Landwards Spring 2022
Editor’s Welcome
Surely Spring is just around the corner. This edition is all about ideas, specifically in Practice (p16) where we are expertly guided through the potential minefield of intellectual property and protecting rights. Likewise Alastair Tulloch’s opinion piece (p42) on the commercialisation of autonomous and precision farming technologies is worth a read.
Despite, at the time of writing, just waving goodbye to storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin in swift succession, the daffodils and crocuses are starting to poke their way through. I can’t be alone in looking forward at this time of year?
We get a tantalising vision in On the Horizon (p14) of the NexCo Carrier, showing how arable technology may move forward. Spoiler alert, some readers will remember similar solutions in the past which promised the same and didn’t quite make it. As ever, branch activity doesn’t stop and we have enjoyed face to face
and virtual presentations from the regions, which are reported on in Membership Matters (p32). Some basics are needed to maintain our professional status as engineers, including accurately recording Continuing Professional Development, which needn’t be a chore. Profession (p28) gives some pointers to help, alongside a member’s testimonial to encourage. I hope you find this edition stimulating and an insight into the wider life of the Institution. May I wish you well for the next few months.
Andy Newbold Editor andy@farm-smart.co.uk
LE-TEC are looking for its next champion technicians to be the voice of Land-Based Engineering for 2022
With two categories this year, one for someone who is just embarking on their career and one for someone who has made a successful career and seen their vocation develop. A host of exciting prizes are up for grabs. Whether you’re an apprentice technician just starting out, or a master technician with years of experience under your belt, LE-TEC are looking to hear from you. Simply record a short video stating: • who you are and what you do, 4
• how you got into this industry, • what makes it so rewarding, • and why others should consider it as a career. Don’t worry if it’s a selfie style video, or a blockbuster production, it’s your story they want to hear, and that’s what could win the prize. Submit your video to; info@letec.co.uk by March 28th 2022. Prizes for 2022 include: • City & Guilds certified Refrigerant
Handling Course and City & Guilds Air Conditioning Course, for two winners kindly funded by AP Air Europe. This will include meals and accommodation. • A Makita Radio kindly donated by Makita UK • BAGMA Handover and Installation Training for two winners, kindly funded by Merlo UK Ltd. This will take place at the new Merlo training facilities and the prize will include meals and accommodation. • Various tool and equipment prizes to be announced very soon!
