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OUT & ABOUT
With the Farmers Guide team
David Williams has been at Boyton Hall Farm, near Stowmarket, checking out some of the attractive lots due to be sold at an onsite auction on 1st October. Acting for farm owners, V & R Waspe & Sons, auctioneer Clarke & Simpson is organising the dispersal sale due to a change in farming policy. There are full details and a catalogue on the Clarke & Simpson website, including online bidding instructions for those unable to attend. Turn to page 66 to see more available lots.
Machinery operator and farm employee, Brian Waters, who has worked at Boyton Hall for more than 60 years, is pictured with Farmers Guide machinery contributor, David Williams.
Daniel Hodge headed to Amazone's brand new academy Altmoorhausen this month. He's pictured with Amazone's UK marketing manager, David Thomson – more next issue.
Turn to page 44 to read Daniel's report on Horsch's latest innovations and future plans. He's pictured at the company's Ronnenburg site with Horsch director Stephen Burcham.
Likely to be one of the star lots, this superb 1993 Caterpillar Challenger 75 rubber tracked crawler is pictured during the Farmers Guide visit in early September, easily handling the Sumo 3.5m Quatro disc and tine cultivator working deep in the heavy Su olk soils. It has a heavy-duty drawbar, full rear linkage and has worked 13,282 hours.
For establishing crops in a wide range of soil types and conditions, this 2012 4.8m Weaving Tine Drill is bound to attract competitive bidding. Like all the farm’s other machinery it has been stored under cover, and remains in excellent order.
With its engine covers removed for cleaning, this CaseIH 1255XL remains in very tidy original condition. Front tyres are 380/70R28 and rears are 520/70R38, all with plenty of tread. The Simba 8.23m rolls at the back are also in the sale.
Whilst in Germany, Daniel also visited the Krone training centre and demonstration elds in Spelle, viewing their latest updates including the all new Baletrain system which connects a rake and baler, signi cantly reducing passes needed – you'll nd all the details in the next issue of Farmers Guide. He's pictured with Krone marketing executive Holly White, and with Krone Southwest territory manager Charlie Thornton-James.
marketing manager for Northern Europe
and
UK
are pictured with David Williams at a press preview of the new Fendt tractors. More on page 31.
With its combination of compact external dimensions, high payload and engine power, the KT316 telehandler is the compact powerhouse in the Kramer portfolio. The telehandler lifts up to 3,100 kg to a maximum stacking height of 5.83 m. The Deutz engine with a maximum output of 82 kW / 112 hp ensures high machine agility and performance.
www.kramer.de/dealerlocator
Shrinking arable area is a reminder that farming is changing
This month, Openfield experts reflect on the changes of land use and rising number of farmers with second jobs or diversifications – plus urea prices.
With DEFRA publishing its rst provisional England crop areas for 2025/26, it’s very interesting to see the continued drop in area of combined wheat, barley and OSR, writes Cecilia Pryce, Open eld’s head of research, compliance and shipping.
Although no surprise, after all SFI will have taken land out alongside solar panels and other schemes, it’s a reminder of just how agriculture is changing.
The last ve or so years have been tough, but what is the real plan for the future or will we just migrate forward through unguided evolution?
of tasks and would be an asset to many employees with their transferable skills and more importantly work ethic.
If more land is placed under contract, then those contractors will become very important players for the industry and end consumers and government to engage with and maybe that’s what happens or should be happening. The livestock industry has been changing for years; bigger units and better economy of scale mirrored by big multinational companies pulling the strings.
Fertiliser matters
In late August, the industry welcomed some softening in urea values, explains Open eld fertiliser manager Lucy Hassall. In recent months, urea prices have been supported by political tensions, reduced supply, strong demand from India and a lack of Chinese exports.
Global crop prospects continue to apply pressure to values, while many farmers are struggling to cover overheads. With many not covering costs, I was recently asked a question: How many UK arable farmers are full-time farmers these days? I struggled to answer with a number, but I wonder if it’s a survey that needs completing and monitoring. Diversi cation has been encouraged and become a necessity for many, but is it now the main income for many farms alongside family members all having a second job?
Unlike ‘non farming individuals’, what happens if the farmers around the world were to have a mass career change? How many farms would be sold or how many more would be contracted out? Is that the future, is that the natural progression and where does that leave land values and food security? National statistics enjoy telling us how individuals change careers and employees on a regular basis so why not more farmers? Ultimately most farmers I know are very handy at a multitude
Yes, there are niche market situations which will hopefully continue, but niche relies on the consumer having the money to spend. Is the above the future UK arable agriculture plan that has never been published and if it is, how long before it is fully instigated by default? Food for thought for all of us!
Payments for bulk samples
The UK Grain Testing Network is currently willing to pay farmers to send them bulk samples of oats and beans at £30.00 for each usable bulk sample. The team use these samples to ring check hundreds of grain testing machines across the entire industry to ensure all grain testing equipment is calibrated and accurate for growers, merchants, and end users such as millers, maltsters, and distillers right across the UK.
All this ensures better standards and consistency right across the industry. They would like you to send them bulk samples of 40kg beans and/or 60kg of oats.
If you would like to be paid to ll up some bulk sample bags, please email paul.allison@sciantec. uk.com who will supply you with sacks, arrange collection and pay you £30.00 for each usable bulk sample.
India, which last year was the second largest global importer of urea behind Brazil, has announced urea tenders in consecutive months since May, after being unsuccessful in securing the required tonnes due to tight supplies. The latest tender results in early September showed higher volumes o ered which may be a result of stocks building due to a quieter market of late. Whilst this presents a window of opportunity for purchasing, we need to be mindful of waiting it out to see if values drop further. Brazil, India, Europe and UK have signi cant volumes left to purchase this year, and when demand picks up, it’s very likely prices will increase. This could be reversed at any point as we remain in very volatile times. FG
Price indicator (November 2025)
£158–£168 ............. Feed wheat
£140–£150 Feed barley
£387–£397 .............. Oilseed rape
*Prices quoted are from Open eld and were predicted as at 8th September 2025. They will be subject to regional variations.
Lucy Hassall, Open eld’s fertiliser manager.
Cecilia Pryce, head of research, compliance & shipping. cover overheads. With
Merlo appoints new dealer
Merlo has appointed Henton & Chattell Ltd as an authorised Merlo dealer for the Midlands and East Midlands, e ective 1st September 2025.
The Nottingham-based company will operate from newly acquired premises in Newark, Nottinghamshire, formerly occupied by Farmstar.
This strategic expansion builds on Henton & Chattell’s long-standing commitment to quality and service. Founded in 1931, the company has rapidly strengthened its agricultural o ering, complementing its well-established presence in the professional groundcare and garden machinery markets. With over 11,000m2 of warehousing, a team of around 100 employees, and a track record of innovation and customer service, the business is now poised to bring its strengths into the agricultural machinery sector through its partnership with Merlo. It has also been a Kubota dealer since 2023.
“We’re delighted to welcome Henton & Chattell to the Merlo agricultural network,” commented Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK. “Their strong infrastructure and customer base, and proven ability to deliver across both professional ground care and agricultural sectors make them a natural t for our brand. This partnership further supports our mission to provide innovative solutions and outstanding service to Merlo users throughout the region.”
Amazonen-Werke expands its Academy
With the opening of a new training centre alongside its factory in Altmoorhausen, Amazonen-Werke is setting another milestone in the continuous development of expertise and hands-on training.
The spaciously designed building with a total area of 2,430m2 o ers the perfect conditions for training, particularly in the sphere of Amazone plant protection and large-area machinery.
For example, the large, covered area enables Amazone crop protection sprayers with boom widths of up to 48m to be fully unfolded and presented –a major advantage which is extremely useful in poor weather conditions. The training areas will be equipped with representative cutting-edge machines, models and simulations.
The close proximity to the outdoor training
areas makes it possible to even more intensively integrate eld work into the training sessions across all products. In addition to the presentation area, the new building includes a large reception area, classrooms and a general conference room for various events.
The Academy also o ers speci c training courses for sales and service at Amazone’s locations worldwide.
UK agricultural tractor registrations – August 2025
According to the latest update from the Agricultural Engineers Association, there is still little sign of an upturn in the number of agricultural tractors being registered in the UK, with August’s total of just 402 machines barely half the level typically seen at this time of year. August is always a fairly quiet month, with farmers occupied by eldwork and the new registration mark coming in September. However, this year’s gure was also 19% lower than in the same month of 2024. That is a broadly similar rate of decline to that seen over the
year to date, meaning nearly 1,200 fewer tractors have been registered so far this year than 12 months ago.
The annual total reached 6,151 machines, 16% below the number registered in January to August 2024.
National Association of Agricultural Contractors wins prestigious RASE award
The NAAC says it is honoured to have been awarded one of the top honours in British agriculture, the RASE National Agricultural Award 2025. Sponsored by Savills, and presented at the RASE Awards ceremony at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire on 4th September, the Award celebrates individuals
or organisations whose contributions have driven positive change in agriculture, reshaping the sector, whether through innovation, leadership, or a lifetime of dedication.
Since 1893, the NAAC has championed an oftenoverlooked part of farming – contractors – and the RASE
recognised that the NAAC punches above its weight, delivering outsized impact. There have been major policy successes, including winning the right for contractors to use red diesel and delivering grants and funding for the sector. In addition, the NAAC helps members navigate nance, safety
and business management, alongside technical and legal compliance, to ensure professional agricultural contractors can con dently partner with farmers to give them access to cutting edge innovation, whilst bringing skilled labour onto farms. Such collaboration can bring huge strides in productivity,
with inputs being carefully managed and applied, soil being nurtured, and outputs being monitored for maximum e ciency, whilst still protecting the environment. The Award also recognised the NAAC’s widely recognised safety campaigns, helping to raise awareness of the dangers on UK farms.
Henton & Chattell's Peter Chaloner, with Merlo's Craig Footman.
New communication system for livestock collars
Nofence has announced the launch of HerdNet, a revolutionary collar-to-collar communication system that further improves connectivity for owners of its 2.5 model collars, particularly in more remote areas where connectivity is a challenge. It also helps ensure real-time synchronisation of virtual fencing for cattle, sheep, and goats.
Vice president of engineering Fabien Lepoutre said: “HerdNet is a breakthrough in virtual
fencing technology that is poised to improve connectivity and deliver better results for farmers, as we’ve seen already in real world scenarios through our testing programme.
“It helps ensure the system works on farmers’ terms and helps them get faster updates and better performance. This feature will make a real di erence in our customers’ day-to-day use of the product, enhancing e ectiveness, ease of use, and overall livestock management.”
Livestock farmer Archie
Corrie from Apley Estate, Shropshire, said: “The latest update has made a huge di erence. The service isn’t great where I keep my cattle; before it could take half an hour for collars to complete a move, whereas the last time I moved my cattle, it was all completed in under 10 minutes.”
By addressing connectivity limitations and improving response times, HerdNet delivers synchronised updates to all animals in the herd, encouraging them to move together in cohesion. This consistent communication makes virtual fencing more e ective while also reducing herd splits and providing a smoother pasture transition for animals.
The new feature supports healthier herd dynamics and enhances pasture utilisation through managed grazing techniques, such as rotational grazing, making them more e cient.
Meat smuggling crisis risks major disease outbreak
Alarming amounts of meat and dairy products are now being illegally imported to Great Britain for both personal consumption and sale”, says the Environment, Food and Rural A airs (EFRA) Committee in a report published on 8th September.
The report highlights that illegal meat imports, which have been increasing for a number of years under a succession of governments, carry a high risk of animal diseases that threaten food security, farming and the
wider economy. EFRA comments that some of the most serious animal diseases, like foot and mouth disease and African swine fever (ASF), can travel long distances and cross borders in contaminated meat and dairy products. Illegally imported meat also poses a serious health risk to consumers, as the conditions of slaughter, handling and storage are unknown and unregulated, meaning it is more likely to carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that
cause illness in humans. The report nds that there is currently no e ective deterrent to meat smuggling. MPs call on DEFRA to deliver a plan to immediately start ning and prosecuting repeat o enders and those who are attempting to smuggle signi cant amounts of animal products. The Committee notes DEFRA’s plans to crush vehicles carrying illegal imports, but warns this is ‘not a silver bullet’ to solve the problem. Read more at www.farmersguide.co.uk
First UK occurrence of pea bruchid
The Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) has con rmed the presence of pea bruchid in a UK-grown commercial pea crop for the rst time in a single sample grown on a farm in Cambridgeshire.
This spring’s unusually warm and dry conditions appear to have allowed the pest to complete its full life cycle in a UK crop for the rst time. Growers and traders are urged to inspect pea crops and produce carefully for signs of damage. Findings should be reported on the free PGRO Crop Monitor App including images and crop location details. Good-quality images are essential, as bruchid damage can be mistaken for that caused by pea moth.
The PGRO is also convening a forum with the trade to agree a plan of action to prevent adult pea bruchids resuming their life cycle in spring 2026. A coordinated e ort will be needed to stop egg-laying next year and to prevent the pest’s permanent establishment.
Any incidence of live bruchids in seed lots must be reported. If the pest is detected in pea seed for seed production, APHA must be informed, and restrictions will apply to its movement.
Environmental projects at risk
Thousands of farmers who have spent years delivering vital environmental bene ts on their land now face uncertainty as their agreements are set to expire at the end of this year, the NFU warns. An FOI request to DEFRA has revealed that 5,820 Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements will end in December, leaving farmers with no clear pathway forward. With the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme still not available and the CS higher-tier option only being available to a handful of farmers invited for pre-application, many farmers risk being forced to abandon projects that have supported biodiversity and environmental delivery for decades. The NFU is urging DEFRA to set out a clear way forward before agreements come to an end on 31st December, including:
• Allowing existing Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements to roll over for one year, preventing an immediate loss of environmental delivery while giving Defra time to develop a long-term plan
• Delivering the new SFI scheme quickly to ensure farmers can enter agreements without losing the nancial means to deliver for the environment.
