Cheffins, which conducts the largest monthly sale of tractors and agricultural machinery in the Europe, is expanding its Machinery Division with the appointment of James Beaton as Auction Representative.
James joins Cheffins from a Field Sales Manager role at agricultural machinery dealership Oliver Agriculture Ltd. This role involved dealing directly with the farming customers and machinery manufacturers and importers. At Cheffins, James’s role will be to focus on consignments of agricultural and plant machinery from farmers and contractors from across the UK.
Led by Bill King and Oliver Godfrey, Cheffins’ dominance of the second-hand sector has gone from strength to strength, with record breaking sales in the first quarter of 2023, which saw over £25m-worth of machinery go under the hammer either via Cheffins monthly auction or via on site sales.
Bill King, Chairman at Cheffins comments: “James, with his in-depth knowledge of agricultural machinery and significant connections within the farming community, will provide an essential connection between farmers and contractors looking to sell up surplus stock and our team based here at Sutton. As the monthly machinery sale continues to grow, we could see the real merit of having someone ‘on the ground’ who could go and meet clients and help with the consignment process. I have no doubts that James will help the machinery division consistently provide a brilliant service for both buyers and sellers from across the UK and further afield.”
James Beaton, Auction Representative at Cheffins comments:
“I am excited to be joining the Cheffins machinery team which deals with some of the most exciting sales in the sector. I look forward to being able to meet Cheffins diverse range of clients, from farmers and one man bands to some of the largest machinery dealers in the UK, as well as introducing some new customers to the sale ground at Sutton. Coming from a local farming family, I have a good understanding of the farming sector and their machinery needs, as well as the importance of being able to convert redundant surplus kit into cash, quickly and efficiently.”
Cheffins monthly Cambridge Machinery Sales has seen stock levels increase in the past six months, moving in line with the growth in average lot price. Sales on average have increased by 40 per cent in terms of total value in comparison to 2022, with the strength of the export market ensuring that prices have continued to rise. The successes of the monthly machinery auction have also been buoyed by regular on-site sales, hosted by the Cheffins team for farmers and contractors across the country, with multiple auctions seeing six-figure totals across both the modern machinery and vintage sectors.
For further information, contact the Cheffins Rural Professionals Department on 01223 213777 – camb.agric@cheffins.co.uk.
In one of the first trials of its kind in the UK, national potato supplier Branston is driving forward its plans to reach net zero by 2035 by trailing Volvo’s FM Electric 4×2 truck as part of its fleet.
Transportation poses a huge environmental challenge to food suppliers because of the need to collect the fresh produce from growers, bring it to packing sites then deliver it to customers as rapidly as possible.
Following two years of research, Branston has today started a one-week trial of an electric-powered (EV) truck, with Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd, the truck dealer for Volvo. Branston is one of the first businesses in the UK to do so in a real-world setting. The aim is to explore the mileage capabilities, charging practicalities and driving performance. The vehicle will be used to support both distribution centre deliveries and farm pick-ups.
Simon Telfer, HR and logistics director at Branston, said: “A key part of our transport strategy is ensuring Branston’s transport not only works for us now but in the future. As a business we have ambitious goals to reach net zero and we’re passionate about delivering this for the transport section.
“Having researched the most viable alternative fuel options, we feel electric powered is the most practical for our needs. We approached Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd back in 2021 and started working together to bring this trial to fruition. The trial will involve one truck, which has been delivered from Sweden, being utilised across various functions to give us a broad understanding of which tasks it is most suitable for.”
Currently, the vehicle can travel approximately 300km on one charge of the latest model of battery; generation three before it requires recharging. Branston is one of the first businesses in the UK trialing this most up-to-date technology from Volvo to understand the current capabilities of one of the market-leading alternative fuels.
Simon added: “By 2035 we’re confident the batteries will have progressed to a point that our drivers can reach any location required and make a return journey without having to recharge, which is a key aspect of the feasibility of EV for Branston.
“This trial will allow us to understand any challenges, such as the charging and cost, and what improvements we’ll need to make to transition our fleet within our timeframe. We know the vehicles aren’t where we need them to be to transition our full fleet yet but the purpose of undertaking the trial is to see how it drives and how it impacts our operations.”
