Fruit & Vine Issue 14 May/June 2025

AI-Powered Insect Monitoring for Smart Farms

An advanced pest-monitoring solution that utilises AI technology allowing you to identify, count and record insect pests in real-time on your smart phone device

Russell IOT

Out & About

Pest update New technology in the battle against spotted wing drosophila

News

Find out the results of the annual WineGB pruning competition

Machinery

Buyers' guide featuring some of the latest specialist tractor options

Machinery

Worcestershire fruit farm dispersal sale report

Grower pro le

We interview fruit business Barra Berries in Aberdeenshire

Special report

Latest ndings in apple pest and disease research

Technical advice

An in-depth look at the alternatives to plastic fruit packaging

Agronomy

Key tasks coming up in top fruit orchards and vineyards

Special report

Specialist Luke Wolfe o ers advice on soil nutrition and vine health

Agronomy

The role of micronutrients in the productivity of grapevines

Professional advice VineWorks provides top tips for planting new vines

Technical advice

How branding, logos and label design can tell your story

Grower pro le

We chat with progressive Sussex vineyard, Kinsbrook

Professional advice

The main considerations when diversi ying into a wedding venue

Special report

WineGB and NIAB experts at this year's Oxford Farming Conference

In the know

Fruit grower Sandy Booth discusses his non-traditional grape varieties

Reporter Daniel Hodge attended the WineGB pruning competition in March. He's pictured with VineWorks' James Dodson (left) and Agro-Pro Ltd's Luke Wolfe. See the full report on page 10.

www.fruitandvine.co.uk

Directors

Editorial

Managing director

Julie Goulding julie@fruitandvine.co.uk

Director

Greg Goulding greg@fruitandvine.co.uk

Editor

Rachel Hicks

rachel@fruitandvine.co.uk

Deputy editor

Sarah Kidby hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Machinery contributor

David Williams

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Machinery reporter

Daniel Hodge

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Multiplatform journalist

Aleksandra Cupriak hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Advertising

Sales director

Zohra Mitchell zohra@fruitandvine.co.uk

Fruit & Vine specialist

Samantha Wilson sam@fruitandvine.co.uk

Senior sales executive

Joanna Blower hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Senior sales executive

Jana Moyes hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Sales executive

Alex Coe

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Sales executive

Robie Marshall hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Sales executive

Rosanna Sweet

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Sales executive

William Taylor hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Classi ed sales manager

Nicki Procter

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Marketing

Marketing manager

Patrick Over hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Marketing executive

Paige Clifford hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Marketing executive

KM Sharp hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Design & Production

Production manager

Martyn Smith

hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Monitoring insects with

artificial intelligence

For Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to be successful, it is essential to monitor populations. Russell IPM's scienti c o cer (entomologist & agronomist), Rachel Turner, and UK technical sales manager, Andy Russell, explain more.

Accurate and timely information about pest populations helps determine when, where, and how to implement control measures. It is common practice to regularly walk a crop to observe pest populations and to deploy traps in areas where target pest species may be present.

To identify the pest species caught in a trap, the contents of the trap should be analysed by a quali ed individual. This process is time-consuming, labour-intensive, costly and error prone. Furthermore, repeatability makes this a cumbersome and ine cient process, such as monitoring the same trap repeatedly or visiting several traps over a wide area.

Through AI-based computer vision, pest monitoring can be improved while decreasing human error and e ort. In response, Russell IOT has developed TruePest, an innovative AI-powered pest monitoring solution that helps growers monitor and manage pest activity more e ectively and conveniently. TruePest provides a clear assessment of pest data throughout your farm with the aim to be economically sustainable and user friendly for all growers.

Managing spotted wing drosophila Growers today face a range of pressing issues, from rising costs to the increasing demand for sustainable practices. One of the most challenging problems is pest management. Insects such as spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii) causes signi cant economic damage to a wide range of soft and stone fruit crops, including strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and grapes.

These polyphagous pests generate both direct and indirect economic damage through crop losses of up to 100% if left unmanaged, to the refusal and shorter shelf life of infested fruits, labour and material costs for eld monitoring and sanitation, as well as costs attained to post-harvest handling.

Early detection and IPM intervention are paramount and can help prevent major infestations, saving time and money, and also helping to reduce pesticide intervention that has the potential to harm human health and the environment.

Offering a solution

Russell IOT says TruePest o ers a solution to these challenges. Using AI technology, TruePest allows any of your sta members to identify, count and monitor spotted wing drosophila in real-time on their smartphone device.

The system uses strategically placed sticky traps and lures that attract and capture pests. Once these traps are scanned, TruePest’s AI system analyses the data and generates detailed reports that are sent to the grower's smartphone and computer.

A key bene t of TruePest is its simplicity. The system requires no in- eld WiFi and is available on both Android and iOS devices. The easy-to-use mobile app and web portal enable growers to monitor pest activity with minimal disruption to their work ow.

Real-time alerts

One of the key bene ts of the TruePest system is

the ability to provide real-time alerts based on the threshold you can set and change on the web portal throughout the season. Growers can receive immediate noti cations when pest populations reach concerning levels, allowing for rapid intervention. This early warning system ensures that pest control measures are more targeted and e ective, helping growers avoid the high costs associated with labour.

The app not only provides alerts but also enables growers to track the movement of pests across their elds. By centralising pest data, TruePest helps growers make more informed decisions about when and where to apply control measures. TruePest also provides you with the ability to share key data with other sta members including your agronomist(s) if required.

The TruePest ecosystem

TruePest is constantly evolving, with plans to expand its o erings. Building on a successful beta trial in 2024, Russell IPM and IOT launched TruePest SWD in April 2025, speci cally designed to help growers monitor spotted wing drosophila, a major pest in fruit production.

In May 2025, TruePest will also launch products to monitor thrips and white ies, two additional pests that cause damage to a wide range of crops. These additions will make TruePest an even more comprehensive pest monitoring solution, helping growers across di erent sectors protect their crops, improve sustainability whist ensuring pro tability of their operations.

For more information, visit the o cial TruePest website: www.truepest.net

ABOUTOUREXPERTS

Rachel Turner is an animal behaviourist, entomologist and BASIS quali ed agronomist, specialising in and undertaking many insect behavioural studies. Her experience includes product trials, creating experimental designs when trialling products, writing technical information for products and o ering technical sales and agronomy advice for growers within Sta ordshire, as well as working within the entomology R&D team in product development.

Andy Russell has over 20 years’ experience in the horticultural and fresh produce industries in the UK and internationally, and is dedicated to nding innovative solutions to on-farm problems. Andy had a BSc in environmental biology and a MSc in agri food.

PRINS FORKLIFTS UK

Phone:

PRINS TIGER

The Prins Tiger forklift trucks are suitable for driving on unmade surfaces.

The forklift trucks are principally designed for use in the horticulture, fruit growing and agricultural industries, although they are also suitable for a range of other external operations.

The Prins Tiger forklift truck range offer a wide choice of machines with minimum wheel pressure and lift capacities between 1 and 2.5 tonnes.

The small turning circle ensures the truck is extremely manoeuvrable and productive, saving a lot of time.

Prins Tiger forklifts trucks are available with diesel or LPG engines.

PRINS

•100%

•Low

•Adjustable

A compact rough terrain forklift that can now also be used emission-free. The Prins Panther XL-E, equipped as standard with a Li-Fe battery with high energy density that can be quickly and intermittently charged.

Available with a lifting capacity of 1000 to 1800 kg, which, in combination with various types of tires, makes it the ideal machine for various applications where standard forklifts cannot reach.

The unique concept of Prins forklifts with removable counterweights results once again in a multifunctional machine that knows how to find its way anywhere.

Talk to Vinescapes about how we can tailor our consulting services to your needs or select one of our vineyard packages.

VINEYARD PRODUCTIVITY

We’ll work with you at every stage of a vineyard’s lifecycle to enhance vine health, improve fruit quality and optimise grape yields.

REGENERATIVE VITICULTURE

Work with regenerative viticulture expert, Cameron Roucher to implement regenerative practices across your vineyard site. Cameron will guide you on how to increase biodiversity, improve soil health and build vineyard resilience.

Bursting data with for productive outcomes

Spring is a hopeful season for many. It brings blossoms, blooms and bud burst. But it also brings harsh frost events, which can be detrimental for winegrowers.

With delicate new buds emerging in April and May, spring frosts can cause irreparable damage. As such, this is a time of year when data collection becomes a core focus for experienced viticulturists.

At Vinescapes, the team has recently rolled out a beta-phase app to record bud burst across the UK to track bud burst per variety and location.

Making informed decisions

Developed with the help of WeatherQuest, Vinewatch, Plumpton College and UK Agri-Tech Centre, and with support from WineGB, the Bud Burst Hub, which includes a web app to record

bud burst as it occurs, will help growers, and the sector make informed decisions and identify the sites most vulnerable to frost conditions.

This is an example of the type of data management which can provide the insights vineyard owners and managers need to proactively manage risks and farm more e ciently.

Vinescapes CEO, Dr Alistair Nesbitt who developed the VineMAP system for evaluating land for potential grape-growing in England and Wales said data collection, collation and analysis has transformed the way winegrowers manage their vineyards.

“Thanks to GPS, smartphones, AI and intuitive software, it is becoming easier and easier to generate useful datasets to evaluate weather events and conditions from season-to-season and give us the tools to predict the potential productivity of vineyards.

“Our team not only conducts manual counts like the number of earthworms or in orescence across vineyards which we then recorded in secure databases; we also test and analyse soil and grape samples, and use predictive software to assess climate data – all of which makes it easier to make the right decisions in the vineyard to deliver quality fruit at harvest.”

Viticulturist and operations manager at Vinescapes, Joel Jorgensen said the Bud Burst App and data hub will be a great reference point for vineyard managers who carefully monitor weather stations, soil and vine health throughout spring.

“We use the data we record to plan ahead – to decide if and when we need to act.

“The new app to record bud burst will help us to decide when we need to take preventative measures to protect new buds from frost.

“Tracking bud burst also provides helpful insight into when we can expect to schedule labour crews for canopy management.”

Climate variability

Climate variability is a core concern for wine producers.

The 2024 harvest proved how much growers are at the mercy of weather conditions.

Joel said the more winegrowers can put in place a rigorous data management system to understand their site, the more prepared they are likely to be to combat challenging weather events.

The Bud Burst Hub is part of a two-year frost management research project funded by Innovate UK and DEFRA.

The project is called ‘Smarter Forecasting, Communication and Management of Frost Risk in Vineyards’. The Bud Burst Hub is just one element of the project.

Talk to Vinescapes about your vineyard needs: Info@vinescapes.com | 01306 733960 | www.vinescapes.com

Vinescapes CEO, Dr Alistair Nesbitt

Joel Jorgensen, viticulturist and operations manager at Vinescapes

battle secateurs? Who won the of the

WineGB’s sixth annual pruning competition took place at Clayhill Vineyard, Essex. Reporter Daniel Hodge attended.

Vine pruning is often described as both a science and an art – and one that can directly impact the quality, yield, and longevity of a vineyard’s vines. While winemakers and vineyard owners often take centre stage in the industry, it’s the skilled vineyard workers, out in all weathers with secateurs in hand, who shape the future of each vintage. That’s why the UK’s annual pruning competition has become a key event in the viticulture calendar, as an event to celebrate the people who make the wine industry possible.

Now in its sixth year, the competition has grown in scope and ambition. But, at its heart, it remains a showcase of the incredible expertise involved in pruning, an opportunity for vineyard teams to challenge themselves, learn from each other, and have fun. Opening the competition at Dale Symond’s Clayhill Vineyard in Essex, VineWorks’ owner and event co-organiser James Dodson emphasised this: “Enjoy the competition, and remember, this is all about celebrating viticulture. We’re here to have fun and really appreciate all the hard work that is done in the vineyards.”

with this method in mind historically,” explained Agro-Pro’s director and event co-organiser, Luke Wolfe. “It makes for a challenge, as competitors have to think carefully about each cut.”

Due to the complexity of the vines, the usual time-based scoring was abandoned this year. Instead, judges focused solely on the quality of the pruning work. Judges were looking for single canes with 8–10 buds, with proper ties that laid uphill.

As one competitor, Wiston Vineyards’ vineyard assistant manager, Thomas Bailey, noted: “It was nice that they changed it so we only had to do single Guyot pruning – some of these vines would have been a struggle for a double.”

A challenging competition

This year’s competition highlighted the importance of “gentle pruning” – a technique that minimises large wounds and respects the vine’s natural branching patterns. “These vines are about 19 years old, so they haven’t necessarily been pruned

Bringing the community together

For many competitors, the event is more than just a chance to test their skills – it’s also a rare opportunity to connect with others in the industry. Vineyard work can be isolating, especially during the long pruning season when teams are out in the elds for hours at a time.

“There are so few opportunities for vineyard growers to come together like this,” said competitor Rex Williams. “Other than the occasional industry event, we don’t get to meet many people outside our own teams.”

This sense of camaraderie was echoed by one of the event’s sponsors. NP Seymour’s sales representative Tim Sillence emphasised the importance of supporting events that recognise vineyard workers. “These are the people whose work makes all the di erence later on. That’s why we’ve backed this competition from the start.”

respectively.

A vision for the future

The prizes supplied by NP Seymour re ected this commitment, with winning competitors receiving high-quality Felco secateurs, pruning saws, and more accessories to boot – all essential tools of the trade.

The

results

In the Team category, Davenport Vineyards (Ben Connor, Ben Ralph, and Mark Wilson) won with 84/90 points. Gusborne A and Vinescapes were tied on 82 points, with second place awarded to Gusborne A due to a faster completion time.

In the solo category, Gusborne’s Dragos Nitu

While this year’s event was a resounding success, organisers have ambitious plans for its future. There’s a growing push to establish regional competitions, with winners progressing to a national nal. “We’d love to see each WineGB region – South East, South West, and so on – hold their own pruning championships,” Luke Wolfe explained. “The winners of those would then compete at a national event.”

Beyond expanding the competition’s reach, the ultimate goal is to raise awareness of the vital role that vineyard workers play in the industry. “These guys are the heart and soul of viticulture. They don’t get their names on the bottles, but without them, there would be no wine,” James Dodson noted.

secured his third rst place with both the highest points total and the fastest time. In second and third were Daniel Bojan and Thomas Bailey,

VineWorks owner James Dodson (right) and Agro-Pro Ltd director Luke Wolfe helped organise and run the event

(l-r) Davenport Vineyards’ Ben Connor, Ben Ralph, and Mark Wilson took rst place in the Team category, with 84/90 points

Gusborne’s Dragos Nitu secured his third rst place in the solo category

Choosing the right specialty tractor is critical for vineyards and orchards, where space constraints, terrain challenges, and crop requirements demand highly specialised machinery. Whether managing tight vineyard rows, wide orchard canopies, or mixed-use operations, selecting the right tractor can signi cantly impact productivity, e ciency, and long-term costs.

This article o ers a detailed comparison of some of 2025’s latest specialty tractors. We’ve also gathered insights from key UK dealers to highlight buyer preferences, real-world performance, and emerging industry trends. Whether you’re investing in a new eet or upgrading existing equipment, this guide could help you make an informed decision. Key factors considered include:

• Width and manoeuvrability – Vineyards often require tractors under 1.1m wide, while orchards may allow slightly larger machines. Turning radius is crucial for navigating narrow

Featured tractors at a glance

buyers’ Specialist tractor guide

Machinery reporter Daniel Hodge takes an in-depth look at some of the latest specialist tractor options available to vineyards and fruit growers this year.

rows without damaging crops

• Power and performance – Engine power needs to match the workload. Lower hp tractors (70–90hp) suit delicate vineyard operations, whereas higher hp models (100–120hp) handle tougher orchard tasks like spraying, mulching, and towing

• Transmission – CVT (continuously variable transmission) provides smooth speed transitions, whereas mechanical or powershift transmissions o er more traditional control

• Hydraulics and attachments – Orchard and vineyard work often requires specialised attachments (sprayers, mowers, harvesters).

Checking PTO capacity and hydraulic capability will ensure compatibility with your farm’s needs.

Key requirements for farmers

Dealers consistently highlighted three main areas growers focus on when purchasing specialty tractors:

• Width and stability – Growers must ensure tractors t their vineyards or orchard rows precisely, maximising stability on steep slopes, without causing crop damage

• Hydraulic capacity – Many specialty implements are hydraulically driven, often requiring simultaneous use of multiple attachments

• Total cost of ownership – Beyond purchase price, growers increasingly use tools like AHDB’s Tractor Costing Calculator to factor in depreciation, fuel consumption, servicing, warranties, and resale value.

Reliability, resale value, and ongoing costs are recurring concerns among growers. Dealers emphasised the importance of comprehensive after-sales support, extended warranty options (in some cases, up to eight years), xed-cost servicing, and proven fuel e ciency to alleviate these worries.

Growers also highlight the importance of comfort and usability. High-quality cabs, intuitive control systems, and advanced features like Fendt’s Vario transmission greatly improve operator satisfaction, critical for long working hours, as well as attracting and retaining skilled labour.

