John Deere has launched its next generation of self-propelled sprayers, manufactured at the company’s Horst factory in The Netherlands. With the new R4140i 4000-litre capacity and R4150i 5000-litre capacity machines, engineers have further increased performance, precision, safety and operator comfort.
The focus of these latest developments has been on improving sprayer output while ensuring that the highest possible application quality is maintained and also delivering an improved operator environment. The premium design cab offers a new generation operator interface with fully integrated technology, such as the John Deere universal 4640 display mounted on a new armrest.
JDLink telematics for wirelessly transferring data both to and from the sprayer is available as standard, including free activation for five years. An upgraded lighting package improves visibility at night, both when working in the field and filling the sprayer with chemicals, to ensure maximum productivity in all conditions. The new cab is available at two specification levels depending on customer requirements, as well as with optional Category 4 operator protection to meet the latest safety regulations.
Both models are available with steel booms from 24 to 36m wide, and continue to use John Deere’s leading PowrSpray solution system, with direct rate control for fast filling and highly accurate application rates. Combined with the innovative, automated AirRinse system, this reduces the solution system’s dead volume to as low as 5 litres for maximum cleaning performance.
To ensure that nozzles are no longer a limiting factor for efficient spraying, ExactApply is now available as an option on the new R4140i and R4150i. Already available for two years on US machines, ExactApply is an ‘intelligent’ solution that combines the ability to change spray nozzles manually from the cab or automatically depending on application rate and speed. It can also maintain droplet size while changing speed through the use of pulse width modulation (PWM) technology up to 30Hz.
With ExactApply, each nozzle is controlled individually via GPS based section control. Furthermore, with PWM enabled, turn compensation ensures that application rates remain consistent across the full boom width even when turning the sprayer. ExactApply technology enables savings in crop protection products of around £5/ha, while at the same time yield can be increased by up to three per cent by reducing under/overdosing to a minimum.
To reduce non-productive time on the road, the sprayers also feature a new 50kph transmission option. Production of the John Deere R4140i and R4150i self-propelled sprayers starts in October 2019, with availability from dealers planned for early 2020.
The LAMMA show is set to build on its reputation as the UK’s largest agricultural event dedicated to showcasing innovation when it returns to its new permanent indoor venue at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham next January.
Over 95% of stand space has already been sold for the 2020 event, following the triumph of LAMMA’s NEC debut earlier this year. So far 577 previous and new exhibitors have confirmed their attendance to show a host of UK and global machinery and technology.
In addition, the event will also host a new feature, Farming 4.0, highlighting the expertise, flair and passion for innovative technology that exists in UK Agriculture to encourage the new blood the sector needs to help underpin its future.
LAMMA’s move to the NEC in Birmingham brings together all farming sectors under one roof to do business in a thriving environment. The event also provides a great opportunity to network and discuss the latest events affecting agriculture.
Many conversations will centre on the latest Brexit news and how to react to it, while climate change and carbon issues will no doubt be a hot topic in the livestock hall, which is now sold out.
“UK agriculture finally has a show to rival its European counterparts and we believe LAMMA’20 will be even bigger and better than the last,” says AgriBriefing group events director Elisabeth Mork-Eidem.
“The NEC provides a very comfortable environment in which to view and discuss the vast array of agricultural kit on show and to talk business, leading many exhibitors at LAMMA’19 to comment on the high quality of conversations they had with visitors.
“The overriding feedback was that the new indoor venue proved ideal for a national event of this size and stature, showing our agricultural sector in the best possible light.
“This has been underpinned by the highly encouraging uptake of stand space for the 2020 event. In all, 11 halls at the NEC are set to host more than 700 exhibitors, reflecting LAMMA’s reputation as the UK’s most diverse and innovative machinery, equipment and services show.”
Many exhibitors will unveil new tractors, combines, drills and cultivation equipment, feeder wagons and forage machinery, as well as a wide range of innovative technology.
Warren Rivers-Scott, UK and ROI managing director of Bednar FMT, a new exhibitor for LAMMA’20, said: “The decision for Bednar FMT to make its UK debut at LAMMA’20 was, for me, an obvious one. With over 400m2, we will be able to show some of our offerings including specifically design CTF approved machines, including other new releases.”
