Essential Farm Machinery May 2026

Essential Farm

covering East Anglia and the Midlands

VBP 7160

Baler-Wrapper Combination

The ultimate in power and versatility

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• High density bales with I-DENSE in all conditions

• Save 37% on your film binding costs with KUHN twin-reel film binding

• INTELLIWRAP standard across the range, utilizing odd numbers of layers helping save up to 30% on satellite wrapping

• More bales per rolls of film thanks to 70% pre-stretch May 2026

2024 MF 8S305

875 Hrs, Exclusive Spec, 50kph, Front Links w/ Couplers, 5 Rear Spools, ISOBUS, Trimble AutoGuide CM, 205l/min CCLS 10028242 £180,000 W

2024 Valtra S416

902 Hrs, CVT Gearbox, 50 kph, ISOBUS, Valtra Guide Trimble CM Ntrip, 200l/min Hyd Pump, 6 Rear Elec Valves 10028338 £215,000 W

2023 MF 5S145

Efficient Spec, Dyna 4, 40kph, Autodrive, Front Links w/Valve, 1+2 Elec Valve, 3+4 Manual Valve, 110l/min Hyd Pump 30027577 £POA W

2024 Valtra N175A Active Spec, 57kph, 5PS Power Shuttle, 4 Valve Pkg + Power Beyond, 160l/min Hyd Pump, Premium

2023 MF 5712M

Essential Spec, 40kph, Power Shuttle, 98l/min Twin Pump, 2 Manual Spools + Free Return, 2x 50kg Wheel Weights 10028484 £58,750 F

2024 Valtra T255V

795 Hrs, High Speed Gearbox, Trimble GPS, ISOBUS, Warranty Remaining, 115l/min Hyd Pump, 5 Rear Spools+ 1 Front 10027594 £132,000 W

2018 Fendt MT 943

3323 Hrs, 32” Extreme Ag Tracks, Trimble RTK Guidance, 6 Rear Spools Valves, Hyd Top Link, Extra Front Idler Weights 10028862 £139,000 W

Manitou MLT 961-145 V+

2019, 771 Hrs, Elite Spec, Boom Lights, Extra LED Work Lights, Stability Ram, Air Conditioning, Air Seat, Michelin Tyres 30028517 £83,500 F

2018 Fendt RG645

1765 Pump Hrs, 753 Spraying Hrs, Trimble GPS Sub-metre, 30m Boom, 2 Sets of Wheels, Warranty 03/12/26 / 3500 Hrs 10030685 £138,000 W

2024, Elite Spec, JCB Headstock, Boom Suspension, Rear Camera, PUH, Auto Climate Control, Michelin Tyres. 40030252 £86,000 D

Live demos set to take centre stage at Cereals 2026

An extension programme of live machinery demonstrations will be a major draw at this year’s Cereals Event – designed to give farmers a clear view of how the latest equipment performs under real field conditions.

At the heart of the show are the Working Demos, where a wide range of machinery will be operating throughout both days on 10-11 June at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.

Visitors will be able to compare equipment across a spectrum of farming systems. The aim is to move beyond static displays and offer “real-world insights, hands-on learning and inspiration” for farmers looking to improve efficiency and productivity.

Drill demonstrations, for example, will showcase technologies ranging from conventional plough-based systems to advanced no-till approaches, allowing side-by-side assessment of different establishment methods.

Major international manufacturers and others will run machines continuously during the event.

Essential Farm Machinery

Editor:

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Cultivation and drilling equipment will feature prominently. Agriweld will demonstrate heavy-duty cultivation machinery, including high-output presses and tillage systems designed to improve seedbed preparation and soil conditioning.

Precision and autonomy

Alongside this, direct drills such as the Moore Unidrill will be shown in operation, highlighting options for contractors and growers working with grass, cover crops and stewardship mixes.

Elsewhere, bale handling technology will be on display, with Arcusin return-

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.

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A key theme will be the integration of new technology.

ing to demonstrate its bale chaser equipment, while a dedicated land drainage hub will focus on improving field performance in challenging conditions.

A key theme for 2026 is the integration of new technology. Visitors will be able to see an autonomous 230hp tracked AgBot in action, offering a glimpse into how driverless systems could reshape large-scale arable farming.