Manufacturer New Holland FendtCase IHLandini McCormick DeutzFahr Valtra John Deere Massey Ferguson SAME Antonio Carraro Kubota

New Holland T4 F/N/V Series

This range consists of three con gurations:

• T4V (vineyard) – Designed for ultra-narrow vineyard rows, with widths from 1.06–1.5m

• T4N (narrow) – A mid-width option for mixed-crop farms with widths from 1.23–1.63m

• T4F (fruit/orchard) – The widest model for more stability on sloped terrain, with widths from 1.38–1.93m.

Key speci cations

• Engine options – FPT Industrial F34 and F36

• Power range – 75–120hp

• Maximum torque – 320–518Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 58–104-litres, plus 11-litre AdBlue tank

• Transmission – 16x16 Shuttle Command/Powershuttle; 28x16 Shuttle

Landini REX4 series

Multiple con gurations are available:

• REX4 V (vineyard) – Narrowest model for high-density vineyards (min. 1m width)

• REX4 F (fruit/orchard) – Suitable for standard orchards (min. 1.34m width)

• REX4 S (narrow orchards/goblet-trained trees) – Similar to the F model but with the narrow cab from the V model

• REX4 GT (wide orchards/open eld) – Designed for stability and power (min. 1.51m width)

• Further specialist options are available.

Key speci cations

• Engine – Deutz-AG TCD 2.9-litres

• Power range – 75–105hp

• Maximum torque – 375–420Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 60–85-litre plus 7.5-litre AdBlue tank

• Transmission – 12x12 Speed Four fully synchronised manual (standard), 16x16 with creeper; 24x24 Power Four with Hi-Lo powershift, 32x32 with creeper; 36x12 T-Tronic 3-speed powershift, 48x16 with creeper; 36x12 RoboShift, 48x16 with creeper

• PTO – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000, ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 54-litres/min (standard), 88-litres/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees

• Weight – 2,900–3,250kg.

Standout feature

The SmartPilot Plus all-in-one joystick and extra comfort swivel seat provide a high-grade t and nish that allow for long operating hours.

Command; 32x16 Split/Dual Command; 44x16 Dual Command

• PTO – 540/540E/1000

• Hydraulic ow – 64-litres/min (standard), 80-litres/min (optional)

• Standard 2WD or 4WD

• Turning angle/radius – 76-degrees, as low as 3.3m with SuperSteer axle

• Weight – 4,500–4,800kg.

Standout feature

The SuperSteer Axle provides an exceptionally tight turning radius as low as 3.3m, perfect for navigating narrow vineyard rows and orchard headlands.

Dealer insight

Ernest Doe New Holland brand manager, Ian Roberts commented: “All three models – the T4V, T4N, and T4F – sell well, depending on vineyard row width and whether the planting is new or mature. We’re also seeing increased demand from blackcurrant growers, where the T4 series complements the Braud Harvester.

“The rst thing buyers consider is width and available options, but there’s also strong interest in the Blue Cab system. It o ers pressurisation and carbon ltration, making it especially valuable for spraying.

“The biggest change in the latest T4 range was the move to a at- oor cab, improving comfort and accessibility. Another key feature is SuperSteer, exclusive to New Holland, which allows a tighter turning radius – we see around 90% of customers opting for it.

“GPS guidance is becoming more important to buyers, and New Holland has expanded its options in response. While xed costs matter, they’re not as much of a priority in this sector as in broad-acre farming. New Holland has been a leader in specialist tractors for years – customers trust their reliability and understanding of grower needs.”

Kubota M5002 narrow series

Kubota’s M5002 narrow series o ers widths from 1.42–1.72m, and is suitable for both orchard and vineyard operations.

Key speci cations

• Engine – Kubota V3800-CR-TIE5

• Power range – 74–115hp

• Maximum torque – 271–346Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 76-litres plus 6.5-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – 18F/18R (standard); 36F/36R with dual-speed powershift

• Hydraulic ow rate – 63–69-litres/min

• PTO options – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000 (optional)

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees, 3.95m

• Weight – 2,570–2,954kg.

Standout feature

Exclusive Bi-speed turn system – when steering input exceeds 35-degrees, the front wheel speed is nearly doubled relative to the rear, resulting in softer and tighter turns.

Case

The Quantum range covers four model variants:

• Quantum V (vineyard) – The narrowest version at 1.06m wide, designed for tight vineyard rows

• Quantum N (narrow) – A balance between at 1.23m wide

• Quantum F (fruit/orchard) – Wider than the N for additional stability in orchards at 1.38m wide

• Quantum CL (compact utility) – The widest at 1.90m, suitable for mixed tasks and hill farms.

Key speci cations

• Engine – FPT F34/F36

• Power range – 75–120hp

• Maximum torque – 320–518Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 68–104-litres plus 11-litre AdBlue tank

• Transmission – 32x16 ActiveDrive 2 transmission or 44x16 ActiveDrive 2

• PTO – 540/540E (standard), 540/540E/1000

• Hydraulic ow rates – 64-litres/min (standard), 82-litres/min load-sensing system

Same Frutteto CVT series

The series is available in multiple con gurations:

• Frutteto CVT (orchard and vineyard) – A width of 1.41–1.67m

• Frutteto CVT S (compact orchard) – A narrower design at a width of 1.27–1.52m, optimised for high-density orchard applications

• Frutteto CVT V (vineyard) – An ultra-narrow design at a width of 1.08–1.30m, built for tight vineyard row spacing.

Key speci cations

• Engine – FARMotion 3- or 4-cyl

• Power range – 91–116hp (126hp with OverBoost)

• Maximum torque – 372-472Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 75–100-litres plus 13-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – 2x2 CVT (standard)

• PTO options – 540/540E/1000, ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 100-litres/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – Unknown

• Weight – 3,265–4,155kg.

Standout feature

A compact CVT transmission that provides smooth, e cient power.

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees, as low as 3.51m

• Weight – 3,200–4,800kg.

Standout feature

The 4-pillar comfort cab that was introduced a couple of years ago provides a spacious workstation with ergonomic controls that Case IH is known for.

Dealer insight

According to Ernest Doe Power Case IH brand manager, David Carver: “The Quantum F and Quantum N are our most popular models for vineyards, orchards, and mixed-use farms.

“Operator comfort is increasingly important. The new four-pillar comfort cab has been a game-changer. It o ers a spacious, ergonomic layout that’s been really well received.

“Warranty is a key discussion point. Case IH o ers a full manufacturer-backed warranty – up to 6,000 hours, with no excess or minimum call-out charge. That’s a strong o ering in this sector and provides real peace of mind for buyers.”

IH Quantum V/N/F/CL Series

Deutz Fahr Series 5 DF/DS/DV TTV

The series consists of three main con gurations:

• 5 DV (vineyard) – The narrowest version, with widths from 1.16–1.32m

• 5 DS (narrow) – Suitable for orchards and wider vineyards with widths of 1.26–1.52m

• 5 DF (fruit/orchard) – A wider stance for enhanced stability in orchards, with widths of 1.44–1.67m

• 5 DF 4-wheel steering – Exclusive 4-wheel steering technology available in widths of 1.44–1.63m.

Key speci cations

• Engine – FARMotion 35/45

• Power range – 91–116hp

• Maximum torque – Up to 472Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 81–100-litres plus 13-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – 2 forward 2 reverse (CVT)

• PTO – 540/540E/1000 (standard), ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 84–115-litres/min (dependent on model)

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – Unknown

• Weight – 3,180–4,420kg, depending on model and con guration.

Standout feature

The 4-wheel steering option is unique amongst tractors in this guide, and o ers a turning radius up to 26% less when compared with a 5 DF TTV with a xed front axle.

The MF 3 series includes:

• MF 3VI (vineyard) – 1.00–1.30m width, designed for tight vineyard rows

• MF 3SP (specialised) – 1.25–1.50m width, for more spacious vineyards

• MF 3FR (fruit) – 1.45–1.80m width, balancing stability and agility

• MF 3WF (wide fruit) – 1.70–2.20m width, for extensive orchards and vineyards

• MF 3GE (ground e ect) – 1.36–1.69m width, lower-pro le for working under canopies

• MF 3AL (alpine) – From 1.80m wide, with a at- oor design for hilly terrain.

Key speci cations

• Engine – AGCO Power 3.6-litres

• Power range – 75–120hp

• Maximum torque – 320–466Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 75–100-litres plus 10-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – 12x12/15x15 mechanical shuttle (standard, model dependent); 24x24/30x30 mechanical shuttle with mechanical splitter (model dependent); 24x24 mechanical shuttle with Speedshift (model dependent); 24x12/30x15 power shuttle and Speedshift (model dependent)

• PTO options – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000, ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 93-litres/min (standard), 120-litres/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees, as low as 3.4m (MF 3WF)

• Weight – Unknown.

This series includes three con gurations:

• 200 V Vario (vineyard) – Narrow model designed for ultra-tight vineyard rows, with a minimum width of 1.07m

• 200 F Vario (fruit/orchard) – Wider than the V, o ering greater stability at a minimum width of 1.32m

• 200 P Vario (premium/narrow row crops) – Designed for slightly wider row crops, featuring higher lifting capacity, with a minimum width of 1.59m.

Key speci cations

• Engine options – AGCO Power 3.3-litres

• Power range – 72–114hp

• Maximum torque – 328–508Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 68–80-litres plus 16-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – Fendt Vario CVT transmission

• PTO – 540/540E/1000

• Hydraulic ow rates – 75-litres/min (standard pump), up to 119-litres/min (variable ow pump)

• Standard 2WD or 4WD

• Turning angle/radius – 58-degrees

• Weight – 3,500–5,600kg.

Standout feature

The Fendt Vario CVT enables seamless speed control without gear shifting, ensuring smooth operation and optimal fuel e ciency.

Dealer insight

NP Seymour sales specialist, Tim Sillence, commented: “The Fendt 200 V/F/P

Standout feature

Flat- oor cab (MF 3AL) – Provides exceptional operator comfort, ease of movement, and better ergonomics on sloped or uneven terrain.

series is the only narrow tractor range designed speci cally for vineyards, orchards, and hop farms. Some other manufacturers have essentially ‘scaled down’ their larger models, whereas Fendt has re ned these tractors over decades for specialist crop production.

“Many growers focus on purchase price, but the real cost comes from depreciation and fuel e ciency. Our recent grower trial showed a Fendt 211 V saved approximately £42,000 over 10 years compared to two competing fruit tractors, considering fuel savings and resale value.

“Downtime is costly, so reliability is critical. We always discuss ensuring a tractor meets not just today’s needs but future expansion. For example, recently planted vineyards may require higher horsepower or hydraulic capacity in a few years. Choosing the right model from the outset saves unnecessary upgrades later.”

Massey Ferguson MF3 Series

Fendt Vario 200 F/P/V

John Deere 5G Series

The 5G series includes multiple model con gurations:

• 5GV (vineyard) – Ultra-narrow 0.99–1.68m

• 5GN (narrow) – Slightly wider at 1.26–1.82m

• 5GF (fruit/orchard) – Wider stance, 1.30–1.95m

• 5GL (low-pro le) – 1.25–1.83m, a lower design for operations under tree canopies and trellises.

Key speci cations

• Engine – John Deere PowerTech 3.6-litres

• Power range – 75–120hp

• Maximum torque – Up to 460Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 71–100-litres + 12-litres AdBlue

• Transmission options – 12x12 mechanic reverser (standard); 24x24 mechanic reverser ; 24x12 PowrReverser; 15x15 mechanic reverser; 30x30 mechanic reverser; 30x15 PowrReverser

• PTO options – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000, ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 87-litres/min (standard), 114-litres/min

• 2WD and 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 43-degrees

• Weight – 2,555–3,125kg.

Standout feature

AutoTrac GPS auto-steering that simpli es steering, reducing operator fatigue and improving operational accuracy.

Dealer insight

Tuckwells senior sales executive Andy Page commented: “Our best sellers

McCormick X4

Multiple con gurations are available:

• X4 V (vineyard) – Narrowest model for dense vineyards (min. 1m width)

• X4 F (fruit/orchard) – Suitable for standard orchards (min. 1.34m width)

• X4 N (narrow orchards/goblet-trained trees) – Similar to the F model but with the narrow cab from the V model

• X4 XL (wide orchards/open eld) – Designed for stability and power (min. 1.51m width)

• Further specialist options are available.

Key speci cations

• Engine – Deutz-AG TCD 2.9-litre

• Power range – 75–105hp

• Maximum torque – 375–420Nm

• Fuel tank capacity – 60–85-litres plus 7.5-litre AdBlue

• Transmission – 12x12 Speed Four fully synchronised manual (standard), 16x16 with creeper; 24x24 Power Four with Hi-Lo powershift, 32x32 with creeper; 36x12 T-Tronic 3-speed powershift, 48x16 with creeper, 36x12 RoboShift, 48x16 with creeper

• PTO – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000, ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – 88-litre/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees

• Weight – 2,900–3,250kg.

Standout feature

The X4 V model at 1m width is one of the narrowest specialist tractors on the market.

for vineyards are consistently the 5105GV tractors. For orchards, growers typically prefer either the 5105GF or 5105GN, with selection largely dependent on speci c row widths. The versatile 5105GN is particularly popular among farms operating both vineyards and orchards.

“Key developments for John Deere specialty tractors in 2025 include enhanced comfort features, such as at- oor cabin designs and Category 4 ltration systems. Additionally, we’re preparing to introduce both autonomous and fully electric specialty tractor models in the near future, responding to increasing demand for sustainable and e cient farming solutions.”

The F Series is available in the following con gurations:

• Standard model with closed cab or ROPS – Widths from 1.54–1.94m

• Narrow cab model – Widths ranging from 1.28–1.79m.

Key speci cations

• Engine – FPT F28

• Power range – 75–101hp

• Maximum torque – 350–415Nm

• Transmission options – 12x12R mechanical shuttle (standard); 24x24R mechanical shuttle; 24x12R power shuttle

• PTO options – 540/1000 (standard on standard), 540/540E (standard on narrow), ground speed PTO

• Hydraulic ow rates – Two pump system 87-litres/min, three pump system 114-litres/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees, 3.6m

• Weight – Around 3,000kg (depending on model and con guration).

Standout feature

High hydraulic capacity. Up to 114-litres/min offers flexibility, capable of effectively operating multiple hydraulic implements simultaneously, ideal for complex orchard/vineyard tasks.

Valtra F Series

MACHINERY

Antonio Carraro A series

The A-series includes:

• AV-LB – Designed for low clearance applications, with a width of 1.34–1.60m

• AF-B – With a width of 1.53–1.79m.

Key speci cations

• Engine – FPT F28, 4-cyl

• Power range – 75–103hp

• Maximum torque – 358–416Nm

• Fuel capacity – 75-litres plus 10-litres AdBlue

• Transmission – Carraro T100+30 (standard); 24x24 mechanical shuttle, mechanical HI-LO; 24x12 mechanical shuttle, hydraulic HI-LO

• PTO – 540/540E (standard), 540/1000

• Hydraulic ow rates – 87-litres/min (standard), up to 114-litres/min

• 4WD as standard

• Turning angle/radius – 55-degrees (AV-LB), 52-degrees (AF-B)

• Weight – 2,680kg (AV-LB), 2,740kg (AF-B).

Standout feature

Ultra-low pro le: exceptional stability and balance on steeply sloping vineyards and orchards, as well as for working in tunnels, under trellises, and within dense fruit canopies.

Sustainable options

As the industry embraces sustainable and e cient technologies, several innovative tractors are appearing in the market, o ering unique features tailored to modern and future farming needs. These include:

• Electric and hybrid models– Electric specialty tractors represent a major move towards sustainable agriculture, particularly appealing to growers with solar installations, greenhouses, or stringent emission targets. Coming to the UK in early 2026, the Fendt e100V is an all-electric compact tractor designed to o er a sustainable and e cient alternative to traditional dieselpowered tractors, points out Crawfords group business development manager for vineyard, fruit & professional, Dan Turner. “It is ideal for use in special crops, in greenhouses, solar farms or on farms with their own power generation or in municipalities,” he explains.

The Fendt e100 V Vario’s compact design and zero-emission operation make it ideal for environments requiring low noise and exhaust

free operating. Equipped with a 100kWh battery, it delivers continuous power of 55kW (75hp) and peak power of 66kW (90hp), with an operating time ranging from 4–7 hours, depending on the application.

• Autonomous farming solutions –Autonomous equipment like the Pellenc RX-20 inter-row crawler and the John Deere ML autonomous orchard tractor signals a future of increased automation. Such machinery not only reduces labour demands but also allows precise operation that maximises productivity and minimises soil disturbance. The Pellenc RX-20 is a fully electric vineyard tractor, speci cally built for high-density vineyards. It features an articulated frame for improved manoeuvrability and a low-slung design for under-trellis work. Quick-swap battery packs allow for near continuous work cycles. With zero emissions, and ultra-low noise, it’s an attractive option for vineyards prioritising sustainability and worker comfort. Dan Turner of Crawfords adds: “After an initial set up, the machine navigates rows

independently, performing tasks like weeding and soil cultivation without operator input. Its hybrid engine and low soil compaction make it an e cient eco-friendly solution for vineyards that can also reduce long-term operating costs.” Designed to reduce labour requirements, the John Deere ML Autonomous is a fully self-driving orchard tractor, capable of air blast spraying and other repetitive tasks with LiDARbased navigation. Unlike previous autonomous tractors that rely solely on GPS, the autonomous 5ML features seven cameras and sensor arrays that allow it to operate in dense orchards where GPS signals are weak. A fully electric version is in development.

