conditions, soil types and crops. In addition to a comprehensive range of tractor-mounted and trailed Hybrid drills from 3m to 8m wide, the company’s product line includes Straw Harrows from 3m to 15m and the 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator. Claydon also offers its TerraBlade inter-row hoe in widths from 3m to 8m, which helps growers to control weeds in band-sown crops more efficiently and more effectively than chemicals alone, with significant cost and environmental benefits.

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A main dealer for Kubota Tractors, JJ Farm Services also represents a range of other carefully selected agricultural companies where it can offer a competitive service for new and used machinery. The business has a well-respected workshop staffed by five engineers who deal with repairs and service work, both on site and on farms, plus a well-stocked parts department employing two staff.

Martin Jenkins, Managing Director, states: “Claydon is a very well-known and respected company, so we are delighted to represent them in this remarkably diverse farming area. As farmers and contractors,

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The key advantage of the Claydon Hybrid is that it is a tine drill which will operate successfully across a wide range of situations. Its simple, robust design and great flexibility allows it to establish any crop that can be air sown, in any soils. It can be used for autumn or spring sowing, will cope with wet or dry conditions, can be specified with a split hopper design so that fertiliser can be applied at drilling, and

operates accurately, reliably, and inexpensively.

With more frequent extremes of weather, Opti-Till® is particularly relevant because it is effective in all conditions, minimises risk and provides sufficient capacity to exploit narrow weather windows. This means that all agricultural seeds, from herbs and grasses to cereals and maize, can be drilled at the right time, in the right conditions and produce the high yields required to make farming businesses more resilient.

Rob Dunk, Claydon’s Sales Manager - UK and ROI, adds: “Claydon’s strategy is to offer Opti-Till® products through a network of carefully selected, enthusiastic, professional dealers. We are delighted to have JJ Farm Services on board as the business has an excellent reputation thanks to the expertise and customerfocused service which it provides.

Undoubtedly, they will attract new owners to the Claydon brand, as well as supporting existing farming businesses which already operate our machinery and will benefit from a local service and efficient parts support.

“All types and sizes of farming businesses, including dairy units, increasingly recognise the financial, operational and environmental benefits of Claydon Opti-Till®. It is particularly relevant now because of the significant opportunities to save money, combined with massive improvements in soil health and structure, lower carbon emissions, reduced soil erosion and environmental benefits which are in line with the likely future requirements of the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS).”

Contact: JJ Farm Services Ltd, Far Stanley, Gretton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5HF. T: 01242 620631 E: sales@jjfarm.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

eading farm equipment manufacturer Case IH has announced plans to attend major European agricultural shows during the remainder of 2021 and 2022 as part of the company’s programme to reconnect with customers. This will be done with the highest possible attention to safety for both customers and Case IH employees, strictly observing safety measures prevailing in each location.

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Case IH will be exhibiting a range of exciting new products, including the first public showings of the AFS ConnectTM versions of the Quadtrac and Optum tractors, the latest versions of the popular Puma 150-175 and 185-240 models, together with the Axial-Flow® 9250 AFS Harvest Command combine and LB436 HD baler. An expanded range of the innovative AGXTEND precision farming technologies will also be shown.

The company’s exhibition programme, which remains subject to change depending on prevailing COVID-19 legislation, will start with Innov-Agri in France from 7 to 9 September 2021, where Case IH will be launching the latest version of its highly successful Optum CVXDrive model. With 160ha of field demonstrations, Innov-Agri will take place at Outarville, south-west of Paris.

Agribex is the other major event Case IH will attend this year. Belgium’s largest indoor international trade fair for agriculture and the green sector, it will be held at Brussels Expo from 7 to 12 December.

For 2022, Case IH has confirmed its attendance at five major shows, although others may be added to the company’s schedule.

The calendar will start with FIMA 2022 from 8 to 12 February. A major showcase for the agricultural sector in Southern Europe, the

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42nd International Fair of Agricultural Machinery will take place in Zaragoza, Spain.

The Case IH team will then head to Hannover in Germany for Agritechnica, where the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery will be held from 27 February to 5 March.

Later in the year Case IH will exhibit at SIMA 2022. Marking the 100th anniversary of the SIMA show, the event will take place at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, from 6 to 10 November.

During November, the company will also attend EIMA International 2022, the 45th International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, in Bologna, Italy.

The final date in the Case IH events diary for next year will be Agraria 2022 at Wels in central Austria from 23 to 26 November.

Commenting on the company’s return to live agricultural events Ville Mansikkamäki, Vice President, Case IH Europe, stated: “I am delighted that Case IH will once again be exhibiting at agricultural fairs throughout Europe, with the emphasis on ensuring the safety of our staff and customers at all times.

“Earlier in the year, when very stringent COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place, we organized Case IH ‘YOUNIVERSE’, the first digital agricultural machinery fair for farmers, contractors and dealers. This online event was very successful in conveying our view of the future and the critical role enhanced connectivity will play in making the agricultural industry more efficient, productive, and sustainable.

“However, at Case IH we appreciate that digital events cannot replace face to face interaction with farmers. Our priority is to

have the best possible relationship with our customers, so for us YOUNIVERSE is a complement to normal shows, events, and roadshows. At Agritechnica we will use a new hybrid format, combining the physical event with our digital platform. This will allow us to extend our reach to all those who are unable to travel to the physical fair, enabling them to connect and experience Case IH news live, wherever they are.”

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| Machinery | Tillage

First ever Scammell Showman's Tractor to lead Part One of the Roger Austin Collection at Cheffins he first ever Showman's Tractor, created by Scammell in 1938, will lead the first part of the Roger Austin Collection at a timed online sale via Cheffins auction house, taking place between 25th November and 30th November. The Roger Austin Collection is one of the country's most significant collections of fairground vehicles and memorabilia.

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The collection is being sold on behalf of the family of Roger Austin who was one of the leading collectors of Scammell vehicles and fairground memorabilia worldwide. Based in Raunds, Northamptonshire, Mr Austin, who ran a car salvage business, was a devoted supporter of the Fairground Heritage Trust and started his large-scale collection in the 1980s, encompassing many hundreds of pieces of fairground memorabilia at its peak, alongside the 27 vehicles and trailers on offer at this sale.

Leading the sale is the Parnaby's ballast tractor, which prior to its current guise, was the first Showman's Tractor ever built and precedes the famous Showtrac vehicles owned by Hoadleys, as confirmed by a letter from The Scammell Owners & Enthusiasts Club. The lorry was a groundbreaking vehicle at the time, representing the important development from steam engines previously used for the haulage and motive power for fairground rides.

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Also within the sale is an original 1946 Scammell Showtrac. This is one of only 18 Showtracs ever built by Scammell and is liveried for its first owner Flanagan's Amusements of Watford. The Showtrac was tenth off the production line and is an important historical vehicle, being one of only 17 surviving examples. The Showtrac has been within the Roger Austin Collection since 1989, and was fully restored at that time, it has the potential to attract a multitude of buyers.

