JCB has been awarded a contract to supply the U.S. military with a fleet of specialised high speed excavators over the next eight years in a deal worth up to $269 million (£217 million).
The deal centres on the supply of High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEEs) for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Prototypes of the machine – capable of speeds up to 55mph (88kph) – were first developed in 2002 specifically for the U.S. Army to meet its demand for a high-speed backhoe loader capable of undertaking military engineering tasks. In 2005, JCB was subsequently awarded a contract worth around $209 million, along with an additional service contract valued at around $20 million. Subsequent contract extensions and international sales have seen HMEE production for the U.S. and allied nations rise to 1,200 machines.
It has been confirmed that a new contract has been signed for the supply of up to 400 HMEEs which will all be manufactured at JCB’s North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to the base unarmoured HMEE, JCB will also provide armoured variants as well as attachments and service support.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “When it was developed, the HMEE revolutionised the way military tasks were carried out and we are delighted that the U.S. military has shown great faith in the product by placing this new order.”
JCB Inc President and CEO Richard Fox-Marrs added: “To win this eight year contract is fantastic news for JCB’s North America Headquarters, which has been manufacturing HMEEs here for the past 13 years. The U.S. military has shown tremendous confidence in this JCB product which speaks volumes for the team behind its design, engineering, manufacturing and after sales support.”
The HMEE combines the capabilities of the world-renowned JCB backhoe loader and the innovative high-speed JCB Fastrac– the world’s fastest tractor, which has full suspension and anti-lock brakes. The objective of the HMEE concept is to have a machine capable of travelling at military convoy speed without the need for transportation by a truck and low-loader trailer.
Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Government and Defence at JCB North America, said: “The JCB Government and Defense team is proud to continue to support the U.S. military through the extension of the HMEE programme. The fact that the U.S. military has entrusted JCB to manufacture the HMEE for over a decade is a testament to the work the entire team here has accomplished. We look forward to furthering the HMEE programme and working with the U.S. military on future projects.”
The 17.5 tonne, 6.7 litre engine machines are well suited to a range of military and disaster relief missions, including earthmoving, fortification construction and ground clearing. In addition to its top speed of 55mph (88kph), the HMEE is certified for military transport on ships, rail and aircraft, and for airdrop operations. It is available in various configurations including an armoured specification. It is four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, can lift more than two tonnes and dig to a depth of almost four metres.
UK potato and vegetable handling equipment manufacturer Tong Engineering is celebrating 50 years of vegetable grading screen manufacture this month.
The renowned manufacturer, has not only been producing steel grading screens in the same premises since 1970, but has also grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of steel grading screens in the world.
“We are very proud of our heritage in supplying high quality vegetable handling equipment to growers and packers in the UK and worldwide,” says Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “Manufacturing steel grading screens for 50 years means we have developed an inherent capability to produce a huge variety of grading screen sizes, within very short lead times, which has proved invaluable to our expanding customer base.”
Ian Evison, Aftersales Manager at Tong Engineering, oversees the grading screen production department today, and explains how it all began; “Back in 1970, a new concept in screen grading was introduced, based upon an endless rotating steel mesh grading screen ‘belt’, which replaced the traditional flat riddle system in use at the time. This new grading system significantly increased throughput capabilities for growers.”
“By the 80s, demand for greater throughput was growing significantly and the introduction of our now industry-leading mobile grader, the Caretaker, meant that much wider grading screens were required to meet those demands,” says Ian. “Whilst the construction of the grading screen has very much remained unchanged over the years, our grading screen department has doubled in size, as has the machinery!”
“We’ve seen many developments in 50 years of production,” says Ian. “The screen manufacturing was traditionally very manual and in 2014, after much research into automating the process, Tong invested in a CNC folder to increase output whilst maintaining the accuracy of the manual process. This transformed our production capabilities further and meant we can now offer the fastest turnaround of screen production on the market.”