The truck replicates the features and comfort of the traditional model currently used worldwide but is powered by electricity with a charging time of 2.5 hours when using maximum wattage input. The team will use the vehicle across three different shift patterns to get a good reflection of its suitability. Lindsey Burrows, driver trainer will be responsible for supporting the transport team to utilise it as effectively as possible.
Lindsey said: “EV is the future and the sooner we can get on board with seeing what options are out there, the better. It’s an exciting time to be working in transportation as so much change is happening. I’ll be supporting the team in ensuring their training is up to date and they’re comfortable with handling the vehicles, including the charging of them, which will be new to everyone.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how the vehicles work and what the future of transportation looks like for Branston.”
With Volvo Trucks being the market leader with a full range of electric trucks across Europe, Adam North, area sales manager for Crossroads, is excited to be part of the journey with Branston in the shift for a more sustainable transport solution.
He said: “The relationship between Crossroads Truck and Bus and Branston has been strong for over 20 years, not only does Branston understand how Volvo operates, but like us, they share the same view that compromise and investment is required to achieve our aligned net zero targets and the only way to achieve this is working together.”
Quad bike owners are being urged to ramp up security and make sure they have adequate cover in place following an alarming rise in ATV thefts over the past 12 months.
Recent figures from the rural insurance company H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB) have revealed a concerning increase in quad bike thefts across the UK, with over 60% of vehicle thefts recorded by the company involving ATVs.
As many farmers rely on quad bikes to carry out essential tasks such as moving livestock, the loss of these vehicles will result in producers missing out on vital revenue. To help owners protect their vehicles and ‘make it as difficult as possible for the thieves, HHIB have shared their top 10 tips for increasing ATV security.
Stuart Torrance, claims manager for HHIB, commented: “There is an incredibly bullish second-hand market in ATVs and prices have been on an upwards trajectory for some time.
“This is being driven by a shortage in availability of new machines, and because demand is outstripping the rate of supply, sadly ATV theft is again on the increase.”
He reminded owners that there are various measures they can take to reduce the risk of quad bike thefts and reverse the current trend. “Adding multi-layered security levels wherever possible to deter any potential theft, is the first step – and of course, we advise that all ATVs are comprehensively insured, should the worst happen.”
HHIB’s top 10 tips are:
1. When not in use, secure your ATV in a lockable garage or building and remove the keys, placing them in a secure location that is out of view. Never be complacent.
2. Consider installing fuel and battery isolating systems to prevent theft and fitting immobilisers, VHF (Very High Frequency) and GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking devices.
3. Physically secure your machines using suitable locking devices and if possible attach them to fixed floor anchors using heavy duty security chains and padlocks.
4. Add security data tagging/marking such as Datatag or CESAR. If not already fitted as standard, dealerships will often offer schemes of this nature when purchasing a new ATV’s as an extra. If not in place then ask your dealership to add tagging/marking to any new or second hand ATV purchase. Some insurers may even offer reduced premiums when they know such measures are in place.
5. Place machines against solid structures/walls with larger immovable machines or equipment placed in front of them to prevent easy access.
6. Add additional heavy duty security chains and padlocks to access and egress gates to buildings.
7. Fit security lighting and CCTV with sensors and PIR Alarms and cover any windows to the building where your vehicle is stored to stop potential thieves from being able to look through.
8. Review your insurances; do you have business interruption cover in place and does this include ‘Increased Cost Of Working’? If not, speak to your broker to put this in place as this will prove to be invaluable should you need to arrange hire of an alternative ATV to keep you operational whilst any theft claim is being processed.
9. Keep a clear record of all machinery serial numbers, vehicle registration, original purchase and service documentation which will be required in the event of a claim. Take photographs of your ATVs. Should any machine ever be stolen these images will help to increase publicity and recovery prospects for the machine.
10. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or callers to Police by calling 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or 101 if the vehicle or people are just seen acting suspiciously.