• Cab innovations and operator comfort –Premium features such as at- oor cabins, customisable tractor settings, and Cat 4 ltration are rapidly becoming standard, or regularly selected options. Upgrades such as these signi cantly improve operator comfort, helping growers attract and retain skilled labour.

Worcestershire fruit farm features quality lots

dispersal sale

The dispersal sale was organised by Halls Kidderminster on behalf of Mrs Fiona Broom eld, following her decision to cease farming at Elmbridge Fruit Farm, near Droitwich. David Williams reports.

Until several years ago, the Broom eld family grew apples and pears at two sites; Elmbridge Fruit Farm and at Holt where fruit was sold through the family’s farm shop, Broom elds of Holt. The business evolved, and the land was let to a cherry producer. When that operation ceased, the Broom elds made the di cult decision to give up farming altogether, and to focus on their popular farm shop and café.

Quality lots, well supported

The catalogue included a wide range of fruit farm machinery, equipment and sundries, from modern specialist narrow tractors to vintage hand saws, and some excellent prices were achieved by the Halls auctioneers, Henry Hyde and Nick Gri ths.

The sale was well supported by friends, family and farming neighbours as well as trade buyers and end-users from further a eld. Although rain showers were forecast, the sale day remained dry encouraging people to remain at the site and bid.

Bidding

on-site and online

More than 70 buyers were on-site for the sale, and many more were watching and bidding online through the Halls online bidding platform, Marteye, while bids were also taken by phone. Lots sold online ended up with buyers as far away as Kent, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

“We saw genuine end-users looking to expand their machinery and equipment eets, and trade buyers keen to acquire attractive lots to add to their portfolios,” explained rural chartered

surveyor and sale arranger, Charlotte Hurley.

“Sixteen of the 60 successful online purchases were through Marteye, to 14 individual buyers.

“Most demand was for well maintained, specialist machinery for the fruit market sector, and I suspect this is due to the lack of quality used machinery available on the open market. It re ects current demand, where we are seeing end users reluctant to invest in expensive new machinery due to uncertainty in this farming sector, so good second-hand machines are favoured when they are available.”

Tractors owned from new

The four specialist narrow tractors from Ford and New Holland created considerable interest ahead of the sale and sold well. Charlotte said that this

was expected, due to the current limited supply. “They’d all been on the farm from new, and were bought from the local main dealer, TH White (formerly Murleys),” she continued. “They were well maintained, had been regularly serviced on the farm and came complete with their V5s. Other sale highlights included the pulverisers and the chemical store.”

Successful sale

“We were delighted to organise such a successful sale for these vendors. Making the decision to cease farming is never an easy one and dispersal sale days are often quite emotional, but our clients were happy with the support from all those who attended, and pleased with the overall result,” Charlotte concluded.

The three modern New Holland tractors and the older Ford model had all been on the farm from new. Competitive bidding resulted in high prices.

More than 70 buyers attended the mid-March sale, while many more watched and placed bids online through the Halls Marteye selling platform.

Sundry lots including fruit farm essentials and tools were displayed under cover and attracted lots of interest. Items of note included a socket set which made £90, a Makita long-reach saw which sold for £240, a Pellenc long-reach electronic pruner which achieved £330 and a Stihl 201 chainsaw which made £200. A selection of fruit trolleys made £45–£85.

The farm’s New Holland TN75DA tractor carried an 07-plate and was equipped with a tted Quicke Q35 front loader. The tractor had worked only 2,175 hours and remained in very tidy condition. Competitive bidding pushed the price of the tractor up to £20,400.

Perfect pulverisers are always in demand and this rear-mounted version with hydraulic side-shift was in very good condition and made £1,780. A front-mounted Perfect pulveriser was also sold and made £750.

a

It was the right time of year for selling a grass harrow. This linkage-mounted set of Opico Hatzenbichler spring tine harrows was ready to work, and made a well-deserved £900.

This Twose at roll with a weight platform and a selection of tractor wafer weights sold for £800.

Carrying a 10-plate, this New Holland

narrow orchard

had worked only 5,050 hours and was in excellent condition. It had a front hydraulic linkage, mid- and front-mounted hydraulic spools and a Supersteer front axle. It sold for £17,900.

This trailed, six-man orchard picking platform was in good condition and achieved a £350 winning bid.

registered on a

with a set of front

a

and

This Ford 1710 4wd compact tractor with

folding ROPS sold for £5,000.

Quicke loader attachments were in demand. Nearest the camera, the set of pallet forks sold for £400 and the Quicke bucket beside them achieved £320.

The New Holland T3040 narrow compact tractor was the newest of the four tractors on offer. It was

63-plate, had

fold-over ROPS, came

ballast weights and had worked 3,347 hours. The tyres re ected the low hours

predominantly grassland use, and the tread was barely worn. The winning bidder paid £11,600.

T4050F

tractor

•Food-safe, odourless and hygienic

• Smooth interior walls for easy emptying

•Easy to clean and quick to dry

•Optional drainage opening

• One-piece moulded with stable skid connection

•Volume: 610L or 1000L

• Extremely durable

•Weather and UV resistant

•With 3 skids or 9 feet

*Available in closed or perforated versions

www.craemer.co.uk

Diversifications help fruit business thrive in tough times

Barra Castle is an unusual L-plan tower house that dates from the 13th century

The majority of pickers are now sourced through SAWS, but recruitment is a major issue

Barra Berries opened their 13th century tower house for a series of diversi cations including weddings, accommodation, a restaurant and farm shop, alongside their livestock and soft fruit businesses. Sarah Kidby reports.

Husband-and-wife team David and Sarah Stephen have launched a growing number of diversi cations over the past 10 years, from their captivating Scottish castle in Aberdeenshire – an unusual L-plan tower house that dates from the 13th century.

Alongside their 700-acre cattle and sheep farm, and 25-acre soft fruit growing enterprise, Barra Castle was renovated in 2009 and now o ers weddings in a unique barn venue, which opened in 2017, and accommodation in the luxury lodges, which are former gatehouses to the castle.

Meanwhile there’s the Barra Farmshop and Kitchen which serves breakfast, lunch and Barra Berries ice cream, as well as homemade sweet treats and hot drinks. Additionally, the farm is 80% powered by the sun having installed solar panels in 2022.

The spread of their businesses has helped them to survive the tough times brought by Covid-19 and other challenges, Sarah explains.

120-year history

The land has been farmed by the Stephen family since 1904, initially as tenant farmers, until the

Waste fruit is blended through ice creams to be sold in the Barra Farmshop

The rst polytunnels were put up in 2003 and Barra Berries now has 25 acres of fruit

Barra Berries grows Magnum, Malling Ace and Karima strawberry varieties

land was bought in the early 1990s. While fourth generation farmer David, who took over the farm in 2000, was born and raised in the industry, Sarah grew up in Glasgow and worked in broadcasting for 30 years, before stepping into the business on the diversi cation side 10 years ago.

Formerly a purely livestock farm, they put up the rst polytunnels and began growing 6 acres of raspberries in 2003 at the behest of Angus Soft Fruits. Today, they grow 25 acres of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and honeyberries (haskap berries). They also grow asparagus to sell commercially, as well as seasonal vegetables such as courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, rhubarb and herbs for the farm shop and restaurant – they’ve even tried growing melons and watermelons.

Taste and longevity

Fruit is sold for the fresh market via Angus Soft Fruits, and packed at another grower’s farm. Whilst the aim is for all fruit to be sold fresh, waste fruit is used for making jams and ice creams for the farm shop when necessary. They use Mackie’s of Scotland vanilla ice cream and blend the frozen fruit through it – with a chill and freezers on-site for fruit storage.

Fruit taste is a key priority for Sarah and David, while longevity is a major factor for the supermarkets. Magnum is grown for the nest strawberry ranges, while Malling Ace and Karima are the everbearers. Raspberries were 100% Lagorai, but they are now moving over to the new varieties from Angus Soft Fruits, Monet and Dali, for their nest ranges. It’s hoped that these varieties will make up 60% and 30% respectively of the raspberry hectarage going forward.

“Certainly Monet in particular looks like it's got a fantastic promise,” David comments. It was grown for the rst time on a small-scale in 2024 and they will expand this year. Taste is a key attribute of the variety, but while this often comes at the cost of shelf life, that is not the case with Monet, David explains.

The two new varieties went into year-round commercial production in 2024, with yield, crop management and picking costs among the key considerations in their development, in response to challenges in the sector, the breeder said at the time of the launch. AVA Monet has short, compact laterals, whereas Dali has a longer structure but a canopy that is not too dense. The highyielding berries also stand out for their size and weight – on average, AVA Monet weighs 9g in UK production, while AVA Dali is 8g. AVA Monet yields 1.4kg per cane with a shelf life of nine days from harvest, and AVA Dali yields 1.1kg/cane and has a shelf life of eight days from harvest.

Northern location a bene t

One advantage of Barra Berries’ site just one mile south of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, is they are about 40 miles further north than most of the growers in the Angus Soft Fruit group – and subsequently su er less with pest and disease. Mildew is something a lot of the other growers su er with, and Ace is susceptible, but they seem

to fare better, David says. Botrytis and aphids are always a bit of a problem, as are vine weevil, spider mites and thrips, however. Some chemicals are available but with a greatly depleted armoury, so pests at Barra are mostly managed with bene cial insects – and they also use garlic to keep the aphids out of the tunnels. For thrips, sticky traps are most e ective and make a big di erence to the numbers, David adds.

Being under polytunnels, frost isn’t a major issue, although two years ago temperatures fell to -5ºC in April which knocked o a lot of owers –but that was the worst instance in 20 years.

Inspired by NZ

Having started the fruit business in 2003, spending time in New Zealand prompted the couple to consider adding diversi cations to their repertoire. Inspired by the pioneering attitudes and ambition they saw in growers there, they decided to make use of their redundant buildings. Like the rest of the hospitality sector, the whole business was badly hit by covid, however, Sarah notes.

“The farm was vibrant during covid despite what was going on globally – hospitality took a hit, but we didn't sit back, we just said ‘right, whenever we can reopen, we'll get reopened’,” she says. “Getting back to being operational was really important for us, despite all the restrictions. We're not a big farm shop but we're popular and I think we o er something slightly di erent to what's out there. We want to have a di erent menu and a di erent personality and vibe. That's really been

the backbone of the diversi cation.”

One of the key challenges with the diversi cations has been navigating planning permission – particularly with a listed building – and Sarah says she knows many others in hospitality who are struggling with the same red tape. The diversi cations have also forced them to be bold and less risk averse – but making those decisions as a couple helped ease the burden. The level of commitment needed for the businesses came as a surprise to them, she adds: “For the past 10 years, I’ve been in the restaurant making co ee, Dave’s been in mending machines. You have to be invested personally in the business.” However, the pair are now at the stage where they have good management in place so they can take a step back.

Robotics aspirations

Unsurprisingly, recruitment is a key challenge for the business and they use the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) to recruit fruit pickers. However, the work ethic is excellent, David says, with raspberries being picked at a phenomenal rate. Overall, there are about 15–20 permanent sta across the business, increasing to 30-plus during the harvest.

Whilst mechanical fruit picking is unlikely to be feasible for the farm, David is interested in mechanising other farm tasks – for example using a drone spraying service within the tunnels to replace their aging 30-year-old sprayer. Similarly, using robots to pick up trays of fruit and transport them to the chill could be an option in future. “A picker

can waste quite a lot of time taking their fruit down to get checked in,” David explains. “If they never had to stop picking, I bet that would save 15–20% of their time, and they could be picking instead of walking down the trays.”

Not the type to rest on their laurels, Sarah comments on the next stages for the business: “We’re always adding to the business, we’re not the nished article. It’s about where you move next and where you think the investment should be.”

Farm owners: David and Sarah Stephen

Location: Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire

Total size in ha: 700 acres total (25 acres fruit)

Fruits grown: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and honeyberries

Varieties grown: Strawberries: Magnum, Malling Ace and Karima; Raspberries: AVA Monet and AVA Dali

The rural Aberdeenshire setting of the farm provides an ideal backdrop for weddings and events

Barra Castle was renovated in 2009 and now offers weddings in a beautiful and unique barn venue

Latest ndings in apple and pestdiseaseresearch

The

impact of climate change and loss of chemical controls for top fruit pests and diseases were key themes at this year’s BAPL/NIAB R&D meeting. Sarah Kidby reports.

Apple canker

NIAB’s Matevz Papp-Rupar shared grower data which revealed a tendency for low/medium canker scores where potassium levels were below 124.7mg/L, and high scores above this threshold. Surprisingly, NIAB data found more canker in orchards with increased calcium in the soil, and an association between high canker and increased soil phosphorus, copper and cobalt. Increased SO4 and zinc in soil, however, were associated with very low canker – but more research is needed.

Meanwhile, Louisa Robinson-Boyer found tree mortality was consistently reduced across six newly planted commercial orchards where arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and tricoderma treatments were applied. When AMF and Vintec (Trichoderma atroviride) and AMF and Trianum (Trichoderma harzianum) were applied together, mortality fell by 50% compared to the control.

All six sites also saw a reduction in mainstem canker by adding AMF, but not peripheral canker. Unsurprisingly, girth reduced in the rst year as a result of adding mycorrhiza, but trees recovered completely in the second year. For existing orchards, wild owers planted in alleyways can increase AMF; and AMF tends to restore negative e ects of root pruning or wild ower planting, the study suggests.

Biochar

With burning trees at the end of orchard life being increasingly undesirable, speakers discussed whether biochar could o er a solution, as well as generating carbon credits for farmers, and products including heat, which would be used directly or in a CHP unit to generate electricity. It’s hoped biochar

could also improve the establishment of young trees and overcome apple replant disorder, said Hutchinsons agronomist Rob Saunders.

Codling moth

A project at three commercial sites in Kent found biological approaches were just as e ective as conventional insecticides (indoxacarb and chlorantranilliprole) when it comes to tackling codling moth, shared Jonathan Blackman, Hutchinsons. The cost of biological treatments was higher, but as they took a cautious approach, applications could have been reduced.

Woodlice

A project at a commercial orchard found woodlice damage was worse later in the season, said Rory Jones, ADAS, suggesting growers could consider prioritising picking the more at-risk sections of the orchard. It’s not known when woodlice are entering the trees but the study indicated they are present as early as the end of August. Laboratory testing showed promise for phagostimulant baits, but an appropriate killing agent is needed.

Nigel Jenner, Avalon Fresh, advised growers to consider running stores in air for 3–4 days before sealing, as research found woodlice die within 3–4 days without moisture. Feeding ceases under 10ºC so this should be established as soon as possible. Finally, for varieties that will tolerate it, running high CO2 (above 1ºC) will kill woodlice and reduce apple damage dramatically.

Forest bug

Forest bug control must now be carefully considered to avoid harming bene cials. Paul

Codling moth could be seen later in the season due to the changing climate and later varieties

Hamlyn, ACH Farming, and Alex Radu of Agrovista both stressed the importance of monitoring year-round using beating trays, especially in warm conditions. The best time is October–April to get a good idea of what you have in the orchard. Flipper is a bioinsecticide with a low impact on bene cials. Spruzit and Tracer – both broad spectrum, though the former has no or very short persistency – o er good e cacy, Alex said. Decis and Hallmark are very broad spectrum and persistent in the environment, however. Decis is not taken up by foliage, but Hallmark is by far the most persistent and harmful to bene cials.

Rosy apple aphid

Charlotte Howard, from the University of Reading, found planting wild ower margins (four low growing ne grasses and 15 perennial wild owers) at 10 orchards reduced the number of aphids on infested trees and the number of trees with fruit damage from 80% to 50%. The bene ts reached up to 50m from the ower margins – as far as the team measured.

Apple storage

Richard Colgan, University of Greenwich, outlined a project looking at low oxygen apple storage. Traditionally growers store at ‘ ve and one’ – 5% CO2, 1% O2, though some prefer 3% CO2 and 1% O2. There has been an advent of dynamic controlled atmosphere storage, allowing oxygen concentrations to be reduced to 0.6–0.4%, which could help to reduce the internal breakdown of fruit, and scald. Products such as SafePod are available for strict monitoring of fruit stress.

The study explored using:

• 1% CO2, 3% O2

• 3% CO2, 0.4% O2

• <1.3% CO2, 0.4% O2.

Fruit was kept in store for 8–9 months, with very little impact on rmness, shelf life, quality and Brix. However, the ‘three and one’ system had the most rots by eight months, and the 3% CO2, 0.4% O2 had the least. Lower oxygen also helped to reduce internal breakdown.

Thinking about the complete package

Sustainability is the buzzword of the century, but it is not just growing food sustainably that some producers are having to think about. Jeremy Sharp of Produce Packaging explains.

Plastic packaging has long been in the limelight, now accounting for almost 70% of the UK’s plastic waste, according to WRAP. This has made it the primary target in this country when it comes to reducing plastic.

Part of this drive includes new legislation in the form of the extended producer responsibilities tax, an expansion of the current ‘plastic tax’, which is set to come into full force this autumn. The act will require producers to pay the total cost of dealing with their packaging from when it is placed onto the market to the end of its life.