• Finance from £10k to £5m
• Excellent rates
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• Simple, quick phone application
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• Bad credit history, large debts – No problem!
• High street banks unsupportive
• Tenant farmers welcome
• Fundatis® brings two new active ingredients and one new mode of action to the autumn cereal herbicide market
•Effective control of a wide range of grassweeds and broadleaf weeds in winter wheat and winter barley
•For more information on Fundatis®, please visit ag.fmc.com/uk/en/herbicides/fundatis or scan the QR code
Fundatis herbicide now available to growers this autumn
Global agricultural sciences company FMC Corporation has received registration from the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) in Great Britain for its new Fundatis herbicide, powered by the Iso ex active.
The newly approved Fundatis herbicide will be available for use this autumn pre- and periemergence in winter wheat and pre-emergence in winter barley. It will come as a ZC formulation containing two active ingredients, Iso ex active and be ubutamid, which are new to the market in Great Britain.
“Helping growers to be successful is imperative to the future of farming. We are proud to contribute to this in 2025 with the launch of the Fundatis herbicide,” said Sebastià Pons, president FMC EMEA.
The mode of action is totally new to the cereal herbicide market. It acts by inhibiting the ability of susceptible weeds to produce carotenoids – molecules which are vital to photosynthesis. Inhibition of carotenoids leads to the characteristic bleaching and colour-change symptoms observed in weeds treated with Fundatis.
Significant new tool
The product will provide a signi cant new tool in growers’ armouries e ectively contributing to the control of key annual grassweeds including meadowgrass (Poa spp), black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multi orum). Fundatis herbicide also boasts one of the largest broadleaf weed spectrums on the label, including groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) and
speedwell (Veronica spp).
“With its use in both wheat and barley, wide spectrum of broadleaf weed control and good activity against key grassweed species, we believe that the Fundatis herbicide will be a valuable new addition for cereal growers when used as part of an integrated weed management strategy,” said Gareth Jones, technical leader, Northern Europe.
“Over-reliance on a few well-established products, changes to on-farm land management practices and a complex regulatory landscape all mean that weed control challenges are evolving, and we are excited to bring a product to market containing a new mode of action for cereals, giving growers the opportunity to diversify their approach and another option when planning their weed control strategies,” he concludes.
hard work and dedication of
the registration of the Fundatis herbicide, which re ects the hard work and dedication of so many within the business.”
Fundatis herbicide demonstrates the strength of FMC’s robust pipeline and is a testament to the company’s ability to translate grower challenges into innovative solutions that will enhance the productivity and resilience of their crops. The registration for Great Britain marks another signi cant regulatory approval for FMC, the company says.
About FMC
challenging weed species in winter cereals.
Fundatis herbicide has been tested over many seasons in a range of eld conditions across Europe and Great Britain. According to FMC, in trials it has controlled some of the most challenging weed species in winter cereals. Results demonstrate that the combination of the Iso ex active and be ubutamid can help contribute to a clean eld.
can help contribute to a clean eld.
Major milestone
“This is a major milestone in FMC’s drive and commitment to bring new and sustainable technologies to agriculture, helping farmers deliver a sustainable and pro table future,” explains John Hutton, EMEA commercial business director, Northern Europe.
“We are hugely excited by
FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, bre and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC’s innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture –enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. FMC says it is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit www.fmc-agro.co.uk to learn more. FG
John Hutton, EMEA commercial business director, Northern Europe.
Focus on details for vital weed control boost
Even with drilling and pre-ems completed on many farms, there are still opportunities to improve weed control according to Bayer technical manager, Emma Jones.
“In early October, farms are at di erent points in their autumn eldwork,” explains Emma. “Some have already nished their cereal drilling and preem programmes, while others have most of their acreage still to do. In every situation there are ways to improve weed control this autumn.”
Application
Delivering the herbicide to the target is just as important as choosing the best products for the job. Applying the rst residual at the true pre-em timing within 48 hours of drilling should be a priority for anyone with drilling to do.
“We often see pre-ems applied much later because farmers focus on drilling. I understand why it happens, particularly in bad weather. But if weeds are a concern getting back relatively soon means you get the best possible control from the herbicides,” Emma says.
She points out that lowering water volumes much below 200-litres/ha to increase work rates can impact herbicide performance. Proclus (aclonifen), and other actives that control shoots as they
emerge, forms a lm across the soil surface. Lower water volumes make getting full coverage of the soil more of a challenge.
e
a boom height of 50cm and
Consistent spray application is important for all herbicide applications. Underdosing areas can give weeds an opportunity and overdosing could cause crop e ects hence a boom height of 50cm and forward speed up to 12kph is recommended.
Follow-up applications
Applying herbicides in a sequence rather than a very large pre-em stack has a number of bene ts. It can help with crop safety and ensure higher levels of residual protection throughout peak weed germination. Follow up timing and product
choice depend on the situation in the eld.
“On the whole, herbicides o er a very good return on investment, but no one likes to apply herbicides unnecessarily,” acknowledges Emma. With a sequence you can assess crop quality and condition before investing more. If this is your thinking, you can’t skimp too much on the pre-em. Firstly, because it is usually the most e ective timing. Secondly, because there is the risk you can’t get back for the second application.
“A metribuzin co-form like Alternator Met, Cadou Met and Octavian Met (all metribuzin + ufenacet + di ufenican) with Proclus, is a solid foundation for the programme at pre-em.
“Drilling depth of at least 32mm ensures there is physical separation between seed and herbicides. If the crop is well drilled into a good seedbed you can apply at the most e ective timing. But on light soils, around heavy rain or if drilling depth is variable, then prioritise safety.”
Make sure you use di erent chemistry for the follow up than the pre-em for resistance management and to boost weed control. Also factor in e cacy against any broadleaf weeds you may have which will otherwise need controlling in spring.
“Cranesbill, groundsel and burr chervil are all well controlled by a metribuzin co-form. If you haven’t used it at pre-em, then I would use it at the follow up if any of these weeds are a problem for you.”
Emma notes that follow up applications also happen around the same time as the rst BYDV spray but often the timings don’t quite match. Ideally, apply both sprays at the optimum timing and be aware of the compromise if determined to make only one pass with the sprayer.
Long-lasting protection
“We are seeing autumn conditions continue until much later in the year, this means weeds can continue to germinate for weeks or even months after drilling. This is particularly a problem with ryegrass and some species of brome which tend to emerge later. But where there is a large enough seedbank, you will nd late germinating blackgrass too.”
Step one to combat protracted germination is using long-lasting actives in the pre-em stack. Proclus provides good grassweed control and has a long half-life as well as being light stable. Di ufenican and pendimethalin are other key actives with a good half-life.
“Accurately predicting how long you get protection from a herbicide is di cult. Herbicides break down more quickly in warm, moist conditions. Soil type and biology also in uence the speed of decay. If you are worried about protracted germination, four weeks is probably the longest I would leave it before applying a follow-up. In warmer weather, I would go sooner.”
I would leave it before applying a follow-up. In timing, that means whatever is some insurance against late
Emma recommends including at least one active with a long half-life at every timing, that means whatever happens with the weather, there is some insurance against late germination. FG
Innovation and collaboration sum up Charles Paynter’s approach to his transition from full-time management of his family farm, to one embracing continued learning through on-farm trials.
With a passion for regenerative farming, and a talent for building and adapting farm machinery, Charles Paynter of Ri e Range Farm, Bedfordshire, is in the process of modifying his drill.
With the help of a grant from Anglian Water, Charles’ modi cations should enable relay cropping on the farm because – if all goes to plan – he will be able to lift alternate sets of coulters to protect the established crop, while a second crop is drilled.
and keep records of every chemical input too.”
The next step is to explore biologicals, and Charles plans to purchase a second-hand sprayer for applications. “I’ve created compost and used it to create an extract – a stable liquid product you can apply to seed.
“The theory is that it sparks interactions with the soil and will reduce reliance on nitrogen. Even if we can’t see exactly what it is doing, it is part of a bene cial process and diversifying the farm’s microbiome.”
The focus on soil health has unlocked other bene ts including improved water management, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced resilience. Charles is also passionate about the links between farming practices and improved nutritional value of the food they produce.
Since turning 65, Charles has moved away from full-time management of the family farm – a role which has passed to his brother Simon – and has embraced a new approach. With more time he has taken to daily eld walks, developing a more intimate knowledge of the farm’s biodiversity and soil health, and increased his drive to look for innovative approaches.
“I used to look across the elds and see a list of jobs,” he says. “Now I feel more connected to the land and the soil which I had been missing.”
Understanding soil
“Like most farmers I used to be more focused on what’s going on above ground,” explains Charles. “We knew about organic matter, but we didn’t know about the microbiome. As I learned more, I stopped focusing on cash cropping and started helping our soils to help us.”
Keeping meticulous records has been important with this, he says. “I record my observations in the eld
This year the farm is producing winter wheat, two varieties of spring wheat and peas and has an SFI agreement which covers various initiatives, including oristic margins.
The Paynters also continue to seek ways to create more protected income streams and working with other organisations to explore new avenues for innovation and diversi cation.
Slug Sleuth
Trial work is one such avenue. Charles joined the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) soon after its launch in 2020, having become interested in its aim to connect farmers who are committed to on-farm trials.
He then joined its DEFRA-funded
Charles Paynter.
farm trials
SLIMERS – Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience to Slugs – project as a ‘Slug Sleuth’ in 2023. The role has involved slug monitoring on the farm – setting traps and collecting data on slug presence. This fed into research by Professor Keith Walters at Harper Adams to understand slug behaviour in di erent conditions and helped to develop predictive models. As the project progresses into its third year (2025/6), the team of Slug Sleuth farmers have been asked to test the model by applying pellets onto the predicted slug patches.
In May 2025 Charles was also involved with night-time data collection on his farm with Dr Kerry McDonald-Howard of UK Agri-Tech Centre, one of the project partners. Together with work carried out by other partners Agrivation, Fotenix and FarmScan Ag this is leading to the
Checking slug traps.
development of an AI-based precision treatment solution.
The project partners’ collective vision is a system which can predict where slug patches will be, identify individual slugs in the eld and treat them individually with nematodes, therefore avoiding the need for broadscale slug pelleting.
Charles’ role in the project has also included trialling four ‘slug resistant’ wheat varieties on the farm. These are varieties from the John Innes Centre’s Watkins collection crossed with Paragon which were identi ed as potentially resistant to slug damage by scientists.
Meanwhile, Dr Simon Gri ths and his team at the John Innes Centre are exploring the varieties further to identify the genes responsible for the apparent resistance trait and whether it could be introduced to commercial varieties. This work is helped by Dr Victor Soria-Carrasco and his team in the insectary who are continuing feeding trials with slugs on the unusual wheat lines.
Charles’ involvement in the SLIMERS project is timely, with regenerative practices and the resulting increase in crop debris leading to an increased slug burden on the farm. The knowledge sharing element of the project is also important and mirrors his commitment to creating a legacy of regeneration.
“Every farmer has something to share, and you learn something from them all,” he says.
“All roads come back to the farmer,” he says. “As individuals we may not be the most technical, savvy or pro cient, but we have farmer experience and instinct, and no amount of research can replace that.” FG
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NPZ UK green pea varieties bring wider choice for growers
The PGRO Descriptive List (DL) for green peas o ers growers a choice of four varieties from NPZ UK – Carrington, Butter y, Bluetime, plus newly added top-of-the-list Pangea.
Green peas are grown in a greater quantity than all the other types combined and are used in a wide range of end products. These include canned mushy peas, soups and sauces, fried and roasted to produce snacks, and extruded for snack food. Peas for micronising are steamed and rolled into akes for animal feed, making colour retention particularly important. And for export markets, the best samples, meeting strict quality criteria, are exported to the Far East.
To meet these market needs, and to appeal to growers, NPZ UK green pea varieties are known for their high yields, good standing power and resistance to common pea diseases.
Butter y has a very high seed yield, which is combined with earliest equal maturity and high standing ability at harvest. It is resistant to pea wilt.
Carrington is a very high yielding green variety, combined with the highest equal downy mildew resistance for green peas, high standing ability at harvest and is resistant to pea wilt.
Bluetime is a high yielding green variety, combined with the highest
equal downy mildew resistance and good standing power and is also resistant to pea wilt.
Pangea is top of the PGRO Descriptive List of Combining Green Peas for 2025. It is the highest yielding green pea variety with high downy mildew resistance, and is resistant to pea wilt. It has high thousand seed weight and protein content, and is also one of few varieties on the DL showing high resistance to powdery mildew.
Tom Yewbrey of NPZ UK adds: “Our green pea, yellow pea and marrowfat pea varieties are major constituents of the PGRO Descriptive Lists.
“As well as the green pea varieties, we have Concerto and Orchestra on the yellow pea DL and Midori, Akooma and Takayama on the marrowfat pea DL. These underline our commitment to the UK pulse crop – and to the continuing improvements in yield, agronomic agronomic characters and marketability we are bringing to our varieties.” FG
NPZ UK MD, Tom Yewbrey.
Contract agreed for 2026/27 sugar beet crop
NFU Sugar and British Sugar have concluded negotiations and agreed a deal for the 2026/27 sugar beet contract.