Another important lot in the auction is a 1938 Scammell Highwayman and tandem axle fuel tanker which had a starring role in the TV advertising campaign for the launch of the Ford Mondeo mk2 in 1996 where it was cast as driving on the opposite side of the road of the featured car. This vehicle was purchased by Mr Austin in 1988. Other vehicles on offer include a 1931 part-restored chain drive Scammell Highwayman tractor unit; a very smart Tandem axle fifth wheel flatbed trailer; a mid-1930s BSA saloon car in kit form; a circa 1936 Austin 20 Charabanc for re-commissioning, a charming half size Scammell Showtrac with petrol engine and a series of Scammell Highwayman tankers and tractor units suitable for spares or repair. There is also a series of spares and a mono-rail children's fun-fair electric train ride with two, eight-seat carriages complete in its original packing truck.

Jeremy Curzon, Director at Cheffins comments: "Roger Austin was a much-respected character on the fairground heritage scene and his collection was widely-regarded as one of the most important in the country. During the 1930s, fairgrounds were a serious money-maker with many operating nationwide, and the fact that Scammell took the steps to build a vehicle simply for showmen was a testament to this. The Scammell Showtrac

is an important historical development in the history of the British funfair and marks the turning point in the 1930s where fairgrounds moved from being driven almost solely by steam to using diesel vehicles, and as there were only 18 Showtracs ever built, these on offer at the sale are hugely rare vehicles. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century the travelling fairground was an important event and a big business, and these vintage examples from the period are now making some serious money as there is a growing band of fairground enthusiasts all looking to capture some of the excitement of the period. The Roger Austin Collection goes some way to paint a picture of the history of the British funfair and we will be offering the second part of the collection in 2022 which will include a series of historic rides, figures, rounding boards, signs and other memorabilia."

The collection is being sold on behalf of Mr Austin's family and they state: "The lorries & fairground have been a big part of our family life. We have so many memories associated with them, none more so than the sheer pleasure that our father had when people came to visit and look around, he would be happily immersed in the sheds for hours with them. Now it's time for them to go and we hope that the new custodians of these wonderful vehicles & items of memorabilia will enjoy and preserve them for generations to come."

The sale will take place online at www.cheffins.co.uk from Thursday 25th November until Tuesday 30th November, with a viewing day on Friday 26th November at 10am.

For more information, please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery | Tillage

Kubota acquires Spanish sprayer maker, Pulverizadores Fede

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ubota Holdings Europe BV based at Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands, has acquired 100% of Spanish sprayer maker Pulverizadores Fede, a manufacturer and distributor of air blast sprayers and mist blowers for speciality applications including vineyards, orchards, citrus fruits and vegetables.

to measure the height of trees. With intelligent calibration, this innovation has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to five litres/ha, and reduce drift by over 45%.

By bringing Pulverizadores Fede on-board as a wholly-owned subsidiary and keeping its brand identity, the Kubota Group will accelerate the expansion of its business in the speciality crops market. In doing so, Kubota will strengthen its compatibility between tractors and equipment, and contribute to a reduction in the environmental impact of fruit production, through efficient spraying.

Pulverizadores Fede, based in Valencia, Spain, is a manufacturer of high-tech air blast sprayers and mist blowers. Its strength is in high-end spray application technologies, which are already in practical use with equipment such as the Smartomizer H3O. This high-tech, smart-connected air blast sprayer is able to control spray volumes and airflow in real-time, through the use of sensors

Kubota and Topcon sign collaborative research agreement for smart agriculture

ubota Corporation, Topcon Corporation and Topcon Positioning systems Inc, have entered into a collaborative research agreement in the field of smart agriculture. These companies will work together to innovate for future commercialisation through mutual research in the field of smart agriculture, bringing together the technologies and know-how developed by each company.

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The background and objectives for the agreement are as follows: While global food demand continues to increase and labour shortages at production sites also remains a concern, there are increasing expectations for smart agriculture to improve work efficiency and productivity.

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Kubota has continued for many years to supply products and services for the agricultural industry world-wide, while Topcon has been promoting the automation of farm operations through autosteering, crop analysis technologies and digital transformation solutions.

Both companies, each having its own technical knowledge, work collaboratively to move forward with research and development in smart agriculture. This includes the collection of agronomic data using various sensor technology; research on crop cultivation solutions utilising big data; fleet management and automation technology.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| ATV

Polaris Off Road welcomes all-new RANGER models for 2022

ollowing a year that saw more consumers engaging in outdoor activities than ever before, Polaris Off Road has unveiled its 2022 model year line-up for Europe, Middle East and Africa, with new models, colour options and upgrades across the RANGER, RZR, GENERAL and Sportsman brands.

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Headlining the 2022 range is the all-new RANGER SP 570 and RANGER Diesel Deluxe, taking the industry’s No.1selling utility side-by-side vehicle to the next level with user-inspired innovations and advancements.

cargo and maximize utility.

Punching well above its weight, the proven Prostar 570cc double-overheadcam engine packs class-leading power along with a new CVT system, twotimes longer belt life and an upsized and re-tuned clutch system for improved low-speed drivability. The all-new suspension provides 25.4 cm of ground clearance, a tighter turning radius and a compact width of 144.5 cm, giving the 570 a best-in-class combination of maneuverability and capability.

RANGER 570 has been the top choice for farmers, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts for more than a decade, and now, with rider-inspired features to deliver enhanced capability, comfort and drivability, the new mid-size RANGER SP 570 works harder and rides smoother than ever before.

POLARIS RANGER DIESEL DELUXE

New for 2022, Polaris introduces the RANGER Diesel Deluxe, combining the same durability, dependability and capability, with premium upgrades.

“Our customers lead a busy lifestyle and they don’t want to compromise on the two things they care most about: doing good quality work and enjoying time with the family,” said Chris Judson, Vice President of RANGER, GENERAL and ATV, Polaris. “The RANGER SP 570 was designed so they don’t have to make these tradeoffs; it’s great for work, fun to ride and the perfect fit.”

With nearly 75 litres of onboard storage, including a mobile phone holder, enclosed storage bins, a map or tablet pocket, and a massive sealed glove box, riders can take everything they need for the ride. The cab is built around the user: The dash has been moved back to provide more knee space and there is a new quieter exhaust system so riders can enjoy a conversation while the vehicle is running.

Redesigned from the ground up, the RANGER SP 570 features a bold, updated style along with a host of riderinspired improvements. The redesigned cargo box is nearly 30 percent larger, delivering class-leading volume with a single-handle tailgate for quick and easy access for loading and unloading cargo.