Tong now manufactures grading screens up to 2.4m wide in a vast range of grading size options ranging from 20mm to 148mm in any width or length to suit grower’s exact requirements. As well as square screens, Tong manufactures steel hexagon grading screens for much better grading accuracy of rounded crop varieties including onions, some variety of potatoes, swedes, turnips and celeriac.
“We now operate a very strong stock-manufacturing program, allowing us to offer an even wider variety of sizes in stock, for immediate delivery,” says Ian. “We not only manufacture screens for Tong equipment worldwide, but also manufacture screens to suit other manufacturer’s equipment too, and that’s not to mention our complete in-house repair service.”
“We are dedicated to offer our customers throughout the world the complete solution to their vegetable grading needs, and as we celebrate 50 years of screen manufacturing, we are confident that we can continue to work closely with our customers over the next 50 years and beyond, manufacturing the very best quality equipment and supplies, on time and in budget.”
The UK planted area for potatoes has held up despite a turbulent season for growers, according to the AHDB.
Provisional estimates show the planted area in Great Britain at 119Kha, which, if correct, shows only a 1 per cent drop on last year. The fall takes into account revisions to the 2019 planted area data since September.
The figures suggest a minimal impact from the coronavirus crisis on planting decisions, as many growers had already made plans by the time the pandemic hit, AHDB says.
Although it is early days, the 2020/21 UK potato crop could be 5.4Mt if the average yield is 45t/ha. Lower yields are anticipated on the early crops due to frosts in mid-May but yields on maincrop potatoes are looking relatively robust. The estimate, at 45t/ha, would mean a rise in production compared to last year, despite a drop in the planted area.
AHDB analyst Alice Bailey said: “Despite the wet weather hampering early planting, conditions changed dramatically when it came to the maincrop. For some growers the conditions bordered on too dry.
“When comparing these projected production figures with last year, it’s important to remember that some of the 2019 crop couldn’t be harvested. Our current estimate of 5.4Mt assumes that the entire planted area for this season can be lifted out the ground.”
Although there was some initial concern about cold soil temperatures earlier this year, temperatures rose throughout April. Despite this, a bout of frost in mid-May could still impact the yield of some crops.
While rain returned during June, the impact varied over the country but generally provided a boost to crops.
The warm weather throughout spring brought other challenges for growers, however, with aphids causing problems this season. Those affected can use the aphid and virus tools available on AHDB’s website.
The return of wet weather brought the threat of late blight. Blightwatch issued a number of warnings around the UK prompting concern. The service is run jointly by AHDB and the Met Office, and uses criteria developed by the James Hutton Institute to warn growers of potential outbreaks by email.
Full updates of 2019 potato production in Great Britain will be published by 10th July. The figures will be broken down by region and sector, and include updates to stock data.
The latest figures will be discussed at AHDB’s Potato Markets and Marketing webinar on 6th July. Register here: ahdb.org.uk/…/potato-markets-and-marketing
A website created to help farmers find fruit and veg pickers in the Covid-19 crisis, which has resulted in a shortage of overseas workers, has now registered 25,000 people.
Brothers Guy and Ben Habgood set up the Land Army website to connect farmers and pickers, amid nationwide concerns that food may be left to rot due to the shortage of skilled workers.
Back in April, the pair both found themselves out of work, with student Ben having worked part-time in hospitality, and Guy previously working as a web/graphic designer. After they started looking for fruit picking jobs themselves in Dorset and Hampshire, they realised farmers were in need of thousands of workers across the country.
The inspiration to set up the website, Guy says, came from their dad, who encouraged them to do something to help.
Commenting on the site, which officially launched on 1st July, Guy said: “Everyone we speak to is really friendly and supportive of what we are trying to do and it’s been especially well received by farms who have a need for volunteers who are financially struggling.
“We currently have 25,000 registered people from all walks of life, both experienced farm hands and people wanting to try something new. In terms of farms we’ve got around 200 farms on our database.”
