Essential Farm
covering East Anglia and the Midlands
HIGHLANDER
Adaptability, comfort and performance for optimal, effortless use
• 4 rows of maintenance free, non-stop mechanical safety tines, point load of 350kg
• Equipped with a 550mm diameter DOUBLE U roller or a triple harrow
• Carbide 50mm, 65/35mm or 80/50mm points
• An optional row of pre-cutter discs
Warning over fuel theft as oil prices soar
• No end in sight to oil war crisis
• Thieves target farm fuel tanks
• Rural security checklist issued
Farmers and rural homeowners are being urged to check fuel tank security measures, in case soaring oil prices lead to a surge in diesel and heating oil theft.
Pumped out
Past incidents have seen fuel thieves fit out panel vans with containers and a pump who then scour the countryside looking for farm fuel tanks, parked vehicles and home heating oil tanks to empty and sell on the contents.
NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “Thieves steal whatever they can get their hands on and sell on for a profit, and high diesel and heating oil prices often trigger an increase in thefts from farm fuel tanks.
“Since the conflict in Iran began, oil prices have risen to over $103 a barrel. Farmers are reporting that red diesel for use on the land has increased from 77.95ppl to 135.98ppl and heating oil for homes has doubled.”
Destruction
“Fuel theft is a crime which often leaves a trail of destruction as thieves frequently smash valves and even drill into tanks to get the oil out. This can lead to pollution as any remaining oil seeps into the ground.”
NFU Mutual has produced a guide to help people protect their tanks (see panel). Farmers and homeowners could take a number of measures to reduce the risk of becoming victims of fuel theft, said Ms Binns.
Fuel tank security checklist
Tank, contents and location
– Regularly check levels after recording when the tank was filled
– Locate the tank where it can be seen from the farmhouse.
– Locate tanks within an enclosed compound with secured access.
– Fit a fuel tank alarm to notify you of a theft.
Site security
– Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked Block exit points that aren’t used.
– Activate intruder alarm systems
– Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.
Editor:
Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971
E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk
Advertising sales:
Danny Lewis | T: 01502 725862
E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk
Advertisement production:
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E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk
Essential Farm Machinery is published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties and the Midlands. It is mailed with Anglia Farmer and Midland Farmer magazines and is also available at selected farm machinery and supplies outlets.
© Countrywide Publications 2026
Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800
Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk T: 01502 725800
Vehicles and machinery
– Use locking fuel tank caps
– Keep tractors and powered machinery locked up
– Check fuel gauges are not showing irregularities
Source: NFU Mutual. For more information, visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime
Farm Machinery
Move fast as £50m funding deadline nears
• Limited funding – apply now
• Grants up to £25k per item
• Deadline closes on 28 April
Applications for grant under the the recently announced Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) should be made sooner rather than later.
Some £50 million is available to invest in new farm kit from the Defra fun, which closes this month. It is split across three separate themes: farm productivity (£20m); animal health and welfare (£20m); and slurry management (£10m).
Applicants must choose from three lists of 290 approved items. Defra will pay up to £25,000 towards the cost of each item. Farmers and contractors can apply for one item under each theme, up to a combined £75,000.
Successful claims
“FETF 2026 grants will still provide a substantial contribution towards the cost of new qualifying machinery, even though the levels are unchanged from last year,” says David Furber, UK sales manager for machinery manu facturer Claydon.
“Applying as soon as possible will maximise the likelihood of a success
ful claim,” adds Mr Furber. “Farm ers should give it their immediate attention.”
Above: StocksAg seeders are eligible for grants
Eligible machinery from Claydon includes the company’s Evolution mounted direct drills from 3m to 6m wide and Hybrid trailed direct drills from 3m to 8m. These qualify for a grant of up to 50% of the on-farm price, up to a maximum of £15,067.
Claydon’s twin-hopper NutriSeeder is also eligible for a grant which covers 50% of the on-farm price, up to a maximum of £1,575. Claydon Straw
Below: Claydon says farmers should consider applications
igible for a 40% grant, up to a maximum of £6,720.
Huge demand
Stocks Ag is also encouraging applications. “Previously we have seen a huge demand for Stocks Ag seeders through the FETF grants and we are expecting this year to be no different,” says sales manager Sean Stanfield.
“Farmers trust the tried and tested Stocks brand. All machines are designed and manufactured in the UK – hence the availability of parts and technical advice is a huge advantage to our UK farmers.”
Launched in December 2026 the new HE-VA G-Drill is eligible for 50% grant worth up to £15,067. “For both farmers and contractors alike the GDrill is a straightforward, cost-effective direct drill,” explains Glenn Bootman, of Opico.
