Potato farmers hit by recent severe flooding have been given a helping hand by Tesco and supplier Branston.
Packs of potatoes from affected regions are being sold with a special blue sticker that reads: “I’m not looking my gorgeous normal self but I still taste great. Buy me and support British farmers affected by the floods.”
Growers have been badly hit by crop damage following the worst flooding since 2012, meaning many have struggled to harvest crops at the key trading time in the year. Crop yield is down and appearance has been affected.
It is the second year in a row that potato growers have been hit by poor growing conditions, with the Beast from the East and drought last year. Tesco says it has made moves to widen the specifications set by retailers governing the overall look and quality of fruits and vegetables.
Tesco potato buyer Ben Rowbotham said: “In order to support our British growers in Eastern regions, we have worked collaboratively with Branston to ensure farmers are supported and customers are not facing a shortfall at this key time.
“In Norfolk and Lincolnshire in particular, harvesting conditions have been extremely challenging and growers have worked hard to get as much crop out of the ground as possible.
“This means that some of our premium quality Finest range potatoes won’t look as bright as they normally do. However, they will still taste great and we want to make sure that customers realise quality is more than just skin deep.”
Growers in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and parts of Yorkshire have been particularly affected by the autumn floods.
Branston commercial director Richard Clark commented: “Usually great for potato-growing, these are the regions where we source most of our premium varieties. This autumn’s waterlogged fields have prevented or delayed harvesting. In some cases up to half the crop has been lost and we are still trying to harvest the remaining 20 per cent of our tonnages.”
Stocks Ag, the UK specialist manufacturer of pneumatic applicators for granular and microgranular products and small seeds, is using LAMMA 2020 to expand its range by launching a new 12-outlet model at the head of its flagship Turbo Jet line-up, joining the existing 8- and 10-outlet models. The new machine incorporates a number of features already established on existing Turbo Jet models, plus others that are new.
The Turbo Jet 12 is built around a new hopper arrangement, comprising two 150-litre or two 250-litre hoppers, providing respective combined capacities of 300 or 500 litres. Independent metering units deliver product from the twin hoppers.
A large pressure-balancing chamber situated before the product metering and delivery chamber balances the air pressure created by the fan, to ensure it applies an even force. Larger internal metering and delivery chambers are identically matched to the internal diameter of the flexible hose that connects them, thus eliminating both pressure fluctuations and the product stall points they can cause. This is combined with reduced internal resistance to allow a greater volume of air delivery. A new manifold with push-fit pipe fittings eases access should it be required.
A fan bias feature allows the operator to adjust the air flow to ensure it remains even and consistent across the wider working width of the machine, while a factory-installed twin fan option produces increased air flow for handling denser products or targeting wider spread widths.
Operators benefit from an easy-fill neck, with a new swivelling hopper extension meaning the neck ring is the same diameter as that used on the established Turbo Jet models. A new TM controller, designed specifically for independent twin metering, enables simultaneous application according to two variable-rate maps. Variable rate capability is unlocked as standard from the factory, while coverage/as-applied mapping is also standard, as is integral EGNOS-based GPS. A full range of lighting options is available.
Suzuki has recently released three new market-leading ATVs – the KingQuad 750 power steering and KingQuad 500 power steering/non-power steering models.
Since their introduction late last year, the new KingQuads have proven to be strong, reliable and durable as ever.
They are truly Suzuki KingQuads through and through and are the result of 30 years of engineering expertise, refinement through feedback from customers, and an unequalled reputation for quality that Suzuki has earned by building each and every one of its ATVs.
With engine and chassis upgrades, new features and aggressive new styling, the ATVs attracted a lot of attention agricultural shows in summer 2019. The chassis upgrades mean that all three models can now tow an impressive 600kg, an increase of 33 per cent from the previous models available.
As well as this, the front suspension, steering system and rear stabiliser are all new, which combine to deliver excellent straight-line stability as well as sure-footed handling when cornering and improved manoeuvrability. The handlebars have also been raised, which improves riding position,
and comfort.
Major refinements and changes have been made to the engine unit to continue Suzuki’s reputation for high levels of performance and reliability. Suzuki has also introduced a range of features such as a handlebar-mounted headlight to improve visibility into the turn, plus additional storage compartments to help you carry more equipment.
The new multi-function instrument panel is also easier to view and includes a service reminder icon, which pops up when the ATV is due for its routine service. Then, once the ATV is in with an authorised Suzuki dealer for its service, the work itself has been made easier through the re-design of various body parts that make some components, such as the fuel filter, easier to access. Customers can also benefit from a courtesy ATV scheme, when theirs (any make or model) is in for repair (from participating Suzuki dealers).