Rachael Groves, marketing coordinator at AgriArgo UK, a long-term exhibitor at the event, said: “Based on the positive feedback and high level of enquiries from both customers and dealers alike at LAMMA’19, we will be returning in 2020 to build on our success with the Landini and McCormick brands.”
Kate Bennett of Kuhn Farm Machinery said: “LAMMA is very important to the industry and it will only grow from what it is today. It’s a great shop window for everyone to exhibit their innovations and machinery.”
Fendt UK and Ireland marketing manager Richard Miller said: “We at Fendt are extremely pleased to announce our return to LAMMA in 2020.
“The event is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our new products and the opportunity to talk to existing and potential customers about their business requirements for 2020 and beyond. It is also an opportunity to support the fantastic industry that we all work in.”
Herefordshire farmer Ally Hunter Blair said: “I thoroughly enjoyed attending LAMMA’19 and I look forward to going back to see how the show develops in 2020. It is important for the UK to retain a show of this calibre and I hope it continues to go from strength to strength.”
East Yorkshire farmer Jono Dixon said: “LAMMA’19 in my opinion was a huge success. Provided LAMMA’20 attracts a similar quality of exhibitors to last time I think we can look forward to another excellent show.”
Join the farming revolution!
To help address the needs of younger people entering the industry, LAMMA’20 is launching a brand new zone, Farming 4.0, to highlight UK farming’s expertise, flair and passion for innovative technology that will help underpin the future of food production.
It aims to encourage new talent into agriculture, challenging the outdated perceptions of working in agriculture and educating new entrants about all avenues of farming, including technology, robotics and digital.
“The zone will cover training and development which plays a fundamental role in the future of farming, especially in the machinery sector where so much exciting technology is being introduced at a rate no-one would have thought possible a few years ago,” said Ms Mork-Eidem.
Alex Macdonald-Smith of aerial data specialist Drone-Ag said: “It’s great to see a big show like LAMMA dedicating itself in part to the next agricultural revolution with the new Farming 4.0 zone.
“Drone Ag is going to be releasing Skippy Scout soon, and we’re very excited to be showing off this brand new, innovative technology within a dedicated zone.”
Visitor registration opens
To help make the most of their time at LAMMA’20, visitors are being asked to register in advance. This simple four-step process is now open at www.lammashow.com.
Badges will be emailed automatically within a few minutes of completing the form, ensuring visitors can walk straight through to the show when doors open on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th January.
As well as enjoying fast-track entry into the show, visitors will be able to use their badges to share details quickly and easily with exhibitors.
Advance registration is not compulsory – visitors can register at the entrance but may face a delay entering the event.
LAMMA’20 will take place at the NEC on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th January 2020. Parking and entry to the event are free.
For further LAMMA information see www.lammashow.com
A competition to find the best farm sprayer operator in the UK is now open for entry to the 2020 awards.
Syngenta’s Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) award aims to reward the country’s top sprayer operators, while sharing tips and best practice that could help operators enhance their results and protect the environment.
The application of crop protection products is one of the most complex jobs faced on the farm, Syngenta says. Today’s operators are faced with many possible challenges, along with demands for ever greater accuracy and precision.
Application specialist James Thomas says it’s not about having the latest kit, but the aptitude and attention to consistently deliver the best possible results with every application.
“The use of plant protection products is under constant scrutiny, so it is important to use them safely and efficiently in a way that meets crop needs, as well as public, operator and environmental safety,” he adds.
“It’s a tricky balance, but for many operators it comes as second nature. FSOOTY seeks to recognise and reward operators’ skills.”
All operators who can demonstrate ingenuity and an ability to meet these varying objectives by using agrochemicals effectively, are in with a chance of winning.
The winner will receive a trip to Agritechnica in 2021, with all expenses paid. Six finalists will get an expenses-paid trip for two to Cereals 2020, while 20 runners up will get a free ticket to Cereals next year.
All entrants also enjoy the chance to meet and share experiences with like-minded sprayer operators.
Enter FSOOTY 2020 here: www.syngenta.co.uk/fsooty
Farmers are being urged to fully understand the legal implications of drone use and seek training ahead of new 2020 regulations.
New regulations published on 21st June by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will require farmers to become more aware of how to deploy drones on their land. However, despite having been published, the EU unmanned aircraft regulations will not come into effect until July 2020. This gives farmers and other operators the opportunity to prepare for the proposed changes to drone use.