FETF applications close at midday on 28 April. For full details, visit the Farming Investment Fund portal at rpagrants.defra.gov.uk/welcome
Big savings from high-scoring electric weeder in the field
The Garford Electric Weeder is among the highest ranking machine for FETF funding – with a score of 87 out of 100 — making it an attractive option for farmers seeking to offset investment costs through grant support.
Developed in partnership with RootWave, the Garford Electric Weeder integrates electrical weed control into precision-guided toolbar systems suitable for high-value crops and broadacre arable applications.
The system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots, delivering complete root kill without chemicals and without disturbing the soil. Unlike systems that only scorch foliage, this technology fully extirpates the weed, preventing regrowth.
“The results we are seeing from the early adopters are extremely pleasing,” says Mr Garford managing director Jonathan Henry. “This is the only electric weeder currently on the market that completely eliminates the roots so weeds do not re-emerge.”
Because it is non-chemical and soilfriendly, electric weeding is compatible with organic and regenerative systems, supporting growers looking to meet sustainability goals without compromising output.
Garford estimates operating costs for eWeeding technology at between £55 and £120 per hectare — significantly lower than many chemical herbicide programmes. The case becomes even stronger with an FETF grant, it adds.
High-power tractors added to John Deere range
John Deere is adding three new high-horsepower tractor models to its 8R and 8RX series, with rated engine outputs of 440 hp, 490 hp and 540 hp.
The models are designed for the demands of heavy draft applications and long working days typical of large farming operations. All models are equipped with the JD14 13.6 litre engine, which can deliver up to 634 hp.
This makes the top model 8R/8RX 540 the world’s most powerful standard-design tractor, says John Deere –broadening the capability of the 8-Series to support larger farms focused on optimising their operations and productivity.
“They also address the needs of expanding farms that intend to manage more hectares with the same workforce,” says Marcus Luchmann, the manufacturer’s market manager for Europe
Superior traction
The JD14 engine in the 8-Series highhorsepower line-up provides up to 2,695Nm maximum torque and a con-
stant power range from 1,450-1,900 rpm. An extra 40hp is available, delivering extra power in demanding applications.
The new 8R tractor models are available with tyres up to 2.30m at the rear and 1.85 m in the front. Both single- and dual-wheel configurations, including dual front tires up to 710 mm wide, can be equipped with the central tyre inflation systems.
A simplified layout allows the axle
The 8RX 540 is the world’s most powerful standard-design tractor, says John Deere
hub to incorporate heavy-duty sealing components, covered by a protection plan. The new 8RX models use an updated four-track system with redesigned undercarriages and belts.
The low-tension belt design aims to reduce belt stress and extend operating life. Depending on configuration, the track system provides a contact area of up to 4.87m2 and ground pressures as low as 400g/cm2, minimising soil compaction.
Secure
•No costly mains cable to lay
•Power and reliability are ensured by a 36 volt system
•Know your gate is always closed and locked
•We can automate any gate up to 24ft
Hundreds of farmers and landowners are now reaping the rewards of our Winter Harvesting® solar powered gate openers
Quality products: Past, present, future
The team at Richard Western Ltd is often asked what makes their products different to competitor products? The answer is simple. A meticulous build in delivering quality products which last for well beyond the average lifespan of lesser brands whilst looking good throughout.
Trailers and manure spreaders can often be seen working relentlessly in fields more than 20 years after purchase, performing with the same durability as when they left the factory. This is only possible due to the extra measures put in place at design stage and the incredible build care; no short cut is taken and no expense spared at every stage of production, ensuring the Richard Western brand continues to be known for highest quality.
Operators of Richard Western products make it very clear; Richard Western products pricing is completely supported. There is no like-for-like comparison with any other brand. Any difference in RRPs compared to competitor products requires no apology. The carefully designed trailer weight distribution provides a stable, comfortable, and safe ride. The vertically mounted tipping cylinder ensures smooth, consistent tipping of the load while reducing stress on the trailer structure. The unique double C-section
and reducing long-term fatigue.
Trailer bodies are designed with fewer, larger components, reducing the amount of welding required while significantly increasing overall strength. Floor plates run the full length of the trailer without crossjoins, as do the side plates. With high-strength steel underbody sections and deep-section top rails, everything works together to create a remarkably rigid and durable body capable
Production of manure spreaders is equally impressive. With so many features included as standard, the longevity of each product, the operator comfort, the aftercare provided, not to mention the impressive resell values Richard Western products command, all these factors contribute to making Richard Western trailers and manure spreaders an investment as well as an operator’s joy.