Integrated tie-downs, slots for cargo dividers, and Lock & Ride attachment points allow users to easily secure

Polaris is also offering 40 all-new accessories for the RANGER SP 570, along with four new accessory collections: Landowner, Farm, Hunt and Trail. Riders now have more options than ever for customization based on how they use their vehicle. With the launch of the RANGER SP 570, comes the introduction of Polaris Pro Shield cab components to the lineup. The tightest-sealing cab system from Polaris

Farming Monthly | November 2021

The RANGER SP 570 comes in three colour options for Europe, Middle East and Africa, including Sage Green, Hunter Edition in Polaris Pursuit Camo, and Nordic Pro Edition in Black Pearl with an in-cab heater and winch.

Developed and launched specifically for markets in Europe, Middle East and Australia in 2019, the RANGER Diesel introduced refined performance with the all-new diesel engine, enhanced ergonomics, an upgraded chassis and class-leading capabilities.

POLARIS RANGER SP 570

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reduces noise, water and dust from the cab for maximum rider comfort.

Additionally, riders can enjoy their favorite songs wirelessly through the JBL® Trail 4.0 audio system.

Jenika Bishop, RANGER Product Manager at Polaris, said: “The new Diesel Deluxe model is focused on providing our customers the value and key features they want in a vehicle, standard from the factory.”

Delivering a premium look and feel, the RANGER Diesel Deluxe is available in a sleek Matte Titanium finish, along with striking LED headlights. The LED lights deliver 60-percent more output than the traditional halogen lights for improved visibility in low-light conditions, allowing riders to stay outside for longer to get the job done. The standard steel wheels have been upgraded to new 12-inch black aluminium wheels with 27-inch 6ply Maxxis tyres.

It’s not just the exterior changes that make the new Diesel more deluxe.

Inside, riders will find an upgraded steering wheel with accent trim and www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

premium branding and all-new seats with a contoured fit offering premium refinement, additional bolstering, and next-level comfort.

Fitted directly at the factory, the Ranger Diesel Deluxe comes with a pre-installed 8 vent in-cab heater, an under-seat box for enhanced storage, and a noise reduction system to create a more comfortable, quieter cab.

THE WORLD LEADER IN OFF-ROAD

POLARIS RANGER In addition to the all-new RANGER SP 570, the full-size RANGER lineup receives several upgrades for 2022. Polaris is always listening to its riders and dealers, and the new full-size lineup includes improvements that are a direct result of their feedback.

More comfort and capability are critical for utility side-by-side customers.

For 2022, RANGER adds all-new seats. Redesigned seats offer next-level comfort thanks to upgraded cushioning and more premium material, while enhanced bolstering keeps riders more securely seated when traveling over rough terrain. Available on all XP 1000 models.

New colours have been introduced to the RANGER model lineup, RANGER XP 1000 Premium available in Matte Titanium (3-seat and crew models), RANGER XP 1000 Premium ABS in Ghost Grey. New for 2022, Polaris welcomes the RANGER CREW 1000 in Stealth Grey to the EMEA market.

POLARIS RZR New colours have been added to the Polaris RZR Pro XP platform for 2022, with the RZR Pro XP Sport now available in Cruiser Black, whilst the Pro XP Ultimate model is now available in a Super Graphite option.

THE BEST MEMORIES ARE MADE OFF-ROAD Never at rest, we are always moving, searching and pushing beyond. Our shared passion for the outdoors is what drives us, and determination and inventiveness are what defines us as we pursue new off-road experiences.

POLARIS GENERAL Polaris GENERAL, the all-around adventure side-by-side that offers more performance, comfort and versatility than anything else in its class, sees new upgrades and options available for 2022. GENERAL 1000 Deluxe ABS two-seat model and GENERAL 4 1000 Deluxe model are now available in Steely Blue, and come with an upgraded synthetic rope with a new blacked-out, forged hook, aluminum fairlead and rubber isolator.

POLARIS ATV Polaris Sportsman, the No.1-selling automatic 4×4 ATV, and Polaris Scrambler, the pure performance ATV, are now available in new colours across the utility, touring and sports line-up. The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is now available in Black Pearl, whilst the touring XP 1000 model is available in Navy Bue. The Sportsman XP 1000 S model also has a colour change to Super Graphite. For the Scrambler line-up, the Scrambler XP 1000 S now comes in Radar Blue for 2022.

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0% FINANCE

TWO YEAR

WARRANTY

Subject to terms and conditions and credit approval.

Keep up-todate on our socials 0330 041 5141 www.polarisbritain.com

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| ATV

Compact UTV solves forestry access challenges Large flotation tyres allow travel over sensitive, soft ground without creating ruts, and provide plenty of grip for operating on slippery steep slopes. The quiet and economical 518cc petrol engine impressed with its excellent performance.

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or a specialist team of arborists providing their services nationwide and operating from a base at Milton Keynes, Honda’s new Pioneer 520 UTV is proving ideal.

Brothers Joseph, Leon and Ethan Hottinger have worked as arborists for more than 10 years. Trading as Trinity Tree Arborcare, most of their work is

“We lose a lot of time walking between the vans and work areas, and it’s tiring carrying the equipment long distances,” explained Joseph. “We are keen to acquire an additional smaller vehicle which can be transported to sites on a trailer or in the back of a van, but which can then be unloaded and used to carry people and equipment through dense woodland or over undulating ground and without causing damage. When the job involves climbing then at least two of our team work together for safety so that there is always someone able to perform a rescue and call for help if an accident occurs, so we need something capable of carrying two people.

Potential solution

within a few hours’ travel of the base, but as all three are highly experienced climbers they are also called upon to assist other arboriculture businesses further afield when specialist climbing ability is needed.

Suitable transport Vans transport the team and their equipment by road, and are used to extract wood from work areas where there is suitable access, but soft ground conditions or limited space means the vans have to be left on hard standing while the equipment is unloaded and carried by the team on foot.

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Joseph said that vehicles that have been considered included traditional ATVs, but these lack the load carrying capacity unless a trailer is towed, and can’t carry passengers. Larger UTVs offer a solution for areas with good access, but when travelling between trees and away from established tracks then the extra width is a problem. “We had the opportunity to try Honda’s new Pioneer 520,” he continued. “Like other UTVs it has a rear load bed and a second seat for a passenger, but it isn’t much heavier than a conventional ATV, and it is only slightly wider.”

proved popular with a wide variety of users. A powerful 518cc fuel injected and liquid-cooled petrol engine drives through a mechanical transmission with automatic and manual operating modes, and drive to the front and rear wheels is through shafts which avoids power losses and additional maintenance needed for competitor’s belt and chain drive arrangements. The rear load bed carries up to 204kg, and trailers up to 454kg can be towed. The Pioneer 520 weighs only 483kg unladen and has an overall width of 1,270mm.

Successful trial The compact UTV was trialled transporting saws, harnesses and other equipment to work sites and for extracting cordwood and logs. “The low ground pressure tyres allowed travel over soft, muddy ground without creating ruts, and there was plenty of grip for working on slopes and even where it was slippery it pulled the trailer easily,” said Leon. “It saved a lot of time transporting people and kit from the van to the work area, then it carried wood to the van during the day and then returned all our equipment. The rear load area isn’t huge, but with wood on board and in the trailer, and with its

The Pioneer 520 joined Honda’s ATV and UTV range earlier this year, and quickly www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV trailer behind the Pioneer for carrying larger loads in the woods.