The contract options include:
• A one-year xed price contract at £30/t, for up to 65% of the contract
• A one-year contract with a guaranteed base price of £25/t, plus a market-linked bonus for up to 100% of the contract
• An index-linked contract (previously called
‘futures-linked’) for up to 50% of the contract
• Yield protection contract at a £1/t reduction on the xed and market-linked bonus
• Transport allowance up to 60 miles
• One year contract holiday for up to 750kt CTE, on rst come, rst served basis
• Plus, an interest-free cash advance option, a late delivery payment and complementary frost insurance.
The 2026/27 prices are around £3–6/t lower than the 2025/26 contract, re ecting the current state of
the global sugar market.
Commenting, NFU Sugar board chair Kit Papworth said: “I am pleased we have managed to come to a negotiated agreement with British Sugar for the 2026/27 sugar beet contract. This deal o ers growers choices to suit individual business circumstances and balances challenging sugar market conditions and the increasing costs and risks of growing sugar beet here in the UK.”
British Sugar managing director, Keith Packer, said: “As the sugar industry continues to face challenging market conditions, I am pleased that we’ve agreed a deal for all, re ecting the current situation.
“This year’s contract is the product of many months of hard work with NFU Sugar, giving growers much-needed security and certainty at what is a volatile time for farm businesses.
“We’re o ering valuable options which include an interest-free cash advance, a market-linked bonus for a share of the upside when the market is favourable, and an indexlinked contract for those with a greater appetite for risk and reward.” FG which include an interest-free bonus for a share of the favourable, and an index-
NFU Sugar board chair, Kit Papworth.
BLOWING THE COMPETITION OUT THE FIELD
Grow with us
British Sugar is offering a one-year fixed price sugar beet contract at £30/t - don’t miss out
If you’re looking for a reliable non-cereal break crop that’s proven to deliver competitively against the alternatives - sugar beet ticks all the boxes.
Over the past 15 years our partnership with growers has seen sugar beet yields increase by 21%.
• One-year contract with a guaranteed £25 base price (without optional Yield Protection) plus Market-linked Bonus that gives growers a share in the upside when the sugar market is favourable**
• Interest-free Cash Advance option on 20% on the 2026/27, paid in June 2026 - you don’t get this with any other crop
• Late Delivery Allowance for beet delivered on or after 26 December - increasing bonus as the campaign progresses***
• Agriculture Manager as your dedicated crop expert offering free, practical support to maximise your returns - again, you don’t get this benefit with other crops
To find out more, speak to your Agriculture Manager or contact British Sugar Services team on freephone 0800 090 2376 or email: agriculture@britishsugar.com
further information about the 2026/27 contract including terms and conditions for the different products, simply scan the QR code.
Releasing locked-up soil phosphate in winter wheat
Application of a simple liquid complexing agent this autumn could release 40kg/ha of locked up phosphate from the soil, reducing fertiliser expenditure and increasing resulting winter wheat yields by up to 1t/ha, according to Agrii R&D.
The vital early-season nutrient-boosting technology in Agrii-Start Release encourages better establishment through stronger root formation and could prove invaluable this coming year, believes Agrii fertiliser product manager, Tom Land. “Soil health and fertility have taken a hammering in recent months across most parts of the country,” he explains.
“If you are on high pH soils, growing a second wheat or maybe drilling later in the year, releasing P from the soil is a super-e cient way to kickstart crops, but it’s got advantages for all wheat growers.
is directly linked to low N levels in the grain too, so grain quality is starting to su er.
“We would hope to see grain P levels around 0.32% but 0.25% is increasingly common and where grain P levels are below optimum, this could result in yield loss due to insu cient use of soil P.”
Mobilising phosphate
Getting soil phosphate mobilised and absorbed by crops is increasingly important, therefore, but the issue is the majority of P in the soil is in essentially insoluble forms and unavailable to plants, he points out.
amounts of P are held in the topsoil, typically in the 0–30cm rooting zone, so what we really want to do is increase plant available P at this depth during establishment.
“Agrii-Start Release helps to keep P in a water soluble form that roots can easily access and makes this available for anything up to 120 days, so plants have this vital nutrient early in the growing cycle at a time when they really need it.
“Once those roots have been formed, the plant is in the ideal position to make as much use of future nutrient applications and gives it real resilience to cope with future abiotic stresses and challenging weather conditions.
“Agrii-Start Release also has great relevance to farmers in high P areas who for environmental reasons cannot apply any extra nutrients. The approach can release P from the soils to satisfy crop needs without the need for any applied fertiliser and also helps to manage P levels longer term.”
Compelling trial results
Agrii-Start Release has been shown to replace up to 40kg/ha P from applied fertiliser and, depending on pH and the existing P index of the soil, yield responses range from 0.5t/ha to 0.9t/ha in winter wheat, Tom Land explains.
“In high P soils at index 4.1 and a relatively neutral pH of 6.9 we’ve seen yield responses as high as 0.7t/ha and in lower P soils at index 1.1 and a higher pH at 7.9 we’ve seen yield increases of 0.6t/ ha, so that seems to be the range.
“In two years of trials with wheat set at a current price of £180/t, the improvements in margin range from around £60/ha to over 120/ha giving a return on investment of £36/ha to £81/ha.
“Plus, don’t forget the saving you will be making on applied fertilisers in any one give year and the environmental gains by ensuring P is taken up by crops and not left sitting in soils from where it can potentially leave the system.”
For autum use in winter wheat, the product can be applied at drilling or emergence at a rate of 4.0-litres/ha with a water volume of 150–200-litres/ ha and can be used e ectively with glyphosate and pre-emergence herbicides, Tom Land advises.
“While Agrii-Start Release is best applied during the establishment phase and just prior to a period of active crop growth when seedling and young plant phosphate demand is at its height, spring applications have proved bene cial in late drilled crops.” FG
Autumn guidance for Agrii-Start Release
“That’s particularly the case if you are farming on land with inherently low P indices or have deliberately chosen to take a P and K holiday because of costs in recent years.
farming on land with inherently low P take a P and K holiday because of costs
“There are signs that such a strategy is not only reducing yields and soil fertility but we are also starting to see declining P levels in grain now and this
“A large proportion of UK agricultural soils are over chalk or limestone and these have high levels of Ca, which in turn means they generally have a very high pH and the P contained within them is largely locked up.
• P index 0–1 – Use bagged phosphate or combination of Agrii-Start Release and bagged phosphate.
• P index 1–2 – Use Agrii-Start Release or combination of Agrii-Start Release and bagged phosphate.
in phosphate that is locked up, with not
“Agrii-Start Release is soil applied and works on cations in the soil to displace the phosphate that is locked up, with not only calcium but also aluminium and iron, and keeps this in plant available forms for uptake by plant roots.
“We also know that largest
• P index 2+ – Consider P holiday but use Agrii-Start Release on high pH soils where P lock up likely.
• P index 3+ – No actual OP recommendation but use Agrii-Start Release on high pH soils where P lock up likely.
Wheat treated with Agrii-Start Release showing much better root mass development and plant growth (right) compared to untreated crop (left).
Tom Land, Agrii fertiliser product manager.
In the penultimate harvest report published by AHDB on 5th September, it con rmed what many farmers have already voiced – that the 2025 harvest has been one of the most challenging in recent history.
While the 2025 harvest may have got o to an earlier than usual start, both the latest o cial report from AHDB and on-farm feedback across social media from growers agree this year has been variable, to say the least.
A combination of lower yields for many farmers combined with falling grain prices suggests a large number of arable farms could be facing signi cant nancial challenges.
Harvest 2025: One to be consigned to the history books?
Farm accounts hit
Reported yields suggest a complex level of variability, with marked di erences not just across the country or regions, as even neighbouring farms have declared comparatively di erent results. While some farms have performed notably well, a large number have also had some of the worst years on recent record.
With farm accounts already reeling from the 2023/2024 washout impacting on margins, having to face a second consecutive poor harvest means that pro tability concerns remain high.
Olivia Bonser, AHDB senior analyst, said: “Harvest 2025 has delivered a very mixed picture. Some crops have performed well, but many farmers are contending with disappointing yields and weaker returns. Grain quality has generally held up, which is encouraging, yet the nancial reality is that lower prices, and poor yields for many, are putting margins under strain. The variation we’ve seen this season underlines just how challenging it is for arable businesses to plan with certainty.”
Average yields down
*up to 03 September 2025.
**historical yields include both winter and spring oilseed rape.
Source: AHDB, DEFRA.
Pulses have proved especially challenging, with yields averaging 15% below the ve-year average.
Spring beans in particular su ered from drought, and results have been highly variable across farms.
As to be expected with stunted crops, straw
Hitting Harry’s Farm hard
At the time of reporting, the wheat harvest was 99.8% complete, with the average yield estimated at 7.6t/ha – 6.1% below the 10-year average.
The spring barley harvest was 89% complete when the report was released. Early results from southern England showed promise but reports further north were more mixed. In Scotland, high screenings have resulted in some crops failing to make malting quality, leading to widespread malting rejections.
The oats harvest was 90% complete, with average yields estimated at 5.1t/ha – around 5% below the ve-year average, with quality under pressure, particularly in spring crops.
yields this season are highly variable, with very small swaths having been seen in some regions. A higher hectarage is being baled this year compared to the average rather than being chopped and incorporated, in response to reduced supply. FG
Cotswold farmer Harry Metcalfe, host of YouTube channel Harry’s Farm, released a video recently con rming he’s experienced the same dismal picture seen by many of his farming peers.
He commented: “The really odd thing about this year is some things are yielding really well. It’s been a good year for oilseed rape. Spring barley, weirdly, looks as though it’s had a good year. And you might notice fruit trees are doing really well too; but as for wheat, it didn’t like 2025. It did not like the weather patterns. It didn’t like the lack of moisture at the critical time.
“And so, this is the result. Financially, for me, it’s a proper hole. I think I’m about 175 tonnes of wheat short when we get to the end of harvest.”
This, said Harry, puts him into loss-making territory. Having expected to make a pro t of £20,000, as a result of poor yields added to the cost of emergency combine repairs, he reckons he’s looking at a shortfall of £15,000.
to make up that shortfall. And I am so glad, I am truly am,
“I will have to pay from another business into the farm to make up that shortfall. And I am so glad, I am truly am, that I diversi ed with the YouTube channel, and with the property that we rent out, and all the other things we do. But how does a normal farmer cope with a year like 2025, if his sole income is from growing wheat for food consumption?
his sole income is from growing wheat for food consumption? purely down to weather and grain price. Apparently, in the
“This year’s particular problem, I should also add, is purely down to weather and grain price. Apparently, in the global economy there is a surplus of wheat and therefore that is why the wheat price is coming down. There’s certainly not a surplus of wheat in my area of the UK, but the price is determined by the global market. It’s very frustrating. I do hope 2026 is going to be di erent,” Harry concluded.
Table: 2025 harvest yield versus historical average
Farmer and host of Harry's Farm, Harry Metcalfe.
Goldfinch outperforms on fenland farm
Challenging growing season brings variety choice into focus
A challenging year has highlighted the performance of wheat varieties in less-than-ideal conditions. Farmers Guide catches up with members of RAGT’s Growers Group to learn more.
After outperforming KWS Extase, the longtime mainstay Group 2 wheat variety, fellow Group 2 RGT Gold nch is likely to be the variety of choice for fenland farmer George Smith in the coming season.
“I was impressed how clean it was,” he explains. “At the time (he rst saw it), it was supposed to be a Group 1 milling wheat variety, and I was thinking that I could potentially grow it with lower inputs and still get a good premium.”
Hagberg Falling Number and 76kg/hl on just 125 kg/ha of applied nitrogen, he’s hopeful it will qualify for a low-grade milling wheat premium, as Extase with a similar quality did last season.
Assuming that it does qualify for some level of premium, George is starting to plan for a larger area of Gold nch next season.
Beating conditions in Wales
All the 60ha of KWS Extase and 10ha of RGT Gold nch were drilled within around 10 days and then treated the same during the season. With low disease pressure, a decent T1 fungicide was applied, followed by a cheaper ag leaf spray.
“The Gold nch was de nitely cleaner,” George says. “The Extase, while not dirty, had more septoria and yellow rust in it by the end of the season.”
In a di cult season, the Extase’s 5t/ha yield was well back on George’s usual average of
around 8.75t/ha. In contrast, Gold nch coped better with the dry conditions and was much closer to that typical yield, albeit in a eld that followed spring beans, he says.
Based 10 minutes from St Brides Bay on the Pembrokeshire coast, Richard Darlington’s crops usually face high pressure from septoria, while mild winters with few frosts bring a signi cant risk from barley yellow dwarf virus.
That combination is why he has been keen to try RAGT’s BYDV-resistant varieties, with this year both RGT Grouse and RGT Gold nch grown as a comparison in the same eld.
“We’ve grown Grouse for a couple of years, but we have found it a little lacking in disease resistance, whereas Gold nch has a better disease resistance package,” he says.
“As it turned out it wasn’t a year to test against disease with crops clean all the way through.”
That’s suited RGT Grouse, which tillered more profusely than RGT Gold nch and produced a slightly bolder grain. “But despite the Gold nch looking a little thin and more open, it yielded on the higher end compared with anything else.”
With the Gold nch achieving 11.7% grain
protein, with a 324
As a test, he also sprayed one tramline with insecticide for BYDV, but saw no di erence between treated and untreated.
Richard has also been impressed by a small area of RGT Hexton, a new Group 4 soft wheat, especially its big, strong ag leaf and autumn vigour. “It gave big bold grain and had no
especially its big, strong ag leaf and autumn disease problems,” he says.
With suitability for growing on his droughtprone red soils over sandstone, he’s planning to grow more Hexton to sit alongside RGT
Highgrove, which has performed well on the farm for several years.