Cranfield University is a leader in aerospace research and the use of drones in agriculture. Through the Agrifood Training Partnership (AFTP), Cranfield is offering farmers, agronomists, and anybody likely to use drones in agriculture, the opportunity to learn how drones can be used responsibly and effectively to monitor and manage crops.
Dr Monica Rivas Casado, who will tutor a flexible e-learning online course entitled ‘Drones for crop production’ which starts on November 18th explains: “The use of drones in agriculture is increasing. However, regulations governing the use of drones in all areas are becoming more complex. It is therefore important that farmers understand how drones can benefit crop production whilst also being able to use drones within the regulations set out by the CAA.”
Research compiled by Price Waterhouse Coopers estimates 76,233 drones will be used in the UK by 2030. It is further estimated that over a third of these drones (25,732) will be used in agriculture. Farmers already use drones for crop spraying and health assessments. The drones use normal and thermal cameras to deliver a level of insight into field crop health that is not obvious to the eye and reduces the need for farmers to walk fields to understand how well crops are performing.
“Drones offer farmers an opportunity to view crops quickly and efficiently. The efficiencies drones offer can save crops from disease and feedback vital information about how well crops are establishing. However, it is crucial that farmers understand how to deploy drones safely and effectively on their farm by being aware of these new regulations,” says Monica.
In addition to being aware of CAA regulations, those who study the course will also learn how drones can be applied in agriculture, how to differentiate between drones, and what software is available for crop monitoring. The course will cover how to interpret the data generated by drones and how this can be used to improve crop and land management. Soil health, crop establishment and disease can all be assessed by evaluating drone data which saves time and discovers crop production issues more quickly.
“The projected increase in food demand, driven by climatic factors, increased populations and land shortage shows that accurate information regarding crop production is becoming increasingly important. This information will assist crop management decisions and improve farm productivity. Traditional crop monitoring methods, using ground survey and aerial photography, have limitations that the use of low cost, lightweight and easily deployable drones can overcome,” concludes Monica.
For more information on the course offered by AFTP through Cranfield University visit https://www.aftp.co.uk/course/drones-crop-production/single_course
Zero twine offcuts left on the bales or in the field
- Improved quality of work while protecting the environment
- Elimination of animal feed contamination due to the digestion of twine offcuts
- Protecting the environment thanks to the elimination by not depositing twine offcuts across the field or during transport
Even stronger knots with higher tensile strength
- Up to 15% higher tensile strength with the same twine
- Increased daily productivity due to more efficient baling
No matter what they are made of (and for), big bales all have something in common: they need to be tightly-packed for more efficient handling and storage. Quality of bales is at the heart of baling excellence and knotting technology is key to preserve bale density and integrity during handling and transport.
New Holland has been pioneering double-knot technology for over 30 years, and based on this experience is now launching an exclusive improvement: the new patented Loop Master™ Knotter which will be introduced on all BigBaler models.
Large Square Baler customers seek maximum productivity, high density, a reliable knotter system and low cost per bale. The knotter is a key component in the baling process. The New Holland LoopMaster™ Knotter fulfills these requests and sets a new standard in the industry.
Zero twine offcuts left on the bales or in the field
The loop-knotting process eliminates offcuts left loose on the bale (so improving forage quality) and in the field (so reducing environmental impact): in one season on 10.000 bales produced, we estimate the elimination of close to 6 kilometers worth of twine offcuts per season, which are normally left to pollute the ground and crop.
Even stronger knots with higher tensile strength
The Loop Master™ allow the twine to retain 15% higher twine strength – and this translates into efficient baling and considerable productivity benefit. Furthermore it reduce the twine cost for our customers by using a lower grade of twine to keep the bales together.
“A strong, reliable knotter paired with clean crop: at New Holland we are extremely pleased to have fulfilled this request coming from our customers.” says Felix Ramuenke, Global Product Manager for Large Square Balers at New Holland Agriculture. “The new LoopMaster™ knotter substantially reduces the risk of twine snapping or knots untying, that can cause a lot of trouble to the operator – at the same time it maintains the most appreciated features of our industry-leading double-knot system, higher bale density with lower knotting strain and unparalleled packaging performance. Furthermore our customers & the environment benefit from the elimination of twine offcuts left on the bale or across the field”.
Norwegian manufacturer Kverneland has increased its drill portfolio with the introduction of the high-capacity, high-output, trailed DG II seed drill.
