Fruit & Vine 05 - July/August 2023

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Out & About

News: Industry moves, products and research you need to know about

News:

Open day focuses on sustainability and circularity

Show preview:

Fruit Focus 2023what to expect this July

Grower pro le: Elder ower: "they're tricky little people"

Machinery:

New narrow models with proven engineering and extra features

Machinery: Kent dealer success built on customer service

Show preview:

Viti-Culture: Celebrating the UK wine industry

Grower pro le:

Award-winning Welsh vineyard is uncompromising on integrity

Case study: Diversi cation is a key driver for family-run vineyard

Agronomy - Vine: The importance of yield estimation and forecast

Agronomy - Fruit: The heat is on: Combatting summer heat stress

Variety spotlight: Strawberry varieties bred to boost winter production in the Med

53 60

6 8 13 21 25 33 36 40 47 48 51 57 61

Technical innovation: Exciting innovations in cider & wine

Storage advice: Storage quality starts in the eld

Professional services: 10 top tips for marketing your business online

Professional services: Investing in your orchard or vineyard needs patience to bear fruit

In the know: Washington vineyards take strides to become more sustainable

The Fruit & Vine team headed to Plumpton College at the start of June, where we were exhibiting at the Viti-Culture show. Read all about the people and businesses we spoke to on page 36

David also chatted with Horsepower UK's sales direct, Phil Stanford, to nd out more about the dealer's various brands. Read more on page 33

F&V machinery editor David Williams tested out the new Kubota narrow tractor range this month. Turn to page 25 for the full report

Pictured with Belvoir Farm's senior brand manager Jessica Pinnick (right), F&V journalist Anna Louise headed to Nottinghamshire to interview Peverel Manners (left) - owner of Belvoir Farm, at the start of the elder ower harvest. Find out more about these "tricky little people" on page 21

www.fruitandvine.co.uk

Directors

Managing director Julie Goulding julie@fruitandvine.co.uk

Director Greg Goulding greg@fruitandvine.co.uk

Editorial

Editor Rachel Hicks rachel@fruitandvine.co.uk

Deputy editor Sarah Kidby hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Machinery editor David Williams hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Staff writer Henrietta Szathmary hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Reporter Anna Louise 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 Chloe Fox hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Sales executive Sophie Smith sophie@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 Charlotte Harknett hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Design & Production Production manager Martyn Smith hello@fruitandvine.co.uk

Over made available in new round of FETF grants

£30M

Additional items have been added to the scheme for 2023, including mulchers for orchards and vineyards to help reduce input costs and improve carbon retention in the soil

Defra has made £31 million available to farmers and foresters in the latest round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), under the Productivity and Slurry budget.

An additional 21 items have been added for this year, including mulchers for forestry, orchards and vineyards to help reduce input costs and improve carbon retention in the soil.

This will ensure as many farmers as possible

can claim for the equipment they need to run a pro table farming business that delivers for both food production and the environment, Defra said.

Over 90 pieces of equipment are now available to claim. Funding has been increased from the original £17 million to £31 million, after 3,000 applications were received for the FETF 2023 Productivity and Slurry grants.

Other equipment available to the horticulture

Consultancy appoints senior viticulturist

Graham Fisher

Vinescapes has announced the appointment of Graham Fisher as senior viticulturist to its expanding team

Graham holds a BSc in Viticulture & Oenology and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his many vintages from around the globe, including New Zealand, South Africa and England. Graham has a background in IT but quickly caught the passion for viticulture and wine when travelling in New Zealand, which prompted a change in career in 2004.

Now based in Dorset, Graham is wellplaced to manage the fast-growing number of vineyards for clients across south west England.

UK vineyard and winery consultancy

The Board comprises six growers from the BBG membership and will be chaired by Dr Louise Sutherland, director of Ceres Agri-tech at Cambridge Enterprise.

Louise holds a PhD in plant pathology and is the chair of the Raspberry Breeding Consortium, with years of experience in the soft fruit industry.

The Board will have two main activities – delivering crop protection products and commissioning research.

It will work with Horticulture Crop Protection

Vinescapes provides a ‘ground to grape to glass’ service supporting growers and winemakers with their wine adventure. Services include detailed site selection, vineyard establishment, vineyard management, winery scoping and design together with mentoring, training and world class research and climate science.

Dr Alistair Nesbitt, CEO, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Graham to our team and feel very fortunate to have his experience, skills and expertise as we further grow the services and support that Vinescapes o er to new and established vineyards.”

sector under the scheme includes fruit ripeness spectrometers and mobile vertical frost fans for vineyards and stone and soft fruit farms.

The FETF provides funding for farmers to invest in tools to improve sustainable production across agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Productivity and Slurry grants will speci cally support the purchase of equipment and technology to help farmers use fewer inputs, reduce emissions and cut waste.

Environment secretary Thérèse Co ey said:

“The tremendous interest shown in the FETF 2023 Productivity and Slurry underscores the determination of our farmers to drive ever more productive and sustainable farming practices to keep food on our plates whilst protecting our important landscapes and habitats.

“By empowering farms to invest cash in new kit, we are ensuring our farmers, growers and foresters have the equipment they need to embrace innovation, protect the environment, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector.”

The government plans to o er further rounds of FETF funding in the future.

Graham said: “I have known Vinescapes and the team for a while. I have watched Vinescapes grow and recognise its excellent reputation and outstanding client focus. I look forward to joining the UK’s leading vineyard development company and using a technical and science-based approach to improve the health and productivity of the vineyards we manage.”

Ltd, a collaboration with all major crop associations. This includes provision of EAMUs (Extension Authorisations for Minor Use) and EAs (Emergency Authorisations), biological controls and biopesticides to meet the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) needs of UK soft fruit growers.

Research will also be commissioned to develop new IPM solutions for key strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry pests and diseases that a ect the sustainability of the UK soft fruit sector.

Dr Sutherland commented: “This is an exciting development that will generate signi cant bene ts for the UK soft fruit industry. British Berry Growers is keen to work and collaborate with researchers, businesses and other groups to develop IPM solutions for soft fruit pests and diseases either through Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd, or via our directly commissioned research and other projects where our interests overlap.”

The Board’s work is being funded by a voluntary levy paid by BBG members.

New berry growers’ R&D Board to generate British Berry Growers, which represents 95% of all the UK’s commercial soft fruit growers, is set to form a new research & development board to drive sustainability and e ciency

“significant benefits”

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NIAB’s recent WET Centre event at East Malling focused on the sustainability and circularity that its research team have aspired to develop, both at the centre and in related research projects

Visitors to the open day had the opportunity to review the various ndings that have emerged from the Centre, the plans for the research work there this year, the research dedicated to recycle coir substrate, and discover how the Growing Kent & Medway programme of work is helping to support soft fruit growers in their quest to become more sustainable.

Water usage e ciency

Dr Mark Else explained that the Centre was originally set up in 2017 to demonstrate best practice and precision in water use e ciency to give soft fruit growers the con dence to change their approach to water management. By seeing how the outputs from research projects could be implemented on a semi-commercial scale, growers could better understand how to improve water use e ciency on their own farms, and to move towards self-su ciency.

In the early years, using the June-bearer Malling Centenary, the Centre demonstrated that, by using the Precision Irrigation Programme (PIP) to automatically match demand for water with supply, average daily run-o volumes as low as 1–5% could be achieved, without a corresponding rise in coir pore electrical conductivity (EC) and the consequential need for ushing events. Further work with the ever-bearer variety Malling Champion demonstrated that increasing average daily run-o volumes from 5% to 10% did not improve Class 1 yields further, con rming that 5% run-o is optimal in terms of production e ciency.

Many growers have now adopted a range of irrigation scheduling techniques to implement precision irrigation in their own businesses. The use of precision irrigation and rainwater harvesting techniques at the Centre have achieved at least 90% self-su ciency, even in hot, dry seasons such as 2018.

Mimicking commercial tunnels

An advanced area of the Centre employing rainwater harvesting systems, automatic roof venting systems and the latest tunnel technologies, has been compared to a commercial tunnel area that mimics the majority of commercial strawberry tunnel systems employed in the industry. In recent seasons, the commercial area has produced 5% higher yields, and as the new technology was thought to cause more shading and a reduction in light interception, further research has focused on the impact of the tunnel environment on Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) and row position.

The results have shown that there are signi cant di erences in light availability between rows in each tunnel and this has an impact on total marketable yield, with centre rows producing up to 12% higher yields than the outside rows. Row position has also been found to a ect fruit quality, which is also higher in the centre rows. Most recently, NIAB has shown that plant photosynthesis reaches a peak in the morning and decreases throughout the day, so work is now turning to how the research team can manage tunnels to

maximise light interception during the early hours of the day. In a bid to raise light levels in the crop canopy, white re ective covers were experimented with; although they did increase PAR above ground level, this increase did not extend as high as the crop canopy, which is typically 1.5m above ground level.

Looking at 2023 plans

WET Centre manager Trevor Wignall outlined some of the workplans for 2023 at the Centre, including sharing that in 2023, he is working with Neta m to compare the use of its new ‘Netbow’ irrigation delivery system in the Malling Bella raspberry, compared to two standard drippers per pot. In strawberry this year, Neta m is also comparing the impact of delivering straight feeds versus compound fertilisers, using its Neta m fertigation rig.

In 2019, the Centre was extended to include dedicated raspberry tunnels and, after NIAB scientists had developed a nitrogen demand model for the primocane variety Malling Bella, it was tested and validated in 2022 by NIAB scientist Carlota Gonzalez-Noguer.

Using Malling Bella in 2022, the team compared the use of a standard grower feed recipe with a reduced nitrogen recipe which followed the nitrogen demand model. This led to a reduction of more than 50% of the nitrogen used in the standard recipe, although by the end of the season, there was a slight reduction in marketable yield. The original model had been developed using di erent glasshouse-grown crops overseas and the generic crop coe cients embedded in the model were not found to be accurate enough for raspberry production in the UK, so the NIAB team are developing speci c crop coe cients for raspberry and are planning to repeat the exercise in 2023 for Malling Bella.

Continuing with the sustainability and circularity theme, NIAB pathologist Mat PappRupar provided an overview of recent work with Overland Ltd to develop methods to recycle coir substrate. Previous EU funded work at NIAB (Horti-blueC) with Berry Gardens Growers Ltd, demonstrated successful re-planting of coir bags with June-bearer strawberry, but signi cant yield penalty resulted when everbearers were re-planted year on year. Overland Ltd, a company o ering agricultural waste removal and recycling services in Kent, funded work with NIAB in 2022 to compare the properties of re-used, composted and recycled coir.

All reused and composted coir had a reduced air- lled porosity and increased water holding capacity. The EC increased after composting and recycling, while K and Ca levels varied depending on the type of coir analysed. The incidence of Phytophthora cactorum (the cause of crown rot) increased in composted coir, but where coir was recycled using the system Overland has been developing, the incidence of the pathogen was no di erent to virgin coir. Re-used, composted and recycled coir all recorded a reduction in strawberry crop yield, but the recycled coir had the smallest reduction, so further work is being done to re ne and improve the recycling procedure used by Overland.

Open day focuses on sustainability and circularity

A LONG WAY TOGETHER

AGRIMAX SPARGO

No matter how challenging your needs, AGRIMAX SPARGO is your best ally when it comes to row crop applications. This tyre has been designed for enhanced productivity in the fields and for preserving the soil in the long term. AGRIMAX SPARGO provides higher load capacity at standard pressure thanks to VF technology. The strong casing and the increased number of lugs ensures outstanding durability, great traction and maximum stability both in the fields and on the road.

AGRIMAX SPARGO is BKT’s answer in terms of high load capacity, reduced soil compaction and great stability for sprayers.

Tel: +44 0151 728 4171

bkt_enquiries@kirkbytyres.co.uk www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

The of UTVs is future

electric

UTVs are a popular solution for fruit growers to get around,

alternatives to

machines. Electric Wheels says it is bridging that gap, with a range of all-terrain, performance driven 4x4 all-electric UTVs available to hire and buy

As well as the obvious environmental bene ts of zero emissions, Electric Wheels says you’ll nd its range of electric UTVs incredibly quiet, providing the bonus of a more pleasurable driving experience.

The Electric Wheels range includes two models that boast features ideal for orchards and vineyards. Easy to drive and a ordable to

run, each model comes with its own 16amp plug and 13amp adaptor that will charge your vehicle overnight ready for the next day’s work.

The company explains the Nipper is designed for versatility – with a slim a nimble design that’s perfect for accessing narrow gaps between plant rows.

A cargo capacity of 200kg and towing of 750kg, along with its useful electric rear tipper,

makes it an easy task to transport supplies. The 4x4 drivetrain will ensure you can tackle all terrains. Its 5kW motor has a top speed of 28mph and will run for up to 75 miles on a single charge. The Nipper can be fully road registered and there is also a choice of battery types – lead acid or lithium-ion.

Another popular model with horticulturists is the Runner. This uprated 2wd buggy has a raised suspension, powerful lithium-ion battery, and upgraded tyres to deliver exceptional performance. It comes with either a short or long xed bed and has a top speed of 15mph, achieving up to 62 miles on a single charge. The Runner is agile and easy to drive, making it the ideal workhorse for fruit growers, Electric Wheels says.

An option to hire instead of purchase on a weekly basis is also available. Learn more at www.electric-wheels.co.uk

but until recently there have been very few

traditional diesel-powered

Smarter solutions for a better and sustainable

Let’s improve together

future

All kinds of technological developments are taking place worldwide that could disruptively change the horticulture sector. It is important to remain agile: by joining forces, deploying new technologies and working together on innovations with growers, suppliers and start-ups.

Let’s improve together stands for the way in which Royal Brinkman stays agile; together with growers, suppliers and other partners. With specialized products and solutions, we focus on the grower’s wishes with the aim of improving horticulture worldwide.

For our products and solutions visit royalbrinkman.com

Fruit Focus 2023: What to expect this July

Fruit Focus returns to NIAB at East Malling on 12th July 2023, featuring Fruit Forums, NIAB research tours, a Growing Kent & Medway showcase and live working demonstrations, as well as a host of exhibitors covering the entire industry

Funding the future of fruit production

The Growing Kent & Medway Innovation Hub will showcase the UK’s funding landscape and demonstrating the latest innovations and research investments for the fruit sector.

Visitors will be able to join tours, research demonstrations, plus hear talks about funding opportunities and how money is being invested for the sector. All projects showcased will be themed around sustainability and circularity.

The scope of research out of NIAB at East Malling is impressive – from new varieties through to pest control and water e ciency. The NIAB research tours showcase this research and development throughout the day at Fruit Focus.

The tours depart from the sign-posted tour departure point near to the WET Centre entrance, and include:

• The WET Centre tour: The WET Centre was established at East Malling in 2017 with the aim of demonstrating water e cient technology (WET), water use e ciency and modern growing systems in strawberry and soft fruit production. Funded by technology companies including Berry Gardens Growers, Cocogreen, Delta-T, Neta m, Stoller, Yara, Hutchinsons and Weatherquest, the purpose and use of the centre has evolved to investigate rainwater harvesting and

re-use, substrate mixes and bag colour, crop microclimate, venting systems, nitrogen demand models and predictive models to improve crop forecasting.

• Plum Demonstration Centre tour: Previously supported by AHDB, the Plum Demonstration Centre is now funded directly by the principal UK commercial plum growers and marketing groups who are leading and directing the work programme in collaboration with the Crop Science and Production Systems team at East Malling. Of particular interest to the new funders is water use e ciency, optimising nutrition, optimum timing of tree management and its impact on yields and quality. Join the tour to learn more about this ongoing work and plans for the future.

• Vine and wine research tour: Grapevine and wine science research at East Malling is funded by UK wine producers to study topics and challenges that are relevant to the UK wine industry cool climate grapes grown and wines being produced here. Established in 2016, NIAB research scientists have been testing and demonstrating training systems, rootstocks and varieties, mechanical weed control, fertigation and frost mitigation systems. The past year has seen the building of a new and

expanded winery and the appointment of a new oenologist, Belinda Kemp to work with the industry and direct NIAB’s research science to meet their needs.

• Produce Quality Centre tour: Learn about some of the latest innovations in fruit handling and storage. The technologies on-show have been developed with funding from Innovate UK, AHDB and NIAB’s industry partners, including Storage Control Systems Ltd, JD Cooling Ltd, Ozone Industries Ltd, as well as many grower partners. The tour will include an explanation of how monitoring produce response to storage environments enables packaging solutions to be optimised and to tailor storage atmospheres for both short and long-term storage. There will also be a demonstration of the advantages of gaseous ozone treatment within retail packs and an introduction to an on-going project to optimise in- eld cooling of soft fruit.

• Pathology research tour: With fewer authorised fungicides available for use than before, soft fruit growers are in need of alternative approaches both to predicting the risk of pathogen infection and to control pathogens once they have infected soft fruit plants. NIAB scientists at East Malling are being funded in various projects to improve understanding of pathogens and how to optimise the e cacy of biofungicides. Visitors on this tour will nd out more about how NIAB is predicting infection by mucor and rhizopus using climatic conditions and pathogen inoculum levels. They will also learn how it is working on three commonly used biological control agents in strawberry to obtain ecological knowledge and to develop models to predict their fate in the environment following their application, in order to be able to optimise the timing of their use.

• Fruit research & innovation tour: Join a guided walk from the Innovation Hub to hear about the UK funding landscape and how Growing Kent & Medway and wider UKRI agencies are supporting fruit research. As well as the latest ag-tech and robotics, you will see trials and research demonstrations in the glasshouse, vineyard and orchard, funded by Growing Kent & Medway, BBSRC and Innovate UK.

Seminar schedule

The packed seminar schedule runs from 9am, and includes the following highlights:

• Learnings from the M&S and Solina Carbon Trust Project: Fresh produce businesses struggling with rising labour, energy and raw material costs can learn from other sectors and embrace digitalisation to overcome strong headwinds. Jake Norman, a director at OAL will share learnings from a

transformational £2m Carbon Trust project with M&S and Solina deploying state-ofthe-art robotics and automation in the UK to reduce energy consumption by 80% with single-person operation. This will be combined with insights from successful automation deployments in fresh produce at Berry Gardens, Worldwide Fruit and Wealmoor. There will be a demonstration of the software and technologies that provide the foundations for success.

• Advancements in greenhouse energy e ciency: Sustainability and energy cost savings are top priorities for fruit growers. Delivered by Signify horticultural lead, Nathaniel Dannenburg, this seminar will cover the latest updates on how companies are improving their greenhouse energy e ciency and combatting rising energy costs.

• Control of western ower thrips (WFT) & nutrition analysis with Celine: This presentation by David Clarke Thomson of Royal Brinkman will discuss control of WFT utilising Orius Cold, a more tolerant strain of Orius laevigatus which has proven very successful in eld scale trials up in Scotland on strawberry crops and is being more widely adopted in the UK in 2023. Additionally, this session will cover a new nutrient analysis system, ‘Celine’. Celine is “a lab in the glasshouse” giving growers nutrient analysis results on drip & drain within 20 minutes as opposed to 7–10 days when sending samples to the lab. Celine allows growers far more accurate ‘feeding’ of their crops which should improve yields and reduce waste.

• NIAB research update: Screening for resistance to spotted wing drosophila in strawberry and raspberry will be discussed by Adam Whitehouse, senior plant breeder at NIAB; new research into the biocontrol of strawberry diseases will be presented by Xiangming Xu, director of research at NIAB; the role of landscape complexity in agroecosystem sustainability will be introduced by Sarah Arnold, entomology research leader at NIAB; novel approaches to apple canker management and control will be covered by Matevz Papp-Rupar, NIAB plant pathology research leader; and the development of pheromones for innovative management of forest bug, an emerging orchard pest in England will be discussed by Francis Wamonje,

entomology research leader at NIAB.

• Responsibly sourcing growing materials: Delivered by Southern Trident CEO, Steve Harper, this seminar will explain how growers can ensure they are using responsibly sourced growing media as we move away from peat, which is due to be banned in the commercial sector by 2026.