Mr Torrance added: “Should the worst happen, and you do suffer a theft, my advice is to let your broker know as soon as possible as they will be on hand to guide and support you.”
Case IH introduces the Optum 340 CVXDrive with AFS Connect™ offering up to 340hp / Enhanced CVXDrive transmission ensures better performance, durability, and reliability / 5-year AFS Connect Advanced telematics package / 3-year Safeguard Connect package / Newly designed, spacious suspended cab ranks among the quietest on the market.
Addressing the rising demand for versatile, high horsepower tractors, Case IH presents a new 340hp top-of-the-line model in its Optum series, capitalising on the renowned Optum notion of high power, lightweight design that can be ballasted as needed. Despite numerous enhancements, the Optum 340 CVXDrive with AFS Connect™ weighs the same as the existing 300 and 270 models, yet offers more power, supreme productivity and versatile capabilities.
Built at the Case IH plant in St. Valentin, Austria, adhering to strict quality criteria, the Optum 340 CVXDrive is perfect for draft and PTO applications, ranging from tillage and seeding to mowing and transport. Offering supreme comfort and performance, it now boasts one of the quietest cabins in the market and a suite of innovative technologies exclusive to Case IH, including a 5-year AFS Connect advanced telematics. This includes additional advantages through the AFS Connect portal, offering extended access to connected services.
Unbeatable power to weight ratio
Dr. Solveiga Kalinauskaite, Product Marketing Manager, comments: “Our newest top model, the Optum 340 CVXDrive, impeccably satisfies the needs of extensive farming and agricultural contracting businesses seeking a tractor with a high power-to-weight ratio that offers the flexibility to handle a diverse array of tasks.”
The Optum 340 CVXDrive’s heart is its six-cylinder, 6.7-litre Stage V FPT engine, providing power and torque for rigorous field and transport applications. Alongside the highly efficient and well-established Hi-eSCR2 emissions reduction technology, it also features Automatic Productivity Management (APM) which optimises the CVXDrive ratio and engine speed to align with power output demands.
To achieve improved performance, productivity and efficiency while ensuring reliability and durability, Case IH has outfitted the Optum 340 CVXDrive with an enhanced CVXDrive transmission. This includes upgrades to the hydrostatic unit and control software, driveline components, rear differential, and rear PTO. Moreover, a new external engine blow-by filter has been added to decrease service time. For increased versatility and compatibility in everyday operations, the standard ISOBUS Class 3 can be upgraded to Tractor Implement Management (TIM), the newest tractor-implement communication protocol, allowing certified implements to autonomously control specific tractor functions.
The Optum 340 CVXDrive, like the existing 300 and 270 models, possesses a large 630-litre fuel tank that allows for extended independent hours in the field, complimented by the best-in-class 750-hour engine service schedule. The new model provides 27hp, or 9%, more power than the Optum 300 CVXDrive, with peak torque at 1,398Nm at 1,400rpm, compared with 1,282Nm at the same speed for its smaller counterpart.
The strong rear linkage which can lift 11,058kg, a front linkage with a maximum capacity of 6,016kg, and two-speed front and four-speed rear PTOs further boost the tractor’s versatility. Therefore, Optum 340 CVXDrive delivers superior performance while upholding reliability and durability.
Best cabin in its class
The new spacious cabin provides top-tier comfort and is exceptionally quiet at just 66dB(A). Operators will appreciate the excellent panoramic visibility, superior quality trim, automotive
The ultra-capable, ultra-utilitarian pick-up follows swiftly in the wheel tracks of the Munro MK_1 Truck launched last December. The MK_1 Pick-Up signifies the next milestone of Munro’s strategic mission to fulfil significant global market demand. Like the Munro MK_1 Truck, the MK_1 Pick-Up’s unique abilities enable customers operating in challenging sectors such as mining, construction, utilities, agriculture, and defence to meet imminent decarbonisation targets without compromising on performance.
