September 2013 farming monthly national

Farming

MONTHLY National

September 2013

Inside this issue...

On Topic Is soil biodiversity the X factor?

Diet Feeders Machinery focus

Tillage Show preview

Potatoes Getting the most from the crop

Farm Energy Regular renewables review Also Inside: Silage | Buildings | Dairy | Machinery |Farm Security | Pests | ATVs | Motors

Contact a local operator:

Cambridge: Swansea: Penrith:

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Contents

49

66

September 2013

35 23

Features

Regulars

17 23 24 26 28 30 44 49

06 14 36 56 65 67

Diet Feeders Latest machinery news

Red Tractor Food assurance news

Dairy Dairy news update

Silage Protect your interests

Buildings News

Potatoes Potato industry news

Arable

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic The importance of soil biodiversity

Energy Farm renewables: get onboard

Machinery New equipment

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Latest arable developments

Show reports

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

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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

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| News | News

BKT - the agricultural tyre specialists On the occasion of the last edition of SIMA, the International trade show for Agricultural Engineering, which took place in Paris in February, BKT proved again its talent for adopting an always more sophisticated product specialization. ndeed, the continuous extension of the offered product range aims at providing farmers with tire solutions that are suitable for every different tractor type – from low power up to the top of the range (tractors over 250 horsepower) – and for every different application.

Marketing more than two thousand different tyres in the off-highway segment means to develop, to test and to manufacture tyre models that differ a lot from each other - not only in terms of sizes, but also performance. The characteristic features of a tyre are actually materialized by combining multiple factors, such as the compounds used, the casing structure, and varying lug design to mention but a few.

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“Agrimax RT 600 is the ideal tyre for forage applications operating largely on grassland.”

The new Agrimax RT 600 tyre and the extended range of AgrimaxForce sizes previewed at SIMA are evidence of BKT’s success in providing the largest product range presently available on the market from a single manufacturer.

06 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

AgrimaxForce, a radial tyre for high-powered tractors over 250 horsepower, has been developed as a result of BKT’s interpretation of the IF technology enabling the tyre to support very heavy loads at low pressure. The large footprint area as well as the homogeneous pressure distribution on the land are the characteristics which stand for the tyre’s excellent flotation performance – an essential feature to reduce soil compaction. For low pressure operation with heavy loads, it has been necessary to develop a particular sidewall structure allowing for maximum sidewall flexibility. This way, the tyre service life can be remarkably prolonged guaranteeing a lasting performance over the time. AgrimaxForce is available on the market in the following sizes: IF 710/60 R 30, IF 710/60 R 34, IF 900/60 R 38 and IF 900/60 R 42. The sizes IF 600/70 R 30, IF 650/65 R 34, IF 650/85 R 38, IF 800/70 R 38 and last IF 710/70 R 42 will be coming soon.

Agrimax RT 600 is the ideal tyre for forage applications operating largely on grassland. Its particular tread design and the minor tread depth, the concentration and distribution of lugs in addition to the particular rounded shoulder design make this tire the perfect solution for such use. Presently available as 800/65 R 32, the new size 1050/50 R 32 will be soon available.

Visit bkt-tires.com

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| News

UK trade in agricultural engineering first half 2013 Provisional data from HM Revenue & Customs for the half year for agricultural engineering products shows the value of exports at £903 million against imports of £940 million, giving a trade deficit of £37 million. hese figures reflect an increase in exports of some 8.9% overall; within the total, agricultural tractors were up 11.8%, mainstream agricultural machinery down 3.4% and engines down by 4.9%. Used tractors and other machinery were up more than a quarter.

Imports of farm machinery decreased by 13.7% and agricultural tractor imports by 20.3% whilst those of engines for tractors were up by 8.7%, resulting in an overall fall for agricultural engineering of some 12.9%.

Agricultural engineering exports by region The data for the first half of the year showed that some 66% of UK agricultural machinery exports and 53% of exports of tractors by value went to the EU-27.

On a value basis, North America took 28% of tractor exports (£136 million), Asia took some 7% (£33 million) and non-EU Europe 5% (£24 million). Compared with the previous year the EU saw a marginal increase (2%) to £258 million.

Some 10% of machinery exports (£27 million) were to non-

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EU Europe, 6% each (£17 million) to Asia & North America, and 4% (£12 million) to Africa. The EU took

Exports Agricultural Engineering total of which: tractors Imports Agricultural engineering total of which: tractors Balance Agricultural Engineering total of which: tractors

occupied temporarily by France last year, taking some 19.3% of the total. France was in second place

(14.7%), Germany retained third position (9.9%) and was followed again by the Irish Republic (8.9%).

Jan-Jun 2012 (£m)

Jan-Jun 2013 (£m)

% change 13/12

829.2 441.2

903.1 493.1

8.9 11.8

1079.5 366.4

940.3 292.1

-12.9 -20.3

-250.3 74.8

-37.2 201.0

(85.1) 168.7

Top 10 UK Tractor & Agricultural Machinery export markets – Jan-June 9% more farm machinery in value from the UK than in the same period of the previous year, bringing the total to £187 million, but all other regions took less apart from the Middle East (up by 22% to £7 million) and Australasia (up by 6% to £9 million).

Exports by country Analysis of the trade by country shows that exports of tractors and agricultural machinery were made from the UK to 145 destinations across the world in the first half of 2013 with the USA regaining the number one spot that was

Jan-Jun 2012 (£m)

Jan-Jun 2013 (£m)

% of total

% change 13/12

USA

83.4

149.0

19.3

79

France

88.3

113.2

14.7

28

Germany

70.6

76.8

9.9

9

65.6

68.4

8.9

4

Belgium

31.3

31.9

4.1

2

Sweden

23.6

24.0

3.1

2

Poland

30.5

21.8

2.8

-29

Italy

25.5

20.8

2.7

-18

Denmark

13.8

20.2

2.6

47

Japan

18.2

18.4

2.4

1

Irish Republic

New CRRU sponsor A tenth rodenticide supplier has stepped forward to support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU). his follows the Health & Safety Executive announcement that a stewardship programme for second generation anticoagulant rodenticides is to be drawn up by pest control industry stakeholders.

The programme's development is being coordinated by CRRU, whose new member-sponsor is Barrettine Environmental Health.

"Rodenticides are very important tools to our customers and we share a duty to help communication throughout the supply chain to end users," says Barrettine MD Steven Bailey. "If companies like ours do not pitch in, those already supporting CRRU could face an unfair burden to fund and implement product stewardship on behalf of the whole industry."

Currently, other membersponsors of CRRU are BASF Pest Control Solutions, Bayer, Bell

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Laboratories, Killgerm Chemicals, LiphaTech, Lodi UK, PelGar International, Rentokil Initial and Syngenta.

This latest expansion in corporate support comes at a good time, according to CRRU chairman Dr Alan Buckle. “As the stewardship programme's design develops, another source of professional input and funding is most welcome," he says.

Since CRRU's establishment in 2005, it has promoted responsible rodent control to farmers, estate managers, game keepers and other care-takers of the countryside. In particular, it created the CRRU code of practice* for rodenticide users and has been instrumental in setting up the BASIS-accredited Wildlife Aware status for professional pest controllers, now held by more than 180 individuals.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Letter to the editor...

Young people entering farming. have read your article on encouraging young people to enter the world of Agriculture and I would agree it is a good time and my view point comes from personal experience of my 17 years of age grandson.

Not from a farming background, he however showed a great interest and enthusiasm to enter the said world. Fortunately his parents were able to afford for him to spend 2 years at Brymore in Somerset. He secured himself a post on a local farm quite soon after leaving Brymore as a general farm worker but this did not last for many months as he was replaced by a family member who was due to finish his training - so onto another farm - and the same circumstances have occurred again with him due to be replaced by a staff member returning after health issues.

Lunch breaks were taken whilst sitting in his car!

I am concerned who monitors the working conditions of these enthusiastic young people, as

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employees, are they monitored in that they are provided with the correct conditions and education or are these youngsters seen as just another pair of hands? Is there an apprenticeship scheme available to enable the the youngsters to move forward, to be enabled, to have a voice, to act as a change agent - if not they will lose heart and not stay and who will be responsible for the loss?

Perhaps the people already in the industry do not welcome change. After all, education is at the centre of all things that are to succeed.

I look forward to your readers comments - Christine Thanks for your letter Christine I trust our email response with regards to Apprenticeships was useful to you and your grandson.

Do any of our readers have anything to contribute to the discussion? We are always being told that we need to recruit more young people into agriculture - is there an inherent problem here?

Andrew Poulton - Editor

08 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

FarmDrop successfully raises funding The UK’s first online local food marketplace provides a new direct sales channel for farmers. armDrop, a London based food tech start-up seeking to revolutionise the food supply chain by connecting communities direct to local food producers online, has announced it has successfully raised funds to develop their platform.

Following a series of successful pilot schemes in London earlier this year, the investment from a number of high profile investors will be used to develop FarmDrop’s online marketplace enabling communities to come together to buy and sell local food; the first drops will start later this year.

FarmDrop’s innovative model seeks to empower local communities to participate in a more sustainable local food system; all food producers and farmers participating receive a guaranteed 80% of the final price.

FarmDrop provides an online marketplace that allows motivated locals to establish their own pop-up food markets and buy local food directly from producers using a click-and-collect format. The

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physical exchange of produce is then facilitated by a network of local organisers, called “Keepers”, who coordinate the FarmDrop at a local venue such as a school, hall, gym or pub.

Ben Pugh, FarmDrop’s cofounder said “We’d like to thank all of our investors for supporting this revolutionary concept. We’re very excited about the opportunity to provide the farming community a new, scalable and direct route to market”.

FarmDrop’s CEO, Ben Patten added “Having received a great deal of interest from communities keen to set up their own FarmDrops, we’re delighted we now have the resources in place to develop the platform. We are now busy finding farmers and building partnerships with other organisations looking to change the face of the UK’s food system”.

For more information please contact Hannah on 020 8740 7662, email hannah@farmdrop.co.uk or head over to www.farmdrop.co.uk, Facebook page or @farmdrop

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| News

John Deere dealer Ben Burgess acquires Anker of Coates John Deere’s longstanding eastern counties dealership Ben Burgess & Co Ltd has taken over the trading activities of Anker of Coates, with effect from Sunday 1st September 2013. ith its headquarters in Norwich and an additional three outlets in Norfolk and Suffolk, Ben Burgess celebrated its 80th anniversary last year. As a dealer of agricultural, horticultural and construction machinery, it has held the John Deere franchise for nearly 50 years. The current Anker’s operations at both the existing Coates and Ellington sites in Cambridgeshire will remain unchanged, and all staff have been retained.

“We are proud to be taking over such a well-established company and intend to continue building on the excellent business already in place,” said Ben Burgess managing director Ben Turner.

“Our expanded group operation will be able to provide a wider

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range of parts stock and offer specialist technicians for every type of machine we sell.

“We will be striving to ensure that this change has no effect on our customers’ business, and our focus will remain on delivering strong sales, service and parts support across our trading area.”

John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson added: “Ben Burgess is one of our longest serving dealers – indeed the business was selling John Deere tractors imported by Lundell before John Deere Limited was established at Langar in 1966 – and we are confident that the dealership will go from strength to strength, while continuing to provide the highest possible standards of customer support.”

Ben Burgess managing director Ben Turner (right) with Steve Trostler (left), branch manager of the Coates and Ellington depots

Next Auctions on 9th September 2013 & 7th October 2013 commencing at 10.30am

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September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Farm Stay UK members chosen as best of British Three of the four destinations listed in The Telegraph ‘British farm stays: four of the best’ are members of awardwinning farm accommodation organisation Farm Stay UK. he Telegraph’s choice includes: Nettlecombe Farm on the Isle of Wight “an excellent choice for those wanting to explore the island by car, foot or bike”, Upper Shadymoor in Shrewsbury, “a beautiful farm, which dates from the 13th century” and Cwmcrwth Farm in Carmarthenshire, “guests can do everything from lending a hand with feeding and mucking out, collecting eggs and taking the goats for a walk to pig-keeping courses and farmhouse pork curing.”

Farm Stay has more than 100 members offering five star selfcatering or bed & breakfast accommodation and 80% of Farm Stay UK accommodation is graded four stars or above. Liz Morris of Nettlecombe Farm on the Isle of Wight explained: “We love Nettlecombe Farm, it has been our family home for over 100 years and we’re incredibly proud of what we can offer guests. Holidays and

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short breaks are special to everyone so we ensure that we extend a very warm welcome to make guests feel like it is their home when they are staying with us. It’s great to have this recognised by The Telegraph Travel.”

Andy Woodward, Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK comments, “From beautiful period cottages by the coast to modern converted pigsties with luxurious spas – farm holidays are keeping up the standards and pushing the boundaries as far as rural holidays are concerned – countryside holidays still have the peace and quiet, they still have long walks and gorgeous local food but they now also have much more to offer.”

For more information about Farm Stay UK, please visit www.farmstay.co.uk, or to become a member please contact Andy Woodward on tel 02476 696909 or email andy@farmstay.co.uk.

10 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| News

Royal Agricultural University receives £50,000 to help young people into work The Royal Agricultural University has received a grant of £50,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund to help local young people into training and future employment. he money will go towards a three-year programme within the RAU’s Rural Skills Centre which offers professional courses in traditional skills, and aims to help up to 90 young people from the surrounding area.

James Foster, Training Manager at the RAU, said the project aimed to fund a range of courses, from Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications, to one-day skills courses.

“The Rural Skills Centre aims to address the opportunities for 90 local young people without qualifications. These young people, who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), may have had a negative experience of school, and we hope to provide an opportunity for them to get onto the employment ladder,” he said.

“Activities will consist of practical training covering a range of countryside skills, and the young people will have access to a range of short courses, typically

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from one to three days duration.

“Our target is for all students to enter full employment or enrolment on apprenticeship schemes or advanced training. We are taking a flexible approach rather than a prescriptive one and will try to adapt to the needs of our students,” he said.

The training programmes consist of 40-60 short courses, of typically one to two days, and it is anticipated that around 30 students will achieve Level 1 and 2 qualifications in areas such as dry stone walling, land-based activities, grooms skills and beekeeping.

“We were delighted to have received this grant from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which will help the RAU continue to make a positive impact on the employment prospects of young people in our local area,” said Mr Foster.

The grant is among a series of announcements that saw the allocation of £560,000 of funds

towards training, rural communities, low income farms and to help combat rural isolation.

Victoria Harris, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “The Royal Agricultural University

RSPCA confirms it will not call for farmers involved in the badger cull to be named after Charity Commission investigation Farmers involved in the badger cull will not be named and shamed by the RSPCA as a result of an investigation by the Charity Commission, following a detailed complaint made by the NFU. he NFU raised a number of concerns with the Charity Commission about the RSPCA’s campaigns on the badger cull and its activities relating to live animal exports. The concerns included the RSPCA’s Chief Executive calling for farmers involved in the badger cull to be named and for a boycott of milk from farmers in badger cull areas.

Today, NFU President Peter Kendall said he was pleased with the outcome of the Charity Commission’s investigation. “We took this step in asking for the Charity Commission to look into the RSPCA’s campaigns on the badger cull and live animal exports after NFU members raised concerns with us. We raised these concerns with the Charity Commission as to whether the RSPCA may have stepped outside the boundaries of the law that applies to charities, and the Charity Commission’s guidance, with some of its recent activities. We also had very real fears that any farmers named, as called for by the Chief Executive of the RSPCA, would be threatened, intimidated and harassed by others.

“Farmers have always understood the RSPCA to be a

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has long been recognised for its contribution to agriculture. We are very pleased to be able to assist with their efforts in getting young people on the road to employment in the rural sectors.”

charity that works to safeguard the welfare of animals and we have no issues with its charitable work. As a charity, the RSPCA has a privileged status, but it must respect the law that applies to charities and it must abide by Charity Commission guidance.

“I am extremely grateful to the Charity Commission, who took the NFU’s complaint seriously and carried out a thorough investigation of the issues we raised. The RSPCA has now clarified its position on the naming of farmers involved with the badger cull and that it condemns personal intimidation.

The RSPCA has also now confirmed that it will not call for a boycott of milk. This gives us some comfort on behalf of our farmer members.”

The Charity Commission has highlighted the need for the RSPCA’s campaigns to be subject to oversight by its trustees, who must assess the reputational risks for the animal charity of controversial campaigns. The Charity Commission has also clarified that campaigns must be handled responsibly and with proper consideration as to whether any campaign supports or furthers the charity’s purposes.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Animal Health

Liver fluke treatment re-introduced by MSD The flukicide drench ZANIL® has been re-introduced into Great Britain by MSD Animal Health as a treatment against chronic liver fluke in cattle and sheep. ased on the active ingredient oxyclozanide, Zanil is highly effective against the adult fluke responsible for chronic disease and – significantly for dairy farmers - is licensed for use in young, pregnant and lactating animals, with a 72-hour milk withhold period where milk is produced for human consumption.

“The latest independent data confirms that fluke is on the increase in UK cattle and sheep,” says MSD Animal Health veterinary advisor Matt Haslam. “The fluke problem is longstanding, but is being exacerbated by recent wet summer and autumn periods that have created ideal conditions for this parasite to proliferate and infect grazing livestock.

“Chronic liver fluke causes serious economic losses for livestock farmers. In dairy herds, for example, there will be a negative impact on

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fertility and milk production where cows are affected.

“It is important that farmers have access to the best treatment options given the size of the threat and the scale of potential losses. Zanil is used widely and effectively in Ireland in the control of fluke problems, and there is no known resistance to the active ingredient oxyclozanide. With its re-introduction into the country, we believe Zanil is unique as a flukicide-only treatment that is licensed for use in lactation and in the dry period for the treatment of adult fluke in dairy cows.”

Zanil is an oral drench with POM-VPS authorisation and is available from both animal health suppliers and veterinary practices.

Dosage rate is 3ml per 10kg bodyweight in cattle, up to a maximum of 105ml, and 4.5ml per 10kg bodyweight in sheep, up to a

maximum of 20ml.

Parasitic worm genome uncovers potential drug targets Barber Pole worm genome provides an essential platform to understand drug resistance in worms. esearchers have identified five enzymes that are essential to the survival of a parasitic worm that infects livestock worldwide and is a great threat to global food security. Two of these proteins are already being studied as potential drug targets against other pathogens.

The team sequenced the genome of Haemonchus contortus, or the barber pole worm, a well-studied parasitic worm that resides in the gut of sheep and other livestock globally.

This genome could provide a comprehensive understanding of how treatments against parasitic worms work and point to further new treatments and vaccines.

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“Revealing new drug targets against H. contortus could provide much-needed new treatment opportunities against parasitic worms in both animals and humans.”

The barber pole worm or H. contortus is part of a family of gastrointestinal worms that are endemic on 100% of farms and are estimated to cost the UK sheep industry alone more than £80 million pounds each year. H. contortus has become resistant to all major treatments against parasitic worms, so its genome is a good model to understand how

drug resistance develops in this complex group of closely related parasites and will also reveal further potential drug and vaccine targets.

“Our reference genome allows researchers to understand how H. contortus and other worms of this type acquire resistance to a wide range of anthelmintics – the drugs used to treat worm infections,” says Dr James Cotton, senior author from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. “Seeing a common theme of drug resistance in this well-characterised worm is extremely important because both people and animals are reliant on so few treatments against parasitic worms.”

The team sequenced the genome of a strain of H contortus that was susceptible to all major classes of drugs against parasitic worms. By comparing this sequence with that of worms that have acquired drug resistance, the researchers expect to reveal a wealth of information about how and why resistance has occurred.

“The H. contortus genome provides a rich and essential platform for future research in this and other types of parasitic worms,” says Professor Neil Sargison, author from the University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. “With the world population set to exceed nine billion by the year 2050, improving

12 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

the security of our food supply is crucial. Getting to grips with genomes such as that of H. contortus, is our best option to tackle the issue of drug resistance and develop new drugs against parasitic worms to address this issue.”

To generate a rich source of potential vaccine and drug target candidates, the team identified a set of genes that are more active in certain stages of the parasite life cycle and within the parasite’s gut.

They also identified five metabolic chokepoints – enzymes that are essential for a parasite’s survival.

Two of these enzymes are already being studies as potential drug targets; one against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and another against another type of worm.

To discover these targets, the team determined when and where each gene is turned on or off in the cells and tissues of H. contortus to reveal new insights into the worm’s lifecycle. The result is the

most extensive dataset of its kind for any gastrointestinal worm and is expected to provide a valuable resource for future investigations.

The researchers also described the full gene repertoires for known drug target families. This gives a comprehensive understanding of how several important treatments work against worms and begins to unravel why resistance has occurred in these genes.

“Not only is this worm closely related to many other parasites of livestock it is also similar to some species of worms in humans.”

Professor John Gilleard, joint senior author from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “This makes it an extremely important model parasite species for experimental studies.

“Revealing new drug targets against H. contortus could provide much-needed new treatment opportunities against parasitic worms in both animals and humans.”

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| Pests

Nature cannot be fooled Red Mite X concentrate Don’t skimp on slug control this autumn. rowers are being urged not to cut corners when protecting crops against the threat of slugs this autumn.

According to Simon McMunn of pellet manufacturer De Sangosse, growers should not be misled into thinking that the recent spell of good weather will have reduced slug populations significantly.

“Growers are being bombarded with advice, not all of which is sound,” he says. “Growers need to realise that when conditions change crops will be under a great deal of pressure,” he adds.

“The warm soils across much of the United Kingdom will do much to improve germination rates and help crops to establish before the onset of winter, but with slug pressure forecast to be high crops will benefit from the protection of a quality pellet, such as TDS,” he says.

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“The lesson of 2012 is clear: timely application just before the crop becomes vulnerable and pellet quality are the determining factors in achieving effective control, not the distance by which the slug has to travel to locate the bait.”

Although a repeat of last season’s unprecedented pressure is unlikely most experts accept that there is likely to be a large carryover of slugs.

“Certain crops might not be under much pressure currently, but there is a long way to go before they are past the critical stage and once the rain arrives, which it inevitably will, slugs will become active and troublesome,” says Mr McMunn.

With such high pressure expected he is advising growers to plan accordingly and adopt a strategy that utilises the best quality pellet with excellent all round characteristics to ensure lasting protection.

“Contrary to popular belief not all slug pellets are the same. They might claim to do a similar task and offer comparable levels of

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performance, but in reality there is as much separating pellets as there is a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive tractor. In easy conditions the difference is less evident, but as conditions worsen, the superior performance of a better quality pellet becomes clear,” he says.

The first step to effective control is pellet selection and Mr McMunn says there are two main characteristics for growers to consider when ordering supplies: the manufacturing process used and the size of the pellet.

“Slugs are discerning eaters and poor control from sub-lethal doses can lead to the pest becoming bait shy. In contrast, TDS process pellets contain attractant to entice the slug to the bait. It also uses high-grade Durum wheat flour to deliver high palatability scores which ensures the slug consumes sufficient active ingredient to cause death.”

Mr McMunn urges growers to consider the advice of renowned slug expert Dr David Glen who wrote an article examining the importance of pellet selection is achieving a desirable level of control in which he noted the following: “A great deal has been made about the role of baiting points in achieving effective control, but higher baiting points come at a cost. While it might seem advantageous to have more pellets per square metre it means an increase in pellet surface area and a reduction in individual pellet mass.

“This does nothing to promote good persistence or spreadibility scores. Smaller pellets are also more likely to disappear down cracks in seedbeds, where they can be more difficult for slugs to find. Research has shown that effective control can be achieved with as few as 30 pellets per square metre.

“The lesson of 2012 is clear: timely application just before the crop becomes vulnerable and pellet quality are the determining factors in achieving effective control, not the distance by which the slug has to travel to locate the bait.”

An effective control for Red Mite and other insect pests in poultry housing. arrier Red Mite X Concentrate is a totally different approach to the control and eradication of Red Mite in Poultry Housing, with a high dilution rate of 1:20 parts water.

The product gives excellent cleaning, anti-bacterial results in Poultry/Animal Housing and also disinfects. The unique formulation has added benefits in controlling Red Mite and other Blood sucking / Biting pests. It controls Red Mite using a physical mode of action.

The formulation has a slightly sticky consistency which when applied directly to insect pests, breaks down the wax coating causing dehydration and death. A similar reaction is caused when applying to Red Mite eggs.

Red Mite blood suck from birds and if they are not controlled with a suitable insecticide, they can cause anaemia and even death in poultry.

Shake container thoroughly and dilute the whole contents of the 500ml bottle into 10L of water, ensuring the mixture is stirred well.

Red Mites live in the poultry housing 95 per cent of the time.

After they have had their fill of blood from the birds, they travel upwards into the poultry house and live and breed in the crevices and roof structure of the hut.

Where infestation exists, felt roofs should be lifted and the whole area thoroughly treated.

Continue treating the rest of the hut – thoroughly wetting the entire infested/affected area.

Do Not Rinse, allow the product to dry naturally.

Quick Turnaround: Poultry can be returned to the treated area once dry.

Barrier Red Mite X Concentrate is non-toxic and safe to use around feed areas, egg layers and foodstuffs.

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Organic Farming Systems: This product falls into the exempt category of products which use only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended) and is therefore suitable for use in organic farming systems.