“Often we have a trailed chipper operating on-site too. It’s a similar width to the Pioneer and towing it behind the Honda worked really well, and allowed us to get it into an ideal position which wouldn’t have been possible behind the van due to its size.”

Options offered by Honda include a cab roof and a front screen for weather protection, both of which would be specified if the brothers place an order.

Suits our business

quick travel speed we cleared work areas quickly.

Joseph said the Pioneer 520 was very manoeuvrable. “It’s got a tight turning circle and because of its narrow width we were able to bring it in close to where we were cutting wood to minimise manual handling.”

Flexible transmission All three brothers were impressed by the transmission. “For travelling through the forest, the standard automatic mode was ideal, and it changed up and down smoothly to suit the speed and working load,” added Ethan. “In semi-automatic mode the operator can leave it to change automatically, or use paddles either side of the steering wheel to manually change up and down through the gears. There were situations where this provided extra control such as when descending steep slopes. Selecting a lower gear just before starting the descent achieved effective engine braking and reduced reliance on the brakes.”

available to help recover the Pioneer if it ever becomes stuck is reassuring,” stressed Ethan.

The tipping load bed was also a popular feature. “Even fully loaded it tipped easily and saved time as we didn’t have to unload the wood by hand. We don’t often stack cut wood but leave it in piles, and with the load bed tipped there is still plenty of space under the tailgate so it empties completely,” added Leon.

“The Pioneer 520 is a real gamechanger. It can travel almost anywhere without making a mess. The purchase price is reasonable and the running costs are low. It’s an ideal size for

Easy to look after Daily maintenance is minimal and the engine is easily accessed with the load bed in the tipped position.

Routine engine oil changes are needed every 100 operating hours. Refilling the 15litre petrol tank is convenient through a large filler cap.

Useful features

Ideal size

An optional front winch was used to ensure trees fell in the intended direction and for pulling felled timber into clearer areas to be cut into manageable sections. “Having the winch is a big advantage. As well as using it to handle wood, knowing it is

“The Pioneer 520 is ideal for operating in dense woodland, and its compact dimensions and light weight mean we can move it around easily in the back of our van,” concluded Joseph. “There is also the option to transport it behind a smaller van on a trailer, then hitch the

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“One of the biggest problems we face when working in UK woodland is that it is often dense with limited space between trees for access,” concluded Leon. “This has a major effect on the time it takes to complete jobs and so it is also a big factor in what we have to charge for the work.

operating in and around woodland and it carries two people and a load with ease.

Running on petrol rather than diesel it is quiet and smooth and has plenty of power, and we all find it easy and enjoyable to use.”

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| ATV

What’s on your UTV ‘wants’ list? alancing loads on front and rear racks, sitting astride a saddle, having no room for a passenger and being fully exposed to the elements – while the ordinary ATV also has its benefits, there are plenty of downsides to the ‘quad bike’ design. So the side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) alternative, with its full load bed, conventional seating for more than just the driver, and either cab frame or full cab, offers many advantages. But with a number of machines on the market from which to choose, selecting the right UTV for farm use can be a difficult task.

Separating out the models with design features clearly built to withstand the rigours of agriculture is a worthwhile exercise.

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A diesel engine that offers both power and economy is a given on most lists of ‘wants’, saving trips to the fuel station for petrol and providing the torque needed to climb hills and clamber over tough going. With Kioti’s K9, the successor to the popular Mechron, a three-cylinder powerplant, built by the same manufacturer as the machine itself, provides efficiency and energy in equal measure, along with the reliability for which South Korean engineering has become synonymous. Minimal fuel stops are another prerequisite for any agricultural vehicle, and with 37 litres of diesel capacity, the K9 is capable of long days without refuelling.

Surefooted traction and a decent turn of speed with a comfortable ride are also on the agricultural ‘wants’ list, and the K9 meets the bill here with a twin-range CVT transmission that provides smooth take-off and slow-down. There is also quickly-selectable 2/4wd and a locking rear diff, plus a helical spring/stabiliser arm suspension arrangement that cushions the driver/passengers and the load in rough going. And for smoother terrain, the K9’s top speed is a rapid 40km/hr (25mph).

A UTV engine also needs to provide the

guts to shift a full payload with ease, and the K9 doesn’t disappoint here. The 1.0-litre powerplant produces 24hp, more than enough to shift the machine’s 0.5-tonne load capacity with ease, meaning it is competent and capable of handling typical agricultural loads of fencing stakes, spare parts, slug pellet bags and more. A urethane coating ensures long-term bed protection, while options include hydraulic tipping – mechanical tipping is standard. For additional items there’s an optional storage box under the hood.

Of course, one of the most important features of a UTV is its ability to carry more than one person legally, safely and in comfort. The Kioti K9 features two full seats with an optional smaller mid-seat, all with safety belts. A full rollover frame with roof is standard, while options include a windscreen, half-doors and, for maximum weather protection, a full cab package with heating. Full road lighting and mirrors are standard, as is front bull-bar protection to guard against the knocks and scrapes that are unavoidable in agriculture.

A vehicle aimed at satisfying the demands of agricultural buyers needs to be universal in what it can carry, and to

• 3 cylinder 24 hp economical diesel engine • Room for 3 persons to sit comfortably • Various options cabin sun canopy etc • High ground clearance 31cm • Urethane coated load space for long lasting protection • Homologated for road use

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV this end the K9 is available with a wide range of rear fitments, such as a galvanised livestock canopy ideal for transporting lambs.

There are also hitch hooks at both the rear and the front of the machine, making it possible to not only pull a variety of trailed implements, but also manoeuvre equipment around the yard. Meanwhile, on the options list is an external hydraulic outlet, for even greater versatility – powering a tipping trailer, for example.

The K9 has a maximum towing load of 590kg, helping to more than double its carrying capacity.

Stability and manoeuvrability are also essential factors for an agriculturallytargeted UTV. With a width of 1,590mm, the K9 can squeeze through tight door-, passage- and gateways, while ground clearance of 304mm ensures it rides over rough terrain with ease.

For all their uses off-road, UTVs are often also called upon to travel on the road between tasks in different fields, and for this, of course, road

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Think carefully about what’s on your ‘wants’ list before choosing a UTV, suggests Kioti. homologation is a must. With the Kioti K9, that’s not an issue, as the machine is fully homologated for road use. And like every machine on the farm, reliability is critical to ensure uninterrupted work. Kioti UK, which recently moved to brand new premises in a central and accessible location

close to Huntingdon, and has a dealer network of more than 80 outlets, now provides a full two years’ warranty for the K9, with unlimited hours. Along with a specification that more than matches agricultural needs, that’s another factor in favour of the K9 on many farmers’ UTV ‘wants’ lists.