• The future of robot fruit harvesting: Robots are harvesting fruit around the UK – what works, what doesn't and how is this technology changing and improving? Ed Herbert, COO of Dogtooth Technologies, will host this session.

• Biopesticides: latest technologies to combat a wide range of pests: From Biobest Group product manager Sanne Torfs, PhD, bumblebees to bene cials insects, mites and nematodes, this seminar will discuss how biological agents and pesticides can increase your productivity and yields.

• Tractor-powered electrical weed control in orchards, vineyards and bush fruit: Tom Archer of Rootwave will explore how patented high-frequency electricity boils weeds from the root upwards, providing a more e ective method of weed control than cutting, burning, or hoeing the weed above the surface. eWeeding is the only non-chemical solution to provide systemic control of weeds.

• Advances in lm covering materials for British fruit production: This seminar, hosted by XL Soft Fruit’s Razvan Iftimiciuc, will talk about some of the advances made in lm coverings for British fruit production.

• New soft fruit protection technologies: Learn about a novel ‘push-pull’ system for precision monitoring of the European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis, and the common green capsid, Lygocoris pabulinus; plus an e ective adjuvant that can reduce insecticide use against spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii by 96% and reduce grower costs by an estimated 50%. In 2023, trials started in the UK with many trials in tabletop strawberry production and this presentation will share the results from the trials so far this season.

• How to improve your irrigation system to save energy & water: Climate crisis and drought have a severe impact on global agriculture. Having an e cient irrigation system can help you in reducing your cost and the amount of used water, while ensuring the yield. Mark Herriman from Sencrop will present tips to get the best of your irrigation solution by keeping an eye on every element that has an impact on e ciency – evapotranspiration, solar radiation and temperature.

Pre-registration for Fruit Focus is free of charge via www.fruitfocus.co.uk, while onsite registration on the day is £10 at the gate. BASIS & NRoSO Knowledge Trail points are available by visiting Fruit Focus 2023.

Vivaflor

Biostimulant for use in Viticulture

• Activates plant hormones for improved reproductive health

• Reduces issues with fruit set caused by environmental stress

• Improves homogeneity of berries, evens cluster weight and increases overall yield

Technical team to give nutrition update

Omex Horticulture will be exhibiting at this year’s Fruit Focus event. The company’s horticultural technical managers will be attending, including soft fruit agronomist Dr Neil Holmes, Richard Cameron and Joe Barfoot.

The UK-based team will be educating growers on the importance of in-feed water treatment through the use of DeSaltus 2.0, with trials from 2022 showing impressive results. Dr Holmes will be presenting within the Fruit Focus speakers’ tent, and questions are invited on their exhibition stand throughout the day.

The Omex technical team will also be highlighting the importance of an overall integrated crop nutrition programme for soft fruit whilst introducing new product, Catalyst to the market. Catalyst is a liquid humous designed to mimic and replace organic acids and compounds no longer supplied in peat-free growing media.

In addition, Omex o ers SAP analysis, which the technical managers will be discussing with visitors on the day. SAP analysis tests 17 di erent nutrients that are actively available within the growing crop, helping growers improve nutrient use e ciency across the country. Current samples are showing plants are lacking early growth, partly due to weather conditions. Joe Barfoot explains: “The sustained poor weather growers have experienced is resulting in weak early growth. Treating crops to a dose of stress buster Bio 20, suitable for a range of crops, will help plants ourish as the growing cycle continues.”

Omex recently submitted Bio 20 for impartial RNA-sequencing transcriptomic testing to give growers a deeper understanding on how the biostimulant positively a ects the genetics of the plant. The trial concludes that Bio 20 appears has a positive impact on gene expression in roots.

For more information visit the Omex Horticulture team on their stand. Fruit Focus stand number: 410

Number of new products on display

Royal Brinkman is looking forward to the Fruit Focus show this year, having attended consistently for over 10 years. The company will be bringing a number of new products to this year’s event to complement its existing extensive range.

Orius Cold has been developed in conjunction with Royal Brinkman’s partners at Agrobio, and represents a revolutionary step forward in thrip control, the company says. Orius Cold stands out for its large size, huge voracity, and resistance to cold situations, making it ideal for winter and spring releases. The technical team also claims to have the most e ective biological control strategies to deal with aphids, large and small. It is essential to have specialised technical advice, an e ective protocol and the right combination of predators and parasitoids to arrive on time.

Also on the stand will be the Celine measuring system – a technical installation that takes completely independent samples of watering and drain water: not once a week, but eight times a day! The sample is also analysed in real-time for nutrients present. With the results, you can manage fertilisation much more e ciently, thereby providing added value.

Analysing water samples by external laboratories has been commonplace within horticulture for years. Weekly or bi-weekly, a grower takes a water sample but has to wait a few days to receive the result. On this result, the fertilisation recipe can be adjusted, but as a grower you are always behind the times. With the Celine measurement system at the nursery, the nutrient balance is measured much more frequently. These measurements are immediately available within a digital platform where all data and insights can be found.

As already mentioned, Royal Brinkman specialists will be giving presentations on both new products during the day at Fruit Focus. Fruit Focus stand number: 518

•

Impressive tractor range

Kirkland will be once again exhibiting at Fruit Focus 2023. On the company’s stand you’ll be able to see the impressive Antonio Carraro tractor range, including the “unbeatable” Mach 4 Quadtrac Tony. Built with a 98hp Kubota engine and narrow width of just 1.3m, it’s the ideal machine for steep slopes – even in extreme wet conditions.

With chemical-free weeding solutions on everyone’s minds, Kirkland supplies Orizzonti equipment, which is perfect for fruit growers looking for a variety of robust and reliable pruning and cultivating machinery including pruners and trimmers, leaf removers and pre-pruners, shredders and ails, inter-row cultivators, subsoilers, pruning sweeps and mounted forklifts.

The innovative Air-jet Berry Harvester wil also be on display – ideal for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. It harvests soft fruits via air pulsations, allowing harvesting to be undertaken without damaging plants or berries.

Philip Mann at Bedstone Growers commented on how pleased he is with his harvester: "It has far surpassed our expectations, and harvest quality of the fruit is very similar compared to hand pick.

"We estimate it has replaced 35 hand-picking members of sta and we only require four operatives for the harvester; one driver, two changing crates and one taking fruit back to the cold store.”

Fruit Focus stand number: 106

Hands-on demonstrations

Having recently exhibited at the Viti-Culture show in June, Agricare is now gearing up to exhibit at Fruit Focus in July.

The business says it loves interacting with all the fantastic people in the fruit growing industry, and reckons Fruit Focus is the ideal event to be able to do this.

Once again, Agricare will be proudly promoting its innovative products, which include some of the top industry brands.

CARMO wooden posts are the ultimate posts to support your fruit and vines for many years to come. Not only do they look great, but they are guaranteed for 20 years against premature decay. Agricare says you may wonder how a wooden post can be guaranteed for that long – but pay the team a visit on the day, and you will be able to see why as they will have a genuine cross section of samples to prove just how great they are.

There will be live demonstrations of the world-class Infaco F3020 electric pruners on the stand, along with the very popular Bellota Cordless pruning and tying equipment. Both of these products will be available for hands-on demos.

Agricare is also now responsible for promoting the Fruit Security crop protection systems in the UK, and will joined on the stand by Gerben van Veldhuizen – founder of Fruit Security, who will be demonstrating how the systems can safeguard your harvest from frost, rain and hail.

Fruit Focus stand number: 220

Leading specialists in new and used Fendt 200 v/f/p tractors and machinery for fruit, hop and vine growers. Plus spare parts, service, repair and after sales care.

You are invited

to NP SEYMOUR'S MACHINERY

DEMONSTRATION DAYS

Catch up with the NP Seymour team and fellow growers while watching a range of specialist fruit and vine machinery at work.

ORCHARD DAY - THURSDAY 20 JULY - 10AM - 3PM

VINEYARD DAY - FRIDAY 21 JULY - 10AM - 3PM

Amsbury Farm, East St, Hunton, Maidstone, ME15 0QY by kind permission of Clive Baxter

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We need you to give us the real story

Formed in 1936 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as the Farm Management Survey, the Farm Business Survey continues to this day, commissioned by DEFRA and carried out independently by Promar International.

Data from the Farm Business Survey, the longest running and most influential survey of farm financial data informs government, having been used to shape the 2020 Agriculture Act and DEFRA’s Farm Business Income report. It is also a trusted source for industry bodies, academics and publications.

Covering 90% of the farmed area in England via a stratified sample of 2.5% of farms, around 1750 farms take part each year with the longest running farm having participated for 36 years.

By participating you can help ensure government decisions are based on the most representative information.

You will also benefit from free management accounts, benchmarking and £600 of farmspecific accounting software based on Xero.

To be fully representative we need farmers from all sectors of the industry. While many sectors are well represented we urgently need more participants from:

Elderflower:

“they’re tricky little people”

Nestled in the idyllic Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire behind wild, rich hedgerows lies Belvoir Farm – pronounced ‘Beaver’, which originates from 1066 when indigenous English speakers struggled to pronounce the French spelling. At 60 acres, their organic elder ower plantation is the largest in the UK. Fruit & Vine reporter Anna Louise chatted with owner Peverel Manners, alongside farm manager Keith Challen, at the start of their elder ower harvest

Peverel is the current owner of Belvoir Farm in Nottingham, taking over from his mother Mary Manners and his father John Manners, who started farming the land in the 1950s.

Unsurprisingly, the farm was originally used for dairy farming (like most in the Leicestershire area) but John gradually made the transition to arable due to the drive to grow more food after the Second World War. He bought a D8 Caterpillar cultivator with a very primitive sub-soiler to start getting air into the heavy land.

Alongside growing wheat, maize and barley, John also had a big turkey farm on the land in the early 1960s – interestingly, he was bigger than Bernard Matthews until fowl pest wiped out his entire ock. Pev recalls early childhood memories of ladies plucking turkeys by hand in the sheds that were later used for infusing elder ower.

Pev is proud that the family farm works in support of the wildlife and nature that resides there, alongside crafting their range of natural fruit drinks. Their elder ower cordial, found on the

The elds of elder sit amongst the idyllic Vale of Belvoir, with the backdrop of the famous ‘faux historic’ castle and stately home

shelves of all major supermarkets, is made using a secret 40-year-old family recipe.

A family recipe

The drinks business started as a diversi cation on the Manners’ family farm. It all began in their farmhouse kitchen when Mary started experimenting with her own homemade elder ower cordial in a bucket on the kitchen table.

The mixture, decanted into an assortment of recycled plastic and glass bottles, soon became highly sought-after amongst friends, family and the local church. As the drink started to become increasingly popular, John suggested that they try to sell the cordial. In the beginning, John would sell it from the back of his old car to the local delicatessens and farm shops. It was well-received and in high demand, so the following year they made 50% more.

Gradually they moved from making the cordial recipe in buckets, to big plastic tubs, and then cheese vats.

It’s the start of harvest, so around 5% of the elders are owering. As the weeks progress, that will change rapidly

Pev checks on the youngest elder trees on the farm – they’re just three years old compared to others that have been owering for 35 years

Before they knew it, they were using ve cheese vats a year and then ve cheese vats a day. Now, they have ve 18,000 litre vats in the factory on the farm – and they ll those every day during the harvest season.

A closely guarded secret

At Belvoir Farm, they plant one single variety of elder – and only three employees at the farm know the name of the variety they grow; they don’t tell anyone.

They’ve done intensive research into the di erent varieties of elders, working out which would have the most owers and be the easiest to pick. It’s no surprise when Pev says the cordial recipe is also a secret. He explains that alongside the fresh elder owers, it’s all made from natural, kitchen cabinet ingredients.

They don’t use any preservatives, additives, sweeteners or emulsi ers – and it’s very high in owers. Pev exclaims that it’s not just the recipe that has remained the same, but also the way in which it’s made, just on a larger scale. The freshly harvested elder owers are still hand-stirred into the vats, on the same day they are picked. He laughs, saying it’s hysterical and slightly mad!

Despite the expense, Pev decided to keep his mother’s ower-rich recipe unchanged, even though competitors in the industry have reduced their ingredients to save money. Pev hopes customers will continue to want to pay for an authentic taste, full of strong oral scents.

Elder ower characteristics

They’re a di cult plant to grow according to both Pev and Keith. They don’t want to anthropomorphise; but they enjoy explaining that the plants have tricky personalities.

Elder trees are a woodland glade plant that like their own patch of skylight. They want to be near to other trees but not next to them and they’re very

di cult to manage as they’ll try to kill other elder trees that grow too close by. They do, however, manage to grow next to blackthorn, which they tolerate.

Because of this, they’re lovingly nicknamed ‘divas’ on the farm. Keith admits he’s got a love/hate relationship with them, because when it goes well, it’s fascinating and the plants reward him.

Soil solutions

Interestingly, the soil at Belvoir Farm is completely wrong for growing elders. The ‘tricky tree’ needs free-draining, brashy soil with frequent rainfall. However, the Belvoir Vale has some of the heaviest clay soils in the country and even Europe. Some areas on the farm are almost 97% clay which is

totally unsuitable, so the team are very careful to locate the lightest patches of soil around the farm.

Before planting, they dig farmyard, organic manure into the beds to improve the soil health and create a nutritious environment in which to grow. They soil test every year, not just testing for the basics – nitrogen, phosphates and potashes – but also for all minor elements, trace elements and for organic matter, to see how much they are improving the soils.

Historically, the land was worked quite deeply so they now work shallow and wide, helping to achieve a much lower fuel usage in comparison to decades ago.

Keith says he had a steep learning curve when he rst joined the farm 13 years ago – knowing a lot about growing combinable crops, but nothing about elder owers. He’s really enjoying the challenge of farming on some of the heaviest land in the country, despite knowing it wasn’t going to be easy.

He uses 5,000 tonnes of manure across 2,500 acres every year, which creates a much better soil structure. In the elds where Keith applies large amounts of manure, they notice a signi cant yield uplift.

They trade their straw for manure, working together with their neighbours who share a similar vision.

Welcoming wildlife

Pev and Keith explain that their love for the environment is their reason for farming. They plant pockets of the land with pollen and nectar mixes from seed merchants just for the birds, butter ies and the bees.

They have three beehives tucked behind the elds of elder trees, and they allow scru y headlands and borders to grow unruly for wildlife, framing their wheat and barley elds.

Whilst it might look wild and uncontrolled, the planting has been planned carefully. These designated areas are rich with environmental crops so that small birds can feed all through the winter on proteins and oils.

Keith and Pev distribute over 10 tonnes of bird feed a year across tracks and bird feeders on the farm. Four years ago, they planted 2,500 trees to create a deciduous, broad leaf woodland, and they now plant hedgerows every year.

The long grass left between elder trees is alive with hares, voles, mice and the owls that feed on them. They leave wildlife corridors in every eld so they can move freely about the farm. Keith re ects on his early mornings at the farm, explaining that there’s no better feeling at 6.30am, than venturing down the farm track and watching the fallow deer ahead.

The farm is home to a huge variety of deer –red, roe, fallow and muntjac. They can often be spotted amongst the 80 acres of willow trees that the farm grows for biomass boiler fuel. Pev says that the willow doesn’t make much money, but they continue because it makes for a fantastic environmental habitat – and it doesn’t cost much to grow.

Both Keith and Pev watched deer born underneath the branches last year and they compare the scene to something from a lm. Pev mentions the high numbers of brown hares that they have on the farm – and his joy in noticing the increase in rabbit numbers after the outbreaks of VHD and myxomatosis in the area.

Belvoir Farm has also just entered a project with an ornithological group who have reported seeing an increase in population of all birds again on the farm since the avian u outbreak. Keith is proud to point out that they have the largest number of resident yellow hammers on any farm in the East Midlands.

Managing extreme heatwaves

Pev re ects on the 40ºC heatwave that the farm recorded last summer; they didn’t see much of a drop in elder ower yield, but they did notice smaller owers.

They think this year a heatwave would be even worse because of the wet winter and early spring; Keith explains that the crops haven’t got the root mass that they would ordinarily have, so the plant architecture isn’t set up to cope well with the drought.

They’ve put in a few measures to try and help keep the roots moist. As part of their environmental stewardship scheme, they ‘cut and lay’ hedging; a traditional method to thicken up hedgerows. They take the brash that comes from the process and put it through a wood-chipping machine, including any other foliage from forestry clearing on the farm. The woodchip then locks in the moisture and stops them drying out in the droughts.

Harvest time

Harvest is the usual chaos, Pev exclaims, already being two days into the season. The elder owers are picked by the local community and processed on the same day in the factory on the farm. Their labour force is entirely local, gathered through advertising in the local press, on local radio and by lea et dropping. This year, within the rst two days, they’ve already had over a tonne of owers brought in – a huge volume, as elder owers are so light, Keith explains.

They recognise familiar faces who have returned each year for decades. Prior to Brexit, they relied heavily on European workers. Keith remembers the moment when half of the Romanian army turned up to work the harvest one year and he was overwhelmed by their phenomenal work ethic. The soldiers were very entrepreneurial, using the money they’d earnt to buy car and motorbike parts to then sell at a greater pro t back in Romania.

The thought of losing these workers, and others like them, caused fear and worry for the farm initially, as they’d always relied on a European workforce for harvest. Through word-of-mouth and local marketing, Pev and Keith have managed to build a local labour force with just as many numbers; it can be as many as 200 pickers each year, often with cars queuing up at the gates.

Hopes for the future

Belvoir Farm is already a fully sustainable production with a zero-waste land ll site. In good weather they’re almost fully powered by sunshine and on a cloudy day, they’re 60% solar-powered by 400kW of solar panels spanning 150 metres across the top of their farm buildings and factory roofs. It cost Pev around £400,000 to put the system in place.

Every bottle – and all of the packaging – is recycled and certi ed gold-standard. Even the waste liquid goes to an anaerobic digestion plant, to be put in the mixture for power generation.

At the moment they are powered by Calor gas, as it’s more sustainable than diesel, but they’re looking into hydrogen boilers as the next step, as well as windmills, to get to the point where their electricity is 100% sustainably sourced.

They want to hand the farm back in a better condition than when they started farming in the 50s and in uence the countryside for the better.

Belvoir Farm

Location: Vale of Belvoir, Nottingham

Farm size: 2,700 acres for wheat, barley, eld beans and pasture, plus occasionally oilseed rape; 100 acres for wildlife habitat; and 60 acres for organic elder owers

Soil type: Heavy clay

Aspect: The 60 acres of elder owers are dotted about the farm in ve locations. They’re found within their smaller elds and sometimes in corners of the farm. They’re situated in areas that are sheltered from wind – and that have lighter soil where possible Age of trees: They range between 35 years and four years old

Varieties: Top secret

The local community hand their pickings in at the drop-off station, where the owers are collected and processed on-site that same day

The freshly-picked, organic elder owers are emptied into a vat with lemon juice and stirred by hand in the farm factory

M5002 Narrow Series

The smart choice for fruit and orchard crops.

narrow models

with proven engineering and extra features

Kubota has introduced new M5-002N-series narrow tractors with updated features which are certain to increase appeal for specialist fruit growing and vineyard applications. F&V machinery editor David Williams enjoyed an exclusive test-drive of the rst of the new models to come to the UK

The new M5-002N narrow tractors ll a gap in the Kubota line-up, created when M5-001N series production ceased two years ago. Dealers and loyal customers have been looking forward to the new model’s arrival, and demand is expected to be particularly strong as the new features attract interest from existing customers as well as

those currently using competitor brands. Although Kubota o ers several model variations for other world markets, just the M5102N is available initially in the UK. “Previous experience as well as current market analysis suggests that this model will suit the vast majority of fruit and vineyard applications,”

Engine and transmission

The M5-102N is powered by a Kubota V3800 engine, with 3.8 litres capacity, four cylinders, and turbocharging, producing up to 106hp and 346Nm of torque. Crucially, it meets latest Stage 5 emissions standards using AdBlue. The complete emissions control module has been squeezed in under the engine hood, avoiding the need for an external chamber, and minimising the e ect on the driver’s view.