“Priced from £49,995 Ex VAT with deliveries commencing later this year, we have already secured more than 200 orders for the MK_1 Pick-Up, three of which have come from FTSE 100 companies and ten from FTSE 250 companies” confirmed Munro CEO and Co-Founder Russell Peterson. “With a full two-year order book for both the MK_1 Pick-Up and the MK_1 Truck, Munro is having to expedite its search for larger premises to meet customer demand.”
Unveiled in ‘Performance’ guise in striking Munro yellow paint finish, the Munro MK_1 Pick-Up creates an purposeful visual presence. As with all models and variants of the Munro MK_1 range, the new pick-up combines the rugged reliability and easy repairability of a full-time 4×4 mechanical drivetrain to provide uncompromising ability in all weathers and all terrains, with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain to ensure no tailpipe emissions are left in the vehicle’s wake.
The spacious, easy-to-load rear bed of the Munro MK_1 Pick-Up accommodates a 1050kg Euro Pallet payload, while the Performance model has a 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity for effortless haulage of any cargo from farm implements and livestock to construction and disaster relief equipment.
Producing a prodigious peak power output of 375 / 280kw combined with instantly available 700Mn / 516ft-lb of torque, the Munro MK_1 Pick-Up dispenses the sprint to 60mph in a mere 4.9 seconds. A 220KW electric motor and a choice of Utility and Range variants are also offered.
Replenishing the 82.4kWh battery from 15 to 80% can be swiftly undertaken using a 100kW DC charger in just 36 minutes. With a fully charged battery, the MK_1 has a range of more than 190 miles, enabling it to operate off-road for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.
Designed, engineered, and built in Britain, the Munro is the first light vehicle to enter production in Scotland in more than four decades.
“We launched Munro to fill the significant gap in the market for an electric-powered, four-wheel-drive, utilitarian workhorse. Our vehicles are designed and engineered without compromise from clean sheet principles unimpeded by any existing architecture. The result is a rugged construction created for decades of service delivering ultimate, go-anywhere, off-road ability,” continues Peterson.
“The levels of positive feedback we have experienced from media and customers who have test driven the MK_1 Truck has been unprecedented and the response to the new MK_1 Pick-Up has been equally positive. This, and the 200 plus pre-orders we have taken across both the truck and Pick-Up models, gives us great confidence that the vehicles Munro has created are precisely what the market wants and needs and that we can play a key role in assisting those operating in challenging environments such as mining, construction, utilities, agriculture, and defence to meet imminent decarbonisation targets.
“This represents a significant global market opportunity and one which, with our financial partners, we are poised to fully exploit as we take the next strategic step and move towards the pre-production prototype stage.”
A team of four farmers has resolved to undertake the daring challenge of driving a combine harvester along the famed John o’ Groats to Land’s End route to raise awareness and funds for Mind mental health charity and Children with Cancer UK.
The charity event is set to take place between 4th and 8th June and will involve a total distance of around 875 miles. Drivers Olly Harrison, John Branson, James Baldini and Martin Williams are aiming to complete around 200 miles per day, allowing the final day to be slightly shorter for arrival at Land’s End in daylight.
Each member of the team has previously lost a close friend due to suicide, which they believe could have been prevented by talking and offering timely, compassionate support.
To illustrate the magnitude of mental health challenges in farming across the country, the team has chosen the largest agricultural machine for their fundraiser, supported by German machinery manufacturer Claas.
The drive will be completed over a span of five days, starting at John O’Groats in Scotland with overnight stops at Sellars Agriculture Ltd Perth, Rickerby Ltd Carnforth, Cotswold Farm Park and Hamblys Ltd Launceston. Due to the machine being 3.49m wide and limited in speed, the route will exclude motorways.
To ensure the challenge is completed with a minimal impact on the environment, the combine, owned by farmer and Youtuber Olly Harrison, will be running on Certas Energy HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fossil-free fuel.
Following the charity event, the machine will be exhibited at Cereals 2023, taking place at Thoresby Estate, Newark, on 13th and 14th June.
The journey will be featured on Olly’s Youtube channel where those interested can follow the latest updates. To donate to the Combine Challenge fundraiser, visit the team’s JustGiving page here.
