For farm employees who work alone or in dangerous environments, there is always a risk they may find themselves injured or in danger without a way to contact the emergency services.
StaySafe is a smartphone app and cloud-based monitoring service that enables employees to check-in safely and request immediate assistance to their exact location in an emergency.
The app offers a wide range of functions, including a panic button, check-in, man-down and duress alerts. Employees are able to start a timed session before they begin a period of lone work or travel. This triggers a countdown and activates a satellite GPS tracker, visible in the Hub. If an employee fails to end their session safely, a session expiry alert will be sent to the monitor.
Employees can also set fixed check-in periods. They can check in at any point within this time period to confirm that they are safe and reset the clock. Failure to do so by the end of the timed period will raise a missed check-in.
The StaySafe app offers 16 per cent more coverage than any other lone worker mobile app, so staff operating in rural areas with low signal can still send updates.
The app is deployed by hundreds of organisations – from large companies down to SMEs in over 40 countries worldwide – and is used by a number of farming and agricultural workers
Farm manager Graham Knottenbelt says he has been impressed by the capacity gains and cost savings brought by a Standen UniPlus Separator, as well as the machine’s reliability and ease of use.
Luffness Mains farm took delivery this year of a Standen UniPlus Stone and Clod Separator. It replaced two star- web combination destoners the farm had previously used to prepare the land for planting 200 acres of main crop and 200 acres of salad potatoes and carrots.
Farm manager Graham said: “Moving from two machines to one seems counterintuitive but swapping to the Standen model has in fact increased capacity for us.
“The UniPlus is bombproof – it is user friendly and once in the field it just keeps going. It has proven to be so reliable that we have not yet had a single breakdown.
“It is a simple machine but is essentially two destoners in one. The star element does the majority of the job but is backed up by web separation which leaves a very clean bed. Not only have we increased capacity but we have also made cost savings as we don’t have to run two rigs, we are saving one man and one tractor. We are really impressed.”
The Standen machine features 10 rows of 320mm diameter Duropol stars, which are arranged in an Actiflow configuration – a patented system that effectively moves the soil away from the sides and back again through the machine to maximise the separation area. The stars last up to three times longer than competitors’ machines, Standen says.
The feed into the machine is via large serrated discs and a smooth intake roller which eliminates small stones dropping into the bottom of the bed. This is assisted by the fitting of optional in-fill rings on the first five rows of stars. The Underweb starts after the fifth row of stars and continues up to the cross conveyor, which gives a double separation effect to further boost output.
Graham runs a 36mm web for potatoes, then changes the Underweb to a 28mm for carrots. This is a 10-minute operation which means he can change from one crop to another very quickly, and still maintain good quality beds for both crops.
Tong Engineering has reported continued record demand for its renowned Caretaker mobile grader in the UK and overseas.
With vegetable growers and processors finalising specifications for the popular Caretaker in time for harvest 2021, sales manager Nick Woodcock says: “We are delighted that this year continues to see the latest advancements in our Caretaker grader coming to the fore as growers ensure they are prepared for this year’s harvest, whatever the weather!
“Our Auto-Touch HMI Pro-Series control features make set-up and control of the Caretaker exceptionally easy. Customers are looking to process crop faster, and often need to use the machine to carefully handle a variety of roots crops. The Caretaker maximises throughput, whilst the advanced control system allows customers to quickly and easily switch between different crops and cleaning conditions at the touch of a button.”
The Caretaker also offers significant labour savings too, with the unrivalled cleaning capabilities of the EasyClean separator ensuring very effective removal of soil and haulm at high capacities. There are now a number of optical sorting solutions that are increasingly replacing traditional manual inspection.
“We are dedicated to manufacturing the most advanced, custom-built grading equipment with intelligent controls, minimal maintenance and maximum productivity in mind. The Caretaker is designed to perform in the most demanding handling situations, and can be built to suit all throughput requirements,” concludes Nick.