“Real-world insights, hands-on learning and inspiration

Practical decisions

Precision application is another focus. The sprays and sprayers arena will host live demonstrations of crop protection technology, bringing together leading manufacturers and precision agriculture innovators.

Meanwhile, new spot-spraying systems using camera recognition will show how targeted weed control could reduce input use.

By bringing together multiple systems, technologies and manufacturers in one place, organisers say the event will offer a rare opportunity to compare machinery not just on specification, but on performance in the field. For full details and to secure your ticket, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk

The UK’s flagship arable event where industry knowledge, innovation and expertise come together to help you survive and thrive.

From seeds to sprayers, crop varieties to cutting-edge equipment, and fertiliser to finance, Cereals at Diddly Squat provides everything you need to be more productive, efficient, and profitable, all in one place.

expert speakers

arable farmers & agronomists

of the most respected suppliers

Cereals 2026 is set to be the biggest in years - and access is by advanced tickets and limited to the farming community only.

Sprays and Sprayers focus on precision application

• Live demos at the heart of arena

• Spotlight on operator excellence

• Driving best practice in application

The Sprays and Sprayers Arena will once again be a central feature of the Cereals Event in 2026, offering visitors a focused look at the latest developments in crop protection technology and application techniques.

Positioned as a hub for live, practical learning, the arena will bring together leading manufacturers, agronomy specialists and operators to demonstrate how modern spraying systems are evolving.

Real-time

The feature is a long-standing part of the event’s programme, sitting alongside crop plots and machinery demonstrations as a key attraction for arable farmers. It will focus on the demands of efficiency, accuracy and environmental responsibility.

At its core, the arena is built around live demonstrations. Visitors can ex-

pect to see sprayers and application systems working in real-time, illustrating how technology performs under field conditions rather than in static displays.

The arena’s location within the wider event also reinforces its role as a working environment. This approach allows farmers and operators to assess factors such as coverage, boom stability and application accuracy in a practical setting.

Competition

The arena will also host the final stages of the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year competition, highlighting the importance of operator skill alongside machinery performance.

The long-standing and popular competition – organised in partnership with industry bodies – focuses on best practice in application, including safety, efficiency and environmental

The arena is a longstanding part of the Cereals programme

stewardship.

Judges will assess how operators manage real-world challenges, emphasising that success is not defined by the newest equipment, but by how effectively it is used. The winner will be announced at the event, adding a competitive dimension to the show.

Responsible spraying

Beyond machinery, the arena plays a broader role in promoting responsible spraying. By bringing together manufacturers, agronomists and operators, it creates a space for debate around improving efficacy while reducing inputs and environmental impact.

It will also offer a practical lens on productivity and sustainability – and how both those goals can be achieved in the field. Organisers say this will help ensure visitors have a clearer understanding of how to refine their own spraying strategies.

Winning sprayer operator to be announced

Bateman RB35 operator Mark Turner fought off stiff competition to win last year’s Sprayer Operator of the Year Award.

After four years as a finalist, the Yorkshire farmer finally took top place in the long-running competition, which celebrates precision, safety and best practice in sprayer operation.

The popular event is sponsored by Syngenta. Mr Turner’s self-propelled Bateman RB35 has with a 30m boom and Ag Leader terminal. He was joined on stage for the result announcement by two other finalists: Philip Knight and Jack Williams.

“I’m still in shock. I didn’t think I’d win after all these years of trying, and I don’t know why I put myself through it,” said Mr Turner. “The competition was tough, but it means so much to me that I’ve won.”

This year, all finalists will be hosted overnight before the Cereals Event and presented with their awards in the Sprays & Sprayers Arena on the first day of the two-day event –after driving a lap around the arena.

The winner then be announced and given their trophy at this presentation. They will also receive an allexpenses paid trip to the 2027 Agritechnica Event held at Hanover in Germany.

Syngenta application specialist Scott Cockburn said: “Everyone who enters has the same application challenges and frustrations, so there’s a huge amount to gain from sharing the solutions.

“One thing that’s repeated every year is that entrants find they learn something new from other operators and can improve the way they work.”

Building on the success of previous years, FSOOTY fosters a sense of camaraderie among operators, said Mr Cockburn. The competition offers a unique platform for operators to share experiences and enhance their learning, he added.