Tillering ability for yield success
Early drilling and a higher seed rate, plus the ability of RGT Grouse to tiller and propensity for retaining those tillers, are perhaps behind the variety’s surprising yield success for Frank Stennett on his farms on the Norfolk/Su olk border.
In a year where virtually every other variety’s performance, including high-yielding feed varieties such as Champion, was bordering on disastrous on the mostly light sandy soils at Place Farm, Ingham, RGT Grouse stood out, Frank says.
“We grow Grouse because we can drill it early and it is tolerant to barley yellow dwarf virus, which is useful with the no-insecticide payment in SFI, if you qualify,” he says.
“But it’s also a highly vigorous variety that tillers a lot and retains its tillers. This season [with the very dry spring and summer] has favoured a variety like Grouse because it’s been a very clean season in terms of disease.”
a very clean season in terms of disease.” plus
One 25ha plus eld averaged over 9t/ha, with the combine yield monitor showing areas as high as 13–14t/ha in parts of the elds, all the way down to 5.5–6t/ha on a sandy headland, he
way down to 5.5–6t/ha on a sandy headland, he reports.
“The other elds were around 8–8.5t/ha, with speci c weights of 74kg/hl above the 72kg/hl threshold for feed. It yielded like in a normal year.” FG
Fenland farmer George Smith.
Norfolk/Su olk farmer, Frank Stennett.
harvesting RGT Gold nch.
LG Typhoon proves its worth
Despite a season of prolonged drought and challenging yellow rust conditions, North East grower Brett Askew says he nds LG Typhoon delivers reliable yields and exibility for early drilling.
Having grown LG Typhoon for several years, Brett has been pleased with its performance and plans to continue growing it this coming season.
Based at Grange Farm, Kibblesworth near Newcastle, Mr Askew likes to drill early to get ahead of changeable weather conditions, which is a key reason LG Typhoon is such a good t on his farm. The 81ha he planted for harvest 2025 has done well, despite a challenging season, proving itself a mainstay variety for him.
Tricky establishment
Mr Askew’s rst 40ha block of LG Typhoon was drilled on 2nd September, while the later block was planted between 25-30th September. Usually, he would use a Claydon TerraStar to chop the surface tilth ahead of drilling; however, last autumn was so wet that he ploughed everything.
“The earlier block of LG Typhoon went in
behind a failed oilseed rape crop which we had not re-drilled, so it was ploughed, pressed and planted with our Claydon drill. We then broke o to harvest our spring crops; but two weeks of heavy rain meant we could not press the second block and therefore decided to plant it with a combination drill, which we could not roll, so that was not ideal.”
Yellow rust threat
His earlier drilled crop was able to establish a better root, allowing it to access the nutrients it needed, which he believes helped it to resist disease challenges – particularly from yellow rust, this season.
“The earlier LG Typhoon had more biomass going into winter and the larger plants showed very little signs of yellow rust.”
Over the past few years Mr Askew has not applied a T0 because LG Typhoon has often
grown away from yellow rust; however, this season it was clear an early fungicide was necessary. “You can’t mess around with disease and need to keep on top of it, but an early application of tebuconazole was all that was necessary to control it and we didn’t see any yellow rust after that.”
At T1 he applied Vimoy (iso ucypram), Kestrel (prothioconazole + tebuconazole) and folpet, followed by a reduced rate of Miravis Plus (pydi umetofen) at T2 due to the dry conditions. “The aim was to retain the green leaf as long as possible, but the heat and dryness had an impact.”
Impact of dry conditions
Mr Askew applied nutrition, including liquid N and food waste digestate, on some elds to give the crops a boost, with 210kg N/ha applied in total.
With almost no rain between February and June, yields on the farm have taken a hit. “On average it’ll be a poor harvest,” says Mr Askew. “Typically we have achieved 8.2–8.7t/ ha over the past ve years; this year our LG Typhoon averaged 8–8.5t/ha, with elds varying from 6–11t/ha, however, speci c weights have been sky high, with the variety achieving over 80kg/hl.”
One element of LG Typhoon that Mr Askew has been really pleased with is that even during a wet year he does not have to chase it, having found it to be very clean. “Alongside its position in the early drilling slot, this is why I have 15t ready to plant for the coming season, which will go in right after oilseed rape and oats. Sometimes we do not have the spray days, or our spray contractor cannot get to us when we need him, so not having to chase the variety is really important.
“The consistent performance of LG Typhoon over the past few years, even when it has had less than ideal conditions or we have had to be exible with drilling date, is why I will continue to grow it,” he concludes. FG
North East grower, Brett Askew.
Avoid the companion cropping pitfalls
Achieving best results in companion cropping requires careful planning and an understanding of the limitations, especially in grassweed situations, according to agronomy rm Hutchinsons.
Companion cropping has become an increasingly popular option on arable farms, boosted by its inclusion within the SFI (CIPM3). But particular issues can arise when growers go into companion cropping on elds with underlying black-grass issues, for example, and then subsequently realise control options are more limited, says Hutchinsons foundation technical manager & agronomist, Alice Cannon.
“Beans or peas are your only real option if you still have black-grass and want the companion crop to survive pre-em grassweed chemistry,” she says.
While a combination of berseem clover and buckwheat is a popular and e ective companion cropping option in oilseed rape, in wheat, buckwheat is too competitive if it gets established, and will not survive low temperatures, or many preem chemistry mixes, she adds.
Miss Cannon highlights ve tips to maximise the e ectiveness of companion crops this autumn.
• Consider emergence timings – Because beans take longer to germinate than wheat, they can remain dormant while the main pre-em chemistry is being applied, germinating once activity is starting to decline. They can therefore be more resilient to bigger stacks of chemistry, providing seed has been buried.
• Check seed rate carefully – When determining the optimum seed rate, growers need to weigh up how much seed is needed to deliver the aims of the companion, without compromising the commercial crop, while also allowing for any potential establishment losses (e.g. due to the impact of pre-em chemistry). Generally, when companion cropping beans with winter wheat, aim to establish 10 bean plants/m2.
• Understand the aims – Companion crops can potentially deliver many bene ts such as improve structure, nitrogen xation, organic matter addition, weed suppression, trap cropping, and biodiversity and habitats for birds and invertebrates. Be clear about your aims and what can realistically be achieved. Also understand how it complements the commercial crop.
• Establish it well – When growing beans as a companion with winter wheat, for example, make sure beans are covered with soil as this helps to protect germinating plants from pre-em herbicides, especially where more complex ‘stacks’ of chemistry are being used for black-grass control. Beans can either be drilled before the wheat, or spun onto the surface before cultivating or drilling to bury seed; but either way, seed must be covered.
• Plan termination in advance – Unlike bicropping, where both crops are taken through to harvest, companion crops are not present for the full growing period, and are usually terminated by the following spring. When choosing any companion crop, it is always worth considering how and when it will be taken out, as this may in uence what you grow. Also consider how it can link with other stewardship options – for example, can beans be left until owering, and terminated once a neighbouring legume fallow starts to ower, thereby providing a continuous nectar source for pollinators?
245ha arable farm.
“Since undertaking some 12m strip trials of various di erent oilseed rape companion crop mixes with Alice Cannon all of the farm’s oilseed rape (40ha) has been grown with a companion crop, comprising 60% berseem clover and 40% buckwheat. “We put on 10kg/ha with the subsoiler a week before we direct drill the OSR, which includes a bit of DAP fertiliser down the spout.”
The companion crop is generally terminated in late November/early December with an application of aminopyralid + propyzamide.
“Ultimately, whatever you do, make sure the companion crop will complement the commercial crop, not hinder it,” says Miss Cannon. “While the £55/ha payment that growers can receive for companion cropping via the SFI is useful, it isn’t enough to warrant not having a good commercial crop at the end of it.”
Soil benefits drive increase
Lincolnshire grower David Craig, farm manager at Peter Moulds (Farmers) Ltd, has been growing companion crops for the past seven years and believes they, alongside overwinter cover crops, are delivering bene ts to soil health across the
Companion cropping with cereals
Given the success of companion cropping in oilseed rape, this coming season, all winter wheat and winter barley will also be grown with a companion crop of spring beans. “We’ll aim to establish 10–15 plants/m2, which we’ll broadcast on before drilling. There is su cient movement of soil with a pass of the drill to cover them.
“We’ve seen before in elds that have grown beans, that where there’s a good plant stand of volunteers in the following winter wheat, they are bringing bene ts to soil structure and nutrition. For the past few years, we’ve left beans until the spring, and taken them out using a herbicide with the T1 fungicide.”
The same approach will be taken to companion crops going forward, he notes. “Other than the cost of the bean seed and broadcasting it on, which is likely to be around £15-20/ha in total, it’s not really causing us any more work or signi cant cost, and we can get a small payment for doing it via the SFI, which helps. Financially, we’re much better o doing it, and there are the bene ts for soil structure too.” FG
Grower David Craig.
Hutchinsons foundation technical manager & agronomist, Alice Cannon.
A LONG WAY TOGETHER
THE ONLY FACTOR THAT MATTERS
Whatever your job in the felds, BKT’s brand-new AGRIMAXFACTOR 70 series for tractors is perfect for both haulage and soil tillage operations. An innovative tread design and a strong polyester casing provide extraordinary lateral stability and a faster steering response even for high-speed operations or heavy-duty service. The by 5% increased contact area on the land signifcantly reduced the noise perception in the cabin – which stand for more comfort. Also, the exclusive “E-READY” logo on the sidewall highlights BKT’s commitment to electric mobility and makes this product suitable for electric vehicles. Excellent handling and stability along with increased durability are key features that makes AGRIMAXFACTOR the right tyre for your safety and comfort – even under heavy duty conditions.
A major Fendt press event provided the rst opportunity for agricultural journalists to view and test-drive new tractors from 103–550hp ahead of their public launch at Agritechnica. David Williams reports.
Fendt 800 Vario
Recent range updates had left a few gaps in the Fendt line-up, but now these have been fully addressed by the Bavarian manufacturer. Star of the press event and likely to be one of the biggest attractions for visitors to the German machinery show in November, a brand-new line-up of three 800 Vario-series tractors with 260hp to 320hp replaces the previous version discontinued two years ago, slotting in between latest 700 Vario Gen 7.1 and the 900 Vario machines.
Completely new 500 Vario Gen 4 series models with new engines, VarioDrive transmission and a host of new options and features were also unveiled at the event, alongside new 4th generation 1000 Vario models, new 5th generation 300 Varios, and the updated Fendt Vario Gen 7.1 series.
New 800 Vario
Eagerly awaited 800 Vario Gen 5 tractors feature a completely new engine, transmission and cab. Three models from 260 to 320hp all come with Dynamic Performance adding up to 23hp to compensate for power-hungry ancillaries, ensuring full rated power is always available whatever the type of work.
The new Agco Power Core 80 8.0-litre, 6cyl engine was designed especially for the application and utilises the Fendt iD engine concept, keeping revs as low as possible for the working load. The variable geometry turbocharger performs e ciently across a wide range of engine speeds, and the Fendts also use it to add engine braking as standard.
NEW FENDT TRACTOR MODELS AND UPDATES
Rated power is at 1,700rpm; 1,450Nm of torque
is produced at 1,550rpm and a massive 1,680Nm of torque is developed between 1,200–1,400rpm.
Like other large Fendt models, the 800 Vario
includes a concentric cooling system. The fan pushes air through cooling packs from the front, rather than ‘sucking’ it from the rear. Moving cooler, denser air means the same volume of air gives greater cooling performance and needs
New 800 Vario tractors have an impressive speci cation. Power outputs from 260–320hp (1,450–1,680Nm of torque) are supplemented with 23hp extra through Fendt DynamicPerformance.
Star of the event – the new Fendt 800 Vario Gen 4 tractors are available to order now, with rst deliveries starting this autumn.
AgcoPower engines use Fendt’s iD low-speed concept providing extra power and torque at lower revs.
MACHINERY
less energy, saving fuel.
A reversible cooling fan option is new for the 800 Vario series, capable of fully automatic activation dependent on time or activity.
The 800 Vario engine requires oil changes every 500 hours, and the transmission oil has a 4,000-hour or four-year working life.
VarioDrive added
As expected, the new 800 Vario series features VarioDrive for the rst time. Introduced 10 years ago for Fendt’s largest 1000 Vario series, the VarioDrive transmission is now tted to the majority of Fendt tractors. Bene ts include improved tractive e ciency by prioritising power delivery to the wheels with most grip, lack of wind up between the front and rear axles saving power, reducing tyre wear and avoiding grass sward or arable headland scu ng, plus improved turning performance due to the pull-in-turn e ect – directing additional power to the front wheels so that they pull the front of the tractor around in the steering direction. Fendt marketing manager for Northern Europe including the UK, Ed Dennett explained that UK owners have noted productivity improvements on tractors using VarioDrive. For example, users report being able to turn on tight 12m headlands without the need to reverse, saving time and increasing output. The new 800 Vario tractors can be equipped with larger 2.15m diameter rear, and 1.65m diameter front tyres and have a 7cm longer wheelbase than the previous version, but the tighter steering makes them much more manoeuvrable.
VarioDrive uses a single range of gears so there is no need to change operating modes when swapping from transport to heavy draft applications. Maximum 60kph speed capability is standard for all markets and achieved at 1,450rpm. 50kph is at 1,250rpm and 40kph at 950rpm.
The new models have a 9.9t unladen weight when full of diesel. A gross vehicle weight of 17.5t provides impressive 7.5t payload capacity, so even when large sets of mower-conditioners or cultivators are attached, it’s easy to remain on the right side of the law.