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is continuing to grow its Can-Am off-road dealer network in the UK with the appointment of Bedford-based MKM Agriculture. This new addition is part of Can-Am off-road’s ongoing expansion plans to increase its share of the utility market in UK, while providing utility users with ATVs and SSVs that are suitable for use across multiple applications and sectors.
A family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in the agriculture and ground care sectors, MKM Agriculture will be adding the Can-Am off-road line-up as part of the business’ ongoing strategy to continually strengthen its product offering through the provision of vehicles its customers are requesting. In addition, it will open new avenues and opportunities for the business’ sales team.
All BRP’s vehicles are manufactured to a very high standard from the Rotax engines which power them to the innovative designs that improve the handling, comfort, and ease of use when out on the trails or towing or hauling goods and equipment.
Mike Loach, BRP commercial manager UK & Ireland, says, “We’re delighted to be adding such a knowledgeable and experienced dealer to our growing network in the UK. We believe the company will hit the ground running and we look forward to supporting the business as it helps us expand our share of the market in the utility sector and introduce new users in the region to the versatility, power, and performance the Can-Am off-road line-up offers.”
Anthony Deacon, managing director, MKM Agriculture Ltd, ads, “Adding the Can-Am off-road line-up aligns with our ethos of investing in quality products that will benefit our customer base. The combination of the Can-Am offering and our team’s knowledge and experience will enable us to become the ‘go to’ business in the area for anyone looking to purchase an ATV or SSV and we look forward to working with Mike to achieve this.”
For more information about the dealerships, visit https://www.mkmagri.com/
One of Britain’s largest farm machinery dealer groups – Russells – has been appointed by Bauer to handle sales and back-up services for its slurry handling and crop irrigation equipment across a territory stretching from Yorkshire southwards to Northamptonshire.
Russells will provide parts and service back-up for equipment already in use as well as supplying new Bauer machinery, and will have trained staff to look after the new product lines.
Paul Russell, managing director, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bauer, a leading brand in irrigation and slurry equipment. It provides us with a great opportunity across the business to extend our product offering with a range of equipment renowned for quality and innovation.”
Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager, said: “This change to our distribution follows the retirement of John Milner and Roy Wharrick of Rainmec, who did us proud, maintaining a sound reputation for product expertise and service.
“We’re delighted that Paul Russell and his team accepted our approach and look forward to working with them to support our users across the livestock, arable and commercial horticulture sectors.”
Russells will have access to Bauer’s entire product range, including the Austrian group’s high-performance slurry pumps, mixers, conventional and Green Bedding separators, and high-specification slurry and AD digestate transport and spreading tankers.
Likewise, Bauer’s renowned irrigation equipment, which encompasses the comprehensive Rainstar reel irrigators, Centerstar pivot irrigators, SmartRain irrigation management program and app, diesel irrigation pumps, rigid pipe and flexible PE pipe, and original Bauer couplings.
Overseeing the new venture at Russells is sales manager Jonny Newton: “A lot of our existing customers use Bauer equipment, so it was an easy decision to take on such a well-known and well-regarded range of slurry and irrigation equipment,” he says. “We’ve had very positive feedback on news of our appointment and we’ll be doing our best to provide the same level of service that the previous dealer delivered.”
With a good mix of dairy and other livestock farms and vegetable and salad-growing areas on Russells’ patch, Rob Jackson of Bauer UK & Ireland is confident the new partnership will be successful.
“The Russells team is very enthusiastic about this new venture and the product lines it adds to their multi-branch operation, and we’ve already seen some irrigator and slurry pump sales,” he points out. “Building a stock of spares and having a selection of Rainstar irrigators in stock at Eggborough confirms their commitment to the Bauer range and customer service.”
Scotland’s increasingly valuable rural land is only available to a limited few as high demand from forestry, natural capital investment, and corporate estate buyers continues to drive high prices, according to a new report by the Scottish Land Commission.
The Rural Land Market Insights Report 2023 underlines the need for action to ensure that communities, family farms, local businesses, and individuals are not priced out of the rural land market due to sustained high land prices driven by large-scale forestry and natural capital investments.
