With rural crime on the rise, making sure your farm security is up to scratch has never been more important. 24 Networks and Security, which works with farmers nationwide to protect their property, offers some advice.

The past 12 months have seen a spike in rural crime, as thieves capitalise on fewer staff on-farm due to Covid-19. NFU Mutual recently warned of a spring surge in tractor GPS thefts as lockdown restrictions ease – with incidents reported in East Anglia, the Midlands and North West of England.

Similarly, in March the rural insurer reported that thieves were targeting newer, higher specification quad bikes, and earlier in the year it revealed that £2.3 million worth of farm animals were stolen from UK farms in 2020. Working dog thefts are also known to be a concern and many rural owners are changing their walking behaviour as a result, according to a recent survey by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

As this growth in rural crime hits all farming sectors, it is worth taking the time to consider your farm security – a few tweaks could reap significant rewards in terms of peace of mind and preventing financial losses.

CCTV and intruder alarms are a key deterrent and can offer valuable information for retrieving property if a theft does occur – yet choosing the correct system for your farm is essential.

Yorkshire-based 24 Networks and Security installs CCTV and alarms that can be managed remotely from a single app on a smartphone, tablet or PC, using Hikvision cameras that can be programmed to detect motion at particular times of day and even automatically swivel to track movement. Alerts are sent to the farmer’s smartphone if the motion sensor is triggered, so there’s no need to trawl through CCTV footage.

Wireless cameras can be installed to avoid the need for cables and even if cameras are placed miles away – in a barn for example – 24 Networks can install an internet bridge, making the camera systems ideal for rural use.

As well as offering security benefits, CCTV doubles up as a useful tool for calving and lambing sheds, allowing farmers to watch footage from their living room TV rather than physically checking on the animals.

24 Networks can advise on the design, installation and maintenance of security systems, offering a wide range of security equipment to suit various requirements and budgets.

Many farming clients seek help with improving security after a theft has taken place, but with rural crime at its highest level in nearly a decade, the company says it is worth taking preventative action rather than waiting until a crime has taken place.

For more information visit their website HERE.

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging farmers to make safety their first priority as a delayed silage first cut gets underway.

Andy Manson, Managing Director of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited, said: “Slow grass growth due to the dry and cold spring has delayed first cut – but following recent rain in some areas farmers are now rushing to get grass harvested and time pressures can add to risks.

“Silage making is one of the busiest times of the year for livestock farmers and contractors, and puts machinery and workers under a lot of strain. Tractors and trailers which may not have been out for months suddenly get used to the max, and long hours can increase the risk of accidents when drivers are tired.”

NFU Mutual strongly supports the Tilly your Trailer initiative. The Tilly Pass is an 18-point inspection procedure and certificate aimed at ensuring trailers are properly maintained, safe for road use and comply with safety legislation (HSE PUWER ‘98).

Andy Manson added: “This year, with many more people out and about in the countryside, it’s also important to make all team members aware of lanes and commonly used routes through fields used by walkers and cyclists so they can take care to avoid the risk of a collision.

“Even though COVID-19 cases have fallen substantially, it’s still important to maintain precautions – including social distancing, masks indoors and regular hand washing to reduce the risk of infection.”

To help farmers avoid accidents and breakdowns through the silage making season, NFU Mutual has updated its silage making safety checklist.

NFU Mutual silage safety checklist:

• Regularly check moving parts of mowers, tedders, forage harvesters and balers, including guarding e.g. PTO shafts, for wear or damage and carry out all recommended maintenance

• Switch off engines and ensure parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance. Remove the keys as well to prevent accidental starting
• Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers
• Keep mobile phones on your person – not left in a tractor or pick up cab
• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of overhead power lines (OHPL’s) and check that the machinery will safely pass under wires and restrictions
• Keep children away from working areas
• Never overfill a Silage Clamp as this increases the risk of vehicles overturning when rolling or filling
• For Indoor Clamps, keep away for the first 72 hours as this is when the dangerous gas nitrogen dioxide can form in large quantities
• If possible, use a hook or a pole to keep away from the edge of the face when unsheeting or removing tyres
• Make sure new staff are properly inducted and trained for the work you give them – in particular the dangers of working around farm machinery and the risks of being on a silage clamp
• Supervise new staff closely until you are sure they are competent to do the work
• Ensure trailers are road legal with fully maintained and working brakes, lights, indicators, and flashing beacons
• Take special care to check for following vehicles before turning right into fields or yards as this is a common cause of serious accidents
• Always work safely when consolidating the silage clamp, following best practice guidance for the task

Checking combine harvester tyres ahead of, and during, a busy harvest is essential to increase operational efficiency, reduce tyre damage, and minimise soil compaction.