For the UK market, a manual transmission

explained Kubota UK product & key account manager – ag tractors, Jonathan Rook, at the Fruit & Vine demonstration.

Fruit & Vine spent a day at Hambledon Vineyard in Hampshire, test-driving the latest Kubota M5-002 Narrow tractor

The Kubota M5-102N during testing at Hambledon Vineyard. The M5-102N has a 106hp engine, meeting Stage 5 exhaust emissions

with three ranges, six gears, plus a high and low range electronic-activated splitter giving 36 forward and reverse gears is available, with direction changes through an electronic shuttle lever by the steering column. The clutch is hydraulic.

Operator environment

The cab is like before, but includes air conditioning as standard, plus an uprated air-suspension seat. For the rst time, it is available with Cat 4 operator protection for spraying. It has six pillars, but these are narrow and those at the rear are close-spaced, so there is an excellent view from the seat in all directions. The two curved rear corner windows can both be opened, allowing the operator to obtain fresh air without having to open the larger rear window. LED lighting is standard on the new model.

The cab is like before but includes signi cant upgrades. Cat 4 operator protection for spraying is a new option

Up to ve mechanical spools can be tted, or four if electronic rear hitch control is tted

When Cat 4 ltration is tted, the operator selects the correct lter depending on the task. The working time is monitored, and an alarm alerts the operator before the 600-hour lter

service life is reached.

The cab oor is almost completely at, with just a small, raised section following the line of the transmission tunnel. This is despite the relatively low cab height. Many competitor tractors of similar height rely on a lower cab oor either side of the transmission tunnel, which means that the driver’s legs must remain in the con ned footwells.

User-friendly controls

The shift, and gear change levers are on the right, just ahead of the main control panel. Changes up and down through the six gears can be made on the move, but for range changes the tractor must be stationary. The gear lever has two electronic buttons. One operates the dual-speed splitter, and the other activates the clutch, allowing gear changes without the foot clutch pedal.

The shuttle lever is to the left of the steering wheel. It has three positions – neutral, forward and reverse, and allows clutch-less direction changes on the move.

There are two handbrake levers. On the right

The cab has an almost completely at oor even though the overall height is only 2,358mm on 360/70R28 rear wheels. Electronic hydraulic controls are an option – adding external linkage control which makes it easier to hitch up implements. There is electronic engine speed management, which ensures constant revs are maintained – even as working conditions alter

side, near the gear selectors is an Independent Park lock lever that engages the 4wd shaft, and on the left is the secondary brake used to make emergency stops.

The rear di erential lock is engaged by a foot pedal close to the cab oor, under the right side of the seat.

Front axle suspension

Front axle suspension is an option, but Jonathan Rook expects it to be a popular addition. Two large accumulators absorb impacts and there is 95mm of suspension travel for e ective performance on very rough ground. The suspension is easily adjusted from the cab through two buttons. One selects o , on or auto modes. In the ‘o ’ position, the axle is kept rigid. In the ‘on’ position, the suspension is active across the full speed range and, in ‘auto’, the suspension adjusts automatically to suit the driving speed and conditions.

The second button selects the degree of damping, to suit the implement, ground conditions and type of work. In ‘ xed’ mode, the suspension is sti er with less response – ideal for heavier implements, and in ‘normal’ mode an appropriate amount of damper movement is automatically selected. In ‘soft’ mode, the suspension responds quickly for a smoother ride across uneven surfaces.

Capable hydraulics

The hydraulic spool control levers are on the main control panel, and a rocker button and rotary dial operates the hydraulic linkage. PTO drive activation is self-modulating, so that engagement is smooth whatever the load.

Hydraulic spools are available with manual control. A maximum of ve can be tted with mechanical control and up to four if electronic rear hitch control is tted. The electronic option also includes external linkage operation through buttons on the rear mudguards, making it easier to hitch and unhitch linkage-mounted implements. Hydraulic oil ow rates are adjusted using convenient twist controls behind the seat. Colour-coding matches the rear spool outlets, to ensure the correct control is used.

Optimising performance

The dashboard includes large, clear analogue gauges on the right side for fuel level and temperature, and on the left displaying engine rpm. The central Intellipanel LCD display shows essential information including travel speed, PTO speed and AdBlue tank level, and it can also display the exhaust particulate lter state and working hours data.

Two engine speed memories can be set; adding convenience for repetitive tasks carried out at constant speeds or requiring constant revs. For eld work, the user can complete headland turns and then immediately return to the pre-set speed at the touch of the dashboard-mounted button.

Constant RPM Management is new. When this mode is selected using a switch on the dashboard, the engine speed will be kept almost constant within a certain level of load uctuations. This improves working accuracy without the need to manipulate the travel speed and hand throttle lever, and is a useful addition when powering complex implements that require a constant operating speed. Isobus implement control is

an option, along with a wide range of precision farming applications available by tting Kubota’s 7in or 12in K-Monitors.

Many of the latest multi-row sprayers use Isobus control to manage complex systems, and the Kubota terminals o er full compatibility with all aspects of precision operation including GeoControl, variable rate applications and section control.

Sizes to suit

On its standard 280mm wide front and 360mm wide rear tyres, the overall width of 1.45m is narrow enough for orchard work and operation in modern vineyards with wider spaced rows, but for traditional closer vine row spacing, narrower 7.5in front and 11.2in rear tyres are also an option for even narrower widths.

Highly manoeuvrable

The new M5-002N tractors retain the previous models’ portal axle design, maximising ground clearance and allowing a tight steering angle. For even better manoeuvrability, the tractors also have a selectable bi-speed turn mode, causing the front wheels to speed up once the steering angle exceeds 35 degrees, and pulling the front of the tractor in the steering direction. This allows tight turns at the end of each row for consecutive row working without the need for shunting. The bi-speed mode can be disengaged when it isn’t needed, and to protect sensitive grass areas from scu ng.

Test drive

Access to the cab is very good, through the wide opening left-hand door. The steering wheel tilts up to 40 degrees, allowing plenty of space between the seat and dashboard. The at oor also makes it easier to get in and out of the cab.

The design is functional and user-friendly. All the controls are logically laid out, and clearly labelled. Once the engine is started, then the operator selects the appropriate gear range – Low, Medium or High – and then the appropriate gear. The dashboard display clearly indicates whether high or low splitter range is selected. The forward/ reverse shuttle lever is moved in the required direction of travel, then the operator uses the foot accelerator or the manual engine speed control to select appropriate revs.

Clutch take-up is very progressive, making it easy to move distances of just a few millimetres at a time – handy for lining up pins when attaching implements, or the pick-up hitch when connecting a trailer.

There is no adjustment for the rate of drive take-up when the shuttle lever is used. This means that using it without the main clutch is only possible at lower speeds.

Changing up and down through the gears using either the foot clutch or push-button clutch control, it is easy to achieve smooth changes, especially when the low and high splitter range button is used simultaneously to ensure a close speed match.

The standard of nish is high, and although the Fruit & Vine test-drive included travel along uneven tracks and across undulating terrain, there were no rattles or vibrations.

The air conditioning worked well, quickly reducing the temperature inside the cab to a comfortable level in the warm weather.

Driving around the site as well as between

Access for daily checks and servicing is good. The Stage 5 emissions control system is compact and ts under the engine hood so there is no external SCR chamber to obstruct the driver’s view

The AdBlue ller (blue) is at the front, under the hood, and the diesel ller is at the rear of the tractor. It is almost impossible to confuse the diesel and exhaust treatment additive lling points

The cooling packs slide out, making it easy to wash or blow them clean

vine rows, the visibility was excellent. The large front screen provides a wide unobstructed view, and although the new engine hood is slightly larger than before to accommodate the new emissions control system, the sloping top makes it easy to close in front of the machine and down to the front wheels.

The large side windows give a good view to both sides and the rear quarter windows allow a partial view between the rear and the sides reducing any blind spots, which is an advantage when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Service and maintenance

Service access is good, making the tractor easy to look after. The diesel ller is at the rear, and the AdBlue lling point is at the front, accessed by lifting the engine hood which means there is little chance of putting the wrong product in the wrong tank.

The engine oil dipstick is adjacent to the ller on the left-hand side, and it is accessed without lifting the hood. The dipstick is short, making it easy to remove, check the level, and replace the stick without risking contamination.

Engine service intervals are every 500 hours and the diesel particulate lter needs servicing every 6,000 hours. Filter regeneration requires engine revs of only 1,100rpm to maintain the correct temperature – providing fuel savings compared to the previous system which needed 2,000rpm. The standard warranty is two years, but a ve-year warranty fully backed by the manufacturer is available.

Pure Kubota

“The new M5002 Narrow tractors are 100% Kubota,” con rmed Jonathan. “Almost every mechanical component is made in Japan by Kubota, including the engine, transmission, axles, cab and hydraulic systems. There is huge attention to detail and the quality control is exceptional, so we expect these tractors to share the same legendary reliability as other models in the Kubota line-up.”

Vineyard view

The test-drive was at Hambledon Vineyard, near Portsmouth in Hampshire. Hambledon Vineyard is the UK’s oldest commercial vineyard and produces award-winning sparkling wines from grapes grown on site. Wine production started there in 1952, and

the current owners purchased the site in 1999 with 18ha of vines. The business has since expanded, and now there are 75ha of vines, producing half a million bottles per year. Buyers include Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Virgin Atlantic as well as selected restaurants.

Most of the vines are planted with 70–90cm spacing in 2.2m rows. “The site lends itself to machine operations, although we pick all the grapes by hand,” explained vineyard manager, Nick Cran-Crombie.

Three Kubota M5-series narrow tractors are used, including two bought in 2019 and another purchased in 2020. “We looked at alternatives before buying Kubota, but when we matched the speci cation the Kubota was a more cost-e ective investment. Since we have had the tractors, the rst two have clocked up 2,000 hours each, equivalent to 400 hours per year, but we have had very few issues, and no actual breakdowns.

“The main tasks are transport around the site, spraying, trimming and vegetation management

Kubota M5-102N speci cation

Engine V3800 Stage 5. 4-cyl, 3,769cc

Rated speed 2,600rpm

Rated power 106hp

Maximum torque 346Nm

Fuel tank capacity 76 litres

AdBlue capacity 6.5 litres

using ail mowers. They do everything really and we have found them to be robustly built and extremely reliable.

“Our local main dealer, Rod Gaskin Ltd, is excellent. When problems have occurred there has always been someone with us within an hour, and repairs have been completed promptly in the eld.”

Nick was interested to try the latest Kubota M5002 Narrow tractor on his site. “Our own tractors aren’t due for updating for a few more years, but our positive experience of Kubota as well as our local dealer means we are unlikely to select anything else. One of the big attractions is the new optional front PTO and linkage. We are keen to make the most of mechanisation to increase work rates and operate more e ciently, and if we can complete multiple tasks in a single pass, then it must be an advantage.”

Other advantages of the new tractor identi ed by Nick include the Cat 4 operator protection. “Anything that keeps our operators safer has to be

Transmission 36 speeds F & R 6 synchronised gears / 3 ranges, high and low split

Max speed 40kph

Min speed 260 metres/hour at rated engine speed

Direction shuttle Electro-hydraulic

Main clutch

Brakes

Multiple wet discs, electro-hydraulic

Hydraulic wet discs, with automatic front axle 4wd engagement

Four-wheel drive Electro-hydraulic engagement plus Bi-speed turn

Rear di erential lock

Mechanical activation

PTO 540/540 Eco std. 1,000rpm option

Hydraulic linkage Cat 2, Quick-hitch lower link ends. 2,300kg capacity with position and draft control

Hydraulic ow 68.6 litres/min std

Hydraulic

Tyres

Hambledon Vineyard manager, Nick Cran-Crombie says that the three Kubota tractors used currently by the vineyard are well built and reliable, but he believes that the new M5-102N offers additional useful features to boost productivity and improve operator safety

Kubota Machinery

Kubota’s slogan ‘For the earth, for life’ remains at the heart of what they do. With experience that dates back to the end of the 19th Century, Kubota has the experience and know-how to o er its customers a truly versatile range of products optimised for all projects.

a good thing,” he continued. “That is something we would specify. We use a Lipco recirculation sprayer which recovers droplets from the air while spraying which is better for the environment and reduces our chemical use. Compared to our previous sprayer, we are saving up to 500 litres of chemical mix for every 10ha of vines.”

Nick also liked the new external hydraulic linkage controls, and the trailer hitch design.

“Everyone here rates our current Kubota tractors, and the new model has useful improvements. Our priority is our vines and wine production. We just want tractors that work well, without complications,” he stressed.

Specialist contractor view

Also present at the demonstration were Dan Smith and Tom Randall of Droxford-based grape producer and vineyard contractor, Red Admiral Contracting.

“As well as producing our own grapes, we also provide a contracting service to approximately eight other vineyards, including Hambledon Vineyard,” explained Dan.

“We o er a full range of services including spraying and variable-rate fertiliser applications. The vineyard work is carried out using Kubota tractors supplied by Rod Gaskin Ltd, and we have already ordered a new M5-102N which will work alongside our existing machines.

“It’s on wide tyres, and equipped with a front linkage and PTO, as well as GPS guidance. We get on very well with the brand.

“Kubota tractors have a simple design and are very reliable, and our current tractor has worked 1,400 hours since it arrived in 2019 and has been faultless. When we need anything the dealer provides great back-up, and we have never been let down.”

The view from the seat is excellent, despite the tractor hood being slightly higher than previous models

DEALERVIEW

Kubota dealer, Rod Gaskin Ltd operates from depots near Alton, Hants and Haywards Heath in West Sussex, and supplied and looks after the Hambledon Vineyard tractors.

"We have been Kubota since 2009 o ering the full range of tractor and groundcare products," director Tom Gaskin told Fruit & Vine. "We chose Kubota for its excellent reputation for reliability and durability across all the markets it serves.

"We believe that the updated narrow tractor will have broad appeal across our customer base. The improved, standard speci cation will bene t everyone, while the option of electric linkage and mid-mounted hydraulic valves gives the machine extra versatility for more specialist applications. These improvements will suit the changing requirements of Hambledon Vineyard, as well as our other customers needing specialist narrow tractors for orchard and vineyard applications across the South."

Pictured with the new tractor (l-r): Red Admiral Contracting macinery operator, Tom Randall and owner Dan Smith, with Nick Cran-Crombie, and Kubota dealer Rod Gaskin agricultural and groundcare sales specialist for Hampshire and Sussex, Tom Merrit-Smith

The undisputed leader between the rows

Kent dealer success service customer built on

“Our customers choose us for the great range of products as well as our friendly, personal service,” says Horsepower UK Ltd sales director, Phil Stanford

The dealer looks after customers across Kent as well as others further a eld from its base at Selling, near Faversham. The business has operated since 2005, when Phil and fellow director Clive Deal went into partnership and invested in an existing dealership which specialised in Valpadana fruit and vineyard tractors, manufactured by Argo Tractors in Italy. Keen to expand and o er a wider range of machinery to their customers, Phil and Clive expressed their interest in taking on Landini and McCormick tractors – which are also manufactured by Argo, and now the dealer supplies more Landini fruit sector tractors than any other UK dealer. “Landini is a quality brand, and the manufacturer has specialised in narrow vineyard and orchard tractors for many years, making the current line-up ideal for professional users across our trading area,” Phil stressed.

Con dence in the workshop team means that many local growers also use it to service and repair machinery of other brands – not represented by the dealer. There is a showroom with comprehensive stocks of service lubricants and sundries, vehicle electrical components and lighting, hardware, clothing and a range of PPE, and a parts counter sta ed by experienced team members. Kramp and Granit parts and components are stocked, and the dealer also o ers Kramp Online – through which customers can order parts for direct delivery, and these are then invoiced on standard terms by Horsepower UK.

New Landini Mistral-series tractors are extremely compact and manoeuvrable, making them a popular choice for tasks including towing light trailers and topping

Kent-based Horsepower UK Ltd has catered for the needs of fruit growers and vineyards across South-East England since 2005 and has become the UK’s largest Landini specialist narrow tractor dealer

Ensuring back-up

The busy workshop team consists of service manager, Clive Deal, plus Diyan Doychev (Diddo), Graham Evans and Neil Morgan. “Our objective is always to select the very best people for the role,” Clive explained. “We know that our customers depend on the machinery we supply and look after, so we do all we can to minimise downtime. We have a large workshop and use fully equipped service vans to carry out repairs onsite. We are also a registered NSTS sprayer test provider. If we can’t get a machine working immediately, we will endeavour to lend a machine from our stock where possible. if needed.

“As the business continues to grow, we always require more people, and are currently advertising for additional members to join our friendly team.”

Quality brands

As well as Landini, Valpadana and McCormick, other key brands represented include Polaris, Wanner sprayers and Weidemann handlers and loaders. “We like to specialise in just a few quality brands which means that we can provide e cient and reliable back-up to our customers,” stressed Phil.

Landini

Landini o ers tractors right up to 240hp, but those supplied by Phil and his team are mainly from the smaller specialist range which includes compact and narrow models for fruit growing and vineyard applications. “Landini has designed and manufactured tractors for these specialist sectors for many years, including Rex models which joined the line-up in the mid-1990s, and they have evolved along with customer requirements. They aren’t cheap, but users recognise that they still o er great value for the cost. The brand is well known within the sector, and very much respected,” said Phil.

Most tractors sold are from the Rex line-up. Rex 3 models come with 68 or 75hp, and in cab or platform versions. They have a 1,950mm wheelbase and overall widths from 1.35–1.62m depending on the wheel and tyre equipment. For applications where limited headroom is an issue, the platform version can be supplied with a minimum height to the steering wheel of only 1,255mm.

The Rex 4 line-up includes ve models from 75–112hp, with a cab or operator platform and with manual or RoboShift electro-hydraulic shuttle transmissions. Depending on the version, the wheelbase is either 2,140 or 2,190mm, and overall widths are from 1,000–2,040mm.

The smallest Mistral 2 series includes two models of 49 or 57hp, with mechanical power shuttle transmission. Minimum height with a cab is from only 2,205mm, and with an operator platform it is from only 1,131mm. Overall widths are from just 1,203mm, and Phil explained that these new, lightweight tractors are ideal for applications including moving fruit bin trains around sites during harvest and topping, without causing ground damage and creating ruts.

“With Landini we can really tailor the package to suit each customer’s requirements,” continued Phil. “The Rex 4 comes with 40kph transmission standard, a waisted chassis for a tight steering angle and superb manoeuvrability, and we can also supply independent front axle suspension, cab suspension, electronic or mechanical hydraulic spools and base mechanical, or high performance powershift transmissions. The cab has a at oor which improves operator comfort, and we can add Isobus implement control, and precision farming systems from TopCon. Telematics is available, allowing our workshop team to connect to the tractor remotely for quick fault diagnosis using error codes.

“For spraying, Cat 4 operator protection is also an option.”

Polaris

Kiara Mitchell is the company’s Polaris specialist. She explained that although there is demand for all models in the ATV and side-by-side UTV ranges, it is the Ranger Diesel UTV that sells in highest numbers for fruit growing and vineyard applications. “The Polaris Ranger Diesel transports up to three people in comfort, plus loads up to 720kg in the rear cargo bed and it tows trailers up to 1,134kg,” she explained. “Filling up with diesel from an onsite tank is more convenient than travelling to a garage every time to get petrol, and most demand is for general transport work moving people and equipment around sites, and especially pulling trailers of fruit during harvest.”

Wanner sprayers

German-built Wanner sprayers are imported by the dealer. Available in linkage-mounted and trailed versions, from 300–3,000 litres, a wide range of models and options including multi-row vineyard sprayers allows Phil and his team to cater for the needs of almost any specialist application. The best-selling N IDS 1501 model is kept in stock, with a 1,500-litre breglass tank, and drawbar steering which means that the sprayer’s wheels track with the tractor wheels during turns. “The breglass tank is repairable if damage occurs, and it has a reliable Comet piston-diaphragm pump,” explained Phil. “The 36-inch diameter fan provides just the right amount of air for the application, and the design is very clever – using fast and slow air velocities for excellent circulation to ensure thorough leaf coverage.”

