Farmers looking to calculate their fuel costs this winter and become as fuel efficient as possible can follow a few key tips.

Firstly, it’s important to track fuel usage throughout the winter season. This can be done by keeping a log of how much fuel is used for each task, such as ploughing or running equipment. By keeping a detailed record of fuel usage, you can identify areas where you may be able to make adjustments in order to reduce fuel consumption.

Secondly, you should make sure your equipment is well-maintained. Regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and oil, can help improve the efficiency of equipment and reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, consider if it’s possible to upgrade to newer, more fuel-efficient equipment if your current equipment is outdated or in poor condition.

Thirdly, you may be able to make adjustments to your farming practices in order to reduce fuel consumption. For example, you may choose to stagger planting and harvesting times to reduce the need for equipment use during peak fuel consumption periods. Some farming businesses may also be able to consider using alternative methods of farming, such as no-till farming, which can reduce fuel consumption and improve soil health.

Finally, there may be government programmes and incentives you can take advantage of that are designed to help reduce fuel costs and improve energy efficiency. These programmes may include tax credits, grants, and rebates for equipment upgrades and fuel-efficient farming practices.

By tracking fuel usage, maintaining equipment, adjusting farming practices, and taking advantage of government programmes, you can take steps to reduce fuel costs this winter and become as fuel efficient as possible.

While winter is generally a quiet time for farmers, there are still chores to be attended throughout the season. An important task to keep on top of is maintaining your machinery in good condition so it is ready for work in the spring.

Whether you’re planning to lock your tractor away or keep using it over winter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Taking proper care of your tractor is an investment well spent and will not only extend the life of your machine, but will also keep its resale value in better shape.

Follow these tips to keep your tractor in mint condition in the off-season:

1. Schedule routine maintenance checks

It’s time to dust off your operator’s manual and get to know your machine better. The manual contains detailed information about maintenance specific to your tractor and also instructions on how to carry out a variety of checks and repairs. You will also find codes for the types of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and other liquids your tractor uses.

Regardless of season, routine maintenance should always include inspecting tire pressures, fluids, hoses and fuel. Getting into the habit of conducting basic checks will go a long way towards exposing issues early and keeping repair costs at a minimum.

During the winter, remember to:

• Change your tractor’s oil before the cold weather sets in. Old oil will be more difficult to change in the spring as any sediment that accumulates over time will solidify when temperatures drop

• Consider using special winter oil if the weather gets particularly cold. Oil tends to thicken in lower temperatures, meaning your engine will take longer to warm up

• Clean or replace your air filters to prevent clogging in the spring

• Inspect rubber parts as the cold can make rubber brittle and more prone to tears. Watch out for warning signs like cracks or leaks and don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to your local garage if needed.

2. Winter-proof your fuel

When the temperature hits zero degrees Celsius, the paraffin in diesel begins to stiffen, which will reduce the efficiency of your engine. To keep your fuel fresh and your tractor performing at its best, use winter-grade fuel or add a conditioner or stabiliser to your tank.

When using a fuel conditioner, choose one that’s recommended for your machine by the manufacturer. Keep in mind the amount you’ll need will depend on how much fuel is sitting in your tank.

3. Give your engine time to warm up

Even if you’re using winter-grade fuel and oil, the engine and its components will work better when they are above 40 degrees Celsius. Letting your engine run for five to ten minutes before putting it to work is a great way to reduce wear and tear and preserve its lifespan.

4. Keep your tractor clean and free of grime

It may sound like a no-brainer, but giving your tractor a regular clean is one of the easiest ways to keep it in good condition. A pressure washer will get rid of heavy-duty mud and dirt quickly and effectively and help avert any potential performance issues.

Pay particular attention to the undercarriage and remove any salt your tractor might have picked up from the roads. Failing to do so will inevitably cause issues with rust and before you know it, an avalanche of repair bills will be hurtling your way.

Finally, beware that pressure washing can remove grease that is vital to the healthy functioning of your tractor. Therefore, once your machine is clean and dry, make sure you check all the grease points and reapply any grease that may have been removed.