While this is a welcome change for environmentalists, it is yet another challenge and cost those in the fresh produce sector must overcome, as they seek plastic-free solutions.

Why move away from plastic?

Improvements to all food packaging has been going on behind the scenes for decades, with gures showing that a record amount of plastic is now being recycled in the UK. So if this is the case, why do we need to move away from it?

(rPET). This is recyclable, but the opportunity for the consumer to recycle it depends on a number of factors that are inconsistent across the UK.”

A signi cant proportion of the population still do not have access to kerbside recycling schemes, and often for those that do, there are misconceptions over the ease of recycling.

Jeremy adds: “Contaminates such as bubble pads or food waste which are not removed prior to disposal can render packaging unsuitable for recycling.

“Local authorities also have varying directives on what can and can’t be recycled. Our pad-free soft fruit punnets are helping to address this.”

Essentially, the majority of rigid plastic used for fresh produce could be recycled, but better education and infrastructure is needed to boost this.

moulded bre (paper pulp) trays, the same material as egg cartons. This is a very sustainable raw material because it’s recycled wastepaper from the box and print industries. Carton boards also play an increasing role in this sector.”

For sensitive crops such as soft fruits and salads, which rely on the protection that packaging o ers, alternatives to plastic have been limited. What was available was also not always as environmentally sound as they may rst appear. This includes soft fruit punnets made from sugar cane, an early alternative, which have a legacy of environmental disruption at their source because the sugar cane crop replaced natural habitat. There were also high air miles from transporting it from its source.

However, sustainable alternatives to plastic are being developed and introduced for the fresh produce sector.

Some plastic products, such as lm wraps and lidding lms face additional challenges to recycling because they do not have any kerbside opportunities to recycle them. However, increasing availability of ‘return to store’ schemes are helping, says Jeremy.

Jeremy says: “Some moulded bre is used but, for retail, carton board produced from sustainably managed forestry is more suitable due to its ability to withstand the whole production chain from plant to plate. It’s robust enough to withstand all aspects of the cool chain, from blast chilling of the freshly picked fruit to delivery to store.”

Jeremy Sharp of Produce Packaging explains: “Rigid plastic packaging in the fresh food industry is now largely made from recyclate

Innovation in packaging

There have been some very signi cant changes and innovation to packaging in place for over a decade, that perhaps have gone largely unnoticed to the average consumer.

This includes to fruit such as apples, pears, peaches and nectarines which were once sold in polystyrene trays for protection.

Jeremy says: “The UK has replaced tens of millions of polystyrene trays annually, with

But there are still major challenges associated with the transition that producers and packers face, not least cost, but also product shelf life and quality, and food safety.

Jeremy says: “No retailer or food producer would go through these changes without stringent testing. For over 10 years, in conjunction with retailers and producers, we have done extensive and repeated trials across di erent products and packaging to make sure there is no detrimental impact on product quality or shelf life, or migration of packaging materials. Producers will also carry out very stringent shelf-life testing

Jeremy Sharp of Produce Packaging

on their own sites, to ensure they are using the alternative packaging best suited to the product and retail environment.”

Improving shelf life

In Produce Packaging’s trials, it has found that moving to paper-based packaging from plastic has not shown any detriment to the product, and in some cases has even improved shelf life.

Jeremy shares: “We have found that tomatoes on the vine in paper packaging can actually extend shelf life because it absorbs some of the moisture from the pack’s atmosphere, inhibiting the development of fungus on the vines.”

While for the majority of growers supplying the retail industry, the type of packaging used is generally non-negotiable, growers packing for their own branded products are also well aware of the need to move towards more sustainable packaging, says Jeremy. And while this is positive for the environment, it carries a cost.

Major retailers have already moved to plasticfree alternatives in many of their ‘top tier’ ranges, where the consumer is more likely to appreciate the di erence and o set the cost of the packaging, but for lower margin produce, plastic is still widely used.

Jeremy says: “Plastic’s biggest bene ts are that it is available in quantity and is incredibly versatile and cost e ective. It is quick to convert to packaging items at scale. Paper-based alternatives do take longer to produce and the raw materials are not available in such abundance.

“In some instances, the cost of the plasticfree packaging is often close, and in terms of unit volume, the larger scale items mean there’s

less di erence. However, it can cost anything from 10–300% higher than its plastic packaging counterpart.”

However, supply and demand will continue to in uence cost so there is hope as the sustainability drive continues, the cost will come down.

“Because pulp has had such a signi cant impact on polystyrene supply in the UK, almost replacing it completely in fresh produce, the cost is now lower than polystyrene equivalents, but that has taken a long time,” points out Jeremy.

Once the new ‘extended producer responsibilities’ have full e ect, retailers or suppliers will be responsible for footing the tax on material being used and its sustainability credentials, so going for plastic-free alternatives is more likely to make nancial sense.

“The public’s view of plastic has grown to be very negative over the past decade, and the legislation is a direct response to this view. In combination with obligations committed to by the UK government,” says Jeremy.

“Initially at least, paper or plastic alternatives, will have a di erent taxable rate over plastic, or combined materials such as plastic/paper laminates. This is because if something is made of di erent materials, it makes it harder to recycle and is essentially defeating the imperative to recycle more.

“The wider food industry realises that certainly in the short to medium term, plastic will be taxed more heavily than alternatives, so can be in the producers’ and retailers’ interests to move away from plastic where practical and sustainable.”

Good disease and

paves way to successful harvest pest control

Agrovista agronomist Fokion Chatziavgerinos reviews some key tasks coming up in top fruit orchards and vineyards this spring and early summer.

A cold spell during the rst half of March slowed bud development on fruit trees.

On apples, as temperatures are picking up and buds are progressing, scab becomes the most important issue. Rain events cause ascospore releases, triggering the risk of primary scab infection. It is very important to select fungicide products with good e cacy and to use the Fruit Insight model to assess scab risk and time applications e ectively. Apply suitable protectants before the scab event or partner with an eradicant if the application is made after the risk event.

Timely application of eradicant products is important to ensure their e cacy. Include di erent modes of action in the fungicide programme to minimise the risk of selecting resistance. For more

information about product choice during primary scab season you can ask your Agrovista Fruit agronomist.

Assess disease risk and pollination

Powdery mildew risk increases as the season progresses and extension growth develops. Product choice should be based on risk and modes of action.

Approaching blossoming time, growers also need to consider Neonectria canker protection, as well as blossom wilt and storage rots.

Good pollination is crucial to ensure successful fruit set. Honey bees and naturally occurring pollinators need to be protected, so we need to be mindful of applications during blossom. Bumblebees are e ective pollinators even in poor weather conditions. Natupol hives from Koppert can be introduced to boost pollination in adverse conditions and for challenging varieties.

Pest control

When it comes to pests, rosy aphid is one of the most important, with multiple generations in a season. Timely applications and adequate product choice are key for e ective control, using products with contact or systemic activity as appropriate. For the best outcome, it is necessary to achieve good coverage.

Keep monitoring for red spider mite eggs (on the spurs), woolly aphid and apple blossom weevil (threshold is ve adults per 50 samplings and overwintering caterpillars (threshold is 5% of the

trusses infested).

Where saw y historically has been a problem, install traps to monitor pressure. Control should be applied after petal fall – our Fruit Insight model shows the optimum time.

During petal fall, start looking for capsid and Rhynchites weevil, which can lead to important damage on fruit. Batavia is a fully systemic, selective insecticide providing e ective control of a range of sucking pests, including rosy aphid, woolly aphid and spider mite. For best results discuss the timing and application details with your agronomist.

Top fruit

On pears, pear sucker nymphs will start emerging soon. Consider a control strategy as populations can build rapidly. Monitor for pear weevil emergence using the beating method to assess pressure and to decide the best approach for control.

Aphids (pear parsnip, pear coltsfoot and black bean) can be a localised problem. Control is recommended when 2–3 clusters per tree are infested, although there is no o cial threshold.

Nutrient management

During owering, fruit set and early development, trees require adequate levels of nutrients. A well-formulated, robust foliar feed programme that includes macro and micronutrients, such as the Agrovista range, will support fruit set and development of fruitlets. Calcium is the building block of cell walls so is important for fruit development and skin nish.

Vines

On vines, at woolly bud to bud burst stages make the standard applications of copper and sulphur for pest and disease control. Potassium phosphonate products can be a great add-on from ve-leaf stage to improve root performance for nutrient uptake and to prime natural defence mechanisms.

When downy and powdery mildew risk is signi cant, we recommend starting applications with robust products. It is important to follow Fungicide Resistance Action Committee FRAC guidelines to reduce the risk of resistance development.

Furthermore, avoid using routine spraying intervals, but adapt your applications based on the risk models and weather patterns.

Up to the owering stage, vines rely on carbohydrates accumulated and stored during the previous season. Apart from standard NPK, macronutrients such as boron, zinc and molybdenum will improve owering and eventually fruit formation, whereas calcium enhances berry skin strength.

For more detailed advice on disease and pest control consult with your Agrovista Fruit agronomist. With the right management, this season can lead to healthy fruit and a successful harvest.

ABOUTOUREXPERT

Fokion Chatziavgerinos joined Agrovista’s highly regarded team of fruit specialists in 2021. Key interests include integrated pest management, plant pathology and fruit tree nutrition.

Precision Plus Ultra

• 100% coir substrate tailored for soft fruit production

• Graded, washed and buffered, ready to grow

• Optimum drainage and air-fill porosity

• Improved structure for prolonged performance, maximising the potential for reuse enquiries@agrovista.co.uk agrovista.co.uk/fruit

VITICULTURAL & WINEMAKING CONSULTANT - SIMON DAY.

• 30+ years of experience in UK viticulture and winemaking,

• Full site assessments and variety / rootstock and trellis advice pre-planting.

• Vineyard management advice and mentoring.

• Winery design and ongoing winemaking advice.

• Business planning & legislation, HMRC, Food Standards Agency, etc.

• Available on an ad-hoc, project, or annual retainer basis.

Get in touch for more information: e: sday@kingsthorne.co.uk

t: 07796 141390 w: www.kingsthorne.co.uk

soil up Supporting vines from the

Viticulture consultant and vineyard owner, Luke Wolfe believes that good wine starts in the vine. He explains his approach to soil nutrition and its impact on vine health.

After graduating with a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College, former nancial and mortgage advisor Luke embarked on a period of freelance vineyard and winery work in New Zealand, California and France before he joined Chapel Down in the UK, heading up their vineyard operations and managing over 600 acres across Kent and East Sussex.

In 2018, 10 years after rst meeting at Plumpton College, Luke and his good friend Clare Whitehead established their own vineyard, Whitewolfe Estates. Situated in the Kits Coty region of Kent’s North Downs, the 10ha vineyard is planted exclusively with Chardonnay vines.

It was after co-founding Whitewolfe in 2019, that Luke decided to set up Agro-Pro Ltd, specialising in cool climate viticulture and working with large and boutique producers to improve their vineyard e ciency and maximise vineyard potential. Luke explains: “Being a vineyard owner allows me to understand the emotional connection in establishing a vineyard and nurturing it to maturity, and at the end of the day, I practise what I preach.

“With the consultancy side of my business, much of my day is spent problem solving. A signi cant amount of my work is based around 8–12 year-old vineyards which aren’t performing as hoped – and I would say that 90% of the time, the soil is the root cause – in particular, lack of soil nutrition.”

Smart Feed system

Luke has been working with Ross Barclay-Beuthin, founder of CloudAgro, for a number of years and

has been heavily involved in the development of CloudAgro’s Smart Feed system during this time. Smart Feed is a diagnostic and prescriptive system, designed to assess what a vine requires, and advise how to feed the soil accordingly.

Luke uses the Smart Feed system in his own vineyard and also when working with his clients to diagnose soil issues, and formulate a plan to boost the nutrition when and where it’s needed.

“In my experience, there can be a tendency for growers to load up the nutrients when rst planting a vineyard, but then less and less nutrition might be put back into the soil over the next few years. So I can usually see a pattern where, after 8–10 years, the vines seem to start going backwards in terms of vigour and yield,” comments Luke.

“It’s vital to keep a consistent level of nutrition and organic matter in the soil, as when the vines are put under pressure, like they were in the drought conditions of 2022, they will be more able to withstand it.”

Alongside the Smart Feed system, CloudAgro produces a pelleted soil conditioning product called Futuregro. This is based on detailed trials Ross carried out which assessed the impact of lucerne and chicken manure on soil health. Futuregro contains a natural source of slowrelease nitrogen, and a pre-composted fertiliser which actively improves the soil on application.

Having built up his soil health to a point where the organic matter is at 5.5%, in his own vineyard Luke now primarily uses Futuregro twice per year, in spring and autumn, using the product to top the SOM levels back up.

Fix problems before they arise Luke is keen to point out that it’s important to support new vines, not just those which have begun cropping, and stresses that the aim is to continually improve the health of the soil and subsequently the vines. “I’ve used arti cial fertilisers and foliar feeds, but for me, with foliar feeds you’re just trying to treat a visible problem that has already had an impact – the time to boost the health of the vine is before the canopy has formed and the yield has set. If you rely on foliar feeds to address nutrient de ciencies, you’ve already missed the boat.”

Just like standard chicken manure, Futuregro breaks down quickly and it is made readily available to the plant, but it’s actually quite a slow-release product. Luke explains: “In the spring, it breaks down in the soil, where it is mineralised by the microbes and then is ready in a bioavailable format for the vine as and when it needs it.”

But, says Luke, it’s not just the vine which bene ts from Futuregro and the Smart Feed system. “Every stage of the vine growth is impacted. The growth is good, the fruit is bigger, better, stronger – you rarely see thin skins that are prone to splitting, because the vine is in balance.

“The main bene t of Smart Feed, particularly for someone like me who is working across multiple sites, is that you have access to so much speci c data, and you can ensure it is relevant to the soil type and other factors on that particular site. In my opinion, the RB209 is not t for purpose for grapevines – the advice is based on strawberries and hops, and doesn’t take into account the very unique nutrient signature of vines. Plus, even beyond that, each soil type also has its own challenges which need to be accounted for, such as pH.

“For me, the key message for me is that to get the best out of your vines, you need to research and learn about vine nutrition, or invest in the time and skills of someone who knows about it, because I’ve seen too many failing vineyards because they haven’t focused enough on their soil. You have to start with the basics from the ground up. If you don’t look after your soil, at the end of the day it’s like building your dream house without laying the foundations properly – it will look good brie y, but as soon as it comes under pressure, it will all come crumbling down.”

Luke Wolfe, viticulture consultant and vineyard owner

Make more of

micronutrients

Micronutrients

play a vital role in the health, productivity and quality of grapevines, so

ensuring

levels

are

correct throughout

the

season is crucial. Hutchinsons agronomist Rob Saunders shares his advice.

They may be needed in far smaller quantities than macronutrients, but micronutrients like zinc, iron and manganese are no less important given their pivotal role in many metabolic processes, including photosynthesis, chlorophyll production, enzyme activity and cell development.

Requirements vary throughout the season, so it is essential growers are aware of what vines need at key times and understand the requirements of individual sites to

avoid de ciencies occurring. The aim is to be proactive with all nutrition, rather than reacting to de ciency symptoms, as by that time, damage may already be done, explains Kentbased Hutchinsons agronomist, Rob Saunders.

Boron

One of the most important micronutrients in vines is boron. It is key to plant reproduction, and alongside manganese and zinc, has also been shown to help improve

sugar concentrations in grapes. Boron and calcium, have key roles in protecting vines against botrytis infection too.

“Boron plays a central role in pollen tube development and pollen viability, so any de ciency could compromise fertilisation and fruit set,” says Mr Saunders. “This is often characterised by uneven grape development, known as millerandage (other causes include cold, wet weather leading to extended owering).”

Other symptoms can include chlorosis (yellowing) around the outside of the leaf, which may turn red-brown colour before leaves die o .

Boron is often not held well in certain soil types (particularly sandy soils), so he advises growers to monitor vines and ensure levels are su cient before owering starts. De ciency risk is also higher in highly acidic or alkaline soils.

Where millerandage – also known as ‘hen and chick’ – has been found in the past, take note of a ected areas, and where necessary, apply boron from bud burst to rectify any de ciencies before owering commences. It can also be applied to green leaves postharvest to build levels for next season if required, he notes.

DETERMININGMICRONUTRIENTREQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS

Regular soil testing provides a useful indicator of overall nutrient status, but Mr Saunders says this should be supported with petiole analysis at early owering to build a more complete picture of macro and micro nutrition, and crucially, highlight any potential de ciencies in time to respond.

“When petiole sampling at owering, remember to take the petiole from the leaf opposite the lowest bunch position on a shoot, selecting representative vines of the same variety. If petiole analysis reveals an urgent need for certain nutrients, foliar nutrition in metalosate form has been shown to be a quick way to get nutrients into plants. Mineral nutrients are chelated with amino acids, which protects them from adverse interactions and improves absorption and translocation.”

Most foliar nutrients can generally be included within the tank mix when applying other plant protection products, although, as always, check label recommendations carefully, he adds.

Zinc

Zinc has a signi cant role in many physiological functions, including helping with development of healthy green foliage, improving fruit set, and in the formation of auxins, which help stem elongation and growth regulation.