Continental CombineMaster tyres can now be specified with ContiPressureCheck a new system that monitors the pressure and temperature of tyres to provide the operator with the necessary information to prevent tyre-related issues, such as under-inflation or overloading.

During previous harvests, tyres may have been damaged causing bulges, cuts, or tears. “A thorough check of the tread area and sidewalls, including the rim of the wheel, will identify any areas of concern. The low operating pressure and requirement to carry a heavy load creates strain on the tyre wall, so if there is a fault the tyre should be changed to avoid operational failure and down time,” says Continental’s agricultural tyre specialist Richard Hutchins.

Flat spots can occur when a combine is parked for long periods. “Flat spots are common with combines because of the length of storage time. Investing in a tyre with a more flexible carcass material will help,” he says.

N.Flex Technology in Continental tyres is a patent pending, heat-treated nylon that sits beneath the rubber to help the tyre return to its original shape following impacts and heavy use. “N.Flex reduces the occurrence of flat spots and provides a more comfortable ride,” he adds.

Continental has developed a stronger single wire bead with a hexagonal cross section – the Hexa bead. The bead is an essential part of a tyre because it keeps the tyre on the rim of the wheel. Many agricultural tyres use as many as 10 individual wires to create one bead. However, multiple joins in the bead can cause weaknesses and there is a risk that the tyre can detach from the rim, especially at low pressures.

“Our research showed a more flexible tyre, with a stronger Hexa bead construction, will grip the rim even at very low pressures. This reduces the risk of the tyre slipping off the rim, whilst helping to spread the huge weight of a combine. This is especially important for the front tyres which take more weight and torque,” he explains.

ContiPressureCheck can be retrofitted to existing tyres or specified with new CombineMaster tyres. “This technology is the future and offers farmers an opportunity to reduce soil compaction and avoid costly tyre failure,” concludes Mr Hutchins.

New Holland Agriculture has partnered with The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) for the second year in their Up to Speed joint scheme, which aims to support young farmers, new entrants, or those looking to make a difference in their local community but would otherwise not have access to this type of farm machinery. This year’s successful applicants, Isobel and James Wright, Sam Walton, and James Miller won the use for a year of a TH telehandler, a T6 tractor and a Boomer compact tractor respectively.

“It’s great to have the support of New Holland and The Prince’s Countryside Fund as without the use of the machine I was expecting many late nights, I will now get more time to spend with family whilst our business grows,” said James Wright, who will be using the TH telehandler on his farm.

Established in 2010 by HRH The Prince of Wales, the PCF is the only UK-wide charity that empowers family farms and rural communities to survive and thrive. The Up to Speed scheme, alongside its Farm Resilience Programme and Farm Support Groups Initiative, forms part of the PCF’s strategy to support thriving family farms, to ensure farmers have access to immediate, local and practical support and a path to a sustainable future. The partnership between New Holland and the PCF began in early 2020, and the second year of the Up to Speed scheme proved just as popular as the first, with farmers applying from all reaches of the UK.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “We were so impressed with the quality of applications this year and are delighted to have chosen three worthy winners. We hope that each will be able to build their farm business through this tremendous opportunity.  Our thanks go to New Holland for working with us to make a positive difference to the working lives of each of our winners.”

Mark Crosby, New Holland Marketing Manager for UK&ROI, said: “New Holland are delighted to continue our partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund for a second year, allowing us the opportunity to support and work alongside three very enthusiastic and talented winners.  The volume of applications and competition between them for each machine was even stronger this year.  It was so inspiring to meet such talented individuals and learn of their plans, to understand firsthand the difference the loan of a new machine would bring to their business over the next twelve months.  We, at New Holland, remain very keen on championing our winners as industry ambassadors, and are proud to back local production with our British built tractors.   Our huge congratulations go to Isobel and James, Sam and James and we look forward to working closely together over the coming year.”