Other innovative features include directional nozzles, which are supplied with chemical through a manifold and ba e. “The liquid lines are all of similar length,” continued Phil. “This means that they all achieve equal ow rates to ensure accurate and even application and maximum chemical e cacy. They are designed for convenient cannister cleaning too. They work well, are extremely reliable and are built to last.”

Weidemann

Weidemann handlers have been sold by the dealer for four years. Although the range includes large telescopic farm handlers, most demand is for the smaller, compact models which are ideal for the con ned operating areas of orchards, vineyards and polytunnels. “The smaller compact telehandler and articulated pivot-steer models are most in demand,” said Phil. “They have a seat in the centre and the boom at the front, providing a perfect view for the operator. For loading fruit bins during harvest and for all sorts of handling tasks throughout the year, they are a great option for customers in this area.”

Success built on customer service

“Regular customers include some of the biggest fruit growing businesses and vineyards in SouthEast England, as well as smaller, family businesses employing just a few people. We sell and look after large numbers of tractors and other products, but always do our best to provide personal service and the back-up of a caring family business,” Phil concluded.

Nearest the camera is a Landini Rex 4.090F tractor tted with under-body protection to avoid damage from prunings, and beside it is a Rex 4.120F with a cab equipped with Cat 4 ltration – one of three similar tractors awaiting delivery to a single customer

Members of the workshop team are pictured (l-r): Clive Deal, Graham Evans and Diddo Doychev

Polaris specialist Kiara Mitchell with the popular Ranger Diesel

This Wanner N IDS 1501 1,500-litre trailed sprayer incorporates exclusive design features to ensure reliability and accurate spray applications

Pictured (l-r) are members of the sales and administration team. Polly Cook deals with telephone enquiries and looks after the parts counter, assisted by director Phil Stanford who also deals with sales enquiries. Meggin Anderson looks after marketing and accounts, and Kiara Mitchell provides customer demonstration and sales advice on the Polaris ATV and UTV line-up

Viti-Culture:

Celebrating the UK wine industry

The fth annual Viti-Culture Show took place at Plumpton College on 1st June. Fruit & Vine spent the day chatting to growers and industry professionals, and enjoying some of the nest English and Welsh wines that the UK has to offer

Hosted by the centre of excellence for the UK wine industry, Plumpton College, visitors could pre-book to tour the state-of-the-art facilities on site.

There was also a large number of exhibitors, from vineyard consultants to land agents, specialist machinery manufacturers and dealers, winery equipment suppliers, agronomists, brand and

packaging specialists, and professional service providers, who were on hand to o er advice on every aspect of establishing and managing a vineyard, plus producing, packaging and marketing the wines.

The seminars were a popular part of the day –you'll nd content from these in the next issue of Fruit & Vine.

Covering all aspects of vineyard management

Vine Care UK Ltd, The Vineyard Store and The Grape Exchange were all represented on one stand at this year’s Viti-Culture show.

Vine Care UK’s Steve Burnett and Alice Richards spoke with the Fruit & Vine team, explaining that the Magon posts they offer have a low price point yet perform well, offering the required longevity for a trellising system.

The Grape Exchange is the most recent project created by the management team behind Vine Care UK Ltd - with the aim of the business being to connect buyers and sellers of grapes and bulk wines across the UK. Steve explained that it perfectly complements the services offered by the other two businesses.

For wineries of all sizes

Vigo supplies wine production equipment from brands such as Speidel, Willmes, Enoveneta, Kreyer, CIMEC and Barida, for wineries of all sizes.

Covering everything from grape presses and reception, tanks and chill systems, to bottling and canning lines, and disgorging and dosage, the company has an in-house team of engineers, who are on hand to provide full servicing and maintenance assistance. Meanwhile, sister company Rawlings Bristol offers bottles and on-brand bottle decoration. Pictured is sales director, Andy Pegman.

Key machinery franchises

Ernest Doe is the largest agricultural machinery dealership in the UK, with 19 branches covering the majority of the UK vine growing area and a number of key machinery franchises. Pictured at Viti-Culture 2023 (l-r) are: Ernest Doe Power Ashford area sales manager, Bradley Cordrey; Keith Rennie Machinery’s David Wagstaff; Ernest Doe Power Albourne area sales manager, Joe Hopkins; Ernest Doe & Sons fruit & viticulture sales manager, Tom Wheatley; and Ernest Doe Power Albourne area sales manager, David Murray.

Innovative technology solutions

Core Equipment supplies innovative technology solutions to drinks producers within the juice and cider, beer, wine and spirits market, covering everything from destemmers to brewhouses to capping/ corking machines, and everything in between.

F&V caught up with wine equipment business manager Jeaffreson Paterson (left) and sales manager Dan Tomlin at the Viti-Culture event, who told us how the company has evolved over the last 12 years from simply supplying equipment to actually working with winemakers to help them achieve their ambitions by using a consultancy-based approach.

Half a century in the business

With almost half a century of experience, NP Seymour is one of the most recognisable UK specialists when it comes to fruit, hop and vine machinery. Representing brands such as Fendt tractors, BMV and ERO trimmers and defoliators, Braun and Clemens weed management equipment, Perfect and Fischer mowers, Berthoud and OCLL sprayers, Felco secateurs, Agrofrost frost fans and Pellenc grape harvesters, the team had plenty to talk about with growers on the day. Pictured (l-r) are NP Seymour sales representative Ashley Baldry; NP Seymour engineer, Steve Bowles; NP Seymour director, Claire Seymour; and Metos UK Ltd area manager, Lily Nuttall.

Quality nutrition

According to ICL’s fresh produce expert Giz Gaskin (left) and sales lead Andy Judd, everything the company does is focused on making customer crops grow better, by getting the right nutrition to plants at the right time.

Some of the innovative product solutions showcased at Viti-Culture included controlled release nutrition, water solubles and pioneering water conservation agents.

Transforming funding

Ferovinum is a new ntech solution that claims to be “transforming the way wine and spirits businesses fund their growth”.

The company provides access to a company’s ‘liquid assets’, turning stock into working capital so that it can be put back into the company as and when it’s needed. Ferovinum also hosted and sponsored the highly entertaining UK Sabrage Tournament on the day – which Fruit & Vine director, Greg Goulding, took part in. Pictured (l-r) are chief operations o cer Alex Shaw, co-founder Mitchel Fowler, and chief risk o cer Edward Sainsbery.

Making your brand stand out

Berkshire Labels Ltd business development managers Carl Jobling and Claire Pike were displaying some beautiful embossed and foiled label examples, which they’ve created for a number of well-known English wine makers. Paul explained that the company is passionate about providing high quality products with exceptional levels of customer service, and uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide an almost limitless selection of nishes.

Working in partnership

Part of the Heathcote Holdings group of companies, FGS Organics works in partnership with contracting business FGS Agri to undertake vineyard soil preparations services. FGS Pilcher can undertake groundworks and construction of trackways, parking areas, wash down bays, buildings and eld drainage, while sister company EnVar can supply nutrient-rich PAS100 soil improver to vineyards for crop and soil health improvement. Pictured (l-r): FGS Agri marketing executive, Hannah Hopkins; FGS Agri marketing assistant, Tom Stone; FGS Pilcher director, Harvey Pilcher; FGS Pilcher managing director, Clark Frost; enVar commercial manager, Whitney O’Sullivan; and FGS Organics general manager, Jamie West.

Working with winemakers

De ned Wine CEO Henry Sugden and cellar hand Janneke van der Merwe enjoyed meeting vineyard owners at the event. De ned Wine is a contract-only winery, with no vineyards or brands of its own, which offers a full ‘crate-tocase’ winemaking service or can provide any element of the process as needed.

Trellis and fence specialist

Hampton Steel Ltd specialises in steel vine trellis and perimeter fencing solutions, designed to keep pests such as deer away from vines. Hampton’s Vinelok trellis system offers strength and versatility by combining the company’s own patented and awardwinning Versalok post with its new Vinelok clip, providing a system that it says is easy to install and use. Pictured is Hampton Steel’s Tim Durham.

First tractor-powered eWeeder

Warwickshire-based electrical weed control manufacturer, RootWave was at the show to discuss its rst tractor-powered eWeeder, which follows on from the company’s professional hand-held eWeeder RootWave Pro, which was launched in 2018. The latest option treats weeds in the rows of vines, bushes and trees using treatment electrodes on purpose-designed hydraulic arms. Electricity creates heat within the weed and roots, effectively boiling them from the inside out. Communications and customer marketing manager Jimmy Phillips explained that growers can reserve a machine now, with those rst in the queue able to secure delivery in spring 2024.

‘Grape to bottle’ service

Wholesale supplier Wine Box Company (WBC) offers a variety of packaging, display and fabric bags to the food and drink market, including wine shipping boxes, gift boxes, and wine accessories. The company’s range of protective packaging covers a variety of sizes, and protection levels, and can be supplied plain or bespoke printed. Pictured is key account manager Ryad Shiko (left) with Freddie Suther-Jones.

Speaking the grower’s language

Hermens Fruitsystems is a young and dynamic company, supplying support, protection and shelter systems for the fruit growing, viticulture and automotive sectors. The pre-stressed concrete piles, steel posts and accessories are imported from Valente, which is based in Italy. Pictured at Viti-Culture 2023 are management and sales representative Jack Hermens (left) with sales representative Jeroen De Beste.

Specialist UK importer

Kirkland is the UK importer of specialist vineyard machinery including Antonio Carraro tractors, Orizzonti pruning and cultivating equipment, Giant wheel loaders, Gregoire grape harvesters and the company’s own Kirkland and Orvin brands. Pictured on the stand with Kirkland partner Scott Worsley (right) are Orizzonti’s Riccardo Raneri and Sara Tolotti.

Murphy & Son Ltd provides a ‘grape to bottle’ service aimed at helping UK wine producers to turn their grapes into award-winning bottles of wine. The company’s Stephanie Brindley (left) and Clare Sisson explained that the company prides itself on ensuring every customer’s brand quality remains consistent – from vine, to bottle and beyond.

Boosting online sales

FoodE by Oak Creative is an ecommerce platform designed for food and drink businesses. F&V chatted with Oak Creative’s Laura Bevan (left) and Jess Cook at Viti-Culture, who explained the premise behind FoodE –customers get a professional website with a host of clever features, all designed to help boost online sales. You’ll nd Oak Creative’s top tips on improving your online presence on page 60.

Wine Box Company (WBC)

Strategic expertise

Founded by award-winning winemaker Jonathan Medard (pictured), Oenolution is a customer-centric and innovative consultancy which aims to help new and established UK wine businesses to “reach new heights” by providing both pragmatic and strategic expertise, including vineyard establishment, business planning, winery design and winemaking.

Irrigation and frost protection options

Irrigation and frost protection expert Plantex was on hand to discuss a range of cost-effective and water-e cient irrigation and frost protection options, from drip irrigation to infrared frost solutions, as well as more traditional options such as frost candles.

Pictured on the stand is Plantex sales and marketing manager, Christine Hyde.

Award-winning

Welsh vineyard

is uncompromising on quality, provenance, and integrity

Initially a couple's retirement dream, White Castle Vineyard has become much more than that. Through years of dedicated work, owners Robb and Nicola Merchant have converted what was once a run-down dairy farm into a thriving enterprise that is now at the forefront of Welsh wine production, renowned for crafting quality wines with care and sustainability. Fruit & Vine staff writer Henrietta Szathmary visited the vineyard, near Abergavenny, in late spring

Having always been in and around agriculture, Robb Merchant purchased a 5ha smallholding near the Welsh village of Llanvetherine, on which he initially farmed sheep for a number of years.

At the time, the property only had a few farm buildings on it, including a Grade 2* listed barn of architectural importance to Wales.

Dated to 1581, the building was originally a

corn barn and it now stands restored as a valued part of the property. “The council has been good to us in many ways as although they didn’t want us to convert the grain barn, they gave us planning permission very quickly to convert the milking parlour into our present bungalow,” Robb recalls.

“Then Nicola started having a dream about planting a vineyard. It’s all Nicola’s dream, I just live in it. I’m very fortunate.”

However, it wasn’t until 2008 that her dream began shaping up to become reality, when an additional 2ha south-facing eld was purchased. Following extensive soil tests, the rst 4,000 vines were ordered in November 2008 and planted the next year, making for a quick baptism.

The initial varieties planted were Pinot Noir Précoce, Regent, Rondo, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix.

The rst harvest was undertaken two and a half years later in 2011, gaining the vineyard Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from Wine Standards, which allowed the produce to be labelled Welsh Quality Wine.

May 2010 saw a further planting of 800 vines of the white Siegerrebe variety. Fast-forward to the vineyard’s 10-year anniversary in 2019, and Robb and Nicola expanded plantings onto the estate’s north-facing slopes, establishing a further 2,000 vines of Pinot Noir Précoce and Cabernet Franc, followed by another 2,500 Pinot Noir and 500 more Phoenix in 2022.

Presently, White Castle counts a total of 13,500 vines – 3,500 of which were planted in May this year. This latest expansion saw the introduction of Chardonnay and further plantings of some white wine varieties to rebalance the vineyard’s topheavy red production.

Explaining his approach to planting a wide selection of varieties despite having limited land, Robb says it’s all to do with their focus on quality rather than large-scale production, and the desire to o er something for everybody.

“Quality winemaking starts in the vineyard”

Both Robb and Nicola studied viticulture at Plumpton College in East Sussex to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to produce

quality Welsh wines. This training has enabled them to adopt a hands-on approach to vineyard management and take charge of operations from the start.

“We have carefully selected varieties that we know will grow well in our soil and produce grapes of the highest possible quality in the microclimate of the vineyard,” Robb says.

Located to the east of the Black Mountains, White Castle receives less annual rainfall and has a warmer and drier climate than other parts of Wales, making the site and surrounding region ideal for vine growing. The prevailing wind and rain are from the south west, and the highest point of the vineyard is 94m above sea level.

Robb monitors conditions across the vineyard through a weather station, which provides readings of air temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind direction every ve minutes. The couple also conducts regular soil and leaf analysis to include in the site’s database and closely monitors the performance of each row, allowing for timely adjustments as and when needed.

Meanwhile, the vines bene t from free draining sandy clay loam soils and plenty of sunshine on both south and north-facing slopes. The southfacing vineyard o ers slightly poorer drainage, as it was destoned for potatoes in the past, which is “the surest way to ruin ground,” Robb notes.

The trellising system employed at White Castle is VSP with metal end posts, except for the older plantations where some wooden posts remain.

Advancing through trial and error

With the goal of continuous improvement in mind, Robb and Nicola are always searching for new practices to try out in the vineyard. Spur pruning is currently being trialled on three Pinot Noir vine rows, in the hope of increasing the volume of grapes produced.

The rows will be monitored for sugar and acidity ripeness in separate batches to see how they perform in comparison to the rest of the vines, which are all cane pruned. If the rows fail to produce the levels required for red wine, the fruit will go on to make either sparkling wine or rosé, so

there is nothing to lose, Robb explains.

Canopy management at the vineyard consists of leaf stripping and cane positioning, aimed at maximising the sunshine and air ow between vine rows. At the time of Fruit & Vine’s visit in early May, bud burst was underway across the estate, with owering set to begin towards the middle/ end of June – which will give an idea of the size of this year’s crop.

Veraison typically starts four to ve weeks after owering, and the rst day of harvest usually lands on or around 24th September. Like others in the industry, Robb has more recently experienced harvest starting earlier in the year, with the fruit taking three to four weeks to pick in total.

Prior to harvest, Robb and Nicola quality-check the grapes and discard anything they don’t want to go on for processing, so pickers have an easy job of harvesting the fruit that is left on the vines. The task is carried out by a nucleus of reliable local workers who have been supporting the vineyard over the years, helped by friends, family and volunteers.

In recent years, White Castle has been averaging 12–13 tonnes of annual fruit yield; equivalent to around 10,000 bottles of wine. The estate produces a full range of wines, o ering three reds, two whites, a small volume of rosé and a forti ed wine. Meanwhile, its sparkling range features a white and rosé option, both produced using the traditional method.

International recognition

The wines of White Castle Vineyard have won multiple awards locally, nationally and globally, evidence of the care and skilful crafting that has gone into their production. In 2021, the estate became the rst Welsh vineyard to win gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards with its homegrown Pinot Noir Précoce Reserve 2018, followed by the silver at Decanter 2022.

Other award-winning wines produced by Robb and Nicola include the white Gwin Gwyn, which translates ‘wine white’ in Welsh, made from Phoenix grapes, which are a PiWi variety.

Once aged, the wines are destined for

independent bottle shops and high-end restaurants, distributed primarily in Wales via Fine Wines Direct, as well as Gwin Dylanwad Wine shop in Dolgellau, North Wales, amongst other trade partners.

Around 55% of the produce is sold through the cellar door, which opened in 2012, and customers can also buy through the vineyard’s online store. Marketing is primarily done via social media, which has worked well for the business, with the couple experiencing high demand for their wines.

“Ultimately, that’s what we’re here for, but we also have a great life, away from the day jobs that we used to do,” Robb adds.

He attributes a large part of the success White Castle has achieved to their agronomist Chris from Hutchinsons, who has been bringing his expertise to the team since 2011. The business has also recently hired a full-time vineyard operative

to carry out routine tasks in the vineyard, such as pruning and securing vines and shooters on older plantings.

Bringing production in-house

Immediately after harvest, the grapes are transported and pressed on the same day at Three Choirs Winery in Newent, Gloucestershire. Quick processing ensures the freshness and fruity aromas are retained in the juice, and with the winery located only 15 miles from the vineyard, it made for an obvious choice.

For many years, Robb and Nicola have been working closely with a contract winemaker to produce their premium wines. However, they now feel the time has come to take the next step in their winemaking journey and bring production in-house with an on-site winery.

According to Robb, the new facility would not only o er increased control of the winemaking process, alongside cost savings, reduced emissions and waste, as well as improved quality, but will also strengthen the pro le of Welsh wines.

“With the winery, we’ll be able to say that our grapes are grown in Wales, and the wines are produced in Wales, and that will give us 100% provenance and integrity for Welsh wine, that will all be estate-grown.”

Works are already underway to lay down the foundations for the building, handled by Robb and Nicola’s son, who owns a civil engineering business. With the materials ordered and planning permission sorted, construction is set to go ahead imminently.

The couple started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the winery equipment (www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/white-castle-vineyardwinery), which represents a major investment for

the business. In addition, the project has been accepted into the expression of interest phase of a Welsh government grant, which would provide further funding for equipment.

Robb admits there is a steep learning curve ahead, as their focus so far has been on perfecting the vine-growing process at the vineyard. As such, the couple is considering employing a winemaker, who will have roles in both the vineyard and the winery.

Minimal intervention

Conscious of environmental concerns, Robb and Nicola take a minimal intervention approach when it comes to pest and disease management, which is mainly carried out via leaf removal and optimising air circulation between vine rows. The primary disease concerns have always been powdery and downy mildew, against which sulphur sprays are applied once or twice a year.

In the early days of the vineyard, plastic mulch was used as a weed suppressant under young vines; however, the practice was abandoned as it limits oxygenation of the soils. Robb is now looking to transition from under-vine cultivation to strimming as a means of weed control.

With regards to pests, he says deer are becoming more of a worry, along with wild boar. To keep the birds away, he ies a kite from a long pole in the south-facing vineyard, but otherwise does little to deter wildlife.

“Wildlife is a key part of the ecological balance of the vineyard, so, whilst we’re not organic or biodynamic, we focus on minimal intervention,” he explains.

In terms of frost, White Castle has only experienced one severe incident so far on 12th

May 2020, resulting in the loss of 70% of that year’s crop. Despite only having enough fruit to produce 3,000 bottles of wine, Robb refrained from buying in grapes from elsewhere, as he is so committed to protecting the provenance and integrity of wines produced by the estate.

For Robb, managing frost is about balancing cost and risk, and since the vineyard has only experienced one bad episode in 12 vintages, no mitigation strategies have been implemented as of yet.