See Suzuki at LAMMA – Hall 19, Stand 19.234
Seven highland cows have been given a new home on a Lancashire nature reserve, where they can live out the rest of their days helping to improve grassland for wildlife.
Michael Midgley, of cattle handling business JM Midgley Farm Services, was asked by one of his local customers in Lincolnshire to find a home for the highlanders after he was forced to sell some land, leaving the herd facing an uncertain future.
The owner was happy to give them away to a good home but wanted to make sure they wouldn’t be slaughtered and hoped he would be able to visit them.
Michael regularly supplied his cattle handling system and helped to look after the bullocks. After contacting various estates and public bodies, he approached the Lancashire Wildlife Trust who were able to help.
The highlanders now have a new home at Bickershaw Country Park where they will graze on the tough, overgrown vegetation. Keeping the grass in check will mean less competitive flowering plants will be able to thrive, helping insects, invertebrates and birds.
Skylarks and lapwings prefer to nest in shorter, more open vegetation and the trust said they are excited to see if numbers of these species increase after the cows have got to work.
Highland cattle are perfect for the job, the trust added, as their hardy guts are capable of digesting much tougher vegetation and, unlike sheep, they pull up clumps of vegetation rather than cropping it – creating bare earth that can be populated by new seeds.
The seven bullocks have been named by members of the local community in a Facebook competition, and now go by Rod, Mick, Charlie, Brian, Keith (named after rock legends) and Dunster and Massey (named after the two historic farms that Bickershaw now resides on).
Commenting on the successful rehoming, Michael Midgley said: “It was great to have a happy ending to this particular story.”
The driving ease and productivity benefits of CVT transmissions technology available in latest Landini tractors will be highlighted on the Argo Tractors stand at the LAMMA show in January.
Argo manufactures V-Shift versions of the 166hp to 192hp six-cylinder 7 Series tractors, the 141hp to 176hp four-cylinder 7 Series, and also the 114hp to 140hp four-cylinder Landini 6C tractors.
At LAMMA, Landini CVT technology will be showcased by the series-topping 6-145C V-Shift, a high-specification mid-range machine with 130hp for draft work and up to 140hp for transport and pto-implement applications.
Landini product specialist Andy Starbuck notes that manufacturers first introduced CVT technology in the most powerful arable tractors.
“But has since filtered down to smaller models, giving livestock and smaller arable farms, and commercial horticulture, access to the features and benefits it offers,” he says.
“Argo Tractors was among the first manufacturers to offer CVT in the 100-140hp power bracket and farmers operating tractors of that size are beginning to appreciate what it has to offer for field and loader work.”
A purpose-designed transmission engineered by Argo Tractors goes into the Landini 6C V-Shift to provide seamless speed control and acceleration from standstill to top speed, without any manual shifting involved.
And with no need to use the clutch pedal for speed-matched forward-to-reverse shifting, V-Shift technology also creates an ideal loader tractor.
“That also results in a very comfortable driving experience for the operator,” says Andy Starbuck. “But also a very efficient one for all yard, field and road work, because the engine and transmission automatically find the optimum revs and ‘gearing’ for the load, power and torque demands.”
The net result includes potential for welcome fuel savings and productivity gains, and also improved quality of work when handling speed-critical field operations such as seedbed preparation and stone/clod separation for potatoes and similar crops.
Powershift and manual transmissions will feature in other tractors on Argo’s LAMMA stand, including an example of the 69-107hp Landini 4 Series in fully ‘mechanical’ form and a more comprehensively equipped model from the 99-113hp Landini 5 Series with power shuttle, two-speed powershift and electronic rear hitch control.
Three-speed powershift and power shuttle for fingertip operation feature on the larger 110-126hp 6H Series tractor, a model that brings together the Landini 6C’s powershift transmission, a shorter front end and a lower cab to create a field and loader tractor with great strength in a compact package.
The positive reputation for Landini specialist tractors in the fruit sector is represented at LAMMA by the new high clearance 5 HC four-wheel drive, standing tall on 44in tyres all round, and a Rex 4 orchard tractor with new front axle suspension and factory-installed front three-point hitch.
The new Rex 3 heavy-duty compact fruit tractor for orchard, polytunnel and vineyard operations will be on show at LAMMA for the first time.
A new range of more powerful stepless transmission tractors will be represented by the top model in a new-look line-up making its UK debut on the Argo Tractors stand at the LAMMA show in January.
The McCormick X7.624 VT-Drive with up to 230hp for draft work and 240hp for pto-driven implements and road transport is the most powerful model in the latest X7 Series, which also features lower running costs thanks to engine service intervals extended to 1200 hours, a more comprehensive 360deg LED lighting package set into a new cab roof panel, and new control features in the Premiere cab.
To emphasise their new levels of performance potential, the X7.6 VT-Drive tractors have a more purposeful chiselled-jaw appearance in the same style as the larger 264-310hp X8 VT-Drive flagship models.