“There is greater awareness of the need for all lifting equipment to be tested regularly, to ensure it is safe to use,” explained Bickers Lifting general manager Steven Churchyard. “We are working with a growing number of agricultural machinery dealers, agricultural contractors and farmers using our service to ensure that equipment meets the required standards. This isn’t just about ticking forms to satisfy legislation. Knowing that lifting systems have been checked by an independent specialist is reassuring to owners and managers, and is part of their duty of care to anyone who might be affected if the equipment were to fail.”
Practical experience
Bickers Lifting is a division of Bickers Action – a family-owned business set up in 1976 to provide stunts, stunt equipment and special effects for the TV and film industries. Many dramatic action scenes featured in popular TV soaps, major feature films and TV adverts are created by Bickers, and part of the safety preparation involves meticulous attention to detail checking that equipment is safe to use, including straps, cables, harnesses, camera rigs and vehicles.
“We employ people with the expertise and qualifications to check it properly,” explained managing director Paul Bickers. “So it was logical to offer our services to local companies too.”
Business growth
Since Bickers Lifting was set up in 2008 the business has grown, and as well as providing on-site inspections of lifting equipment across the UK, it also stocks and supplies sundry items including cables, chains, straps, ropes, hooks, ratchets, tensioners and harnesses – all produced in Europe and available for collection or dispatch by carrier. “We stock premium products which we would be happy using ourselves,” continued Steven. “There are cheaper options – but it costs little extra to buy something which is good quality and fully certified, and which will probably last longer too.”
Farms and dealers
Onsite checks carried out at dealer and farm premises can include mobile machinery such as telehandlers or work platforms, workshop equipment such as gantries, hoists and vehicle ramps, and equipment carried by mobile workshop and service vans. “Lifting machinery such as handlers or cherry pickers should be examined annually. Lifting accessories and man- riding equipment as well as height safety equipment including man cages should be checked every six months,” explained Steven. “Working within the industry and using these products ourselves means we are realistic and practical, and where only components are worn we encourage a safe repair rather than insisting on a complete replacement which keeps prices down for our customers. While carrying out inspections, we often spot other equipment requiring checks too, but that customers aren’t aware comes under the legislation.”
Dealer’s experience
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd has 18 depots across east and south-east England, and began using Bickers Lifting several years ago after changing from a national brand. “We weren’t happy with the service, so changed to a smaller family-owned business, and the Bickers Lifting team is excellent,” explained property and projects manager Alan Ringer. “Several potential suppliers were considered, but from when we first visited Bickers to discuss our requirements it was obvious that the people there care about what they do. The team is friendly and helpful and they listen to what we say and understand our requirements. The service is very good.”
All lifting equipment in workshops, yards and service vans is inspected, and an inventory is kept of everything checked so nothing is missed. “Inspections are mandatory – they are not a choice, and Bickers reminds us when inspections are due, then we issue an order number and leave it to them,” he added. “A full audit can be viewed on an online portal including the condition status of each item. If repairs or replacements are needed then these are highlighted, including straps and lifting harnesses as well as jacks and axle stands plus powered machinery. We buy lifting straps and other components from Bickers as they are good value for money, and the company adds them to our equipment list to maintain an accurate inventory. Equipment used on our farm is checked too; including less obvious items such as the bag lift on our fertiliser spreader which also needs inspecting. Certificates of inspection can be viewed through the portal, and when we have Health & Safety checks these are easily found. It’s reassuring to know that all our equipment is properly checked in line with Loler legislation and Puwer guidelines.”
Growing demand
Steven said that demand for his team’s services is growing, and most new business is through recommendation from existing customers, although there has also been interest from farmers buying groups keen to offer Bickers’ services to their members. “Our practical approach appeals. We will advise where alternative equipment might be more suitable, and we see our role as providing solutions rather than listing faults. We also suggest repairs rather than replacement where this is a safe option and will save the customer money. Repairs are completed in our own workshops, so when faults are found during inspections we bring the equipment back to our yard, repair and re-inspect it, then return it by carrier within just a few days.”