In contrast, last summer provided exceptional growing conditions for vineyards across the UK, resulting in outstanding quality wines. The outcome for White Castle was a harvest of perfectly ripe grapes with a greater intensity of avours, although yield had su ered.

Essential machinery eet

Robb’s machinery eet is boiled down to the bare essentials and consists of a sprayer, vine trimmer, and under-vine cultivator that is pulled by a Same Dorado F90 tractor.

He is also looking at investing in a de-leafer to increase e ciency, although has some concerns as to whether it would work well for the vineyard, and is currently leaning towards hiring one for a year to nd out if the machine is a suitable t.

All current machinery was purchased new from dealers in the UK, with the vine trimmer sourced from Kent-based machinery supplier NP Seymour. As the business evolves, Robb is planning to update some of the kit, including the tractor, which he intends to replace with a one-pass system to reduce soil compaction and increase e ciency.

Adopt A Vine scheme

Under the hat of diversi cation, Robb and Nicola have set up a scheme they call “Adopt A Vine”, the idea for which came from a vineyard they visited previously. The scheme o ers the opportunity to adopt a grapevine chosen by the customer from White Castle’s seven (soon to be eight) varieties, which includes:

• A personalised certi cate of adoption valid for one year

• A plaque with the customer’s name to be placed upon their adopted vine

• A guided vineyard tour for two people to

include a glass of wine

• An opportunity to join the White Castle team for a morning’s harvest

• A bottle of wine from their adopted grape variety.

Robb says the scheme has been very popular with wine lovers, and they currently have 660 vines adopted on the vineyard. It has also been a great way of creating a family feel for White Castle, building a solid customer base and boosting engagement. “Without the people, we are nothing; next to quality grapes, they are the rst and foremost part of the business,” he added.

Robb and Nicola also run a number of other diversi cation projects, including vineyard tours, lunches, wine tastings, small wedding receptions and corporate events. They also o er cheese platters, artisan meat, charcuterie and sh platters to complement their wine.

The vineyard typically receives 3,500 visitors a year and is open to customers from Friday to Sunday. Robb notes the nearby 12th century Norman fortress, Whitecastle – from which the estate takes its name – has also helped to drive tourists to the vineyard.

“Nothing is off the table”

The last 12 months have been challenging in terms of bottle supply, prompting Robb and Nicola to explore alternative packaging options. Bag in box is a format they have been considering for wine headed to be sold in bottle shops. However, products destined for restaurants will remain corked for the time being.

Robb says nothing is o the table, and with the vineyard being small, they have the luxury of being able to experiment with innovative ideas. Sustainability is also an important consideration for the business; however, Robb points out nancial stability must come rst.

In terms of the vineyard’s future, the couple’s focus is currently on expanding and making the winery a success, after which they will evaluate how to move forward. Quality, provenance and integrity will remain the three driving factors for Nicola and Robb, and represent all the White Castle brand stands for.

“For us, it’s all about producing quality Welsh wine, representing Wales and being proud to do that,” concludes Robb.

Location: Situated near the village of Llanvetherine, midway between the market towns of Abergavenny and Monmouth in South East Wales

Total vineyard size: 7ha, with 5ha under vine

Soil type: Free-draining sandy clay loam

Aspect: Sheltered by the Black Mountains to the west, the vineyard sits 94m above sea level around 30 miles north of Bristol Bay

Varieties grown: Heavy on Pinot Noir Précoce with the variety making up half of the vines (1ha); the rest is split between Regent (0.4ha), Rondo (0.2ha), Cabernet Franc (0.4ha), Phoenix (0.4ha), Seyval Blanc (0.2ha), and Siegerrebe (0.3ha), with Chardonnay vines introduced in May

• GRAPEVINE SUPPLY: All vines sourced through one partner nursery, proven vine establishment over many years.

• VARIETIES, CLONES, ROOTSTOCKS: All combinations created to suit your vineyard site and target wine styles.

• PLANTING: Planted by GPS guided machine, accurate to within 8mm.

• TRELLIS MATERIALS: We supply everything, sourced direct from the factory to ensure lowest possible prices!

Diversi cation is a

key driver

for family-run vineyard

a good use for something that would otherwise have not been doing much,” he explains.

According to Angus, planning permission for glamping was relatively easy to acquire, and he also managed to get grant funding to help cover some of the costs.

The poacher’s hut

Set up in the style of a traditional shepherd’s hut, the cabin (pictured below) sits slightly lower down the vineyard and is an alternative option to the grain silo. Perfect for a couple’s getaway, the unit includes a cosy bedroom, kitchenette and shower room, accompanied by the luxury of a wood red hot tub.

“People staying in the poacher’s hut could enjoy drinking Tu on Hall wine in the hot tub overlooking the vineyard, which is quite nice,” Angus adds.

Tours and events

During the warmer months, the Crowthers are busy hosting vineyard tours, wine tastings, weddings and private and corporate events. Weddings take place inside a 16th century barn located right next to the vineyard, which the family converted around four years ago.

Angus says planning permission was an issue with the barn conversion, as the council had concerns regarding noise levels. However, the project was eventually given the green light, and the venue now hosts up to 30 weddings a year.

Nestled in the north Essex countryside, Tuffon Hall vineyard has much to offer wine lovers thanks to its reputation for producing award-winning sparkling and still wines. More recently however, the estate has also become a popular staycation destination

Established on the lands of a fourth-generation family farm in 2011, Tu on Hall prides itself on producing wines of the highest standard from grapes that are exclusively estate-grown.

The vineyard is managed entirely by the Crowther family, overseen by owners Angus and Pod Crowther, and some of the wines even bear the names of their daughters – Amelie, Beatrice and Charlotte.

Speaking to Fruit & Vine, Angus said they began diversifying four years ago, with the aim of creating an additional revenue stream for Tu on Hall. Since then, the project has grown to become an integral part of the business, with weddings alone accounting for 30–40% of wine sales.

Tu on Hall wines are also enjoyed by many guests staying overnight. Visitors can choose from three luxurious accommodation options, which usually book up fast ahead of weekends and holiday seasons.

“I’ve been very impressed by the year-round bookings; I thought I’d only get business in the summer, but it’s much more than that,” Angus says. Although diversifying required considerable upfront investment, the returns seen so far have given the family con dence that it was the right choice for the future of the vineyard.

The farmhouse

Tu on Hall’s six-bedroom farmhouse sleeps up to 12 guests and is surrounded by stunning views of the estate. Angus says a lot of people who stay in the farmhouse also book wine tours and take home bottles of wine, making it a double win for the business.

Ideal for staycations, the farmhouse features a king-size suite along with a further ve guest bedrooms, with one double room located downstairs for accessibility. The spacious building also includes three bathrooms, a downstairs cloakroom, stylish country kitchen, cosy sitting room with a log burner and a formal dining room.

The grain silo

For those seeking a glamping adventure, Tu on Hall’s upcycled grain silo (pictured above) has proved to be really popular with guests visiting Tu on Hall. Featuring a star gazing roof, mezzanine level bedroom and wood red hot tub, the Crowthers have created a unique glamping option.

The original structure was a very old corrugated iron grain silo, which Angus and Pod converted last year. “It was quite nice to upcycle the existing silo – it was the rst time we did it, it’s

Angus explains that customers booking weddings are required to purchase a wine package from Tu on Hall, ranging from two to three glasses per person to bottles of the best sparkling wine they have. “We sell 30–40% of our wine at weddings at a big mark-up compared to selling through trade or retail.”

For those looking to start their own diversi cation journey, he recommends exploring di erent funding options and seeking professional help to navigate the grant landscape, as the application process can be quite challenging administratively.

Otherwise, he reckons it’s just a case of getting started, and keeping in mind that returns might take longer than expected to come in.

As for the future, the family is focused on getting a return on investments already made and carrying on with what is undoubtedly a diversi cation success story.

The importance of yieldestimation and forecasting

berries, will provide excellent information on how the total yield is tracking.

This information should then be used postharvest to compare with what was harvested from a block/sample, identifying where the discrepancies in your estimation lay, and ultimately be used to improve estimations next season.

These early counts of in orescences (bunches) are an important early indicator of what the harvest will look like and can also in uence how you approach the management of your vineyard between now and then. Reliable, accurate yield forecasts are a valuable tool for managing a vineyard as well as your wider wine business.

Vital statistics

Firstly, identifying low and high yielding areas is important for understanding where your vineyard is underperforming, and where it is doing a bit too well! Such vital statistics can mean informed shoot selection and green harvesting to achieve better balance for the vine, as well as achieving improved sugar/acid ratios depending upon the style you are aiming for.

Secondly, inaccurate forecasts are costly in terms of time, money, and resources. Wineries need accurate and reliable forecasts many months (not weeks) in advance of harvest. Based upon a vineyar’s estimations, they will need to hire sta (permanent and temporary), allocate or purchase additional tanks and barrels, and acquire additional winery equipment and dry goods. Back in the vineyard, crates, snips, buckets, and other supplies

need to be sourced, and, most importantly, harvesting machines or hand pickers need to be booked and organised in advance.

Having an insu cient number of pickers, or failing to hire the necessary machinery due to an underestimation of your yield, could have wider-reaching implications in getting the fruit home safely and in a timely fashion. Getting those forecasts right is imperative to avoid unnecessary costs for both the vineyard and the winery.

Counting without bias

So how do we approach this task? Without over complicating things, it is a case of diligently counting large enough samples of owers/ bunches – typically 30 per variety/clone (or block) – in a manner which avoids bias, making sure that you count those that have no fruit as well as those that do. Doing this well will provide you with an accurate estimated average number of bunches.

The next stage is to weigh several bunches from this sample size, combining this into a calculation: The number of bunches x average weight x number of vines = projected yield. Doing this over several stages in bunch development, from owering to pea-sized

Poor yield forecasting chaos

When I was writing this article, I was reminded of the 2018 harvest. Whilst now fondly remembered for its quality and abundance, there is still a lasting resonance of the chaos experienced during that period, caused primarily by poor yield forecasting. We saw several instances of plentiful fruit struggling to ripen due to over-cropping and lack of fruit thinning early in the season. We also saw disproportionate bookings of harvest labour vs fruit expected to be picked. Wineries were not immune either. They had growers bringing in larger tonnages than expected which caused tanks to ll up fast. This forced some to reject fruit and cancel orders as they had no means to process it, leading to several wineries scrambling around looking to secure or hire tanks during harvest.

I am con dent that we won’t hear of that situation again this harvest, as the industry has become more aware of the importance of diligent crop estimations. It has been the focus of workshops, expert talks, and the introduction of handy apps for our phones.

At VineWorks we are here to support you, one vine at a time. Visit www.vine-works.com for more information.

As we race towards owering and fruit set, in orescences develop and become more visible. This provides an opportunity to make an assessment on the potential for this year's harvest, explains VineWorks business director and head of vineyard services, Chris Buckley

The heat is on: Combatting summer heat stress

incorporated into current growing practices

The summer of 1976 has often been romanticised as the epitomy of a wonderfully hot English summer. As an impressionable child at the time, my rose-tinted memories are lled with endless sunshine, trips to the beach and ice creams.

However, the legacy of 1976 for the countryside and our farmers was quite di erent. It has been shown that hundreds of thousands of trees were so weakened by the drought that they either died straight away, or in the following few years.

For farmers, the drought either caused crops to fail altogether or drastically reduced yields. Although the whole climate change issue wasn’t known about at the time, the frequency of very hot summers has greatly increased in the intervening years.

Upward trend in variability

Another key e ect of climate change that we are already seeing in the UK, is increased variability in weather conditions. If our summers were more Mediterranean with consistent hot weather, it would be much easier for farmers and growers to adapt production systems to these conditions over the longer term. However, the constantly changeable nature of our weather means we never know when extreme heat will occur until shortly before, when it’s often too late to react and alter crop responses.

With the recent monumental increases in productions costs, from water and fertilisers to labour and transport, margins are becoming ever tighter, and the di erence between relative success and failure is becoming ever smaller.

Ensuring crop watering and nutrition are optimised during variable weather conditions is vital to achieve the e ciencies every grower needs while producing the high quality crops that the retailers (and consumers) demand.

Water – a valuable and nite resource

The costs of providing su cient irrigation have greatly increased over recent years, so it’s now much better recognised as a valuable and nite resource. Wetting agents have been available to aide water use e ciency of container grown crops for a long while, but the bene ts of these surfactants are becoming increasingly recognised during heat stress conditions, including their use on irrigated soil-grown crops.

The savings in water and fertiliser applications from ensuring valuable resources are used as e ectively as possible, and that irrigation is distributed evenly around the crop, can far outweigh the costs of application. The awardwinning environmentally-friendly wetting agent HortiHydrate Bio is derived from sustainable ingredients and increases the speed of absorption and spread of irrigation water to where it’s needed around the roots of plants.

Biostimulants to mitigate effects of stress

During periods of extreme summer heat, plants respond to the stress caused by closing stomata and increasing electrolyte concentration in cells to prevent damage. The e ect of these changes is to e ectively ‘shut down’ growth, which will

result in lower yield and quality. Regular use of the biostimulant HortiBoost has been shown to help mitigate the e ects of stress, and this is becoming increasingly well known in fruit production. Several growers, after trialling HortiBoost during the hot summer of 2022, found it so e ective they have decided to use it as a regular input throughout their production programmes.

HortiBoost contains seaweeds, amino acids and humic and fulvic acids, and the combination of these stress protective constituents can provide bene ts far greater than applying any one of the components individually – the bene cial ‘cocktail e ect’.

There are 20 essential amino acids manufactured and used by plants that are found in the product. These are used as the building blocks in the synthesis of the many proteins needed for healthy growth and development. Around half of these amino acids also have speci c roles involved in heat and drought stress protection.

Under heat stress conditions, the production of these amino acids is slowed or even halted as the plant self regulates to conserve its reserves to limit any potential damage. These include proline and serine, which maintain cell turgor and osmotic balance regulation, as well as stabilising membranes preventing osmolyte leakage.

Provision of amino acids in HortiBoost helps to maintain plant growth responses even during stress conditions, preventing loss of yield and quality. Applying biostimulants such as this frequently at rates as low as 2-litres/ha, ‘little and often’, and tank mixing with other inputs including fungicides or insecticides allows for e cient inputs throughout the stress danger period.

Importance of calcium

Certain amino acids found in HortiBoost, such as glycine and glutamic acid, stimulate root cells to open calcium ion channels, allowing calcium to be taken up many times faster than by normal osmosis alone. While calcium is well understood by fruit growers as a vital component in the formation of fruit cell structure, it’s also important to realise that the cell wall strengthening properties provided by calcium apply equally to leaves. Calcium forms the ‘glue’ that binds cell walls together, strengthening plant tissues against temperature stress, so optimising cell calcium content will help in providing resilience. Calcium is unlike most other plant nutrients in being transported within plants in the xylem vessels via the transpiration ow. Under stress and intermittent drought conditions, the ow of nutrients to the leaves can be insu cient and cause ‘induced’ calcium de ciency at leaf margins.

Amētros, from Plant Impact, contains calcium along with patented CaT Technology which helps to mobilise calcium and increase its concentration in the cells where it is needed most, improving resilience to heat stress conditions, as well as increasing fruit quality and shelf life.

With the ckle nature of the weather in Britain being as it is, there’s a chance you will be reading this article while sheltering from summer rain, however if we can learn anything from recent summers, it’s that it’s always best to be prepared for extreme heat events and take steps to mitigate the e ects as much as possible.

Amino acids absorbed through the leaves to rapidly boost growth and kickstart recovery after stress

Fulvic acid helps plants absorb essential nutrients more quickly and easily through the leaves

Powerful seaweed extract containing plant auxins and growth hormones as well as other bene cial active components to boost growth and stress tolerance

Generous levels of iron and full range of trace elements to boost chlorophyll and growth

Humic acid boosts root growth and helps plants absorb essential nutrients more quickly and easily from the soil or growing media

Amino acids, humic and fulvic acids stimulate and encourage bene cial soil and growing media bacteria and fungi

Hortifeeds agronomist, Mike Wainwright, highlights some of the methods growers can use to mitigate summer heat stress that are easily

Stress relieving attributes of HortiBoost

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bredtoboost Strawberry varieties

winter production in the Med

Angus Soft Fruits Ltd recently released three new strawberry varieties – AVA Alicia, AVA Cataline and AVA So a – each of which have been speci cally bred to produce delicious fruit through the Mediterranean winter season

Angus Soft Fruits Ltd breeds new varieties of strawberries and raspberries at its Angus Innovation site, based at Sandbrook Grounds.

The company’s breeder, Dave Griffiths, has been growing berries for over 40 years. Their aim is to develop new varieties which have improved flavour, appearance, shelf life, disease resistance and yield than existing varieties. In 2003, Angus Soft Fruits released the original AVA strawberry variety, which was the first strawberry grown in the UK to be sold into premium lines at leading retailers.

In the last few years, two further commercial selections have been named – AVA Rosa and Islay, both of which are widely grown and supplied to the supermarkets today.

Subsequent new varieties from the company’s breeding programme are pre-fixed with the AVA trademark, which Angus Soft Fruits says helps to differentiate its premium berries from others.

The latest three varieties were bred and selected by the Angus Soft Fruits Breeding Program team led by research director, Dave

Griffiths. Intended for production in the Mediterranean region, trials and tests over the past three years have proved they have something special to offer growers, retailers and consumers, the company says.

The science behind breeding these varieties started several years ago when Angus Soft Fruits reviewed its Mediterranean production of strawberries. Varieties at that time were deemed to lack some of the characteristics enjoyed during the summer season of production. Efforts were made to combine genetics that would express the appearance and flavour of the traditional ‘summer season’ berries. Also required in the make-up of the new varieties was the ability for them to produce fruit in the short days of winter, albeit during the warm climate enjoyed during the Mediterranean winter. The results have more than satisfied the requirements of Angus Soft Fruits farmers, retailers and consumers alike, the company claims, allowing for the scaling up of production of the varieties in the months and years ahead.

Success in packaging innovations

Angus Soft Fruits was thrilled to win the Sedex Sustainability Awards for Tech & Innovation earlier this year, recognising success in its packaging innovations.

As Britain’s rst berry supplier to import strawberries using new cushioned punnets instead of bubble pads, the company believes it is leading the industry in reducing plastic, and is working towards 100% recyclable packaging.

Over the next 12 months, Angus Soft Fruits Ltd aims to eliminate over 42 million bubble pads from its global supply chain. To give you an idea of how much plastic this is, if you put 42 million bubble pads side by side it would take you from the company’s o ce in Arbroath to its o ce in Huelva, Spain and back again – 3,764 miles to be exact.

In addition to this, in January the business launched a paper punnet for its premium blueberries which has 85% less plastic, is FSC certi ed, and is fully recyclable.

According to Angus Soft Fruits: “This has been a fantastic achievement that we are very proud of, and we look forward to continuing with sustainable packaging innovations well into the future. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.

“Our sustainability goals have been achieved so far with brilliant innovation and collaboration throughout our packaging team, our partner suppliers Sharpak and Graphic Packaging International, LLC; our growers around the world; our customers, and the wider group.”

AVA Alicia

This short-day, early season strawberry variety has a large green calyx and boasts a “delicious sweet avour”.

The shiny, rounded berries are an orange-red colour, medium or large sized, with indented seeds.

They have an attractive appearance, rm durable esh and no white shoulder.

AVA Catalina

This is a highlyavoured, short-day strawberry with a wrap-around medium-sized calyx.

The rounded, symmetrical, heartshaped fruit have an even internal colour, while externally they are medium red.

With indented seeds and no white shoulder, these bold, delicious berries are rm and succulent, and o er early Spanish season production.

AVA Sophia

These have a slightly turned back, smaller calyx. With no white shoulder, and a firm texture, the wellpresented large, slightly elongated shiny berries have a light-medium red colour, with indented but prominent seeds. A shortday, early season strawberry variety with a delightful fresh flavour.