The site, which was due to launch in May but faced delays due to legal and web development issues, began with a focus on seasonal workers. But the brothers say they quickly realised it could cater for other areas as well and expanded the jobs board to work for more permanent farm roles, as well as other areas such as logistics and warehousing.
The Land Army has pledged to donate 10 per cent of its profits to farming charities.
To post a job or apply for a role, visit: www.thelandarmy.jobs
The second year of a campaign by the British levy bodies has succeeded in reaching 17 million people, helping to bring a more balanced perspective to public discussion around the health properties of red meat.
The collective initiative funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales, has undertaken a range of activity over the last 12 months to help counter misinformation in the media on the role of red meat in the diet, providing reassurance and evidence-based information to consumers regarding the important health benefits beef, lamb and pork provide.
A notable highlight was the programme’s consumer social media campaign, which saw reality TV star and entrepreneur Spencer Matthews cooking up wholesome, balanced meals for his three-quarters-of-a-million Instagram followers, while commentating on the health credentials of the beef, lamb and pork used in the dishes he prepared. Spencer’s lamb and pesto pizza, mini beef tacos and Thai green pork medallion curry recipe videos inspired an audience of 3.3 million online users, and were seen over 5.2 million times.
The campaign’s positive messaging continued to reach large social media audiences with its Blue Monday influencer programme, reminding followers that beef, lamb and pork naturally contain essential minerals and vitamins such as iron, vitamin B12, B6, niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2) and pantothenic acid (B5), all of which can help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Well-respected media medics, including Love Island’s Dr Alex George and nutritionist Dr Priya Tew, took to Instagram to inform their 1.7 million combined followers about these tiredness-busting properties, with their content viewed over 510k times.
AHDB, QMS and HCC have also continued to collaborate successfully with micro-influencers, working with BritMums to reach smaller but even more engaged social audiences – specifically mothers of children and teens – to promote healthy recipes featuring beef, lamb or pork. The content has reached over 1 million online users across Facebook, Instagram and blog sites, with 98% of engaged users agreeing they would be likely to try the recipes at home as a result of the posts.
The programme also launched the Food Advisory Board this year, a panel of leading experts in nutrition, agriculture and environmental science, drawing on their industry-leading expertise in order to support the promotion of a balanced diet.
These industry experts attended a number of health events, a priority for the levy-bodies being to reassure healthcare professionals that red meat can form an important part of a healthy, balanced diet for many patients. A particular highlight was the board’s appearance at Food Matters Live 2019, the UK’s largest annual health and nutrition exhibition. It was here that the official launch of the Food Advisory Board took place, with nutrition-focused members Nicola Ludlam-Raine, Hala El-Shafie and Dr Emma Derbyshire speaking at two separate seminar sessions hosted by food writer and BBC broadcaster Fiona Hunter.
The bodies have worked with the board to engage with trade media, place balanced and informative commentary across a wide range of national news outlets with a combined readership of 10 million, and have provided commentary for 14 major advertorials with a 3.3 million total reach. Included among these were pieces in the Mail Online (one of which was shared nearly 800 times), Healthier You and Good To Know, which informed the publications’ large readerships why NOT to cut meat from a balanced diet, emphasising the essential nutrients and minerals it provides to support optimum health and wellbeing.
Building on a successful year promoting evidence-based, health-focused information to millions of consumers, AHDB, HCC and QMS are already looking ahead. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the provision of evidence-based information on how to maintain a balanced diet at home is likely to be more essential than ever.
AHDB/QMS/HCC Statement:
“In an age of confusing, often contradictory headlines, and the differing viewpoints that current science and research present, it is vitally important that the role red meat plays in a healthy, balanced diet is communicated clearly and accurately to the public.
We seek to provide evidence-based information in the interest of public health, to help consumers make informed nutritional choices instead of following trend-led diets or acting on sensationalised media claims.
We are delighted to have worked with the experts on the Food Advisory Board this year, as well as with Spencer Matthews, Dr. Alex George, and many other supportive partners as we continue to drive public awareness on red meat’s many positive health credentials.”