Adrian Winnett, managing director of Argo Tractors operations in the UK and Ireland, said: “The push for more performance is relentless so Argo Tractors has taken the opportunity when switching to Stage V emissions-compliant engines to introduce more powerful VT-Drive models to the McCormick range.
“Our previous CVT models in the X7 Series peaked a 195hp; with the X7.624 VT-Drive they go to 240hp, giving farmers and contractors a very powerful but versatile package with all the performance and driver-comfort attributes of a stepless transmission.”
McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive series
The complete line-up of new McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive tractors comprises the X7.620 VT-Drive with 180hp draft power and 190hp for transport and pto-driven implements such as power harrows and tillers.
The X7.621 VT-Drive serves up 200hp and 210hp, while the X7.623 VT-Drive puts 215hp and 225hp at the operator’s disposal.
McCormick Betapower 6.7-litre engines by FPT are supported stress-free in a cast iron front chassis that also provides front-end weight for optimum traction, and Stage V emissions compliance is achieved through a revised SCR AdBlue injection system working in combination with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) – no DPF is required.
The latest-spec engines also feature optimised fuel filters and a more comprehensive oil filtration system, which together with a new engine oil specification has allowed service intervals to be doubled from 600 hours to 1200 hours, making a significant contribution to reduced running costs.
Running cost savings can also be made by using the engine braking system, which manipulates an electronic motorised valve on the turbocharger and is operated by a button on the cab floor.
Dynamic engine braking can be used to ease reliance on the service brakes and so extend the working life of the friction materials or to supplement the multiple oil-immersed discs in heavy braking situations.
McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive transmission
Power and torque from the McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive tractor’s higher output engines are channelled through the new ZF Terramatic TMT20 transmission.
This uses four planetary gear sets, wet clutches and hydraulic speed variation to provide the finest possible seamless ground speed adjustment, with high levels of mechanical efficiency across the zero to 50kph envelope.
Control software developed by Argo Tractors makes the system easy to use by inexperienced and experienced CVT tractor drivers alike, with a choice of management modes providing optimum engine and transmission control strategies for different fieldwork and transport situations.
Four working speed bands can be set by the operator through the 12in Data Screen Manager display in the cab, and manual control is available through the accelerator pedal and Easy Pilot proportional controller.
Heavier duty rear axle and power take-off assemblies handle the higher power and torque outputs, and a four-speed pto package with ‘power’ and ‘economy’ 540rpm and 1000rpm gearing, contributes to the tractor’s impressive performance and fuel-economy credentials.
Control and DSM display upgrades
The neat, simple and uncluttered design of the Premiere cab interior continues with these latest models but with control enhancements to further improve ease of use – including electric steering wheel tilt adjustment.
On the seat-mounted control console of these Premium specification tractors, the unique ‘MySwitch’ concept of a single button on the Easy Pilot hand controller that can operate five different tasks has been extended with a further four to which operators can allocate various hydraulic and other functions as they see fit.
For easy use, the supplementary MySwitch buttons are positioned around the roller thumb switch used to rapidly lift and lower the 9300kg rear implement hitch.
Similarly, each of the electric double-acting spool valves – three are standard, up to seven optional – can be allocated to the armrest console paddle switches or to the mini joystick, which is typically used for operating a loader or the 3500kg front hitch.
New headland management control features include dedicated command buttons on the armrest console for quick and easy access to record, edit or engage previously-recorded automatic tractor and implement control sequences for different implements.
The headland management system is designed to minimise the operator’s workload during headland turns; and so is McCormick Easy Steer, which reduces by up to half the number of steering wheel turns needed to go from lock to lock.
Easy Steer is available with factory-installed satellite Precision Steering Management, which offers a number of Topcon Agriculture display terminal, precision farming app and accuracy options through McCormick dealers.
The Premiere cab’s mechanical coil spring and damper suspension can be upgraded to a semi-active hydraulic system with damper settings adjustable through the Data Screen Manager display.
Both systems complement the smoothing-riding and field traction-enhancing characteristics of the front axle with its parallel link hydraulic independent wheel suspension.
New farmer Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he doesn’t have a sheepdog and instead tried to herd his sheep using a drone with a speaker attached to the top.
Speaking on the Jonathan Ross Show about his new farm, which will be the subject of an Amazon Prime show, said he is “now a farmer and utterly exhausted as a result”.
He added: “I thought how hard can [farming] be; you put seeds in the ground and then weather happens and food grows and then you eat it and it’s fine or you sell it.
“It’s unbelievably difficult and at any given moment I know that a bit of machinery’s gonna cut one of my arms off. Have you ever looked at the back of a tractor? It’s just lots of different ways for removing an arm. Have you ever tried to round up a field of sheep? They’re vindictive.”