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Exciting innovations cider & wine

in

mildew and very low incidence of botrytis in the run-up to harvest, he said. However, there was a risk to those with young or newly planted vines, especially if planted late in the season. At Kingsthorne in Gloucestershire, a new vineyard Simon is working with, the vines were still very young and su ered water stress. “It’s the rst time I’ve seen leaves wilting in the UK climate. It did stop growth for that really hot period, so perhaps they didn’t make quite the same growth they would have done.”

A fresh approach

Haygrove has been conducting an innovative trial over the past seven years, using polytunnels with vines grown in substrate and fertigated using harvested rainwater. “We haven’t quite got it right yet but we’re very close,” he explained. “We’re breaking all sorts of perceived norms, growing vines in a 50-litre pot which is tiny for its root system. We’re getting good crops of grapes in their second year. Some of these varieties you wouldn’t stand a chance of ripening them outside in the UK.

“We’re also taking out a lot of variability. Just like soft fruit growers have found with strawberries and raspberries etc, we’re working towards doing the same with wine grapes and producing exceptional quality wine year after year.”

Advantages include fewer pesticides and better pest control. “There are opportunities to control pests like SWD as we can put netting on the ends of the tunnels to stop the bugs getting in. There are lots of advantages. It’s quite an expensive experiment but we’re close to seeing some really exciting results. The quality of the

MEETTHEMAKER

Despite challenges in both the fruit and vine growing industries, the market for crafted ciders and English wine continues to grow. Fruit & Vine deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to consultant viticulturist and wine and cider maker

Simon Day about industry trends, innovations, and challenges

Crafted cider has seen 10.2% growth in the past year versus total cider sales which declined by 7.1%, though this does not capture the many independent cider producers(Westons Cider Report 2023). This can make for a very sustainable business, and there appears to be a willingness to pay more for a quality product, Simon explained.

“There are some really good producers who are pushing fantastic cider products, but at wine-like prices. At that point, as a business it becomes very sustainable and there’s actually a pro t to be made which has always been the big challenge. There does seem to be an acceptance of paying a bit more for something that’s proper quality. That ties in with the fact that consumers, especially younger people, are drinking less but drinking better.”

Having the con dence and ability to explore these avenues, using high volume juices as a base rather than concentrates and sweeteners, to produce more interesting ciders – even if just for a part of the range – will be key to growing the sector.

Meanwhile, despite the “mind-boggling” number of vines being planted in England, the market is buoyant and showing no signs of a slow

down or saturation yet, he said. Haygrove also sells grapes, and wineries are “biting their hands o ” to get hold of fruit.

Nonetheless, both sectors face a number of challenges and overproduction of wine is a concern for Simon. The new duty regime is less than ideal for craft cider makers because of the way the small producers’ allowance works at higher ABVs. Those making full juice ciders will naturally have higher ABVs which will likely wipe out the bene ts of being a smaller producer with lower duty rates. The deposit return scheme can also be confusing, and changes to the Scottish scheme, which has been delayed until March next year, are welcome, said Simon.

Climate change is another issue – and whilst it could make it easier for vineyards to ripen grapes, earlier budding and late frost presents quite a production challenge, as do sudden hailstorms and droughts. Summer 2022 was the rst time Simon had seen water stress in UK vines during his career. Overall, there were more positives than negatives, as disease pressure was very low on cropping vineyards, with little or no downy

Simon Day is a consultant viticulturist, winemaker and head of production at Kingsthorne Ltd, winemaker at Sixteen Ridges, cider maker at Once Upon a Tree and production director at Haygrove Evolution. Having grown up at the Three Choirs Vineyard, which was set up by his father, Simon completed a degree in Biochemistry and subsequently travelled to vineyards and wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Washington and Oregon, later returning to the UK to work at Denbies, Lamberhurst Vineyard and the La Mare vineyard and distillery in Jersey.

In 2001, he took over his father’s consultancy business after he passed away and subsequently formed the award-winning cider business Once Upon a Tree, became a director at Haygrove in 2015 and continues to consult. A big part of Haygrove Evolution is contract wine making, which is currently expanding with a new building and works with growers from all over the country.

Simon is also now working with Kingsthorne, a new, 35-acre vineyard and soon-to-be winery on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. There are plans for rewilding and a restaurant at the site and it will release its rst red wine by the end of this year.

grapes is good; what we’re working on is getting the balance of yield and ripeness.”

An initial trial involved 10 mostly late ripening varieties – Viognier, Riesling, Chasselas, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay as a benchmark, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir as a benchmark. In the second stage, involving an area less than 1ha, they used mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as they had exceptionally good results with those –and one tunnel of Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been more of a struggle to get consistently right.

Haygrove was an innovator in using polytunnels with strawberries, at a time when the industry was heavily sceptical about it. Supermarkets would at one stage buy only a little of the farm’s polytunnel-grown fruit in the shoulder months of the season – but now buy it exclusively as they know yields and quality will be consistent, Simon said.

If successful, it’s likely the method will be extended over a larger area of the farm. The trial has generated interest in the industry and Haygrove is looking to partner with a winery with volume. “It’s a contentious one because we’re covering part of the land with plastic. At the end of the day you want something that’s sustainably produced and tastes brilliant. We’re close to that.”

Although he expects to see this method used increasingly for certain products, Simon does not foresee a point in his lifetime when all vines are grown this way, and nor would he want to see it.

Keeping up with trends

With consumer preferences frequently changing and long gaps between deciding what to plant and seeing the end product, it can be di cult to keep up with trends. Whilst very aware of the fruit avoured cider segment, Simon’s preference is not for the over-sweetened avoured ciders –instead, his cider business Once Upon a Tree has experimented with innovative techniques, such as co-fermenting with Pinot Noir grape skins to make rosé cider. Once the skins have nished the ferment o the red wine, they are given a second use fermenting the cider. Using Bacchus wine lees in the fermentation process also gives “lovely elder ower characters”. Additionally, stored blackberries grown at Haygrove have been

pressed into cider juice, fermenting it all together for much more complex and interesting avours.

English wines are less a ected by trends, although one of the most common questions Simon is asked is about the colour of rosé –consumers want an incredibly pale colour, but we are already beginning to see a shift back to a trend for darker rosés. Varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier and, increasingly, Bacchus, however, are unlikely to ever go out of fashion, Simon noted.

There is currently a lot of interest in PiWi varieties – although many are not new and have been grown for many years, they present opportunities for growers in a time when reducing environmental impacts is a particular concern. “With sustainability being such a watch word with consumers, it’s a very easy win and you can make some really nice wines from a lot of these varieties. Some of the new resistant varieties are really interesting too,” Simon said.

Elsewhere on the sustainability side, Simon has long been an advocate of lightweight champagne bottles since Haygrove’s inception in 2015. “I think it tells a much better story if you can tell people you’re saving a certain amount of carbon with these bottles. Berlin Packaging recently released an aluminium bottle, which is very interesting. In the cider world I’d like to think we’ll be trialling some of these lightweight packaging options soon, which are very easily recycled.”

Top three pieces of advice for starting a vineyard

• Learn from others’ mistakes and don’t rush in because silly mistakes can be very expensive. A good consultant at the very beginning will tell you if the site is wrong, potentially saving you money from planting in the rst place. I tell a good portion of the people I visit not to plant because it’s not the right site.

• Knowing what you’re going to do with the end product. The number of people I see that like the idea of planting a vineyard but have no idea what they’re going to do with either the grapes or the wine – so think about how you’re going to market either the grapes or the wine and whether you’re going to get wine made on a contract or build a winery. All of those things need thinking about before you put the vines in the ground.

• Plant something that you will really enjoy. If you’re not keen on English sparkling wine, make some really good still wines or something that you love because that’s going to make your job of selling it that much easier at the end.

starts in the eld Storage quality

in 2022, often related to crop nutrition, notably calcium de ciency.

storage success

When storing fruit, principally top fruit, for any length of time, “grade out is king”, Hutchinsons horticulture technical manager, Jonathan Blackman says.

“If you’ve picked a whole bin of apples, you want all to be sold at top price. If 30% get thrown away, or turned to juice, the income per bin is considerably reduced.”

While there are e ective options for protecting quality in store and beyond, the initial focus must be on growing the best quality produce, he says. “Optimising storability and grade out begins in the eld.”

Prevent disease

E ective disease control is fundamental to reducing storage issues, especially in wetter seasons, Dr Blackman says.

For apples, the main crop going into longerterm storage, the AHDB Apple Best Practice Guide (https://applegrowing.niab.com/Storage-rotcontrol-and-management/) contains useful best practice information on managing crops and tackling storage issues.

The main threat to apples in many seasons is nectria eye rot (Neonectria ditissima), caused by the canker fungus, with Gala particularly susceptible, he notes. Infection occurs through the calyx, or stalk end, at blossom time, and is best managed with integrated chemical and cultural controls.

Another target at owering is gloeosporium rot, although this is less problematic than in the past, when Cox was widely grown, and was

particularly susceptible. “Gloeosporium can infect apples later in the season, so protection may be needed before harvest.

Base pre-harvest options on rot risk assessments conducted at owering, and preharvest, considering factors such as variety, weather, and disease history. Phytopthora is a soil-borne disease, so in a wet harvest growers are advised not to pick from low branches where disease could have splashed onto fruit.

Dr Blackman says disease infection risk is generally higher after wet owering periods, and increases further in unsettled conditions pre-harvest. This is therefore another important fungicide timing, to protect crops before being picked and stored. The focus is mainly covering for issues such as gloeosporium, brown rot, botrytis (mainly pears rather than apples), phytophthora rot, penicillium rot (blue mould), and fusarium.

“With no post-harvest fungicides authorised to reduce rots, generally, whether it’s apples and pears, or stone fruit like plums and cherries, rot control programmes must now focus on two main timings; owering when diseases can get in, and pre-harvest,” he says.

Nutrition focus

While wet seasons heighten disease risk, very dry weather can also be challenging, as last summer proved.

Dr Blackman says physiological issues, such as bitter pit and skin necrosis, were more evident

Calcium is a crucial component of cell walls in all fruit, so any de ciency weakens cells, potentially causing skin and esh disorders, and allowing secondary rot in, he says. “Calcium moves through the transpiration stream in plants, so any reduction in water movement, reduces calcium ow.”

Blossom end rot in tomatoes is a classic example of calcium de ciency, occurring at the calyx end of the tomato when the plant has been unable to transport calcium to the very end of the fruit. Early in the season, strawberries can also experience ‘tip burn’ where calcium has not reached the leaf end and cell walls have collapsed.

“Even if there’s plenty of calcium in the soil or substrate solution, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s getting to where you want it. But, applying foliar calcium ensures it is absorbed directly into the plant tissue, bypassing the need for the plant’s transpiration system to move it there.”

Research shows even rm varieties like Jazz can bene t from applied calcium for quality reasons.

Foliar calcium applications typically begin around owering, or just after, as this is when cell division occurs, and cell strength is determined, Dr Blackman says.

Preserving harvest quality in stored fruit has long been the focus for many growers, but with margins under strain from higher costs, the need to maximise returns has arguably never been greater. Fruit & Vine gets some expert advice on ensuring

Hutchinsons horticulture technical manager, Jonathan Blackman

It can be particularly bene cial in strawberries and blueberries, for fruit rmness, helping improve shelf life and robustness through the supply chain. “Breeding programmes build robustness into crop genetics, but foliar calcium is an important tool.”

Other nutrients

Boron is another major component of cell walls, also supplied via the transpiration stream.

“It’s rare to see boron de ciency in apple trees, but optimising levels around owering will maximise cell wall strength, which improves pressures at harvest, storability and reduces risk of esh breakdown,” says Dr Blackman. Zinc is also very important in cell division, particularly in apples.

In certain apple varieties, attention should be paid to the potassium to calcium ratio, as excessive potassium can reduce storability. “There’s a relationship between potassium and magnesium in soils, so while soil tests may show adequate potassium levels, a high Mg index can antagonise its uptake.

“Fruit, or leaf analysis is therefore a really useful tool to make sure nutrients are getting into the plant.”

In apples, fruit analysis is best done one to two weeks before harvest, so results can help

PRESERVING HARVEST QUALITY

A major factor a ecting post-harvest storage, is timely picking, says Stephen Tully, director of horticultural advice company, Landseer.

“Leave it too late, apples go softer on the trees, and if you put poor quality produce into the store, it won’t get better.”

Careful crop monitoring and testing quality (starch and brix) leading up to harvest can help growers plan when crops will be ready for harvest, and prioritise labour and picking schedules. Dry matter is a particularly useful indicator of storability, with higher DM crops generally better suited to longer-term storage, he notes. “Once harvest starts, get as much quality fruit into store as quickly as possible.”

PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Once produce has left controlled storage bulk bins, care continues, with packaging playing a vital role in protecting produce from bruising and surface damage, ensuring quality is maintained up to arrival with the consumer, says Jeremy Sharp, of Produce Packaging.

Sustainability is key though, and is driving innovative solutions. Modi ed atmosphere packaging (MAP), for example, manages the impact of ethylene on fruit while in transit and retail environments. This is achieved by controlling the package atmosphere and respiration of produce through the pack’s ventilation, not by introducing inert gasses as used for some meat.

determine storability, he adds.

The Omnia nutrition module for apples helps growers plan balanced nutrition programmes, featuring a built-in system to calculate fertiliser requirements for P, K, and Mg, based on crop o take and soil analysis, that can be re ned according to leaf analysis.

“We’re aiming to achieve even quality and yield across the whole orchard to minimise grade out. Precision will help with that.”

Balancing act

Alongside balanced nutrition, crop load can also impact storability, Dr Blackman continues.

Juggling the competing needs of stimulating healthy, productive, plant growth, versus maximising nutritional content of fruit, can be tricky though.

In a light cropping apple orchard with few blooms, for example, it may be necessary to regulate excessive growth, to limit the “pull” of calcium into leaves rather than fruit. Conversely, in a heavy-cropping orchard, the transpiration pull from leaves is lower, and there are more apples to supply, therefore applying foliar calcium can be very important.

This often requires juggling varietal requirements, especially as club varieties have become more popular, adds Stephen’s father and Landseer managing director, Mark Tully. “You may need to pause picking one variety and move to another to ensure fruit enters store in optimal condition.”

Once crops are in store, crop temperature must be reduced quickly, unless the crop has been under stress, when a more considered gradual cooling should take place.

“Growers spend ve to seven months nurturing fruit on the tree, and can spend up to 10–11 months managing it in store, so it is important to get storage right,” says Stephen.

These basic principles for preserving quality can be supported by using SmartFresh, for which Landseer are UK agents, assisted by Hutchinsons as key service providers.

The product is similar to ethylene, a naturally occurring hormone that causes fruit to ripen. SmartFresh interacts with ethylene-sensitive sites in

Paper board and paper pulp packaging products are also now important plastic-free solutions, with the bene t of absorbing excess moisture from produce to reduce mould / mildew-inducing humidity, particularly bene cial for tomato and stone fruit punnets. Produce Packaging supplies top sealable thermoformed bre punnets and trays for soft and stone fruit.

Another innovation is a cushioned through design strawberry punnet that removes the need for a separate bubble pad, making packaging fully recyclable at home. Such innovations are alongside simpler solutions to preserve quality, such as bulk bin liners that pear growers can use to reduce bruising, and bulk bin covers that reduce shrivel in pear necks during long term storage.

“All of the above protect harvest quality, increase post-storage, and in-store shelf life, and reduce food waste,” concludes Mr Sharp.

Dealing with extreme weather

The UK generally has good growing conditions, without the extremes of other fruit-producing countries, such as North Africa, California, Australia, or the Mediterranean.

However, as climate changes, so the resilience of fruit production must improve, partly by growing varieties more suited to extremes.

“A big change in apples recently is that the UK now grows Pink Lady, a variety many previously thought could never be grown to the required standard here.”

Many new varieties, such as Cameo, Jazz and Magic Star, are rmer eshed, so are better suited to storage, but it is worth noting that many bred for hotter climates can face di erent challenges when grown in the UK. Gala and Jazz, for example, are susceptible to apple canker, and Nectria eye rot.

“Understanding the impact of climate change on storability and shelf life of new varieties is important.”

Dr Blackman suggests there may be opportunities to use biostimulants during times of stress to improve crop physiology and disease defence, potentially bene tting fruit quality and storability. “But we need to know what products do, and when they are best applied.”

the fruit to manage its response to internal and external ethylene sources. This puts ripening “on hold” so that softening and over-ripening occur much more slowly.

“Apples are climacteric fruit, so as they get closer to harvest, they produce ethylene that signals fruit to start breaking down cell walls,” Mark Tully says. “Depending on variety, this can cause super cial scald, external browning, loss of green colour. Smart Fresh blocks the ethylene receptors and prevents those issues occurring.

“Once fruit comes out of store, respiration naturally increases as temperature rises, and apples produce new ethylene receptors.”

In the UK, Smart Fresh is mainly used on apples and plums, although is applied to pears, and many other crops elsewhere. Suitability for treatment depends on various factors, including ripeness and length of storage, days to load the store, and general quality of fruit before storage.

STORAGE QUALITY TIPS

• Quality test fruit going into store (pressure, brix, colour, dry matter)

• Tailor size pro le to customer requirements

• Pick at the right time

• Harvest quickly

• Load stores within three days if possible

• Remove eld heat quickly, but avoid stressing fruit – every 10ºC removed from fruit halves respiration

• Once cooled, establish storage conditions – varies depending on variety, but typically 1% oxygen, 1–5% CO2

• Consider Smart Fresh treatment to preserve quality where appropriate

• Regularly test quality during storage.

Stephen Tully, Landseer

Jeremy Sharp

for marketing your business online

Whether you’re selling to trade, locally, nationally, direct or over the internet, your online presence is crucial. Ecommerce platform FoodE has been speci cally designed for food and drink businesses, and offers its top 10 tips for selling your products online below

Growing and producing is a labour of love, utilising farming, science and experience. Once your products are ready to go, it’s time for sales and distribution. We live in a digitally led world. When potential customers see or try your products, they expect to be able to nd you online at the touch of a button. In fact, 93% of consumers expect the online experience to be at least equal to, if not better than, shopping in-store (Coveo, 2022). Your online presence needs to convey your brand accurately and provide visitors with an easy, intuitive and positive experience.

1. Tell your story

Customers want to know who they are buying from and why. Telling the story of your brand is more important than ever as people are more cautious of spending their money. They want to see and feel your authenticity in order to relate to you and choose your brand over others.

2. Keep it clean and simple

A website needs to be easy to navigate from the second a visitor arrives. Whether it’s a rst-time

visitor or a returning customer, they need to get a sense of who you are and what you stand for in an instant. Avoid bombarding people with information, pop-ups and o ers as it can be pressurising and irritating.

3. Mobile rst

Businesses are now primarily ranked on Google on the quality and speed of their mobile sites. Web visitors are now browsing more often from their mobiles too, so if your site doesn’t work properly or is hard to read on phones people will not bother using it.

4. Website speed

According to industry research, 47% of customers expect a website to load in two seconds at the very most, and 40% will abandon it altogether if it takes longer than three (thedrum.com). With search engines penalising slow websites and analytics showing that it leads to high bounce rates, it is vital to assess the performance of your website. You should focus on improving your metrics to attract and retain users and get those extra sales.

5. Keep it real

Consider including some sort of personal message or jokes that match your brand's tone of voice. Be sure that everything you write on your website sounds human: Imagine you are talking to your customer directly, rather than just writing down bland information.

6. Merchandising

The way you display your products online is key. Product names and photography needs to be

simple and clean, with additional information available to customers if they need it. Product listings need to contain allergy, dietary and sustainability information – if you don’t communicate these, customers will have no way of nding this out.

7. Social media for reach AND sales

Not only is social media a great tool for marketing your brand, you can also use it to sell instantly via the Instagram and TikTok shops. This means people don’t even need to leave their social media scrolling in order to buy from you. This is a fantastic way to catch them in the moment and convert interest into a sale. Focus your e orts on channels relevant to your brand.