Meet the 2021 Winners:

Isobel and James Wright are first generation farmers from West Sussex and have won the use of a TH telehandler. They are halfway through their first tenancy on the Wiston Estate where they keep a herd of suckler cows and have started rearing calves too. James also works for an agricultural software company, Breedr.

They said: “The farm is our first step into farming in a big way and our hope is to move from here in a few years to a larger farm. Winning the use of the telehandler for the year will be a great asset to the business, right now we are reliant on contractors and our old loader tractor which struggles to start on cold mornings.”

Sam Walton from Knutsford, Cheshire has won the use of a T6 tractor. Sam works at Tatton Park, which attracts 90,000 visitors a year to learn about food and farming. Alongside this, he has his own herd of pedigree Hereford cattle on some rented land and he has been breeding Herefords since he was 12 years old.

Sam said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the winner of the T6, it will make such a difference to my business over the next 12 months.”

James Miller from Hatherleigh, West Devon has won the use of a Boomer tractor. James has a 30-acre smallholding with small a flock of sheep, pigs and manages an ancient woodland. He also has his own business JRM Countryside Services, which provides agricultural contracting services with the use of an ATV and attachments to smallholders, equestrian units and amenity.

James said: “The use of the boomer tractor over the next year will allow the business to expand into other markets and test how viable a compact tractor will be. Thank you so much for the opportunity. It will make such a big difference to the business and small holding.”

The Up to Speed scheme will be open again for applications in early 2022. To find out more, please visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/uptospeed.

Jamie Oliver has reportedly been left “unimpressed” after recovering his own stolen tractor, having reported it stolen to police.

According to The Sun, the chef gave police CCTV grabs and the number plate of the thieves’ black Mercedes 4×4, after the makeshift covering fell off during the raid at midnight on 29^th April. However, he is quoted by The Sun as saying police “weren’t interested”, describing their response as “lukewarm”.

Just hours after it was stolen, Jamie found the tractor and trailer abandoned – along with other stolen equipment – in a field in Bamber’s Green that is believed to be a known dumping spot for criminals.

Warning local residents in Finchingfield, Jamie is quoted as saying: “I just wanted to make you all aware there seems to be some confident casual theft going on in and around the village. Another local farmer and house in the village also has been broken into. It’s not for me to say who, so it’s well worth being as vigilant as ever. […]

“Our security cameras picked up the burglars, their car and the number plate (they tried to cover it up but it fell off mid break-in). The car is taxed MOT etc. Everything they stole had trackers so we were able to see it play out.”

The thieves remained on-site for 35 minutes and were not in a rush, he added, prompting the chef to make “relevant changes” for security. Thieves are thought to have got in through a side driveway.

A police spokeswoman is quoted by The Sun as saying: “Officers were unable to attend immediately as they were dealing with other incidents throughout the night and early hours. The informants recovered the vehicles themselves before officers had the opportunity to get there. Our crime scene investigators attended at 10.15am that day, shortly after the crime was reported.

“No forensic opportunities were found on the vehicles but our enquiries into the theft remain ongoing. We always prioritise calls where there is the greatest risk of harm to people and threat to life. This means we can’t always attend some incidents immediately but we do our best.”

[Image: Land Rover MENA/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/]

A fundraiser set up to help 14-year-old Harvey regain some of his savings and “restore his faith in humanity” after he was targeted by an online scam, has so far received over £4,000 in donations.

Harvey had been working hard running a vegetable box service and doing odd jobs for people alongside his schoolwork in order to raise enough cash for his own tractor.

Having finally saved up the money, he found an advert on eBay for a John Deere tractor, priced at £8,400.

Despite numerous calls and emails and getting consent from his parents, the advert turned out to be a scam and despite using Paypal, Harvey lost all his savings.

His mother Rachel says he is “absolutely devastated with his dreams and confidence in tatters”. She set up the GoFundMe page last week in hopes of getting back some of his money and boosting his confidence again. In just five days it has already reached around half of the target.