5. Pay a visit to your local dealership

Especially if your tractor is racking up the engine hours, winter is a good time to pay a visit to your local garage. It will not only pinch issues in the bud and keep your tractor running at optimum performance, but will also give you peace of mind that your machine will not let you down in the year ahead.

Preparing your tractor for storage

If you’re planning to store your tractor over the winter, it’s essential that you take the necessary steps to prepare your machine. Tractors that are driven into a cold dark warehouse and forgotten about will emerge in much worse shape in the spring which will hinder your productivity.

Therefore, before sending your tractor into full hibernation, don’t forget to:

• Inflate tires to the correct air pressure following your operator’s manual. Remember that cold air compresses and may end up deforming or leaving your tire flat if pressure is lacking

• Disconnect or remove batteries before long-term storage as they will drain over time and will suffer permanent damage from the cold weather once empty. Alternatively, you can engage a battery maintainer which will preserve your unit until the next time you need it

• Give your machine a thorough check and reapply paint to areas prone to rust. This is an effective way of preventing deterioration of the metal, especially if the tractor is stored in a cold and damp place

• Remove any detachable monitors, devices and GPS equipment and store them in a warm and dry place. Cold and damp conditions can damage circuit boards and technology, plus a tractor devoid of tech is also less valuable to criminals

• Deep clean your tractor before placing it in long-term storage. Removing dirt and debris will help keep rust at bay and reduce the strain of winter

• If possible, park your tractor in a heated or insulated garage to protect it from the elements. You can also use an engine block heater to reduce the effects of cold weather and minimise warm-up time when your tractor is in use

• Ideally, store your tractor in a locked garage close to the house to deter criminals. If your area is a hotspot for tractor theft, install CCTV and equip your vehicle with security devices to help recover it in case it gets stolen.

Once your tractor has gone into storage, there are a few things that will need keeping an eye on to ensure your machine is ready to roll in the spring. It’s important to check the fluids every now and again, especially hydraulic fluid which can draw moisture in via condensation.

Make sure you also check your engine compartment regularly, as the moisture in the air can cause shorts or the failure to spark. In addition, look inside your cabin and wipe down any mould that may have formed because of the damp.

Lastly, fuel that sits for a long time can also cause issues, so don’t forget to fire your tractor up every three weeks or so to prevent any spoiling.

As a farmer, your equipment is a crucial part of your operation. It helps you get the job done efficiently and effectively, and it is a significant investment. That’s why it’s important to accurately value your equipment, whether you’re buying or selling.

So, how do you do it? Here are a few tips:

• Determine the age and condition of the equipment as this will have a significant impact on its value. Older equipment may not be as valuable as newer models, and equipment that has been well-maintained will generally be worth more than equipment that has been neglected
•  Consider the demand for the equipment. If the equipment is in high demand, it will generally be worth more. This is especially true if the equipment is specialised or hard to find
• Look at comparable sales. One of the best ways to determine the value of your equipment is to look at similar equipment that has recently been sold. This will give you an idea of the going rate for similar models and can help you determine a fair price
• Take into account any attachments or additional features that your equipment has. If the equipment has additional attachments or features, such as a plough or a harrow, these will add value to the overall price
• Get an appraisal. If you’re still unsure of the value of your equipment, consider getting an appraisal from a professional. This can give you a more accurate assessment of the equipment’s value.

Accurately valuing your farming equipment is essential for making informed decisions when buying and selling. By considering factors such as age, condition, demand, and comparable sales, you can ensure that you’re getting a fair price for your equipment.

Once you have accurately valued your equipment, FarmAds is a great place to buy and sell it. This free online marketplace is specifically designed for farmers and dealers, and allows you to easily connect with buyers and sellers of used farm equipment.

If you are a private farmer, you can buy and sell agricultural machinery, equipment or livestock free of charge on FarmAds.

However, to make your ad stand out and gain an edge over the thousands of users advertising on FarmAds, you need to follow some basic rules. Taking the time to make your ad as good as possible will not only help sell your machinery faster, but may also land you a better deal.