8. Analytics

Whilst your analytics are a goldmine of information, it can be hard to know what to do with it all. With a FoodE website you get a live dashboard of key information and statistics which will be directly useful to your sales and marketing strategies. Quick-glance visuals will show you where your customers are arriving from, which products are selling well and numerous other purchasing habits. You can then tailor your online merchandising and marketing accordingly in order to perfect the entire shopping experience.

9.

Digital marketing

Always keep an eye on where your website tra c is coming from. If you are paying for digital advertising, you can tell if those campaigns are successful if you have high tra c from paid search. If you’re using social media then you’ll be able to attribute spikes in sales to certain posts. If you have great links from other sites, the tra c is labelled ‘direct’. Keep these in constant review and make adjustments based on the insights you get.

10. Continuous improvement

Your website is your sales tool and you will need to review it, appraise it and update it frequently to get the most from it. A mindset of continuous improvement, including split-testing and small edits along the way will improve functionality and sales.

FoodE was thought up, designed and built by design agency, Oak Creative, in response to seeing a trend in customers’ needs for a reliable food and drink e-commerce platform. Oak Creative has built sites for award-winning clients such as Biddenden Vineyards, Kingcott Dairy, Slow Richie’s and Touchays. If you’re looking for creative know-how and online sales expertise, and would like to nd out more, visit getfoode.com

Investing needs patience in your orchard or vineyard

to bear fruit

ingredients they’ve gathered.

More and more people are taking a literally spirited approach to diversi cation, using their potato crops to make, distil and bottle gin and vodka. A growing popular trend is viticulture – another RAF client in Kent is now enjoying the fruits of their labour with the rst harvest from their vineyard. The couple had no farming experience until they were bequeathed 27 acres of fallow land from their parents and were approached by a grape-grower who wanted to lease a south-facing slope. “They obviously then realised that instead of renting it out, they could start their own vineyard,” says Matthew. “Banks wouldn’t look at them as a completely new business so they had to nd other ways to fund the buying, planting and establishing the vines. Three years on we are helping them to consolidate their borrowing into one much more a ordable loan, and they’re actually now ahead of schedule. They were expecting a half-crop last summer, their year three, but the 40ºC July meant they got nearly a full crop, and now they’re already selling wine.”

Of course, many farmers are also eligible for grants to help them develop their existing business or diversify. Since Brexit the government has established a number of payments to replace EU farming subsidies – for instance the Added Value grant, which can pay up to £300,000 for facilities to prepare and process agricultural products, or the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, which will typically cover around a third of the cost of speci c machines, such as infra-red fruit ripeness spectrometers, mobile frost fans and crop storage sensor systems.

However, there are ways farmers and growers can nance their new project, conversion or even entirely new business without a ecting their cash ow. And if you do it right, you can keep back those precious cash funds you’ve set aside for rainy days – or, as is increasingly the case, too many dry ones.

“Fruit farming can be an unpredictable business,” says Matthew Smart, CEO of Rural Asset Finance. “Weather and related factors can make life very uncertain before you get to fresh produce export red tape, and if farmers have a safety net of savings they understandably want to protect that so they can cope if anything unexpected happens. But there are very e ective and a ordable ways to nance new machinery, buildings or projects without touching those savings.”

One Cambridgeshire fruit farm is doing just that. Having taken over the business two years ago, the farmer immediately saw he could make far better use of his cold stores by partitioning one to house apples and plums simultaneously. A partition wall, new sliding doors and a new cooling loop of evaporator, condenser and compressor pushed the cost up over £20,000; but with RAF’s help the farmer has achieved this without a ecting his cash ow.

“There’s always uncertainty with frosts and pollination,” he says, “so the key is nding a way to keep cash in reserve in case you have a bad year. We had our plum crop in one old store which included equipment from the 1960s, and our apple crop in another that was way too big – and of course some apples you have to store

at di erent temperatures. It didn’t work and therefore it made sense to bring them together –but obviously you need to do more than just put a wall up, so we contacted Rural Asset Finance after seeing them in Fruit & Vine magazine. Dividing up the newer building will give us the exibility of storing fruit at di erent temperatures in the same unit – and we’re looking to convert the old, now disused store into a residential dwelling.”

Farmers looking to borrow nance for new initiatives often meet resistance from traditional lenders. Many banks assess only a business’s past performance as the basis for releasing new money, which tends to lock out any farmer wanting to diversify or expand as these are new, forwardlooking income streams, not based on history – but there are alternative ways of nancing your dream. RAF nanced the Cambridgeshire cold store with a xed-rate, xed-term hire purchase agreement on the equipment and the future e ciencies will repay the nance facility. RAF also funds whole new farm-based business arms such as holiday lets, farm cafés and renewable energy projects such as solar panels and biogas plants using farm feedstock with xed-term, xed-rate loans secured on land and buildings.

There are numerous opportunities for the innovative fruit farmer to branch out and make more money. Opening up to the public is an obvious revenue stream with accommodation, a café, camping and glamping, PYO and open days, but many farmers also run skills workshops, farm schools or even foraging tours, showing guests how to cook, drink or preserve and store the

But canny farmers and growers are using these grants as a basis and then borrowing the remainder of the funding to complete each project from specialist agri-lenders such as Rural Asset Finance. This means in some cases they can fund even the most ambitious fruit and vine projects, again without compromising their cash ow.

“More and more farmers need an enhanced or alternative revenue stream,” says Matthew. “Therefore if you want to diversify, using a government grant to cover a proportion of the outlay, and then using a ordable nance to fund the rest, enables you to develop what will hopefully be a very lucrative additional revenue stream while still protecting your cash ow and your savings.”

Paying out money for equipment, machinery, cold stores or processing plants can ultimately bring signi cant nancial rewards – but the very nature of fruit-growing means it can often take a few years even to recoup the cash you’ve spent before seeing any pro ts

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What brand of machinery do you prefer?

Do you use a contractor?

Other (please specify)

Is this your main enterprise?

For vineyards – do you produce your own branded wine?

If not, which winery do you use?

Do you have a winery onsite?

What year was it set up?

Do you grow

What advice is missing from the industry?

Apples – which varieties?

Research questions

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Is there any di culty in getting equipment within the UK?

Where do you buy products and machinery?

MANY MORE NEW AND USED MACHINES AVAILABLE - PLEASE ENQUIRE

ATVS/UTVS

THE PLACE TO BUY AND SELL

KAWASAKI Mule diesel, 3 seater, front winch, new battery, all good. £5,500+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

PORTABLE welfare cabin, 24', anti vandal windows, self powered 11kva generator, electrical consumer unit, full electrics, lights, heaters, sockets, water tanks, open plan kitchen with seating area, drying room, office, chemical toilet. £5,995. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

DIGGERS / DOZERS / DUMPERS

POLARIS Ranger, petrol, 6x6 ATV, tipper, tow ball. £3,500+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

BUILDINGS & MATERIALS

BUCKET 80cm wide, 30mm pin holes, 155mm gap between pins, off McConnel. £25. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

DRILLS

CHEMICAL store, 10’ x 8’, used for safe storage of chemical substances internally, these units are made from steel with high & low louvre vents & have a mesh bunded tray to capture spillage, for more information please call. £3,395. E Reece Tel 07879 056342 (Gloucestershire)

GRANITE paving slabs, used, 2’ square, aprox 130 slabs. £250 for the lot. D Carter Tel 07768 935715 (Essex)

WEAVING GD4000M Drill for sale. 2015, 2300ha, c/w Stocks micro seeder, eradicator tines, markers, pre-em markers, GPS speed sensor, spare wheel & bearings, great drill in working order ready to go, genuine reason for sale. £27,500+VAT ono. C Roe Tel 07951456117 (Lincolnshire)

STOCKS Ag Micro Meter seeder, 3 hoppers each, 6 outlets mounted on genuine Stocks frames making 3m wide, but can be just one or two boxes, control box & motor, in excellent condition, ideal for OSR, turnips, grass cover crop, stewardship seeds. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

FENCING & GATES

GRAIN HANDLING/ STORAGE

ASTWELL grain auger, 20’ x 6” diameter, galvanised with loading hopper & adjustable tripod with wheels, in excellent condition, no motor but plate to bolt on single or 3 phase motor or can be driven hydraulically off tractor. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

SUPERPRO digital moisture meter, self contained in easy carry case, c/w use instructions, excellent condition, purchaser to pick up or arrange courier from Spalding. £300+VAT ono. B Anderson Tel 07887 802628 (Lincolnshire)

ACCORD DF2 front hopper, twin metering c/w ESC control box, hydraulic drive fan, land wheel metering, ideal for OSR drill or fertiliser hopper. £2,350 ono. P Marris Tel 07748 657263 (Lincolnshire)

HYDRAULIC post knocker, 3 point linkage mounted, good condition. £845+VAT. B Burton Tel 07775 877136 (Nottinghamshire)

SULKY Sky Easydrill, 3m, immaculate condition, all updates done, exactly the same as the Sky version, small seed kit, control box with variable rate, following harrow, very low acreage, exceptional drilling capability, upgrade forces sale. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

COULTERS for Vicon/Accord drill, handy to have a spare! £10 each. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

WOLSELEY electric fencer (3 strand wire system), needs 6V battery. £50. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

GENERATORS

2021 FG Wilson P26-3S 26KVA generator in soundproofed container, Perkins engine, c/w 200L bunded fuel tank, 6920hrs, been used on light work only with small off grid holiday let & regularly serviced by main dealer, in excellent condition. S Howell Tel 07747 762801 (Norfolk)

GSI grain silo, 100t each, excellent, 18' diameter, c/w drying floors, professionally dismantled & ready to re-erect with new nuts, bolts & washers, all on pallets & would fit on an Ifor Williams type trailer, 2 silos available. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

FIFTY-FOOT 6" belt with 5.5" cups, for a grain elevator, c/w man platform. £90. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

GRAIN HANDLING/ STORAGE (cont)

BOMFORD RS18 6' rotary topper, 2007, good working order stored undercover. £950 no VAT. M Crosby Tel 07876 196476 (Essex)

RITCHIE grassland slitter, 3m wide, very good condition, makes a very good job, c/w original water tanks for ballast. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

LIVESTOCK

12-FOOT auger, 4", has cleaning mesh underneath. £75. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

BOMFORD Turner B578 Hydromower, 3pt linkage attachment to tractor, easy on/ off, long reach arm, 3' hydraulic header, cable controls in tractor, barn stored, good condition. £4,200+VAT ono. B Anderson Tel 07887 802628 (Lincolnshire)

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

RITCHIE calf crush, suitable for animals 6/8 months old, c/w dehorning yolk, head strap & movement wheels, had limited use on small livestock farm, good condition, retirement sale. S Wapples Tel 01406 330644 (Lincolnshire)

BRICE Baker auger 5.5" 4.5m long, 3 phase motor, with hopper. £305. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

GRASS MACHINERY

FULL hay making kit – trailers, balers, mower, turners & trailer, IH440 full flat 8 set. F Johnson Tel 07774 361830/01507 450203 (Lincolnshire)

FischerGL4 160-280variable widthmower

KUHN rake GA-4321-GM single rotor, 2003, tandem axle, very good condition, well maintained, barn stored. £3,850+VAT. O Howell Tel 07503 488386 (Suffolk)

BEAUTIFULLY marked nanny & wether kids for sale, farm bred & mums vacc'd & wormed. E Bunting Tel 07889 640199 (Essex)

TWO 4-calf outdoor hutches & pens, hutch 8’x7’, & pen 7’x7’, hay rack & feeder included, hutches have some small splits in them but could easily be repaired & plenty of life left in them. £1,000 ono. N Foster Tel 07850 566294 (East Yorkshire)

KUHN Haybob 360, 2013, very good condition, only used a handful of times, barn stored from new. £3,695+VAT. O Howell Tel 07503 488386 (Suffolk)

UNSEXED peacock chicks, ready to go mid August. £35. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

PERFECT rotary swing mower, ideal for fence lines, around posts on vines, solar parks, etc, hydraulic drive to metal blade, vgc. £1,250. A Towns Tel 07751 917839 (Lincolnshire)

01580712200 npseymour.co.uk

KUHN FC243GII mower conditioner, 2014, gwo, new blades. £5,250. L Rich Tel 07774 112211 (Gloucestershire)

HEDGING & FORESTRY

HEDGE cutter, fingerbar type, for 50hp tractor. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

WEAVING branch cutter reciprocating knife, 3m long by 55mm cut, can be mounted on any trimmer or loader, very little used, in as new working condition. £3,500+VAT ono. G Stallard Tel 01823 681018/07837 063054 (Devon)

IRRIGATION/ DRAINAGE

JAVELIN 100/400H irrigator, c/w trolley & rain gun, good working order. £3,000. D Snell Tel 07714 273386 (Kent)

FANTASTIC Pygmy & Cashmere X Pygmy kids for sale, mums all vaccs wormed & hoof trimmed, care notes included, home bred on our farm, excellent markings.

D Bunting Tel 07889 640199 (Essex)

c/w control box, roll over sheet, good condition. £2,250 ono. J Hicks Tel 07539 367336 (Berkshire)

MACHINERY

WRIGHT Rain 4" irrigation pipes, trailer & fittings – 123 x 4" pipes plus a large number of fittings, all in good order, please call for details. £11,250+VAT ono. R Clarke Tel 07811 956789 (Essex)

PENNACCHIO PTO pumps, with lay flat, model 350, 2012, had little use, in good working order. £3,000+VAT. M Rigden Tel 07720 062150 (Kent)

LAND/PROPERTY

WEIDEMANN Terra Combi over seeder, very clean condition, little use. £4,995+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

KRONE grass rake, single rotor, working order, been used on small acreage, in need of a few tines. £1,000 ono. J Coxon Tel 07748 901482/07876 774404 (South Yorkshire)

SHELBOURNE Reynolds HD760T hedge cutter, 2019, digital joystick, hyd roller, parallel arm, rotor reverse, power slew, telescopic arm, independent hydraulics, debris blower, 3pt linkage mounted, clean & tidy machine well maintained.

£18,000+VAT ono. L Smith Tel 07717 796470 (Essex)

GRAZING land required, all acreage considered, good rates paid, short or long term. J Harbour Tel 07974 295535 (Essex)

PIED Krowitzer male & one female turkey for sale, male is rare breed. £50 ono. T Meek Tel 07580 418080 (Somerset)

L-INOX PS 12 pneumatic grape press, 1200L capacity, whole grapes, fruits & fermentation, push button control box, 3 programs, juice collector, filling hopper, central filling, never been used. £19,000. F Husband Tel 07714 081687 (Angus)

MALE Llamas (4) – Snowy 2yrs

2mths old not castrated, Sunday 1yr 7mths old not castrated, Frankie 2yrs 9mths old castrated, Johnny 2yrs 9mths old castrated. £700 each ono. B Hope Tel 07496 696364 (Derbyshire)

BEREAVEMENT sale – everything’s going, everything from gates & stock equipment to general farm machinery, livestock equipment, including gates, feeders, troughs, creep feeder for sheep and cattle, general farm equipment to include arable as well. F Johnson Tel 07774 361830/01507 450203 eves (Lincolnshire)

SHOTBLASTING gun with 20kg of shotblasting grit. £50. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

PETER Allan feeder,

MACHINERY (cont)

GARFORD camera guided weeder, new 2017, front mounted, sideshift, inter-row software, 60" wheel track, 3 rows. Offers. S Green Tel 07798 611712/01621 779500 (Essex)

MATERIALS HANDLERS

JCB bucket. £1,000+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

1.5-TON electric forklift with 3 phase charger, for spares or repair, batteries are dead. £550. E Vicary Tel 07920 832879 (Essex)

MISCELLANEOUS

ROESLER 28 locker produce vending machine, 2016, ambient machine (non refrigerated), easy to use & a great talking point, can be used to sell a huge variety of produce/products, selling as no longer producing eggs on farm. £3,000 ono. A Parsons-Mann Tel 07876 685809 (Suffolk)

SPARE PARTS

SPREADERS

ELECTRIC motor. £50. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

UNIVERSAL boot flail shackles for hedger or topper, retirement sale. £50. P Beales Tel 07584

189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

HI-SPEC 800 spreader, 2019, had very little use, clean tidy machine, c/w road lights, hydraulic brakes & flotation tyres, selling because we no longer have cattle, excellent condition, please call for more info. £4,950+VAT. P Carthy Tel 07540 112175 (Staffordshire)

PLASTIC stackable crates, nice & strong, 60cm long x 40cm wide x 25cm deep, stacked 50 to a pallet, up to 4000 available. £2+VAT ono. M Naylor Tel 07970 576362 (Lincolnshire)

MANITOU MLT 730, 2003, only 4200hrs, PUH, bucket & tines. £22,500. L Rich Tel 07774 112211 (Gloucestershire)

ELECTRIC motors, 15hp, £250; 10hp, £200, please call for plate info. E Vicary Tel 07920 832879 (Essex)

MUCK & SLURRY

LELY power harrow tines (12), old type, straight shank with nuts & washers. £40. P Beales Tel 07584

189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

MULTIDRIVE M420-4 KRM K85 spreader, 4860hrs, 50kph, 220hp Cummins eng, 710 Michelin tyres, Teejet steering, variable rate, c/w lime discs, 10t capacity, LED w/ lights & cameras. £70,000+VAT ono. C Anstey Tel 07919 335891 (Cambridgeshire)

FORKLIFT lifting jib, fits on pallet forks, extendable beam, plated & operators/weight book included, very good condition. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

GENUINE Alo Quicke bag lifter, excellent condition. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

RATCHET straps (6), good condition, double claw hooks, straps are 9m long. £30. D Ivens Tel 07969 877834 (Northants)

6-TON tipper muck trailer, good working order, in regular use, sound metal body & floor. £750. S Groome Tel 01733 810018 (Cambridgeshire)

PLOUGHS

APPROX 7yr old fully creosoted No6, 2.5m tree stakes, good condition, 2700 available. N Overy Tel 07736 226958 (Kent)

BREAKER points for pneumatic gun. £20. P Beales Tel 07584

189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

2011 Kuhn MDS19.1D fertiliser spreader, 24m, hydraulic twin shut offs, has M630 extension to 1.5t, manual & PTO, works as it should. £995 ono. M Jeffrey Tel 07802 722408 (North Yorkshire)

TANKS & BOWSERS

FUEL tank, steel, 2200L, good condition, stored inside, hose & nozzle, c/w tank stand 6’ x 4’ used with the tank. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

JCB 531-70, 2011, 5000hrs, good tyres, all good. £24,950+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

KVERNELAND ED 85 plough, 2004, slightly rusted, in working condition. £5,550+VAT. T Weeks Tel 07763 135184 (Somerset)

BONNET for McCormick XTX easily reparable damage to front, fits XTX 145/65/85 also MXT/ TRX. £125 new one costs over £2,600! P Beales Tel 07584

189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

SPRAYERS

2000-GALLON steel plate fuel tank, low fill pipe, filter & delivery hose, can load on your transport, good condition. £825. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

IBC 1000L containers (2). £20 each. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

KUBOTA 6t digger, c/w 2 buckets, very tight digger, works well. £7,250 ono. J Hicks Tel 07539 367336 (Berkshire)

APPROX 7yr old fully creosoted No10, 3.5m fruit tree posts, good condition, 400 available. N Overy Tel 07736 226958 (Kent)

KVERNELAND 4 furrow conventional plough, 14" furrows with skimmers & discs. £500. S Eddon Tel 07979 984796 (No County)

22,000-LITRE rubber lined liquid fertiliser tank, paintwork poor, but otherwise in very good condition. D Jackson Tel 07779 687408 (Essex)

TANKS & BOWSERS (cont)

STEEL fuel tank, 2200L, measures 6’ x 4’ x 4’, strong steel stand to the above tank, can sell separately. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

225-LITRE diesel carry tank, c/w 12volt pump, 5m of cable, hose & auto nozzle, excellent condition, always been stored out of sunlight. £300+VAT ono. D Cook Tel 07771 665720 (Suffolk)

5000-LITRE fuel tank, good condition & has been repainted, c/w on-off tap & level sight hose. £100. G Cole Tel 07765 407357 (Lincolnshire)

TRACTORS

2020 Massey Ferguson 7718S

EX D6 Exclusive Dyna 6, 1520hrs, front 480/65R28 W (90%) TM800 rear 600/65R38 WF (90%) TM800, radar, Datatronic 5 slip control, hyd top link + mudguard buttons to operate, excellent condition. £76,000+VAT ono. G Malpass Tel 07792 566462 (Staffordshire)

Landini 2-45 Compact tractor 2019, 1700hrs

£11,750

+VAT

Call: 07973 505294 www.horsepower.argo-dealer.com

Fendt210FGen3, 100HP,Profi,FL&PTO, Susp,Cat4Cab.