For more articles, read the latest Farmers Guide online, or sign up for the paper edition.
The launch of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) owned Official CESAR Scheme back in 2007, has had a major impact on criminality across both sectors, driving down theft significantly for machinery brands that have adopted the Scheme. Now, with the launch of a new specialist police unit, CESAR will have an ally in its fight against this type of crime.
The newly established dedicated Agricultural and Construction Equipment (ACE) specialist police unit will be managed and operated within Opal, which is the national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime (SOAC) across the UK.
The ‘foundation’ launch of ACE took place in April 2021, where the new unit was introduced to police forces nationwide, key partners and collaborating trade associations. The key message was that cross-industry cooperation is crucial for the success of the new unit. The ACE team is here to support the wider problem-solving approach through partnership – ‘prevention is better than the cure’.
Opal was established in April 2019 under the governance of DCC Amanda Blakeman, the national police lead for acquisitive crime. The unit has ten intelligence staff, including intelligence analysts and researchers, alongside police officers, under the day-to-day lead of detective superintendent Neil Austin.
The unit will focus on the offences committed by organised crime groups which are part of a series and involve cross border offending. By developing proactive working relationships with law enforcement, partner and business agencies the ACE Unit will work to reduce the theft of stolen plant and agricultural equipment and maximise the recovery of stolen equipment, both nationally and internationally.
Officers from ACE will work to develop, collate, and coordinate intelligence from various sources to identify and disrupt organised criminality and target those involved in these thefts and identify any current and emerging crime trends and threats. ACE was established on the back of Opal because the unit already has a foothold nationally and intelligence can be shared between the forces.
The ACE national intelligence hub team will work closely with the industry, developing positive working relationships to support and promote schemes such as CESAR to prevent theft and maximise the recovery of stolen equipment.
Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, opal national intelligence unit, serious and organised acquisitive crime commented on the new ACE Unit: “ACE sits under the Opal umbrella and benefits from a dedicated intelligence team which includes Analyst Luke Rawlings, who is a massive asset, with support from Superintendent Andy Huddleston, PSCO Pete Johnson, who has a vast knowledge of rural crime and the latest recruit who will be joining the team in the near future, Intelligence Officer Scott Jeffreys.
Our role has many facets including problem-solving skills, delivering the four Ps strategy of prepare, prevent, protect and pursue, identifying emerging threats and intelligence on a regional, national and international level. By working collaboratively, sharing best practices and the timely sharing of information, the ACE unit will help reduce agricultural and construction equipment theft. It’s a very exciting time for the team and I would like to thank all the ‘donors’ that made establishing this new Unit possible.”
Deputy chief constable Amanda Blakeman, NPCC lead for serious organised acquisitive crime said: “This is a really positive move to improve the response of UK policing in tackling the organised theft of plant and agricultural equipment. The investment will help develop a detailed intelligence picture that will support reducing criminality in this area. We are really grateful for the strong support of partners such as the CEA, the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) and the insurance industry and welcome their commitment to developing a strong working relationship moving forward.”
Superintendent Andy Huddleston, NPCC lead for agricultural machinery theft commented: “The launch of the ACE team will massively help the fight against agricultural machinery theft – the sharing of intelligence and targeting of Organised Crime Groups in this specialist area of thefts is key. I very much look forward to working with the team and the operational benefits this will bring to UK policing.”
Deputy chief constable Debbie Ford, NPCC lead for wildlife crime and rural affairs, said: “I would like to thank the people who’ve been involved in setting up the new agriculture and construction equipment team otherwise known as ACE, particularly those who have helped fund this really vital project in tackling organised crime. As you all know the cost of agricultural machinery theft can exceed £30 million a year and that issue is growing all the time, therefore the importance of the ACE team cannot be underestimated. The effort that went into getting it up and running will hopefully pay dividends in tackling this serious issue.