Vines grown on high-pH soils containing low organic matter and excess phosphorus can be more prone to zinc de ciency, while waterlogging can also restrict root growth and availability to the plant –although this applies to many other

Rob Saunders, Hutchinsons agronomist

nutrients too, says Mr Saunders. De ciency symptoms typically include light green chlorosis on the interveinal areas of the leaf, smaller than normal leaf blades, and small grape bunches with only a few set berries. A lack of zinc has also been implicated in millerandage as well.

Research shows that foliar nutrition products such as Zynergy (containing copper, zinc and sulphur) and phosphites, such as Phorce, can boost the vine’s natural defence mechanism, markedly reducing downy mildew risk.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another micronutrient needed for chlorophyll production, but many rootstocks (notably SO4) can struggle to readily absorb magnesium from the soil, so de ciencies can often occur, says Mr Saunders.

Foliar magnesium applied as soon as enough leaf area has emerged is therefore a routine requirement in many situations. “There are two main treatment options, the most popular being magnesium sulphate, which is low cost and proven to work well. Another option, where growers require additional nitrogen, as well as magnesium, is magnesium nitrate, which o ers a more plant-available nutrient form than sulphate.”

Iron

Iron is also used for chlorophyll production and leaf development, but can help berry development and lead to increased sugar levels in grapes too.

It is less available in calcareous soils, as calcium carbonate locks-up iron, causing “lime-induced chlorosis”. Rootstocks suited to these soil types should be used to mitigate this risk, Mr Saunders advises.

Iron de ciency symptoms include yellow interveinal chlorosis, often visible on younger leaves rst, with the most severely faded around the edges. Very severe de ciency will also show up on older leaves and shoots.

Where iron is required, Mr Saunders says EDTA chelate forms are cheapest, but they are generally not

Micronutrient

Molybdenum

as plant-available or e ective as iron metalosate, which supplies amino acid chelated minerals in a ‘softer’ form that can be used immediately by plants.

Manganese

Manganese plays a positive role in photosynthesis and enzyme activity, so contributes to a healthy green canopy, which in turn leads to better berry development and improved yield.

Manganese has become something to watch for in recent years following the loss of mancozeb. The active contained manganese, so when it was applied for early phomopsis control, it used to also contribute some manganese to the leaf.

Since mancozeb’s ban, Terramap soil analysis combined with tissue testing is highlighting more situations where manganese levels are suboptimal, says Mr Saunders.

De ciency symptoms include yellow interveinal chlorosis, while the ne veins stay deep green. Leaves will also be smaller in size. As with some other nutrients, sandy, organic, and very alkaline soils can be more prone to manganese issues.

Foliar manganese sulfate can give immediate e ects. Applying treatments directly to soil is not recommended, especially in high pH, or high organic matter soils.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is used in oral development and some research shows it also has a role in the mobilisation and accumulation of sugars in grapes.

“There is a range of nutritional products available for use throughout the season, so talk to your agronomist about the most appropriate options.”

Copper

Copper is needed in small amounts for nutrition, as it has a role in physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration. However, excessive copper can be toxic to plants and most nutritional requirements will be met by the use of copper-based products for disease control.

Varieties

Digital

Environmental Services

Agroecology Services

Advanced Agronomy

Digital Soil Mapping

Farm Business Consultancy Nutrition

Hutchinsons - General Horticulture

Boron

VineWorks' new Viti-Till strip cultivation machine, 2025

compacted layer beneath the surface

• Nutrient application – Apply micronutrients and fertiliser based on your soil analysis

• Cover crops – Adding a cover crop at around 25kg/ha in autumn helps protect soil from erosion, adds biomass, and breaks up compacted subsoil, improving overall soil condition.

Final preparation

In the spring before planting, mow or graze o the cover crop. Lightly cultivate the eld again with a tine or disc cultivator to prepare a smooth planting bed. Reapply lime, compost, and fertiliser as required based on your agronomist’s recommendations.

Receiving your vines

Getting your

vineyardplanting ready for

VineWorks' head of vineyard establishment, Will Mower, shares his advice when it comes to planting new vines.

Planting a vineyard is a signi cant investment and a long-term commitment. Good preparation is essential to ensure strong vine establishment, healthy growth, and a successful crop. The groundwork you put in before planting will determine how well your vines take root and how quickly they produce.

Ground preparation

Vineyard preparation begins long before planting. Ideally, start in autumn the year before to allow the soil to settle and nutrients to integrate.

First, conduct a soil analysis to assess nutrient levels, organic matter, and pH. Consulting an agronomist helps determine necessary amendments like lime, compost, and fertiliser to create optimal conditions.

Managing the soil

Preparing the soil for vines involves deeper cultivation than many other crops. The aim is to create a well-aerated seedbed that allows vine roots to establish easily. In a world increasingly focused on regenerative agriculture and minimal soil disturbance, vineyard preparation remains one of the few areas where deep cultivation is still necessary. However, strip tilling can be an option on some soils to retain most of the eld's existing soil structure.

When working on heavy clay soils or sites with poor drainage, follow these steps:

• Weed control – Eliminate grass and weeds using herbicide or organic methods

• Topping and mulching – Use a ail mower to top the elds slowly, ensuring proper mulching to improve organic matter content

• Adjust pH – Apply lime if needed to bring the soil pH to around 6.5 – ideal for vine growth

• Deep cultivation – Subsoil in three directions to break up compaction and create deep channels for root growth

• Add organic matter – If the soil is low in organic matter, apply compost at the maximum level permitted under RB209 guidelines

• Ploughing – Plough the eld lightly to work the top layer without bringing up heavy clay or subsoils

• Final cultivation – Use a tine or disc cultivator to create a ne seedbed. Avoid using a rotovator on heavy clay soils, as it can create a

When your vines arrive, careful handling is essential to ensure they remain healthy and viable. Most UK vines are sourced from nurseries in Europe and may have spent several days in transit. Keep vines in a cool, dark room at a constant temperature of around 4°C until planting. Keep the bags sealed until you’re ready to plant to prevent the vines from drying out or waking prematurely from dormancy.

Pre-planting treatments

Di erent growers have varying approaches to pre-planting treatments, such as trimming roots, soaking them in water, or using a mycorrhizal dip to promote early root development. However, most nurseries recommend planting vines immediately after removal from storage to minimise exposure to pathogens. If you need to store vines on-site for a day or two, keep them shaded and out of direct sunlight.

Machine versus hand planting

Machine planting is the preferred method for larger vineyards. It’s fast, accurate, and e cient. GPSguided planting rigs can plant up to 15,000 vines per day, ensuring consistent spacing and depth.

For smaller sites, hand planting may be more suitable. However, hand planting is slower – a team of ve can expect to plant between 1,000 and 2,000 vines per day. Careful site marking and trenching are required to maintain accuracy.

Setting your vineyard up for success

By investing time and e ort in proper ground preparation and planting, you’ll lay the foundations for a healthy, productive vineyard that will thrive for decades to come – one vine at a time.

ABOUTOUREXPERT

VineWorks has been establishing and supporting UK vineyards since 2006. With over 4.5 million vines planted, 300 vineyards established and thousands of tonnes of grapes hand-harvested, VineWorks' expertise comes from experience. Visit www.vine-works. com for more information and to get in touch.

builds emotional connection and turns customers into real fans who feel like they resonate with you. Share your journey, whether it is the struggles of launching a small-batch wine label or your evolution from farmers to fermenters. Is it your commitment to sustainability? Your family’s multigenerational craft?

More and more, consumers want to know the story behind what they are drinking. They crave authenticity and connection, especially with smaller, local, or ethically driven producers. This is fantastic news for producer brands rooted in tradition and locality, especially those in rural or semi-rural locations.

BeyondBottle:

How branding, logos & label design tell your story

In the world of wine, cider, and juice, crafting the perfect blend is only half the battle. What makes a customer reach for your bottle instead of another? Oak Creative explains more.

The answer, more often than not, lies in the strength of your branding and the power of your label. It is the story your product tells before it is even opened.

Branding agency Oak Creative, based in Kent, has helped countless businesses to build brands that not only look the part but communicate with clarity and purpose. Whether you are bottling your rst batch or re ning a legacy product, investing in your branding and packaging from the word go is key.

Strategy rst

It is easy to dive straight into design, but without a strategy, you are simply guessing. A well-de ned purpose, mission, and set of values are the roots of your business. Think beyond “we make good wine.” What makes it special?

Your brand strategy should align with your commercial goals. This does not have to be a huge corporate document. Even a one-page brand plan can make a massive di erence. The important thing is clarity: know what you are saying, where you are saying it, who you are saying it to, and why it is important. Whatever stage of business you are in, researching what other brands are doing is always a good idea. How are others presenting their brand to the world? Is it clear who their audience is? This kind of thinking can help to articulate how to navigate your own branding.

Know your audience

A common pitfall in branding is trying to appeal to everyone. Instead, be con dent to group your audience and design with them in mind. Tell

them why your product is right for them. Are your customers health-conscious millennials who favour low intervention methods? Or families looking for wholesome, nourishing products for their children?

Developing a customer persona helps you craft visuals and messages that resonate. This understanding also informs where you focus your wider marketing energy, whether that is on tasting events, farm shop displays, or in uencer collaborations.

A well-thought-out brand strategy aligns with your long-term business goals and ensures that every customer touchpoint is working in harmony, from your website and bottle label to your social media and shelf presence.

Oak Creative advises mapping out the entire customer journey, from discovery to post-purchase, to ensure every interaction supports and reinforces your brand identity. This strategic consistency builds familiarity and, ultimately, trust.

Branding is not a one-o project; it is a continual process of re ning and reinforcing your identity. From your label and website to your email newsletters and tasting notes, every detail should re ect the story you are telling and the experience you are promising.

As Oak Creative puts it: “Every aspect that your customers or potential customers engage with is an opportunity for them to learn more about your business.” So make it count.

Telling your story

Every bottle has a story. What is yours? Storytelling

Every customer touchpoint is a chance to tell your story; your website, your social media, your packaging, all the way through to your customer service. The aim? When someone picks up your product, they feel something which encourages them to choose your product over another.

The power of the label

Finally, the all-important label is essentially the decision-making tool for your customer. In a world full of distractions, a well-designed label can stop someone in their tracks and invite them to pick up your product.

The most e ective labels combine aesthetics with clarity. Once you’ve nailed your brand foundations, your story and you know who you’re talking to, only then can you employ your brand identity colour, typography and imagery to accurately communicate your o ering with personality and purpose.

Importantly, your label must also meet regulatory requirements. Details such as alcohol content, ingredients, and producer information must be clearly visible. The real challenge lies in balancing this mandatory information with creativity so that it enhances, rather than detracts from, the overall design.

Final thoughts

One of the misconceptions in branding is that it is only something “big businesses” need to worry about. But in today’s market, the smallest artisan producer is competing alongside major players, especially online. Branding is your leveller. In fact, smaller businesses often have the advantage of authenticity and exibility, which can be a huge branding asset when used wisely.

Oak Creative brand manager, Jessica Banks (left) and studio director, Laura Baker

foundation of Built on a enthusiasm, energy and hard work

Kinsbrook is a progressive vineyard in the heart of West Sussex, run by owner and managing director Joe Beckett and his partner and marketing director, Rebecca Dancer.

After graduating from university, Joe travelled in New Zealand where he was inspired by the vibrant wine scene. Mostly self-taught in the world of viticulture, Joe Beckett then set about creating a 10-year plan for his own vineyard in the UK, with the rst vines being planted in 2017 on the family’s third-generation farmland.

Joe explains: “We now have three vineyard sites within a ve-mile radius of each other. The rst site was planted with 20,000 vines in 2017. We call it ‘The Orchard Site’ because the eld used to be an orchard growing apples and pears for cider making.

“Our largest site, ‘Picketty’ which also serves

as our public site, was planted with vines in 2018, 2019 and 2022, and previous to this was rented out to arable farmers for winter wheat production, ax for linen clothing and corn for animal feed. The site itself was part of a mushroom farm until the 1980s when my grandfather purchased the land.”

Kinsbrook has over 10 varieties in di ering proportions planted across the three sites. The largest planting is Chardonnay, followed by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, but they also grow a wide range of still grape varieties including Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Ortega and Pinot Noir Précoce.

Meeting challenges head on

The soil posed an issue, as the heavy clay is prone to waterlogging which, Joe explains, isn’t ideal for vines. “We introduced land drains to all our vineyard sites, as we couldn’t risk the vines becoming waterlogged being on such heavy clay. This has dramatically improved the land drainage and it’s not an issue for us at all anymore.”

Aside from the obvious challenges which all farmers and viticulturalists will understand in relation to weather patterns, disease and pest pressures and changing yields as a result, the industry faces enormous challenges due to being a ‘young’ or ‘new’ agricultural sector.

One issue which Joe highlighted in particular is that there is a minimal second-hand market for equipment, which makes essential purchases such as tractors or kitting out a winery very costly; often these items must be bought brand new.

“On top of this, the tax costs are rising year-onyear, so it’s more expensive than ever to produce a bottle of wine in the UK, whereas in some other European countries there is no duty so it’s a more supportive climate for growers and producers,” he adds.

The vineyard is lucky to have specialist dealers fairly locally, though, which helps when it comes to sourcing some equipment. “David Sayell from Vitifruit has supplied us with several pieces of equipment, from our manure spreader to our fungicide sprayer,” says Joe. “We also own two New Holland tractors purchased from Haynes and we nd this is enough for our current operation and contract services for others.”

Disease and pest control

Joe explains that 2024 was one of the hardest growing seasons on record. “Although we managed to avoid frost damage in the spring, it was followed by one of the darkest, wettest, coolest summers for many years. It was very di cult to ripen the fruit in time for harvest and there was constant disease pressure looming.

“Fortunately, we have a brilliant vineyard manager called Blago Dishkov, and together we kept these issues at bay and ended up with healthy, ripe, disease-free fruit at harvest (although the yields were still lower than we would have liked).

“My biggest concern is spotted wing drosophila (SWD) as it’s so hard to prevent. Other

pests such as birds, deer and even wasps are easier to treat with various preventative methods such as fencing and netting, but how do you keep out a tiny insect that wreaks so much havoc with your fruit?

“We follow sustainable practices as far as we possibly can, and we certainly don’t want to spray insecticide. Although there are some new technologies being developed, SWD is a big worry for me at the moment.”

Kinsbrook uses vertical shoot positioning (VSP) trellising which Joe explains is a standard system, but that he also uses because it’s the best option for disease prevention and maximising sunlight in cool-climate growing.

A fairly recent addition, Kinsbrook's Farmhouse houses a restaurant, deli and shop

Looking after the vines

Joe says Kinsbrook’s aim is to continue to prioritise their vine health and productivity so that they can improve their bottle production numbers each year.

“This will allow us to expand into new markets in the trade and perhaps even look at exporting one day!

“We follow a technique called ‘gentle pruning’ which is designed to work with the natural ow of the nutrients in the vine itself. We start pruning in November and nish in March. Canopy management in the summer months is all designed to reduce humidity and maximise sunlight reaching the canopy. We do a lot of leaf removal and shoot selection to make sure that we have a balanced yield and there isn’t anything growing on the vine that we don’t want.

Bud burst tends to be earlier each year as a result of slightly warmer temperatures in spring due to climate change.

“We usually experience bud burst in mid-April with the rst varieties being some of our older Germanic varieties such as Dornfelder and Ortega and the last variety being Chardonnay. Véraison usually takes place in August/September and we harvest the Pinot Noir Précoce rst each year, followed by our Bacchus and Pinot Meunier all the way through to our Chardonnay, which always seems to be harvested last at Kinsbrook.

“All of our grapes are hand harvested by our own in-house team, public volunteers and friends and family. Because we’re a relatively new vineyard, our fruit yield is increasing each year as more vines are maturing. On average, we currently produce 2-4 tonnes per acre each year.”

Welcoming visitors

Joe and Rebecca initially opened the vineyard to the public during the 2020 pandemic, converting a horsebox into a co ee trailer and serving drinks alongside cakes which were homemade in Joe’s parents’ kitchen. That same year also saw the release of their rst wines – a classic sparkling, a Bacchus and a Pinot Gris.

The co ee trailer was a huge hit, so Joe then opened up the space even further, allowing people to walk their dogs at the vineyard.

Spurred on by this initial success, Joe and Rebecca then built a polytunnel to be used as a café and a cellar door for their wines.

For Joe and Rebecca, this little-by-little approach has meant they can expand the business as and when they can a ord it, and they can assess the response and viability of each stage without too much risk.

The next step was a big one, however – the building of Kinsbrook’s Farmhouse, which now acts as the vineyard’s cellar door and visitor centre, housing a restaurant, deli and shop. “We run tours and tastings which are hugely popular; they’ve really boomed over the years,” comments Joe. “We also run ticketed events throughout the year including Supper Club-style feasts, kitchen takeovers, oristry workshops, a rustic summer festival and a harvest party. We’re available for private hire so we do also have a busy calendar with private events throughout the year from corporate dos to christenings, wakes and weddings.

“We sell about 90% of our wine from our own

cellar door. We have a restaurant onsite and a shop and we’re open to the public seven days a week, so we’re kept very busy! We do also supply a small number of trade customers, both on and o trade. I run Kinsbrook side by side with my partner Rebecca, and she heads up all our marketing and creative e orts, looking after our social media, website, SEO, marketing and sales, graphic design, label creation and more.”