Anglo Plant design and construct reservoirs for the agricultural and horticultural industries using the latest membranes and geotextiles. We build reservoirs for Anearobic Digester Plants and install the Cuspal Drainage system to comply with the new Environment Agency criteria.

We can get all the relevant planning permissions and on many occasions get government grants for large and small schemes including rain harvest projects.

We also do bulk excavation work, construct hard standing areas, roadways, land reclamation and landscaping using the latest GPS/laser technology.

Focus on soil health at Cereals Event

Healthier soils drive design

Machinery manufacturer Horsch will place soil health at the centre of its exhibit at the Cereals Event 2026, with a line-up of drills and cultivators designed to reduce soil disturbance and support long-term productivity.

The company’s approach spans shallow and ultra-shallow cultivation through to min-till, strip-till and direct drilling. Doing so will improve productivity by improving soil structure, build organic matter and support earthworm populations, it says.

Row spacing

A key theme on the stand will be wider row spacing. The 25cm configuration, featured on the Avatar direct drill range, is gaining traction among growers looking to cut input costs without sacrificing yield.

“The 25cm row spacing is proving popular with the very successful

6,400-litre

ty, allowing a 60:10:30 split, alongside a double-tank option.

The Avatar range – including 8.25

Continued overleaf

Flagship trailed sprayer showcased at Cereals 2026

• High-capacity trailed sprayer

• Drilling and cultivation updates

• Focus on accuracy and output

Kuhn will return to this year’s Cereals event with a strong line-up of arable machinery, led by the debut of its flagship Karan high-capacity trailed sprayer.

Making its first appearance at the two-day show, to be held on 10-11 June at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, the Karan was launched last summer as a premium solution for operators seeking high daily output and precision application.

The Power 6000 model on display will feature 36m aluminium booms and a 6,000-litre tank, placing it firmly in

sonic sensors to maintain consistent boom height relative to the crop. This allows accurate spraying at speeds of up to 25kph, with boom stability maintained from just 30cm above the target. Kuhn says the system has been specially designed to be compatible with 25cm nozzle spacing and can integrate with the company’s popular I-Spray spot application technology.

Precise dosing

Additional features include TrackMatic steering with a 28-degree angle, an integrated winch enabling pump re

series of drills has a new fulllength walkway and a straight disc option for lower ground disturbance

Below: The Karan trailed sprayer is aimed at users requiring a high output machine at the premium end of the market

Continued from previous page

Farm experience reflects that shift. Eric Wright of Wright’s Agriculture says the business moved to a 12m Avatar with some hesitation over wider spacing. But it says the the decision proved to be correct.

“We wanted a 12m drill with discs and it needed to have the flexibility to work in varied conditions. We had reservations about the 25cm row spacings compared with our 12.5cm spacing on our previous 8m drills,” he says.

“We wanted to plant all cereal and broad-leaved crops with the drill, al-

though the crops look widely spaced when they first emerge, you can’t tell the difference by harvest… we needed far less herbicide.”

Drill choice

Alongside disc-based systems, Horsch will show its Sprinter 12.25 SC tine drill. The 12m machine offers a 3m transport width and 4m transport height, aimed at improving manoeuvrability. It has a 6,300-litre double hopper and can apply up to four components. Hydraulically pre-stressed tines deliver up to 180kg coulter pressure.

“trailed sprayer for operators requiring high accuracy and rapid filling times,” says high-capacity trailed sprayer John Hulland.

“The Karan has been four years in development, driven by extensive research into operator requirements for high output trailed sprayers.

“It’s a well-used phrase, but the Karan is 99% new and is specifically aimed at maximising spraying time and accuracy.”

Drilling update

Alongside the sprayer, KUHN will exhibit updates to its Espro drill range. The 4002 R model now includes a fulllength, mid-height operator platform to improve safety and access, while the machine can be half folded for easier transport and loading.

New Espro models in 3m, 4m and 6m working widths will also be shown, including a straight disc option designed to reduce soil disturbance. The 6m Espro 6002 drill is 700kg lighter than its predecessor, reflecting a focus on efficiency and ease of use.

Kuhn’s stand will also feature the Axis 50.2 H EMC W fertiliser spreader, Optimer and Cultimer stubble cultivators, and a range of CCI terminals offering ISOBUS compatibility across multiple machines.

