The National Beef Association (NBA) is calling for updated regulatory definitions to reflect the improvements in production systems and genetics, in a move that will raise the profitability of the UK beef sector by millions of pounds, while also delivering environmental benefits.
Often accused of not competing well with the efficiency of the poultry and pork industries, with genetics often blamed, the NBA highlights an outdated age definition that sets the beef industry at a significant disadvantage.
“Both poultry and pork production systems are able to finish stock earlier, and yet still be classified as pork or chicken,” explains NBA chief executive, Chris Mallon. “Beef is not in this situation, as bovine are classified as veal, rather than beef, up to 12-months of age.”
Improved production systems now mean that cattle are often finished well before this 12-month mark, but must be held, and often subsequently go out of spec. The NBA is campaigning, on behalf of many breed society members, to reduce the age where beef is classified as beef, to reflect these advancements, we wish to see it classified as beef from 8 months of age.
“The regulation for the organisation of the market in beef and veal was introduced back in 1968 by the EC, introducing a distinction between adult bovine and calves,” adds Mr Mallon. “This was not for consumer information, but to allow different rules of intervention, as calves and adult cattle received different levels of payment.
“What this means, is that beef production is held back by definitions that are out of date, and were not designed for production, but for subsidy payments which no longer exist,” he explains.
Many beef systems now have cattle ready under 12-months and the ability to shift these cattle earlier will raise the profitability of the UK beef industry by millions of pounds every year, regardless of breed.
Mr Mallon says, “It would improve farm profits thanks to reduced feed, bedding and labour costs associated with each animal. It would also increase the turnover of cattle on beef units, helping farmers increase production and potentially add significant sums to their bottom lines.
“An additional advantage of younger production systems will be reduced greenhouse gas emissions per animal,” he adds.
A fleet of McCormick X7 Series and X8 Series tractors – the primary models in the McCormick range for arable farm operations – will be supporting several equipment manufacturers at Tillage-Live 2019.
This one-day event focuses on options for establishing grain and oilseed crops by way of cultivation and sowing techniques that promote best practice for cultural weed control, minimising energy use, protecting soils and providing the best conditions to get crops underway.
Organised by AEA, the machinery manufacturers’ organisation, and being held on Wednesday, September 4 from 8.30am at Deenethorpe Airfield in Northamptonshire, the event attracts leading suppliers of arable implements who actively demonstrate their new and established equipment.
Adrian Winnett, managing director of UK and Ireland operations at McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors, said: “We’re supporting Lemken, Ovlac, Pöttinger and Proforge at this event because it’s also an important shop window for the tractors needed to operate high-capacity tillage implements.”
McCormick dealers in the vicinity – Catley Engineering at Desford, Leics; A Downing Agricultural Engineers near March, Cambs; and the newly-appointed Northants dealership Venture Farm Machinery at Kettering – are also supporting the event with demonstration tractors.
The flagship McCormick X8 VT-Drive will be working at a Tillage-Live event for the first time, using its prodigious power – there are three models spanning 264hp to 310hp – and versatile CVT stepless transmission to good effect.
McCormick X7 Series tractors will also be in action, giving event visitors the chance to compare the VT-Drive stepless and new P6-Drive transmissions, the latter serving up more powershift steps and a greater number of ratios than previous versions for even better control versatility.
Both tractor series are available with ISOBUS implement control operated through a 12in colour touch-screen display used to set-up and adjust the tractor’s various powertrain, hydraulic and headland management functions.
Topcon Agriculture precision farming technologies are also available using factory-installed electronics infrastructure for hands-free guidance, section control for drilling, fertiliser spreading and spraying, variable rate application and other functions that optimise productivity and inputs management.
Purchasing an Axis 40.2 EMC or 50.2 EMC fertiliser spreader in early September 2019 could come with an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany, courtesy of KUHN Farm Machinery.