To donate, visit: https://bit.ly/3eSyzVf

With used machinery scams reportedly on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic – and in-person visits to inspect machinery much more difficult – NFU Mutual issued farmers the following advice for buying used vehicles and machinery:

• 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 half-way 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 it 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.
• If you are serious about buying any road-registered vehicles, you can also pay a small fee for an HPI check which will tell you if the vehicle has been stolen, damaged, subject to an insurance claim or has any outstanding finance.
• 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.

Farmers are being warned to increase security in farmyards after thefts of expensive GPS kit were reported in East Anglia, the Midlands and North West of England.

“We’re seeing a resurgence in GPS theft in some areas and we are concerned it could spread to other parts of the UK,” said Bob Henderson, who leads NFU Mutual’s Agricultural Engineering Field Team.

“Thieves are stealing all makes and models of GPS control units, together with screens and domes. It’s worryingly similar to last year’s unprecedented surge in GPS theft, which saw equipment stolen from farms across the UK.”

DC Chris Piggott, who co-ordinates the agricultural vehicle crime unit at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), said: “GPS theft is an international crime, with countries across the globe experiencing thefts and attempts to sell stolen equipment back into the farming sector. There are also homegrown-criminals stealing GPS systems as people turn to criminal activity to make a quick buck.”

With funding from NFU Mutual, NaVCIS is supporting operations across the country to tackle organised agricultural machinery crime and is working with overseas police forces to disrupt international crime gangs.

Beefing up security

Asked about reasons behind the trend, Bob Henderson at NFU Mutual, said: “Thieves are taking advantage of increased spring activity on farms to identify targets and, with lockdown easing, criminals may feel able to travel without risk of being stopped.

“These criminals are well-organised and know what they are looking for – so it’s essential that farmers remove GPS kit when possible, when it’s not in use and store it securely. It’s also well worth beefing up security in farm yards, machinery sheds and on tractors to make it harder for thieves to operate.”

NFU Mutual and NaVCIS are urging farmers with GPS systems to activate PIN number security codes. On older models without PIN security, marking kit with farm names and postcodes in indelible ink or forensically can make it harder for thieves to sell on and help police and potential buyers spot stolen equipment.

Buying second-hand 

“Demand for GPS equipment is fuelling this type of crime and we are urging people to think twice before purchasing second-hand items online,” said DC Chris Piggott.

“Although police have shut some bogus sellers down, they are emerging again under false names and purporting to be UK sellers.

“Anyone considering a purchase should get photos showing serial numbers before parting with any money and check with the manufacturer that it is not recorded stolen on their system before completing the transaction.”

“We also urge farmers to report suspicious activity including drones over farms, vehicles visiting that are not known to the farm, or trespassers on 101, and if a crime is taking place call 999.”

To protect GPS systems from thieves, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

• Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available
• If your system is not pin enabled, mark your postcode to deter thieves and trace your property back to you
• Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible
• Remove GPS kit when possible from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use
• Record serial numbers and photograph your kit
• Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale.

MKM Agriculture says it remains open, despite working under restricted conditions, following a devastating fire that broke out in the workshop in Bedford.

CCTV footage has shown the first signs of fire breaking out at 4.13am on 7^th April. Local residents sounded the alarm after an explosion at 4.22am and managing director Anthony Deacon arrived on the scene a few minutes later, followed by the fire service.

The fire rapidly spread through the workshop, which was locked and alarmed, and across the adjoining machinery storage building. The fire service had little chance of extinguishing the fire and concentrated their efforts on containing the spread onto nearby buildings.

The building was completely destroyed, along with over 70 machines including 35 ATVs, six UTVs, a forklift, many lawn mowers and over 35 years’ worth of tools.

A forensic team carried out a full investigation but the cause of the fire remains unknown. However, CCTV footage has shown it was an accident and the fire started inside a locked and alarmed building.

A statement from MKM reads: ‘On behalf of Mark and Anthony we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has offered their help and support over the last few days.

‘We would like to thank our customers who have lost their machines in the fire for their understanding. We are doing everything we can to work with our insurers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, on a machine-by-machine basis.

‘We would like to thank the whole MKM team for their professional conduct and the manner in which they have handled this extremely difficult situation.