Hydraulics and PTO
A 165-litres/min hydraulic system is standard. Upgrade options are 220-litres/min or 385-litres/ min with two pumps. Power beyond with electronic load sensing is an option. Fendt’s new system uses Isobus to communicate oil ow demand, rather than relying on a third line to monitor pressure. Fendt says this is faster to react and more e cient.
The rear linkage has maximum 10.5t lift capacity, increased from the previous model and the optional front linkage lifts 5.3t. Two front spool valves can be tted as part of a maximum eight valve set overall.
Four PTO speeds are standard; 540, 540 eco, 1,000 and 1,000 eco. In eco mode, rated PTO speeds are achieved at 1,550rpm.
Updates for comfort
The superb FendtOne cab layout is standard, with four sockets for cameras. Eight roof mounted LED lights provide 140,700 lumens of light – 65% more than the previous model.
New cab rear corner post rails provide convenient and secure mounting for additional lights or accessories and can also be used to support transfer tubes from front tanks to rear-mounted
Fendt 1000 Series
The demonstration 1052 Vario was tted with 710/60R38s on the front and dual 480/95R54s on the rear.
Fendt Dynamic Power is new. Only for the 1000 Vario Gen 4 series currently, it allows users to ‘downgrade’ the power and torque outputs, saving fuel and protecting implements.
drills or spreaders.
Handy new lights within the back edge of the rear mudguards are a new option, providing a band of light across the rear of the tractor directly behind the rear wheels.
A new high-speed GPS autosteer option has been added. “We are receiving more requests for high-speed guidance, to boost work rates and maintain accuracy at speeds up to 40kph,” pointed out Ed Dennett. “Our guidance solutions are also compatible with reverse operation, with the driver seat rotated 180 degrees and rear wheel steering.”
A more powerful cab cool box has been added to the options list. Several demonstration tractors at the event had them tted, and even with outside temperatures over 30ºC, the motorised cooler chilled drinks quickly with an internal temperature of -18ºC.
1000 Vario-series 4th generation
The latest 4th generation includes four models: the 1040 Vario, 1044 Vario, 1048 Vario and 1052 Vario, each 20hp more powerful than previous models. Dynamic Performance adds 26–30hp to compensate for tractor system losses, depending on the model.
Like the previous generation, a concentric cooling system is used, and radiators aligned with the front axle allow extra space in front and behind for a tighter steering angle.
More lugging power
Power is from an updated version of the
previous MAN 6-cyl, 12.4-litre engine. A variable turbocharger contributes to a smooth torque curve and provides optional engine braking. Fendt’s iD operating concept allows an engine operating speed range between 650–1,700rpm, reducing fuel use, noise and wear and tear. “The new generation has a lot of additional torque, up to 2,650Nm which is 230Nm more than before, and test users have reported a noticeable di erence,” commented Ed.
Buy one, get three smaller
Adaptive Power is a new concept, standard with the latest 1000 Vario-series tractors. The tractor set-up menu on the FendtOne terminal displays the actual model number purchased as well as those below it. Owners of the agship 1052 Vario can instantly detune their tractor to match working characteristics of the smaller 1048 Vario, 1044 Vario or 1040 Vario instead, when the maximum 550hp isn’t needed – for grain carting or secondary cultivations for example. This provides opportunities to save fuel and reduce wear and tear. A test-drive of the 1052 Vario with a heavy Amazone cultivator behind con rmed the possible fuel savings. By selecting a lower model with less power, the real-time fuel consumption dropped with each reduction in available power, but this also reduced acceleration and increased speed variations as working loads altered, so productivity was sacri ced too. Ed Dennett con rmed that owners won’t be able to ‘up-tune’ their tractors above the model purchased and he said Fendt will monitor customer response before
A NEW CHAPTER IN NO-TILL FARMING AVATAR SD
High performance direct drill with single disc coulter for no-till farming, with versatile hopper systems including grain & fertiliser and micro-granular. A compact machine with working widths from 3m to 8m, 12m and 18m, Avatar SD can be used universally from direct drilling to cultivated soils.
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Richard Millar Dairy Farmer, Co. Antrim
adding it to other series. He pointed out that as well as potential fuel savings, the feature can provide protection for implement drivetrains, where PTO drives are not rated for the tractor’s maximum power.
Reduced downtime
A self-cleaning air lter option uses negative pressure at the front cooling packs to periodically draw dust from the engine air lter. For the updated models, a similar option has been introduced for the cab air lter too, using the same operating principle. This means that rather than cleaning the cab lter daily, it will only need maintenance every three to four days, even in the dustiest working conditions.
VarioDrive transmission oil changes are due every 4,000 hours or four years, and engine oil changes are every 1,000 hours.
Additional new options include a powerful LED lighting kit, providing 120,500 lumens of illumination – 76% more than before. Sets of eight or 12 lights can be installed in the cab roof, and the higher UltraVision variant allows power reduction in ve stages to prevent dazzle.
Cab suspension options include a hybrid system with mechanical and pneumatic mounts plus a fully pneumatic system for extra comfort.
Hydraulic oil supplies start at 220-litres/min now, and a high output option uses 210- and 220-litres/min pumps for a total 430 litres. Power beyond with at face couplings is an option on the latest models.
A new, optional swivelling drawbar can move freely within a set range side to side, reducing stresses on the tractor and implement and making it easier to hitch up.
Tyres up to 2.35m diameter are now available as a factory- tted option and Fendt has also added a new dual wheel hub option, for tyres up to 750mm wide on the rear.
300 Vario Gen 5 series
capability, and a new trailer braking function adds safety when towing heavy loads by applying the trailer brakes to prevent over-run and possible jack-kni ng. Ed Dennett pointed out that the trailer braking system also helps ensure accuracy for tasks such as spraying on slopes, by allowing the engine and PTO to maintain a constant speed and hydraulic oil supply.
The new tractors have a 9.5t gross vehicle weight and with a 5.5t unladen weight they have a 4t maximum payload.
the supply from the front and releasing a valve for additional applications.
Popular for loading
The new 300 Vario Gen 5 series was demonstrated at the event. An extended line-up includes a smaller 310 Vario model, and all the tractors feature Dynamic Performance with up to 13hp in reserve.
The ML75 transmission is retained with 40kph
Options include additional cameras as well as new rear LED lights borrowed from the 600 Vario and 700 Vario series. New optional rear lights, recessed into the back edge of the mudguards, are expected to be popular.
Hydraulic performance is boosted with a power beyond at face coupling option plus a free return avoiding any leakage. An 85-litres/min pump is standard. Up to seven independent hydraulic spools can be tted including four at the rear, two for the loader and one at the front. However, extra exibility is available in the form of a third valve for the loader, just using one supply from the rear or
There are also new additional 300 Vario series loader swing arm options. A compact version keeps the loader 10cm closer to the cab for increased manoeuvrability. Ed said that 50% of 300 Vario-series tractors arrive in the UK with factory- tted loaders. “Demand is increasing, and the ability to t and remove them in under two minutes adds to their attraction, greatly increasing the tractors’ versatility.”
Light options are halogen or LED, a coded antitheft key is available and Cat 4 cab ltration is a new option, plus a laminated windscreen.
An optional heated front screen and a new Super Comfort Seat Titanium with three-stage heating and cooling are now also available. Orders for new 300 Vario series tractors can be placed from mid-November, with deliveries in early 2026.
700 Vario series
Dynamic Performance is standard now across the 700 Vario Gen 7.1 line-up, including the base 720 with 20hp extra available to produce up to 223hp. All models have VarioDrive, and the longer and larger 700 Vario Gen 7.1 series turns 1.5m
Fendt’s latest 724 Vario Gen 7.1, demonstrated with a trailer, was equipped with 710/70R38 rear and 500/65R28 front tyres, highlighting that the powerful tractor could also be extremely compact. The latest 300 Vario Gen 5 series has been signi cantly upgraded, with a new 103hp 310 Vario model added at the bottom of the
Ed Dennett is pictured with Fendt UK marketing specialist, Afrik McAvoy.
line-up.
1,000cc extra capacity and considerably more torque – up 100Nm compared to the previous 516 Vario. Torque is delivered across a lower and wider rev band from 1,200–1,500rpm. Dynamic performance adds 10hp. There is no EGR, as SCR (AdBlue) and a DPF achieve Stage 5 emissions compatibility. The 512 model has been dropped from the new line-up, which includes 513, 514, 515 and 516 Vario with max 174hp and 792Nm
tighter than the outgoing 700 Vario Gen6 model it replaces.
new TA120
Now all models from the 724 up are capable of 60kph, whereas previously this was only for the
726 and 728 Vario. including 1,100 in the UK.
Fendt presented its updated 500 Vario line-up, pointing out that more than 27,000 models from the previous series are operating worldwide
The new generation is a complete redesign, with a new in-house engine replacing previous
Deutz power units, VarioDrive, higher payload and drawbar capacities and new options such as central tyre in ation, reversible fan and trailer brake assistant. The FendtOne cab layout and control concept is standard.
515 and 516 Vario with max 174hp and 792Nm of torque.
“Those used to previous 500 Vario models will nd that the new Gen 4 series drives di erently. Increased performance is available at much lower engine speeds, making the tractors more e cient, reducing fuel consumption and making them
The four new models from 134–164hp have an increased 11.75t gross vehicle weight, 1.25t more than before. AgcoPower Core50 5.0-litre power units, like those in the latest 600 Vario series, have
“Those used to previous 500 Vario models will quieter,” said Ed.
by the latest VarioDrive TA120 unit. “It’s the gold and rear wheel drive,” Ed continued. “There is no
grass leys and seeded arable crop headlands are
A reversing fan is a new option, and new front and rear axles allow extra ballast to be carried. The previous Vario system has been replaced by the latest VarioDrive TA120 unit. “It’s the gold standard in agriculture, with independent front and rear wheel drive,” Ed continued. “There is no wind up between the axles when manoeuvring, reducing wear, and ensuring maximum traction is always achieved. Manoeuvrability is excellent while grass leys and seeded arable crop headlands are protected from wheel scrub. The pull-in-turn e ect gives a 10.1m turning radius for the new Gen 4 model on standard 540/65R28 front tyres, whereas the already impressive Gen 3 version with 2wd selected needed 10.7m. It’s a big di erence.”
the already impressive Gen 3 version with 2wd selected needed 10.7m. It’s a big di erence.”
Higher specification
The new tractors come with a four-speed PTO, with eco modes o ering potential fuel savings up to 7%. Up to nine hydraulic spool valves are available on the Power+ version, with loader valves integrated within the terminal. A load-sensing hydraulic pump system is standard with either 110- or 152-litres/min.
Trailer Brake assistance is available, activating trailer brakes automatically based on information from angle and transmission sensors.
There are three cab options, including a door on the right side. Full mechanical or hybrid pneumatic suspension is available.
Farming system.
Fendt says the new models reduce ownership costs, mainly due to fuel savings of 8–9% amounting to 12,000 Euros over 5,000 hours. Transmission oil changes are at 4,000 hours, up from 2,000 hours previously, and the tractors are fully compatible with the FendtOne Smart FG
Radical new 500 Vario Gen4 models gain a new AgcoPower Core50 engine, VarioDrive and a signi cantly upgraded speci cation and capabilities.
The 516 Vario’s AgcoPower Core50 5.0-litre engine produces up to 174hp and 792Nm of torque.
The
VarioDrive transmission system is standard. Rear linkage capacity is 7,890kg and the front linkage lifts 3,420kg.
Winch Operation Electric Remote Control
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Slurry challenge for drought stricken NVZ farm
Investing in a Vogelsang dribble bar ve years ago has brought greater exibility and control of forage management to Robert Payne’s farm, which is nutrient vulnerable zone (NVZ) classi ed.
Robert invested in a Vogelsang dribble bar ve years ago, to better manage slurry application on his NVZ classi ed farm. The move has brought greater exibility and control of forage management, but, in one of the driest years on record, he has struggled to utilise slurry and cut enough grass to feed his dairy herd.
Milking 100 Friesians and pedigree Ayrshires, Robert manages 132ha of owned and tenanted land near Derby. He farms in partnership with his father Bob, who started Thackerbarn Farm in 1967.
“My father took on the land when it was made available after mining in the area nished. The soil was poor, and it has taken years to replenish it into good grassland. It is largely heavy clay so the herd has to come in early in October and often can’t graze again until April,” says Robert.
Better use of slurry
The farm was declared part of an NVZ, which prevents him from applying slurry between October and February. This was a challenge when the farm used contractors, so he decided to buy the Vogelsang UniSpread as a way to make better use of slurry.
“Contractors would come when it suited them and just dump as much as they could and as quickly as they could, which wasn’t ideal for the land and became tricky with the shorter window in icted on us by the NVZ. By taking control ourselves, we have been able to improve soil health and grow better grass for the herd,” he says.
Robert applies 3,000 gallons per acre with the dribble bar mounted to a tanker, which was supplied and tted by local dealer Wardmans. A grant for the dribble bar covered 50% of the cost.
Robert suggests the pipes work well and are
better than a trailing shoe option for his land.
“It is easy to set up and the hydraulics have been faultless over the years. We are seeing a couple of pipes splitting now, but that is to be expected after ve years of hard use. I switched our forage wagon after nding that the previous model didn’t chop the grass short enough, which caused it to bind in the macerator, but with our new Pottinger Torro it is applying more evenly,” he says.
Dry conditions
Whilst the system has worked well in recent years, the dry conditions of 2025 have thrown up a new problem. “We have never seen it as dry as this, and we have found that applying the slurry in hot conditions onto baked land leaves a thick line of dry matter and the nutrients from the liquid dry up
rather than soak into the soil,” he says.
The e ect of applying the slurry in the heat has su ocated the soil and the grass, rather than providing valuable nutrients. Sitting on top, it is also a contamination concern, so Robert is considering a slurry separator.