Jeremy said he tried using a drone and attaching a speaker to the top that made a barking sound, but the sheep “just stand there looking at it going why is that idiot flying that drone and they don’t move”.
When his sheep recently escaped their field, he said it took him two hours to get them back and he then realised the battery for the electric fence had gone flat.
“When I got back, they were all back in the field I’d just got them from so I had two more hours running around, got them back in, put the new battery on and as I was attaching it, they jumped over a new bit of wall and got back in the field,” he told Jonathan. “And they just stood there like what are you gonna do about it. I cannot wait to eat them.”
Jeremy also revealed he named his rams Wayne Rooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, and he “accidentally” grew 30 tonnes of potatoes for a bet.
“Somebody said you can’t grow potatoes in this part of the country,” he explained. “So I planted them and I got 30 tonnes, so if anyone needs a potato…”
Despite the hard work associated his new venture, he said: “A lot of me absolutely adores it and I’m sitting here now in London thinking soon I’ll be back on the farm.”
An outbreak of H5 low pathogenic avian flu was confirmed on a commercial chicken farm in mid-Suffolk last night (10 December).
It is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in the UK since June 2017, and the first case of low pathogenic avian flu since January 2016.
All 27,000 birds will now be humanely culled and Defra has placed a 1km restriction zone around the infected farm (not pictured), to reduce the risk of disease spreading.
The case was picked up by a private veterinary surgeon who was investigating a drop in egg production in the flock.
An investigation is underway to determine the source of the outbreak.
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss, said: “Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.
“We are urgently looking for any evidence of disease spread associated with this strain to control and eliminate it.”
Public Health England said the risk to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency made it clear that the virus does not affect food safety for UK consumers, and thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products are safe to eat.
Public health consultant Dr Gavin Dabrera, of Public Health England, said health advice and antivirals are being offered to those who had contact with the affected birds, as part of standard precautions.
Typical signs for poultry keepers to look out for in their birds include a swollen head, discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid – but clinical signs vary between species of bird.
Any suspected cases of bird flu must be reported immediately to the Defra Rural Services Helpline – 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268, and in Scotland contact your local Field Services Office.
Further information on biosecurity and clinical signs, as well as the current restriction measures in place, is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
It is with deep regret that the NAAC has had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Contractor 2019 event on 12 December at the East of England showground.
A perfect storm of a general election, uncertainty in the industry and unprecedented bad weather this autumn has left insufficient numbers of contractors able to commit to the event this year.
The weather, in particular, has left many contractors struggling with delayed work and trying to get on the land. We fully understand that their businesses must take priority and have therefore had to take decision to cancel the event to avoid speakers and exhibitors committing time and finance for what could be a very a limited audience.
The Association will now consider how to move the event forward in 2020.
Commenting, Duncan Russell NAAC CEO said, ‘Huge uncertainty in the industry and an election are already putting contractors under pressure and the very wet autumn has compounded the problem. As a result, we are in the unusual situation, this late in the year, that contractors are still struggling to get on with autumn work. As an Association we will now focus on supporting our membership and looking towards future opportunities for our sector as a new era of farming unravels.
We would like to thank all our sponsors, speakers and exhibitors for their support’.
Väderstad has been awarded the Agritechnica Machine of the Year Award for its innovation, Tempo WideLining.
Machine of the Year is the show’s most prestigious honour, bestowed on the winner by a jury comprising agricultural journalists from all over Europe. This is the third time Väderstad has won the award.
“We are, of course, both proud and delighted to once again be awarded “Machine of the Year”. We are always looking to make improvements for the world’s farmers and the Tempo WideLining system is no exception. It’s a development of our precision planter, Tempo, which increases the yield for the farmer still further,” says Mattias Hovnert, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Väderstad.
Väderstad is one of the world’s leaders in tillage and drilling, with more than 1,500 employees around the world. The company’s machines and methods have been pioneering for generations and, at this year’s fair, it presented no fewer than four innovations, including Tempo WideLining, which, even before the fair, was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica Innovation Award.
The WideLining system is the worlds’ first industry manufactured tramlining system that makes it possible for the farmer to spread liquid manure in a standing silage maize crop, without having to lower the total yield potential of the field.
“Instead of preparing the wheel tracks for the liquid manure spreader by shutting off row units, WideLining instead automatically changes the row spacing on the planter while in operation. This means that 8.3% more seeds can be sown in the field compared to current technology on the market today,” says Mr Hovnert.
Agritechnica is held every other year and is the world’s largest agricultural fair with 2,750 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. Väderstad can now happily pack away another prestigious prize to take home and enjoy a very well-attended stand at this year’s fair.