Below, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating an advert on FarmAds and reveal our top tips on how to lure in prospective buyers.

Follow these steps to create an advert on FarmAds:

1. Log into your account

Once you have selected the ‘Advertise Online’ option, the site will prompt you to log into your account. If you don’t already have one, creating an account on FarmAds only takes two minutes!

Remember, you can also advertise in the classified section of Farmers Guide magazine for free. Our long-standing publication is mailed to over 30,000 farmers and contractors in the UK and overseas, giving plenty of exposure to your advert.

2. Confirm your contact information

This section should be auto-filled based on your account, but if not, please fill in your name, display name for the ad, and email address.

3. Add a short but descriptive title

When giving a title to your ad, less is often more. A good title is concise but still contains all the key information to arise the interest of buyers.

Key details to include when advertising farm machinery/equipment are the make, model, manufacturer year and hp (tractors). When selling livestock, good information to include is the breed, colour, pedigree, sex, and life stage.

While lengthy titles may be less attractive to buyers, they are often more likely to show up in search results as they contain more keywords. Therefore, longer titles may be preferable when selling more unique items to help the listing appear in more search results.

Keep in mind that writing more than 45 characters will mean that part of your title will not be visible when browsing. As such, you have to strike the right balance and only choose the most essential keywords to include in your title.

4. Write a detailed description

Your ad’s description is your opportunity to find the right buyer for your item. Without being too wordy, include as many details as possible about your machinery or livestock to increase the chances of a quick sale.

Basic information to include here is your machine’s service history, engine hours if applicable, maintenance details and any special features your machine may have.

A useful tip is to make your description easy to navigate; if your text is rather long, break up paragraphs with a line of empty space in between. A description that’s more pleasing to the eye is more likely to be read from beginning till the end, increasing your chances of success.

Keep reading to find out how to make your ad’s description stand out from the crowd!

5. Select a category

To select a category for your ad, click on the space below the prompt and choose the most appropriate option for your item. If your ad doesn’t fit into any of the categories, select ‘misc’ for miscellaneous.

6. Add specifications and price your item

Specifications are optional, but the more you fill in, the easier it will be for buyers to find what they are looking for.

The next prompt will ask you to confirm your contact information so buyers can see where the item is located and get in touch via phone. We have removed the message function from FarmAds to protect both buyers and sellers from fraud.

Read more about how to avoid scams when buying farming equipment online here.

Listing a price is highly recommended as it can increase the number of inquiries you receive. However, there is also an option for buyers to contact you for a price. In addition, you can indicate whether you’re open to offers, which will show up next to the price of your item.

7. Choose high-quality images

Images are a must if you want your ad to be successful within a reasonable timeframe. You can upload multiple images up to 8 MB each to support your advert, and the use of more than one image is recommended. For best results, make sure your images are in focus and show your item(s) in a presentable state on a bright, sunny day.

On FarmAds, you can also add a product video to your advert, which is a great way to show off your machinery in operation.

8. Hit upload!

Once you’ve chosen your advertising package, set an expiry date, and agreed to our terms and conditions, your advert is ready to go live on our platform with a click of a button! Your listing will then be instantly visible to thousands of FarmAds users and no further action is required from your side.

If you have any questions or ran into an issue with your advert, you can contact our dedicated team through the live chat feature between the hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on our Contact Us page or call us on 01473 691888.

How to make your advert stand out on FarmAds

Follow these simple but effective steps to make your ad stand out and sell faster on FarmAds:

1. Be accurate but concise in your description

While it is important to provide buyers with the necessary information about your item, aim to do this in a collected and concise manner.

There is no need to waffle on about how great your machine or livestock is and how it will pay for itself in the long run. Most buyers already know why they are looking for a certain type of machine or animal and will find a wordy description off-putting.