Available in 9 and 12m working widths, and lending itself to controlled traffic systems, the DG II uses Kverneland’s double-disc CD coulter. The 9m unit gets 72 coulters, while the wider 12m version is equipped with 96 coulters. Both models produce 12.5cm row spacings.
A number of improvements have been made with the introduction of the DG II. These include improved folding and machine balance to maintain a positive weight on the tractor. Transport dimensions include a 3m width and 4m overall height. Road speed capability is now 40kph, the dual metering units supply has been simplified, and hydraulic folding seed distribution heads included.
“The DG II’s cross-shaft is carried on the tractor’s lower link arms, and it gains a hydraulic weight transfer system that automatically tightens under the lower link arms as the drill is folded and unfolded,” explains Kverneland product manager Graham Owen.
This makes it easier to operate the DG II with a much smaller, lighter tractor – typically, 200–250hp – he adds.
A new toolbar feature called Active-on also balances and maintains pressure, both laterally and longitudinally, across the full working width of the DG’s coulter bar to improve seed placement depth, while delivering up to 80kg of coulter pressure.
The Isobus-controlled seed drill offers dual Eldos electrically driven seed metering units to feed each half of the drill from the grain-only 6,000-litre seed hopper. Seed rates extend from 2–320kg/ha, and include variable seed rate control. The dual distribution heads that supply the coulters can be equipped with a seed flow monitoring system to warn of blockages, and simplifying the use of this high-performance drill.
Options include a hydraulically adjustable clod board and a 12mm finger tine harrow in place of the S-tine following harrow. Dual track eradicators, LED lighting, seed flow monitoring system and hydraulic bout markers are also available. The Kverneland DG II is priced from £90,347.
Bridgestone is embarking on a nationwide tractor tour to bring its industry leading agricultural tyre to life to the farming world – and the wheels will be rolling into 10 locations across England and Scotland in September with a £200 donation on board.
The Bridgestone VX TRACTOR road run will bring its all-new premium product into town, stopping off in a number of destinations along the way from September 9 to 27, to show farmers and farm contractors how impressive the tyre really is.
It is hoped that interest and awareness will be generated around the product in an agricultural heartland of England, with Bridgestone experts will be on hand to demonstrate its capabilities through presentations featuring comparison test results.
During the pit stops, Bridgestone will also be donating £200 to the young farmers’ club, to help keep the future generation of farming on the right track.
The VX TRACTOR has been comprehensively designed and tested to work hard in both the field and on the road, even under heavy payloads. It is constructed from robust casings with extra-deep and extra-long lugs, ensuring outstanding traction and extremely long wear life. This means that farmers can go further and get more done, time and time again. Developed for tractors of 100bhp and above, the VX-TRACTOR is available in 38 and 42-inch rear sizes as well as 24 to 34-inch front wheel sizes.
Bridgestone’s agricultural product manager Keld Andersen said: “The VX TRACTOR is such a top performing product that we wanted to bring it to the eyes of as many farmers as possible, courtesy of our specially created road run.
“We have focused on increasing wear life, especially on the road, and have made the lug on the VX-Tractor longer and wider, with up to 20 per cent more lug volume than many competitor products.
“A six-layer tread belt also helps to protect against damage and potential punctures and the surface area of the sidewall has also been reduced and reinforced, further diminishing the tyre’s vulnerability to puncture.”
For more information about the Bridgestone VX TRACTOR road run, visit http://www.pneutracteur.com/vx-tractor-road-run-uk
The National Beef Association (NBA) is calling for updated regulatory definitions to reflect the improvements in production systems and genetics, in a move that will raise the profitability of the UK beef sector by millions of pounds, while also delivering environmental benefits.
Often accused of not competing well with the efficiency of the poultry and pork industries, with genetics often blamed, the NBA highlights an outdated age definition that sets the beef industry at a significant disadvantage.
“Both poultry and pork production systems are able to finish stock earlier, and yet still be classified as pork or chicken,” explains NBA chief executive, Chris Mallon. “Beef is not in this situation, as bovine are classified as veal, rather than beef, up to 12-months of age.”
Improved production systems now mean that cattle are often finished well before this 12-month mark, but must be held, and often subsequently go out of spec. The NBA is campaigning, on behalf of many breed society members, to reduce the age where beef is classified as beef, to reflect these advancements, we wish to see it classified as beef from 8 months of age.