“Years ago we built a weeping wall in an attempt to separate some of the liquid from the solids and make our lagoon more homogeneous. However, with technology moving on and grants available, it would be bene cial to the farm to install a separator to do this more e ciently,” he says.
Worthwhile move
Robert attended a Vogelsang open farm event to see an XSplit separator in action and came away thinking it could be the answer.
“It is yet another investment, at a time when things are tight. However, I think it would be a worthwhile move to better manage our slurry,” he adds.
As part of an SFI scheme Robert has had all the land soil tested and established that his pH is spot on for growing grass, at 6.5. This data was used to create a nutrient management plan and the farm has, since, used very little bought-in fertiliser.
“When we rst came here, the land was de cient in phosphorus and potash, but over the years we have improved it and, now we are in control of applying slurry, we are keen to get the most out of it and we have reduced our fertiliser bill by 75%,” he says.
Robert suggests that by separating his slurry, more N, P and K could be absorbed from the liquid fraction because it will incorporate into the soil more easily. He could then use the solid as a top dressing.
“Thankfully we have a sizeable lagoon so we
have ample storage, but in previous years, when we have had prolonged heavy rain and the lagoon has lled up more than expected. So, having a separator would alleviate this too,” he says.
Weather windows
The farm has always managed its own silage provision and, with two clamps, Robert takes three cuts a year which normally ll them both.
“This year has been one of the worst for forage. First cut didn’t even ll one clamp, and we have been forced to feed a quarter of it already. Second cut is not looking good so all we can hope for is some rain in August and September to take a third cut that might get us through winter.”
Robert suggests that, overall, his silage provision is only a third of what he would want it
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to be in July and, despite every e ort to encourage growth, without rain the grass has struggled.
“We have applied slurry, and even fertiliser, in the hope that it will stimulate growth, but without rain it simply isn’t moving. The slurry has not incorporated the way it would normally because, despite the macerator on the dribble bar, it is still too thick. The small amount of fertiliser we used as an experiment also hasn’t had any e ect,” he says.
Unwilling to despair, he has held back on slurry application to make better use of it in the windows following rain.
“Normally we are struggling to apply because of the rain. This year, we are looking for weather windows following rain to apply on to moistened ground. I think a separator would help with this because a more homogenous liquid would be incorporated faster and wouldn’t bake in the heat,” he says.
Still optimistic
Extreme weather, being in an NVZ, and balancing the need for investment with milk prices has caused him to evaluate the whole farm system, but even in a di cult year he is still optimistic that the farm can prevail.
“When everything seems stacked against us, we are still making the best use of what we have. Slurry is not a waste product, it is free fertiliser and we are trying to make best use of it to grow the grass our cows need. However, for the rst time in years we are praying for rain to help the situation and enable us to ll the clamps before the cows come in,” Robert concludes. FG
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Family-run dealer Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd has strengthened its presence in a key food-producing county.
Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, a family-owned machinery dealership with over 125 years of history, is wellknown as the UK’s largest supplier of both New Holland and Case IH tractors. With 20 branches across the East and South of England, the company has long been associated with stability, quality and strong aftersales support.
In 2024, Ernest Doe extended its reach into Lincolnshire, acquiring the Sutterton and North Kyme branches formerly operated by The Burdens Group. The move followed a receivership sale and secured the future of both sites, allowing many experienced sta to remain in place and safeguarding continuity for local customers.
Since then, Ernest Doe has backed the branches with new investment, increasing stockholding, upgrading facilities, broadening product ranges and expanding the teams. Today, they represent a stronger, more resilient service for growers in one of the country’s most important food-producing regions.
Vegetable growers
Lincolnshire is widely recognised as the UK’s leading area for vegetable production, responsible for around 30% of England’s output. The Sutterton branch has been developed as a centre of expertise for specialist vegetable machinery, supported by the full Case IH and New Holland tractor ranges –giving growers access to both highly specialised equipment and the world’s leading tractor brands under one roof.
Among the manufacturers represented are Ecorobotix, Verhoest, Sieger, Samon, Agriplanter, Tumoba, Crop Solutions, Agrator and Wifo, covering everything from ultra-precise spraying and vegetable harvesters through to crop covers, drainage, planting, soil preparation, salad machinery and crop handling. Ernest Doe acts as the sole importer for these brands across the UK and Ireland,
with Sutterton serving as the national base for sales, parts and service support. Each has been chosen to meet the practical demands of professional vegetable and root crop growers, backed by Ernest Doe’s aftersales support, expertise and comprehensive parts availability.
Potato o ering
Most recently, the Lincolnshire branches have added AVR to the line-up – a major development for potato growers. Recognised across Europe as a leader in potato technology, AVR o ers a complete range of soil preparation equipment, planters, harvesters, graders and toppers. Introduced in August, it represents a valuable addition that strengthens Ernest Doe Sutterton’s role as a trusted partner to potato growers, with Littleport in
for growers across the wider network.
People and experience
Retaining skilled people has been central to the success of the transition. Many of the original team remain in place, ensuring continuity for customers, while additional recruits and training have further strengthened the workforce. This blend of continuity and new investment has been key to re-establishing the branches on a rmer footing.
As a family-run business since 1898, Ernest Doe has always taken a long-term approach, focused on building relationships and supporting customers across generations. The addition of the Lincolnshire branches re ects that ethos; protecting jobs, investing in local expertise, and backing growers in a county central to the nation’s food supply.
Looking ahead
With more than a century of heritage and the support of a 20-branch network, Ernest Doe brings both strength and stability to its Lincolnshire operations. At the same time, the specialist machinery hub at Sutterton gives growers access to some of Europe’s most innovative equipment. It is a combination designed to deliver con dence for the future – locally, regionally and nationally. FG
Cambridgeshire also supporting the brand. While Sutterton and Littleport will act as the key AVR hubs, the full range is available through all Ernest Doe branches, ensuring access
Ernest Doe sales director Graham Parker and Sutterton branch manager Tom Clark; with AVR’s Andy Starbuck and Shane Johnson.
Verhoest cabbage harvester.
Agriplanter.
“Climate change, volatile grain markets, and rising input costs are tightening the screws on farmers everywhere,” said Horsch’s Frederic Horsch as he addressed assembled journalists including Farmers Guide’s Daniel Hodge at Horsch’s Ronneburg site. “E ciency,” he continued, “isn’t optional anymore, it is essential.” Yet, despite global pressures, he insisted the company has posted another strong year, crediting not just its technology but the culture driving it: passion for farming, rapid innovation, and above all, staying close to customers.
That culture, he admitted, has been tested. The growing complexity of modern machinery risks leaving operators overwhelmed. Horsch’s response? More precision, more automation, but also a return to practical simplicity, with machines designed to earn their keep in the eld rather than dazzle only in a brochure.
The line-up on show re ected that philosophy,
HORSCH UNVEILS 2026 LINE-UP
from wide working-width cultivators designed to save passes, to seed drills blending speed with placement accuracy, and sprayers capable of centimetre-perfect application. What follows is a closer look at the machines that Horsch believes will de ne the next chapter for British and European arable farming.
Cultivators and soil management
E cient residue management and soil preparation remain cornerstones of British arable farming, particularly as growers juggle tight weather windows, rising fuel costs, and the need to protect soil costs. At the Horsch event, a host of new and updated cultivators underlined Horsch’s commitment to exibility and performance – from shallow stubble cultivation to deep primary tillage.
Cruiser 12 XL
The Cruiser range has long been Horsch’s specialist for shallow to medium-depth cultivation, and the launch of the 12m Cruiser 12 XL brings greater capacity to a familiar concept.
Building on the 7 and 9 XL models, the 12 XL retains the FlexGrip tine system with 180kg break force. A six-bar frame and 17cm tine spacing delivers consistent mixing and surface crumbling down to 15cm, while a wide choice of points, including a new 24cm wing, gives operators the exibility to cover everything from stubble incorporation to seedbed prep.
Electro-hydraulic folding simpli es transport, requiring only two double-acting spools to control the entire machine. Multiple packer options guarantee consolidation quality regardless of soil type or moisture levels.
Finer XL
The Finer XL is a new trailed spring tine cultivator designed for farms seeking a lighter, more versatile tool for year-round use. Suitable for smaller tractors, its primary role covers shallow tillage at 2-10cm,
stubble cultivation, seedbed preparation, and even mechanical weed control.
With a 6-bar layout, 15cm tine spacing, and a choice of narrow or wide points, the Finer XL handles high-residue conditions readily thanks to a wide bar spacing of 52cm. A combination of front wheels with a rear packer or harrow helps to maintain precise depth control. Working widths of 7m and 8m are available at launch, with plans to expand the range in both directions.
Joker HD
Residue incorporation remains a challenge after crops such as maize, and the updated Joker HD brings new solutions. A more aggressive disc angle boosts mixing intensity, while an optional knife roller chops long residues before they reach the disc zone.
Farmers can now choose between 620mm discs for shallower work up to 15cm, or 680mm versions for deeper cultivation to 20cm. With working widths from 4.15 to 6.15m, and optional crossbar levelling for seedbed prep, the Joker HD o ers both capacity and exibility.
Designed for high work rates in short weather windows, the Joker’s compact disc harrow format and robust frame allow it to handle demanding conditions with minimal wear and straightforward operation.
Fortis 8 AS and Fortis LT series
Sitting between the existing 6, 7 and 9 AS models, the Fortis 8 AS combines a mid-range 8.27m working width with the ability to work down to 30cm, making it a true all-rounder for modern large-scale farms.
A 4-bar frame with 28cm tine spacing ensures consistent residue ow, while Horsch’s integrated weight transfer system delivers up to 1.2t to the tractor’s rear axle to maintain traction and reduce wheel slip.
Compatible with tractors from 500hp, the Fortis
Farmers Guide's Daniel Hodge reports from Horsch’s Ronneburg site in late August, where the company updated journalists on its latest innovations and future plans.
Frederic Horsch addressed the assembled journalists.
8 AS accepts a full range of points, wings, and packers, with a revised levelling system ensuring a consistent nish even at speed. The Horsch team explained that drivers can lock or release the chosen packer hydraulically, and that in dry soils you put more pressure on the steel rings, while in wet conditions you spread the weight to stop the packer sinking in.
The new LT series steps in as a solution for medium sized farms, compatible with tractors up to 500hp and available in working widths from 4.60m to 6.75m.
Tiger 3 SL
For growers who like the intensive soil mixing of the Tiger range but need a smaller, more agile machine, the Tiger 3 SL has come to answer the call.
With a 2-bar frame, four tine rows at 23cm spacing, and TerraGrip tines o ering a release force of up to 650kg, the 3-point mounted Tiger SL packs plenty of performance into a compact format. Designed for tractors from 240hp upwards, it uses the same MulchMix points and packer options as larger Tiger models, with quick levelling adjustments for changing conditions.
Horsch explained that it built the 3 SL for smaller elds and high-horsepower tractors needing a compact, aggressive cultivator. They claim that it o ers the same soil mixing intensity as bigger Tiger models, but with three-point linkage agility.
From the high-capacity Cruiser to the versatile Finer, deep-working Fortis and compact Tiger SL, Horsch’s latest cultivators re ect a clear trend towards e ciency and adaptability. Wider working widths, better residue handling, and improved depth control all point toward machinery designed for fewer passes, lower costs, and healthier soils – all of which will be priorities for British arable farmers in 2025 and beyond.
Seeding and precision drilling
Seeding technology has moved rapidly in recent
The 12m Cruiser 12 XL can cover signi cant ground.
The Finer XL o ers reliability and simplicity.
The Fortis 6.4 LT.
years, with farmers demanding drills that not only cover acres quickly but also deliver precision placement, integrated fertiliser options, and adaptability across soil types and crops. At the press event, Horsch showcased several new and updated drills that re ected these priorities, though, as with any expanding product range, some models risk overlapping in capability unless the farm’s requirements are clearly de ned.
Versa 7 SW
The new Versa 7 SW extends the power harrow drill concept to 7.2m, aligning with the commonly used 36m spraying width. The bigger story, however, lies in its redesigned seed wagon and rotary harrow combination. Each now has independent transport wheels, eliminating the need for hydraulically shifting the tyre packer under the rotary harrow. Horsch says that the new design means all transport equipment stays on the machine, with big otation tyres that take weight o the power harrow in wet conditions. This keeps the machine legal on the road without leaving anything behind on the eld. This may seem a minor tweak, but it simpli es road transport while reducing negative vertical load.
A 6,300-litre double hopper supports the grain-and-fertiliser system, while four distinct working zones (tyre packer, rotary harrow, packer, and TurboDisc coulters) aim to balance soil conditioning with precise seed placement. The integrated fan sits higher to avoid dust intake, and an optional oil cooler prevents fertiliser clumping in damp weather.
While these features improve usability, the machine’s overall complexity may deter smaller farms that simply want straightforward drilling capacity without multiple moving parts to maintain.
Pronto 9 DC
For larger farms, the Pronto 9 DC o ers 9m of working width and a 6,000-litre hopper, promising high work rates without compromising on seed placement. Farmers can choose between TurboDisc coulters for conventional conditions or the new ParaDisc parallelogram coulter, which maintain depth even in stony soils thanks to higher coulter pressure and independent movement.
The grain and fertiliser system allows simultaneous application of seed and fertiliser, with the optional PPF disc system placing fertiliser beneath the seed furrow, potentially saving some input costs at a time when that is a top consideration. Horsch noted that operators liked the exibility of placing fertiliser up to 7cm below the seed whilst maintaining seed depth at 3cm, noting it saves a pass, and puts the nutrition right where it’s needed.