“We’re looking forward to meeting new and existing customers at what promises to be a busy and positive show,” says Mr Hulland. Kuhn will be on stand 634, where visitors can explore its latest developments in operator-focused design.

High clearance between frame and surface supports direct or mulch seeding, while individual depth control helps maintain a consistent sowing horizon.

Mounted options extend the range. The 6m Avatar SL is designed for lowdisturbance sowing in mulch conditions and can handle high straw residues and harder soils. Row spacings of 25cm or 30cm also support mechanical weed control.

The 6m Sprinter 6.25 SL targets wetter conditions and lighter soils, retaining 25cm tine spacing and individual depth control.

Full machinery line-up at Scotgrass

Apacked display of static and working tractors and grassland equipment from Massey Ferguson will highlight the range of machinery to maximise forage production at this month’s Scotgrass event.

MF’s full range of machines will be at Scotgrass, which takes place on 13 May at Slacks Farm, Lochmaben, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. They include the MF 8S Xtra, which recently achieved first place in the DLG PowerMix tests.

The MF working demonstrations begin with a front mounted MF DM 316 FQ-KC mower, combined with the rear mounted MF DM 316 TL-V-KC, which are both fitted with a tine conditioner to provide a faster wilt.

Working line-up

These are followed by a MF TD 776 X, 7.7m hook tine tedder, and MF RK 662 6.6m twin rotor rake, before a MF RB 4160 V variable chamber baler, and an MF 3130 F Protec combination baler wrapper complete the working lineup.

“We’re really looking forward to Scotgrass to showcase our range of grassland equipment and tractors to farmers and growers,” said Mas sey Ferguson UK marketing manag er Lindsay Haddon.

“It’s great to have a grassland demonstration show again as it allows users to see the machines working and speak to product specialists, which may not be possible at indoor shows or on farm demos.”

contamination

The 5M will be part of the working machinery demos at Scotgrass

est MF TH 7038 telehandler, with the Dyna-CT transmission.

Efficiency

This latest option provides stop/start technology, cruise control and speed limiter, to make daily operations more efficient and comfortable.

The extensive static displays include models from the recently revised MF 1M series and the new MF 2M compact range, along with an MF 9S that has been through the MF By You customisation studio, said Ms Haddon.

The Dyna E-Power model beat six competitors in the 330hp category, with the results indicating unmatched possible fuel savings up to 3.74 l/hr. The Dyna-VT transmission recorded second place in the CVT category.”

Scotgrass is also the first stop for the latest MF eXperience tour, which is heading to Hexham and Surrey after the show. This provides customers with an immersive look at the MF range and the chance to operate machines.

for silage and hay quality

Farmers and contractors face a heightened risk of poorer firstcut silage quality this season following a wet winter and dry sprinbg that has limited grazing and growth.

Prolonged wet conditions and a mild winter have created an environment that favours spoilage bacteria and the build-up of dead thatch in grass swards, say grazing and forage experts

Thatch build

“With the ground being so wet, many farmers have been unable to graze or get onto the land, resulting in a buildup of dead thatch at the base of the sward,” says forage expert Lientjie Colahan, of Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

“This material has little to no nutritional value and will inevitably be

Quality will be a challenge for many farms this season

picked up by the rake, reducing overall silage quality and bringing in fungus and yeasts that can compromise fermentation in the clamp.”

“When conditions are wet for an extended period of time, it can alter the microbiome of the sward and soil, causing an increase in clostridium bacteria, which can negatively impact silage fermentation,” says Ms Colahan.

Early action

She warns that recent seasons have already seen a decline in metabolisable energy (ME) in first cuts, falling from 11.1 MJ/kg DM in 2023 to around 10.87 MJ/kg DM in 2025. That drop equates to more than half a litre of milk per cow per day.

In response, Ms Colahan advises taking an early first cut to reset the sward, even if yield and quality are

not ideal. “This approach puts you in a much stronger position to achieve a higher quality and more productive second cut,” she says.

She also recommends walking fields to assess thatch levels and carrying out pre-cut testing to guide timing decisions. Where contamination risk is high, targeted inoculants can help stabilise fermentation and limit spoilage.