The company is offering the trip, which will include a visit to Rauch’s new state-of-the-art spreader testing facility in Rheinmünster, near Baden Baden, to the first 20 customers from 1st September, to mark the 20th anniversary of Electronic Mass Control (EMC) technology.
Initially only available on hydraulic drive Axis spreaders, but now also a feature on mechanical drive machines, the EMC system has delivered unprecedented levels of application accuracy since its launch in 1999. It works by constantly monitoring fertiliser flow (every second), enabling almost instantaneous adjustment of speedservo/aperture positions to either side of the machine in response to changes in fertiliser flow-ability (as may be caused by a partial blockage for example). Similarly, as application rate is a function of forward speed, disc speed and working width, any changes to these parameters are managed by the machine’s information system to allow almost instantaneous adjustment on the move and the maintenance of the target application rate.
The EMC system avoids the need for conventional static calibration testing, as the machine makes the adjustments automatically from simple pre-programmed data. As such, 100% of settings for the machine are carried out from inside the tractor cab. EMC also offers the significant advantages over conventional weigh cell systems of providing information and control in relation to each side of the machine independently.
Farmers or contractors ordering an Axis 40.2 or Axis 50.2 fertiliser spreader from 1st September are advised to check with their KUHN dealer if they have qualified for the trip to Germany. Full details of the trip, which will be scheduled for spring 2020, will be available through KUHN dealerships.
Knight Farm Machinery is launching the TopTill – a new seedbed finishing cultivator – which will receive its first public demonstration at the Tillage 2019 event at Deenesthorpe Airfield, near Corby, Northamptonshire, on September 4th.
The implement can be used to work down and finish any style of cultivation, including over-wintered ploughing, and leave it ready for drilling with no further work required.
It features leading paddles running ahead of a front roller, which prepares the seedbed for the cultivating tines, with a final finish being applied by a double CrossKill roller. The machine uses a similar design of frame to Knight’s successful M-Series cultivator.
All the working elements are mounted on independently floating sub-frames, with the cultivating tines mounted on an additional frame so their working depth can be adjusted separately.
The leading element is a row of sprung panels that loosen and break up the soil surface, breaking up clods so that the following roller can crush them and press them into the seedbed.
This creates a levelled and consolidated surface into which the five rows of tines can work efficiently, achieving a thorough soil and trash mixing operation, before the seedbed is finished by the double CrossKill roller.
Key to the machine’s effectiveness is the spacing of the working tines. These are set in five rows, with a 30cm gap front to back between the rows and a 45cm gap between tines on the same row, an arrangement that minimises blockage risks.
This means that – in work – there is a 9cm gap between tines, so the machine can work very shallow and still move all the soil in either a chitting or seedbed preparation pass. The tines are fitted with reversible points to offer extended working life.
The weight of the machine (800kgs/metre depending on specification) is carried on the front and rear rollers, with the working depth of the paddles and tines being adjusted via turnbuckles.
Operators have the option to raise the front of the machine slightly if they want to perform a progressive cultivation.
For transport the machine is carried on two rear wheels, which lift completely clear of the soil when in work. Knight intends to offer a set of tractor wheel-mark eradicators – to run ahead of the levelling paddles – so users can leave the seedbed with no wheel marks on it at all.
The machine is currently available in a six metre format, which needs 150hp – 200hp according to soil type and working conditions.
Case IH Axial-Flow combine harvesters and headers will feature a number of updates from next year, including a new 8.5 metre header, specifically designed for Controlled Traffic Farming. Other features include a new crop lifter design for grain headers, and a new LED lighting package for combines.
The new 8.5 metre Varicut header has been launched to cater for traffic-controlled operations, based on an 8-metre system. It will use the frame of the existing 7.5 metre header, extended to 8.5 metres to save weight, with an actual cutting width of 8.5 metres, to ensure a true and repeatable 8m cut for an 8m controlled traffic system. The working width will be 8.53 metres (28’) and offer all the same features and benefits as the other Varicut models.