It’s really important to our communities we know the issues that affect our rural areas and this is a real opportunity to be a defining moment in tackling organised rural criminality.”
The Unit is funded jointly with donations from the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and a group of insurance companies, including Allianz, Aviva, Axa, HSB Engineering Insurance, NFU Mutual and QBE, with a specific interest in the construction plant and agricultural sectors.
One of the donor insurers from Aviva, Gary Thom, is delighted that the new unit is now live; he said: “It is great news that the launch of the new ACE police unit is being announced. A team dedicated to reducing theft of plant and equipment, and the consequences that has for the victims of crime, is a very welcome development.
The launch of the new unit is also very timely, as the country recovers from the pandemic and returns to more normal levels of activity with the potential that brings increased criminality. I appreciate the efforts by all parties involved.”
Chief executive of the CEA, Rob Oliver is looking forward to a strong working relationship between ACE, the CEA and the wider construction industry: “Stakeholders through the industry have been keenly awaiting this initiative to come to fruition, so it is great that it is now in operation with the partnership with Opal. We will be engaging with companies and organisations, such as CITS (Combined Industry Theft Solutions), to support the work of ACE in what is an evolving criminal threat”.
Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth is also welcoming the new ACE specialist police unit: “As well as the financial cost, theft of agricultural vehicles can be incredibly disruptive to farm businesses, who often need to carry out activities in a limited time window, often at short notice. Therefore, we welcome the new ACE team and look forward to working with them to drive down this significant element of rural crime.”
The first ‘in person’ meeting of the ACE team, manufacturers, operators, hirers and insurers will take place on 22nd July. The meeting will aim to formally introduce the new ACE Unit and discuss issues surrounding machinery theft.
Since partnering with Spearhead Machinery, Olivers has become an important distribution partner for the high-end, UK-based mower and cutter brand. Representing Spearhead across all five depots, from Bedfordshire to Kent, Olivers’ customers have welcomed the range addition, with strong sales across many models.
Joining a select few UK Spearhead dealers, Olivers now represents the Twiga SPV (self-propelled vehicle) range across the South East.
With a choice of seven models, SPVs are the ultimate reach mower, replacing the traditional tractor and reach mower combination. Including a 360-degree rotating cab, reach up to 17m, and the ability to cut in forward and reverse, its speed of cutting and operator comfort are huge benefits.
A compact, electric control system has now launched across the Twiga Classic range of rear-mounted hedge cutters. Minipilot controls, previously only available on the Compact series, operate with subtle movements and deliver big results.
Many will welcome the introduction of this simple electric system higher up the product range, with the box easily disconnected for storage. Meanwhile, the Pilot low-pressure oil system, favoured by Spearhead purists for its larger joystick controls and intuitive feel, remains available.
Twiga Classic hedge cutters provide parallel arm geometry and a 5–6.5m reach, dependent on the model. Farmers, contractors, and local authorities are fast adopting the distinctive green machines throughout Olivers’ territory.
Thieves are increasingly targeting more expensive, higher spec vehicles, according to recent data from rural insurer NFU Mutual, demonstrating the importance of tracking equipment on vehicles. ATVs made up 14 per cent of all quad and ATV thefts last year, compared to 11 per cent in 2019.
ATVTrac has been proven to have a 98 per cent recovery rate and an average recovery time of just three hours. With flexible installation on many machine types, and using multi-tier technology, it offers real-time location information to not only pinpoint the vehicle’s location, but to inform the owner of unauthorised movement through text, email and phone call.
Extra features include live tracking and machine over, helping with safety and duty of care by covering lone worker policies at the same time. Other useful functions include live battery information, with adjustable low- level notifications and a service notification facility, which helps users to keep track of their oil changes and routine maintenance. Journey history and usage reports can also be downloaded and saved in shareable formats.