Trade secretary Liz Truss has announced that, after months of campaigning from farming groups, the government will set up a Trade and Agriculture Commission to help inform trade policy.
In a letter to NFU president Minette Batters she wrote: ‘I wholeheartedly agree that any trade deal the UK strikes must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers, and must not compromise on our high standards of food safety and animal welfare.’
The news follows widespread concerns over the possibility of future trade deals, particularly with the US, resulting in food being imported that would be illegal to produce here. A petition started by the NFU received over a million signatures in little over two weeks.
Responding to the news, Minette Batters described it as “a hugely important development” that the NFU first called for over 18 months ago.
“We look forward to working with government and other stakeholders in the days ahead on the Commission’s terms of reference, to ensure that its work is genuinely valuable,” she added. “In particular, it will be vital that parliament is able to properly consider the Commission’s recommendations and can ensure government implements them effectively.
“The NFU will continue to scrutinise the progress of trade negotiations with the USA and other countries over the coming months outside of the work of the Commission so that our future trade deals work for British farmers and consumers, and believe it is vital that parliament is provided a strengthened role in this regard as well.”
Chief executive of the National Sheep Association, Phil Stocker, welcomed the news, saying the commission is a “really good starting point” but added that there are still questions to be answered and commitments for the government to uphold.
“We will be clear, this committee should be formed to assess each proposed FTA for its individual risks, the reports should be released publicly, and the Government should be required to issue a public response.”
The British Veterinary Association also welcomed the announcement but stressed the importance of having veterinary expertise at the heart of the commission’s membership and remit.
Ms Truss said she supports Mrs Batters’ recommendation that the commission is ‘not another quango or regulator and that it is strictly time-limited’. She proposed that once the commission has completed its work, it will produce a report for parliament, and its recommendations will be advisory only.
The work of the commission is expected to focus on four areas:
- Considering the policies that the government should adopt in free trade agreements to ensure UK farmers do not face unfair competition and that their high standards are not undermined.
- Reflecting consumer interests and those of developing countries.
- Considering how the UK engages the WTO to build a coalition that helps advance higher animal welfare standards across the world.
- Developing trade policy that identifies and opens up new export opportunities for the UK agricultural industry – in particular for small and medium sized businesses – and that benefits the UK economy as a whole.
Ms Truss concluded her letter by saying she looks forward to agreeing the terms of reference for the new commission ‘as soon as practically possible’.
Breeders Limagrain UK have run a short and fun online quiz to find out what British farmers really know about their wheat markets and varieties.
“Who would have guessed that the UK produced 16 million tonnes of wheat in 2019? Only 50% of respondents got this right. Did you know that the UK produced 5 million tonnes of milling wheat in 2019 – 50% of respondents did!
67% of respondents were correct that the animal feed market is the largest market sector for wheat grown in the UK, and nearly 70% identified LG Skyscraper as the highest yielding variety on this year’s AHDB Recommended List.
“With over 300 entries, we are delighted that so many have taken part in our quiz,” says Limagrain’s arable marketing manager, William Charlton. “The responses have been really enlightening with regards to the industry’s understanding of wheat marketing and associated criteria for meeting milling, biscuit or export specifications.”
“However, there was a serious side to running the quiz – it’s really important for growers to understand how to make the most out of any marketing opportunities, so as to get the most out of their wheat crop, and in order to plan ahead to optimise these opportunities.”
Hopefully, by sharing these results, it will help to show up where there are areas of misunderstanding – and set them straight, as well as to confirm which wheat marketing opportunities are really well understood, he says.
The answers
If you’re growing a nabim Group 1 wheat, what market is it eligible for if you hit the correct specification? This was an easy one – over 82% of respondents got this right – it is the milling market.