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| ATV

Kawasaki announce complete he 2022 utility range will feature the popular Kawasaki MULE Pro DX, Mule Pro DXT, Mule SX 4×4, and Pro-MX vehicles.

Also included in the range is the BRUTE FORCE 4x4i EPS ATV, which will be available in two colours.

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The MULE Pro DX and MULE Pro DXT remain the flagship vehicles in the range, with both machines retaining their current specification for 2022. At the core of each machine lays a 3cylinder, OHV water-cooled, 993cm3 Bosch fuel injected diesel engine; a feature of particular interest to multivehicle users pursuing a “single fuel” policy. Driving through a dual range CVT, both vehicles offer selectable 2WD and 4WD delivering 17.8 kW @

For more information

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

3600rpm and 52.1 Nm of maximum torque at 2,400rpm.

For the MULE Pro DX, a spacious tipping load bed and impressive towing ability mean that almost no task is too big to ask of it. The MULE Pro DXT helps to push the range into new customer bases, thanks to the additional ability to move work crews into difficult or environmentally sensitive locations with minimal impact.

Featuring such user-friendly features as tilt adjustable steering wheels and speed sensitive electronic power steering plus front and rear independent suspension, both these sturdy vehicles certainly make light of heavy work and leave their operators fresh at the end of

•

each demanding day.

The entry-level MULE range will again be comprised of the MULE SX 4×4 and Pro-MX. Both models offer outstanding value for money and boast selectable 2WD and 4WD with Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.

The MULE SX 4×4 relies on a sturdy and ultra-reliable OHV 410cm3 petrol engine delivering 9.9kW (13.5 PS) of motive power. Its 500kg towing capacity and 181kg load bed maximum are more than enough for many users while such “creature comforts” as a tilting steering wheel and Independent MacPherson strut front suspension, the SX faithfully delivers all day, every day.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

e 2022 MULE and ATV line up

Its range partner, the MULE Pro MX cuts a real dash, not simply due to its sprightly turn of speed but, equally, an automotive styling approach redolent of a sturdy pickup truck. The singlecylinder CVT transmission equipped 695cm3 engine delivers 32.8kW (45 PS) for year-round working in even the harshest conditions with the added benefit of electronic power steering as standard fitment.

default option when value, reliability and rugged build quality are required.

The 2022 range will be available from August and will cost:

Completing the 2022 range is the 749cm3 Brute Force ATV models.

Featuring the powerful 37.3 kW {51 PS} @ 6,750 rpm water-cooled fuel-injected V-Twin engines, a 4×4 drive train and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), the ATVs will be available in Super Black or Camouflage Real Tree Xtra Green.

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MULE Pro-DX – £11,999

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MULE Pro-DXT – £13,199

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MULE SX 4×4 – £7,299

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MULE Pro-MX – £9,199

With disc brakes both front and rear plus the luxury of double wishbone suspension at both ends, the MULE Pro MX is both work and price friendly.

Offered in traditional Kawasaki Timberline Green, the MULE SX 4×4 and MULE Pro MX are, for many, the

The variable speed EPS, carefully considered ergonomics and vast spread of smooth all-conquering power make the Brute Force a logical number one choice when rugged power combined with a small vehicle footprint are required.

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Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS – £7,799

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Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Camo – £8,099

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

November 2021 | Farming Monthly |

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| Motors

• Sixteen new dealers appointed during 2021 • Isuzu UK dealer network now at 105 dealers • New dealers appointed in key areas throughout the UK • The highest number of dealer appointments since the original D-Max launch in 2012 hroughout the year and in line with the company’s plans for growth, Isuzu UK has expanded its dealer network, with 16 dealers joining the franchise during 2021, taking the overall number of dealers in the UK to 105. This represents the most dealer appointments made in a single year since the original Isuzu D-Max was launched back in 2012.

In the northern region key appointments included Tees Valley in Darlington, Adam Purves in Galashiels and Livingstone Motor Group in Hull, along with Chorley Group, who were the most recent addition to the Isuzu network on October 1.

Serving the central part of the UK, EquiTrek opened its Sheffield based dealership in February and were joined

by Close Motor Company in Peterborough in March, with Nunns of Grimsby and Rawlinson in Suffolk opening in June and August respectively.

Looking further south, Isuzu UK appointed Livery Dole in Exeter along

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Farming Monthly | November 2021

with Hunt Forest Group, who opened two sites, with one on the Isle of Wight and the other in Blashford, Hampshire. They were joined in April

by Oliver Landpower in Tingewick and Devonshire Motors in Barnstable, who both joined the franchise in April 2021.

Talking about joining the Isuzu franchise, Hayden Williams, Managing Director at Livery Dole Exeter said “The vehicle on offer from the manufacturer is exceptional, and is backed up perfectly with support, professionalism and an

extremely helpful team at Isuzu UK. Launching with new brands during the current market conditions presented by covid and worldwide stock shortages has certainly been challenging but it seems we have chosen our new partners well and look forward to a long and successful relationship together.”

Chorley Group is the latest dealer appointment and opened on October 1.

Adam Turner, Managing Director, Chorley Group said “As a multi-brand dealer group, we have vast experience of the way the partnership between a brand and dealership works. However, from day one we have been blown away by the simplicity, professionalism, and speed that the Isuzu team have worked with. From our initial contact on LinkedIn, the team have been incredible, enabling us to get the brand up and running in record time. These are very exciting times for Isuzu, and we are proud to be a part of the journey.”

William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu UK said: “The sales success and positive reaction surrounding the AllNew Isuzu D-Max has been both rewarding and challenging, with demand currently outstripping supply.

However, with our plans for growth over the coming years, it was vital to have an expanded dealer network in place to deliver the standards of service that our current and future customers expect from the pick-up professionals.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

NEOS, Europe’s biggest operator of electrolysis needed to produce clean, low carbon hydrogen, has doubled down on its €2 billion investment in green hydrogen with the launch of a hydrogen advocacy campaign.

The campaign kicked off with the publication of a powerful editorial in the Sunday Telegraph on the hydrogen economy written by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s founder and chairman.

Today sees this followed by a national multi-media campaign that includes substantial billboard and digital advertising as well as a hydrogen bus exhibition tour and presence in Glasgow at COP26.

Sir Jim says: “We believe that hydrogen is the fuel of the future and INEOS is determined to take a leading role in its development. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen only produces water and is the UK’s best chance of reaching its carbon reduction targets”.

INEOS Automotive is also exploring new opportunities in the hydrogen economy, with a hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator of its Grenadier 4x4 now in development.

Hydrogen is a fabulous, clean source of energy that can be used as both a raw material for industry and as a power source for transport and the home. It has a massive role to play in lowering the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

INEOS is committed to playing a leading role in the hydrogen revolution.

INEOS is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology which uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation and industrial use.