Our poultry range of products also includes Red Mite Concentrate, Red Mite Powder, Scaly Leg Spray and Anti-Pecking Spray for direct application to birds and poultry. Barrier V1 Concentrate Disinfectant (High Dilution 1:40 parts water). Fast turnaround where immediate access and re-stocking is necessary. Apply to all internal structures, walls, ceilings, floors and posts, manually through a knapsack sprayer or through a pressure washer, orchard sprayer or similar. Independently tested at 1:40 parts water against a wide range of organisms and has an effective kill rate against a wide range of bacteria including all types of Salmonella, E Coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus.

Available from all Poultry Suppliers & Agricultrual Merchants.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| On Topic

On Topic

Soil biodiversity: The X factor Research by scientists at The University of Manchester shows maintaining healthy soil biodiversity can play an important role in optimising land management programmes to reap benefits from the living soil.

Understanding the factors that regulate soil biodiversity

14 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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On Topic

| On Topic

he findings, published in the latest edition of the journal PNAS, extend the understanding about the factors that regulate soil biodiversity.

The team says more research on soil food webs – the community of organisms living all or part of their lives in the soil - and their response to land use and climate change could also improve predictions of climate change impacts on ecosystems.

In one of the largest studies of its kind, a team of researchers from across Europe looked at soil life in 60 sites across four countries, the UK, Sweden, Greece and the Czech Republic, to assess the role of soil food webs in nutrient cycles in agricultural soils.

Soil food webs describe the community of organisms living all or part of their lives in the soil and their complex living system interacting with other substances such as carbon and nitrogen. The study shows for the first time that there is a strong link between soil organisms and the overall functioning of ecosystems.

Until now most studies which have investigated the reduction of soil biodiversity and how this affects carbon and nitrogen cycling have been laboratorybased or focused on one group of organisms in the soil rather than the wider picture. This is the first time researchers have looked at the entire community of organisms. The team explored soil found under land used in various ways including intensive wheat rotation farming and permanent grassland. It found there were consistent links between soil organisms and soil food web properties and ecosystem functioning on a large scale, across European countries.

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Dr Franciska De vries, from The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Life Sciences who was lead author of the research, said: “We found that the condition of the soil was less tied to how the land was used and more influenced by the soil food web properties.

“Soils contain a vast diversity of organisms which are crucially important for humans. These organisms help capture carbon dioxide (CO2) which is crucial for helping to reduce global warming and climate change.

“This research highlights the importance of soil organisms and demonstrates that there is a whole world beneath our feet, inhabited by small creatures that we can’t even see most of the time. By liberating nitrogen for plant growth and locking up carbon in the soil they play an important role in supporting life on Earth.”

The researchers hope the findings will help in predicting how land use and climate change will impact on ecosystems and looking at ways to minimise negative changes.

Dr De vries, from The University of Manchester, said: “Soil biodiversity is under threat by a range of pressures such as urbanisation, climate change, pollution and expanding production of food, fibre and biofuel but the topic remains severely understudied.

“We hope that this research will in the longer term will help us to devise ways for farmers, landowners and conservation agencies to optimise the way they manage land to reap benefits from the living soil and reduce carbon emissions.”

Dr Franciska De vries University of Machester The research also involved Professor Richard Bardgett, from The University of Manchester. The study was part of the EU 7th framework project Soilservice, led

by Katarina Hedlund from Lund University, Sweden.

The research is published by PNAS (week beginning 12 August). Full reference: "Soil food web properties explain ecosystem services across European land use systems" with a manuscript tracking number of 2013-05198RR in online Early Edition (EE).

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Security

Farmyard security Some general advice to help keep your possessions secure. estrict access to your yard. Install gates and fix them to a sturdy concrete or metal post. Keep locked.

Make your plant and equipment less attractive to thieves by making it more distinctive. Use livery stickers or paint your plant and equipment in corporate colours.

Security devices such as Datatag marking or trackers should be considered as an option.

Keep a register of plant and

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equipment, noting serial numbers, markings colour etc. Photographs are also a useful way of recording the scale of items.

Store your tools and smaller machinery items in a building with enhanced security features close to the farmhouse.

Fencing, hedges and walls should be robust, well maintained and checked regularly for breaches.

Consider installing an alarm in

16 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

vulnerable areas. An alarm will emit an audible warning and CCTV will provide surveillance on places out of view of the farmhouse.

Illuminate areas which are overlooked from the dwelling or covered by CCTV. Property marking and registration CESAR There are a number of property marking and registration schemes available. CESAR (Construction Equipment Security and Registration scheme http://www.cesarscheme.org/ ) is approved by the Construction Equipment Association and supported by the Home Office Association of Chief Police Officers. The visible and covert marking CESAR offers should be a

deterrent to those who are looking to steal the plant/agricultural equipment, and will help in the detection and investigation and prosecution of the offender.

CESAR has been proven to deter theft, however remember when plant/agricultural equipment is left unattended, immobilise them or use additional security devises to limit the potential for unauthorised use.

Stats: • Over 4 times less likely to be stolen (compared with IMIA data) • Recovery rate increased by 6 fold (source. Met police. )

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| Diet Feeders

Mech-fiber® Interactive from Keenan Allowing you and your advisors the tools to monitor cow performance! ech-fiber® Interactive is a unique combination of reliable mixer wagon, PACE Connect technology, Nutrition protocols and expertise, and on-line support designed to give more output per kilogram of feed over time. It is a precision feeding system which allows farmers improve the utilisation of feeds for production of milk or beef by improving the performance and health of the rumen.

The tailored support and monitoring systems allow the farmer to maintain control over the entire feed preparation and delivery process. What makes Mech-fiber® Interactive unique and innovative is the total integration of Scientific Research, Human Expertise and Technology providing a platform for consistent and repeatable improvement.

It helps to eliminate waste of feeds through a combination of best practise protocols designed for every group of animals on the farm; PACE Connect technology helping the farmer to secure an optimum mix performance every time they feed their animals. With the help of a wireless data

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connection, any advisor is able to, in conjunction with the farmer; easily update the diets being fed.

According to Dr Donald Lawson, a UK based dairy cow nutritionist, “PACE Connect provides an excellent resource for remotely monitoring the ration. Being able to access from my iPhone and iPad means that ingredients and diets can be amended and information quickly transferred back to the wagon. Support for the system is very good.”

Keenan’s inTouch Monitoring service works with the farmer and their advisor to monitor in real-time what is happening during the feeding process. inTouch is where technology and human expertise merge. The inTouch team interpret the information and works through any potential abnormalities with the farmer and their advisor to ensure that optimal animal performance is achieved.

The proof behind the system is from over 1 million cows that are being fed using PACE Connect technology on a daily basis. This is backed up by science which has shown that 82% of customers who adapted the systematic approach achieved an average 16%

Keenan inTouch team

improvement in the efficient use of feed.

To find out more about the Mech-fiber® Interactive way of

feeding cows, talk to Keenan today by calling 0800 587 3296 or email info@keenansystem.com

Changes at Abbey Machinery Changes in technology bring benefits to farmers in ease of use of the ability to change diet, analyse and record to show accountability of feed. n the recent months with a shortage of feed, farmers have been saved by the use of Abbey diet feeders to handle a huge variation of feeds. The ability to handle a variety of feed and the ability to provide the animals with a consistent mix has been paramount.

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“Abbey can provide software which automatically manages the transfer of your feeding information. “ The Abbey feeder has the options of coming with the ability of a in cab control which is a wireless operation and read out system that is installed in the cab of the tractor or loader. Cab Control communicates with the weighing indicator on the feed mixer. It gives instant access to the weight and feed ingredients

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to be loaded, making the loading process more efficient, more accurate and easier Abbey can provide software which automatically manages the transfer of your feeding information. The software continuously looks for pen-fed data and feeding vehicle readiness to receive the next ration and/or pen feeding information. The System uses a base radio to transfer data. You have the possibility to send text messages from your PC to the scale indicator display. This also allows the larger operation to operate with two or more mixers and operations using stationary mixers or batch boxes. All this is possible up to a range up to one mile, depending on location.

Alternatively, as with many customers you can make it very simple and use three buttons, on, off and tare. Abbey have the full range feeders and technology for all farm sizes.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Diet Feeders

Making best use of straw in ruminant diets With livestock farmers under pressure to re-build silage stocks, after the challenges of the past 12 months, advisors and nutritional consultants are highlighting the value of including straw in ruminant diets next winter. ensuring maximum cudding. The end result is the maximum utilisation of the diet on offer.”

Frank Flynn again: “The paddle feeder also allows farmers to make best use of potatoes, root crops and other inputs, such as apples. The machine will ensure their inclusion in the diet without degrading their physical integrity.

“There is likely to be an abundance of these crops available for stock feed inclusion later this year. This is further good news for livestock farmers, as

t is a point that has been picked up by Redrock Machinery managing director Frank Flynn.

“The most efficient way of including straw in diets is through the use of a paddle-based mixer feeder,” he explained.

“The new Redrock machines feature the Fiber-Tech cutting system. This ensures that straw is consistently cut to the precise length required. In addition, the clean, sharp edges produced rub against the wall of the rumen, thereby

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they seek to identify the feeding options that will generate the best margins next winter.”

Frank Flynn made his comments in the wake of the successful mixing and feeding demonstrations undertaken by the new Redrock paddle feeder at the recent Livestock Event in Birmingham.

“By common consent the new feeder performed tremendously well throughout the two days of the event, in the company of seven tub machines. Significantly, all of the silage used for the demonstrations was in round bale format.

The fact that the Redrock paddle feeder produced such a consistent mix every time is testimony to the efficiency and versatility of the new wagon.”

A new Redrock feeder being put through its paces

Designed to perform, built to last.

Feeding Solutions from Redrock

www.redrockmachinery.com

Twin Auger Mixer Feeders

Single Auger Feeders

Vari-cut Mixer Feeders

Redrock vari-cut and Vertical Mixer Feeders together with Digi-star weighing systems can now offer the TMR Tracker. This is a feed management system that provides livestock farmers a total solution to manage feed costs, promote efficiency and improve production.

TMR Tracker also offers livestock farmers valuable management functions including operator control, stock management, online data exchange with the feed advisor and various helpful management reports. With the “TMR Tracker Mobile” on the PDA, feeding and animal data can be managed anywhere on the farm.

Alligator

All Round

No1 Blockcutter

Call Today: Redrock Machinery Ltd, Tel: 028 37552390 Fax: 028 37552399 18 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Diet Feeders

Bigger, better and British Tomahawk - built in Britain...making an impression worldwide. n the midst of their 30-year anniversary manufacturing Feeder Bedders, Teagle have announced the launch of another new model in its newly developed range of Tomahawks.

The New T7100 mounted models follow on from the T8100 and T8500 introduced at the back end of 2012. The T7100 replaces the previously popular T808 models with bigger capacity and increased output without detracting from the manoeuvrability and clear sight lines of its predecessor.

Attention to detail is a key driver of product development within Teagle, this mantra is clear to see in the New T7100 model incorporating sympathetic curves and clean lines improving the overall appearance of the machine whilst enhancing visibility for the operator.

An increased capacity of 20% in the bale chamber compared to the T808 series improves fodder containment and reduces waste. Three-point linkage attachment for easy access and manoeuvrability is now further enhanced with the introduction of the new time saving Teagle quick-release system.

Despite all the cosmetic makeover the main objective in the design and development of the T7100 is improved output and this is achieved with the incorporation of Flowplus technology into the mounted range of Tomahawk Feeder Bedders. Flowplus a 3-year UK based project was introduced into the new T8100 and T8500 trailed Tomahawks last year. Focussed on

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producing a consistently high and controlled flow of material from the discharge chute, that can be reliably repeated with all fodder materials, even at low fan speeds.

The Flowplus design is based on controlled transition of material through the crossbeater, fan and chute and includes; modified bed conveyor slats and a high flow hydraulic valve to improve tumbling of material in the bale chamber for a consistent feed rate, a simplified

bale restraint to effectively meter material flow, as well as improved delivery chute design.

The New T7100 models are available in three formats: with side chute (T7100), swivel chute (T7100SC) and the unique Tomahawk ‘Dual Chop’ system (T7150SC-D).

The new model was launched at the NEC Livestock Event in July.

For more details please contact 01872 560592 or visit www.teagle.co.uk

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Diet Feeders

New Wessex BF-180 could save you money All in one bale feeder & bedder. irst seen and very well received at the Livestock Show, Wessex has introduced the BF-180, a bale feeder and bedder in one machine.

The benefit can be immediately seen in having one machine to do both jobs efficiently and effectively while minimizing the capital outlay.

It should be noted as well that the BF-180 spreads and doesn’t chop so there is minimal dust, there are no blades to replace and fuel consumption is reduced, which constitutes a further saving.

The machine is built to a compact design and ideal for use in and around buildings, feeding and spreading round bales using either a telehandler or tractor. It has a 180 degree rotating bed, featuring hydraulic feed control and sequential feeding with side shift by up to 60cm. The spread distance ranges from 0m to 7m making it highly versatile in all types of feeding and bedding situations.

Bale loading is straightforward and done from the cab and there is an extending loading arm for different sized bales. As you would

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expect from Wessex the construction of the BF-180 is heavy-duty to ensure a long service life.

It does make a great deal of sense to consider the benefit of a

combined feeder bedder and reducing capital outlay that would have been spent on the need for two machines.

A demonstration can be easily arranged by contacting

Broadwood International on 01420 478111 or by visiting the website at www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

Find out more and join us on Facebook and Twitter

Ideal for telehandlers

As seen at Livestock

✓ Feed and bed with the same machine – lower capital outlay ✓ Spreads without chopping – minimal dust, no blades to replace and reduced fuel consumption ✓ 180º rotation – spreads or feeds to either side

FM0813

The NEW Wessex BF-180 bedder/ feeder

Try it for yourself! Call us to book your free demo today!

T: 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk 20 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Diet Feeders

Improved ration control Specialised in diet feeders Greater precision in ration formulation and feeding is now possible across Kuhn’s range of Euromix and Profile diet feeders due to developments in the company’s electronic weighing and data management systems. he KDW 340 programmable weighing facility links to weigh cells on the diet feeder to allow ration components to be loaded accurately and the loading to be monitored easily from a backlit liquid crystal display. Sufficient memory is available for 200 different ration components (e.g.

25 different rations with 8 ingredients each) with required accuracy adjustable down to 0.5kg per ingredient.

The system allows maximum flexibility by enabling loads to be programmed according to the ration allocation per animal, or by the percentage of each ingredient per load or by actual weight of ingredient per load. The KDW 340 automatically calculates the amount of each ingredient required whenever number of animals or load size varies. An alarm system operates to warn of over-loading of ingredients and also to alert the operator to the risk of over-mixing.

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The KDW 340 can operate in tandem with the KDR 400, a wireless secondary display that can be fitted in the loading vehicle to make ration control and management even easier and more convenient.

To take feeding management a step further, data transfer is now possible on Kuhn machines using the TMR Tracker. Once the software is loaded onto the farm’s office or mobile computer, this system allows transfer of information with a USB memory device to and from the diet feeder.

This system ensures valuable data is retained and managed within the security of the farm’s central information system for reasons of efficiency, convenience and traceability.

Trioliet, over 60 years of experience and innovations. rioliet is a leading Dutch company engaged in the development, production and marketing of machines and systems for feeding dairy and beef at modern, professional farms.

This position is based on 60 years of experience in (silage) feeding technology. Listening to the wishes and requirements of the dairy and beef farmer enables us to offer made-to-measure solutions, anywhere in the world.

Not surprising therefore, that today Trioliet exports well over 80% of its machines to more than 40 countries worldwide, made up of machines for silage cutting, loading, mixing and feeding.

Solomix mixer feeder wagons Trioliet offers a range of compact trailed mixer feeder wagons. These Solomixes are available with a capacity from 5 up to 52 m3. For both large and small livestock breeders and for every specific situation Trioliet has the appropriate mixer feeder wagon and the Solomix can even be made to measure, if desired.

Regardless of your farm situation, Trioliet offers you a suitable machine that will distribute the required feed at all

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times at the right place and in the right quantity for your cattle.

Trioliet is continuously working on new developments, new technologies and new techniques.

Working method and ease of operation of the machines are allimportant to us, from silage block cutters to self-loading mixer feeders.

Machines are developed and extensively tested at our experimental farms to be able to offer optimum solutions for the requirements and wishes of the professional dairy farmer.

Solomix diet feeders discharge units VL = Front discharge L = Low discharge unit B = Synthetic conveyor belt C = Curved conveyor chain T = Tandem axle H = High discharge Unit X = Heavy duty mixer with wide discharge unit K = Conveyor chain S = Adjustable elevator chain ZK = Side discharge doors

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Diet Feeders

New additions to Hi-Spec Vertical Feeder range Hi-Spec Engineering Co Ltd one of the widest range of Vertical Auger and paddle type feeder ranges on the market. For 2013, Hi-Spec has both expanded its range of Vertical Auger feeders and also developed a new mixing auger for improved mix performance. ased in Ireland, Hi-Spec Engineering specialise in the manufacture of machinery for the livestock market, in particular auger and paddle type diet feeders and an extensive range of vacuum tankers and manure spreaders.

A particular feature of Hi-Spec machinery is the wide range of options available, enabling the company to effectively tailor a machine to a customer’s specific needs. This is especially the case with diet feeders, where Hi-Spec offer one of the widest range of feed-out options available of any machine on the market, ensuring that there is an option to suit all types of building and feeding system.

Vertical Auger feeder developments The Hi-Spec range of Vertical Auger Feeders use a single central or twin mixing and chopping augers that are designed to provide an even, consistent mix in the shortest possible time. A particular feature of the Hi-Spec Vertical Auger feeder is its ability to quickly and easily chop and mix complete silage and straw bales, giving the user complete flexibility as to the feedstock used within the diet mix.

For 2013, Hi-Spec has developed a new design of auger that offers even greater mix performance. To achieve this, the pitch on the new design of auger has been reduced and is fitted with eight self-sharpening knives, one of which runs close to the body of the Vertical

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Feeder. This ensures that once the mix is drawn up by the auger, as it falls back down the side it continues to be chopped and mixed, ensuring a quick and thorough mix can be consistently achieved.

This is especially important where bales are being used within the mix and ensures that the bale contents can be quickly and evenly incorporated into the mix in the least possible time and with minimum power input.

Hi-Spec Vertical Feeders are available in a wide range of sizes and an extensive range of options are available. Recent additions to the standard range of single and Twin auger machines, include a new single auger 7 cubic metre capacity machine, the V7, for smaller livestock producers, whilst in the twin auger range there is also now the option of new 18 and 27 cubic metre models, the V18 and V27.

Variable Height Discharge conveyor A key feature of the Hi-Spec Vertical Auger range is the ease with which the feeder is able to handle both clamp, but more importantly baled silage or straw, and is able to quickly and efficiently break up and thoroughly mix the ration, so keeping mixing time to a minimum, hence reducing costs.

The VHD conveyor is compact and provides the user with complete flexibility when it comes to feeding out and is ideal in a system where forage is maybe being fed over feed barriers of

22 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

V7 Model

differing height or even into feed rings.

The VHD conveyor comprises of a modular conveyor belt and elevator, which can be extended out either side of the feeder by up to 26cm, making it ideal for central feed passages where turning round is difficult.

Using the integrated elevator on either end of the conveyor, depending on wheel equipment the discharge height can be varied from as little as 0.9 metres at maximum reach, up to 1.5 metres so enabling the mix to be easily and accurately fed out over railings or even into feed rings.

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| Red Tractor

Red Tractor Week 2013 Alex James is proud to announce Red Tractor Week (16-22 September 2013). ed Tractor Week launches on Monday 16th September. Fronted by Alex James it’s the heart of our year round Trust The Tractor campaign. Watch out for Red Tractor in your local supermarket or restaurant as the week is being supported far and wide by retailers, and foodservice partners.

Throughout the week listen out for Alex James tips and views on TV and radio and you can even join Alex to become a Red Tractor Recruit and be in with a chance to be invited along to a bonfire on Alex James’ farm in February. Nominate yourself by emailing nominate@redtractor.org.uk .

Red Tractor Recruits are real people, who are passionate about food and where it comes from (The first 25 families who signed up to be recruits have already won VIP access to Feastival). Red Tractor is building up its team of recruits to help encourage support of responsible and traceable farming in food production. Recruits will take part in exciting events, or host an event themselves and also receive great money off vouchers and chances to win from Red Tractor’s network of retailers and restaurants.

During the week, Red Tractor will be releasing a new research report on consumer confidence in the food industry and showing how Red Tractor assures food from farm- tofork via 7 real life farmer’s stories. Each day Red Tractor will be exploring a different farming sector (beef, lamb, poultry, pork, cereals, produce and dairy) so consumers can learn all about the quality foods available under the logo.

Food-wise, there will be a series of new and

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exclusive Red Tractor recipes which showcase the best Red Tractor ingredients and the unveiling of a new map locator to help consumers find how accessible and easy to find Red Tractor is when eating out. There will also be a UK wide photo competition to win fantastic prizes just by spotting the Red Tractor Red Tractor. Enter via Instagram using #TrustTheTractor.

The Red Tractor logo is your shortcut to food and drink that has been produced to strict standards of food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare and with a clear

guarantee of origin. Trust the Tractor is a national 12-month campaign that aims to maintain consumer trust in food by raising awareness of the assurance benefits that the Red Tractor logo provides.

Visit www.redtractor.org.uk for more information on why you can Trust the Tractor, while you’re there sign up to our new e-letter.

You can also follow the activity online at Red Tractor’s Facebook page and via the Twitter feed (@RedTractorFood #TrustTheTractor #TTT and #RTW2013) and just simply look out for the Red Tractor logo.

Trust The Tractor Red Tractor and Alex James ask the nation to Trust The Tractor and support Red Tractor Week 2013. ecently launched, Trust The Tractor is a yearlong national campaign that aims to maintain consumer trust in their food by raising awareness of the assurance benefits that the Red Tractor logo provides and getting shoppers to actively look for the Red Tractor logo on their food.

Red Tractor’s campaign is supported by musician, farmer and food writer Alex James and aims to show shoppers how broad and versatile the logo is, while giving them confidence in the food they are buying.

Alex says: “Now, more than ever, we want assurance that the food we are buying for our families comes from a reliable and responsible source. The Red Tractor logo gives assurances that a product meets responsible production standards and is traceable back to independently inspected farms.”

As part of the campaign, Red

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Tractor and Alex James are urging consumers to look out for the logo on-pack and in-store and sign up to a monthly Trust The Tractor newsletter which will be full of exclusive offers and competitions from Red Tractor licensees, retailers and industry partners.

Consumers who sign up to the newsletter will also be kept abreast of other Red Tractor Recruits activities. The welcome newsletter which is being rolled in August will be offering 25 lucky families a chance to come along to The Big Feastival which is being hosted on Alex’s farm in the Cotswolds.

During Red Tractor Week 2013 (16-22 September) Alex will participate in Red Tractor’s consumer activity which will ask retailer, branded and foodservice partners to support the week through in-store and in-outlet activity. Red Tractor Recruits will also be asked to spread the word and raise campaign awareness!

Richard Cattell, Red Tractor

Head of Communications & Marketing said: “Consumer and industry support for our Trust The Tractor campaign has been overwhelming. Shoppers want to know the standards their food has been produced to and the origin of the food they are eating and serving to their families. We are delighted to be working with Alex James in our effort to communicate to consumer that food carrying the Red Tractor logo meets responsible production standards and is traceable back to independently inspected Red Tractor Assured farms” Visit http://signup.redtractor.org.uk for more information on why you can Trust the Tractor, while you’re there and sign up to our new e-letter for your chance to Win tickets to Alex James’ Big Feastival this summer…You can also follow the activity online at Red Tractor’s Facebook page and via the Twitter feed (@RedTractorFood

#TrustTheTractor #TTT and #RTW2013) and just simply look out for the Red Tractor logo.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Dairy

Arla Foods to further strengthen its cooperative status in the UK The Arla Foods amba Board of Directors, and the board of Milk Partnership Limited, Arla Foods Milk Partnership’s (AFMP) investment company of which all AFMP farmers are members, have announced the proposal for the roadmap to co-ownership. This could see a further 1,600 British dairy farmers become co-owners of Arla Foods amba, one of Europe’s leading dairy cooperatives. t the same time, the boards of Arla Milk Link and Arla Foods amba have announced positive changes to the Arla Milk Link merger conditions.

The two proposals, which further strengthen Arla’s cooperative status in the UK, could raise the number of British dairy farmer owners to 3,200, who will all benefit from Arla’s overall objective of providing its dairy farmer owners with a more sustainable future.

Arla Milk Link to receive supplementary (13th) payment With effect from 1 January 2014, Arla Milk Link members will receive Arla Foods amba’s supplementary (13th) payment, two years ahead of schedule. The first payment will be received early in 2015 on milk supplied during 2014. The supplementary (13th) payment is an additional annual payment of the global company’s profit, paid out on a pence per litre basis, after the year end, usually in March.

Commenting on the proposal, Johnnie Russell, Director of Arla Milk Link and Arla Foods amba, said: “This is an extremely important milestone for the development of Arla’s business in the UK. The original agreement with Milk Link, which allowed for a three and a half year transition period to full membership, was negotiated on the basis of a historic performance price gap which does not currently exist, given the strong business performance in the UK since the merger in 2012.