Which variety is the LG Group 1 variety that’s recognised for its high protein content? 61% of respondents got this one right – the answer is Crusoe. Crusoe was launched in 2012, and it set the standard for a new kind of milling wheat, that offered very high yields with excellent grain quality, combining a stable high Hagberg and high specific weight. It is one of only two GP1 bread wheats approved for export, thanks to its proven, exceptional bread-making quality.
What specifications do millers look for when they are buying bread-making quality wheat? This was answered correctly by almost every respondent – 13% protein, a Hagberg Falling Number of not less than 250, and a specific weight not less than 76 kg/hl. Varieties such as; Crusoe, meet these criteria.
What can you change with your agronomic programme when growing a wheat for milling, as opposed to feed? Harvesting early, using more nitrogen, later – were the correct answers, and only very few respondents got this wrong. This shows that UK growers really do know how to manage milling wheats in the field, to meet the criteria needed for milling markets.
Which Group 2 quality wheat variety has the benefit of OWBM resistance? OWBM resistance is really important to wheat growers, as infected crops produce small shrivelled grains with a damaged outer layer that lets in moisture – which can lead to sprouting. However, only half of respondents knew that LG Detroit is the only Recommended Group 2 wheat to offer this resistance. Any other Group 2 varieties mentioned, do not have the characteristic.
If you’re growing a nabim Group 3 wheat, what’s the main market sector targeted, and what additional markets may be achievable if you grow the right variety and hit the correct specifications? Nearly everyone knew this – it’s biscuit, distilling and export.
Which type of wheat is exported from the UK? 72% knew this was both hard and soft wheats – however 28% thought that only soft or hard could be exported – perhaps a missed marketing opportunity for some?
What are the AHDB export classification groups for both soft biscuit and bread wheat? 80% knew that this is ukp and uks.
If you’re growing a nabim Group 4 Soft wheat, what markets may it be eligible for if you grow the right variety and hit the correct end-use specification? 24% of respondents didn’t know! High yielding soft wheats such as; LG Skyscraper and LG Spotlight, are suitable for distilling, export and animal feed markets.
“If you are growing feed wheat for high yield potential with good grain quality, then the soft wheats; LG Skyscraper and LG Spotlight, certainly offer attributes better than, or equal to the best hard feed wheats available.”
“Both are suitable for distilling and are also being used by some millers for gristing – attracting a premium if grain specifications are met. Other specialist industries such as; Weetabix, also attract a premium, so it’s well worth finding out what contracts are available in your region,” advises William.
If you’re growing a nabim Group 4 Hard wheat, what markets may it be eligible for if you grow the right variety and hit the correct specification? Only half of respondents got this right – hard wheats are only suitable for animal feed, so offer limited marketing opportunities over soft wheats. If you can grow a high yielding soft wheat that offers marketing opportunities, why grow a hard wheat?
How many thousand tonnes of wheat are used for distilling each year? 60 thousand tonnes! Half of respondents got this wrong, so perhaps missing out on an opportunity to grow wheats suitable for this market?
See Limagrain’s website for more information
Experts are investigating ways to create new foods and related products from alternative crops to maximise the use of locally produced food and drink.
Specialists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute are also looking at how to make the most of the natural environment to tackle global challenges.
This includes focusing on a range of crops, from those with a high nutrient or protein content and stable yields, to those which have a positive impact on soils and multiple uses.
Products under development include a seabuckthorn kefir and ginger beer and a nettle health drink, both of which utilise unwanted or invasive materials or crops.
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the insecurities in some supply chains and food systems and the researchers are interested in the potential of supporting plant-based diets through a range of legume alternatives.
They are also looking at the possibility of using natural species and crops grown on marginal land – such as gorse, grass and clover – to extract protein, fibre and sugars for use in innovative food products, textiles and packaging, as well as the use of by-products from plants to create hydrogels that can be used in biomass for the controlled release of nutrients into the soil.
In addition, they are investigating research into plant extracts and co-products to develop foods with a positive impact on human health or which can prevent or manage chronic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
Christine Watson, Professor of Agricultural Systems at SRUC, said: “If the Covid-19 outbreak has taught us anything, it is that we should value our natural environment and maximise the use of locally produced food and drink.