The mid-year 2020 grain headers will also feature a new crop lifter, which has been designed to reduce losses by utilising a higher lifting profile to better lift lodged crop up to the cutter bar. To help improve wear resistance, the new crop lifters will also feature a wave formed skid.
Meanwhile, the Axial-Flow combines will offer a new LED light package, including LED row finder lights for safer harvesting at night.
Combines manufactured from February 2020 will meet Stage V Emission Regulation for the EU region. There will be new model numbering for the mid-range combine series with the ‘140 series’ combine range changing to the ‘150 series’, to reflect the move to Stage V Engines. The 7150 model will also feature increased engine power, moving from a rated boost power of 402hp to 413hp, with a peak power of 453hp compared to its current power of 442hp.
Ahead of Agritechnica later this year, Kuhn has displayed its 2020 product line-up to agricultural press at its test farm in France.
The launch event included approximately 30 new models from all product areas, many of which were shown for the first time and others which had been displayed at the French Sima show earlier this year. The Kuhn Smart-Ploughing System, which reduces headland triangles and double inversion, was a definite highlight of the event.
See the Farmers Guide Sept ’19 issue for comprehensive product report.
Losses to British farmers from theft hit a seven-year high of £50m in 2018, according to NFU Mutual.
A 26% rise in claims for stolen farm vehicles, such as tractors and quad-bikes, to £7.4m last year, was behind the overall increase.
Animal theft claims rose 3.7% to £2.5m in 2018, the company said.
Tim Price, from the NFU Mutual, said: “Farmers and country people are suffering from high levels of anxiety due to repeated thefts by gangs who take advantage of farms’ isolated locations to steal machinery, raid tool stores and even butcher sheep in the fields.
“In a single generation, country people have seen rural crime change from the opportunist theft of a single lamb, to brazen heists of tractors worth over £100,000 and rustlers stealing hundreds of sheep,” Mr Price added.
In July last year, when Leicestershire dairy farmer Jimmy and Esther Pritt were on holiday, a relief worker called to say their Collie-x-Huntaway work dog Rabbit was missing.
Mrs Pritt believes Rabbit, who they valued at between £4,000 and £5,000, was “a rare dog in that she would work for anybody, rustle sheep or cattle, work day or night. From a commercial point of view, she was very, very valuable”.
“It was like a family member was taken,” Mrs Pritt added.
The Pritts have since increased security across their farm following the loss of their farm dog, altering their entrance gates and welcoming a guard dog to their property.
NFU Mutual said some rural communities feel “under siege” by repeated crime activity, but are turning to technology to increase security in their sometimes-isolated locations.
The insurer pointed to innovations such as geo-fencing, which triggers an alarm if tractors go beyond farm boundaries, and livestock marking which puts thousands of micro-dots into their animals’ fleeces, as technology which can help farmers.
“While the rise in the cost of rural theft is a huge disappointment, we are convinced it would be much higher without the investment in rural security by thousands of farmers and higher commitment from many police forces to fighting rural crime,” said Mr Price.
Source – BBC news
Month : 1,446 Units +7.3% change (compared with July 2018)
Year to Date: 7,643 Units -3.0% change (compared with January-July 2018)
The month-on-month volatility of UK agricultural tractor registrations continued in July. The number of machines (over 50hp) registered during the month was 7% up on July 2018, at 1,446 units. This rise followed two months of significant declines and the total for the year to date remains 3% down on the first seven months last year, with 7,643 tractors registered. Some volatility was to be expected this year, given the ongoing influence of Brexit on the market.
A quarter of UK farmers have made changes to their spraying operations to get better performance from pre-emergence herbicide applications.
Heeding the advice and results of the Syngenta #lowslowcovered campaign, over 90% now spray at less than 12 km/hr and 84% have increased spray water volume, to at least 150 l/ha, according to results of a series of surveys at farmers’ and operators’ events over the past year.