“This will be welcome news for Arla Milk Link farmers and further emphasises the benefits of Arla amba membership,” he added.

Milk Partnership Limited to become owners of Arla Foods amba Milk Partnership Limited (MPL) will become a corporate member and co-owner of Arla Foods amba, with effect from 1 January 2014, with farmers who elect to join receiving the same membership rights as the existing 12,250 farmer owners, including Arla Milk Link farmers.

All existing suppliers of AFMP, Arla direct, and Arla Milk Link direct will be invited to take up the offer of ownership. AFMP farmers not wishing to take up the offer will have the option to transfer to an Arla direct contract.

From 1 January 2014, MPL farmers will receive the Arla Foods performance price, which includes the amba standard litre price, plus a supplementary (13th) payment,

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and will benefit from individual consolidation and collective (common) consolidation.

How the MPL offer works In consideration of full corporate membership, MPL will contribute 7.5ppl to Arla Foods amba. However, this contribution is relatively cash flow neutral because: • It will be paid from money MPL members have already invested in the cooperative.

• It will be funded via a bank loan sourced through MPL (not a loan sourced by the individual farmer) paid back via an investment levy of 0.5ppl for two years. The existing MPL levy will cease on 31 December 2013.

• The balance will be paid from the supplementary (13th) payment and consolidation.

Speaking about the proposal, Jonathan Ovens, Chairman of MPL and AFMP, commented: “One of the founding principles of AFMP was to secure a home for every litre of members’ milk and we are delivering on this aim. I’m delighted that we have agreed the terms of the roadmap which offer circa 1,600 farmers the benefit of joining a major European cooperative that consistently pays one of the highest milk prices and a share of the profits. This move takes our ambition to the next level by providing the security of a milk price determined by European and world markets, from a wellbalanced, well-invested, farmerowned business, which has access to the global marketplace and operates across all dairy categories.

“Quite simply, Arla Foods amba is owned by farmers and run for the benefit of farmers. There is a natural alignment of our interests with the existing dairy farmers owners. I will be joining and I hope that fellow members will choose to join too,” he added.

Next steps MPL members will receive a detailed information pack and a series of roadshows is being held across the country to enable them to learn more about the proposals and the benefits. Both proposals require the approval of Arla Foods amba’s Board of Representatives on 9/10 October. MPL members will vote for MPL to become a cooperative at an all-member meeting on 30 October.

Current Arla farmers have until 15 November to confirm their

24 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

intention. Should the offer be undersubscribed, it will be opened up to British dairy farmers, who

currently do not supply Arla Foods, who are invited to register their interest with Arla Foods UK.

Milk price increase Arla Milk Link to increase its conventional and organic milk prices from this month. rla Foods amba is increasing its on account price to Arla Milk Link (AML) members by 0.77ppl, as a result of improvements in business performance, taking the AML standard litre to 32.31 pence* from 2 September 2013.

In addition, Arla Milk Link is increasing its organic premium by a further 2.35ppl, taking the AML organic standard litre price to 40 pence.

Arla is working with AML’s farmer representatives to develop a more simple and transparent milk

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pricing schedule, designed to achieve closer alignment with amba’s pricing schedules, and more closely reflect Arla’s policy for the standard litre price to be achievable by the majority of AML members.

The first action is to remove elements from the pricing schedule which are difficult for farmers to achieve, the effect of this is a reduction of 0.3 pence from the standard litre price although this has no impact on the actual cash received by members.

NZ farmgate milk prices Fonterra and Westland have both increased their forecast farmgate milk prices, suggesting that they are expecting a bumper season. onterra has lifted its price by 30 cents to NZ$7.80 per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS). Its opening forecast of $7.00kgMS had already been increased by 50 cents in July.

Westland Milk Products also increased its 2013/14 forecast to $7.60kgMS, a dollar more than its initial forecast in May. Both organisations cite the continuation of strong international commodity market as a main contributor to the increases.

Volumes sold at the Fonterra auctions throughout August were up 29% on August 2012.

Milk production at the beginning of NZ 2013/14 milk year was five per cent higher than anticipated, showing signs that NZ is recovering from the drought experienced at the beginning of 2013.

Recalled Fonterra product did not contain Botulism bacteria Additional independent testing commissioned by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has shown that Fonterra’s recalled whey protein concentrate was not contaminated with bacteria that can

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cause botulism.

At the beginning of August, Fonterra was hit by a widespread contamination scare as it announced that some of its WPC80 whey protein concentrate was contaminated with botulismcausing bacteria.

In response, Fonterra issued a precautionary recall of all products in which WPC80 was used, including infant formula and sports drinks. Whilst it was verified that concentrate had indeed been contaminated, the recent tests have identified a different strain of the clostridium bacteria that is associated with food spoilage, not botulism.

The initial announcement caused China to issue temporary bans on all imports of milk and whey powder products from New Zealand and also saw increased inspections on all NZ dairy products. Russia also introduced a ban on all Fonterra products, although no contaminated whey concentrate was imported by Russia.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Dairy

Extra calcium pre-calving has eradicated milk fever & improved fertility Two pedigree Holstein herds suffering crippling milk fever and retained foetal membranes have seen a complete transformation in results when a new concept in dry cow nutrition was introduced via pre-calver feed on their units. ac Dunlop, who farms an 8,300 litre, autumn calving herd near Larne in Northern Ireland, suffered terrible problems with milk fever during his most recent calving season, particularly amongst cows in their second or more lactation. His dry cow feeding regime followed the conventional approach of reducing calcium availability to the animal in the last 3-4 weeks, which he believed to be correct, but the situation got so bad that two animals had to be destroyed.

Eventually, Mac was introduced

by David Mawhinney (technical manager of GE McLarnon & Sons) to Dr Andrew Pine, Premier Nutrition’s director of ruminant nutrition, who recommended a radical change in thinking. “The provision of extra calcium is generally considered a major challenge to milk fever, if typical dry cow nutrition advice is followed”, explained Dr Pine.

“However, the facts are that there

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are other causes of milk fever, for example potash, sodium and DCAD, that cause a change in the cow’s blood chemistry and in fact calcium supply to the dry cow is essential in the last 3-4 weeks in order to help reduce uterine infection, improve muscle function and ensure trouble-free calving.”

Calcium status is critical to the correct functioning of the calciumdependent muscles of the rumen and uterine wall and without it cows can encounter problems such as reduced feed intake, displaced abomasum, difficult calvings and retained foetal membranes. Calcium is also a key component of the immune system, which during the transition period is understood to be at a low ebb and less able to fight the infectious challenges encountered during this period.

A change to a new McLarnons dry cow concentrate formulated to work with Premier’s extra calcium pre-calver resulted in the cases of

milk fever stopping almost immediately. In fact, Mac also saw cows reaching peak yields earlier and more easily and, of course, had significantly reduced vet bills.

Retained foetal membranes Extra calcium also helped in the case of difficult calvings on John Thompson’s high merit, 130 head pedigree unit near Katesbridge, Northern Ireland. Whilst he wasn’t suffering any problems with milk fevers, a recent history of retained foetal membranes was causing significant problems and John was keen to solve the issue and return to his high production targets.

Once again, Dr Pine predicted how the extra calcium pre-calver with a balanced dry cow ration could help and it was trialled to

measure results.

“We can safely say that this quantum change approach to precalver calcium levels has seen nothing but significant improvements for our customers”, said Harold Stevenson, John’s nutritional advisor from McLarnons Feeds. “For the trial cows, RFMs were eliminated and John has seen healthier cows post-calving, better fertility and a quicker return to milk yields. Needless to say this feeding regime has been implemented across his whole herd.”

“With the never ending pressure on milk production, access to this sort of expertise makes such a significant difference to our customers” Harold concludes.

Farmers mean business at the Dairy Show Milk prices are likely to be a hot topic of discussion at next month’s Dairy Show, with thousands of dairy farmers expected to attend. ollowing the popular return of the Farmers Guardian speakers corner, visitors will be guaranteed a lively debate with Ian Potter, David Handley, Mansel Raymond and Jonathan Ovens taking centre stage, says show organiser Alan Lyons.

“Although farmgate prices have reached record levels this summer, soaring costs of production and a lack of grazing mean many producers will be keen to negotiate better terms with their milk buyers and input providers,” he says. “With over 290 trade stands at the show, including milk processors, feed companies and semen suppliers, there is no better opportunity for farmers to make their voices heard.”

More than 250 top quality dairy cattle will be battling it out for the prestigious Supreme Dairy Championship; with Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey, Ayrshire, Dairy Shorthorn and Brown Swiss says Mr Lyons. “Exhibitors bring top animals from all over the country, so the competition is intense. But there’s always a friendly rivalry, and plenty of business thrown in as well.”

Farmers can see the latest dairy machinery and equipment in action; speak to their consultants about feeding regimes and business planning; and get advice on waste management and handling, says marketing manager Julie Kitching. “A cutting edge robotic

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milker will be running throughout the day, and we have got seminars on rural crime and crop husbandry – the show really is a one-stop shop for the whole industry.”

New to this year’s event will be the Vet of the Future Award in association with the Royal Veterinary College.

And on the eve of the show, following the showmanship and calf classes, the Dairy Industry dinner takes place; culminating with the prestigious Dairy Industry Award.

The Dairy Show will be held on 2 October at the Royal Bath & West Showground. Tickets can be purchased in advance from www.bathandwest.com or via the ticket hotline 01749 822222.

The Royal Bath & West of England Society The Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack. We are a registered charity organisation (Registered Charity Number 1039397). The Society was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts, manufacture and commerce.

Our charitable activities provide: • Agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships • Technical events and Seminars • Practical farming advice and conferences • Countryside Education • Diversification advice for farmers • Education for children • A market place for countryside products • Plus all the events run by the Society and the Bath & West Trading Company As the Society approaches its 236th year it continues to deliver a wonderful mix of established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary entertainment.

The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for every member of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational, “hands on” or just plain fun.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Silage

Sila-Cover 300 hits right note with farmer Galebreaker product impresses in every respect. ased near Leominster in Herefordshire, Richard Thomas runs a 300 acre mixed arable and livestock farm with his father and mother. They farm 340 Welsh Mule, Suffolk cross and Texel cross ewes, and 180 Hereford Cattle.

The farm currently grows 50 acres of grass silage and 17 acres of maize silage. The silage is mixed and is fed to the cattle with straw added to help bulk out the ration.

After years of using tyres and a traditional

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black plastic sheet, Mr Thomas opted for two Galebreaker Sila Cover 300 protection sheets, in the 20x10m size and Sila bags to hold the sheets in place while on the clamp.

“I was not only impressed with the weight and quality of the product, but the time it took to sheet and cover our pit has been reduced from 4 hours, to 1 hour. We tested the DM content this year and it was 35% which is up by 3% on last year’s result. The added weight of the

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sheet together with gravel bags help to seal the clamp, compact the grass and speed up fermentation, this in turn reduces spoilage”.

With no tyres on the clamp Mr Thomas also commented that the normal environment for rats is not present this year as there is no stagnant water or effluent on top of or around the clamp.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Silage

PowerWrap packs the power New developments promote further interest. he PowerWrap range of power-packs from D.A.Lupton continues to grow with new developments this year for the new Kverneland Group wrappers. Diesel models are now available for the 1700 and 7740 and the Vicon 2600.

Modified PW17and PW208 packs are used on the Kuhn RW1100 static and RW1600 and SQ1604 trailed units.

Another new development is a PW17 to suit

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the static Elho Silomatic 420 Following interest from the waste industry, three phase electric systems from 7.5Kw to 30Kw have been designed to provide a complete fully wired power-pack reducing on site installation and electrician costs. As with all PowerWrap systems these are of simple, easy to use, robust construction and have already proved their reliability in a demanding environment.

Sweet smell of success Kelvin Cave’s Safesil eliminates wastage for Scottish farmer, Willie Armour. t is said that when the Campbeltown area supported 34 different distilleries fishermen could navigate home from a day’s herring fishing by following the strong smell of whisky! Those days have long gone and there are now only three Campbeltown distilleries working. Willie Armour is lucky enough to farm with the Springbank distillery as his neighbour, so he has the pleasure of the smell of the spirit as well as farming land that is warmed by the Gulf Stream and surrounded by the most stunning and peaceful landscapes.

Willie’s all grass 250-acre dairy farm supports a herd of 100 highyielding Holstein cows and 100 followers. Due to the farm’s ‘out-ofthe-way’ location, towards the southern end of the 40-mile-long Kintyre peninsula, Willie tries to get as much as possible from his silage, as imported feed costs are higher than in many other parts of the country.

1st cut grass is taken at the end of May and 2nd cut towards the end of July. Fortunately, weather conditions in 2012 were good for the 80 acres of 1st cut, from cutting to sealing the clamp the job was finished in three days using a trailed Mengele forage-harvester.

Unfortunately, conditions for 2nd cut were less than ideal with rain, intermittent showers and wet ground affecting the harvest and crop quality.

In 2012 Willie used Safesil silage preservative for the first time, with the aim of boosting farm profits by reducing silage wastage.

Unlike other silage treatments, Safesil prevents poor fermentation by eliminating the microorganisms that cause it. This reduces fermentation losses to the absolute minimum. At the same time yeasts and moulds are eliminated, ensuring exceptionally good

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aerobic stability once the silo is opened and during feed-out.

It was this feed-out benefit that was the initial attraction to Safesil for Willie. His clamp has a 60ft wide face, and he uses a telehandler-mounted shear-grab to cut silage from the face. The silage is complemented by a cerealbased concentrate and straw, distributed to the cows by feederbucket. Silage is fed from September through to April/May so the rate of extraction from the clamp varies. It was this variation that allowed noticeable wastage and heating once the clamp was opened. The application of Safesil to the 2012 silage has eliminated wastage, with the cows no longer picking over the feed, but eating every morsel, leaving no waste in the trough!

Pleased with this success, Willie has already placed his Safesil order for the 2013 season.

ClampFilm Kelvin Cave’s green translucent ClampFilm has also been a great success on Willie’s Kintyre farm.

Unlike the local whisky industry, ClampFilm is enjoying an increase in popularity. The plastic clampsealer is applied over Willie’s 1st cut grass silage to protect against top and shoulder waste. The film is sucked down onto the grass as the air in the top layer of silage is used up during the early part of the ensiling process. The flexibility of the sheeting eliminates any air pockets that might be present and which can be the main cause of spoilage.

ClampFilm’s in-built strength allows it to be lifted off the crop without damage so that the 2nd cut can be added to the clamp.

Once the new grass has been added and rolled, the ClampFilm is re-used to seal the clamp and allow the Safesil preservative to do its job.

One Man Wrapping System PowerWrap powers the wrapper

‘Independently’

Saves: Time, Fuel & Money!

● One man & tractor can load and unload wrapped bales ● Wrap at the stack ● Wrap where you want Tried & tested in the UK by Farmers and Contractors 4.0 - 20hp plus

Contact your local dealer for a PowerWrap unit to suit your wrapper or call David Lupton on 07968 873942

Call: David Lupton 07968 873942 Fax: 07968 014346 www.powerwrap.eu

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Buildings

Ventilated wall makes for enjoyable lambing in Devon Lambing in a dark and stuffy shed is a thing of the past at Upcott Farm, Nomansland, Devon, thanks to the installation of an innovative ventilated wall. hile the bitter days of early spring may be a distant memory, autumn lambing is now underway across the UK, and farmers will already be planning next year’s spring crop.

And part of that is ensuring the best possible lambing environment for both shepherd

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and sheep.

When Andy and Janet Dale moved to Upcott farm just three years ago, they were faced with upgrading six of the old farm buildings. “We knew it was going to be a big job, and as we needed more storage and a temporary lambing shed, the easiest route

Government consults on change of use from farm buildings to residential In May this year the Government changed the Permitted Development Right legislation to allow agricultural buildings to change to a number of uses including shops, financial, professional services, cafes, offices, storage, assembly, leisure without the need for planning consent. However, residential use was excluded. he Government has now produced further proposals for consultation to allow agricultural buildings to be converted straight to residential usage without planning permission.

This Permitted Development Right would apply to agricultural buildings of up to 150 sq meters for change to residential use and agricultural buildings of up to 500 sq meters to be used as a state funded school or a nursery providing childcare.

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The proposal as it stands would allow up to three dwelling houses to be on the site of redundant agricultural buildings with an upper limit of 150 sq meters for a single dwelling house. It would also enable the physical development necessary to allow for the conversion and where appropriate the demolition and rebuild of the property on the same footprint.

was to start by putting a lean-to lambing area on a newly-erected workshop,” says Mr Dale. “The original intention was to Yorkshire board it, but then I discovered Highlight metal wall sheets.”

With tiny perforated holes creating a 25% void, Highlight allows light and air to pass through, while protecting against wind and rain. “It’s really done the job - the shed is a lot lighter and airier than it would be with Yorkshire boarding, so it is ideal for the livestock.”

Obviously, cost is always an important consideration. And while the metal sheeting worked out marginally more expensive than boarding, the cost of erection was significantly lower, as it arrived in measured lengths and just needed fixing in place.

Mr Dale used panelled gates along the side and front of the building, with the wall sheets above that to the eaves. Lambing his 100 Wiltshire Horn ewes indoors from early April to midMay this year, he found the shed a far nicer environment.

“We don’t need to put the lights on until a lot later in the evening,

and when we bed up with straw the dust dissipates far more quickly – you really can feel the ventilation working,” he says. “Our vet is very impressed with it – it almost feels like an open shed with just a roof.”

With 40 Dexter suckler cows as well as the growing sheep flock, Mr and Mrs Dale are planning to improve the remaining buildings and put up a new one next year.

“We’re keeping all the ewe lambs so will be lambing a lot more sheep next year, so we need a bigger lambing shed,” he adds.

“We’re going through the buildings one by one. We’ll have to completely replace one of the buildings, but I want to try and improve the other sheds as they are so dark and airless; so I will use Highlight wherever possible.

We’re on wet, exposed ground here, so the stock have to be housed over the winter, and we’re very conscious about the need for adequate ventilation.”

For more information visit www.unitedroofingproducts.com or call 01884 839302.

The proposals will include prior approval from the Local Planning Authority for siting and design, for transport and highways impact. Where any permitted development right along these lines is exercised, the owner will forgo their normal agricultural Permitted Development Rights (for new agricultural buildings etc.) for a period of 10 years from the date the conversion took place. It is also states that an owner will not be allowed to exercise the new Permitted Development Right if they have used the existing Development Right to build a new agricultural building on or after the date that the consultation paper was published which is 7th August 2013.

Andrew Bays of BCM comments “The first important point to note is that this is only a consultation. However, as was seen with the previous consultation on converting buildings into offices, this Government does seem to have the bit between the teeth at the moment and we fully expect these proposals to come to fruition in some form”.

For further details please contact Andrew Bays on 01962 763900 or abays@bcm.co.uk.

28 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

RIDBA to repeat farm building award success RIDBA members had such a FABulous time at their first-ever awards they are set for a repeat. ollowing the success of its inaugural FAB (Farm and Agricultural Buildings) awards, RIDBA (the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association) has announced it will repeat the exercise in 2015.

This year’s awards, presented to the winners by TV presenter Kate Humble at a prestigious ceremony in Bath, attracted dozens of entries ranging from farm shops and garden centres to dairy units with anaerobic digestion plants and covered feed

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lines disguised as stone colonnades.

The overall winner, and the winner in the design/aesthetics category, was Cross Lanes organic farm in Barnard Castle, which was designed and built by the town’s specialist contractors Simpson & Allinson. Co-founder Geoff Simpson accepted his prize – a mounted podger (a specialist spanner for erecting steelwork) from Ms Humble.

As well as the design/aesthetics category, the competition also

featured categories for functionality/fit for purpose and sustainability. Nine entries were shortlisted for a total of seven awards.

The judges were sponsors Marley Eternit, Wedge Galvanising, Kingspan Insulated Panels, Brett Martin Daylight Systems and Steadman’s, as well as the Institute of Agricultural Engineers' president Andy Newbold.

The competition was launched in RIDBA’s 56th anniversary of its formation as the Farm Buildings

Association to recognise excellence in farm buildings and to reward contractors and clients.

Awards organiser and RIDBA secretary Tony Hutchinson said: “The response to our inaugural awards was so phenomenal we are now planning to make it a biennial event.”

Preliminary details for the 2015 FAB awards are expected to be released later this year.

Farm construction champion wins 2013 Pembrokeshire FUW Countryside Business Award Pembrokeshire farm construction businessman Richard Blethyn’s excellent work ethos and commitment to employing local people has helped him reap this year's Farmers' Union of Wales Pembrokeshire branch's Countryside Business Award. he award is presented to an individual 40 years of age or under who has developed their own rural-based business and who is or has been actively involved with Pembrokeshire YFC either as a member, past member, club leader or trainer.

Mr Blethyn, 36, of Gelli, Hebron, Whitland, had spent 10 years working for a firm repairing agricultural machinery and tractors when he recognised an opportunity to start his own business venture in farm construction and set up R B Farm Services.

Starting in 2002, carrying out small projects on local farms, he soon gained a good reputation and grew the business. He now undertakes small and major farm developments all over Pembrokeshire and has now grown a vast customer base.

Together with his wife Kim, who runs the office, and five full-time and some seasonal staff, he specialises in all aspects of construction on farms, with the main focus being on the dairy sector.

The company builds silage pits, slurry pits and all types of livestock housing, from cubicle sheds to loose housing, as well as storage buildings.

“We also take on large scale dairy parlours including rotary design, some of which are the biggest of their type in Europe,” said Mr Blethyn.

“As a businessman I recognise the need for both larger and

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smaller farms alike to thrive as they are both crucial for my business to succeed. I hope for continued success in the development of my business to provide work for my own family in the future and for all current workers, sub-contractors and the local businesses which we use, all of which rely on successful farmers who are often overlooked,” added Mr Blethyn.

He joined Clynderwen YFC at the age of 14 and competed in junior stock judging, gaining awards individually and in team competitions and taking particular interest in beef breeds.

He also competed and enjoyed taking part in drama competitions and represented Pembrokeshire at the Royal Welsh Show in Welsh Black stock judging.

As a senior member he held posts such as chairman, vice chairman and treasurer, and also represented the county in mime, music, and forestry competitions and the converted fencing competition at the Royal Welsh Show.

“I am a very proud past member of Clynderwen YFC always ready to give back to the club when they need assistance as the YFC movement has given me a big step forward in my professional life, giving me great people skills and the get up and go to succeed,” he added.

The judges, Pembrokeshire show president Michael Davies, Barclays Bank agricultural manager John Jones and FUW land use and parliamentary

COUNTRYSIDE BUSINESS AWARD: Richard Blethyn, with his wife Kim and sons Sion (2) and five-months-old Llyr, accept the award from FUW Pembrokeshire county chairman Hywel Vaughan.

committee delegate Dafydd Williams, were extremely impressed by the high standard of shortlisted candidates and had a very difficult time trying to decide the winner.

“We were looking for entries from a wide range of people including those who are farming in their own right, those who are providing a service to the agricultural sector or those who have started a rural-based business such as cake making, electrical services, crafts or music teaching - the list is endless,” said Mr Williams.

“In presenting this award we hope to highlight the fantastic work which young people are doing to keep the rural areas of Pembrokeshire vibrant and economically active places,” he added.

“We found it extremely encouraging that all of the

candidates were providing employment opportunities for other young people in their locality, which has enormous economic benefits for rural areas,” said Mr Williams.

“Whilst all of the candidates had successful growing businesses the one thing which really set Richard apart and really impressed us was his work ethos which he also instilled in all his employees.

“He has ensured that he has a good work life balance, so that despite working hard in developing his still fairly new business, he also ensures that he spends time with his young family.

“Richard also ensures that his employees have quality time to spend with their families which we felt was crucial to the success of any business, but also quite rare in the agricultural industry,” added Mr Williams.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Potatoes

A new “New Potato” definition Potatoes are a great British staple and New Potatoes have a new, or is it old, definition. otato Council has published an industry standard description, which classes them as destined for consumer purchase soon after harvest, with an immature thin or scraping skin and an appropriate variety.

Potato Council board member, Bruce Kerr, said: “It is good to see Potato Council taking the lead on finding a simple way to define New Potatoes. Over time the original meaning has become vague. This is a chance to re-establish the New Potato and help shoppers recognise the added value of the product.”

New Potato is a term that over time has become short-hand for a small potato cooked in its skin, often boiled, baked or steamed.

Traditionally the new potato or early season was until the end of July and then developments in production such as sequential planting extended it further. As year-round demand grew for these quick and tasty potatoes, this was made possible by storing them.

This prompted a review by

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South Ayrshire Trading Standards, which questioned whether shoppers could be confused by the term. Feedback from British new potato growers showed there was an appetite to return to a time when there was shopper recognition of the early crop.

There is still the demand for the stored crop, but just perhaps with a small name change – could Baby New Potatoes simply become Baby Potatoes?

Development of the industry standard description has involved close working between many stakeholder groups. It was generally agreed that this was an important issue to address for the industry. Potato Council took into account the commercial technical expertise needed to ensure the solution was practical and right for customers.