“The potential journey of crop production from 2010 to 2050 feeds into our discussion of the many innovative opportunities available.
“The importance of considering crop processability, profitability for farmers and also affordability for producers is a key area of work with valuable lessons for populations across the world.”
Ceri Ritchie, Food & Drink Sector Lead at SAC Consulting – part of SRUC, said: “The challenge now is to work together to identify and evaluate markets for these products and to continue to innovate and add value to Scotland’s food, drink and agriculture sector.”
Professor Wendy Russell, from The Rowett Institute, said: “With only 25 harvests left to deliver fit-for-purpose climate neutral agriculture, an integrated approach across the food supply chain will be essential. As scientists from the Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes (SEFARI), we are rising to this challenge, delivering an interdisciplinary programme of work to support our green recovery.”
New Waitrose boss James Bailey has said the retailer will not stock lower quality food imports such as chlorinated chicken or hormone-injected beef, even if the UK strikes a trade deal that allows such imports.
Mr Bailey, who joined Waitrose as partner and executive director in May, spoke of his pride in the retailer’s high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food quality, and said he has no intention of deviating from these.
Writing in the Waitrose Weekend magazine he said: ‘Whatever happens, let me give you our commitment. We promise we will never sell any Waitrose & partners product that does not meet our own high standards. This praise is regardless of the outcome of any trade deal. It is our promise to you. It is our promise to farmers. It is our promise to the nation.’
His comments follow recent campaigning to change the Agriculture Bill, currently with the House of Lords, to enshrine in law that the UK Government will not allow food to be imported that would be illegal to produce here. Such a prospect has prompted a broad range of concerns, from the impact on British farmers, to the damage to the environment and animal welfare, to the health of the nation.
An NFU petition on the subject has now received over a million signatures.
Mr Bailey commented on the ‘real unease’ among many consumers, MPs and farming and environmental groups, that future trade deals with countries such as the US, could allow lower quality imports in the UK.
Noting that many supporters of US farming systems have argued that British consumers should be able to choose for themselves whether to buy lower quality, cheaper food, Mr Bailey said the British public expects businesses to deliver good quality food no matter what their budget is.
‘And they are right to expect this,’ he continued. ‘Britain’s food sector has established itself as one of the most ethical and affordable in the world – thanks in large part to Britain’s farmers who have pioneered ever-higher standards with support from the government.’
Rural tourism businesses will be able to reopen from 4th July, the government has announced, prompting a sigh of relief from rural organisations.
Boris Johnson announced yesterday (23rd June) that pubs, restaurants, hotels, campsites and caravan parks can all reopen from 4th July. Members of two different households will be able to eat, drink or dine together in England if they stick to physical-distancing guidelines.
The 2m distancing rule is also set to be dropped to ‘1m plus’.
Sarah Lee of the Countryside Alliance said: “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on UK hospitality and tourism. The Prime Minister’s announcement is incredibly welcome as it offers people the chance to enjoy a holiday in our beautiful countryside and coastal beauty spots, giving a much-needed boost to fragile local businesses.”
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) also welcomed the move and encouraged the public to book their self-catering holidays in the beauty and safety of the British landscape.
President Mark Bridgeman said: “We hope that people are looking forward to enjoying the tranquility and space that the rural and coastal areas have to offer and enjoy. There is nowhere better for a holiday than the Great British countryside.”
However, the organisation has warned that rural tourism businesses could see revenues fall by up to £17.6 billion this year. Mr Bridgeman reiterated calls for the government to support the sector by reducing VAT on tourism businesses.
At 20 per cent it is far higher than many other countries such as France and Spain (both 10 per cent) and Greece (13 per cent).
“A reduction in VAT would help domestic tourism to be competitive,” he added. “Competitive pricing, along with the promotion of domestic tourism, will significantly boost the economy and also help reduce our carbon footprint.”