Preservative

Looking further ahead, it could pay to use preservative on hay. Big bale prices have doubled from £73/tonne to £155, and it is a similar story for small bale seed and meadow hay, says the British Hay and Straw Merchant’s Association

With demand likely to be high for new season hay, a preservative could be a prudent and cost-effective option to ensure top quality bales, that are free from dust and mould – and so realise top quality prices.

Preservatives such as Baler’s Choice can enable hay to be safely baled at moisture contents above 15% and up to 30%, so preserving hay quality without the risk of bales heating up, becoming mouldy or at worst spontaneously combusting.

The core ingredient within Baler’s Choice is a near neutral, buffered form of Propionic, with a consistent nearneutral pH of 6.0, making it safe to handle and avoids damage to machinery.

This retains all the well-recognised and proven benefits in reducing heating and stabilising temperature within bales, in addition to the prevention of moulds, dust and loss of bale quality.

This is combined with citric to aid colour retention and palatability. Baler’s Choice is formulated specifically to be applied using the Harvest Tec range of large square, round and conventional baler applicator systems.

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Secure Your Farm

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• Power and reliability are ensured by a 24 or 36 volt system

• Know your gate is always closed and locked with the Goliath automatic security lock

• 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

£3m investment in baler assembly capacity

Machinery specialists Claas has inaugurated two new assembly lines at its baler manufacturing plant at Metz-Woippy in north-east France.

The assembly lines will produce new balers, including as the Cerex round baler and the recently announced Cubix. They are described as the next-generation of large balers and was awarded a Gold Innovation Award at Agritechnica 2025.

Commitment

Claas chairwoman Cathrina ClaasMühlhäuser said the investment underlined the family-owned company’s long-term commitment to France and the Grand Est region and set up the manufacturing site for future growth in balers.

“As a family business, balers have been part of our DNA for more than 100 years. Metz is our home for baler production, and France is one of Claas’s core markets.

“This is an invest on our future and reflects our commitment to the Metz region and to France as a whole. I am particularly proud of what our teams in Metz have achieved.

The £2.85m investment reflects a shared long-term ambition for the future development of the site. It also underlines the company’s connection with the region and represents another milestone in the 65-year history of the site.

Balers have been at the core of Claas’s business for more than 100 years and are a key focus for the manufacturer. Company milestones include as the knotter billhook, Variant round balers, Rollatex net-wrapping and Quadrant square balers.

The new assembly line follows the inauguration of a new prototype workshop in 2025, which released 1,800m2 of space to enable the expansion and modernisation of the baler production line, and the creation of new test facilities.

Defra minister unveils new funding for innovation

Farm minister Angela Eagle underlined the government’s commitment to agri-tech at the Agricultural Engineers Association annual conference last month in London.

In a keynote speech Dame Angela said she recognised the importance of the agri-tech sector in providing the tools to allow farmers and growers to be productive, profitable and resilient.

That position was reinforced by the inclusion of agri-tech as a priority sub-sector within advanced manufacturing in the government’s industrial strategy, she told listeners at the conference in Westminster.

Announcing a new £5 million round of Defra’s Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition, Dame Angela said this meant the industry could access extra support from across government.

Innovation

Defra was already backing agri-tech through a £70m investment in its Farming Innovation Programme, she said.

“This is our ‘blended’ finance initiative which is proving highly effective at drawing in new private and venture capital into

the Agri-Tech Sector to amplify the impact and the benefits of Government investment.

Dmer Angela said she could also announce that the government’s previous Investor Partnerships round had raised more than £40m of private investment through 12 spe cial award offers.

“That is £40m of additional, private in vestment that will help those companies to scale-up production, generate jobs and growth, and ensure this cutting-edge tech nology reaches more farmers and growers.”

ADOPT grants

The Minister also confirmed that £30m would be made available in ADOPT grants, supporting farmers to test new technolo gy. Defra would also be helping farmers to share examples of best practice through its new Farmer Collaboration Fund.

AEA director general Ruth Bailey said: “We were delighted to welcome Dame An gela to our annual conference. It is good to hear that the government is committed to supporting the Agri-tech industry.

The equipment that AEA members provide can play a major role, not just in improving the productivity of farming but also en-

suring it is done sustainably.

“We look forward to working with the minister and her officials to ensure that the benefits of the latest innovations can make real a difference on the ground.”

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