Sales of new and salad potatoes peak in the summer months, but are significant all year round. Annual popularity of these products has grown in recent years, with a 17% increase in 10 years.

30 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

Caroline Evans, Potato Council head of marketing and corporate affairs, said: “Small salad potatoes need to be available all year round, as they are a quick and tasty option. Shoppers enjoy the product and will continue to do so,

however, the solution can be as simple as dropping ‘New’ when not in season and, for example, retailing packs of ‘baby potatoes’.

The full industry standard description for new potatoes is: 1. Destined for consumer purchase soon after harvest Allowing for distribution time for both UK and imported crops Allowing for short-term holding of stock to meet demand Soon is defined as the period up to and including which the potatoes can reasonably be expected to retain their specific properties if properly stored 2. Has an immature thin OR scraping skin The skin may have been removed or partially removed in the washing process A scraping skin is removable using a finger nail or blunt knife An immature thin skin may not be removed by scraping, particularly for pre-packed product 3. An appropriate variety This should be selected to produce an appropriate range of sizes

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| Potatoes

Potato crop owners advised of changes to CIPC product labels The Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group (PICSG) is advising crop owners of changes that will be appearing on all CIPC product labels imminently, following industry consultation.

ick Bridge of PICSG member company United Phosphorus said: “These new label recommendations will appear in the manufacturer’s recommendation section of the label, and have been developed as part of the ‘Be CIPC Compliant’ drive to minimise residue levels and maintain the availability of CIPC.”

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“In order to comply with the guidelines crop owners must be proactive and plan applications to ensure the maximum efficacy of this product. What they lose in flexibility – they gain in product efficiencies and cost savings.”

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He clarifies that whilst these are not new statutory requirements, the stewardship recommendations should be considered as such, given the industry importance of retaining access to this vital sprout suppressant tool.

The recommendations state that CIPC must be applied within three weeks of harvest, or at the earliest occasion thereafter, even in the absence of signs of breaking dormancy.

They also state that in cold stores, CIPC should only be used once, with applications carried out before temperatures fall below 7°C. A further change is to require fans to recirculate store air for at least six hours before CIPC application, without cooling; stipulating that positive ventilation is recommended in all store types during treatment.

“The new label

recommendations specify best practice, which must be adhered to as an industry standard to show the Advisory Committee on Pesticides that we are committed to securing a future for CIPC,” notes Morley Benson, Account Manager for PICSG member company Certis.

Mick Bridge reiterates, “In order to comply with the guidelines crop owners must be proactive and plan applications to ensure the maximum efficacy of this product.

What they lose in flexibility – they gain in product efficiencies and cost savings.”

He adds, “Early applications are critical to the success of the initiative in order to aid product distribution. It also enables positive ventilation to allow CIPC to work most efficiently, and there are also clear cost efficiencies.”

Grace Gillard of PICSG member company, Aceto states, “These

recommendations are both realistic and achievable. We have made considerable progress over the last five years of CIPC stewardship; however, exceedences above the maximum residue levels have still been recorded. It’s therefore essential that crop owners comply with these new recommendations in order to maintain CIPC in their crop protection armoury.”

In conjunction with the recommendations, the PICSG urges crop owners to comply with the store checklist (available from www.becipccompliant.co.uk) to ensure stores are assessed against the critical store guidelines.

The PICSG will be on hand at BP2013 to discuss the Be CIPC Compliant campaign and to answer any questions relating to potato storage and CIPC use.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Potatoes

Trailed harvesters play key role in delivering output and quality Norfolk grower weighs the pro’s and con’s for trailed vs self propelled. e’ve always had trailed potato harvesters,” says West Norfolk grower Dominic Symington. “That’s what we are comfortable with and it suits our capacity, but that’s not to say that every other year we don’t sit down and consider whether a selfpropelled harvester would be a better option for the business,” he stresses.

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Grimme GT170 Harvester

Mr Symington farms in partnership with his elder brother Jamie out of L Symington Farms, Terrington. They manage 2,000 hectares in total of owned and rented land which is typically Grade 2 fen silt.

The rotation includes winter and spring wheat, spring barley, spring beans, oilseed rape, vining peas and sugar beet. But, at the heart of the business is a 170ha potato producing operation for the pre-pack market and sold on free-buy movements.

“It’s so important for the markets we supply that crop going into store is consistently clean with a top quality skin finish,” he says. “And this means a huge reliance on the grader, the people picking off it, but also the right quantity and quality of crop coming in off the harvesters.

The farm operates two Grimme trailed machines; a GT170 DMS (double Multi-Sep), and an older Variant 1700 fitted with an RS cleaning system. “By modern standards we’ve got one and a half machines in terms of capacity and the Variant is generally used as back up to the GT,” explains Mr Symington.

“When the system runs smoothly the grader can just about handle the capacity of the two harvesters, but, in difficult lifting conditions, both machines run slower and still manage to keep the grader going,” he says.

“On the other hand, if we were operating one self-propelled harvester and a breakdown occurred, the whole system would come to a stop but you’ve still got people on the grader

Best ever ‘Potatoes in Practice’ Buoyant mood as industry turns out in droves. he event – now in its fifteenth year - is sponsored by Potato Council and organised with the James Hutton Institute, SRUC and Agrii, on the Institute’s Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie.

Visitor numbers increased significantly this year to almost 900 a new record attendance - and the crowds made the most of the good weather by spending much of the day visiting the field plots showcasing industry agronomy and variety trials and the PCL-funded R&D projects examining herbicide damage, blackleg, bio-fumigants

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and potato volunteer control.

Visitors were still networking in abundance at the end of the day, and a great crowd watched the live machinery on the site demonstrating soil preparation and harvesting equipment - new content for this year which was so popular, it looks set to feature at future events.

The seminar tent was bursting at the seams for talks; Stuart Wale, a potato agronomist at SRUC, discussed outcomes from Potato Council-funded R&D work looking at the effects of haulm destruction on blackleg in seed crops and the latest work on trying to establish the

32 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

Dominic Symington

who need to be paid,” he points out. “Also, in difficult conditions when harvesting is heavy going, the output of our two trailed machines drops by a half each, but still sends a significant quantity of crop across the grader. A self-propelled harvester running at half speed may not be able to do the same.”

He adds that the Grimme’s GT170 DMS trailed harvester is, like a self-propelled machine, a very technical bit of kit offering an equally good separation system. Hydraulic drive to the wheels also improves the machine’s capability in more challenging lifting conditions, he notes.

way in which Pre-Basic seed becomes contaminated.

“This season has been much drier and consequently, levels of Pectobacterium atrosepticum (PBA) - the bacteria that causes blackleg have been zero in pre-basic seed crops that we have been monitoring during the first 6 weeks after emergence as part of the new Potato Council supported project.

Stuart continued ‘This leads us to believe that a key factor in PBA transmission is the presence of atmospheric aerosols, carrying inoculum onto the crop in wet weather. Haulm pulverisation can also spread blackleg bacteria, so great care is required when using pulverisation in pre-basic crops.

Any pulverisation is best carried out during dry weather - as the bacteria

die rapidly in dry conditions.” Stuart went on to encourage early lifting and ensure that lifted crops are positively ventilated straight after harvest and crops cooled as soon as possible.

In the Welcome speech from Potato Council’s Dr Rob Clayton and the James Hutton Institute’s Prof. Iain Gordon, Dr Clayton remarked “It’s fantastic to see increased numbers of international colleagues at the event this year and we need to maintain high levels of international collaboration to ensure the worldwide potato industry remains as competitive and sustainable as possible.”

Fix this date in your diaries for next year’s Potatoes in Practice, Thursday 7thAugust 2014.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

Perfect potato processing Belts in tip-top condition? for Pipers Crisp Co. Get the best deal on replacement belts for agricultural machinery.

As part of continued factory developments to increase production and meet customer demand, Pipers Crisp Co. made the decision to invest in a custom infeed line from Tong Peal Engineering.

he conveyor belt on a harvester, sorter, grader etc is one of those parts that is subject to wear and tear, and therefore will need replacing from time to time. The best advice in such a situation is to cut out the middle-man and go directly to the manufacturer, for both the best prices and the best service.

Rema Tip-Top is a UK manufacturer of conveyor belts for agricultural machinery. The company manufactures high quality, long lasting belts using a range of materials, including PVC, PU and rubber. Belts can be supplied “flat”, or with side walls or cleats for increased lifting capacity on inclined applications. As a

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ased in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, the specialist handcooked snack manufacturer produces over 800,000 bags of luxury crisps every week, which are distributed to pubs, hotels, delicatessens, farm shops, museums, stadiums and garden centres nationwide.

“Our aim is to provide the perfect potato crisp, using locally sourced products, natural ingredients and traditional processes,” commented Alex Albone, Director of Pipers Crisp Co. “Over the last nine years, Pipers has expanded significantly, from the simple beginnings of washing potatoes in a sink, slicing by hand and cooking in a fish and chip shop fryer, to producing millions of packets of hand-cooked crisps every month.

“Before investing in new packhouse equipment, we were using a second-hand manual infeed line, which led to a destoner, peeler and single bulk fryer. To increase production and efficiencies, we extended this setup to include a second fryer and new batch peeler.

“However, with demand soaring and orders increasing on an almost daily basis, we knew that automating the entire process was essential to help effectively meet targets.

“With this in mind, we purchased a bespoke infeed system from Tong Peal

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Engineering.

“Starting with a one-tonne custom box tipper, a high volume of potatoes is fed into a bespoke hopper-conveyor, which leads to cleaning coils and a new destoner.

Once soil and stones have been removed, the potatoes are elevated into a batch peeler before being fried and bagged.

“The equipment is customised to meet our exact space and size requirements, with specific needs taken into consideration. Our factory wasn’t built as a dedicated processing plant, so specifying standardised equipment would have been impossible.

“Following installation, our efficiencies have increased dramatically. We now produce over three millions bags every month, using a fully automated process.

“The equipment is robust, reliable and the perfect solution for our needs. What’s more, as a Lincolnshire-based company themselves, Tong Peal’s dedicated service team are just down the road and can help out with any questions or maintenance requirements whenever we need them.

“I’ve been delighted with the whole process – from site visits and specification to installation and after-sales service. I’d recommend a custom system from Tong Peal to anyone and hope to work together in the future.

result belts are available for any application in the agriculture industry, from harvesting produce in the field to packing ready for delivery.

Rema Tip-Top belts can be purchased from a network of service centres, which also offer installation services – staff there will even to help identify the correct belt for the machinery to make sure customers get the best product for the job.

So, for the best quality, the best value for money, and the best service, contact Rema Tip-Top. For more information call us on 0870 143 1600, email: info@tiptop.co.uk or visit www.rematiptop.co.uk

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Potatoes

Teamwork secures new overseas market for seed potatoes On-going communications with Vietnam officials by Potato Council and SASA, to discuss seed potato importation requirements, has resulted in the seal of approval for the official importation protocol between Vietnamese and GB authorities, allowing GB seed potatoes to be imported into Vietnam for the first time. iaison with this new, Far-Eastern market has been on-going for some time. Robert Burns, head of seed and export for Potato Council and Dr Triona Davey, Plant Health Liaison for SASA (Scottish Government) have been communicating with Vietnamese officials for many months, advising and informing on specific phytosanitary conditions and the production of seed from GB, and emphasising the benefits that GB seed potatoes can offer the Vietnamese growers and supply chain.

Mr Burns said “The outward mission by Potato Council and SASA to Hanoi earlier this year led to the finalisation recently of the importation agreement between GB and Vietnam – which is now signed - and we are absolutely delighted that this important new

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market is now accessible for GB’s seed growers and exporters.”

Moreover, the Vietnamese officials are due to visit Potato Council and SASA in September to observe GB seed production at first hand, and will meet Potato Council and SASA plant health teams, visit micro-propagation laboratories and mini-tuber production facilities and view this season’s seed crops in-situ.

Until recently, potatoes ranked below production of other Vietnamese staples such as rice, maize and sweet potato with an average yield of potato crops in Vietnam of around 12 tons/ha 1 . Until now, a lack of quality seed is thought to have been one significant barrier to production efficiency and profitability in Vietnamese potato production.

Mr Burns commented on demand for the

potato in Vietnam, saying “Middle class consumer numbers are rising in Far-Eastern markets and they are demanding potatoes in their diet. The GB seed industry is now able to help Vietnamese growers increase the yields and quality of their potato crop by providing high-health, high quality seed from Britain – already grown successfully in over 50 countries.”

You will be able to meet Potato Council’s and SASA’s seed potato teams, together with GB’s leading seed breeders, exporters and crop researchers, at the forthcoming Potato Europe event, 11-12 September, Emmeloord, The Netherlands. www.potato.org.uk/events and www.potatoeurope.com for more information.

Take care in hot conditions The time is approaching to apply Fazor (maleic hydrazide) to potatoes in the field, but recent temperatures have been high. ow AgroSciences are advising potato growers to avoid applying Fazor when temperatures exceed 26ºC, but to consider spraying in the cooler conditions of the evening or early morning in irrigated crops.

They explain that in order to ensure maximum uptake and translocation, the product should not be applied to stressed crops.

Alex Nichols of Dow AgroSciences advises growers to start their integrated programme for sprout suppression in store and minimising volunteer potatoes left behind from the previous year’s crop with an in-crop application of Fazor. “The timing and conditions of application for Fazor need to be spot on for best results. I would advise going back to basics to make sure that the key application criteria are met. The effectiveness of Fazor is a function of application timing, growing conditions at application, accuracy of application, variety and storage conditions.”

He explains that Fazor is applied to second

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n the sustainability debate - it’s a win for potatoes!

earlies and maincrop potatoes around five weeks before harvest. ,“In terms of application timing, growers should calculate back at least three and ideally about five weeks from intended burn down date. This allows the chemical sufficient time to be taken up by the leaves and translocated to the tubers where it acts. The crop should be actively growing and the haulm mostly green, but with a few of the lower leaves turning yellow and, where relevant, most of the flowers fallen. Each field should be checked for maturity and tuber size, using test digs. The guidelines are that the smallest tubers required to reach marketable size should be greater than 25 mm across.

Crops should not be stressed by drought, pests, diseases, high temperatures (in excess of 26ºC) or waterlogged.”

Alex says that potato growers have had to endure yet another challenging growing season, so potatoes may well be worth more and will need protection, especially for storage

Potatoes are the sustainable carbohydrate; it’s a fact. This comes as a result of new research from Cranfield University to compare the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and water usage for potatoes against rival carbohydrates, rice and pasta.

Environmental concerns when it comes to food production is a major issue for both the farming and manufacturing industry and that’s why Potato Council not only commissioned the

34 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

quality.

Fazor is included in the Assured Produce Protocol. It is recommended that growers check with their supplier before making an application.

Fazor contains 600g/kg maleic hydrazide, formulated as a water-soluble granule and packed in a 5 kg bag. It is recommended on second earlies and maincrop potatoes (not on seed or first earlies) at a dose rate of 5 kg/ha in 350-500 litres of water. It should be applied to actively growing foliage, typically around 3 to 5 weeks before burn down. It has a maximum number of treatments of one per crop and a latest time of application of 3 weeks before harvest. Fazor is fully approved for use on bulb onions and has specific off-label approvals for use in garlic, shallots, carrots and parsnips.

comparative study but is set to present its findings to levy payers and interested third parties next month.

Caroline Evans, Potato Council’s head of marketing and corporate affairs, said: “The study builds on our previous research work to show that GB potatoes are healthy. The industry has made significant advances in sustainable production methods and it is important that we focus on generating maximum and

consistent exposure for these messages amongst Government and agencies, as well as consumers. Combined with the evidence to support their healthy credentials, this research is ideally positioned to help us inform key audiences to ensure potatoes get top billing when it comes to recommending the types of food we should be eating.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

Manage moisture levels & avoid bruising at harvest Sage advice from Hutchinsons Root Crop Technical manager, Darryl Shailes. here crops are suffering from a high soil moisture deficits, particularly across eastern areas , but also unusually in the west and north including Scotland they will need careful management going into the desiccation period pre-harvest to avoid crop damage.”

“If tubers are not turgid when being harvested this can result in bruising, so where needed crops need to be irrigated before burndown to reduce bruising damage. SMD’s should be in the 30-40mm range at desiccation or flailing wherever possible” says Mr Shailes.

“Prioritising this process will also help as the more susceptible varieties can be dealt with first.”

“Generally ware crops are not looking too bad considering the intense heat of the last month, some varieties have suffered more than others especially early planted more determinate varieties, but it is reassuring that many of the crops have bulked up over the last few weeks with the warmth.”

Whilst levels of blight are low it is critical to keep on top of this as low levels of infection can often lead to more tuber blight in store as the grower and agronomist drop their guard so it must be stressed that crops are at risk right up until the haulm is completely dead.”

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“As expected there is some Altenaria showing up in some crops now. It’s Alternaria Alternata in the main and is proving difficult to control with even the best fungicide strategy.

The more susceptible varieties such as

Markies, Innovator and Vivaldi are showing symptoms now often associated with stress such as PCN or compaction.”

Desiccation advice to reduce Rot risks Desiccation method, timing and spray application technique can make a significant difference in reducing the incidence of Pit Rot development in store, according to new field demonstration and stored crop evaluation by Eric Anderson of Scottish Agronomy, in collaboration with Syngenta and growers J D Reid & Sons, near Montrose. isual assessment of tubers from the autumn 2012 desiccation programme was conducted in late spring 2013.

It indicated that carrying out initial defoliation by pulverisation (flailing) of a vigorous green-top seed crop resulted in a high level of Rots out of store, with over 40% of tubers affected in the large fieldscale comparison.

However, the crop areas treated with Reglone to remove the bulk of the green leaf material, prior to pulverisation, saw infection caused

by Pit Rot pathogens reduced to an average of 10% across the different techniques used to complete remaining stem desiccation.

Furthermore, where Reglone alone was used to desiccate the crop using a two-spray programme, instead of pulverisation, the incidence of disease averaged less than 5.5%.

The optimal treatment was achieved with applying the initial Reglone treatment in a higher spray water volume, resulting in just 1.5% of stored tubers showing signs of Pit Rot infection by May

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the following year.

Additional crop monitoring this season on the stored seed stocks has shown that seed with higher levels of Pit Rot and Gangrene, has given rise to an increased incidence of Blackleg in the growing crop, when assessed by a qualified inspector. This has largely been attributed to lesions on the tuber creating favourable conditions for the development of the bacterial Blackleg pathogen.

“The clear message for growers is that it is the speed of haulm kill that is directly related to the incidence of Pit Rot occurring in store, and the potential for Blackleg in crops grown from the seed,” advised Mr Anderson.

“The split-field comparison shows a two-spray Reglone desiccation programme can offer an opportunity to minimise the risk of Pit Rot infection developing in store, provided the correct application practices are adopted.

If pulverisation is necessary to aid harvesting, then an integrated chemical programme that ensures rapid desiccation of the stem is essential to reduce the incidence

of disease.

“This could include pretreatment with Reglone, which will also improve the work rate and reduce the cost of flailing,” he advised. “As part of an overall phytosanitary policy, the use of flails should be avoided in or around Pre-Basic seed crops, where it is a risk factor for the initial introduction of bacterial pathogens.”

Syngenta Technical Manager, Stephen Williams, added that the application water volume of any initial Reglone applications have previously been shown to be important. Recommendations advocate the first treatment should be in a water volume of up to 400 l/ha where haulm is large or actively growing. Subsequent applications could be reduced to 200 l/ha, for faster treatment with no adverse effect on results, he said.

“Syngenta application trials have shown that increasing the water volume to 400 l/ha can help to achieve better coverage of a large leaf area and dense potato crop stems, especially where

crops are thick and still actively growing.” He advocated the best advice is to use the Syngenta Potato Nozzle, where the angled spray pattern enhances penetration of the canopy and the reach of desiccant onto the lower leaves and stem.

Analysis of Pit Rot lesions identified on tubers in the trial picked up five different pathogens responsible for the infection, reported Eric Anderson. Half of the 26 incidences tested were Phoma eupyrena, with nine of P. exigua and two P. foveata. The two remaining were a Cylindocarpon species and Fusarium avenaceum.

“We were surprised that only two were positively identified as P. foveta, particularly when visual inspection of tubers would have attributed the infection to classic Gangrene,” he said. “It further reinforces the need to have pathogens accurately diagnosed to assist in the development of appropriate control strategies.”

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

Nextgen 2013 incorporating EBEC With over 175 exhibitors from the AD & Biogas, Biomass, Energy from waste, and CHP sectors, Nextgen 2013, incorporating EBEC - the largest integrated Bioenergy event in the UK – gives an insight into the opportunities and challenges around delivering new and more stringent carbon reduction and energy consumption targets. ith the Government promoting the renewables agenda, legally binding EU targets to meet, and new beneficial tariffs, this is the time for Bioenergy businesses to prosper and succeed. At Nextgen 2013 the whole market is brought together - to discuss and debate the business issues, legislative challenges and opportunities which really matter, now and into the future.

With a free conference and CPD accredited education programme, Nextgen will cover a wide range of topics including Feedstock selection, Profitability, Funding and current legislation across the range of technologies.

Four theatres across the exhibition will host high quality speakers from the entire renewables sector offering invaluable advice whether at the conceptual, planning, delivery or operational phase of your next project.

Event Director for Nextgen, Chris Down, said “Exceptional growth is forecast in the next three to five years due to a stable incentive landscape for biomass and biogas which will drive the UK’s renewable heat and power markets. The UK’s bioenergy market is expected to grow from £5bn to £7bn over the next five years as more and more businesses, local authorities, manufacturers, farmers and

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landowners adopt bioenergy as a mainstream energy source to help drive the UK towards its 2020 targets. This is the ideal platform for all those in the industry to discuss the changes, share experiences and gain valuable education and we encourage delegates to register for this fantastic opportunity.”

As the ultimate business platform for the bioenergy sector, delegates will be able to speak with key industry professionals, see live vehicle and equipment demonstrations and attend educational seminars. Designed to be clear and relevant to the different phases in renewable projects, the multi-stream conference will deliver educative presentations and topical panel discussions.

This year’s Agri-rural programme will focus on taking prospective project owners and planners through the challenges and opportunities of deploying renewables, in particular Biomass and Biogas systems.This will include an in-depth study of the process from start to finish, including selecting and specifying your renewables, sourcing feed stock, the business case, funding models, incentives, project planning, commissioning, operations, grid connection and proper lifecycle cost analysis. A mixture of talks,

panels and case studies will be offered throughout both days. Delegates will come away better able to make an informed decision with instant access to over 175 suppliers.

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36 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| SALTEX

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September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Energy

Wilcross Farm project nears completion Kirk Environmental, part of Kirk Group, is set to complete their part of a new on-farm Anaerobic Digestion plant for the production of electricity from crops and livestock manures at the Wilcross Farm in Gisburn, Lancashire. he plant will consist of one 300m続 Concrete Digestion Tank complete with a 1430m続 industry-leading BIODOME速 double membrane roof. The crops and livestock manures treated at the AD plant will come from a total of four farms surrounding the site: Wilcross Farm, Watt Close Farm, Yarlside Farm and Lane Ends Farm. The plant will be constructed adjacent to a group of modern agricultural buildings at the rear of Wilcross Farm, and the other three locations will be no

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more than four miles from the plant. Wilcross Farm was chosen as the location for the AD facilities mainly for its central location in relation to the other farms, but also because of good transport links around the area, the absence of any significant visually sensitive receptors and its close proximity to a suitable connection point to the National Grid.

When the plant is completed it will allow for all the forage produced at the farms, together with the slurry provided

by their cattle contract to be treated in the Digester. Overall the plant will treat a total of approx.

10,000 tonnes of feedstock per annum. This will create a total of 500Kw renewable electricity which will be exported to the National Grid. The land used to grow the feedstock for the Anaerobic Digester will be re-fertilised each year using the digestate bi-product produced during the AD

process.

The project is set to commence in September 2013 and will take approx. six months to complete.

KIRK has recently completed a number of on-farm Digesters across the UK and has a pipeline for many more as Agricultural AD Plants are being adopted across the UK as part of the Government supported drive for sustainable renewable energy.

The on-farm AD Plant at Carr Farm, Lancashire, is successfully creating 800Kw of renewable electricity per annum.

Come and see us at EBEC on stand E25

38 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Energy

UK farmers are sitting on biomethane ‘goldmine’ Farmers could be sitting on a £24-million “goldmine”, according to new research into biomethane production. new study has shown that medium to large farms could stand to make millions from producing renewable methane for the gas industry.

Entitled Biomethane for Gas Grid Injection, the report details how the UK’s farmers are currently missing out on the opportunity to produce gas from suitable organic products and inject it into the country’s natural gas grid for large returns.

Rob Heap, of Rob Heap Consulting, who carried out the work, said: “An entry-level anaerobic digestion (AD) plant would be looking to earn in the region of £24-million over 20 years and farms that developed larger plants could earn exponentially more than that.

“Given the right conditions, it wouldn’t be difficult to double or even triple that amount.”

Dairy and poultry farmers, pig farms and producers of energy crops such as maize, grass, rye and energy beet all have the potential to tap into this new money-making resource, said Rob. He added: “It depends on the style and type of farming but all farms have one or more of the necessary products needed for biogas production.