INEOS already produces and uses 400,000 tonnes of low carbon hydrogen every year, the equivalent of replacing up to 2 billion litres of diesel. It knows how to make, transport, store and use it.

Being a user and producer of hydrogen puts INEOS in a unique position at the heart of green hydrogen development.

And the company has announced that it intends to invest €2 billion in new production of green hydrogen across Europe.

It is also launching a major hydrogen advocacy campaign to draw attention to both the benefits and applications of hydrogen. The campaign will include significant billboard and digital advertising in London and Glasgow, a UK hydrogen bus tour and the exhibiting of a hydrogen powered car at COP 26.

Sir Jim says, “Electric cars are ideal for city centres and short journeys. But hydrogen is much better for longer journeys and heavier loads and that requires immediate investment in hydrogen distribution and hydrogen filling stations.”

The company’s INEOS Automotive division is also backing hydrogen fuel cells as the clean powertrain solution for future versions of its upcoming 4X4 vehicle. Thanks to a partnership agreement signed in November 2020, the Grenadier hydrogen fuel cell concept will use fuel cell technology from Hyundai Motor Company, with testing to begin by the end of 2022.

In the longer term, hydrogen’s other massive contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases will be in the home heating space where natural gas can be replaced by hydrogen which could cut greenhouses gases by up to a third on its own.

Wherever possible, INEOS will continue to prioritise the production of green hydrogen which is made from water using electrolysis powered by renewable energy, but it is also investing in the production of blue hydrogen when the carbon produced can be safely captured and stored underground.

Sir Jim, though, adds a warning for the UK government. “The issue is that industry can only do so much, and the UK government must start to invest in the development of our hydrogen infrastructure to allow the gas to be much more widely used. At the moment, we are massively lagging behind Europe and the gap is starting to grow”.

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and Rover has strengthened the appeal of the Discovery with the introduction of a new special edition. The Metropolitan Edition features a suite of technologies to enhance the comfort and convenience provided by Land Rover’s seven-seat family SUV. For 23MY, the Defender family features an enhanced engine line-up and standard and optional equipment.

Sitting at the top of the Discovery lineup, the new Metropolitan Edition provides a host of exterior upgrades and a generous standard specification. It is available with a choice of electrified powertrains, with the efficient RDE2certified, Euro 6d-Final-compliant D300 Ingenium diesel or the powerful P360 Ingenium petrol both featuring 48V 82 |

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Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY New Metropolitan Edition

Alongside the arrival of the Metropolitan Edition, the Discovery Commercial is also now available in purposeful RDynamic specification for the first time, enhancing the appeal of Land Rover’s premium utility vehicle.

Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, said: “The introduction of the Metropolitan Edition brings a new level of premium appeal to the Land Rover Discovery. The special edition model represents the flagship of the line-up and builds on the appeal of the RDynamic specification with exterior design enhancements and a suite of convenience-boosting technologies.”

The new Metropolitan Edition represents the pinnacle of the Discovery family and builds on the purposeful RDynamic HSE specification with Bright Atlas detailing for the grille and Discovery lettering. This is complemented by Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts, 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels with Gloss Grey detailing, Black Land Rover brake calipers, Privacy Glass and a Sliding Panoramic Roof.

Standard features inside include a Head-up Display and heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a front cooler compartment and four-zone climate control. The cabin is enhanced www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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with Titanium Mesh trim detailing.

Elsewhere in the line-up, the R-Dynamic model now features a Gloss Black Contrast Roof as standard. The Discovery remains the most capable and versatile full-sized SUV, with bestin-class 3,500kg towing capacity2 and optional Advanced Tow Assist technology, which takes the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres.

The Discovery family is also available with Land Rover’s advanced Cabin Air Purification with PM2.5 air filtration1, which monitors air quality inside and filters out harmful particulates for a healthier interior environment.

The Land Rover Discovery Commercial brings premium quality to the utility vehicle market, with an expanded range. It is now available in R-Dynamic specification for the first time.

Powered by the powerful and efficient D300 MHEV engine, the Discovery Commercial combines performance and comfort with versatile load carrying. The R-Dynamic design enhancements give the Discovery Commercial a lower, wider stance, with Gloss Black exterior detailing to the front grille trim and Discovery lettering complemented by smoked rear lights and R-Dynamic badging.

The visual harmony of the rear and choice of 20 to 22-inch alloy wheels

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elevate the exterior, providing the perfect combination of practicality, allterrain capability and visual appeal.

New Discovery Commercial RDynamic

Inside, Ebony seats with contrast stitching and piping combine with the Ebony Morzine headlining for a dynamic driving environment, with metal sports pedals, bright steering wheel paddles and Shadow Aluminium Trim completing the R-Dynamic look.

Practicality is paramount for Discovery Commercial, with its versatile load area featuring a flat heavy-duty rubber loadspace floor and fixed partition, two underfloor stowage areas, six load securing loops, high-sided cabin mats and useful hooks for added convenience. The 2,024 litre3 loadspace is illuminated by additional headliner lights and can accommodate a maximum load length of 1,638mm.

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LAND ROVER DEFENDER 23MY

features 48V Mild-Hybrid technology

The 23MY Defender builds on Defender’s success in the market place with more choice and features.

Defender 90 D250 Hard Top available in both standard and SE specifications. The SE specification adds significant additional equipment as standard including:

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12-way heated, electric memory front seats with 2-way manual headrests

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Centre console with armrest

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Premium LED headlights with signature DRL and Front fog lights

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Meridian™ Sound System

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20" Style 5094, 5 spoke, Gloss

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Keyless Entry

Defender 90 Hard Top is now additionally available with Land Rover’s efficient Ingenium D250 straight-six diesel engine which is RDE2-certified, Euro 6d-Final-compliant and

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Sparkle Silver wheels

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Blind Spot Assist

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In addition, a new ‘Resist’ seating material is introduced replacing grained leather (which continues to be available as a no cost option).

Resist is animal free and offers a similar grain and feel to Windsor Leather.

Changes to the Defender core range include the introduction of the

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larger 11.4” infotainment touch screen.

X-Dynamic now features a black contrast roof as standard while customers can enjoy more choice with the additional ‘Lantau Bronze’ metallic exterior colour option. Secure Tracker Pro is now fitted as standard to to P400e, P400, X and V8 derivatives which is Thatcham S5 compliant. All Defenders continue to feature UWB (Ultra Wideband) security technology preventing relay theft.

Customers purchasing the new Defender V8 now have the option of Ebony or Ebony / Vintage Tan Windsor leather seats.

Pricing for the Defender Hard Top range starts from £45,675 OTR (90 D200) with 90 D250 standard at £48,390 OTR (£38,117 exc VAT) and 90 D250 SE at £55,830 OTR (£40,380 exc VAT)

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HYVIA has further demonstrated its passion for a cleaner future, unveiling the Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototype alongside its Hydrogen Refuelling Station prototype as it looks to deploy its own entire hydrogen-based ecosystem, including green hydrogen production and distribution, and a range of fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles.