Should a theft occur, ATVTrac has a 24-hour manned call centre to track the device, liaising with police or partner company Securitas to recover the stolen asset and return it in a hassle-free way. As an added bonus, owners can get preferential insurance rates.
Farmers Guide spoke to rural affairs specialist, Rebecca Davidson, at NFU Mutual for some top tips to keep farmers safe from scams when buying agricultural vehicles and machinery online.
Buying used agricultural vehicles and machinery is a cost-effective solution for many farmers, but if it turns out to be stolen it could leave you seriously out of pocket and without vital equipment.
Ensuring a thorough check of a vehicle’s history is carried out is just as important as assessing its condition – nobody wants to uncover any nasty surprises after the sale.
Although it can be easy to think ‘it won’t happen to me’ it’s worth remembering that the problem is widespread.
NFU Mutual’s rural crime claims data reveals that agricultural vehicles worth £9.3m were stolen in the UK in 2019 – a rise in value of 25 per cent on the previous year.
Rural affairs specialist, Rebecca Davidson, at NFU Mutual says: “Trade in agricultural vehicles and equipment has become big business for organised criminal gangs who are selling it online under seemingly bona fide accounts or moving it abroad for onward sale.
“In some cases what’s being sold doesn’t even exist and thieves are using the identity of legitimate vehicles to sell online. Others advertise machinery priced below market value to try and get a quick sale without the buyer making checks.
“Another popular tactic is putting pressure on potential buyers to pay a deposit to reserve an item that doesn’t exist.
“Buying from a trusted dealer can help to reduce the risk of being scammed – and can also make it easier to get redress or problems sorted.
“The vast majority of sales involving agricultural machinery and vehicles will be legitimate but there are persistent criminals out there, which means you should remain vigilant.
“Everyone likes a good deal but if the price you are paying is way under the market value then you shouldn’t ignore those alarm bells ringing in your head.
“Buying a stolen vehicle or machinery can also result in it being seized by the police.”
Whether you are buying a car or a tractor, a few checks made before you part with cash should provide you with the peace of mind you need:
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is – check the market value and find a legitimate reason the price is low.
- Check the seller’s contact details – address and telephone number – are valid.
- Be suspicious of sellers offering to meet halfway at a layby or services – it’s much better to visit their home or business premises.
- Check important, identifiable features, such as serial numbers, haven’t been scratched away for example, on trailers or quad ground frames.
- For CESAR marked vehicles, you can check whether the item is recorded as stolen with Datatag, who manage the scheme.
- As you would with a car, give the vehicle a thorough inspection and test drive.
- Always check the documentation related to the machinery or vehicle.
- Don’t feel pressured into buying or rushing a sale. If it doesn’t seem right it’s much better to give yourself time to do your research before parting with your cash.
- Be wary of suspicious stories – for instance, the seller saying that they are away or asking you to pay for the vehicle without seeing it.
We do our best to keep you safe. We have an on-hand team to look out for scams and at the ready to answer any questions you might have.
There have been reports of a worrying rise in rural crime since the start of the pandemic, with a spike in GPS thefts reported this spring, as well as increased thefts of livestock, ATVs and other high-spec vehicles.
Over the past 12 months, experts have advised upping your farm security before a theft takes place, not after. However, Barry King, of Enhanced Security Solutions, notes that farm sites can be particularly difficult to secure, with numerous entry points. There are many security options on the market, which can make it even more difficult to find the right one for you.
Discussing the most cost-effective solution, Mr King recommends a combination of alarm systems and CCTV to cover the access points.
Enhanced Security Systems offers electronic sensors that either produce a siren when movement is detected, or send an alert directly to your phone. Alternatively, the alert can go through to a monitoring station. All CCTV footage is recorded and stored for 30 days.
The company also supplies automatic sliding or swing gates, but Mr King notes that these are most suitable for single access points, whereas CCTV and alarm sensors can cover all access points cost- effectively.