For example, a dairy, pig or poultry farmer might have slurry and manure, but no energy crops. If a group of farmers got together, they would have a good chance of developing a very attractive business.

“The more farmers that get involved, the more feedstock available to feed the AD plant and the more diversified it will be, which is quite important for receiving greater returns on your investment.

“A lot of farmers are potentially sitting on a goldmine and ‘gas farming’ could be a valuable diversification opportunity that still has to be exploited by UK farmers.”

Biogas is produced for commercial exploitation by processing organic feedstock at certain temperatures in controlled, airless environments.

This process is called anaerobic digestion (AD) and has traditionally been exploited by the water industry, which has used “sewage gas” to produce its own renewable energy for decades.

Biomethane is biogas that has been cleaned and dried and closely resembles the properties of

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natural gas.

In more recent years, AD plants have been used to produce energy for the electricity supply industry, with 110 AD plants currently operational in the UK and more in construction. But with the introduction of tariff incentives for renewable methane and a number of enticements stemming from the government’s environmental commitments, producing biogas for the gas industry has become a very attractive financial prospect.

Rob said: “Until about 18 months ago there was not a tariff available for farms to create biogas for the gas grid and everyone looked to embrace electricity production.

“But things have changed and there is now an attractive tariff in place for biomethane. There has also been a relaxation in some of the regulations surrounding production and injection of biomethane into the gas networks.

“More funding people are getting interested as biomethane has the potential to be more profitable than generating electricity.”

The study, commissioned by Northern Gas Networks, has shown that hundreds of sites in Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East alone are currently producing the appropriate feedstock necessary for biogas production.

However, many of these sites are very low volume producers and are situated in remote rural locations or are using alternative methods of waste recycling.

Nevertheless, the study has shown these farms could still contribute to the gas grid and stand to make huge returns by partnering up with neighbouring farms and forming regional alliances.

Virtual gas networks, where biomethane is moved in a private pipeline or pressurized and transported by road (just like compressed natural gas) to centralised upgrading plants prior to being injected into the grid, could present small producers with further opportunities to develop feasible projects.

Rob said: “A great deal depends on an individual farmer’s appetite to embrace these kinds of farming initiatives; it has a lot to do with attitude,

knowledge and skills.

“Anaerobic digestion is something that a lot of farmers will not be familiar with and some may be put off by its apparent complexities, which is a shame.”

Rob continued: “The typical capital outlay for an entry level AD plant would be in the region of £3to 4-million but it’s difficult to be specific because it’s a technology that is usually designed in a bespoke manner to suit each individual farm’s requirements.

“However, there are specialised funding companies and indeed quite a number of individual entrepreneurs willing to put up funding for projects such as these.

“More and more farms across the UK are exploring the possibilities of AD and as it takes off it’s hoped that more farmers will become open to the idea and cooperate with other interested farmers in their area.”

The findings come ahead of a free conference on commercial opportunities in biomethane, to be held in September. Gas to Cash will explore how farmers can make money from their existing operations by producing biomethane for injection into the natural gas network.

Organised and sponsored by Northern Gas Networks in partnership with the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), the Chartered body representing the gas industry, the event promises to assist farmers in the steps necessary to realising the business opportunities available to them.

For more information about the invite-only Gas to Cash event, visit www.igem.org.uk/gastocash and use the hashtag #gastocash on Twitter to follow updates on the conference. The event will be held on the 26th September, at FERA, in York, from 8.30am to 3.30pm, and will cover proximity to the network, project management, commercial contracts, funding and technical delivery.

To enquire about the event, call IGEM’s Linda Mee on 01509 678184, or email: linda@igem.org.uk with your details.

REA welcomes biomass power sustainability criteria Certainty for supply chain to ensure biomass best practice - but uncertain future for new biomass power projects. he REA welcomes the Government’s new sustainability criteria for biomass power and CHP, published today. The criteria will ensure that only projects with strong ecological protections and high carbon savings can be supported under the Renewables Obligation (RO) and count towards renewable energy targets.

However, the REA is urging Government not to withdraw support for the construction of new biomass power plants under the forthcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime.

REA Chief Executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: “These sustainability criteria ensure that the UK can reap the benefits of biomass, safe in the knowledge that it is making a real dent in our carbon emissions and that ecologically sensitive land is being protected. Biomass is a great way to bridge the looming capacity gap because it has all the same benefits as fossil fuels – such as reliability and flexibility of supply – but without the carbon impacts.”

The REA is pleased that Government is taking steps to ensure environmental best practice in the use of biomass for heat and power. However, this is incongruous with the Government’s moves to

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restrict the construction of biomass power plants in the RO, and not support them at all under the forthcoming CfD regime. New biomass plants will only be supported under these schemes if they produce heat as well as power (combined heat and power, CHP).

Dr Nina Skorupska said: “Biomass power can help bridge the energy gap because it is affordable, helps to meet base load power needs and is relatively quick to build. It can also help economic recovery by creating jobs in construction and the ongoing operation of the plants.

“CHP is an excellent use of the resource but it is not feasible in sites where there is no user for the heat load. The Government will have serious regrets down the line if it excludes the construction of dedicated biomass power plants from the new regime.”

The REA rejects the arguments used by green campaigners who claim that biomass power is ‘dirtier than coal’. Their research is based on worst case scenarios involving the burning of whole trees and unsustainable forest management. In reality, the biomass industry uses primarily

thinnings and residues, as it cannot afford to compete with other industries for high quality virgin wood. Sustainable forest management, including high levels of replanting, is in fact key to the foresters’ bottom line as it safeguards their ability to do business in the future.

Dr Nina Skorupska said: “It is absolutely right that biomass should only be supported if it can be proven to be good for the environment. These criteria enable industry to do exactly that. They are challenging, but not unattainable. Generators are actually incentivised to over-achieve on greenhouse gas savings in order to minimise the risk of non-compliance.”

Industry already reports on greenhouse gas (GHG) savings and land use under the RO, and the minimum standards will become mandatory in April 2015. These minimum standards will tighten significantly over the period up to 2030, while the methodology used to calculate GHG savings will be unchanged for plants which accredit in the near term. This design does well to join together goals of ensuring that the industry is continuously improving, while also providing forward visibility to industry to enable investment.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Energy

STA best practice guidance for solar farms welcomed by Energy Minister Leading solar developers sign up to ‘10 Commitments’ – best practice offering multiple wins. he Solar Trade Association (STA) has published ‘10 Commitments’ it wants its membership to comply with in the construction and management of solar farms.

The solar farm sector is also boosted by a new YouGov poll which shows that two thirds of the public support either ‘any’ or ‘good quality’ solar farms. Support rises to 71% when best practice is described.

The Commitments have been developed by leading solar developers over the past three months in the solar farm sector of the solar industry. The STA recognises that solar farms must be developed by listening to the

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concerns of the local communities, being sensitive to the landscape and protecting the ecological value of the land.

STA CEO Paul Barwell said: “When solar farms are done well they can be a force for good in the local countryside, as well as building national energy security and protecting the global climate. For the UK, with its beautiful countryside, maintaining strong public support for solar farms is a challenge this new industry is keen to take on by delivering the very best practice.

“Solar farms create no noise or waste, have no moving parts, require minimal maintenance and have a low visual impact, so it is clear why good schemes enjoy strong

40 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

public support. We’ve been impressed by the level of enthusiasm from conservation groups telling us that solar could help their efforts to protect vulnerable British plant and animal species.

“Our 10 Commitments set out the direction of travel for the solar farm industry, which is to deliver multiple benefits, not only for the climate, but for the British countryside. We want all our members to comply with these Commitments and we believe the whole industry should get behind these standards.”

Welcoming the STA’s ‘10 Commitments’, Energy Minister Greg Barker said: “As the big roll out of solar gathers pace and the sector scales up, the deployment of solar PV must be carried out in a manner which is

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| Energy thoughtful, sustainable and respects both the landscape and the views of the communities among which it is deployed. So the Solar Trade Association’s ‘10 Commitments’ are a very welcome initiative to help retain the strong level of public support. I look forward to hearing the industry’s plans to take this forward.”

Patrick Begg, Rural Enterprises Director at the National Trust, has welcomed the initiative, saying it is: “hugely refreshing and heartening to see the industry making a robust commitment to best practice when it comes to locating, setting up and then managing solar farms.”

Avoiding conflict with food production & supporting biodiversity By focusing on non-agricultural land and land of lower agricultural quality, the ‘10 Commitments’ make clear the solar industry’s determination not to displace food production.

Encouraging dual purpose land usage, for example sheep grazing, and enabling access for small animals and birds, whilst helping to improve the ecological value of the land, is a key aspect of helping biodiversity.

Chief Adviser on Renewable Energy and Climate Change to the NFU Dr Jonathan Scurlock, a key stakeholder in developing the ‘10 Commitments’, said: “Farmers are well-placed to capture renewable natural energy flows, while

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maintaining our traditional role in providing food together with other environmental and land management services. Growers and food processors have a long history of harnessing the power of the sun, and solar electricity clearly has a major role to play in modern agriculture. The NFU is delighted that lead solar developers have signed up to such a strong charter of good practice to deliver multiple benefits from the development of solar farms.”

STA members are also committing to engage with local communities ahead of planning applications, to listen to community views and to offer educational opportunities.

The STA is organising a meeting for developers in the industry with major UK conservation groups to explore the potential for creative partnerships. Major UK charities including RSPB and The National Trust have stressed to the STA the potential for solar to support their conservation objectives. Some conservation groups disagree that high grade land should always be avoided as solar farms can offer protection to exhausted soils or carbon saving peat land. The STA has sought to capture these nuances in its commitments.

New poll shows British public are behind solar farms The ‘10 Commitments’ have been published alongside results of a YouGov poll commissioned by the STA which found that nearly seven times more people would rather have a solar farm located

near them than a gas fracking field when given four options to choose from. When asked to choose ONE local energy development as a preference to be cited nearby, by far the most popular choice was a solar farm at 40% of respondents. 25% chose a wind farm, 10% a nuclear power plant and just 6% shale gas fracking and boreholes.

When asked specifically about support for solar farms, two thirds of people (67%) said they supported either ‘good quality’ or ‘all’ solar farms. The level of public support rose to 71% when the STA’s ‘10 Commitments’ were described. Only 5% of people said they oppose all solar farms when good quality solar farms were described.

Dr Doug Parr, Chief Scientist at Greenpeace UK said: “For all the enthusiasm for fracking emanating from the upper echelons of the Coalition Government, the public would actually prefer to be near decent renewable projects like solar power. Cameron and Osborne should start listening to what real people want from local energy rather than trying to turn English counties into their version of Dallas”.

The Commitments follow the Communities Department’s publication of guidance for local planners. The STA is working closely with the Department for Energy and Climate Change on sustainable land-use for solar farms and the National Solar Centre is currently working to develop comprehensive guidance.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Energy

Solar Energy UK show preview Solar installations are becoming an increasingly attractive proposition to farmers, offering a stable, alternative source of revenue. he UK’s largest solar exhibition, Solar Energy UK, is preparing for an even bigger 2013 as the show branches out yet again. Now in its fourth year, Solar Energy UK brings together the entire UK solar industry with a view to driving the sector forward as well as ensuring its sustainability for the future.

One of the largest areas of growth for solar in the UK has been the rise of solar farms. In the first quarter of 2013 alone, a staggering 0.5GW of large-scale solar capacity was added to the grid. This year’s event will bring together the UK’s leading developers to discuss the crucial aspects of large-scale solar development.

Backed by a government-led solar strategy that’s aiming for 20GW by 2020, solar in the UK is stepping into the mainstream.

Solar Energy UK feature areas Four feature areas will play host to live demonstrations and discussions. Practical PV will provide answers to your most intricate installation questions, while Practical LargeScale PV will demonstrate practical realities of large-scale installations.

This year’s event will also house a dedicated Renewable Heat feature area; talk of the newlyintroduced Renewable Heat Incentive is set to dominate the area, as experts will elucidate on the many ways the market can benefit from the scheme’s launch in 2014. Elsewhere, the Ecohouse feature will return, boasting a buildingintegrated PV-led focus on how solar can

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complement a whole house solution.

Seminars The Solar Energy UK Seminars will cover everything you need to know about PV, solar thermal, storage and energy solutions and the wider UK (and global) solar industry. Providing the latest information on EPC requirements, the revival of large-scale, policy, technology and market trends these half-day sessions are not to be missed.

Technology seminar Dedicated to the UK’s fastest growing renewable sector, the Solar Energy UK Technology Hall will deliver up-to-the-minute information through a series of half-day seminars focusing on PV policy, solar market trends, product pricing and technology

42 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

advancements, grid connectivity and storage, and the role PV will play in the Green Deal.

Solar Business Hall This hall takes care of everything else you’ll need to know as part of the UK’s prosperous solar market. Taking a look at wider policy issues and how they affect your business, the continued revival of large-scale solar under the ROC mechanism, local authority projects and other areas of solar business including finance mechanisms and legal requirements for solar PV and thermal technology – this seminar series covers it all.

Solar Energy UK 2013 runs from 8-10 October at the NEC in Birmingham. Those wishing to attend can register for free at http://uk.solarenergyevents.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Antaris eKiss Off-Grid System Ideal for when connecting to mains power is financially unviable. orraine Bone owns a remotely situated stable block and pasture with grazing. She is an amateur horse woman who takes part in many 3 day events across the country and has 4 horses and some orphaned lambs which she keeps on this flat pasture. The buildings host 6 stables, a tack room, office and kitchen / lounge for when Lorraine is working with her animals.

The site power has been run off a diesel generator for many years which was both noisy and unreliable. Lorraine was looking for an off-grid system as connecting to mains power would have run into tens of thousands of pounds.

After carrying out a site survey and talking to Lorraine about her requirements Puragen suggested the Antaris eKiss 4 Off-Grid system as it is a bespoke system ideal for providing remote power and comes with high quality panels with a 30 year warranty for added peace of mind.

Providing Lorraine with a design, specifications and quote she decided that this system met her requirements and gave the go ahead for the installation to begin.

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Puragen fitted each stable with low energy cool white strip lights as well as 4 LED spot lights to light the courtyard and wash-down area. A control box has been installed into the kitchen as well as some new 3 pin sockets to run her fridge freezer and DC television which all draw power from 10 x 12v (75Ah) batteries.

The 9 poly-crystalline solar panels have been fitted (south facing) to Renusol ground mounted consoles in one of the small fields next to the stable block. These consoles angle the panels at 25 degrees and are made of 100% chlorine-free polyethylene. Each one is then filled with hard-core to ensure stability. The batteries are housed in a battery box outside of the stable block.

The system took 3 days to install. During this time Puragen took all precautions to ensure the welfare of the animals and ensured that noise and disruption to them and the client were kept to a minimum.

Lorraine will now get 6.85 pence for every kW of power that she produces for 20 years helping off-

set the cost of the system by over £2000.

The Antaris system can be upscaled if more power is required in the future simply by adding more panels and batteries as required.

Lorraine and her father are highly delighted with the installation and system, Lorraine has even offered to speak at presentations and welcome other prospective clients to come and see the system working for themselves.

John Scott from Puragen Dorset added “We are delighted with the outcome of this installation. Our customer, Lorraine, now has a

well-lit stable block and is able to run other appliances without the expense of tying to the grid.

For more information contact Andrew Moore, International Sales Director, Antaris Solar, Mobile: +44 (0)7949 489911, Tel: +44 (0) 1753 569270 or email: andrew.moore@antaris-solar.co.uk

Knight invests in solar The sunshine has cheered everybody up this summer, but the smiles are particularly broad at Knight Farm Machinery’s factory at South Luffenham, Rutland, where a new solar panel system is nearly halving the electricity demand from the national grid. n recent years the increased output from the factory has consistently taken the company’s electricity usage to the maximum permitted by its tariff, as more equipment for welding, abrasive blasting, paint curing and other production work is needed.

And more equipment is needed as the product range expands.

Rather than moving to a higher tariff to use more electricity from the grid, the company decided to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

The panels that have been mounted on the factory roof convert sunlight into electricity that is fed into the factory’s existing power system. When the factory is working on a sunny day, they generate about half the electricity required. When the factory is closed, any power generated is fed into the national

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grid, and the company is paid for it.

‘The supply limits imposed by our tariff were causing us problems as we extended our product range and our output grew’, said managing director Brian Knight. ‘I was reluctant to move to a more expensive tariff, and a solar PV system seemed the right answer. While the initial installation is not cheap, it is an environmentally friendly power source and we are paid for any surplus we generate. Most importantly, we will not feel restricted by our electricity supply when we need more equipment.’

A useful by-product of the PV installation, according to Mr Knight, has been a changed attitude to power usage generally at the factory, which will result in more efficient lighting and light sensors being installed and better management of all electrical equipment.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Arable

AHDB Crop Research Conference maps out the future of crop protection With only a couple of weeks to go until the AHDB Crop Research Conference, there are still places left at this essential event for anyone involved with the science behind crop protection. ith three sessions chaired by leading scientists, delegates will get an early look at the next generation of crop protection methods and have the chance to shape future research priorities.

Entitled ‘Knowing your enemy – the future of crop protection’, the landmark conference features some of the latest research on insect pests, weeds and crop diseases. The event will build on AHDB’s longstanding commitment to applied research and link it to the government’s new Agri-Tech Strategy.

Two major issues prompted AHDB to host this event; pesticide resistance and product restrictions due to environmental concerns. Dr Susannah Bolton, Head of Research and Knowledge Transfer at HGCA, AHDB’s cereals and oilseed division, is excited that recent scientific advances will provide ways to overcome these challenges.

“The conference has three sessions, each taking a slightly different approach to understanding pests, weeds and diseases. Also, there are twentyfour posters from postgraduate

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scientists who will be instrumental in delivering top-class crop protection research in the years ahead,” she said.

The first session, Advances in Genomics, looks at making the most of technical advances that allow faster gene sequencing. This includes working with plants’ innate defence systems, as well as rapid ‘diagnostics’ to identify and control crop diseases before they cause serious damage.

“Our ability to use genomes of pests and pathogens to indicate potential novel routes for control is expanding rapidly and will play an increasingly important role in practical crop production”, explained Professor Peter Gregory of East Malling Research, who chairs this session.

Session two, Population and Evolutionary Biology, addresses the development of resistance to the agrochemicals that the world relies on to produce its food.

Speakers will discuss how different types of resistance can be managed, including using computer models to give early warnings and non-chemical control through more refined variety selection.

44 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

“The development of resistance to fungicides and herbicides in pathogen and weed populations is a significant challenge to the UK agricultural industry. I'm looking forward to hearing new ideas, insights and approaches in this session,” said Dr Rosie Bryson, Fungicide Team Leader at BASF, who will chair session two.

Lessons from Ecology, the final session of the conference, looks at how crop protection can take an integrated pest management approach by taking advantage of ‘beneficial’ organisms present in the air and soil. The session concludes with a presentation from Professor Allan Downie, who is leading the UK’s response to ash die-back: his presentation will highlight lessons for agriculture from the rapid emergence of this disease.

The AHDB Crop Research

Conference takes place on 25 September 2013 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London. More details about the event, including how to book, programmes and abstracts, are available at www.hgca.com/events or phone 024 7647 8724.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Search is on for dock-infested grass fields Dow AgroSciences is on the lookout for grass fields with a high number of docks for a new initiative being launched next year. he aim is to show farmers that by selecting the right herbicide and applying it correctly, even the most weedinfested pastures can be rejuvenated, with high and lasting dock control, without the need to establish a new-sown ley.

On selected farms, weed experts from the company will assess the extent of the problem, recommend a solution for a nominal area, and supply herbicide products as required. In many cases an area will be left unsprayed, to highlight the efficacy of the treatment.

“Docks out-compete grass for

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nutrients and moisture and have just 65% of the feed value of grass,” says Dow’s grassland agronomist David Roberts.

“A 20% dock population leads to a 20% loss in grass dry matter (DM). This could mean losing 2.2 tonnes of grass (DM/ha) capable of producing more than 4,500 litres of milk/ha/year, or 660kg of liveweight gain/ha/year in beef and lamb production. So it is definitely worth getting on top of the problem.

“However, weed control has to be done correctly, at the right time and stage of growth to achieve long-term control. We hope these

demo sites will show farmers how this can be done successfully.”

Farmers with very bad dock infestations in their grass who

would like to take part, should contact David Roberts on telephone 01462 426671 or email daroberts@dow.com.

Caussade move ahead in UK Wheat varieties join Duo CS maize in UK trials programme. aussade Semences have started a detailed evaluation of their wheat varieties - in parallel with the company's maize trials programme in the UK - to select varieties from their portfolio that will perform well for UK growers.

“We have a number of varieties in our 2013 UK wheat evaluations and they enable us to select the

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ones that will be best suited to the UK,” says Didier Faure, Caussade’s International Sales Manager.

“There are two we have focused on this growing season - one is certainly interesting as being very early, while the other is later and has nice ears but, subject to yield results, is unlikely to marketed by us in the UK this season.

“However, the real point of these evaluations is that they are the kick-off point for Caussade in the UK wheat market. As such, they push along our objective of bringing farmers here new varieties that have worthwhile agronomic benefits, widen the genetic background of UK wheats, and give growers a wider choice.”

Look out for Leaf Spot in grass Farmers should keep an eye out for Leaf Spot (Drechslera) in grass fields this autumn, as reports of this fungal disease have risen sharply over the past two years. Recent NIAB TAG trials have recorded more than 40% of the leaf area of some swards infected with it. ncouraged by wet and cloudy weather, pastures in the west of England and Wales are most susceptible– although all areas are at some risk.

The disease, attacks the leaves of the grass plant – starting as small black speckles which develop into brown/black lesions, often with a yellow halo. The leaf eventually dies, reducing grass yield and feed quality. Cattle and sheep will reject infected grass, allowing the disease to spread further.

“One of the main problems with Leaf Spot is that it keeps on going into the winter,” says Tim Kerridge, agricultural sales director for DLF Trifolium.

“Ryegrass swards are often seen to be heavily infected in September and October, but the disease persists in cold weather, causing more damage and plant loss. This leads to poor early spring growth, giving weeds chance to establish in bare patches where grass plants have died. Independent trials showed that

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susceptible varieties can suffer an 18% yield loss at first cut (1.25t DM/ha).”

Prevention Little grassland in the UK is sprayed with fungicides and there is a limited range of products. Growing grass varieties with a proven high level of resistance is the best way to minimise the effects of Leaf Spot.

There is a wide range of resistance to the disease – of the 14 varieties on the recommended intermediate diploid perennial ryegrass list, only half score more than 5, where 9 is very resistant. Three of the seven weaker varieties score 3 or below.

Tetraploid varieties perform much better with no varieties scoring under 5. Care must be taken when choosing diploid varieties as resistance to Leaf spot appears to be a real weakness.

“In the west of the country I would only consider growing varieties with a Drechslera score of 5 or more,” suggests Mr Kerridge.

Leaf Spot causes black brown lesions on grass

“Varieties such as Solomon, Premium and Toddington are good – the latter was bred in a high risk area in the south west England.

The scores and high risk areas for Drechslera are all identified in the full version of the UK Recommended Grass and Clover Lists.

Mr Kerridge advises that no matter what other attributes a variety may have, in these areas Drechslera is the ‘Achilles heel’, and varieties scoring below 5 should be avoided.

Where the disease has taken hold in established pastures that are being grazed, remove the infected material by topping or tight grazing, to reduce the chance of spread and survival into the winter.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Arable

Trials show strong case for conventionals NIABTAG reported their latest winter oilseed rape variety trial results, with conventional varieties still performing well against hybrids in a challenging year. s Cubic has shown consistent high performance in these early results, yielding 4.38 t/ha (105% site mean) at the site in Morley, Norfolk and out-yielding many of the widely grown commercial varieties.

At the site in Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire Es Cubic was the highest yielding conventional variety in the trial with a Gross Output of 4.26 t/ha (107% site mean) with a good oil content of 45.9%.

Neil Groom, Technical Director of Grainseed says that Cubic offers a strong agronomic package being low biomass and stiff strawed with a 7 for stem canker and multigene resistance. It is early to mature (7) and has excellent autumn vigour. He points out that the new variety Es Alegria yielded 104% (4.14 t/ha) with 45.9% and was the second highest yielding conventional. “Es Agatha yielded 102% (4.07 t/ha) with 45.2% oil content. This compares favourably with the control varieties of PR45W21, DK Cabernet, Excalibur and Vision.”

Simon Kightley of NIABTAG says that, like many growers out there, he is keen to support conventional varieties as he thinks they have many practical advantages over and above hybrids.

One myth that irritates Simon is the phrase hybrid vigour. “Hybrids do not necessarily have autumn vigour. I have seen many conventional varieties with much better autumn vigour than any hybrid. For example non-listed variety Es Alienor from Grainseed lives up to its reputation and shows much better autumn vigour than the hybrids. Admittedly most hybrid varieties have good spring vigour, but this can be a negative as they produce too much vegetative growth, too much biomass and too large a canopy.

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Simon Kightley - NIABTAG

Crops could lodge badly and may not produce a high yield as light penetration into the canopy is restricted. I am convinced that the characteristic of vigour should be allocated to each individual variety, and not be seen as a broad brush allocation to a variety type. You can have a conventional with top vigour and a hybrid without it.”