HYVIA unveils its first hydrogen Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototypes About HYVIA : “HY” for hydrogen, “VIA” for road: HYVIA paves a new way forward for carbon-free mobility, with hydrogen mobility solutions. Created in June 2021, HYVIA is a joint venture equally owned by Renault Group and Plug Power, a world leader in turnkey hydrogen and fuel cell solutions.

Based in France, for European markets, HYVIA offers a complete and unique ecosystem that includes light commercial vehicles with fuel cells, hydrogen refuelling stations, supply of carbon-free hydrogen, services for financing and maintenance of fleets. https://www.hyvia.eu About Plug Power : Plug Power is building the hydrogen economy as a global leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell turnkey solutions. Plug Power has deployed over 50,000 fuel cell systems, designed, and built 110 refuelling stations that dispense more than 40 tons of hydrogen daily, and is a technology leader in green hydrogen solutions via electrolysis.

Present in Europe for more than 10 years, Plug Power has significant references in hydrogen mobility with key European industrials, logistics customers and vehicle manufacturers. Plug Power installed several PEM technology electrolysers in Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Portugal. The company has deployed more fuel cell systems for electromobility than anyone else in the world. https://www.plugpower.com enault Master Van H2TECH prototype Available from 2022, the all-new Master Van H2TECH offers zero CO2 emissions*, increased range, and fast refueling time and is designed to transport goods and packages with ease thanks to its 12m3 cargo volume and a range of up to 310 miles (500km). Thanks to these attributes, the Master will easily meet the needs of businesses, large accounts, fleets, and local communities.

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Commercial Vehicles: perfect for high loads and intensive use.

Built in France The Master Van H2-TECH is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, 33kWh battery and four tanks containing 6kg of hydrogen combined and is produced www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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Are women at risk of being left behind in the battery car revolution?

EARS that women could be left behind in Britain's acceleration toward zeroemission motoring have been raised by the latest analysis of battery car sales by online car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk.

Analysts at BuyaCar were surprised to find that despite women forming a much higher proportion of customers on the site than in traditional dealerships, they are four times less likely to buy an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car online than men - and the gap is widening.

Meanwhile, data from BuyaCar sister company, the specialist EV news and advice website DrivingElectric.com also confirms EVs as cars predominantly researched by men. Analysis of hundreds of thousands of site visitors reveals a readership that consists of 75% men.

Since mid-summer men have represented 80% of buyers for used EVs on BuyaCar and 78% of hybrid sales - despite women representing almost half of BuyaCar’s customers.

entirely in France.

The van itself is built at Renault’s Batilly plant, while electric and hydrogen integration is completed by PVI, a Renault Group subsidiary based in GretzArmainvilliers. The electric motor is produced at the Cleon plant, while the fuel cell assembly will begin at the Flins plant by the end of 2021. The hydrogen tanks are sourced from Faurecia.

Hydrogen Refuelling Station prototype HYVIA’s Hydrogen Refueling Stations will be available to purchase, lease or rent and are designed to meet and exceed all safety regulations and best practices, while allowing fast fueling times similar to ICE vehicles – just five minutes – to maximise vehicle availability.

The way the refuelling station operates is simple – hydrogen supplied will either be generated on-site using water electrolysis or supplied in bulk using gaseous tube trailers.

The system then compresses H2 into storage, before dispensing it into the vehicle when needed.

assembled at the Flins plant in Northern France.

Unique and complete HYVIA ecosystem These prototypes are a first illustration of the HYVIA ecosystem, including green hydrogen production (electrolysers) and distribution (Hydrogen Refuelling Station), with a range of fuel cellpowered light commercial vehicles (Van, Chassis Cab and Citybus), that are complementary to battery electric vehicles.

More prototypes currently being worked on include the Master Chassis Cab H2-TECH: a large van with even more cargo space (19m3) and a range of around 155 miles (250km).

In addition, the Master Citybus H2-TECH is an urban minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers, ideal for businesses, municipalities, and local public services, with a range of 186 miles (300km). *When driving, neither CO2 nor other regulated air pollutants, in accordance with the WLTP certification.

BuyaCar analysts say that this suggests that the balance in EV and hybrid adoption has tipped even further towards men compared with the first six months of the year.

In the used car market, EV and hybrid sales have climbed to their highest share ever - from 1 in 10 cars sold last year to 1 in 7 during 2021.

But the gender split between sales of EVs and hybrids has widened this year. During the first six months of 2021 men bought 68.8% of EVs offered on BuyaCar.co.uk and 65.4% of hybrids.

"We don't know why the gap is widening between men and women who buy EVs and hybrids, but it raises an obvious concern about women’s inclusion in the battery car revolution just as widespread adoption begins to accelerate," said Christofer Lloyd, Editor of BuyaCar.co.uk.

"Our analysis consistently shows that men tend to be the higher spenders on cars, so this is possibly related to the comparatively high prices of EVs and hybrids. While used car prices in general have been rising, it may be that some women are discouraged from going electric in the short term and a more typical balance will resume after the currently superheated market has settled down.

"However, it may also be that some manufacturers are marketing EVs in particular, in ways that are typically more appealing to men than women, for example by focussing more heavily on the high tech novelty aspects of vehicles rather than their everyday practicality.

"Whatever the reason, we believe that the industry should take note because the revolution currently taking place on our roads looks increasingly unequal."

The fuel stations will also be www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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New Fiat Professional Scudo and New Fiat Ulysse •

New Fiat Professional light commercial vehicle - Scudo - and a new Fiat Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) - Ulysse - due to go into production at the Stellantis Hordain plant in France

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Both models will be available with either an internal combustion engine (ICE) or with a 100 per cent electric motor (BEV)

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Scudo will be available in up to three lengths: Van, Combi, and Cab with platform, strengthening the Fiat Professional position

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Ulysse MPV to be available in various combinations from six to nine seats, aimed at large families and the business sector

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The new family of vehicles marks the return of Fiat Professional and Fiat to the historic French factory that produced some of its models between 1994 and 2012, and will take previous names of Scudo and Ulysse

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The BEV configurations of both models respond to the ongoing transition to zero-emissions mobility and fit into the Stellantis electrification strategy

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By 2030, Stellantis low-emissions vehicles are expected to make up more than 70 per cent of sales in Europe and more than 40 per cent in the USA with investment of more than €30 billion by 2025

iat Professional and Fiat announce the return of the Scudo and Ulysse nameplates as they go into production at the historic Stellantis plant in Hordain, near Valenciennes in northern France.

The Fiat MPV and Fiat Professional LCV will be available with either ICE or BEV powertrains.

The Scudo will be available in three configurations – Van, Combi and Cab with platform – to meet all professional transportation requirements, while Ulysse will be available with combinations from six to nine seats. Both vehicles are also based on the EMP2 platform, the modular nature of which makes it possible to meet specific needs in various markets. The same platform is also used for other Stellantis models including Peugeot Expert and Traveller, Citroën Dispatch and SpaceTourer, and Vauxhall Vivaro.