The Versa 7 SW power harrow drill concept has been extended to 7.2m.
The Pronto 9 DC promises high working rates.
The new Maestro 12 TX.
The Avatar 12.20 LC in action.
Avatar LC and NarrowDisc
The Avatar 12 LC brings a 12m, triple-tank design (9,400 litres split 50:15:35) to the established direct drilling Avatar range, allowing up to three products – or four with the optional MiniDrill – to be applied in one pass. Its SingleDisc coulters handle mulch and direct seeding, with optional trash wheels clearing residues ahead of each row to maintain seed-to-soil contact.
Of particular interest for British growers is the new NarrowDisc coulter, reducing row spacing to 20cm for quicker canopy closure and better competition against weeds. This could prove valuable for integrated pest management strategies where reducing chemical reliance starts with better ground cover. Horsch were keen to point out how blackgrass is a huge issue for its British customers, and that many want minimal soil disturbance before drilling. At 20cm spacing, this coulter closes the gap between 15cm and 25cm options, giving a compromise between trash handling and canopy closure.
Maestro
Row crop growers gain a new option in the Maestro 12 TX – a 12-row, trailed drill with a telescopic frame adjusting to row widths from 45–75cm at 5cm intervals. Horsch says that this lets operators switch between row spacings in minutes. This exibility will appeal to mixed farms alternating between crops like maize and sugar beet.
Seeding accuracy comes from the AirSpeed overpressure system, maintaining precision at speeds up to 15kph, while AutoForce automatic coulter pressure keeps seed depth consistent from 150–350kg.
Also on show was a Maestro 16 SX, tted with the newly available liquid fertilisation tank. This allows application of liquid fertiliser directly into the furrow at low volumes, making nutrients immediately available for seedlings. Horsch said it’s about early vigour rather than high application rates.
The new OptiClose furrow system was also highlighted, with Horsch saying that standard wheels sometimes fail to break sidewall compaction in heavy or wet soils, and that the OptiClose system starts from the bottom of the furrow upwards, eliminating air pockets and closing the slot more rmly.
Partner FT hopper
The Partner FT front tank system now comes in single, double, and triple-tank versions from 1,700 to 2,500 litres. Combined with drills, cultivators, or inter-row equipment, it enables simultaneous application of seed, fertiliser, or even multiple seed types. New features include a certi ed duallens camera system for better road safety, quick couplers for pneumatic hoses, and a touchscreen I-Manager for controlling tank functions. These are practical updates, though some operators may feel multiple smaller tanks and hoses add operational capacity compared to a single large-capacity rearmounted drill.
Sprayer innovations
With input prices rising and environmental scrutiny increasing, sprayer and fertiliser technology is moving rapidly toward precision e ciency, and
automation. Horsch showcased the mid-sized Leeb 6.300 VT sprayer and the high-capacity Leeb Xeric 14 FS fertiliser spreader, alongside several other developments aimed at boosting accuracy and reducing operator workload.
Leeb 6.300 VT
The Leeb 6.300 VT (VT standing for variable track) aims squarely at medium to large arable farms looking for a balance between capacity and manoeuvrability. With its 6,000-litre tank, the sprayer bene ts from Horsch’s well-proven BoomControl system, maintaining a 30cm target height even at speed and over uneven terrain – vital for consistent application and drift reduction. Horsch was keen to highlight how the VT chassis o ers track widths from 1.8–3m.
Section control and nozzle technology options bring automation to the fore, while the compact chassis and responsive steering suit smaller British elds where large, trailed sprayers might struggle.
Leeb Xeric 14 FS
The Leeb Xeric 14 FS, heading into full production for 2026, represents a signi cant step for pneumatic boom fertiliser spreading. With working widths of 36m, 39m, and 48m, a 14m3 capacity, and operating speeds up to 20kph, it targets short operating windows where every hectare counts.
Central to the machine is the Precision Calibration System, using pressurised hoppers, auger metering, and 12-section control for precise, variable-rate application. Curve compensation and section-speci c metering promise accurate distribution even on awkward headlands, while BoomControl keeps the boom stable regardless of wind or terrain.
Optional tyre pressure regulation reduces ground compaction and extends operating windows on softer soils, though the increasing
complexity, from augers to electronics, may raise concerns about maintenance costs and long-term reliability, especially for farms lacking in-house engineering expertise.
New forestry focus
Away from the arable headlines, Horsch used the event to reveal its rst foray into the forestry sector with the Pirk MP forwarder trailers. Available in 16t and 20t versions, the machines are designed for demanding work where manoeuvrability, stability, and robustness are essential.
A standout feature is the hydraulically adjustable, articulated drawbar, allowing the machine to move sideways by up to 104cm and raise or lower by 40cm. Horsch says that this makes tackling steep banks, ditches, or awkward loading sites far easier, while giving operators a clear view of the loading area when handling timber stacks up to 3m.
Horsch sees potential applications not only in commercial forestry, but also for municipal and landscape management tasks.
Across cultivators, drills, and sprayers, a clear theme ran through Horsch’s 2025 line-up: do more, do it faster, and waste less whilst you’re at it. Precision met with increased capacity at every turn, whether in 14m3 fertiliser spreaders or 12-row precision drills running at 15kph.
Yet, as machines grow smarter, with sensors, software, and hydraulics multiplying, some farmers may be wondering whether the simplicity Frederic Horsch calls for risks being lost in the process. Innovation solves problems, but only if it ts farmscale realities and delivers payback in reduced inputs, time, or labour.
For now, though, Horsch appears intent on proving that technology and practicality can coexist – whether it’s wider drills for fewer passes, sprayers cutting drift to near zero, or cultivators tuned for fuel e ciency, precision farming is here to stay. FG
The Leeb 6.300 VT impressed with manoeuvrability and speed.
The new Leeb Xeric 14 FS.
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Following the ‘Root to Success’ campaign in 2024, Tilly Pass has again joined with industry experts to share a trusted source of information, covering all essential aspects of safe towing.
As our workplace changes with the seasons, it’s essential that new hazards are assessed. This could not be more relevant than at the start of the root crop season, particularly since trailer incidents have risen by 16% to a staggering 16,705 in a period of 18 months.
As the 2025 root crop carting season begins, the agricultural sector is being urged to align its maintenance with the construction industry.
The spotlight is focused on the farming industry for a greater understanding of the detail needed to comply with the DVSA roadworthiness, along with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 [PUWER] regulation 6 [2] and the new British Standard 14200/2023.
Managing risk is an essential part of modern farming. When employing the services of a contractor on your farm or estate they must provide evidence to you of their full compliance of quali ed maintenance and record keeping.
Manufacturers’ daily checks should always be assessed, used and recorded. The Head to Tow safety app is available at www.tillypass.co.uk/head-to-tow-1
Making a risk assessment is an essential part of everyday agriculture, and the person making and sharing these must have the appropriate quali cations, knowledge and experience. This should then be part of every business’ safety portfolio.
Root crop safety campaign returns
Loose loads can shift and bounce out, posing a risk to other road users. The rule is straightforward: if it’s loose, secure it. The only exception is when the load sits low enough in the trailer body for it to be fully contained without sheeting.
DVSA is part of the campaign and its updated load security guidance, published in December 2024, reinforces the need to properly secure loose loads.
root crops has long been expected, the update makes this clearer after a number of incidents where material fell from trailers and caused serious harm.
Operators must risk assess every load they move to ensure compliance. DVSA examiners will take action if they believe a load is unsafe, regardless of any assessment by the driver or operator. Securing loads properly prevents accidents and protects everyone on the road.
Tyre safety
As the busy root crop season approaches, TyreSafe is reminding farmers that the ‘Root to Success’ lies not only in careful handling of the harvest but also in keeping trailers and machinery roadworthy and safe. Tyres are central to this – they in uence load security, braking distances, soil compaction, fuel use, and handling stability. An under-in ated or overloaded tyre not only risks a dangerous failure on the road but can also increase soil damage and reduce yields in the eld.
guidance is especially relevant during harvest when the movement of heavy loads is at its peak.
For more information, and to access both the agricultural tyre guide and The Farmer’s Five, visit www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/agricultural-tyresafety/ farmers- ve
Vehicle advice
To help farmers and farm workers stay safe and productive, TyreSafe has produced the Ultimate Guide to Agricultural Tyres – a free, in-depth resource covering best practice for tyre choice, maintenance, and operation across the farming year.
Complementing the guide is The Farmer’s Five –a simple checklist designed to be easy to remember and implement: pressure; type; weight; inspection; storage. Making these checks part of your daily routine can save time, cut costs, and provide peace of mind both on and o the road.
TyreSafe
The Su olk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit, which is backing the campaign for the second year, gives the following advice: “It is important for all agricultural workers to have a good understanding of the weights and speeds of your vehicle combination and good visibility all around the vehicle – plus, display a number plate, ensure lights are working, towing eyes have su cient thickness and the amber ashing beacon is used appropriately.
“Trailer weights are set at 18.29 tonnes, a tractor not exceeding 12.71 tonnes; this makes a combination of 31 tonnes train weight. A tractor and trailer combination should not tow faster than 25mph/40kph. Trailers should be sheeted if fully loaded or have su cient ullage so the load cannot fall from the trailer.”
Sugar beet falling from trailers can cause damage to vehicles or collisions when drivers swerve to avoid it. This could result in a roadside penalty of points on a licence and a ne.
“We prefer to educate and explain the reasons for following the regulations to prevent incidents occurring and to keep everyone safe,” the Vehicle Unit concluded. FG
Get in touch
TyreSafe is also a proud member of the UK Towing Safety Alliance, providing farmers with access to further towing advice and support. From load security and weight distribution to trailer stability and awareness of other road users, this
access to further towing advice and support. From stability and awareness of other road users, this
To get in touch with Tilly Pass about an inspection or service of agricultural trailers, contact: tillypass@gmail.com or call 01767 692871. There is also an interactive ‘Tilly Technician Map' of local authorised technicians: www.tillypass.co.uk/dealer-locator
While sheeting grain, silage, or material fell from trailers and caused serious harm.
is also a proud member of the UK
Can-Am
Can-Am has unveiled its 2026 o -road lineup, and whilst there are plenty of tweaks and additions across its entire range, three machines stand out for their farm relevance: the rst-ever Outlander Electric, a tougher and more versatile Outlander 6x6, and a heavily revised Traxter SSV.
Electri cation naturally steals the headlines, with the Outlander Electric promising genuine utility rather than just novelty. Perhaps just as signi cant is the attention Can-Am has given to durability, payload, and operator comfort across its petrol models. In an era where SSVs are rapidly displacing ATVs on many farms, and where downtime and maintenance costs are under ever-closer scrutiny, the updates appear squarely aimed at keeping these machines competitive in real-world conditions.
Outlander Electric
The headline launch in Can-Am’s 2026 range is the company’s rst electric utility ATV – the Outlander Electric. Designed as a mid-horsepower machine, it is targeted squarely at smaller farms and holdings, alongside the hunting, estate management and light commercial sectors. For holdings under 40ha, where typical daily riding averages around 30km, Can-Am believes the balance of range, towing and workability is well-judged.
Power comes from a new Rotax E-Power unit delivering 47hp (35kW) and 53lb-ft (72nm) of torque. As with most electric drivetrains, the torque arrives instantly, giving the machine sharp response in stop-start situations such as yard work, stock checking or towing trailers in con ned areas. Three selectable modes – Work, Normal, and Sport – allow operators to prioritise e ciency or performance, while regenerative braking o ers three levels of adjustability.
The 8.9 kWh battery can be recharged from 2080% in a claimed 50 minutes using a level 2 charger, or fully replenished in 90 minutes. Under real-world farm usage, Can-Am suggests an average range of 50km, with up to 80km possible under lighter conditions. While not suited to long-distance work,
Big updates from Can-Am
this comfortably covers the needs of most livestock and mixed farms.
A towing capacity of 830kg and rack capacities of 54kg (front) and 109kg (rear) put the Outlander Electric in line with many petrol-powered equivalents. Ground clearance of 30.5cm and onthe- y switching of 2x4 or 4x4 drive mean it retains the o -road credentials expected from a farm ATV.
Pricing for the UK has been set at £15,999 for the single seat model and £16,899 for the two-seat MAX version – around £5,000 more than a petrol-powered Outlander 500 or 700. That premium positions it as a machine for early adopters, estate managers, and smaller farms keen to embrace electri cation, rather than just a straight replacement for petrol quads just yet. However, the calculation may shift somewhat when reduced maintenance, simpler servicing and cheaper charging costs are factored in.
What could be just as important is what farmers don’t notice: the machine runs whisper-quiet, with minimal vibration, and uses a direct drive system instead of a belt-driven CVT, reducing maintenance demands. Extreme-weather operation is also considered, with integrated battery heating and
liquid cooling ensuring performance in hot and cold conditions, although range decreases are still to be expected.
Outlander 6x6
While the Outlander Electric grabbed the headlines, Can-Am hasn’t neglected its petrol workhorses. The 6x6, a familiar sight on larger farms and estates, gets a raft of updates aimed at making it tougher and more versatile.
Three engines are available, the 50hp Rotax 700, the 82hp Rotax 850 V-Twin, and the rangetopping 101hp Rotax 1000R. Whichever block you choose, a recalibrated CVT now delivers more torque at low speeds while improving belt life under heavy loads. In plain English, that means less smell of burning rubber when you’ve overloaded the trailer.
The most visible upgrade is the suspension, which has been redesigned with double A-arms, up to 33cm of ground clearance and new sway bars for improved stability. Combined with oversized brakes and metallic pads, the 6x6 should stop as con dently as it goes, which is not always a given with heavily laden ATVs.
unveiled its 2026 o -road line-up during a press webinar in mid-August. Daniel Hodge reports.