The report notes that, while forestry land prices flattened at the end of 2022, demand outstripped a continuing rise in the supply of land across the board, maintaining the “seller’s market” of 2021.
Andrew Thin, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: “The findings of our latest report underline the pressing need for action, including through the measures the Commission has proposed for the Land Reform Bill in relation to better regulation of significant land sales.
“Scotland’s land is increasingly valuable and in demand for several reasons. There are competing objectives as Scotland makes rapid changes to deliver on the Scottish Government’s climate and nature goals. Our land market report emphasises the need to actively shape these changes through policy and regulation to deliver on Scotland’s ambition for a just transition. But failing to act now risks exacerbating existing issues of concentration of ownership – leaving individuals and communities increasingly unable to acquire the land they need.”
The report highlights that commercial forestry continues to be the biggest driver of increasing land values, particularly in upland and non-arable agricultural land. Additionally, natural capital investment motivations remain widely discussed and are a key driver in the market.
The report indicates that the proportion of land being sold off-market/privately may have slightly reduced across the board as sellers seek to make the most of competitive market conditions; however, more smaller transactions appear to have been taking place off-market/privately.
Corporate and institutional buyers are still very active and a driving force in estates, upland, and marginal agricultural land, especially where peat is present. The report highlights that corporate and institutional buyers are increasingly interested in land as a financial asset and inflation hedge, with less immediate interest in land use.
Finally, the report notes that, with the exception of prime arable, distinctions between land classes and uses are becoming increasingly blurred as forestry, natural capital, and agricultural buyers all chase the same land.
Mr Thin commented: “The report indicates that the land purchases in 2022 were potentially reinforcing the pattern of concentrated land ownership in Scotland. A smaller pool of well-resourced purchasers were the most active in the market, whether these be large-scale forestry interests, expansionist agricultural businesses, institutional or corporate investors, or wealthy individuals.
“The prices achieved, and speed of many transactions, meant participation in the market has been curtailed, with particularly few opportunities for communities, new entrants and young farmers to acquire land, and help diversify the pattern of land ownership in Scotland.
“The report emphasises the increasing competition for land amongst buyers with different motivations. The Commission’s work has shown that Scotland has little regulation in the land market compared to European and international peers, and that the measures proposed for the Land Reform Bill will help address this disparity. It is also clear though that wider policy and regulation will be required. For example, stronger regulation of emerging carbon and nature markets is essential for land use change to contribute to a just transition.”
The Commission will be publishing advice later this month on where it sees further steps being required in policy and regulation, specifically in relation to the increasing investment and value in natural capital.
Yamaha has pledged to help improve farm safety by offering free ATV rider competency training from the European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (EASI®) to anyone purchasing a new Yamaha ATV. “We have always advocated training for ATV operators, so to help improve driver competency we offer these courses free of charge with a new ATV,” says Yamaha’s Area Sales Manager, Carl Stuart.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2022 report:
‘Agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatal injury (per 100,000) of the main industrial sectors: 21 times higher than the average five-year annual rate across all industries.’*
Machinery and vehicles accounted for almost half of fatalities (48%). To reduce risk, improve operator competence, and help safeguard workers, the HSE strongly advise that ATV operators complete a training course.
“ATVs, when used properly, can save time and money. Our training courses highlight general machine checks, upkeep, weight distribution and active riding, which is imperative when operating on uneven, rutted terrain which is so often found on farms,” says Amy Morris, EASI UK Regional Operations Manager.
Taking a basic course to learn riding skills and use the correct equipment can help prevent the risk of accidents. “With the ever-increasing popularity of ATV’s, many operators have little or no experience. ATVs handle very differently to cars and motorcycles, so it is vitally important that all users should learn how to safely operate an ATV by taking an operator course,” says Mrs Morris.
The training can be completed in one day and there are 38 centres throughout the UK to do so. EASI advises that all riders, including those with years of experience, make the most of this offer. “Even experienced riders can find themselves in potentially hazardous situations that can, without the correct training and knowledge, result in serious accidents. We welcome this move by Yamaha and hope that its customers will take advantage of this offer,” adds Mrs Morris