The concept Richard Western Ltd is known primarily for trailer sales is in the dim and distant past and manure spreaders are now equally important within the range. With some competitor brands working to 12+ month lead time Richard Western spreader sales continues to increase; with lead times often less than 48 hours for stock items, the Richard Western team is fast becoming a speed-dial number for many dealers and
It is easy for the team to wax lyrical about their products; as a company which was founded in the 1960s they can’t help but be proud of the incredible brand and reputation which has been earned. But at the start of this year MD Angus Western decided they are so confident in their quality differentiator that they are now offering a 3 year warranty as standard.
Big jump in sales of used machinery
• Used machinery sales up 14.5%
• Tight supply as new trade-ins fall
• High demand for quality exports
Sales of used machinery soared by 14.5% year-on-year as farmers and contractors seek value for money in challenging times.
Auctioneer Cheffins, which conducts the largest monthly sale of second-hand tractors and agricultural machinery in the world, has reported sales of over £12.4 million during the first three months of 2026.
Robust exports
Sales are up 14.5% compared to the same period last year. In all, some 4,800 lots went under the hammer at the firm’s Cambridge Machinery Sale and at on-farm auctions, with the average lot price standing at £2,850.
Export demand has remained particularly robust, with 34% of items sold at the Cambridge sales destined for overseas buyers, with leading locations including Spain, Poland, Ireland, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
Cheffins processed 240 machines through its specialist washdown facility during the quarter, ensuring
Second-hand machines are proving popular with buyers
“The quality of machinery sold is high
compliance with EU phytosanitary regulations for tractors, combines, self-propelled harvesters and a variety of other machinery.
Joe Page knocks down another lot for Cheffins
A total of 3,000 lots were sold through the Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sale, with a notable increase in machinery consigned directly from farm, now accounting for approximately 25% of entries.
Demand for high quality
Headline prices from the Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sale demonstrate continued demand for high-quality, well-maintained equipment, particularly where provenance is clear, said Cheffins director Joe Page.
Highlight sales from the quarter included £110,000 for a 2022 Horsch Avatar disc drill which had been consigned straight from a local farm; £105,000 for a 2023 Case IH 300 Optum tractor; and £62,000 for a 2017 Fendt 724 Profi tractor
“The first quarter of this year has been mainly characterised by a lack of
stock,” said Mr Page. “We have seen a significant slowdown in new machinery trade-ins. This has reduced the volume of equipment entering the auction market.”
In January, the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) reported that new tractor registrations totalled just 8,791 machines in 2025 – down 14% on the previous year and the lowest figure on record.
“This trend is feeding directly into the second-hand sector, with fewer tractors coming forward for sale,” said Mr Page. “However, while availability has tightened, the quality of machinery has remained exceptionally high.
“The Cambridge Monthly Machinery Sale continues to provide a global marketplace, and with our washdown facilities enabling EU export, we are helping farmers release capital quickly while achieving strong returns.”
The next monthly machinery sale at Cheffins takes place on 13 April at Sutton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Merlo appoints service partners for East Anglia
Merlo UK has appointed two new Merlo Service partners in East Anglia, strengthening aftersales support for customers following the appointment of Ernest Doe & Sons as the company’s official dealer for the region.
Cranworth Farm Services of Norfolk and Marst Agri of Suffolk – both formerly authorised Merlo dealers – are staying with the Merlo network as authorised Merlo Service partners effective.
The move follows the appointment of Er-
nest Doe & Sons as the official Merlo dealer for East Anglia at the beginning of February. Merlo said it would further enhance the high standard of service expected across the Merlo network.
As authorised Merlo Service partners, Cranworth Farm Services and Marst Agri will have full access to genuine Merlo parts, Merlo’s technical information and Merlo technical training.
Merlo UK national aftersales manager Robin Cooch said: “We are delighted to con-
tinue our service relationship with Marst Agri and Cranworth Farm Services.
“Both have been excellent dealers within the Merlo network – and we are pleased that customers will continue to benefit from their experience, expertise, and commitment to high-quality service.”
The initiative reflects Merlo’s ongoing commitment to further strengthening customer support, said Mr Cooch. It would also help to ensure comprehensive Merlo parts and service coverage across the UK.
Dealers commit to strengthening links with veterans
More John Deere dealers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) to support service leavers who re settle into roles within agriculture.