CASE IH Puma 220 50K, 2020, 2729.7hrs, full P/shift, f/linkage, GPS, RTK, 4 e/spool valves, PTO 540E, 540, 1000E & 1000, f/ tyres 540/65-R30 Michelin 50% tread, r/tyres 650/65-R42 Michelin 60-70% tread, h/d back axle, excellent condition. £86,000+VAT.

C Leggott Tel 07967 975638 (Lincolnshire)

TRAILERS

6.5-TON tipping trailer, 1992, good working order, grain tight, brakes & lights work. £3,250+VAT ono. R Hunt Tel 07772 280839 (East Yorkshire)

BAILEY TB12 12T grain trailers

(2) 2012, full spec, c/w hydraulic & air load sense brakes, roll over sheets, hydraulic rear doors with grain chute, 560/60R225 flotation tyres 70%, genuine condition all round. £14,000+VAT. D Reay Tel 07775 647518 (Warwickshire)

01580712200

npseymour.co.uk

Landini Rex 4-100V 2019, 3000hrs £25,500

+VAT

Call: 07973 505294

IFOR Williams LM1469 trailer, had very little light work, always barn stored, no ramps, now surplus to requirements. £3,500 ono no VAT. R Horner Tel 07769 806840 (Bedfordshire)

AW 6.5t multi purpose trailer, grain, flat bed, rear steps & canopy. £7,500. L Rich Tel 07774 112211 (Gloucestershire)

BAILEY roll over sheet from a Bailey 14T root trailer, c/w brackets & bolts, excellent condition. £945+VAT. B Burton Tel 07775 877136 (Nottinghamshire)

YORK flat bed turntable trailer, 22' long, rear lights, parking brake, twin wheels front & back, average condition. £875+VAT. B Burton Tel 07775 877136 (Nottinghamshire)

FORD tractor weights (8), good condition. £695+VAT. B Burton Tel 07775 877136 (Nottinghamshire)

EASTERBY ET8 8T grain trailer, retirement sale, 1997, very good condition with original paintwork, one owner, always stored inside, sprung drawbar, sprung tandem axle, hydraulic brakes, tyres 12.5/80-15.3 80%, grain door & front window. £4,750+VAT.

D Cowton Tel 07712 005508 (County Durham)

Landini Rex 4-100F

2019 (68 plate), front link & PTO, 3200hrs, mechanical shuttle

£26,500

+VAT

Call: 07973 505294 www.horsepower.argo-dealer.com

JOHN Deere 6430, 2011, clean tidy tractor, well maintained with low hrs 3269. £40 000+VAT. J Walker Tel 07831 531765 (Leicestershire)

LANDINI Powerfarm 95, 54 reg, 5300hrs, exc cond for age, still in use, serviced annually, genuine reason for sale, 40K, good original tyres, owner driven from new, mech shuttle, Perkins engine, barn stored, f/weights not included. £17,500+VAT ono. G Evans Tel 07794 020106 (Ceredigion)

07884 138719 (Oxfordshire)

ROLLER bed platform for delivering haylage bales, etc, lifts on & off flatbed/tilt bed trailer, powder coated, tried & tested for 2 seasons, please call for more information. O Howell Tel 07503 488386 (Suffolk)

BAILEY 14t mono trailer, 2012, on 10 stud commercial axles, sprung drawbar, grain chute, hydraulic door, arched full front window, rollover easy sheet, 560/60-R22.5 wheels, good condition. £15,300.

EIGHT corner posts (2 sets) for a 5/6t Weeks trailer. £80 total. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire) PLEASE

07531491466 (West Yorkshire)

R Biggs Tel 07763 978064 (Lincolnshire)

WEIGHT block, 3pt linkage, ideal for a loader tractor. £60. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 5475 c/w f/ linkage, 2012, 145hp 6 cylinder with f/linkage, extending r/drawbar, suspended cab & all features, extra fuel tank, one owner driver, only 1840hrs, new batteries, genuine reason for sale, must be viewed. £49,500+VAT ono. B Anderson Tel 07887 802628 (Lincolnshire)

AGCO MF grey wafer front weights, 12 x 55kg. M Summerfield Tel

NEW Holland front weight tombstone with bolts, never had weights on. £180. B Lount Tel

TRAILERS (cont)

IFOR Williams DP120 horse or cattle trailer, excellent condition. £2,000. A Lincoln Tel 01580 240589 (Kent)

FLAT-BED hay trailer, very tidy, new floor. £450. A Lincoln Tel 01580 240589 (Kent)

WARWICK Fastmaster 14t grain trailer, full spec, 2013, air & hydraulic brakes (tested), ABS load sensing, sprung drawbar, roll over sheet, front window, hyd rear door with grain chute, LED lights, swivel hitch, excellent condition & harvest ready. C Shaw Tel 07900 048303 (Gloucestershire)

ROWCROP wheels off a New Holland T6090, rears 270/95 R54, fronts 270/95 R38, tyres about 50%, rims in great condition, no longer required due to tractor being sold. £2,500 ono. B Kimber Tel 07876 592519 (Hampshire)

AS Marston tipper trailer, high tip. £2,000+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

ROWROPS for Fendt 724 (set), Michelin Agribib, 320/85-R38 fronts & 320/90-R54 rears, currently in use but we have a new set coming end of May, selling as upgrading to a set of 380s, currently set up for 80” centres, good condition. £2,000+VAT ono. A Mackay Tel 07981 527746 (Hertfordshire)

2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, 99,000mls, FSH at Ford dealer up to 60k miles, recently serviced, new alloys & tyres, clean reliable truck, reluctant sale as surplus to requirement, inc full set of original alloy wheels. £17,250+VAT.

D Wadsley Tel 07740 255697 (Cambridgeshire)

MAN 440 26 TGA Taughtliner, 6 wheeler, drawbar spec, auto, long MOT. £9,500+VAT ono. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

2018 Richard Western grain trailer, hyd tailgate, lights, brakes, sprung drawbar, in very tidy condition. D Bolderston Tel 07880 326554 (Norfolk)

11X50X16 front tractor tyre, fits big John Deere & others. £55. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

PATTENDEN Hi-lift apple bin trailer, picking/pruning, smart machine. £4,400+VAT. B Blandford Tel 07973 424473 (Hereford)

ROWCROP tyres and wheels, set to fit a John Deere tractor, rear size 270/95R48 & front 230/95R32, good condition. £675+VAT. J Rogers Tel 07717 408818 (Buckinghamshire)

14.9X28 5 star dual wheels. £15 to be donated to charity, retirement sale. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

VEHICLES

GRIFFITHS 10t grain trailer, vgc, always barn stored. £4,500. L Rich Tel 07774 112211 (Gloucestershire)

ROWCROP rims & BKT tyres off a Chafer Guardian sprayer, 320/90-R50 60% tread, available immediately, set for 80" centres, average condition. £1,000+VAT ono. A Mackay Tel 07981 527746 (Hertfordshire)

SUBARU Outback, 2004, petrol auto, 135,000mls, clean & tidy, a few age related marks, green/ silver SE version, genuine reason for sale. £1,950 ono. R Horner Tel 07769 806840 (Bedfordshire)

PRORIDER Road King Deluxe mobility scooter, immaculate condition, has covered only 16mls from new, fully road legal & c/w charger & all paperwork, more photos available if required, viewing a must. £700 ono.

R Brown Tel 07778 041144 (Buckinghamshire)

VOLKSWAGEN Amarok, November 2012 (62), 91000mls, one previous owner, 2 keys, full leather upholstery, sat nav, bluetooth, good tyres, 6 months' MOT, service history. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

RENAULT Laguna diesel estate, 1.9DCi, 2005, good engine, gearbox, brakes, just MOT'd, good bodywork, no dents, towbar, leather seats, etc, privately used, very reliable. £950 ono. S Thompson Tel 07565 920400 (Lincolnshire)

IVECO 53 plate 35C12 HPI truck cab, wheel base 148", twin wheeler, 185,449mls, good runner, no V5 but can be got, tidy, but needs a bit of welding under bonnet, new clutch, recon back brakes, electrics for tipper or winch, clean inside. £850 ono. E Tipler Tel 07724 920130 (West Yorkshire)

LAND Rover Discovery 5

Commercial, March 2020, 22” alloys, 360 camera, electric deployable tow bar, Isofix r/ seat conversion, 37000mls, still under LR extended warranty, MOT & serviced March, excellent condition. £45,250+VAT. M Cooper Tel 07703 459651 (Bedfordshire)

FRUEHAUF walking floor trailer, steel sides, 15ml high impact new floor, gullwing nets, barn doors. £19,500+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

TYRES & WHEELS

PAIR 12.4 /11.36 dual wheels, clamp tyre fittings, tyres serviceable, clamps good, located South Holland, Lincolnshire. F Wapples Tel 01406 330644 (Lincolnshire)

NEW tyres, 16,00x20, very heavy duty, suit loading shovel, teleporter, 4x4, lorry, Dunlops, 4 in total. £1,500 no VAT,

FORD Ranger double cab, owned from new, serviced every year, only ever renewed one injector & recent clutch, 137,000mls, MOT till September, good running order, still in daily use. £3,950. A Green Tel 07840 706714 (Cheshire)

665720 (Suffolk)

can load this end. G Scham Tel 01692 651021 (Norfolk)

SET of 5 BF Goodrich mud terrain tyres on refurbished alloy rims to fit Isuzu Trooper, Isuzu Rodeo & Isuzu DMax, excellent condition, please phone for more details. D Cook Tel 07771 665720 (Suffolk)

2017 Ford Ranger XL, 60,000mls, c/w FSH, tow bar & canopy, recent MOT & good tyres, can send more photos if required. £10,000+VAT.

B Robinson Tel 07740 683113 (Gloucestershire)

NISSAN Navara NP300 Tekna

2.3 TD, Cayman blue, only done 45448mls, full Nissan service history, c/w Nissan warranty until March 2024, owned from brand new March 2019, excellent condition inside & out. D Cook Tel 07771 665720/07771

REAR bumper to fit 2012 Toyota Hilux, new but shop soiled, small crack in the plastic moulding on the left corner, can send pictures, good enough for a farm truck but not a show room truck. £50. Bulky item so would prefer collection in person. B Robinson Tel 07740 683113 (Gloucestershire)

2012 Toyota Hilux front bumper, grey plastic, straight but has a few scratches, fits Hl2 version without the flared wheel arches, bulky item so would prefer collection in person. £50. B Robinson Tel 07740 683113 (Gloucestershire)

LAND Rover Series 2 soft top, 2500cc petrol, full nut & bolt restoration done in 2018, chassis was replaced for a galvanised one, fully restored to its original condition, 450 miles since restoration. £25,500. I DouglasSmith Tel 07712763726 (Fife)

BAMFORD finger bar mower, for restoration or spares. £125 ono. P Marris Tel 07748 657263 (Lincolnshire)

PART Lambourn cab, 2 doors & a front window frame & glass for a Massey Ferguson 35, please call for any information. I Ellis Tel 07774 171405 (Cumbria)

WANTED

OFFICE module with toilet. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

IFOR Williams 8' x 5' twin axle trailer required, c/w high mesh sides & tailgate. S Waterhouse Tel 01508 549891 (Norfolk)

SMALL-TINED cultivator for compact tractor. C Coe Tel 07775 504920/01284 830256 (Suffolk)

MASCHIO 1.3m power harrow. C Coe Tel 07775 504920/01284 830256 (Suffolk)

15-METRE mounted sprayer, with rear folding hyd booms, such as Hardi, Rau or similar. S Eddon Tel 07979 984796 (No County)

VADERSTAD Rapid 8m drill. D Brown Tel 07710 316205 (Cambridgeshire)

THWAITES, Terex, Bobcat or similar

1t dumper, older type, machine in working order, hydraulic tip, small repairs acceptable, preferably wheels, Notts/South Yorks border area, no daft prices. D Tinker Tel 07748 237824 (South Yorkshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 3 cylinder 35 or 135 or 148, also some other Massey Ferguson one and two series tractors, quick decision & payment. D Lunn Tel 07941 072957 (Cambridgeshire)

BUILDERS site fencing, up to 120m required, also site toilet. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

STAND alone toilet block, 1 or 2 pans, might consider complete office block. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284

828360 (Suffolk)

JOHN Deere 1140, 1130, 1750 or any 3 cylinder John Deere with cab (retired farmer) good, bad or ugly; also loader for 3 cylinder JD. P Jackson Tel 01422 243913 (West Yorkshire)

LISTER & Blackstone potato spinner/digger, for restoration or spares. £125 ono. P Marris Tel 07748 657263 (Lincolnshire)

RANSOMES Robin 2 furrow plough, all free & working so could use, but would benefit from further restoration. £150 ono. P Marris Tel 07748 657263 (Lincolnshire)

WEIGHING EQUIPMENT

DICKIE Harris hay wuffler/turner for restoration or spares. £125 ono. P Marris Tel 07748 657263 (Lincolnshire)

SELECTION of old farm troughs. Sensible offers. A Lincoln Tel 01580 240589 (Kent)

MASSEY Ferguson cultivator, in good condition, with

SUFFOLK farmer requires old pickup &/or 4x4, running if possible, but will consider anything in East Anglia, cash paid or bank transfer. J Long Tel 07711 079821 (Essex)

HEDGE cutter, finger bar type for small tractor, needs to be in good working order. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

OATS suitable for feeding to livestock, must be clean, we can collect, please contact Daniel. E Bunting Tel 07889 640199 (Essex)

PALLET truck, 2T lifting capacity, Rollertruck/BT, must be good working order. P Waspe Tel 07462 472289 (Suffolk)

PAIR of pallet forks required to fit over the 4-in-1 front bucket of a 1982 MF50D digger loader. M Davison Tel 01508 470426/07879 204204 (Norfolk)

HOWARD power harrow. J Doe Tel 07860 314240 (Suffolk)

TONG 50kg mobile weighing machine, suitable for use up to 50kg, excellent condition, weights are also available. £10 each 8 available. £100 ono. B Anderson Tel 07887802628 (Lincolnshire)

WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

07774 112211 (Gloucestershire)

HYDROCUT 3-point linkage mounted hedge cutter. J Doe Tel 07860 314240 (Suffolk)

Equipment - Livestock - Feed - Fertiliser - Seed - Cash Flow Diversification - Property - Building - Debt Consolidation

• Finance from £10k to £5m

• Excellent rates

• 3 Month to 20 year terms

• Tax Efficient

• Simple, quick phone application

• Decision within 24 hours

• Bad credit history, large debts

– No problem!

• High street banks unsupportive

• Tenant farmers welcome

ARMORGARD Oxbox tool chest, model OX4, approx 115 x 110 x 60cms, two steel grip handles, two 5 lever deadlocks, two keys, in perfect condition, only 3yrs old, ideal for truck, trailer or workshop, over £1,000 in Screwfix. Only £495. S March Tel 07860 835995 (Essex)

We bring the personal touch back into farm finance

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

all tines in place. £150 ono. M Short Tel 07388 400519 (Cambridgeshire)

MF135, 1969, V5, good running order. £5,950 no VAT. L Rich Tel

vineyards more sustainable take strides to become Washington

F&V deputy editor Sarah Kidby reports

With abundant sunlight, cold winters, persistent wind, a dry climate and diurnal shift, Washington State has naturally low pest and disease pressure, lending itself to more sustainable vine growing, according to WA Wine, which represents all licensed wineries and grape growers in the state.

Washington State is the second-largest wine region in the US, cultivating over 80 grape varieties and producing over 17 million cases of wine a year from 400 growers and 30,000ha of land. Out of more than 1,000 wineries in the state, 90% are small, family-owned businesses and collaboration between growers and wineries is signi cant and important, particularly since the state covers such a large area. The state’s wine industry allocates a quarter of its budget to a ground-breaking viticulture and oenology research programme.

Set up for sustainability

The online event saw delegates sample six wines from three vineyards in Red Mountain and Walla Walla Valley – all of whom are certi ed sustainable. Sustainable WA is a science-based certi cation programme developed over the past 20 years, speci cally for Washington State vineyards. To become certi ed, growers must meet 18 mandatory requirements and achieve at least 70% of each of nine chapters (83 requirements in total).

Based on the Paci c West Coast of the US between the latitudes of 46 and 47, the state is well within the 30–40 ideal latitude line to produce grapes. It sees 17 hours of sunlight a day, giving very long growing days in the summer. Other advantages include lots of wind, low humidity, very high UV exposure and cold winters, which all help to mitigate fungal disease pressure such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, said third generation grower and winemaker Tyler Williams, who runs Kiona Vineyards in Red Mountain. The climate makes for deeply coloured, perfumed and acidic wines, which is part of the uniqueness of Washington wine. The area is also water-rich, with the Columbia River being the 13th largest water drainage basin in the world.

Combined with limited precipitation in the growing season, hyper-precise irrigation methods allow Kiona to stress the vines in exactly the way they want, whilst mitigating run-o of spray applications.

Adopting sustainable practices

Cutworms can be a problem in Washington State, and while spraying can remove them, with sustainability in mind Kiona handles them a little di erently. They have established inter-row foliage of natural ora and spray an inert barrier product on the foliage of the grapes. This means the cutworms are still present and part of an active ecosystem, feeding on the inner row rather than the foliage of the grapes.

The vineyard is also trialling subterranean drip irrigation systems, which Tyler said are more e cient than an above-ground drip line. As part of another trial, Kiona is using aerial drones to drop beetles, colloquially known as ‘mealy bug killers’ over the vineyards. Tyler explained: “Mealy bugs are the most ominous pests we deal with here in Washington State, so instead of using sprays that have been traditional for the past several decades, we are starting to recognise that there’s other biological controls that are almost completely benign in order to achieve our goals and control pest pressures.”

On the winery side, Kiona has switched to light eco glass weighing 470g, reduced from 700/960g. “The reason for that is bottling wines is by far the biggest carbon input of wine production. So it’s the easiest way that we are able to minimise our carbon footprint,” Tyler said. They have also installed solar panels on the roof of the tasting room, which is designed to provide enough energy to o set all of their diesel use for the 80-acre original Kiona vineyard.

Meanwhile, on the Hedges Family Estate, which is also located in Red Mountain, they work with organic dairies who supply manure, as the size of the area prevents them introducing their own cattle or sheep. Established in 1987, the estate comprises 130 acres of planted vines, all under biodynamic and organic

certi cation. It’s now run by Christophe Hedges with his sister. They also grind up some forms of nutrient dense plants to make compost teas and run them through the drip system. “Essentially what we’re doing is using very basic materials, whether it’s cow manure or the plants that we grow here on site to help alleviate the constraints that might a ect yields or quality in the vineyard,” Christophe said.

One of the wines sampled during the event was Hedges’ Touriga 2018. Touriga Nacional vines were planted in 1998 and have surprisingly become more balanced as the heat summations have increased. They’re also more tolerant to water stress, being some of the least watered varietals they have on the vineyard, despite very high evapotranspiration in the soils. On the other hand, the estate has removed some of its Merlot due to poor performance over the past few years, in part due to heat and water stress. Christophe believes that moving into di erent varietals such as Touriga Nacional could be a glimpse of the future for Washington State as temperatures increase.

As part of a recent online event and wine tasting, three growers and winemakers from Washington State shared the steps they are taking to improve sustainability.

Artz Vineyard in Red Mountain, purchased by Kiona Vineyards in 2019. © John Clement

© Outshinery

Kiona Vineyards grape harvest

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