Based in Chelmsford, the company has been providing farmers in southern and eastern England with all forms of security for 40 years, from CCTV and alarms to access systems and gate automation
Rural groups have welcomed moves to tackle certain rural crimes, as well as red tape around planning permission, but reiterated calls to ensure food imports match domestic standards.
As Queen Elizabeth II opened parliament this week, rural groups welcomed aspects of the government’s plans for greater powers to tackle livestock worrying, hare coursing, pet theft and planning permission issues, as well as efforts to improve animal welfare and reduce environmental impacts.
New animal welfare legislation will end the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter, give greater powers for tackling livestock worrying and recognise animal sentience.
“Staggering rise” in livestock worrying
Commenting on livestock worrying, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Rebecca Davidson said: “Changes are desperately needed and our initial claims estimates for 2021 are suggesting a staggering 50 per cent rise in the cost of dog attacks for the first quarter of this year.
“In 2020 – a year which saw a surge in dog ownership and countryside visits – the cost of dog attacks on farm animals across the UK rose by 10.2 per cent to an estimated £1.3m.
“Behind the figures, these attacks cause unbearable suffering to farm animals as well as huge anxiety for farmers and their families as they deal with the aftermath. For smaller farmers in particular and those with precious breeding lines, an attack can take many years to overcome.”
Pet thefts hitting rural dog owners
A Pet Theft Taskforce has also been launched to investigate a reported rise in pet thefts since the start of lockdown.
NFU Mutual said it has seen a rise in the value of both pet and working dogs stolen during the pandemic year of 2020. Some worried dog owners in rural areas have changed their dog-walking routes, and are reporting sightings of suspicious vehicles and people on social media as more and more dog thefts have been reported.
Rebecca Davidson added: “The surge in dog theft is causing a huge amount of worry to pet owners and farmers. We hope the new taskforce will also examine the devastating impact of stolen working dogs.
“Thefts appear to be taking place all over the country and as well as pets, NFU Mutual is also dealing with claims for stolen sheep dogs. We have seen a number of cases where two to three sheepdogs have been taken from farms at a single time.”
Concerns over import hypocrisy
Noting pledges to improve animal welfare, NFU president Minette Batters said she has “serious concerns” about the government’s intention to raise animal welfare standards in the UK without any certainty that the same standards will apply to imports.
She noted that it is not uncommon to see journey times for time animals in Australia exceed 24 hours without access to feed or water – while the government has recently consulted on reducing domestic journey times to eight hours in the UK.
“If the government is to raise the welfare bar here, it must do so for food imports. It would simply be hypocritical to do otherwise. We cannot have a situation where British farmers adhere to some of the highest standards in the world, only to be undercut by imports that barely meet the lowest rung on the ladder.”
Planning and environmental
New laws will also modernise the planning system, a move that was welcomed by the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA).
CLA president Mark Bridgeman, however, said any reforms must apply as much to the countryside as they do urban environments.
“For too long, the countryside has been treated like a museum, held back by an outdated system that has frustrated economic growth,’ he said.
“Rural poverty will only be eased and opportunity only created if we allow landowners to invest in their communities. We regularly hear of farmers wanting to convert farm buildings into new modern offices, or build more homes for local people, only to be held back by an antiquated planning system.
“If this system is simplified, twinned with other measures such as fulfilling their pledge to spend £5bn on the roll-out of gigabit capable broadband, then the vast potential of the rural economy might finally be unleashed.”
Additionally, the government will invest in new green industries to create jobs, while protecting the environment. Queen Elizabeth II said: “The United Kingdom is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and will continue to lead the way internationally by hosting the COP26 Summit in Glasgow. Legislation will set binding environmental targets [Environment Bill].”
Mr Bridgeman stressed the need for a well-structured ELM scheme to allow farmers to deliver positive environmental benefits, but added more clarity is needed to allow businesses to plan ahead.