A National Transition Event ceremo ny held at Silverstone Circuit saw the Hunt Forest Group and Ripon Farm Services add their names to the covenant – already signed by Ben Burgess and the Tallis Amos Group as well as John Deere itself.
Core values
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant reflects our core values as a business,” said Ben Turn er, managing director at Ben Burgess.
“We’re proud to support those who serve and have served, and we’re fortunate to have veterans already working across Ben Burgess whose skills and experience make a real difference every day.”
The move complements John Deere’s Military Hiring Programme, which gives service leavers opportunities to work on some of the world’s most advanced machinery used by farmers and turf professionals.
Signatories pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
Former members of the armed forces are frequently identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles
Those who enrol in the programme are given free, tailored training to fill vacancies within the dealership network. John Deere
training manager Allan Cochran said: “We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served.
He added: “The armed forces produce people who are highly skilled, motivated and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians.”
For full details about John Deere’s Military Hiring Programme and how it works, visit www.deere.com/JDMHP.
Grasshopper 725D
MF unveils partnership for farm co-op members
Massey Ferguson has agreed a partnership with buying cooperative Fram Farmers to provide members with exclusive discounts on a range of MF tractors.
Suffolk-based Fram Farmers has been running for over 60 years and is the UK’s oldest farmers’ cooperative. It supports nearly 1600 farm businesses across 39 counties, with input purchasing, grain marketing and administrative works.
Exclusive discount
The partnership will allow all members access to an exclusive discount when buying MF tractors through Fram Farmers, on top of any central MF finance offers. Discounts are available on any Beauvais-built MF tractors, which start with the MF 5M, inclusive of all models up to the flagship, MF 9S.
Massey Ferguson area sales manager Ben Prouse said the partnership would bring benefits to both parties – and the customers they serve – increasing brand awareness among farmers and contractors.
“Sometimes it’s worth looking at what else the market can offer and we’re hoping this affiliation will do just that. We’re delighted to be partners with Fram and deliver savings for their members.”
Fram Farmers head of machinery Darren Bantick said: “A key point for interested farmers is that the discount is applicable to invoice price, which
MF area sales manager Ben (centre shakes hands with Fram Farmers GFI strategic partnership manager Gordon Cummings flanked by team members from Fram Farmers and Massey
means the full spec of the machine is considered, and not just the base unit price.”
Fram Farmers members are already receiving quotes for Massey Ferguson tractors as part of the new relationship. Enquiries must come through Fram Farmers first with the discount applied at quoting and not afterwards, explains Mr Bantick.
We
Mortgages, Bridging Loans & Development Finance.
Renewable Energy Finance.
Short & Long-Term Business Loans. Plant & Machinery Finance & Refinance. Business to Business & Auction Finance. Input Finance for seeds, fertiliser & VAT.
Livestock & Diversification Funding.
Specialised Kit & Non - Standard Equipment Funding including equipment from Outside the UK.
The Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity (1048170) supports better care for NHS patients at the N&N, Cromer & District and Jenny Lind Children’s Hospitals It does this by providing resources, over and above what the NHS must and should fund
Change star ts with a will.
A gift in your will could provide transport for vulnerable patients, give a palliative care patient a complementary therapy treatment or protect a child with scoliosis from radiation exposure. Write or update your will for free today.
While many supporters choose to include a gift in their will to N&N Hospitals Charity, there is no obligation to do so when using this ser vice.
Claim your free will today: Scan the QR code Or call 020 4525 3605 and quote Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals
Celebrating 10 Years of Robotic Surgery
On 25 February 2026, donors, patients, surgeons and other staff gathered at the N&N for an evening of celebration to mark 10 years of Robotic Surgery. The evening involved live robotic demonstrations, guided tours of the robotic facilities and a variety of presentations regarding the future of robotic surgery at the N&N
The celebration followed the arrival of two new state - ofthe -art surgical robots, funded entirely by gifts in wills and other donations. Rachel Backshall, Charity Director, addressed guests at the evening saying: “Robotic Surgery at the N&N would not exist in the way that it does today without the generosity of our supporters. Your support continues to drive this transformation. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we have already raised £2.8million but we are not stopping there: our goal is to raise £3.2million and secure a fifth robot, giving even more patients access to cutting- edge treatment and faster recovery ”
Patient Steve Brack has shared his own experience of being treated by Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Irshad Shaikh. Mr Brack said: “ We ’re so lucky to have this in Norfolk. If we can help more people get treated this way, we should. The surgery is quite simply changing lives.”
If you would like to hear more stories about the work we do, email charity@nnuh.nhs.uk to sign up to our mailing list and receive a free robot keyring!