Simon also believes that, on average, conventional varieties have lower biomass than hybrid varieties, which leads to easier management and harvest.

“Excessive vegetative growth in the spring leads to too much Nitrogen being scavenged and more unwanted growth in the stem and branches. Too large a canopy adds to the cost of management and can have a negative effect on yield.”

Simon Kightley points out that conventional varieties have more

flexibility in terms of seed rates.

“Hybrid seed is more expensive and growers have the potential to save seed from conventional crops. With the potential and imminent loss of the most effective seed dressing in rape, growers will need to compensate for possible plant loss by increasing seed rates in the future. Because of the relative cost of seed, growers will have more leeway with conventional varieties to increase seed rates if and when seedbed conditions need it.”

He recognises that using high seed rates necessitates growing a variety with good standing ability.

“Growers may have more scope for extra seed, but if your worse fears don’t come true and all the seeds germinate, clearly you will need to choose a strong variety with excellent standing power and straw stiffness.”

Neil Groom, Technical Director of Grainseed, says that his company’s portfolio of conventional winter oilseed varieties, which include Cubic and Alienor and now Alegria, are all low biomass conventional varieties that perform consistently well.

“All our varieties have top stem stiffness and resistance to lodging as well as multigene resistance to stem canker. Being low biomass means that they are easily managed and harvested. As conventionals they all offer a great set of features for the rape seed grower.”

For further information on the oilseed rape varieties Es Cubic, Es Agatha, Es Alienor and the new variety Es Alegria, please contact Neil Groom, Technical Director of Grainseed Ltd on 01379 871073 or 07774 720240.

Winter Oilseed rape trials results, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire

Variety

Gross Output %

Gross Output (t/ha)

Oil Content %

Es Cubic

107

4.26

45.9

Es Algeria

104

4.14

45.9

Es Agatha

102

4.07

45.2

Es Astrid

100

3.99

43.2

Es Alienor 99

99

3.96

44.4

PR45W21 (RH control)

111

4.43

47

DK Caberet (control)

100

3.98

45.4

Excaliber (RH control)

94

3.75

44

Vision

91

3.65

45

46 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Arable

Keep your best beet growing Sugar beet growers are being advised to prioritise crops for earliest lifting avoiding the temptation to take the best grown fields first, in the hope that backward or patchy crops will catch up. fter the late crop establishment in the spring, most growers have a significant range of crop growth between fields, or even within the field itself.

The natural inclination is to lift the best areas first to secure tonnage, reported Syngenta Sugar Beet Field Technical Manager, Simon Roberts. But a well-growing 40t/ha crop in

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Number of sprays

Root sugar content (%)

None

16.5

One

16.8

Two

17

Three - early

17.3

Three - late

17.4

Four

17.8 Source – BBRO Open Day, 2013

October could be converted to a 70-80t/ha crop post-Christmas, if it is carefully managed, he advised. A backward crop lifted at 30 t/ha in October, however, would never be likely to exceed 45-50t/ha, even in a kind autumn season.

“Overall sugar beet output could be raised by keeping good crops going for longer and taking maximum advantage of autumn growth to increase root yield and improve the sugar content,” he said. “BBRO and Syngenta trials have consistently shown that maintaining the crops’ green leaf area for longer, with a two or three-spray programme of Spyrale and Priori Xtra, will drive up yields for later lifting.”

Over recent years the autumn weather conditions with brighter days and warmer temperatures have favoured late season bulking during October, November and into December. In 2012, sunlight radiation level was greater between September and November 2012, compared to June and July – at a time when green leaf area was greater and better able to utilise the energy.

BBRO advice during this year’s beet growers’ open days has been that all crops should receive at least one fungicide

Simon Roberts

application, with two treatments for mid-season lifting - and significant advantages from a third application on crops destined for postChristmas harvest. Its trials have shown a direct correlation between the number of fungicide applications and an increased sugar content of roots.

Furthermore, where later Spyrale applications have retained the green leaf more effectively, beet roots are better protected from frost damage and are easier to lift through the winter, enabling delivery direct to factories without the fear of storage losses.

For crops that received a first fungicide application in July, Mr Roberts advocated a second application of Spyrale or Priori Xtra in September on beet destined for harvest from October onwards. The option of switching between the broad-spectrum fungicides will enable a complete three-spray programme on later lifted beet, he added.

Sugar Beet healthy heart

Pulse crops worth protecting Pea and bean growers are being advised to consider protecting crops against the risk of split pods in the build-up to harvest and safeguard yields. ith cereal harvest starting late across the country it is likely that pea and bean crops will be similarly delayed and with crops looking in good shape growers are being advised to apply a pod sealant such as PodStik to protect against losses due to pod shatter.

Peter Smith of Wherry & Sons reports that most bean crops, especially winter sown crops, are in good shape having podded well.

“Winter types are in better shape than spring sown crops as they flowered before the onset of

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dry weather in July. In crops which flowered later we have seen some splaying of pods,” he says.

With crops in good shape and prices commanding a £5060/tonne premium over feed wheat he says growers should be prepared to protect their crop in case of adverse weather.

“It’s about protecting what is there. We know from the experience of oilseed rape that warm and wet days increase the stress on pods and lead to increased shattering. With marrowfats trading upwards of £300 per tonne and feed beans

upwards of £200/tonne plus premiums a bad year for split pods could result in heavy losses and potentially affect quality,” says Peter Smith.

Some growers however, have found applying a pod sealer reduces the risk of losses in the run up to harvest and at the time of combining.

According to De Sangosse, trials have shown that applying Pod-Stik can significantly reduce losses in both winter beans and spring peas, just as it does in oilseed rape.

“Pod-Stik works by bridging the

pod seam, where the pod starts to split due to maturity and repeated wetting and drying. Independent trials have shown that Pod-Stik can save up to 0.6t/ha in both winter beans and spring sown peas,” says De Sangosse commercial manager Simon McMunn.

“Applied at 1 litre per ha with a water rate of 100-300 litres with or without a desiccant Pod-Stik costs about £10/ha. With pea prices upwards of £200/tonne it represents an instant pay back of up to 20:1,” adds Simon McMunn.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Arable

Triple threat to oilseed rape Oilseed rape crops could be at greater risk from a three-way disease attack this coming season so growers must adopt a robust fungicide strategy from the outset, leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons warns. arm and damp conditions during August have been conducive to development and carryover of key soilborne diseases and any early-sown crops could be at particular risk from phoma, light leaf spot and Verticillium wilt infection, says the firm’s technical manager Dick Neale.

“Although harvest is late, a lot of rape has already been drilled where previous crops had failed and it is growing very quickly in the warm, moist soils. The late harvest and a continuing trend for shallow cultivations also means there is a lot of crop residue on or near the surface carrying phoma spores that need warmth and moisture to sporulate.”

It is therefore much more likely that the 10% infection threshold for the first fungicide spray will be reached earlier than normal, possibly by the first week in October if conditions remain conducive to disease development, says Mr Neale.

He urges growers to monitor crops closely and use the Rothamsted phoma forecasting tool in order to help time sprays accurately. A robust dose (0.75litres/ha) of prothioconazole/tebuconazole can be more effective than straight metconazole, he suggests.

Verticillium threat increasing Mr Neale says the weather during August will also favour the transfer of soil-borne Verticillium wilt into emerging crops.

The disease has become widespread in the UK since it was first confirmed in 2007 and while its impact on yield is not always quantifiable, he says the threat should not be

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underestimated, especially in susceptible varieties such as Excalibur (see table).

“Castille was another particularly susceptible variety and Verticillium wilt ultimately proved to be the death knell for it.”

But while recent conditions may favour the transfer of the pathogen to young rape plants the disease won’t express itself in crops until next April at the earliest and any yield impact depends on conditions during late flowering and early pod set, notes Hutchinsons seeds manager Colin Button.

“Hot, dry conditions at that time will result in more premature pod death in infected plants, which means crops don’t fully set seed or oil.”

The prevalence of susceptible varieties in the past combined with tighter rotations of oilseed rape has facilitated the build-up of Verticillium inoculum in soils and its transfer and impact on crops will be exacerbated when climatic conditions are right, he adds.

Control is generally limited to variety choice, although Mr Neale says that later drilling and a fungicide strategy containing prothioconazole in combination with azoxystrobin can alleviate the initial infection and impact of Verticillium.

“There’s not a lot growers can do about Verticillium now, so use this season to think about variety choice, when you drill and fungicide sequence to alleviate future pressure as much as you can. A lot of varieties have decent tolerance to verticillium, although there is probably half a dozen or so that are susceptible.”

Norfolk-based Hutchinsons agronomist and farmer Alex Wilcox says Verticillium is now

present in nearly all the oilseed rape crops he advises on, but yield impact is negligible where a robust fungicide strategy has been adopted.

He too favours a prothioconazole/tebuconazole mix, although says product choice should be kept flexible depending on what level of growth regulation is required at the time of spraying. “Preventing lodging is just as important as disease control in oilseed rape, as you can soon lose half the yield from a lodged crop.”

He acknowledges tighter rotations have been a factor in disease build up and advises growers to try and keep oilseed rape to one year in four or five where possible and avoid drilling too early.

Verticillium Wilt Index*

Variety

2011-12

2012-13

Excaliber

91

78

Castille

89

-

Vision

81

69

Avatar

61

52

Alienor

50

45

Catana

29

28

*The index is a measure of disease severity based on plant examinations carried out in June across replicated trials. Scores range from 0 (diseasefree) to 90 (plant dead). Further information on an extensive range of varieties is available from Hutchinsons agronomists to give the latest information on their Verticillium wilt index ratings.

Tighter rotations have been a factor in disease build up and advises growers to try and keep oilseed rape to one year in four or five where possible and avoid drilling too early

The late harvest and a continuing trend for shallow cultivations also means there is a lot of crop residue on or near the surface carrying phoma spores that need warmth and moisture to sporulate

48 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Tillage

Tillage-Live: Bigger and better Tillage-Live takes place at West Hall Farm, Welton, Lincolnshire LN2 3QF on Wednesday 11 September 2013 from 08.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs. he show offers visitors the opportunity to get to grips with the latest in cultivation equipment and soil management technologies.

“This year’s Tillage-Live is packed with useful information. The Knowledge Trail provides visitors access to valuable, in-depth advice from industry experts on a whole variety of topics and as the largest cultivation demonstration in the UK there is the opportunity to view the latest cultivation equipment from ploughing to min-till on show, “ said Duncan Russell of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

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Stations on the knowledge trail will include the ever-popular soil pit helping visitors to understand what is happening beneath the surface as a result of cultivation, as well as guidance on weed control strategies in cereals and oilseed rape from sponsors BASF. Here visitors can talk to the experts about the weed problems on their own farms and get support on coping with Black-grass resistance which is becoming increasingly problematic and wide-spread. By completing the knowledge trail visitors can gain NRoSO and BASIS CPD points.

All the latest news about the event is

available on the website www.tillagelive.uk.com including details of pre-booking (£7.50/car, compared to £10 on the day). For group rates contact FarmSmart Events.

For further information go to website www.tillage-live.uk.com

Tillage Live Knowledge Trail: Weds 11th September 2013 at West Hall Farm, Welton, Lincolnshire, LN2 3QF 1) Weed control, across the rotation, and effective OSR establishment - BASF, the events Crop protection partner will be focusing on making the most of your cultivation philosophy and give clear guidance on weed control strategies 2) Focus on soil structure Cultivation machinery expert, Philip Wright will be digging a soil pit to explain how to identify compaction, its causes and how various implements can be used to repair the problem as well as explaining how to prevent damaging the structure.

3) Slug Pelleting Precision/Get Pelletwise - The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG) will be on hand to provide practical advice on checking, setting up and calibrating slug pellet applicators and on best application practice to provide the best control and minimise pollution risks.

4) Soils and tyres – agricultural tyre specialists Michelin will be showing the impact of loading, setting and

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tyre selection on your most valuable asset beneath your feet.

5) Precision Cultivations– looking at the benefits of targeting your cultivations strategy to the areas that need it most.

6) Maize establishment – with the increasing use of maize as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants (AD) on farm, a new crop is entering the arable rotation.

Seeding experts Amazone will be looking at best practice on how to give the crop the best start.

7) Precision Farming, GPS and autosteer, New Holland will be showing how to make the most of your implements with options for autosteer and guidance.

NRoSO and BASIS points have been applied for. Delegates will receive on arrival a card to complete by attending each station, in order to claim their points.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Tillage

Amazone Ltd to demonstrate new kit at Tillage-Live Although the Cereals Event always provides the launch platform for new kit, it is only at Tillage-Live where you can see that new kit put through its paces in the ground getting dirty, both on the Amazone stand and in the central Demo Arena. he new Cenius folding trailed mulch cultivator With its folding, trailed format, the new Cenius 4002-2T supplements the existing Cenius mulch cultivator range for use with tractors from 150 HP to 250 HP. The existing range to date includes mounted models in working widths of 3 m, 3.5 m and 4 m and a trailed ver- sion with a working width of 3 m, where the wedge ring roller serves as the running gear as well as the depth control.

As on all other Cenius models, Amazone offers the new Cenius 4002-2 T in a choice of a Special version with shear bolt stone protection or as a Super version with the proven 3-D spring breakaway tines.

The trailed version of the 4 m Cenius requires less lifting power from the tractor and pre- vents the high rear axle loads associated with lifting such an implement on the headland.

Soil structure damage is thus kept to a minimum. The three row stagger arrangement of the tines, with a tine spacing of 28.5 cm, and the simple set of levelling discs allow a versatile scope of operation from shallow stubble cultivation to medium soil tillage right through to top soil deep loosening and seedbed preparation. The depth of work will indicate the type of share required. For shallow work there is a choice of a 250mm goose foot or a 170 mm duck foot tip, for intermediate work a 75mm inversion share or, for going deeper, a 50mm narrow share. The Vario-Clip quick change system is also available.ress Information Amazone offers a choice of 5 different following rollers to provide either intensive crumbling or good reconsolidation, depending on the type of soil. The following bogey chassis en- sures that full flexibility by being able to utilise the full roller range. The hydraulic depth adjustment, front guide wheels and the following harrow are important options for the crea- tion of an excellent operational performance.

As an option, the drawbar mounted GreenDrill with its 500 litre hopper capacity provides sufficient seed for the important task of catch crop sowing for modern arable farming.

Precision seeding of Oil Seed Rape: An even seed spacing is paramount The ability to drill rape seed singularly results in decisive advantages in crop management.

By placing OSR seed at a precise seed spacing down the row, and at an exact depth, the agronomical advantages in rape establishment are substantial. Trials work has proven that rape seeds spaced more than 5cm apart within the row and an overall plant count of around 25 plants/m2 results in a more manageable crop that stays standing to avoid lodg- ing losses, has a thicker root diameter to again provide a better standing ability and a high- er nutrient uptake, all of which lead to a higher overall yield. The sophisticated and excel- lent coulter technology of the EDX achieves the constant depth control required. This pro- vides a very even placement depth of the seed and also, as importantly, a perfect seed embedment which further ensures an optimal field emergence and reduced slug damage.

Closer row spacings require the reduction of

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The new Catros – Advantage rape seeding combination

Especially for rape singling, metering drums are available with a hole diameter of 1.2 mm and 1.6 mm

the seed rate and, due to the excellent singling ability of the Xpress-grain system, the seed rate can be noticeably reduced yet the desired excellent results are maintained.

Although the optimum row spacing that matches plant population with seed spacing is 50cm, the EDX rape system is offered in row spac- ings of 37.5 cm, 45 cm and 50 cm.

Especially for rape singling, metering drums with hole diameters of 1.2 mm and 1.6 mm are available which are able to cover the majority of types of rape seed. For the later fertiliser and crop protection applications, the EDX can be equipped with single row shut-off and tramline control.

Also as an option, the EDX can be equipped with a unit for under-root fertilisation. This allows the targeted fertilisation during the early growth stage and promotes the rapid root development of the plant.

New Catros – Advantage cultivator combination for rape establishment Tillage-Live sees on the Stand the new Advantage loosening legs mounted ahead of the Catros+ 3001 compact disc harrow and GreenDrill rape seeder box. The Advantage loosening legs are available in either a 5 or 6 leg format depending on seeder row spacing.

Amazone offers a choice of 5 different following rollers for the Catros to provide either intensive crumbling or good reconsolidation, depending on the type of soil. At Tillage-Live, the wedge ring roller is the roller of choice due to its targeted consolidation ahead of the seed row. The hydraulic depth adjustment and the following harrow are important options for the creation of an excellent operational performance.

The Catros compact disc harrow can be specified with either the 460 mm diameter smooth discs or the 510 mm scalloped discs for conditions where a more aggressive penetration is required or for better mulching of surface trash when, for example, working behind oats or laid crops. The offset of the

50 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

The new folding, trailed Cenius mulch cultivator

stagger between the front and back disc rows can be set to ensure the optimum soil movement at all working depths and forward speeds – a feature unique to the Amazone compact disc harrow range.

The depth control of the discs is set via the rear consolidating roller and can be optimised irrespective of the depth of the leading tines.

The low-disturbance shares on the legs prevent wet, cloddy soil being brought up from below keeping the top soil surface friable and fine to stop slug damage following drilling.

One-pass rape seeding is the ideal utilisation of the Catros – Advantage combination. .As an option, the roller-mounted GreenDrill with its 200 litre hopper capacity provides sufficient seed for high outputs with- out refilling.

Propelling the seed down the 6 delivery pipes into the depression left by the ribs on the wedge ring roller, the GreenDrill places the seed into a firmed seedbed at a consistent sowing depth. A covering harrow can then be utilised to cover over the seed rows. An electric control box eases the cali- bration process and maintains the seed rate irrespective of forward speed. A front-mounted fertiliser tank can also be specified for autumn application of NP fertiliser to boost rape plant growth pre-winter.

The GreenDrill can also be used for the important task of catch crop sowing for modern arable farming.

These major new product launches sit alongside a plethora of kit on demo: • Citan 6000 solo drill Cayena grain and fert tine seeder with GPS-Switch automatic headland shut-off system • Catros 4001-2 TS with GreenDrill 200 AD-P Super drill combi • Cirrus 4002 trailed cultivator drill Visit www.amazone.co.uk for more information

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| Tillage

Time for a closer look at field drains Last autumn and winter’s awful weather sent shock waves through the farming industry, as farmers and contractors alike struggled to establish winter crops. As the 2013 establishment season approaches it may pay to reconsider drainage systems. arlier this summer the Institution of Agricultural Engineers convened a special meeting to examine some of the key issues emerging from last winter’s atrocious conditions.

Here we consider drainage and compaction, while a further article will look at improved forecasting to aid decision-making.

Good land drainage not only improves yield potential, especially in poorly drained areas prone to water-logging, but also helps machinery travel across land, improving timliness of operations and reducing compaction and rutting, said Paula Misiewicz, a researcher and lecturer at Harper Adams University.

Indeed, increasing the depth of the water table through drainage increases soil strength and trafficability, lessens compaction, and eases subsequent field operations, increasing the number of available work days, so improving overall timeliness and crop establishment. Indeed, better drainage can improve the

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timeliness of all arable operations, which is critical when considering harvest and spray/fertiliser application windows.

A drainage system that has been in place for decades may need reviewing and replacing in certain areas. “But where to start,” she asked. “Check, maintain and improve drainage infrastructure and reduce traffic intensity and contact pressure. It is so important to regularly inspect old drainage systems. Restoring an old system is much cheaper than creating a new one.”

She referred to two types of drainage issue. One is surface water control, especially where clay soils are close to the surface so water cannot infiltrate.

Secondly, more permeable soils with the water table close to the surface require piped drainage and moling.

Preventing mechanical compaction is also important. It maintains lower soil strength, improves freedom for root and shoot growth, allows infiltration of

water and aeration, and can lead to yield increases of up to 15%.One approach is controlled traffic farming, whereby wheelings are restricted to long-term tramlines. Where soil is not trafficked water is better able to infiltrate, reducing water run-off and erosion, and improving fertilizer use efficiency. It can also mean less overall compaction, better yield thanks to improved conditions for plant growth, more uniform grain, less overlap, lower input costs and greater placement accuracy.

Even before taking crop yield into account operating profit can be up 8% (£75/ha).

Lowering ground pressure is a simple and cheap way to reduce soil damage, leading to extended working time, improved fuel economy and better trafficability and manoeuvrability. Extra costs using a tractor of around 280hp with ultraflex tyres can be equivalent to £1/ha and £0.50/ha for a combine. But those cost are offset by fuel savings, improved

trafficability and narrower operating widths.

In the short term Ms Misiewicz urges farmers to study old drainage plans and walk ditch drains when they should be flowing. Check that tile drains, plastic pipes and mole drains are flowing, clean blocked ditch and open drains, flush pipe drains, ensure outfalls are functioning and map damaged areas for repair.

In the medium term mole drain clay soils with perched water tables, to connect with gravel backfill of existing tile/plastic drains. Sub-soil damaged areas after the next harvest and improve existing drainage.

Longer term look to install pipe/ditch drains, mole drain clay soils with perched water tables to connect with gravel backfill. Install grass waterways, grade low spots in flat lands, improve existing drainage systems, reduce surface compaction by reducing traffic density and intensity and improve soil organic matter content.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Tillage

Swift work beats the weather With 850ha of combinable crops at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, getting over the ground quickly with timely cultivations is important for Arthur Markillie Ltd. uring last autumn’s testing establishment conditions, Sam Markillie also needed a primary cultivator that could work in wet soils and improve soil structure after break crops.

“We really needed to get across the ground and remove compaction, and the Väderstad Swift has proved ideal,” he comments. “It’s a clever design which has updated the proven principle of using spring tines, giving a good clearance height and generous spacing to work through trash.”

The 8.7m Swift was used in multiple passes in different directions, working progressively deeper to help dry out and restructure the heavy silty/clay loams.

“The Swift is pulled by a 765C Challenger which

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is a good match, providing plenty of power for a wide implement and also helping to keep the forward speed up. The ideal is 8kph plus, although in the wet conditions it was more like 7-8kph last year.”

The first pass is made at about 12.5cm (5in), working deeper in the next passes which is made in a different direction, and the Swift is fitted with narrow 50mm points, which Mr Markillie says have been particularly useful.

“There is a really good flow of soil through the tines, and it has done a great job of taking out compaction – discs would just have covered up the tracks,” he comments. “Also, the mixing and incorporation offered by the Swift is exceptional.”

Primary cultivations are followed by a pass with the Väderstad Rexius Twin press, before drilling with the Väderstad Rapid.

Versatility is another plus, he reckons: “The Swift would be equally applicable in a dryer season, it would just be a matter of not letting the ground dry out too much between passes. On land that bakes, a Rexius Twin could always be used to work the seedbed down afterwards. The rear drawbar also allows rolls or press wheels to be fitted behind, or you could close the weather window by adding a packer.”

Claydon display two new products at Tillage Live On their stand at this year’s Tillage Live, Claydon will be displaying two new additions to their range – the new 3m wide Claydon Fertiliser Hybrid drill and the new 12.3m wide Claydon Rolls. hese two new products have been added to meet customer demand and are designed to complement the rest of the Claydon range and enable users to cost effectively achieve the best possible crop establishment.

New fertiliser placement system On display at Tillage Live will be the new 3m Claydon Fertiliser Hybrid drill which features a new split hopper design. For larger 4m 4.8m and 6m Hybrid drills, Claydon also offers a frontmounted 1500kg capacity hopper, from which the fertiliser is blown to a second distributor head on the drill. For micro-fertilisers, Claydon is also able to offer a Stocks Rotor Meter applicator, plus there is also the option of a liquid fertiliser applicator.

Claydon has seen a considerable increase in demand for technology that enables fertiliser to be accurately placed

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with the seed whilst drilling. This works particularly well with the Claydon system where only the soil immediately around the seeding zone is moved, leaving the rest of the soil undisturbed. By being able to accurately place the fertiliser where it is needed alongside the seed, this ensures that the optimum nutrient is available to the young seedling for improved utilisation. In addition, there is also the opportunity to reduce cost because fertiliser is only applied where necessary, rather than being applied to the 50% of undisturbed soil between each seed row.

The new 3m Claydon Fertiliser Hybrid drill on display at Tillage Live features a split hopper that is mounted further forward on the drill for improved stability. The drill has the capacity to carry 750kg of seed and 750kg of fertiliser, fed through two metering units so that variable application rates can be

52 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

applied. The fertiliser rate is set and controlled using the drill’s RDS Artemis Electronic control system, so no separate control box is required.

On both the 3m Claydo n Fertiliser Hybrid and on front hopper versions, the fertiliser is fed down the back of the leading breaker tine and placed 75-100mm below the seeding zone. However, the system is flexible, so that if required fertiliser can be fed down the back of the seeding tine, so placing it with the seed.

Alternatively the micro-granular system can be used in combination with solid or liquid fertiliser.

Claydon 12.3m roll Also on display at Tillage Live will be the new Claydon 12.3m Rolls, which are the latest addition to the Claydon System range. The addition of these new rolls provide an important part of the overall Claydon Drilling System, by

enabling the thorough consolidation of the soil within the seeding zone to ensure optimum soil to seed contact, moisture retention and a reduction in slug activity.