‘We have a long road ahead to full recovery but rest assured we are still here and still open, albeit operating under restricted conditions.

‘We will rebuild and continue to offer the fantastic service we have become known for.’

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is offering incentives for combines fitted at point of purchase, or retro-fitted, with suppression systems which meet P-mark certification standards.

“Combine fires put lives at risk, cause huge disruption to harvesting and destroy expensive machines so we’re very pleased introduce insurance discounts on combines fitted with accredited suppression systems”, said Tom Murray from the agricultural vehicle underwriting team.

He explained: “Sometimes engine bay fires can break out despite regular maintenance and removal of debris, but suppression systems mitigate risks and significantly reduce the severity and frequency of farm fires.”

In a recent live demonstration, the insurer partnered with one of the leading suppression manufacturers Fireward and agricultural salvage firm Adam Hewitt Ltd to set fire to a combine and put a P-mark system to the test.

Tom explained: “Tests have shown that fires can be reduced or prevented altogether by suppression systems. When an engine bay catches fire, it needs to be rapidly detected, effectively contained, and quickly extinguished. Suppression systems are also effective on fires involving solid combustibles, flammable liquids and electricity.”

The P-mark approved suppression kits involve dual agent systems which have two cylinders, one with powder and the other with a foam. The powder acts by interrupting the chemical reaction taking place and cutting off the oxygen supply. The foam suppressing agent in the second cylinder rapidly cools superhot surfaces of over 200°C in larger engine bays which also hold turbo chargers and filters.

NFU Mutual says it is all too aware of the huge devastation and stress caused by combine fires during the busy harvest period. In 2020 the firm dealt with more than 80 combine harvester fires, including eight which were valued at over £100,000 each.

Bob Henderson, who heads NFU Mutual’s engineering team, deals with many burnt out agricultural vehicles each year. Bob said: “Wider adoption of fire suppression systems could be a serious game changer for arable farming – helping protect lives, property and the year’s harvest. While insurance can cover the cost of a replacement, farmers still risk losing critical harvesting time during a tight weather window and huge difficulty hiring a combine when machines are in high demand.”

To find out more about how to prevent fires and discounts available for combines fitting P-mark approved suppression systems, get in contact with your local NFU Mutual agency.

The P-mark is a global standard which brings together best practice from Europe. This accreditation confirms that the product is type-tested and that installation and fitting is inspected. This robust approach ensures that any suppression system is suitably tested and appropriate for the conditions in which agricultural vehicles are being used.

NFU Mutual tips to prevent fire this harvest:

• Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use
• Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire
• Use a mobile compressor to regularly blow away debris
• Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance
• Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings
• Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers
• Keep mobile phones on you at all times – not left in a tractor or pickup cab
• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that you will safely pass under wires
• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – and that it is regularly maintained – and that you know where the nearest water source is.

Yard:

• Instruct drivers to keep to safe speeds in the grain yard
• Check signs are in place to help lorry drivers go to the right place, and alert members of the public to any potential hazards
• Keep children away from working areas
• Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily accessible
• Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.

Last week, the Farmers Guide published figures showing a big increase in agricultural tractor registrations recorded in March. This brought the total number of machines registered during the year to date to 3,259, 13% more than in the opening three months of 2020. Now, the Agricultural Engineers Association are releasing figures showing where these registrations were located within the UK and trends for different power ranges.

In England, the rise in registrations was more obvious in the Eastern half of the country, although the South West also saw a significant increase. This part of the country bore the brunt of the wet weather in autumn 2019, which will have affected demand for tractors in early 2020. The West Midlands and North West both saw slightly fewer machines registered this year, as did the Home Counties, although figures for the latter region have been quite volatile in recent years. Scotland and Wales both recorded only modest year-on-year rises but Northern Ireland saw the biggest increase of any region, with registrations up by nearly two-thirds, compared with the first quarter of last year.

There were mixed trends across the power range, with strong growth for machines under 60hp, between 120 and 150hp and between 220 and 320hp. Between those ranges, growth was more modest or there was actually a decline in registrations. The most obvious fall was in the 150-200hp range, where 68 fewer machines were registered this year (-7%).