Syngenta eastern counties application specialist, Harry Fordham, commented: “Most farmers were aware of the Go Low; Go Slow; Get Covered campaign, which focusses attention on fine-tuning application techniques to achieve consistent grass weed control.
“Results of application trials on the Barton Black-grass Focus Site have repeatedly shown that spraying at 12 km/hr or less and maintaining a level boom at 50 cm above the surface achieves better results with any pre-emergence herbicide application.”
Using higher water volume, ideally at 200 l/ha, has also been shown to achieve more consistent results.
“The survey of farmers’ actions highlights the move to higher water rates, and the reports have all seen improvements in grassweed control. The challenge is sprayer efficiency at higher water volume, but there are lots of measures we are looking to share that can help to achieve it,” he advised
Furthermore, the trials have shown that new 90% Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) nozzles can reliably achieve optimum high levels of grass weed control in all conditions.
“Managing drift is a key component of effective pre-em application,” advocated Harry. “Results of new trials, where wind speed was measured at the time of application, has demonstrated the variability of effects on weed control caused by gusty wind moving the spray pattern along the boom.
“Even on a good spray day, with average wind speed of 1.6 m/s, there were gusts of between 0.5 to 8 m/s. Using 90% DRT helped to better mainatin pre-em sprays on target, for more consistent results.”
Over 24,000 Teejet 90% DRT nozzles have been sold in the past two years under the Syngenta Nozzle Offer. That’s sufficient to refit 1500 30-metre sprayers, capable of covering 750,000 hectares of pre-emergence application.
VIEW FARMADS SPRAYERS HERE
More than 5,000 trailers have now been inspected and certified as being in roadworthy condition through the Tilly Trailer initiative. Clemmie Gleeson reports.
The scheme calls for all farm trailers to undergo an annual 18-point inspection by qualified land-based engineers to ensure their safety.
The initiative was launched by Jane Gurney and her family following the death of her son Harry Christian-Allan who was tragically killed in 2014 when the tractor and trailer he was driving crashed into a bridge. The trailer was later found to be poorly maintained and the brakes were faulty.
The Tilly 18-point inspection profile was developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and BCH Road Traffic Policing unit. It is intended for trailers capable of carrying loads of 10t and over although it can be applied to any braked items typically found on a farm.
A Tilly inspection is carried out on the farm allowing the opportunity for every trailer to be inspected to the Tilly standard by an authorised mechanic either working within a larger dealership or independently.
One key characteristic of the inspection is that all wheels are removed to allow the brakes to be fully assessed. “It is the only way to really know your machine,” said Jane. Another checkpoint is the towing eye, she added. “The towing eye is what keeps your rig together. If there is more than 10 per cent wear or it has changed shape it should be replaced not repaired.”
Trailers that pass the test are given a ‘Tilly pass’ sticker certificate to be displayed on the trailer’s tailgate. The 2019 Tilly is red and white but the colour will change each year. The inspection is recorded in detail on a uniquely numbered maintenance sheet which includes the certificate number and chassis number. This record is retained in triplicate with copies for the farmer and mechanic and the third copy being returned and retained by Tilly Pass where a hard copy is stored and the details are also entered on a database.
The tragic death of Harry Christian-Allan prompted his mother Jane Gurney to investigate trailer safety and ultimately to launch the Tilly scheme.
Exceeded target
The Tilly scheme launched in April 2018 and Jane told Farmers Guide that she initially set a target of having 100 trailers inspected by the following autumn. However that target was exceeded ten-fold and in July this number reached 5,050.
“We have had tremendous support from trailer manufacturers,” said Jane. “By the autumn we will have a total of 250 outlets including dealerships and independent land-based engineers signed up to the scheme.”
Another success was two-days’ training which was attended by 150 police officers from 14 different forces which covered trailer safety and what officers should look for.
“At the moment it is law to properly maintain and check your trailers but it is not law for someone to check you are doing it,” she added. She was hopeful this would change in the future and that the Trailer and Towing Safety All Party Parliamentary Group launched in April this year would ‘move things forward’.