The new Claydon Rolls comprise of five 2.5m wide sections that fold down horizontally to just 2.85m for transport. Each roller unit is fitted with 24 inch breaker rings with a working weight of 682kg/metre to provide optimum consolidation.

Incorporated into the frame is a load transfer system to ensure that weight is evenly distributed across the full working width of the roller for an even, uniform finish.

With a minimum power requirement of 100 horsepower, working at 6kph the Claydon rolls are capable of covering around 6.6ha/hour. The standard specification also includes full road lighting and hydraulic braking.

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| Tillage

Kubota showcases MGX Series at Tillage Live Leading agricultural specialist and first-time exhibitor Kubota will be showcasing its MGX range of high performance tractors at Tillage Live 2013. he MGX range offers unrivalled power and reliability, outstanding fuel economy and low emissions. The M135GX and M110GX utilise advanced turbo charged 4 cylinder Kubota CRS diesel engines to deliver class-leading performance and efficiency, whilst still providing sufficient torque and power to get the job done on any farm or field.

Both machines come with intelligent technology including PTO and RPM control, plus responsive and ergonomically designed displays and controls for ease of use. A wide range of implements can also be quickly and easily attached, so operators can speed up the time between different jobs.

The MGX Series is highly manoeuvrable, with Kubota’s bevel-gear front axle and bispeed turn feature making it effortless to change direction, and the powerful M135GX also features the ultra smooth 3 stage front axle suspension and high performance hydraulics for enhanced productivity.

Also on display at the show will be the M9960 and

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brand new M7060 from Kubota’s popular midrange M60 Series.

Adrian Langmead, Business Development Manager for Kubota’s Tractor and Groundcare Division, said: “Tillage Live is an excellent platform for showcasing our higher horsepower tractors to cultivation professionals and there will be lots of opportunity for visitors to get to grips with our machines.”

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

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Tillage

AXION 900 makes UK working debut at Tillage Making its full UK working debut will be the new production version of the CLAAS AXION 900 tractor which, with power outputs ranging from 320hp up to 410hp, is the most powerful conventional tractor on the UK market.

he new AXION 900 range features a completely new ‘ground-up’ design which has set the model for subsequent new tractor ranges, such as the AXION 800, which will be launched next year, and the latest ARION 600 and 500 series tractors.

A key feature of the AXION 900 range is the new four-pillar cab design, which offers a high degree of operator comfort and space, whilst also providing superb allround visibility.

To achieve this, the cab has been mounted forward of the rear axle and the ‘B’ pillars have also been moved forward to give the operator unparalleled visibility over the widest of implements.

Inside the cab, all the main functions are controlled using the new CMOTION control which fits into the palm of the hand, and enables all the main operational functions to be controlled using just three fingers.

In total, four AXION 900 models

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are available, all powered by FPT Cursor 9, 8.7 litre 6-cylinder 24valve engines with SCR technology with power outputs of 320hp, 350hp, 380hp and 410hp.

The engine is controlled using a CLAAS advanced engine management system that is designed to provide optimum performance and torque with minimal fuel consumption. To help enable this, the engine incorporates on-demand VISCTRONIC cooling, which reduces fuel consumption and engine noise.

Such is the efficiency of the engine and power transfer to the wheels, that in comparative tests with similar sized tractors, the overall output in terms of hectares per hour from the AXION 900 was higher which, combined with the fuel efficiency of the engine, meant that the AXION 900 was the most fuel and Ad Blue® efficient of all the tractors tested.

Drive to the axles is through a

54 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

split-power ZF ECCOM 3.0 transmission, which has four automatically engaged mechanical ranges for optimum power transfer over a speed range from 0.5kph up to 50kph. Controlled using the CMOTION unit, the operator has the option of three operating modes; Automotive, CMATIC or Manual. There is also the option of three further speed range driving modes, set-up using CEBIS, three speed reducing modes when in CMATIC and a Cruise Control function.

The AXION 900 is built around a fully integrated frame that incorporates a self-supporting crankcase and embedded sump.

This new chassis design provides the AXION 900 with the ability to handle heavy loads without additional bracing. As a result, the fully integrated front-linkage can carry up to 6.8 tonnes whilst the rear linkage has a maxim lift capacity of 11 tonnes.

Now fully available, the high standard specification includes an extensive lighting package and full ISOBUS connectivity, plus there is the option of TELEMATICS performance monitoring and the full range of CLAAS GPS steering options.

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| Machinery

Fruit Focus gives warm welcome to new Boomer 50 from New Holland New Holland’s brand new Boomer 50 compact tractor got a warm welcome both from the weather and visitors when it was introduced to this year’s Fruit Focus.

here were a record 126 exhibitors at the East Malling Research Centre in East Malling, Kent, on Wednesday July 24th, where the Boomer 50 made its debut for New Holland dealership Haynes Agricultural Ltd.

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“Both the Boomer 50 and the T4050N got a great reception and we’re looking forward to displaying more new products at the National Fruit Show in October.”

At least one deal was agreed off the back of the show, with a T3030 tractor on its way to a local buyer. Several quotes were also requested, including for the unveiled Boomer 50 which impressed the crowds.

Fruit Focus is the UK's leading technical

event for the fruit industry, annually bringing together more than 1,200 growers and industry professionals with over 115 leading suppliers.

Haynes Agricultural Ltd General Sales Manager Jeremy Cloude said: “People there were impressed with the products on display. In particular there was plenty of interest in the new, adaptable and manoeuvrable Boomer 50.

“A lot of the good response is down to its three-speed rear PTO providing up to 1,000 rpm. It’s got a powerful four-cylinder engine, a tight turning circle, and ergonomic controls with a practical, easy-to-use layout.

“Farmers are starting to renew their older tractors and the new Boomer range is meeting their demands very well. It’s going to be very popular.”

Also attracting the crowds to the New Holland stand was the impressively versatile T4050N narrow four-wheel-drive with its exceptional array of options to refine steering –

56 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

such as with the tight-turning SuperSteer™ front axle – transmission, speed, power and more.

The go-to tractor for fruit growers, the awardwinning T4000 range offers perfect dimensions and unmatched manoeuvrability. Combining rugged build and excellent operator comfort it suits every specialist requirement.

Jeremy Cloude added: “There was a lot of optimism about at Fruit Focus and it was busier than usual on what was a scorching day!

“Both the Boomer 50 and the T4050N got a great reception and we’re looking forward to displaying more new products at the National Fruit Show in October.”

Haynes Agricultural Ltd is based in Maidstone, Kent, and operates from three depots in Great Chart, Wrotham and Uckfield, serving customers across Kent and East Sussex.

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September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Machinery

New mid-specification sprayers expand crop care range John Deere is extending its trailed sprayer range with the introduction of the new mid-specification M700(i) and M900(i) models for 2014.

o help reduce spraying cost per hectare, these MSeries sprayers have been specially designed to meet the requirements of farms growing up to 750ha of cereals, oilseed rape or row crops.

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“The M900i and R900i sprayers will also offer an incab nozzle control, allowing the operator to switch between spray nozzles on the go.”

M700 Series sprayers are available as standard versions with 2400, 3200 or 4000-litre tanks, or as ‘i-specification’ machines with 3200 or 4000-litre tank capacities.

Equipped with a triple folding 30m boom, these sprayers match 6m seeders or drills, and compared to a 24m boom they can cover 25 per

cent more ground at one pass.

The larger M900 Series sprayers have many of the same features as the R900i Series, including high capacity filling performance using the PowrFill chemical inductor, the same choice of 5200 or 6200-litre tank capacities for maximum productivity, and durable steel booms from 24 to 40m. The M900 and M900i are available with a manual or semi-automatic operator station for easy and fast sprayer set-up.

In addition to proven design features such as the low centre of gravity and double link axle suspension as seen on R-Series sprayers, new electronics and hydraulics provide a choice of different specification levels to meet a wide range of customer requirements.

Both the M700i and M900i sprayers include ‘ISOBUS inside’,

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so the machines can communicate with the tractor and enable intelligent John Deere solutions.

These include the Tank Fill Calculator, which helps the operator to calculate the correct amount of refill volumes required for each application, BoomTrac automatic boom height and tilt control and FieldDoc documentation software.

To meet the increasing demand for satellite guidance systems, AutoTrac automatic steering and GPS boom section control are also available on both i and non-i versions of the M-Series sprayers.

A new Implement Display 1100 has been developed to control the sprayer in conjunction with the multi-function lever, which is available on all i and non-i trailed

machines. This durable, compact display replaces the current spray rate controller and control boxes featured on 700 Series sprayers, so all functions are readily accessible.

On the non-ISOBUS machines, the Implement 1100 display can be replaced by a GreenStar 1800 or 2630 display when using a StarFire receiver and for automatic boom section control. The interface with these displays meets all filling, spraying and documentation requirements, and is compatible with many John Deere FarmSight solutions.

The M900i and R900i sprayers will also offer an in-cab nozzle control, allowing the operator to switch between spray nozzles on the go.

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| Machinery

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

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

Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325

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

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

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

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

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd Providence Foundry, Foxholes, East Cowton, Northallerton, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01262 470221 Tel: 01325 378552 September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Telehandlers

Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford LtdMonthly - Lutterworth, Leicestershire 60 |Tractors Farming | September 2013 LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New MANITOU MLT 840 Drop everything for Broadmead Estate Services

Come the winter it’s likely you’ll do just that when you consider how valuable a workhorse the SnowEx drop spreader is.

Broadmead Estate Services have fifteen years experience of specialist estate management work involving all aspects of landscaping, maintenance of fencing, erection of farm buildings as well as seasonal agricultural contracting involving the loading of muck, compost and mulch.

his is the ideal solution when treating for ice and snow while ensuring that flower-beds, grass areas and parked cars are not being damaged by excess salt.

There are two models to choose from; a 170 litre capacity with a working width of 1m and a 400 litre capacity with a working width of 1.3m.

These spreaders have become hugely popular with councils, local authorities and contractors as tractor mounted drop spreaders for treating restricted areas in parks and public places.

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o maintain the high level of efficiency that their customer base expects, Jim Smith Director of Broadmead Estate Services has invested in a new Manitou MLT840 to assist with all the daily loading and handling duties required.

With an impressive 4000kg load capacity the MLT840 is easily capable of loading 3000kg of material into a 4m50 high trailer.

The maximum lift height of 7m55 and forward reach of 4m45 is the ideal combination for versatility and optimum utilisation.

A turning radius of 3m98 ensures that the MLT840 is highly adaptable in operating in restricted areas without compromise.

Jim commented: “Our business has grown over the last few years and we needed a telehandler with more versatility and performance.

The new Manitou (MLT840) is ideal for our needs as it can easily travel by road to the site, typically load a dump trailer and haul the trailer where the load needs to be offloaded and the Manitou then reloads the material into a spreader for distribution onto the land. The extra reach is important to enable selective picking of loads particularly in the storage yard.”

The versatility is emphasised by the selection of front end attachments which include a variety of buckets and grabs as well as a post driver for fencing posts.

Early feedback on the new Manitou MLT840 has been very positive and the cab comfort

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features and the JSM joystick control all rated highly by the operators. The flexibility of the transmission with a choice of either manual or automatic is another significant advantage.

Exclusive to Manitou, JSM lets the operator control all movements with one hand safely and intuitively. Raising and lowering the boom, extending and retracting, crowding and tilting, controlling the hydraulics to the attachment, forward/reverse selection of travel or switching to the M Shift gearbox to manual.

The driver always keeps one hand on the steering wheel to maintain full control. The new 5 Speed MShift gearbox is designed for smooth gear changing in all situations. Two modes of operation are available: automatic and manual. In automatic mode the operator shifts from one gear to another with minimum torque interruption. The gearshift program adapts to the torque and speed demanded by the job at hand and determines the optimum gear automatically. In manual mode the operator decides which gear to engage using the plus or minus buttons on the JSM. To summarise, Jim Smith said: “We chose Manitou because they are a specialist in their chosen field of rough terrain forklifts and they have the tradition of 40 years trading in the UK. Our local Manitou dealer is Farol of Hungerford and they provide a dedicated after sales support.”

Equipped with a unique flow system, they offer ‘gate-free’ controlled material dispersal and a variable-speed digital controller.

The hoppers are built in corrosionresistant polyethylene and the motor and transmission are both electric for ease of operation and maintenance.

The spreaders also come with a top screen fitted as standard and are the sensible choice for keeping paths and car parks treated for icy conditions.

Broadwood International www.broadwoodintl.co.uk 01420 478111.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Machinery

Extended and upgraded offers from Zetor in 2013 On-going developments mean Zetor tractors are an even more attractive option.

ORTERRA AND FORTERRA HSX RANGE There’s plenty of innovation going on with Zetor’s existing ranges, including many developments that can already be seen on models arriving in the UK. All Forterra tractors, for example, now feature Zetor’s 16-valve, 4.2litre engine.

First introduced on the Forterra 135 to meet the EU Stage IIIA emissions standard, the engine has now been fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet the Stage IIIB standard in the Forterra HSX range. The novel DPF can be cleaned on-farm as part of the normal servicing process, and this highly efficient engine with mechanical fuel injection has a fuel consumption claimed to be 2.9 litres/hour lower than the previous eight-valve engine used in Zetor’s Forterra tractors.

A major development in the drivetrain, meanwhile, means that four-wheel-drive Forterras are now fitted with a new Carraro front axle that has a central drive shaft. The wheelbase of these tractors is 100mm longer bringing increased stability, but the drive shaft to the

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new axle is also now fitted with a wet-disc braking system that adds front-axle braking and improved stopping performance overall.

Other new features on the 2013 Forterra models include better soundproofing in the cab, a highvision panel in the roof to aid loader operations and the engine stop is now integrated into the ignition key. Of particular interest to those using the Forterra for haulage, a new cab suspension system is now available that replaces the standard rear cab mountings with a spring-anddamper arrangement for increased comfort. The suspension system is available now on the factory option list at about £750+VAT, and is also available as a retrofit kit from Zetor dealers for about £1,000+VAT. PROXIMA RANGE Zetor’s latest Proxima tractors are already arriving in the UK and can be distinguished by a new front bonnet design that takes its design cues from the bonnet produced for the Zetor Major. More angled and purposeful looking than the previous design, it also features additional air vents.

Inside the cab, the roof has

been completely redesigned on the Proxima to include a window to aid loader use. The position of the radio and optional air-conditioning system has also been changed in the roof panel to fit in with the new design.

MAJOR RANGE For the time being, the Zetor Major is only available as an 80hp

tractor, but the intention is eventually to have models with 50hp, 60hp and 70hp as well, with the smallest of these likely to appear in 2014. Two-wheel-drive Major 80 with a cab is scheduled for introduction in September.

For more information contact your local Zetor Dealer or go to www.zetor.co.uk

A New Bale Shredder Range from Kidd Kidd Farm Machinery Ltd, Folly road, Devizes, Wiltshire are pleased to announce the expansion of their range of machinery for livestock farmers with the introduction of a new Bale Shredder range for handling straw, haylage, grass and maize silage. he new Bale Shredder range, designed and manufactured in Devizes, consists of two models with 4.50 and 8.50 cu m capacities. Standard build specification includes a swivel chute, electric controls, an adjustable beater comb and remote tail gate control. Tractor hp requirement is 75hp for the 450 model and 90hp for the 850 model.

With a large carrying capacity the new Bale Shredder range can be loaded with 4.50 or 8.50 cu m of clamp or grass maize silage, 2 or 4 round bales – up to 6ft diameter, Big 1 or 2 Big Heston bales, 2 or 4 x quadrant bales – dependant on the model.

The 450 and 850 models feature a large diameter flywheel which will place fodder to the side of the machine or blow straw 25m. A fully adjustable three part chute places bedding or feed exactly where it is needed.

Both Bale Shredders are compact and extremely manoeuvrable, measuring 2.15m wide (2.25m 850 model) with a track width of 1.85m (1.90m 850 model), 4.36m (5.96m 850 model) long and with a height of 2.65m they can be used easily and safely in confined areas.

Product options include a hydraulically operated beater comb adjustment, a wide angle pto, road lighting kit, mudguard kit, rear door bumper bar for extra large bales, 11.5 x 15 wheels and 12.5 wheels (450 model).

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Speaking about the introduction of the new Bale Shredder range Richard Burman, Managing Director of Kidd Farm Machinery Ltd said “the introduction of these Bale shredders is a logical addition to our range of livestock equipment. They are being well received by our dealers and farmers in the UK and into our substantial export markets”.

Prices for the Bale Shredder range from Kidd

62 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

Farm Machinery Ltd commence at £12,995.00.

Further information available from Kidd Farm Machinery Ltd., Folly road, Devizes SN10 2HT Tel: 01380 724910 www.kiddltd.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

www.zetor.co.uk

Special offer CANCELLED EXPORT ORDER FORTERRA HSX 100 - 140 2012 UK SPECIFICATION

2012 ZETOR FORTERRA HSX * Zetor UK reserve the right to apply changes or withdraw this offer without prior notice. Retail Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Up to 4 Years Low Interest Rate Finance Available.

2 Year or 1800 hours of FREE Full Factory Warranty.

3 x Forterra HSX 100 £32.250 + VAT 1 x Forterra HSX 110 £32.750 + VAT 1 x Forterra HSX 120 £33.750 + VAT 2 x Forterra HSX 130 £34.250 + VAT 5 x Forterra HSX 140 £35.750 + VAT ZETOR UK LIMITED (UK importer of Zetor tractors) Unit B5, Paragon Way, Bayton Rd Industrial Estate, Coventry, CV 7 9QS, Tel: 02476 363382, Fax: 02476 369850

www.zetor.co.uk

SMITHFIELD TRACTORS (South Wales) Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SR Tel: 01982 553221, Fax: 01982 552048 www.smithfield-tractors.co.uk

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

Tractor is Zetor. Since 1946. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

CURTIS & SHAW LTD (Sussex) Cowbeach, Hailsham, BN27 4JE

Tel: 01323 833441, Fax: 01323 833072 www.curtisandshaw.co.uk

TUNSTALL TRACTORS (Cumbria) Foggy Gill, Fell End, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4LN Tel: 01539 620636, Mob: 07817832978 www.tunstalltractors.com

WHARFEDALE TRACTORS LTD (Yorkshire) Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, LS21 2XB Harrogate Road Tel: 01132 841117, Fax: 01132 843110 www.wharfedale-tractors.co.uk

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| Machinery

High speed lime spreader & new MAN cuts costs and improves service Fertiliser and lime spreading contractors Kookaburra Contracting, based near Reading have just taken delivery of a new Gustrower spreader from UK supplier Ryetec. his spreader is different from the norm as rather than trailed behind a tractor it is mounted to an off road 4x4 truck from German manufacturer MAN, well known for their military and specialist off road vehicles.

David Temple, managing director of Kookaburra explain the reasoning for their decisions to move away from tractor trailed spreaders was the high volume of road work that as a specialist spreading contractor they were being asked to do more and more.

“Despite the improvement in modern tractors and their faster road speeds” said David, “we realised that we needed a machine purpose built to tackle our high road use combined with excellent off road capability and power to carry out the job quickly and efficiently and with as much driver comfort as possible” he added.

The fuel economy of the truck based MAN power unit is much better on the road than a tractor and better in the field, combine this with a top speed of 40mph (The legal limit in the UK for an Agricultural machine with full suspension) even though as a truck it is designed for 56mph along with a high

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and low range transfer gearbox giving 24 gears and full automatic or tiptronic operation and a 290hp engine with 340hp optional even when wet. David chose the Gustrower after years of experience with belt type spreaders, “the chain and slat conveyors positive feed and steep sided hopper gives us the edge as it virtually removes any chance of material bridging, or sticking in the hopper when spreading wet material, and the Gustrowers unique and easy to use adjustment of spread pattern mean we can spread any type of product with any moisture content accurately and with no fuss” David commented.

David also specified a sleeper cab on the MAN and explained the reasoning “we can travel 70-80 miles

from base thanks to demand for our specialist services and if a job takes more than a day then there is so much wasted time traveling home late at night only to return early next morning when often the best conditions for spreading are at the beginning and end of the day. Now we can start a job in the evening, bed down for the night and start again next morning sometimes eliminating up to 4 hour traveling, turning this 4 hour traveling in to 4 hours spreading means we expect the MAN/Gustrower combination to replace two tractor and trailed spreader combinations, keeping us more competitive and offering our customers a much prompter service” Ryetec have already taken a second order for this combination for contactor R J Cutting based near Ipswich, and can supply the combination in full agricultural spec including a range of tyre options from 445mm to 750mm wide and GPS variable rate with the ability to spread any agricultural soil improving material from high quality fertilisers up to 42 metres wide, to lime, gypsum, limex, fibrophos etc. The MAN also has the ability to tow a low loader and telehandler for a totally Independent operation.

An army of Brigadiers Since Brigadier agricultural vacuums were introduced a whole army of these high performance machines can be found on farms across the UK. irst came the Brigadier DS-3450 with ultra-high filtration for dry suction tasks, typically in grainstores and general farm use. The vacuum was very well received because of its easy-to-empty tank, hugely powerful suction, durable build and reliable, powerful motor. There was no longer the need for cumbersome, unwieldy and hazardous manoeuvring or tipping

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to empty the tank. With a simple handle release the Brigadier’s collector tank sits neatly on four heavy duty swivelling castors and it’s easily transferred to a skip or bin.

Development of the Brigadier followed a natural progression to meet the demand from farmers for a vacuum designed for wet and dry use. What emerged was the WD-3450 with a unique filtration

64 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

system, a smaller body than the DS model, yet still with an impressive 90 litre capacity tank, and the same proven and reliable motor head.

Here is a vacuum farmers can rely on to not only clear up flooded grain pits, remove water, sludge, oil and damp debris, it can also vacuum dry grainstore dust. There is a floating valve designed to cut off and thus protect the motor

head from water and dust. Water is easily emptied via a ball valve at the base of the tank. There is also a whole range of industrial accessories for the WD-3450 to enable it to manage almost any clearing up task around the farm that calls for a highly powerful and versatile vacuum. All Brigadiers come with a standard 24 month warranty for additional peace of mind.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

It’s all fun on four wheels as Apache showcases its new childrens quad range Apache Quads new range of Children's Quad bikes were launched at last week, following technical updates and re-styling to meet the demands of its ever more adventurous junior riders. pache Quads have long been regarded as the nation's favourite children's quad range and are widely renowned for being robust, reliable and great value machines.

The newly launched range includes all the popular models but notably the all-time favourite Apache RLX 100 Sport is back - and now even better than before. With stylish good looks, new sporty graphics, exceptional handling and even excellent resale values, this model is sure to be top of every youngsters Christmas list this year. Apache has been careful to maintain competitive pricing and this model is just £1,199+vat available now from retailers, quad bike outlets, motorcycle shops across the UK. The ever popular Apache SX 100 SilverSport, the premium model within the Apache stable has the added advantage of reverse gear and digital speedo, together with superb finish silver metallic paintwork. The baby of the range, Mini Tomahawk 50cc is suitable for the smallest

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child and has the most advanced safety features for total peace of mind. The Mini Tomahawk comes as standard with remote cut off fob that can be operated by a parent up to 100 metres away and is priced at just £999+vat.

Apache products are backed by an extensive range of accessories, helmets, clothing, quad gear, and much more at its website www.easyquadparts.co.uk.

Marketing Director, Gail Latham said "People have been contacting us for weeks asking when these will be out and here they are! It is all very exciting and we are thrilled with the enquiries and sales to date. I think people really are fed up with the unreliable cheaper Chinese copy quads that have been flooding the market in recent months."

Apache Quads launched its children's website earlier this year at www.apachequad.com to provide a dedicated information area for children and teenagers, with new sections being launched on 'where to

ride', meet up and ride days, and even a new Children's Apache Owners Club with lots of benefits for members.

Apache welcomes all enquiries from trade outlets wishing to stock Apache junior quads and the sales office can be contacted on 01562 824 473 or email to sales@apachequads.com

The new Polaris Brutus The world’s first purpoose built side-by-side with front end power take-off. ased on the Polaris RANGER, BRUTUS comprises three models – BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO. The line was built to be the most versatile, most capable and most comfortable side-by-side utility vehicles ever created, enabling users to complete more tasks without spending more time and energy. The new BRUTUS models are specifically engineered for individuals and businesses that seek durable all-round task vehicles.

The ability to operate several front-end attachments provides users with new levels of versatility, and ultimately, a cost-effective and more productive work solution. The Pro-Tach™ attachment system, standard on the BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO, delivers the capability to change from one attachment to the next quickly and easily. Creating levels of productivity never before seen in its class, a revolutionary, front-end PTO system on the BRUTUS HD PTO draws power directly from the vehicle’s engine. The high efficiency, mechanical PTO maximizes power to a line of purpose-built, out-front commercial attachments. Featured in the complete line of attachments are three PTOpowered attachments – angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower – and three hydraulically-powered attachments – snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket – allowing users to sweep, mow, blow, lift, plow and scoop with just one machine.

The BRUTUS product line is an outcome of the strategic alliance formed between Polaris and Bobcat in 2009. The co-developed vehicles combine the strengths of both companies with Polaris’ expertise in utility vehicles and the powersports market, and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.