At the same time, make sure you include useful details about your farm machinery or equipment, such as:

• Full service history if known
• Hours in operation
• Operating type
• Optional extras
• Any attractive features
• Warranties if applicable
• Number of owners
• Any modifications/changes made to the machine
• Reason for sale

Other than general details, make sure you highlight anything that gives your machine a competitive edge. Things to call out could include ‘low mileage’, ‘only one owner’, ‘new tyres fitted’, ‘never been damaged’ etc.

While low mileage is clearly attractive to buyers, more miles are not necessarily a bad thing if the seller can show records of regular service. Also, be sure to highlight any modifications or special services your machine has received in your ad.

If selling livestock, basic details to include are:

• Breed
• Pedigree
• Registered society
• Date of birth
• Animal’s purpose
• Worming and vaccination details
• Reason for sale if relevant

When selling livestock or farm equipment privately, it’s paramount that you describe your item(s) accurately and your ad doesn’t contain any misleading information. Failure to do so can not only lead to the buyer returning the item, but can also result in prosecution.

Finally, try to avoid using overly salesy language such as ‘these pigs give the very best pork’, or using cliches like ‘first to see will buy’, ‘head turner’ and ‘drives beautifully’. Also, refrain from the use of block capitals as this can make your advert harder to read.

2. Include eye-catching photos

Taking the time to capture high-quality images of your item is perhaps the most important aspect of creating a successful advert. No matter how detailed and convincing your description is, if your photos are unremarkable or poor quality, buyers are likely to lose interest very quickly.

First impressions matter, which is why your primary photo should stop scrollers in their tracks. Avoid simply copying pre-existing photos of your machine from the internet, as this can make your advert look like a scam.

Many advertising sites like Auto Trader have found that ads with good photos sell much faster, which is all the more reason why you should set aside time to take some quality photos.

To get the most out of your photoshoot, be sure to:

• Choose a bright, sunny day when there is plenty of light
• Clean your machine thoroughly
• Take photos from several angles, preferably from eye level
• Check your machine is in focus
• Take photos of any damaged areas
• Showcase both the outside and inside of tractors/trailers
• Improve the photos with an editing software or ask a friend for help

Uploading more than one image is highly recommended when selling farm machinery or livestock so buyers can be confident in what they’re looking at.

3. Be transparent from the get-go

Being honest about your item is not only a legal requirement, but can also make the selling process much smoother. Trying to hide any damage to your item or presenting it as a bargain is usually a fruitless endeavour as the buyer will find out the truth sooner or later.

What’s more, you can also end up endangering people if you’re not honest about the true condition of your vehicle.

Since the faults of your item are most likely reflected in the price, revealing them won’t necessarily put you at a disadvantage. Instead, you will come across as a candid and trustworthy person who is a pleasure to conduct business with.

Ready to create a listing? Click here

Time and time again we hear of farmers being caught out by scammers when trying to purchase farm machinery online. While most adverts on the internet will be genuine, there are a number of precautions would-be buyers can take to avoid being robbed of their hard-earned cash.

Scams nowadays can be very elaborate and almost impossible to tell from the real deal. Website fraud is becoming increasingly common and entails criminals setting up fake websites and using business details and photos from real farms to keep themselves under the radar.

These websites will often advertise bargain equipment or farm machinery and demand a sizeable deposit before the item can be reserved.

While falling victim to fraud can be difficult to process, it’s important that farmers report such incidents to Action Fraud so a formal investigation can take place.

Other than keeping an eye on the news and scam warnings in your area, here are five important things to keep in mind when purchasing farming equipment online:

1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

If you come across an item that’s listed for considerably less than its market value, chances are you’re dealing with a scam. While bargain prices can be genuine if the seller is looking for a quick sale, they are usually a rare find and sell within minutes.

Therefore, buyers should be familiar with how much the item they’re after should sell for. Realistic pricing is a sign of legitimacy, and if the seller is asking for less than expected, it’s worth investigating the reason behind the low price before moving forward.

Be particularly wary of cheap equipment or machinery that has been listed for a long time – there is almost always a reason why they’re still there.

2. Basic checks can save you trouble down the line

Conducting a few simple checks can go a long way towards keeping your money from landing in the wrong hands.