“The regulation for the organisation of the market in beef and veal was introduced back in 1968 by the EC, introducing a distinction between adult bovine and calves,” adds Mr Mallon. “This was not for consumer information, but to allow different rules of intervention, as calves and adult cattle received different levels of payment.
“What this means, is that beef production is held back by definitions that are out of date, and were not designed for production, but for subsidy payments which no longer exist,” he explains.
Many beef systems now have cattle ready under 12-months and the ability to shift these cattle earlier will raise the profitability of the UK beef industry by millions of pounds every year, regardless of breed.
Mr Mallon says, “It would improve farm profits thanks to reduced feed, bedding and labour costs associated with each animal. It would also increase the turnover of cattle on beef units, helping farmers increase production and potentially add significant sums to their bottom lines.
“An additional advantage of younger production systems will be reduced greenhouse gas emissions per animal,” he adds.
Purchasing an Axis 40.2 EMC or 50.2 EMC fertiliser spreader in early September 2019 could come with an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany, courtesy of KUHN Farm Machinery.
The company is offering the trip, which will include a visit to Rauch’s new state-of-the-art spreader testing facility in Rheinmünster, near Baden Baden, to the first 20 customers from 1st September, to mark the 20th anniversary of Electronic Mass Control (EMC) technology.
Initially only available on hydraulic drive Axis spreaders, but now also a feature on mechanical drive machines, the EMC system has delivered unprecedented levels of application accuracy since its launch in 1999. It works by constantly monitoring fertiliser flow (every second), enabling almost instantaneous adjustment of speedservo/aperture positions to either side of the machine in response to changes in fertiliser flow-ability (as may be caused by a partial blockage for example). Similarly, as application rate is a function of forward speed, disc speed and working width, any changes to these parameters are managed by the machine’s information system to allow almost instantaneous adjustment on the move and the maintenance of the target application rate.
The EMC system avoids the need for conventional static calibration testing, as the machine makes the adjustments automatically from simple pre-programmed data. As such, 100% of settings for the machine are carried out from inside the tractor cab. EMC also offers the significant advantages over conventional weigh cell systems of providing information and control in relation to each side of the machine independently.
Farmers or contractors ordering an Axis 40.2 or Axis 50.2 fertiliser spreader from 1st September are advised to check with their KUHN dealer if they have qualified for the trip to Germany. Full details of the trip, which will be scheduled for spring 2020, will be available through KUHN dealerships.
A fleet of McCormick X7 Series and X8 Series tractors – the primary models in the McCormick range for arable farm operations – will be supporting several equipment manufacturers at Tillage-Live 2019.
This one-day event focuses on options for establishing grain and oilseed crops by way of cultivation and sowing techniques that promote best practice for cultural weed control, minimising energy use, protecting soils and providing the best conditions to get crops underway.
Organised by AEA, the machinery manufacturers’ organisation, and being held on Wednesday, September 4 from 8.30am at Deenethorpe Airfield in Northamptonshire, the event attracts leading suppliers of arable implements who actively demonstrate their new and established equipment.
Adrian Winnett, managing director of UK and Ireland operations at McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors, said: “We’re supporting Lemken, Ovlac, Pöttinger and Proforge at this event because it’s also an important shop window for the tractors needed to operate high-capacity tillage implements.”
McCormick dealers in the vicinity – Catley Engineering at Desford, Leics; A Downing Agricultural Engineers near March, Cambs; and the newly-appointed Northants dealership Venture Farm Machinery at Kettering – are also supporting the event with demonstration tractors.
The flagship McCormick X8 VT-Drive will be working at a Tillage-Live event for the first time, using its prodigious power – there are three models spanning 264hp to 310hp – and versatile CVT stepless transmission to good effect.
McCormick X7 Series tractors will also be in action, giving event visitors the chance to compare the VT-Drive stepless and new P6-Drive transmissions, the latter serving up more powershift steps and a greater number of ratios than previous versions for even better control versatility.
Both tractor series are available with ISOBUS implement control operated through a 12in colour touch-screen display used to set-up and adjust the tractor’s various powertrain, hydraulic and headland management functions.
Topcon Agriculture precision farming technologies are also available using factory-installed electronics infrastructure for hands-free guidance, section control for drilling, fertiliser spreading and spraying, variable rate application and other functions that optimise productivity and inputs management.