Inspired by the success of their predecessors, the two new models will take the names Fiat Ulysse and Fiat Professional Scudo. Providing a boost to the ranges of the Turin-based brands, they serve as zero-emissions solutions aimed at large families, the recreational vehicles market, chauffeured 88 |

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transportation, professionals, and outfitters.

Making a return to the French site, the Fiat Ulysse MPV was produced at Hordain between 1994 and 2002, and the Scudo from 1996 to 2012. Opened in 1992 as a result of the historic 1978 joint venture between the then Fiat and PSA Groups, the industrial complex will be the ‘cradle’ of the two new Fiat and Fiat Professional models, ready to meet the challenges of increasingly sustainable urban mobility.

The new models are both a response to the ongoing transition to zero-emissions mobility. Specifically for Scudo, with the rising use of light commercial vehicles in urban areas, these vehicles will make a significant contribution to reducing emissions in cities. Likewise, Ulysse will enable families to enjoy a more sustainable active lifestyle, benefiting from innovative high-tech devices, extraordinary levels of comfort and space at the top of their segment, and advanced safety features.

Orders for the Fiat Professional Scudo will open in the main countries between the end of this year and the beginning of next, while the Fiat Ulysse will be available by the first quarter of 2022.

Stellantis already plays a leading role in this context, proven by its undisputed European supremacy in commercial vehicles, and by its clear intention to become a world leader in electric commercial vehicles. The Group is aiming at an all-encompassing electrification strategy, to provide its iconic brands with exciting, cutting-edge vehicles, leveraging both in-house expertise and partnerships/joint ventures to develop advanced technologies at affordable prices. Over the next three years, the journey to electrify commercial vehicles will be rolled out to all its products and regions, including by offering vans powered with hydrogen fuel cells by the end of this year in some European countries.

By 2030, Stellantis low-emission vehicles are expected to make up more than 70 per cent of sales in Europe and more than 40 per cent in the U.S., with investment of more than €30 billion by 2025 in electrification and software development.

Full specification and pricing information for Fiat Professional Scudo and Fiat Ulysse in the UK will be released later in 2021.

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BEAT IT! RANGE ROVER SPECIALIST REVEALS ULTIMATE ULEZ COMPLIANT V8 SUV WITH CLASSIC BRITISH STYLE AND ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES roving that it’s not just the new kids on the Range Rover block that are compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion (from 25 October), UK Range Rover specialist and restorer Kingsley Cars has launched its ULEZ Reborn Range Rover series.

Retaining the synonymous design and charm of a Range Rover Classic, the British team has completely reengineered a ULEZ compliant model. It has upgraded the engine to either a 4.0or an optional 4.6-litre V8 with a modern ZF automatic gearbox and given it a driver-focused, technology-oriented facelift to ensure its city-dwelling owners can commute and beat the ULEZ in style, with prices starting from £125,000 including UK taxes.

Available as a two or four-door, each ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic by Kingsley Cars has been re-engineered with London city living and long-distance driving in mind. Starting from the beginning, each ULEZ compliant (pre-1981 thus classed as a historical status vehicle) Range Rover Classic is stripped to a bare shell, engineered and future proofed to remove any opportunity of rust getting into the metal. It is repaired when needed, seamlessly welded, protected with seam sealer and a rubberised coating and then finished with high quality paints, with a three-year guarantee against corrosion. Kingsley Cars ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic comes with a re-engineered 4.0-litre fuel injected 220 bhp V8 engine as standard or an optional 4.6-litre fuel injected 270 bhp V8. Both are fitted with an uprated ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox and a fully rebuilt Borg Warner transfer box to maintain reliability. These configurations can return up to 25 mpg.

The attention-to-detail doesn’t just stop there. Having restored over 400 Range www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Rover Classics and delivered tens of Kingsley Cars Reborn Range Rover models, the team can add its famed Kingsley Fast Road Suspension Kit with uprated anti-roll bars, which will be useful for speed humps as well as countryside road trips, as well as its Kingsley Big Brake Kit (with six-pot billet front and four-pot billet rear calipers and larger discs), to each of Kingsley Cars’ ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic customer cars. Other cost options include Forged Aluminium wheels that are available to assist with unsprung mass and strengthened rigidity over potholes, too.

With technology at the heart of most Londoners’ lives, Kingsley Cars’ ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic owners are also able to specify their vehicle from a range of modern options that enhance driver usability. These optional features can include front and rear sensors with a reversing camera, switchable and variable assistance electric power steering, LED headlamps with washers, Kingsley JL Audio 700w seven speaker system with DAB, as well as rear iPad entertainment integration for passengers.

Apple CarPlay integration is also available on the options list, alongside wireless smartphone charging neatly configured in the cabin, and ambient lighting.

The interior is as special as the exterior design and engineering additions.

Kingsley Cars has designed each ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic to have modern convenience yet retain a nod to the car’s past. For instance, the interior seats come heated as standard and the rear seats have two headrests and three armrests. Available to be trimmed in a range of tweed fabrics and leathers, Kingsley Cars’ team also offers customers custom colour-matched seatbelts alongside the standard, blackcoloured variants. All windows are electric, alongside adjustable electric mirrors, and sound deadening has been added to the shell including the doors and panels.

With over 20 years’ experience in restoring classic Range Rovers for clients all over the world, Kingsley Cars specialises in giving a new lease of life to pre-loved Range Rovers, now with a modern twist. The UK-based company has a dedicated workshop specifically for both Range Rover and Land Rover models, including paint, parts, trim and welding departments where the team is able to work on up to seven vehicles at one time, and with over 400 vehicles restored to-date it’s no wonder Kingsley Cars has such a loyal customer base.

Damon Oorloff, Founder of Kingsley Cars said: “Having been around classic Range Rovers for most of my life and after building a business around these vehicles, it was crucial for the company to come up with a way to not only continue to restore classic Range Rovers and Land Rovers but to enhance them for modern use. And so, our classic Range Rover Reborn series was created.

Designed for fans and enthusiasts of the classic model, it ensures that when driving in London, road users will not be hit by the ULEZ charge following its expansion to both the North and South Circular roads.

“It’s so important for businesses like ours [Kingsley Cars] to keep classic cars on the roads, they are real head turners on the commute. As a team we want to establish our vehicles as the alternative to modern Range Rovers and SUVs, by offering our customers modern technology that fits seamlessly into their everyday lives and enhances the usability of our cars, while retaining the vintage look and charm that comes with owning a classic.”

Customers wishing to order a Kingsley Cars ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic should register their interest with Kingsley Cars’ sales team on sales@kingsleycars.co.uk. Prices start from £125,000 including UK taxes, with the build process taking around six to eight months depending on specification, meaning that orders placed in November 2021 will be delivered in Summer 2022.

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