Following on from their own success and learnings, the Kinsbrook team have also recently started o ering their services to other vineyards around them, and they now have a small number of clients who use their consultancy services to help with establishing, growing and improving their vineyards.

Across the whole business, Kinsbrook has around 25 employees who manage the running of Kinsbrook Farmhouse each day in the hospitality and retail sectors. There are four full-time vineyard members, including vineyard manager, Blago. The vineyard also o ers experience to viticulture students. “We’re proud supporters of the vineyard apprenticeship programmes at Plumpton College and we’ve had several apprentices from Plumpton through the years,” explains Joe.

Next step for winemaking

Kinsbrook produces a full range of sparkling and still wines including white, rosé and red.

“Since we started producing wines, we’ve been using contract winemaking facilities at Stopham for our still wines and Wiston for our sparkling, with the sparkling produced using the traditional method,” explains Joe.

“We chose them for several reasons; the proximity to our vineyard sites was important to us so we could regularly stop by the winery to be as actively involved in the winemaking processes as possible, and we also picked them based on both wineries having great reputations within the industry.”

Kinsbrook’s aim has always been to bring all winemaking in-house, but as Joe already pointed out, it’s extremely costly to kit out a full winery in the UK. “We built the shell for our onsite winery building back in 2020, but we’ve been unable to a ord equipment for it until now. We’re currently in the process of setting the winery up and it will be ready for harvest this year, which we’re hugely excited about.”

Location: Thakeham, West Sussex

Total vineyard size: 11ha under vine

Soil type: Heavy clay

Aspect: An in-land, low, south-facing, windy site

Varieties grown: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Dornfelder, Ortega and Pinot Noir Précoce

Kinsbrook runs tours and tastings, which are proving very popular with visitors

Kinsbrook produces a full range of sparkling and still wines, including white, rosé and red

Dedicated

Agronomist interpreted

Pathogen-Free, OrganicBased Formulation

Boosts Soil Organic Matter & Carbon

Bespoke NPK 2-5-6 (High in Phosphorus & Potassium) + Essential Micronutrients (Calcium + Magnesium) Biostimulants with Humic & Amino Acids for Enhanced Nutrition Uptake Stronger Vines, Better Disease Resistance & Extreme Weather Resilience

Firmer, Sweeter Fruits for Exceptional Flavour & Quality

Diversifying

into a wedding venue

With vineyards proving to be a popular backdrop for weddings, we asked diversi cation expert Flame Marketing to summarise the main considerations for this potential revenue stream.

Vineyards as wedding venues have become increasingly popular, o ering couples a stunning, romantic backdrop while providing vineyard owners with a valuable new revenue stream. With demand for unique wedding locations growing, transforming your vineyard into a wedding venue could be a highly pro table diversi cation. However, careful planning is essential to ensure success.

Planning and legal considerations

Before hosting weddings, check local council regulations on events held on agricultural land. Some vineyard locations may require changeof-use permissions, and if you plan to convert an existing barn or building, additional planning consent may be needed.

Marquees can usually be erected without planning permission for up to 28 days per year, including setup and takedown time. If you want to host more frequent weddings, you’ll need to apply for full planning permission.

Noise is one of the biggest concerns for rural wedding venues. Your planning application must include a noise management plan, as complaints from neighbours can lead to nes or licence restrictions. Strategies to reduce noise impact include:

• Sound barriers (hedges, trees, fencing)

• Restricted event hours (e.g. limiting music after 10 pm)

• Directional speaker placement to prevent sound from carrying too far.

As a vineyard, o ering wine sales at weddings is likely to be a priority. You’ll need a premises

licence and a personal licence holder to oversee alcohol sales. If your vineyard already has a licence, check whether it covers weddings, or if modi cations are required.

If providing catering, ensure food hygiene and safety standards are met. If hiring external caterers, request proof of compliance.

To legally host civil weddings, you must obtain a Grant of Approval from your local council. However, only permanent buildings deemed ‘seemly and digni ed’ qualify—meaning marquees, tipis, and outdoor spaces cannot host legal ceremonies. Couples can still have symbolic ceremonies on-site and complete legal paperwork elsewhere.

Location and infrastructure

A vineyard wedding venue should o er stunning views while minimising disruption to vineyard operations.

Main considerations include:

• Accessibility for guests, suppliers, and sta

• Parking facilities for 50–100 cars

• Proximity to power and water sources. Decide whether to use existing structures or invest in new facilities. If you have an existing barn or unused building, converting it can be a coste ective way to create a year-round venue. Other options include:

• Barn conversions – Permanent, rustic, and characterful

• Marquees or tipis – Flexible but require planning consideration

• Built-for-purpose event spaces – A larger upfront investment but a long-term asset

• Toilets (one per 50 guests)

• Catering kitchen or food prep area

• Bar set-up (if not using mobile bar services)

• Bridal suite or changing area British weather is unpredictable, so a wet-weather contingency plan is essential. Areas to consider include:

• Covered areas (pergolas, gazebos)

• Heating options for cooler months

• Drainage solutions for heavy rain.

Research nearby wedding venues through platforms like Hitched and Bridebook to understand what facilities they o er, their pricing structures and how your vineyard venue could stand out.

Marketing your wedding venue

Once you’ve tackled the legal and infrastructure requirements, the next challenge is attracting couples to your venue. A strong brand, e ective online presence, and strategic collaborations are key.

To stand out in a competitive market, you must de ne your venue’s unique selling points. Consider the type of weddings you want to host and your ideal clients. Here are some common positioning options:

• Luxury weddings – High-end services, exclusive experiences, premium pricing

• Rustic charm – A countryside feel with a focus on natural beauty

• Eco-conscious weddings – Sustainable practices, organic catering, minimal environmental impact.

Your branding should be re ected in your website, social media, and marketing materials. A well-designed website is essential. It should include:

• High-quality images showcasing the venue in di erent seasons

• A detailed breakdown of venue hire options, pricing, and what’s included

• A downloadable brochure to capture email addresses for follow-up marketing.

Decide whether the wedding business should have a separate website or if it will be a section within your existing vineyard site. Keeping it separate can help establish it as a premium standalone o ering, but integrating it may bene t from existing vineyard website tra c.

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are crucial for wedding marketing, as couples use them for inspiration. Your strategy should include:

• Behind-the-scenes content – Show venue setup, wine tastings, or real weddings

• Styled shoots – Collaborate with local wedding vendors to create a dream wedding setup at your venue

• Client testimonials and user-generated

content – Share real wedding experiences to build credibility.

Regular video content, such as Instagram Reels or TikTok snippets, can dramatically increase reach and engagement.

Even if your website is shared with the vineyard, setting up separate social media accounts for the wedding venue is recommended. This improves search rankings and allows you to target the right audience.

Collaborations

and partnerships

Teaming up with local wedding suppliers can enhance your marketing reach. Consider:

• Listing recommended caterers, orists, photographers, and entertainment providers on your website

• Cross-promoting with suppliers on social media to reach a wider audience of engaged couples

• O ering exclusive wine tasting packages for wedding parties or a vineyard tour experience as part of the wedding weekend

• Get your venue listed on major wedding directories such as Hitched. These platforms drive targeted tra c from couples actively searching for venues.

By combining strong branding, digital marketing, and industry collaborations, you can establish your vineyard as a must-book wedding destination.

Creating a customer journey and managing bookings

A well-structured customer journey ensures enquiries turn into con rmed bookings. From the rst website visit to the wedding day itself, each stage should be designed to provide clarity, con dence, and a sense of excitement. Key steps include:

• Initial enquiry – Quick, professional responses

• Venue show rounds – Personalised tours to showcase the venue

• Booking process – Clear contracts, pricing, and payment plans

• Pre-wedding support – Supplier lists, planning check-ins, and ongoing communication

• Implementing a booking and payment system

– To streamline operations, event management software can help track inquiries, manage bookings, and automate contracts, invoices, and payment reminders. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps ensure no inquiries are missed.

To prevent overstretching resources, set realistic event limits:

• De ne availability – Will weddings be yearround or seasonal?

• Avoid clashes with peak vineyard activity (e.g. harvest season)

• Hire seasonal sta to ease pressure on vineyard employees.

By mapping the customer journey and using the right tools, you can create a stress-free experience for couples and your team.

Financial viability and ROI

Diversifying into a wedding venue requires careful nancial planning. Initial investment depends on converting existing structures versus building new facilities; essential upgrades (power, water, decor, landscaping); and marketing/licensing fees.

A realistic budget should be in place before committing to the project.

Your pricing should re ect market demand, competition, and your venue’s unique o erings. Key considerations include:

• Charging per head vs. package pricing –Packages can simplify booking decisions and boost upselling opportunities.

• Weekend vs. weekday rates – Lower midweek pricing can attract more bookings.

• Additional revenue from extras –Personalised wine bottles, private vineyard tours, and exclusive catering options.

• Boost pro tability by o ering:

• Corporate events, private parties, winepairing dinners

• On-site accommodation (glamping pods, lodges).

ABOUTOUREXPERT

Hayley Parker is the founder of Flame Marketing, a specialist agricultural marketing agency, helping farm businesses thrive through e ective marketing strategies. With strong rural connection combined with her marketing expertise, Hayley has a unique understanding of the challenges farmers face in diversifying their businesses. She combines practical insights with innovative approaches to help clients maximise their visibility and pro tability. Currently, she’s completing her rst book, a comprehensive guide to farm diversi cation marketing, set to release later this year. Flame Marketing o ers a free marketing strategy session, simply contact them directly to book yours.

The HOTBOX HEATWAVE is a made-to-measure bench heating system which encourages germination, propagation and growth by delivering constant, uniform heat to the base of seed trays and plant pots BESPOKE BENCH HEATING MATS SULPHUR VAPORIZERS CO₂ GENERATORS AIR CIRCULATION FANS & HEATERS

01430 444040 sales@hotboxworld.com www.hotboxworld.com

OPTIMUM GROWING TEMPERATURE FROM 6 to 38°C

Precise thermostatic control

EASY TO INSTALL

Just plug in and plant up ENERGY EFFICIENT

Inexpensive to run DURABLE CONSTRUCTION

Reliability built-in IDEAL FOR ALL GROWING BUSINESSES

English wine

gathers pace, but investment is needed

Despite a global and national decline in wine consumption, UK wine continues to see rapid growth – but challenges remain. WineGB and NIAB experts shared their thoughts at this year’s Oxford Farming Conference. Sarah Kidby reports.

The latest WineGB gures show UK sparkling wine production rose by a staggering 187% in ve years – reaching 6.2 million bottles in 2023. While still wine is yet to catch up, it’s gathering momentum and also saw a boost of 117%, to 2.6M bottles, in the same period. Now the UK’s fastest-growing agricultural sector, English and Welsh wine is outpacing the soft fruit sector’s growth by 36%. This is in spite of a global and national decline in wine drinking, with vineyards being grubbed up elsewhere in the world to balance out the wine glut. The UK is taking more of the market share year on year – particularly for sparkling wine, and still is headed in the same direction, according to Plumpton College director of wine, Sam Linter. This could place English and Welsh wine producers in a good position in the future, she added, as when the glut balances out, those in other parts of the world who grubbed up vines will have to build their production levels back up, whereas our domestic producers will be well placed to plug the gap.

Sam was joined on the stage by Dr Belinda Kemp, NIAB group leader – viticulture and oenology research, who also noted changing consumer preferences – 15% ABV reds are out and lighter sparkling and low and no alcohol wines are in, she said.

Despite the positives, there are a number of challenges for the sector, not least climate change, labour shortages and the ever-dwindling list of available ag-chems. Additionally, we need to be producing more wine – WineGB wants to see exports increase, plus more grapes produced per vine, as the UK is currently around half the average for Europe.

Sam and Belinda shared the research being done to tackle these issues.

Unpredictable weather

Weather, of course, is a signi cant challenge and not only for the UK. Yields are determined the year before the crop, with buds forming for the following year, which can cause challenges when

there are two bad years back-to-back. Intermittent warm sunny days are particularly problematic as this disrupts growth and berry development, whilst long spells of rain straight after warm weather leads to an increase in disease.

Ten years ago, there was little spotted wing drosophila (SWD) – but now the pest is having a signi cant impact on the industry and it will be seen more and more, Belinda said. Last year was also a di cult year for botrytis and downy mildew – and NIAB is looking at innovations to manage

Plumpton College director of wine, Sam Linter

these as we lose ag-chems.

With wine being left in the bottle for at least a year before degorging and selling, but more often 2–3 years or even up to ve years, producers are always making wine for future years – meaning it’s important to exploit the crop you have, to avoid ending up with stock holes in bad weather years, Sam said.

Heat accumulation is another issue – if temperatures rise too high, we can’t make sparkling wine. It’s not as simple as just picking earlier either, as long cold spells slow down ripening considerably – there were some vineyards picking into mid or even late November last year, which is unheard of, Belinda added.

Piwi varieties

There are now around 800–1,000 disease resistant varieties bred in Italy, Switzerland, France and Germany, which could assist with sustainability and reducing sprays – on average vineyards are spraying 12–14 times a year, compared to the 3–4 sprays required for disease resistant varieties.

However, while they sound wonderful, they are not resistant to all diseases and are not bred in countries with the same level of precipitation or weather patterns that we have in the UK, Belinda cautioned. Not all are resistant to botrytis, for example. There is also some pushback from consumers who do not recognise the names of the varieties.

More data is needed to learn how to ripen these varieties and get the levels of potential alcohol needed, to avoid doing more work in the winery later. Plus, Sam pointed out that we need to be smarter about how we market these wines. Seyval Blanc, for example, has been grown in the UK for 30 years and consumers buy it, often without knowing the name of the variety.

Tourism and leisure are also essential for vineyards worldwide, particularly for the small to medium enterprises, she added.

NIAB has plans to develop a multi-site network across UK vineyards to assess disease resistant grape varieties, from vines to wine. Another challenge of piwis is they can have higher protein levels which can lead to problems with production, ltering, settling the wine and increased energy usage in the winery – this is currently being studied at Plumpton.

Lack of labour

Since Brexit there has been a shortfall in overseas workers and most of those that do come to work go into other areas of agriculture or larger vineyards who need workers throughout the year – so smaller vineyards needing seasonal workers are struggling the most.

Local labour, meanwhile is more expensive, less reliable and the work rate is less than half, Sam said, as they have often not built up the physical strength, skills and expertise needed for picking. More skilled workers are needed – particularly at entry level.

There are 2,300 people permanently employed

on UK vineyards and we need to source 8,000 seasonal workers throughout this year. WineGB predicts the permanent workforce will need to increase by 50% in the next three years, and a previous study found 30,000 workers (18,000 permanent) will be needed by 2040.

To this end Plumpton College has completed a National Competency Framework which identi es the competencies, skills and experience that the workforce needs; and the skills shortages in the industry. It was published in February on the Plumpton and WineGB websites. It also includes job description templates for viticulture and wine making, and average salary ranges.

Asked how to address the lack of labour, Sam said young people coming out of colleges know little about the English wine industry – and we need to spread the word about the bene ts of working in the sector.

Research underway

Belinda explained the ongoing research at NIAB to tackle some of these issues. NIAB’s Rhizolab is one of very few in the world – and it’s the only one planted with grape vines. Meanwhile it has also recently opened a new Wine Innovation Centre and lab where it is carrying out trials with disease resistant varieties, as well as noble varieties. A key challenge it’s exploring is the sudden increase in calcium tartrate crystallisation, which can form in the wine and resemble glass shards.

Other work being carried out by NIAB includes:

• A WineGB-funded study to improve yields through spur vs cane pruning. Researchers are nding huge variations so far, with one technique increasing yield in one variety, but not in another

• Using AI to detect diseases

• Tackling pests such as SWD, and the brown marmorated stink bug which is brought in by camper vans – just two bugs per tonne of grapes is enough to taint the wine

• Accelerating wine avour development to cut energy usage in wineries.

A collaboration between NIAB and Plumpton College will also see Plumpton plant 10ha of vines as part of its centenary, using sensors to explore factors such as wind direction and strength, temperature, leaf wetness, leaf temperature, rainfall, pests, fauna, bulk soil type, cation exchange, compaction, conductivity, soil nutrients and temperature, illuminance and irradiance.

The overall aim is to establish a protocol to optimise the planning and creation of new vineyards, to increase the volume of production. The eld will be left bare for at least a year before planting, to gather information on what to plant and how. Researchers will be using 5G to gather information and livestream it from the sensors to a dashboard.

Part of the SMART Vineyard project also aims to enhance robot work, though speakers predicted that robotic pruning is a way o .

NIAB’s Rhizolab is one of very few in the world –and the only one planted with grape vines

NIAB’s Dr Belinda Kemp.

2014 John Deere Gator

XUV855D, virtually as new, olive & black, 350mls from new or 152hrs, cargo deck power lift, black alloys, rear hitch, Protection Package inc guards & fender guards, one smallholder owner. £14,000. H Carter Tel 07888 987687 (Dorset)

POLARIS Sportsman 570, 2016, c/w plough, having a clear out and this is not used, bought from local council some time ago, but had no time to use it, f/w new battery & it starts on the button, average condition. £4,250. S Jefferies Tel 07764 948149 (Essex)

JOHN Deere Gator 855M, 2020, in very good condition, all working order, c/w log book, very clean, just had an oil change including filters, ready to go for a quick sale.