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“The introduction of the BRUTUS product family is part of our commitment to offer customers innovative and relevant vehicles that best suit their needs,” David Longren, Polaris Vice President, Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) and ORV Engineering said. “Through our 60 years of engineering experience, strategic alliances with other industry leaders and our incredible network of dealers, we are able to provide the commercial market with the most productive, reliable and versatile vehicles.”

The BRUTUS models offer a 24-horsepower diesel engine with hydrostatic transmission which delivers all the torque and power needed to get the job done. An innovative treadle pedal allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears, providing an ideal setup for commercial applications. BRUTUS vehicles provide a classleading six inches of suspension travel, which combined with On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive, allows for safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and cargo over virtually any terrain.

For optimal use of attachments regardless of weather, the BRUTUS HD PTO comes standard with a fully-enclosed, factory-installed cab with heat, defrost and air conditioning. Available Lock & Ride® PRO-FIT™ cab components are predesigned for the BRUTUS and BRUTUS HD frame and lock on tightly for a secure cab system. A full line of cab, storage and vehicle protection accessories also are available for the BRUTUS line to meet each customer’s unique needs.

BRUTUS models are the first side-by-side utility vehicles that use a multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension to deliver superior ride quality. The rear suspension supports a 566.9kg (1,250lb) cargo capacity and minimizes

Apache's RL suspension sag when fully loaded. The favourite latest model ju - the all time ground 100 Sportclass-leading suspension also maintains clearance when towing a trailer, with its best-inclass 907kg (2,000lb) capacity. A pallet-sized rear cargo box features Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride® cargo system for easy installation and removal of worksite accessories.

In addition to the BRUTUS line of work utility vehicles, Polaris’ commercial offerings include current vehicles utilised by customers as reliable daily workhorses. The portfolio consists of models from the hardest working, smoothest riding family of RANGER® side-by-sides and SPORTSMAN® all-terrain vehicles, as well as the GEM® and Goupil lines of premium compact electric vehicles.

The BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO can be seen at the Saltex exhibition on 3rd to 5th September at Windsor Racecourse, stand number A30 and will be available to order through select Polaris dealers.

For more information on BRUTUS and the complete Polaris commercial vehicle offerings, visit www.polaris-britain.com or call Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| ATV

TGB Landmaster Landmaster 550 EFI / EPS 4x4. he TGB Landmaster is equipped with power steering, a powerful and economic fuel injected motor, selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive and diff-lock, all as standard.

The Landmaster is fitted with a rear cargo bed, dimensions: (LxWxH) 900x1200x280mm. The cargo bed also has the benefit of a gas assisted tipping system.

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The list of standard equipment for the Landmaster also includes a front rack, nudge bar and a 3000lb winch.

The Landmaster is the ideal workhorse for all commercial applications where load carrying is required in a harsh environment.

Coupled with full road legality, this makes for an unbeatable package that delivers excellent value for money.

Multi-market Quadzilla MBX750 hits showrooms All new model designed to appeal across all market sectors. eading quad and ATV distributor Quadzilla has introduced the all-new MBX750 model, a highperformance, sports/utility, 4x4 machine boasting an overhead cam, liquid-cooled, single cylinder motor producing 48.3hp in unrestricted form, a CVT drive, long-movement suspension and full UK road legal equipment.

The MBX750 is unique in that it is designed to appeal across established market sectors, targeting the serious highperformance utility market, where rapid deployment across rough country is required and the standard tow hitch and winch will expand its potential use, through to the growing sports and leisure market, where the high-

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performance engine and suspension package, combined with its rugged good looks will continue to keep the longestablished Quadzilla name at the top of the quad and ATV buyer's hit list.

"We have spent a lot of time developing this model to appeal across the utility, sports and leisure market sectors, explains Quadzilla sales manager, Henry Maplethorpe.

"We are certain that it will quickly prove a popular choice across these multiple market sectors, particularly with regard to the high standard spec and the attractive introductory price."

The Quadzilla MBX750 is available from August the 1st from Quadzilla dealers nationwide at

66 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

ÂŁ6399 including VAT. For further information visit

www.quadzillaquads.com

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| Motors

The only pick-up to carry a 6 year / 125,000 mile warranty*

Auto Services Perth Ltd Perthshire Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

Class leading insurance

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Furrows Shropshire Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk

Hepworth Motors West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 683172

Class leading fuel economy

t Leather interior t Heated seats t Galvanised body panels t Air-conditioning t Keyless entry t Six speed manual transmission t Steering wheel audio controls t Bluetooth速 hands free

08430 08430 227144 227144 greatwallmotor.co.uk greatwallmotor.co.uk

2.5T TOWING

*6 year / 1www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 25,000 mile warrant y comprises of the first 3 year / 60,000 Standard Limited Manufacturer's Warrant y with an ex tendeSeptember d 3 year / 125,0002013 mile (wh| ichFarming ever comes soMonthly oner) Ex ten| de67 d Power tain Warrant y. Terms and conditions apply. For full details ask your local dealer or visit greatwallmotor.co.uk. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. America.

| Motors

JEEP Compass: Refreshed compact SUV arrives ®

Now available in UK showrooms. n the heels of the brand’s 2012 sales successes in Europe and following customers’ expectations for more refined on-road manners, increased comfort, performance, quality and high-tech content, Jeep introduces the 2014 Jeep Compass. Now available with a six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission, Jeep Compass boasts an updated exterior and a new, even more refined and comfortable cabin. Thanks to the smooth shifting allowed by the new gearbox, the 2014 Jeep Compass ensures improved driving performance and comfort in everyday driving.

Jeep Compass also offers standard frontseat-mounted side airbags and available ParkView rear backup camera (standard on Limited models) in addition to the rich array of safety features assisting drivers both in the city and on off-road trails.

An exciting new Compass North version joins the Sport and Limited trim levels already available in the Compass lineup. Thanks to a more refined exterior and premium interior features, the Limited model re-confirms its topof the range position in the Compass lineup.

Benchmark off-road capability in its category is provided by the full-time, active Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive system with lock mode, designed situations to give drivers year-round assurance through the ability to handle poor weather situations and low-traction. Engines on the 2014 Jeep Compass include the efficient 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 161 bhp

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and 320 Nm of torque and two petrol World Engines: the 2.4-litre that produces power of 168 bhp and torque of 220 Nm and the 2.0-litre providing 154 bhp and 190 Nm of torque.

The 2014 Jeep Compass has been available in many European markets in the following exterior colours: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, True Blue, Maximum Steel and Granite Chrystal (Limited only).

The exterior of the 2014 Jeep Compass has been refined with specific updates that move the design forward. On the Limited version the front grille has been enhanced with a plated upper grille trim and mold-in-colour Billet Silver grille texture. The halogen headlamps now have a black inner bezel. The Limited and North models sport chrome fog lamp bezels. The rear has also received changes and features new tail lamps with a new “smoked” inner bezel and a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique. New 18-inch polished face painted pocket aluminium wheels on Limited models (later this year) and a new “Jeep” badge on the tailgate complete the refreshed exterior design of Jeep Compass.

The interior has also been tastefully upgraded with accents and trim that customers will appreciate. Improved features include a new interior trim option available on the Limited model and Dark Slate Grey perforated leather seating. The armrests and centre console lid

are now wrapped in soft-touch materials. The instrument cluster overlay graphics have been updated on all trim levels. New satin chrome finish adorns the centre bezel, shifter bezel and pull cups and round out the interior design upgrades. Dark Slate Grey premium leather seats are standard on the Limited model.

6F24 six-speed PowerTech automatic transmission Available for the first time on Jeep Compass is the 6F24 six-speed automatic transmission.

Developed by PowerTech, the new automatic transmission has been refined for application to the 2014 Jeep Compass. Compact, lightweight and fully electronic, the new six-speed automatic gearbox was designed for improved performance, ensuring smooth and precise shifting and increased driving pleasure.

The new six-speed automatic transmission has been mated to the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines producing respectively 154 and 168 bhp.

‘Strictly’ Hyundai from Belmont Strictly Come Dancing Stars Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace are set to tango their way through their 2013-14 tour with a New Hyundai ix35 Supported by Surrey & South London Hyundai Dealer, Belmont Garage. he busy Showroom was buzzing last week as the famous Dancing Duo collected their New Hyundai from Belmont, Nr Sutton in Surrey and delighted staff and customers as they posed for pictures then dazzled dance fans with some of the spectacular sequences that have won them the hearts of 100s of thousands of followers on the BBC’s Classic Dance Show.

Ian Williams, Dealer Principal from Belmont Garage said, “I was approached by Vincent who, as a typical Italian, has a love for Motorcars and is a very keen Hyundai fan, having owned several in the past. He asked if I would consider helping both he and Flavia with support for their next year’s tour and I jumped at the opportunity. These guys are at the Pinnacle of their careers and are looking to grow individually from the success they have achieved from Strictly so ‘Brand’ Vincent & Flavia could go Global...

They will show their support to us

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with some special guest appearances at Belmont Garage’s future public events and promotions.”

Vincent & Flavia, who both live in Surrey, have just completed an exhausting six Month ‘Midnight Tango’ Tour and have been overwhelmed with the public’s kindness and fantastic support.

With most shows a complete sell out, new shows have had to be staged to accommodate the demand. They will be following up Midnight Tango with an even bigger and better experience for their fans during the next 12 months.

2013 will see the pair with New & Exciting TV appearances, DVD Dance & Fitness Tutorials, a New Vincent & Flavia APP to download from iTunes, plus much, much more...including ’Brand’ Vincent & Flavia Fashion Clothing... The coming months will also see them embarking on their biggest and most extravagant event to date.

The ‘Dance Till Dawn 2014 UK

68 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

Tour” starts next February at the Congress Theatre Eastbourne and will tour right through May. It is currently under development with Musial scores and rehearsals underway very soon, so make sure you catch them at a Theatre near you or at a Belmont Launch Event.

List of dates are NOW available on their web site

www.vincentandflavia.com or from ian@belmontgarage.com.

Belmont Garage Ltd have been looking after customers & Celebs in the South East since 1929 and been Hyundai Main Agents since 1995 www.belmontgarage.com Check out their new BG2 Car Dealership in Epsom on www.belmontusedcars.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

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September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.garlandskoda.co.uk/isuzu

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

70 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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| Motors

Multi-talented: The new 5 Year free service Mercedes-Benz GLA offer on Korando An even better reason to buy SsangYong.

Fit for off-road excursions.

sangYong is introducing a 5-year free servicing offer on selected Korando crossover models purchased during August and September, in addition to the existing market leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty that protects all SsangYong cars.

The offer applies to the Korando SX 4x4 and two wheel drive LE and ES models, which qualify for 5 years free servicing (or five services whichever comes sooner) registered by September 30th 2013.

Styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design, the Korando line-up is powered by an advanced and robust 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque and developing maximum power of 175ps@4,000rpm (see note), while also providing a full two tonne towing capability.

All models feature a level of equipment you would normally expect from much more expensive

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rogressive in design, versatile and with impressive off-road capability: the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been unveiled, aiming to set new benchmarks in efficiency as it mixes practicality with surefooted 4MATIC capability.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height 4,417 x 1,804 x 1,494 millimetres), lively on country roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway (Cd figure 0.29).

The high-quality appointments, developed with much love for detail, and the flexible interior clearly position the GLA as a compact premium SUV. The GLA is the first MercedesBenz SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution in the UK. The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes-Benz in the UK. With four model series (GLA, ML, GL and G) the company offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer, and meets all the individual mobility wishes of its customers. At the same time the GLA-Class is the fourth of a total of five new compact models from Mercedes-Benz. The sales figures amply demonstrate how well the new compact models are received by customers: In the first half of 2013, for example, 173,362 units of the A- and BClass and the new CLA Coupé were delivered worldwide (+58.0%). Especially gratifying is the high conquest rate of the new A-Class: around 50 per

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cars, including Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

They also come equipped with luxury touches such as rear parking sensors, electric windows front and rear, a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, air conditioning, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth, remote audio controls and six speakers.

The Korando range is currently available from just £199/month for the two wheel drive SE.

cent of the buyers in Europe come from other brands.

As a serene day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required.

The generous luggage compartment (421 – 836 litres) is well-presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low sill and the wide tailgate, which opens automatically as an option.

The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for a wide range of applications.

Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250.

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 136 hp and maximum torque of 300 Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. It emits only 114 g CO2 per kilometre (provisional figure). The GLA 220 CDI likewise has a displacement of 2.2 litres and develops 170 hp and 350 Nm. The GLA will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (12 to 22 September 2013). Orders will be taken from the end of November in the UK, and the GLA will be in dealer showrooms in 2014.

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

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

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

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

72 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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JCT600 Van Centre (Hull) Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01482 908 520.

Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

Abridge Van Centre

Sinclair Van Centre

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex.

Telephone: 020 8045 6006.

Find us on your sat-nav using IG10 3TQ.

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan.

Telephone: 01792 447 578.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/abridge

Find us on your sat-nav using SA4 9GW. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/sinclair

JCT600 Van Centre (York) Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York.

Telephone: 01904 848 302.

Find us on your sat-nav using YO30 4WW.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London.

Telephone: 020 8920 4000.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

Find us on your sat-nav using N11 3UT.

JCT600 Van Centre (Newark )

Breeze Van Centre

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Telephone: 0844 811 2415.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff)

Alan Day Van Centre

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff.

Telephone: 02921 150 093.

Find us on your sat-nav using CF10 4BB. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/cardiff

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/alandaynewsouthgate

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset.

Telephone: 01202 900 304.

Find us on your sat-nav using NG24 2ET.

Find us on your sat-nav using BH12 4QY.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/jct600newark

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/breezepoole

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield)

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01144 040 023.

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Telephone: 01743 600 031.

Find us on your sat-nav using S9 1XS.

Find us on your sat-nav using SY1 3TL.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/jct600sheffield

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

Volkswagen Van Centre (Peterborough)

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.

Telephone: 01733 615 052.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

Telephone: 01902 546 561.

Find us on your sat-nav using PE1 5YS.

Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/peterborough

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 30th September 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 73

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Land Rover launches its first hybrid Range Rover models Land Rover is launching its first-ever hybrid models – the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid – which will deliver outstanding fuel economy, significantly lower CO2 emissions and retain Land Rover’s renowned capability and performance. rder books in the UK will open from September 10 with first deliveries in early 2014, the two all-aluminium models are based on Land Rover’s Premium Lightweight Architecture and share an identical powertrain. They are the world’s first premium diesel SUV hybrids.

“We are excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world’s first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability. The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2 emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our SDV8 engine,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new hybrids, three Range Rover Hybrids have embarked on an epic trip, from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India.

This ‘Silk Trail 2013’ 16,000km expedition visits 12 countries and takes in some of the world’s most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 4,000 mile Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. These are the first hybrids to ever attempt this challenging route.

The new Range Rover Hybrid powertrain features three driver-selectable modes and

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combines Land Rover’s popular 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The hybrid system, including lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 120kg.

The electric motor produces 170Nm torque to boost acceleration and drives the vehicle in EV Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.

Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 340PS at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,5003,000rpm, resulting in stunning SDV8-style performance. Both models accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in under seven seconds, deliver strong transient and mid-range performance with a top speed of 135mph (218km/h), combined with a 26 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions to 169g/km, equivalent to 44.1mpg on the combined cycle.

The latest generation Range Rover models have all been designed with the integration of a

hybrid system in mind. Consequently, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boronsteel cradle without impacting on the cabin or luggage space. The Range Rover Hybrid has the same five-seat capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicle and retains the full-size spare wheel. This no-compromise philosophy is echoed in the Range Rover Sport Hybrid whose interior is unchanged from the standard model, right down to the 5+2 seating.

Both hybrid Range Rover models continue to deliver a class-leading breadth of capability and versatility, enhanced by the exceptionally linear torque delivery from the powertrain and retaining Land Rover’s peerless four-wheel drive system including Terrain Response® 2, with uncompromised wading and ground clearance.

The ‘Silk Trail 2013’ expedition featuring the new Range Rover Hybrids is scheduled to visit France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and India. The expedition will be broken into 10 separate legs, with the Range Rover Hybrid vehicles driven by teams of Land Rover development engineers and invited media – arriving in Mumbai on October 15.

Major new technologies enhance 2014 Evoque One of the most successful Land Rover vehicles ever made, the Range Rover Evoque, makes a further leap forward with the introduction of a host of new technologies. hese enhancements lower fuel consumption by up to 11.4 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 9.5 percent – depending on model – and bring a range of new comfort, convenience and connectivity features.

Customers ordering vehicles from the 2014 range, on sale in quarter four 2013 in the UK, will benefit from newly-available features, including: a new 9-speed automatic transmission, new driveline technologies, seven new driver assistance features and detail design enhancements inside and out.

First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the ZF-9HP automatic transmission is among the world’s first 9-speed units fitted to a passenger car. It has an ultrafast response time, described by ZF as “below the threshold of perception” and an adaptive shift programme that quickly matches the driving style. With a wide spread of ratios and improved

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efficiency, the new transmission delivers improved economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance and greater comfort.

For the 2014 model, the driver assistance capabilities of Evoque are significantly enhanced by the introduction of features including: Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays), Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays), Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic), Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing.

The brand new Land Rover InControlTM connected car system, available as an option, incorporates two new features – InControlTM Remote and InControlTM Secure.

Available as an option, Active Driveline, is the world’s first ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive system which enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by operating in front-wheel drive only

74 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

during steady-state driving at speeds above 22mph. The new system monitors vehicle dynamics and automatically reconnects fourwheel drive (within 300 milliseconds) whenever it is needed. Active Driveline also features Active Torque Biasing with electronic-Diff (e-Diff) technology to distribute torque between the rear wheels, optimising traction and stability. Active Driveline will be available initially on the Si4 petrol engine.

In addition, a Torque Vectoring

by Braking feature, available across all powertrains, further enhances agility and safety by redirecting torque between all four wheels to counteract understeer. It features in both the Active Driveline and the Evoque’s standard four-wheel drive system.

“With global sales of more than 170,000 vehicles in just 18 months, the Range Rover Evoque has proven to be hugely successful and the 2014 model is destined to have even greater

appeal.

We are thrilled to be moving the Evoque on to the next stage and believe the exciting new driveline technology, driver safety and convenience features plus the Land Rover InControlTM connectivity capability (using advanced mobile technology to keep owners connected with their vehicle, their world and Land Rover services), make the 2014 Evoque an unbeatable choice for customers seeking the ultimate in compact SUV vehicles,” said Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards.

In addition to the new technologies, there are detail changes to the Evoque’s exterior.

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JUST GOT BETTER.

AVAILABLE FROM £399 A MONTH WITH UP TO 3-YEARS/30,000 MILES FREE SERVICINGV.

County Motor Works, Essex Tel: 01245 235 000 www.motorparks.co.uk

Motor Village Oxfor ord, d, Oxfor ordshir dshire dshir e Tel: 01865 376000 www.jeepoxfor ord.c d.co.uk

Hor orsham sham Car Centr entre, e, West Sussex Tel: 01403 272747 www.horshamcar arccentr entre.c e.co.uk

OFFI O FFICC IA IALL FUEL C ON S U MPT ION F IG U RE S F OR T H E J EEP E E P G R AN A N D C H ER E R O K E E D I E S E L R A N G E I N M PG ( L/1 0 0 K M) : EXTRA URB AN 43. 5 ( 6. 5) , U RB A N 30. 4 (9 . 3 ), C OM B I N ED 3 7 . 7 (7 . 5 ), C O 2 EM I SSI O N S: 1 9 8 G/ KM .

Fuel consumption and C O 2 f igur es ar e obtained f or compar ativ e purposes in accor dance with EC dir ectiv es/r egulations and ma y not be r epr esentativ e of r eal-lif e driving conditions. Factor s such as driving style, w eather and r oad conditions ma y also ha v e a signif icant eff ect on fuel consumption. Model sho wn is Gr and Cher ok ee 3.0 Litr e V6 CRD Lar edo with solid paint †at an initial r ental of £10,374 f ollo w ed b y 35 monthly rentals of £399 on Per sonal Contr act Hir e . All r entals e x clude maintenance. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Ex cess mileag e char g es apply. Off er subject to status, a guar antee and/or indemnity ma y be r equir ed. Off er ma y be v aried or withdr a wn at any time without prior notif ication. FG A Contr acts, 240 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 4D X. V ehicles must be r egister ed with FG A Contr acts bef or e 30th September 2013. Prices and specif ications corr ect at the time of going to pr ess (07/13). VU p to 3-y ear s/30,000 miles (whiche v er comes f ir st) fr ee ser vicing off er applies to all ne w 14MY Gr and Cher ok ee models pur chased and r egister ed b y September 30th 2013. Retail sales only. The Ser vice Plan will co v er parts,www.farmingmonthly.co.uk lubricants and labour as part of the manufactur er standar d ser vicing schedule – ask dealer f or full details. Ser vice Plan member ship car d will be| sent to y ou f ollo wing v ehicle September 2013 Farming Monthly | pur 75chase.

Off er only v alid at authorised Jeep dealer s and ser vice ag ents. *Claim r elates to the Jeep Gr and Cher ok ee nameplate o v er its lif etime. Jeep is a r egister ed tr ademark of Chr y sler Gr oup LLC.

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76 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

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September 2013 | Farming Monthly | 77

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All new Škoda Yeti From one Yeti comes two. rom one Yeti comes two – For the first time ever, the Czech compact-SUV will be available in two variants: as the elegant and stylish ŠKODA Yeti for the town, and an adventurous offroad ŠKODA Yeti. Both design variations of the ŠKODA Yeti feature a new front and rear, new alloy wheels, fresh interiors, new Simply Clever ideas, the highest functionality and extended engine/gear combinations. Both new models are to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and by the end of 2013, both new ŠKODA Yeti variants will have been launched on the first markets.

“The ŠKODA Yeti is one of the most attractive compact SUVs on the market and has far exceeded our sales expectations since its launch four years ago,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. He continues, “With this all-new look and being offered for the first time in two variations, we are establishing new benchmarks.

We plan to continue our outstanding development in this rapidly growing vehicle class. The Yeti is another cornerstone of the 2018 growth strategy and will

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strengthen our international position in the markets.”

With the ŠKODA Yeti – the fifth of ŠKODA’s model ranges, the Czech manufacturer celebrated their premier in the compact SUV segment in 2009. To date a total of 263,200 ŠKODA Yetis have been sold (as of: 30th June, 2013). In 2012 alone, ŠKODA delivered around 87,400 Yetis– an increase of 24.3% over the previous year.

And in the first half of 2013, 41,800 Yetis went to customers worldwide. In Europe, with a market share of around 5%, the Yeti is one of the top 10 bestselling A-Class SUVs in the Czech domestic market; it is the clear leader in this segment. There, the Yeti is built in Czech plant in Kvasiny, in Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod plant and, by the end of 2013, in Shanghai, China.

Since its market launch, the ŠKODA Yeti has touched the hearts of SUV enthusiasts, as proven in a survey carried out by the trade magazine ‘Auto Express’, in which the Yeti, among others, was chosen by around 46,000 readers to be the car, with which UK customers were most satisfied. ŠKODA continues the most

comprehensive model campaign in corporate history with the release of two all-new variants of the Yeti at the same time. In 2013 alone, the Czechs will be bringing out eight new or completely revised models and by 2018

ŠKODA plans to increase their global sales to at least 1.5 million vehicles per year.

UK pricing and specification will be announced nearer to the on sale date.

Chevrolet Trax model range and pricing Families looking for SUV style without SUV running costs will get more than they bargained for with the new Chevrolet Trax, which is now on sale from £15,495 on-theroad. vailable in two trim levels, with three engines and a choice of front or allwheel-drive, the newest addition to the Chevrolet stable offers fun, technology and practicality at an extremely competitive price point.

Kicking off the range, the 115PS 1.6 LS comes with a comprehensive array of kit, including fuel saving Stop-Start technology, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, ESC, cruise control, electric front windows, a trip computer, automatic headlamps, privacy glass, front fog lamps, roof rails, daytime running lights, reverse parking sensors, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and Hill Start Assist. The front-wheel-drive LS costs £15,495 and is available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine option only.

Moving up the range, the LT is available with a range of engine and transmission options, priced

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78 | Farming Monthly | September 2013

from £17,495. In addition to the LS standard specification, it gets Chevrolet’s innovative MyLink Connected Radio with 7-inch colour touch screen display, steering wheel audio controls with Siri speech recognition, 18-inch alloys, Hill Descent Control, an electro-chromatic self-dipping rear view mirror, smart skid plates and door sills, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, rear parking camera, electric rear windows and a full feature Driver’s Information Centre.

Three engine options are available on the LT. A 115PS 1.6 petrol and a 140PS 1.4 turbo petrol both with Stop-Start technology and a 130PS 1.7-litre VCDi common-rail diesel with a choice of automatic or manual transmission, the latter with StopStart as standard. Both the 1.4 Turbo and 1.7 VCDi models are available with all-wheel-drive.

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Carstins West Midlands Tel: 01676 533145

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544

Bulldog Twyford Reading, Berkshire Tel: 0118 9321 331

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon Tel: 01364 652302

Newcastle Subaru Tyne & Wear Tel: 0191 257 3309