Scammers will often source the photo and description of an advert from different sites without checking whether they match up or not. Therefore, it’s useful to check whether the photo of a listing corresponds to the details set out in the description.

Buyers can also copy and paste the photo into Google Images to see if it appears on websites not advertising machinery for sale.

There is also a higher chance that a listing could be a scam if it only has a single image accompanying the description. Genuine sellers will usually take the time to upload various images of the item from different angles and write a detailed description to help buyers choose the right equipment for their needs.

If all adds up but you’re still unsure about a listing, it’s recommended to conduct a background check on the person or company selling the item. Ensure the address and phone number displayed on the advert are valid and reach out to confirm the identity of the seller.

3. Avoid buying machinery unseen

If possible, avoid buying machinery or equipment without making a physical inspection first. This will ensure the item being sold actually exists and provides an opportunity to carry out further checks on the machine’s condition and legitimacy.

Arriving at the seller’s premises, ask to see relevant documentation for the item and make sure details like the seller’s name and address and the machine’s specifications add up.

Moreover, check that identifiable features such as serial/chassis numbers haven’t been erased and the number plate is intact. It can also help to note down the details of other vehicles parked at the premises such as makes, models, and registration numbers should the police require such information for an investigation.

Lastly, take the time to carry out a thorough inspection of the machine to make sure it is mechanically sound and fits the description on the listing. When making a particularly large investment, it might be worth hiring an independent evaluator to provide that extra peace of mind.

4. Be wary of poor communication

When enquiring about an item, take note of the time it takes for the seller to reply, how much detail they provide, and whether they are trying to elude any questions.

A real seller with good intentions will generally respond promptly and provide helpful information in order to build up a good rapport with the potential buyer.

What’s more, asking the seller specific questions over the phone is a great way to get a feel for their legitimacy and find out if they’re comfortable discussing the item. Make sure you’ve done your research and are knowledgeable about the machine so you can pick up on things that don’t make sense.

On FarmAds.co.uk, we currently do not allow email contact, as this is the easiest way for a scammer to hide. Most scam artists wouldn’t have the confidence to conduct a conversation over the phone, as would-be purchasers would pick up on their lack of knowledge. If buying equipment elsewhere, make sure you give the seller a call before committing any further.

5. Don’t rush into the wrong decision

Always be suspicious of sellers trying to rush you into making a decision or putting a deposit down for an item that might not exist. If you are unsure about a listing for any reason, don’t hesitate to say no until you have carried out more research.

In addition, fraudsters will sometimes ask buyers to transfer the payment directly into another bank account, which should be considered as an instant red flag.

Keep in mind that scams can look almost indistinguishable from a genuine deal and always stop and think before parting with your money. Getting a second opinion from family or friends can be of great value in these situations.

Ernest Doe hosted a New Holland Harvester Demonstration to show off some of the latest harvesting equipment.

Farmers Guide attended the Ernest Doe harvest Demonstration in Mickfield, near Stowmarket, Suffolk. The event featured a range of working and static New Holland machines, including two NH combines, two balers, a telehandler and a T7 tractor.

The event attracted a good response from local farmers who took the opportunity to watch the New Holland equipment in action during a typical harvest day. The New Holland CR9.90 combine was fitted with a 35ft Macdon FD2 Header, while the CR8.90 combine was fitted with a 35ft Vari Feed Header.

Matt Boardley, Ernest Doe Ne wHolland Harvester brand manager said, “with a shorter harvest season this year, it was a perfect opportunity to get togethe with our farming customers and friends and showcase the New Holland harvester range. We were delighted with the turn out and took a couple of orders although we still have some availability for orders to be taken for delivery in time for harvest ’23. Thanks to everyone who attended and showed their support – we really appreciate it”

The equipment was working on R H Forest & Co’s farm, with the crop being Limagrain‘s Astronomer milling wheat.

James Forest told Farmers Guide, “so far it’s looking good, with this weather we have had some good yields. Despite it being so dry, the ground isn’t too bad either, I think we could drill straight through this. ”