£11,950+VAT. H Cope Tel 07712 190074 (Berkshire)

JOHN Deere Pro Gator 2030, c/w cargo box, demount legs & a set of turf tyres, good condition. £7,250+VAT. P Phoenix Tel 07871 599016 (Norfolk)

BALERS & BALE HANDLING

FLAT 8 bale grab, choice of 2, Quicke & pin & cone brackets, buyer to collect. £220+VAT per grab ono. T Williams Tel 07920 754700 (Gloucestershire)

INTERNATIONAL B47 baler, in fair condition for its age, mostly been shed stored until recently, not been used in 3-4yrs, a couple of minor repairs needed in the throat. £850. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

BALE squeeze, f/w 3pt linkage mount, easily converted for a loader, etc. £300. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

STANHAY Rally 12 row beet drill, hydraulic folding & hydraulic markers, ceramic coulters, in good condition. £2,000+VAT. D Lunn Tel 07941 072957 (Cambridgeshire)

BOILER PLANT / HEATING / OVENS

PREFABRICATED plant room for 200KW oil boiler, 2014, fitted out by Constant Air Systems Ltd, last used to heat Hambleden Manor House in Buckinghamshire, good condition. £10,000+VAT ono. E Rixon Tel 07866 566328 (Oxfordshire)

BUILDINGS & MATERIALS

STORAGE container, previously used for milk bottling. Offers. H Johnson Tel 07808 245470 (Rutland)

PORTACABIN 32'x10', fair condition, watertight, loading available. £700 ono. J Conner Tel 07599 750925 (East Yorkshire)

ATLAS 40'x12' mobile home, 3 bedroom, gas central heating/hot water, double glazing, furnished, good condition. G Shreeve Tel 07867 554909 (Norfolk)

POLYTUNNEL 30' x 60' brand new & still in delivery packaging, green exterior cover & white interior, c/w foundation tubes, aluminium base rail kit, aluminium side vent kit (left), aluminium side vent kit (right) & bag. £4,500. S Cobbald Tel 07770 581760 (Suffolk)

CROP PROTECTION

SCATTER Bird Mk4 bird scarer (2), good condition. £250+VAT ono. H Blackwell Tel 07850 468364 (Essex)

CROP cover netting insect mesh, used but good condition, 17.5m width & around 350m in length on one roll, about 50+ rolls available. £450/roll. V Jay Tel 07380 306317 (Norfolk)

DIGGERS / DOZERS / DUMPERS

DOOSAN DX85R 8t digger, available to hire with driver, range of buckets including root rake, hydraulic thumb & hydraulic tilting bucket. T Walker Tel 07743 135396 (Norfolk)

DIESEL dumper, twin cylinder, 4wd, articulated steering, 3t, runs & drives well, barn stored, solid machine, hand crank start. £750. B Harding Tel 07850 917734 (Suffolk)

JCB 802 tracked excavator, 1997, 3480hrs, 5 buckets, rubber tracks, recently refurbished, good condition. £8,250. C Bacon Tel 07836731821 (Suffolk)

EQUESTRIAN

SIX strong IAE rubber & metal partitions & gates for indoor stables, two sheeted metal doors, six sheeted rubber partitions, ten sheeted rubber gates & five sheeted rubber doors & posts, all top class, plus three Galebreakers. £4,000+VAT ono. N White Tel 07778 847454 (Gloucestershire)

FENCING & GATES

SECURITY Gate, 10' x 5', very strong, professionally built, ideal for farm or home. £150. R Anderson Tel 07887 484733 (Norfolk)

FORAGE & SILAGE

JOHNE Deere 3760 trailed forager, pickup hitch, moveable spout & fold down spout, have no need for it now, but chopped few acres of straw in 2023. £700+VAT ono. T Williams Tel 07920 754700 (Gloucestershire)

GRASS MACHINERY

JACOBSEN R311T ride on batwing mower, 12 plate, 4x4, diff lock, fully serviced in February, 2170hrs, Kubota turbo engine, V5 road registered, very clean straight machine ready for work, delivery can be arranged. £10,500+VAT. L Robson Tel 07719 561629 (North Yorkshire)

FLEMING FM180 mower, 2024, brand new & unopened, ready to use. £1,500+VAT ono. A Robinson Tel 07876 711477 (Bedfordshire)

TEAGLE 9' shaft driven topper, unused/new condition, stored under cover. £2,950+VAT. S Bygraves Tel 07973 117993 (Cambridgeshire)

KUBOTA GR1600-11 diesel 3 rotor deck, serviced & ready to go. £1,400. E Carr Tel 07775 510248 (Essex)

LELY Splendimo 360M grass cutter, hardly used & in excellent condition. £6,000. J Radford Tel 07784 586267 (Cambridgeshire)

MAJOR 605 topper, in good working order, stored under cover in closed barn. P Waspe Tel 07428 886226 (Suffolk)

KIDD 180 1.8m wide pasture topper, 3-position bolt on headstock, deep cranked blades reduce chance of impact damage to gearbox, free swinging blades reduce shock loads on gearbox, easily adjustable cutting height, brand new PTO guard. £1,250+VAT ono. R Allan Tel 07771 922747 (Leicestershire)

JOHN Deere X155R, 2015, great little mower with a 20hp Vanguard engine commercial fitted, low hrs 255, drives & cuts perfectly, slight crack in bonnet, ready for work. £2,750 ono. L Robson Tel 07719 561629 (North Yorkshire)

WESSEX STX 120 sweeper collector, 1.2m working width, PTO driven, c/w link arm to ball hitch frame, used on farm for clearing up leaves, etc, good condition. Product youtube video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=x3Yv71Tn6bQ. £3,100+VAT ono. R Witherow Tel 07756 414456 (Cambridgeshire)

RITCHIE chain harrows, 6m, hydraulic folding, had some strengthening added to frame, please text if my number won’t ring. £400+VAT. H Pearce Tel 07947 344310 (Essex)

SPEARHEAD 620 Multicut, owned from new & always stored inside, genuine clean machine, 2022. £22,000+VAT ono. J Binning Tel 07765 064694 (Oxfordshire)

MASCHIO Giraffona 260 flail mower, serviced. £2,000+VAT. M Andrew Tel 07903 442568 (Lincolnshire)

CHAIN harrows, good frame, bed in need of TLC. £350. N Atkins Tel 07956 167510 (Leicestershire)

10-FOOT flat roll, working order, water filled. £500. N Atkins Tel 07956 167510 (Leicestershire)

MCCONNEL SMO 250 flail topper, 2.5m cut, good working order, near new flails, near new roller bearings, happy to show in operation. £1,500+VAT. F Pearman Tel 07949 274423 (Hertfordshire)

MAJOR 602 topper, barn stored from new, good working order & condition. P Waspe Tel 07428 886226 (Suffolk)

JOHN Deere 355D ride on mower, c/w two decks, one 48c deck with mulching kit, one Freedom 42 mulching deck, 1746hrs of use, good condition. £2,500. C Bacon Tel 07836 731821 (Suffolk)

2013 John Deere 530 trailed 10’ disc mower conditioner, fully serviced using genuine oils & pack of blades, hydraulic bed tilt, latest giro headstock, all lights work, been well looked after, can load, genuine reason for sale. £9,250+VAT ono. M Jeffrey Tel 07802 722408 (North Yorkshire)

MF70 rotary hay cutter/mower, last used 9yrs ago, but always kept under cover. £600 no VAT. B Cowlin Tel 07391 589158 (Suffolk)

HEDGING & FORESTRY

MCCONNEL TA 2000 offset flail, had little use, ideal for grass, banks & hedging. £4,850. L Rofix Tel 07860 255223 (Suffolk)

MTD 8hp chipper/shredder, working condition, little used, new blades. £475. K Hustwitt Tel 07460 020673 (Essex)

HEDGING & FORESTRY (cont)

LOG splitter, PTO driven, screw type, good working order, stored under cover in closed barn. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

SPARROLS/TREE tubes, new clear with brown tint, 250 in box. £50 can post at cost. A Burton Tel 01692 651021 (Norfolk)

IRRIGATION/ DRAINAGE

BAUER 4" galvanised irrigation pipes, 6m long, 57 available. £40+VAT each. R Waddelow Tel 07973 615772 (Cambridgeshire)

QUANTITY of 4" & 5" aluminium irrigation pipes. S Dudley Tel 07860 599377 (Essex)

GRAVEL cart, approx 8t stainless steel lined hopper, long & short belts. £5,000+VAT ono. A Spence Tel 07836 596277 (Lincolnshire)

MACHINERY

PTO driven rotary log splitter in good working order, stored under cover in closed barn. P Waspe Tel 07428 886226 (Suffolk)

OCLL400lGDLwith BB50doublesided weedbooms

OCLL 400l GDL with BB50 double sided weed booms

CLAAS Scorpion 7030, 2013, 5000hrs, Q fit carriage, owner driver, good condition. £30,000+VAT ono. J Dovey Tel 07788 932069 (Dorset)

JCB 531-70 telehandler power steering hydraulic cylinder, fully reconditioned by JCB & unused. £125+VAT. A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

MISCELLANEOUS

MUCK & SLURRY

01580712200 npseymour.co.uk

01580 712200 npseymour co uk

MATERIALS HANDLERS

MANITOU 628 turbo Powershift, good reliable machine all works as it should, glass missing in small window next to seat & tyres are low on tread, currently on 11,188hrs, owned since 2018, delivery available.

£12,000+VAT. B Stanton Tel 07821 517020 (Lincolnshire)

MANITOU MLT 629-120LS Turbo, 10600hrs, very tidy, straight machine, been well maintained, c/w tines, serviced & ready to go, contact Ian for more information.

£16,500+VAT. J Woodward Tel 07960 866025 (Leicestershire)

JCB 535-95, 2018, 5100hrs, full gric spec, new one now arrived. £45,000+VAT ono; also 550-80 61 plate available. G Groves Tel 07850 707821 (Lincolnshire)

SANDERSON 622 teleporter, tyres OK, good brakes, strong hydraulics, just had the boom ram refurbished, some electrics work some don't, good starter from cold, usual wear & tear, c/w a pair of forks, ideal yard machine. £7,500. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

PROFORGE bag lifter, good condition. £600+VAT. A Langford Tel 01371 870277 (Essex)

TOYOTA forklift 02-8FDJF35, 2016, message for more information, selling due to upgrade, genuine enquiries only, sold as seen. £8,000+VAT. A Wortley Tel 01366 728246 (Norfolk)

MANITOU weld on bracket, used. £55+VAT. N Cupit Tel 07811 547530 (Nottinghamshire)

APPROXIMATELY 30 gallons of hydraulic oil, 2024, c/w rotary pump, new. £150 ono. J Clayton Tel 07840 104855 (Lincolnshire)

14-16-PERSON table, new wood, self build. £300 ono. A Robinson Tel 07876 711477 (Bedfordshire)

WALK-IN fridge/cold room, 3.5m long, 2.5m wide, 2.2m high, c/w outside condenser (renewed a couple of years ago) & internal racking, good working order, buyer to dismantle. G Epsley Tel 07743 693255 (Kent)

ELECTRIC motor, 1.5kw, good working order. £10. D Carter Tel 07768 935715 (Essex)

AUGERS (9), 3m in length & 9" depth, average condition. £200+VAT ono. J Dalby Tel 07788 722165 (Warwickshire)

BUNNING Lowlander 120 Mk4, 2007, in very good working order, recently been completely overhauled, a very good and reliable muck spreader, would highly recommend. £14,500+VAT. H Gillingwater Tel 07468 571051 (Norfolk)

PEST CONTROL

TANTON Tomahawk gas bird scarer with electronic on/ off timer, number of bangs selection, good working order, Sittingbourne. £175+VAT. G Epsley Tel 07743 693255 (Kent)

THUNDERBIRD bird scarer, untested. H Simpson Tel 07542 893292 (Essex)

TRUECRAFT bird scarer, in good working condition. H Simpson Tel 07542 893292 (Essex)

PRECISION FARMING

PATCHWORK Guidance system, vgc. £450+VAT. A Langford Tel 01371 870277 (Essex)

PRESSURE WASHERS

KARCHER HDS 601 hot & cold & chemical pressure washer. S Dudley Tel 07860 599377 (Essex)

Power nebulisers are ideal for large, dense or di cult to access areas in vineyards and orchards. The 11 L Motor-Powered Backpack Nebuliser and Mist Applicator has a Kawasaki engine that produces a powerful, directed fog of nely atomised liquid or powdered product 18 m horizontally and 12 m vertically.

AMAZONE ZA-M 24m spreader, hydraulic on/off, rear lights, holds 1800kg. £500+VAT ono. J Jewson Tel 07732 042987 (Norfolk)

SPARE PARTS

GENUINE Kuhn tine, Quick fit 2, I have 2 sets for 3.5m power harrow, good condition. £10.95 each ono. H Blackwell Tel 07525 746062 (Essex)

SPRAYERS

TECHNOMA Fortis 24m, 2006, 24m, 3000L, for spares or repair. £650+VAT ono. S Hoyland Tel 07734 194180 (Nottinghamshire)

HARDI front mounted transfer tank, 600L, 3 point linkage with chemical cupboard, very clean, heat damage to the tank, but it has been like this since I bought it and it is sound with no leaks. £150+VAT ono. C Abel Tel 07976 290048 (Staffordshire)

SPREADERS

KRM M2W Plus fertiliser spinner, 2013, holds 4 x 600kg bags, weigh cells, section control, 24 to 36m vanes, road lights, access ladder, hopper cover, excellent condition, no rust, very accurate, always washed down & oiled, barn stored. £5,950+VAT. A Clarke Tel 07708 205708 (Norfolk)

AMAZONE ZA-M Compact fertiliser spreader, good working order, always dry stored & oiled after use. £450+VAT ono. J Lough Tel 07757 792262 (Northumberland)

VICON Vari Spreader MkII fertiliser spreader, good working condition, c/w PTO shaft & spout, has had a couple of repairs to the bin, but is in serviceable condition, manual on/off is free & working. £250 ono. D Middleton Tel 07803 604937 (Lincolnshire)

VICON Rotaflow, 12m spread, headland tilt ram, 2 bag hopper, vgc. £1,200+VAT. A Langford Tel 01371 870277 (Essex)

AMAZONE fertiliser spreader, 2002, in working order, could do with a new agitation cog, selling because i have a different one. £600+VAT. A Ashcroft Tel 01695 722707 (Lancashire)

TANKS & BOWSERS

8800-LITRE bunded fuel tank, excellent condition, with 240V pump & filter. £3,950+VAT ono. D Anker Tel 07796 444987 (Bedfordshire)

DIESEL bowser/tank cube, 950L, 12v electric pump, weighs 300kg empty, fits in truck, excellent condition. £1,100 ono no VAT. T Stephens Tel 07926 421842 (Essex)

GREENCROP fuel & AdBlue high speed bowser, 2015,12v 80L/m pump, auto shut off nozzle, 6m hose, dial fuel gauge, Indespension axle, over run brakes & park brake, mudguards, 50mm lockable ball hitch, jockey wheel, integral AdBlue tank. £5,750+VAT ono. R Allan Tel 07771 922747 (Leicestershire)

1000-GALLON plastic cylindrical water tank, c/w lid, ballcock, 2" gate valve & overflow pipe, located Cambridgehire. £250. M Fordham Tel 07871 986848 (Essex)

TRACTORS

JOHN DEERE offside rear plastic fender, black plastic, to fit many John Deere tractors 20/30, etc, check part no L200787, c/w all fixings, new & unused. £150+VAT ono. J Nott Tel 07957 146325 (Norfolk)

SPAREX hyd pump for Case 475, S57798, done 8hrs, vgc, fits many Case models, OEM No 308873A1GV, 308873A1, 66513C91, 93835C91, 93835C92, 84530183, 84332710, 84573150, 406827R91, 327987A1, 128180C91, 327988A1, 406763R92, 110509C91, etc. £100+VAT ono. J Nott Tel 07957 146325 (Norfolk)

EIGHT Massey Ferguson tractor front weights, collection only. £400. T Gallimore Tel 07849 405044 (Staffordshire)

1967 Ford 3000 Pre Force tractor with Massey Ferguson trailer, power steering, original tax book, selling as pair with trailer, would be a good project for someone with time, fair condition, call or text for more info after 7pm only please. £3,500. S Okane Tel 07546 963661 (County Tyrone)

JOHN Deere 8370R, 2017, 4000hrs, 50K Autopower, full set wheel weights, leather seats, cab fridge, screen is unlocked for variable rate applications, been on 5yrs Powergard warranty, excellent condition. £129,000+VAT. H Evans Tel 07985 332061 (Warwickshire)

2012 Case IH Maxxum 110 4wd, 6730hrs, top speed 40km, excellent condition including nearly new tyres all round, more photos & videos available via Whatsapp. £25,750. A Dochard Tel 07749 951898 (Norfolk)

JOHN DEERE5105GF 2024, 40kph ECO 30F/15R transmission, 380/70R28 –280/70R20, front suspension, front linkage & PTO, a/c cab, JD Link ready

Stk No A1069307 POA

JOHN DEERE XUV865M 2022, 605hrs Green & yellow, OSR nets, cargo box power lift, split bench seat, 27” Predator HD tyres on yellow steel wheels

Stk No. B1080971 £18,500

JOHN DEERE 5105GN 2021, 1859hrs, 24F/12R Power Reverser transmission, 340/85R28 - 280/70R18, airconditioned cab. PREMIUM USED MACHINE

Stk No A1079645 £34,000

TEYME Teyme are specialist manufacturers of machines for crop protection and others. Products include: Mistblowers, Pneumatic Sprayers, Dusters, Boom Sprayers and machines for the Humidification-Ventilation.

JOHN DEERE5075GL 2021, 834hrs, 24F/12R Power Reverser transmission, 360/70R24 – 280/70R16, open station with ROPS, 2 x rear SCV’S, hydraulic trailer brakes. PREMIUM USED MACHINE

Stk No A1079649 £25,000

KRAMER KL19.5 2020, 3160hrs, Hydro transmission, 340/80R18, 2.8m lift height, a/c cab, 1900KG lift capacity, Kramer carriage & pallet tines.

Stk No B1076841 £28,500

JOHN Deere 6930P, 10370hrs, serviced & ready to go, nice spec tractor, 2011, 50k Autopower Command Arm, front linkage, contact Ian for more info. £37,500+VAT. J Woodward Tel 07960 866025 (Leicestershire)

1999 Zetor 8540, 80hp, 8018hrs, V5C, Jubilee monitor, f/weights, 3 spools, hydraulic valve for trailer brakes, recent engine recon (fuel pump, injectors, crankshaft reground, new oil pump, clutch, compressor), from small farm. £10,000+VAT ono. A Howell Tel 07528 729118 (Cambridgeshire)

CASE-IH CX80 2wd, 2000, only 3,000mls, some slight cosmetic issues, location Horncastle LN9. £12,500 ono, no VAT. M Bennett Tel 07742 898766 (Nottinghamshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 6480, 2006 56 reg, Dyna 6, 4150 genuine hrs, owner driven, excellent condition. £26,500+VAT. R Tarver Tel 07484 823124 (Worcestershire)

JOHN Deere adjustable Continental tow hitches, one removed from 6800, one removed from 3650.

A Soames Tel 07970 505050 (Bedfordshire)

TRAILERS

‘AND new Broughan 14t silage sides, shop soiled, about 18ft long inc ends, can load. £1,895+VAT ono. M Jeffrey Tel 07802 722408 (North Yorkshire)

IFOR Williams 126 trailer flatbed trailer, c/w full length ramp & sides, LED lights, spare wheel & Datatagged. £2,500+VAT. C Fox Tel 07748 883963 (Buckinghamshire)

BAILEY 14T grain trailer, 1997, c/w hydraulic tailgate, sprung drawbar, flotation tyres 560/45R22.5, hydraulic brakes, new rollover sheet, grain chute, good condition. £6,500+VAT ono. J Nott Tel 07957 146325 (Norfolk)

FOSTER Loadmaster 8t, twin axle, steel/wood drop sides, grain chute, working order, but could do with a tidy up. £750 ono. G Shreeve Tel 07867 554909 (Norfolk)

WARWICK 10t tipping trailer, manufactured May 2023, unused as new, 10 stud axles. £9,750+VAT. S Bygraves Tel 07973 117993 (Cambridgeshire)

2018 Bailey 8t hyd drop flat bed low loader, deck 16' L x 8' W, super singles, hydraulic brakes, galvanised ramps, tool/ strap box c/w keys, lights, mudflaps, always stored inside only used to take vintage tractor to show, must be seen. £6,750 ono. C Law Tel 07850 877794 (Leicestershire)

LINCOLN Markham 3.5t tipping trailer c/w extension sides, in good all round condition, tipping ram does not leak & trailer floor is sound, been stored under cover, original instruction book, further pictures available on request. £1,195 no VAT. S Ash Tel 07831 497328 (Norfolk)

RUSCON 12T trailer, 2008, good condition with new ram seals, hydraulic tailgate, good condition. £5,500+VAT ono. S Marsh Tel 07770 846109 (Wiltshire)

IFOR Williams 14' tri axle livestock trailer, 2021, full service 2023, new brakes all round, new LED lighting, extra height trailer, will take 2 heavy horses easily, 2 decks with gates & a cattle gate, plus some parts for horse transport, good cond. E Bunting Tel 07889 640199 (Essex)

2022 Bailey CD10 contract dump trailer, 10t capacity, tandem high speed axles, super single tyres, LED lights, as new condition, owned from new, barn stored, very little used –only used to carry soil. £8,850. A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

TRAILER with wooden sides & floor, suitable for stables. £450 ono. J Odell Tel 01234708383 (Bedfordshire)

IFOR Williams P8E trailer, unbraked 8’ x 4'8", 4’ loading ramp, flotation wheels, mesh sides, jockey wheel, prop stands, spare wheel, (Bulldog security lock not included), please contact Will for more details. £1,200+VAT. P Dunger Tel 07584 598275 (Norfolk)

TIPPING mesh sided trailer with dropped tailboard, 2.32m x 1.40m, spare tyre, light use, good condition. £550 ono. V Sayer Tel 07969 937266 (Suffolk)

TYRES & WHEELS

FORD 7000/5000 tractor rear wheels (2), tyres 20%, tyre size 16.9-R34, rims In really good condition with no knocks or cracks, now hard to find in this condition. £500 ono. J Jordan Tel 07535 990066 (Suffolk)

CASE IH Maxxum rowcrop wheels, 340/85-R48, 320/85R32, in very good condition.

£1,500. C Mount Tel 07721 379713 (Rutland)

ROWCROP wheels for Fendt 516, 320/85-R34 & 320/90-R50, tyres about 50%.

£1,200+VAT. M Naylor Tel 07970 576362 (Lincolnshire)

GENUINE John Deere turf tyres/ rims from a 5115ML 2023 model, in excellent condition, hold air perfectly, front: 9.5-16” tyres on 8” rims, rear: 21.5L16.1” tyres on 18” rims, a great deal. £800+VAT. J Aubrey Tel 07441 424448 (Hampshire)

CASE rowcrop wheels, 380/90R46 rear, 380/85-R30 front, Linglong tyres in excellent condition. £2,650+VAT. R Waddelow Tel 07973 615772 (Cambridgeshire)

PAIR of dual wheels f/w 16.9R28 tyres, c/w 4 clamps, please text if my phone won’t ring. £350+VAT ono. H Pearce Tel 07947 344310 (Essex)

ROWCROPS fronts 9.5-R32, rear 230/9.5-R48, off JD 6300, no perishing or cracks, vgc. £375+VAT. N Cupit Tel 07811 547530 (Nottinghamshire)

SIX lorry/trailer wheels, 10 stud, c/w 315/80x22.5 tyres, good tread depth. £60 each. A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

ROWCROP wheels off JD 6300 9.5R48 rears/9.5Rr32 fronts, good condition. £395+VAT. N Cupit Tel 07811 547530 (Nottinghamshire)

TRACTOR tyres (2) with rims, 16.9R24. £650 ono. S Wells Tel 07792 357782 (Bedfordshire)

NISSAN Navara, 2016, manual 2.3 Dci Visia double cab pickup, 85474mls, rear camera, central armrest, bonnet & tailgate, soft close gas struts, cruise control, Waxoyled chassis, good condition. £8,994+VAT. M Kisby Tel 07971 132876 (Oxfordshire)

TOYOTA Landcruiser Amazon, silver, reg 1 Feb 2006, current mileage 188867, MOT March 2026. £10,000+VAT ono. S Pemberton Tel 07831 318387 (Essex)

KTM SXF-250 2017 dirt bike, excellent off-roader, well maintained, regularly serviced to keep it in top order, anything that needed doing has been done, mechanically sound, starts first try & has plenty of power. £2,800. C White Tel 07718 626205 (Rutland)

TOYOTA HiLux, 2006, double cab, 6mths MOT. £3,250. R Nelson Tel 07850 788501 (Cambridgeshire)

LAND Rover Defender TDI Hi-cap, 12 months MOT. Offers. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)

2010 tipper & tilt cab truck, 26,000mls, always kept In garage, limited slip diff, twin wheels, iImmaculate condition, fully serviced & 12 months MOT. L Rofix Tel 07860 255223 (Suffolk)

MERCEDES-BENZ A170

Avantgarde, 2006, 99,800mls, manual, MOT until March 2026, fuel efficiency:41 mpg (average), very good for its age, well-maintained & reliable, 5-D. £1,150 ono. P Walker Tel 07789 967857 (Suffolk)

DAF LF 180 livestock vehicle, 2014, 7500kg f/w Williams body with petition, plated for 11 months, tyres very good all round, clean inside & out, 94,000mls, any inspection welcome, genuine reason for sale - retiring farmer. £8,750+VAT. K Loeber Tel 07860 221221 (Essex)

1999 Honda 4wd, would make a good farm vehicle, half tank of petrol, SORN at this time. £400. B Rutterford Tel 07836 777595 (Suffolk)

FORD Ranger Limited double cab pickup, 2017, 56000mls, 3196cc, c/w Truckman back, manual 6 speed, MOT until May, full service history, tyres good condition, both keys, genuine reason for sale. £16,500 ono. G Clarke Tel 07771 515793 (Nottinghamshire)

VINTAGE & CLASSIC

1959 Massey Ferguson 3 cylinder 35, good off farm condition. £4,500 ono. C Neall Tel 07966 539716 (Essex)

PTO driven fans, choice of 2, sold as seen, buyer to collect. £150+VAT ono each. T Williams Tel 07920 754700 (Gloucestershire)

NUFFIELD 465, genuine fenland tractor, starts, runs & drives fine, 1969, 2 owners from new, brakes need attention. £2,750. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

VINTAGE Kidd Rota flail, still turns over, metal PTO, good restoration project. £150 ono. T Williams Tel 07920 754700 (Gloucestershire)

CLASSIC Massey Ferguson 2640 4wd, 1980, 4800hrs, good runner, just had new injectors, pump & filters, body needs tidying & a paint job to make a nice collectable tractor. £5,800. D Bennett Tel 07493 732445 (Ayrshire)

MASSEY Ferguson row marker, rare item, see photo, excellent condition, collection only. £100. T Gallimore Tel 07849 405044 (Staffordshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 35X, V5, new tyres, rebuilt engine, new crank, pick up hitch, diff lock, 1964. £8,000 no VAT. G Ollett Tel 01359 230990/07495 268088 (Suffolk)

WANTED

• Finance from £10k to £5m • Excellent rates

• 3 Month to 20 year terms

• Tax Efficient

• Simple, quick phone application

MASSEY Ferguson towing frame, rare item, see photo, good condition, collection only. £150. T Gallimore Tel 07849 405044 (Staffordshire)

INTERNATIONAL 2300 Series A tractor, for spares or repair. £750. N Atkins Tel 07956 167510 (Leicestershire)

MASSEY Ferguson rear wheels, 38" rims, possibly for 168 or 175 model, surface rust, dry stored. £200+VAT. P Phoenix Tel 07786 668786 (Norfolk)

1985 John Deere 3140 2wd, round cab, 12,400hrs, fair condition. £4,750+VAT ono. H Howie Tel 07710 183758 (Essex)

1978 Massey Ferguson 550, 7844hrs, has undergone a complete strip-down & full rebuild with no expense spared, every necessary component has been replaced or restored to the highest standard. £5,000. H Mason Tel 07553 115927 (Suffolk)

NUFFIELD M4 1950 petrol/ paraffin, road registered, new clutch, etc. £4,000 ono. D Carter Tel 07768 935715 (Essex)

• Decision within 24 hours • Bad credit history, large debts – No problem!

• High street banks unsupportive

POTATO riddle wanted, with box tipper, hopper & picking line, any condition & make considered. M Banham Tel 07966 430418/01527 821473 (Worcestershire)

WOODCHIP wanted in large amounts, Market Rasen. M Chapman Tel 07971 940087/01673 843663 (Lincolnshire)

JCB Q fit to 3pt linkage adaptor wanted, to suit the capacity of a 48 small bale squeezer. M Crosby Tel 07876 196476 (Essex)

10.00-20 tyres wanted to suit farm use bale trailer. . M Crosby Tel 07876 196476 (Essex)

MINI van/pick up wanted, any condition – stored for years, MOT failure, needing work/renovation, running or not. R Wheeler Tel 07395 929237 (Gloucestershire)

BACON slicer wanted in good condition/ex-shop condition. M Andrew Tel 07903 442568 (Lincolnshire)

WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

WOLF TG8HJ 3 phase pedestal grinder, c/w stand, 8" diameter grinding wheels. £45+VAT.

A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

POLLARD 100A/1 pillar drill, height adjustable table, 3 phase £125 plus VAT A Burt Tel 07970111353 (Northants)

VICEROY TDS5/BGL small lathe, 3 phase motor, 3 jaw chuck, 6" swing, 40" between centres, good condition. £500+VAT.

A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

PROGRESS Elliot 3 phase morsetaper pillar drill, rise & fall table, 73 to 1065rpm, power feed. £500+VAT. A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

WTC Econocut plasma cutter, will cut up to 50mm thick steel plate, trolley mounted. £700+VAT. A Burt Tel 07970 111353 (Northamptonshire)

RACKING 3 uprights & 7 shelves with 3/4 ply sheets, shelf size 8'10'' long x 3' wide, all in good condition. £400 ono. C Law Tel 07850877794 (Leicestershire)

• Tenant farmers welcome Please ring George Bridgman on 07522 731193 or email george.bridgman@abfltd.co.uk or apply on line at www.abfltd.co.uk

As a result, depending on the variety, we pick around 0.5–1kg per vine in the second year and somewhere between 3–4kg in the third – so we gain 1–2 years.

Despite how bad the weather was for the wine industry last year, our Bacchus, which we grow outside, did really well which I think is because at the base of the bed we have a black ground cover that acts like a solar panel, absorbing heat into the coir. We’re gaining what I call growing degree hours.

Q. How do you mitigate wet winters?

A: 2023 was one of the wettest winters we ever had; there was something like 1,200mm rain in six months. Into the early doors of November, the alcohol level was still just 10.5–11% for the Shiraz and Merlot, so we brought the grapes in on trays, 4kg a tray, and dried them back with the appassimento technique, by 20% using the cold stores for the strawberry business, which gave us 12.5%. But when we pressed the grapes, we actually had 15% and 15.5%.

We’ve found a method that means it doesn’t matter what the weather throws at us – we may lose volume, but we will consistently make a good wine of 12–13%.

Q. What’s up next?

Asparagus

inspire innovative new wine brand techniques

Soft fruit and asparagus grower Sandy Booth is using novel techniques to grow non-traditional grape varieties for his new wine brand. Sarah Kidby reports.

Sandy Booth, of New Forest Fruit, is growing grape varieties not usually seen in the UK at his new 3ha vineyard in Hampshire, using pioneering techniques taken from his asparagus and strawberry business. Within the last six months, the B58 winery also opened on-site and the Beaulieu 58 wine brand o cially launched in February with three still wines.

Q. What varieties are you growing?

A: Back in 2021 we planted the rst vines in the tunnel, with 165 vines each of Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Jura, and Pinotin, plus 660 vines of Gewürztraminer. We also planted Chardonnay, Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Noir outside, but Chardonnay is not easy to grow, especially in the soil conditions we have here –so I’m abandoning Chardonnay and putting more Bacchus in.

Last year we planted the rst Tempranillo, Grenache, Alberino and Floreal in the tunnels, as

well as more Shiraz, Merlot and Gewürztraminer, and Barolo will be planted this year.

Q. What methods are you using to grow the vines?

A: When we buy the vines, we put them into a nursery for year one in a tunnel environment, in a 10-litre polybag with 10 litres of waste coir from the strawberry business – to get them to root and ll up the bag. It also makes the rst wood in the rst year, rather than taking two years.

In year two we plant it into our bed system, which came about from experimentation with the asparagus, with a table 50cm o the ground and 50cm wide for the vines. The roots still go into the soil, but the coir gives us a bu er zone to get the natural balance of bacteria and fungi right. We have irrigation for the vines to balance the nutrition. We do sap analysis to highlight de ciencies so we can tweak the irrigation or nutritional spray accordingly.

A: The past two years we’ve picked 5–7 tonnes of grapes, and if all the fruit this year comes o , we’ll be picking 25–30 tonnes because of the new plantation last year, which saw 6,000 vines go in. We’re trying to make Bacchus orange, so we will have our rst bottles of that in November. If we can get a name out there for a good orange wine, we might get to 10,000 bottles going forward.

Another aim is to be using no chemicals on the vines at all within 2–3 years. We’re up to spraying every three weeks at the moment – and we think we can improve on that with di erent methods –whereas some people are spraying every week or every 10–14 days. A French company exhibiting at Vinitech, Bordeaux in November, has robots that apply UV-C light to vines as an alternative to sprays, which can be used during the day, and only need to be used every 2–3 weeks as it acts like a shot of Yakult, boosting the plant’s immune system. We’re hoping to get one of their machines to try out of interest.

Sandy Booth, founder of Beaulieu 58

Beaulieu 58 launched its inaugural wine collection in February

We partner with landowners across England to co-create BNG Habitat Banks on their most unproductive areas of land – creating wonderful places for nature to thrive and providing additional income that’s stable and secure for 30 years. Find out how it works, visit environmentbank.com