Capacity has been increased to 454kg on the Outlander 6x6.
The new Outlander Electric promises near silent operation.
Perhaps the standout change is the new dumping cargo box. Capacity has been lifted to 454kg, with modular sides and tailgate that can be removed without tools. In practice, that turns the box into a atbed, opening up a wide range of hauling options, from fencing posts to feed bags.
Pricing starts at £17,299 for the 700cc model, rising to £22,349 for the Backcountry-spec 1000R. At that level, it’s aimed at farms and contractors that need serious carrying capacity and a machine compact enough to squeeze through gateways.
Traxter
If the Outlander Electric is the ashy newcomer, the updated Traxter is the dependable workmate that’s been hitting the gym. Can-Am looks to have thrown the kitchen sink at the Traxter’s 2026 revamp, and the result is a side-by-side that is aimed squarely at farmyards rather than leisure trails.
At the heart of the changes is a new HD11 999cc inline 3-cyl Rotax engine. It delivers 95hp and 70lb-ft (95nm) of torque. More relevantly, gures of 1,111kg towing capacity, 454kg cargo bed load and 680kg overall payload mean the Traxter is positioned as a direct alternative to a compact farm pickup in some situations.
The cab has grown too, with Can-Am claiming 8% more legroom and a door opening that’s nearly 20% larger than its main competitor. For anyone used to contorting themselves into a SSV whilst carrying a bucket, this may sound like an appealing statistic. Steering adjustability is also improved, thanks to a quick-tilt system that remembers your preferred setting.
Durability is another theme. Drivelines have
been beefed up with 25% larger shafts and components, while suspension travel rises to 30.5cm with a ground clearance of 35.4cm, again claimed by Can-Am as best in class. A full length 11.5mm skid plate is now standard, helping protect against the sort of impacts that normally result in a sheepish call to the dealer. Brakes have grown larger too, with dual 262mm front discs giving improved con dence under load.
Day-to-day usability has been considered. Access for servicing is simpli ed with removable panels and a redesigned service centre, while new digital security keys can be programmed with speed limits – handy for shared use on farmyards where enthusiasm sometimes exceeds ability.
UK pricing begins at £15,499 for the base HD7, but the new HD11 models push close to – and past – £25,000, putting them in the same ballpark as entry-level pickups. That re ects where SSVs now sit
in the farm machinery hierarchy: no longer a niche tool, but a core workhorse where comfort, reliability, and long-term durability matter jut as much as raw performance.
In summary, Can-Am’s 2026 lineup makes a clear statement: this isn’t just about recreational riders, it’s about building machines that belong on working farms. The Outlander Electric o ers a glimpse of an all-electric future, though its price will make it a tool for early adopters rather than a mass-market replacement just yet. The Outlander 6x6 delivers useful re nements where it matters, with more torque, more hauling capacity, and less squeaks and rattles. The Traxter arrives as a tougher, more durable and more comfortable SSV, capable of taking on jobs once reserved for small pickups.
For British farmers weighing up downtime, maintenance, and versatility, these machines are designed to graft as hard as you do. FG
The new Traxter has seen a suite of updates and upgrades.
A busy Norfolk contractor was so impressed by the Valtra demo tractor he borrowed from Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS), that he immediately placed an order rather than giving it back.
Valtra tractor impresses Norfolk contractor
Now, ve years later, two Valtras are relied on to provide an e cient contracting service to farmers in the local area, having successfully replaced a previous competitor brand.
Trading as H Gedge, Kevin Gedge and his wife Moira run their business partnership from the family’s farm at Bunwell, near Norwich. With their son, Nick, the Gedges farm 150ha of their own land and provide a stubble-to-stubble contracting service for two other farms nearby. A general contracting service is o ered within a 20-mile radius of the base, from ploughing and primary cultivations to nutrient applications and harvesting. A high clearance self-propelled sprayer carries out fertiliser and crop chemical applications, and a range of plant machinery provides a contract groundworks service. The family also owns and operates several lorries and transports agricultural and plant machinery around the Eastern region.
Superior comfort
The rst Valtra was purchased in 2020. “Having relied on one competitor brand of tractor for many years, we just replaced like with like whenever tractors were due for updating and didn’t know any better,” explained Nick. “I had been transporting and applying slurry with a large, trailed tanker towed by my usual tractor, but one morning the customer’s Valtra was already hitched to the tanker, so I used it instead.
“I couldn’t believe the improvement in ride quality. My own tractor’s large American-style seat was comfortable when stationary, but pulling the tanker at speed it was like riding a rocking horse and I was thrown from side to side. The Valtra seat wasn’t just more supportive – it was more comfortable too and, combined with the e ective cab and axle suspension, the Valtra’s operator environment was far superior.”
Demo tractor remained
Keen to try the Valtra tractors in a wider range of applications, Kevin contacted TNS Area sales manager, Jolly Bullen, and arranged a
demonstration. A T254 was delivered to the farm, and its arrival coincided with a requirement for soil loosening 40ha of heavy, dry ground with the farm’s Cousins Patriot 3m, ve-leg subsoiler. “It must have been the hardest job of the year, but it pulled it with no problem at all, and we were staggered by the fuel economy as it used much less than our existing tractors,” stressed Kevin. “It’s a better pulling tractor too, and whereas our tractor needed 2t of ballast on the front linkage, the Valtra pulled it better with just 1.3t. It really impressed us.”
guidance while the main display was dedicated to the sprayer. Essential tractor operating information is monitored using the cab A-pillar display, so everything is easy to see at a glance.”
Versatile tractors
A price for the demonstration tractor was given, and the T254 didn’t leave the farm.
Two years later, an ex-demonstration N175 also joined the Gedge’s eet. “Before acquiring our larger 36m self-propelled sprayer, we had a 4,000-litre trailed machine and the N175 was chosen primarily to pull it, replacing a second tractor of the competitor brand we’d used for many years,” continued Kevin. “The Valtra’s Isobus connection allowed the sprayer to be operated using the tractor’s armrest-mounted touchscreen and controls. Our Valtra N175 also has the SmartTouch Extend terminal which displayed eld maps and
For most tasks the N175 and T254 have proved interchangeable. The T254 is favoured for ploughing with the 6f reversible plough, pulling the Patriot subsoiler, establishing crops with a Claydon direct drill and transporting compost and other materials in a 16t trailer. Tasks carried out by the N175 include topping verges and eld margins, pulling the 16t trailer, operating a 3m power-harrow drill combination, rolling, and applying crop nutrients through a twin-disc mounted spreader. “We’ve used the Claydon drill behind the N175 although the T254 handled it better. For a relatively small tractor the N175 is incredibly capable and when combination drilling we often forget it’s only 175hp,” said Nick. “We get on well with the Versu transmission. We have to maintain constant engine and PTO revs for the drill’s fan, but it’s easy to control the travel speed independently using the foot pedal.” also
Nick Gedge (left) with Kevin and their two Valtra tractors.
The N175 (right) joined the eet in 2022, and a new T255 (left) replaced the rst T254 late last year.
Easy to use
Nick said Valtra Smart Farming systems are impressive but easy to use. “I’m still surprised at how easy they are to set up,” he commented. “Once eld boundaries have been set, then as soon as the tractor enters the eld the system recognises the location and asks the operator if he wants to start task recording. We were able to use most features right away, with the bene t of initial training provided by TNS AGCO Technologies Specialist, Kristian Clarke, but we made even more of its capabilities the second year as every eld location and task was already memorised.”
Setting and saving pro les for every implement saves time swapping between tasks. “The Valtra SmartTouch terminals make the process extremely quick and easy, so I’ve got into the habit of saving bespoke settings the rst time any implement is used,” Nick continued. “I just attach the implement then recall the saved pro le.”
Automatic headland turn sequences are also a popular feature, increasing e ciency and reducing operator fatigue. “They are simple to set up, so just one touch on the activation button starts the pre-set sequence including front and rear linkages, PTO engagement and hydraulics. I carry out the turn, then another touch on the button restarts the operation, and it’s much easier than manually operating sequences of buttons and switches every time,” Nick stressed.
Valtra the obvious choice
Last September, when the T254 was due for updating, Kevin and Nick didn’t even consider any
other brand. “The T254 did everything we’d asked of it and more, and the back-up from Jolly and the rest of the TNS team has been brilliant, so upgrading to the latest T255 version was the obvious choice. We requested a quote to exchange which turned out to be very reasonable, mainly because Valtras hold their value so well,” Kevin explained. “As expected, it features a few upgrades over its predecessor including an improved transmission. The latest Direct gearbox is smoother and it’s easier to make very small speed adjustments to suit every task. It’s better on the road too, and gear ratio changes are barely noticeable even when it’s pulling hard.” Nick said he enjoys operating both the tractors.
The T255 is used for primary cultivations and spends much of its time working with large slurry tankers and moving large trailers of solid digestate.
“Working with many local farmers I have driven most popular tractor brands and the Valtra cab is the best working environment. It feels like my own space. It’s quiet, well ventilated and everything is where it should be. I’ve just one very minor complaint which is that the cup holder is too small.”
Reliability has been excellent and error codes have allowed quick diagnosis of minor issues by phone. “We work well with TNS and consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the Attleborough team supporting us. They really are second-to-none and whenever we call for assistance then someone always gets back to us quickly,” concluded Kevin. FG
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Remapping helps achieve the perfect drilling setup
Achieving the right seed depth is crucial when drilling to o er crops the best chance of reaching their yield and quality potential.
There are many factors that in uence this, but one of the most controllable is using a tractor that has the required power to maintain the correct depth despite varying soil types and conditions.
Well-matched tractors should have enough power in reserve to cope in all conditions likely to be encountered to ensure seeds are
accurately sown at the right depth. As new machinery costs continue to climb, and returns from arable crops remain low, a cost-e ective option for operators improving output is using professional remapping to adjust engine parameters.
Avon Tuning HD’s (ATHD) director, Gareth Jones, says professional remapping is a viable option to boost performance.
“Drilling is as important as harvest. Changing weather patterns
have the required power. Insu cient power will mean operators may have to raise the drill out of the ground as the soil type changes, a ecting seed depth. The alternative could be to slow forward speed to maintain drilling depth in unmoved soils, which will inevitably reduce output. Coulter pressure could also be a ected when tractors have limited power reserves.
With professional remapping, existing tractors can be improved to deliver extra power, avoiding operators and owners having to purchase a larger tractor to gain greater performance from a drill, as Gareth explains.
have shortened available windows, and worsening grassweed problems have placed additional pressure on arable growers, forcing them to leave drilling until later to achieve stale or clean seedbeds.
“All of this puts greater strain on the drill operator to cover the ground quickly but maintain the quality of work.”
Drilling depth and seed to soil contact are essential for e ective crop establishment and both can be impacted if the tractor doesn’t
“If a tractor is currently running at 1,800rpm to achieve peak power, ATHD can use professional agricultural remapping to lower this to 1,600rpm for the same power output. This not only has bene ts for operator comfort but can also result in fuel savings.
“This could allow an existing tractor to pull a 4m drill at 16kph rather than 12kph, o ering a greater output per day and, ultimately, taking less time to drill the same area,” adds Gareth. FG
ATHD’s director Gareth Jones and the ATHD team point to the potential fuel savings and lower operating rpm that can be considered as other bene ts from remapping.
byAvonTuningHD
Biosolid application demands accuracy
With 95% of the J O Straughan spreading workload consisting of biosolid application during the summer and autumn, CEO Roger Dickinson says the accuracy and traceability required means Bunning Lowlander spreaders are his chosen machines.
Each tonne is meticulously recorded so the team at Northumbrian Water, who employ agricultural contractor J O Straughan to carry out the work, can trace it should there be an issue. The workload began in 2020 and now requires three Lowlander 120 HBD spreaders and a loading shovel to shift the 55,000 tonnes each summer.
The full-scale contracting business is based near Morpeth, and the workload takes the spreaders south to the Tyne Tunnel, and beyond Alnwick at its northerly point. Bunning machines have been part of the contracting operation for over a decade and two Lowlander 120 HBDs were purchased when the biosolid
work started. A third model was added later to ease the pressure and allow a daily workload of 1,500 tonnes to be applied by the three spreaders.
J O Straughan chose the Bunning 120 HBD models for the shorter wheelbase compared with the longer Lowlander 150 models. This helps with tight eld and yard access, more e cient transport logistics when towing spreaders in tandem on the road, and they’re powered by 250hp tractors.
The models are equipped with weigh cells via Isobus and can apply at variable rates based on prescription maps. The back-up from local dealer, Rickerby, and from Bunning directly, was also a big factor in the choice as advice, diagnostics and parts are all available
He continues: “There’s now greater scrutiny from the government on manure applications, so we must show records of what’s applied and when. Detailed application maps, weigh cell equipped spreaders running through Isobus, and consistent records for each eld will all help to show that manure applications are considered, recorded, and accurate.” FG and the workload takes the Tunnel, and beyond Alnwick machines have been part of the over a decade and two quickly.
110875
As the government looks to impose restrictions on autumn manure spreading through the farming rules for water legislation, the detailed recording
of every tonne could soon be a requirement for farmers. Roger explains how the system works and having machines equipped to do this has future-proofed his eet.
“Our spreading team record via a tablet and every eld is mapped with rates and exact spreading locations to avoid any errors. This is live linked back to Northumbrian Water, as the work can be audited at any time, so we must be 100% sure every job is applied correctly.”
Covering East Anglia and the home counties
J O Straughan CEO, Roger Dickinson.
Tailored cleaning and disinfecting solutions that support your:
Biosecurity programme
Flock health
Long-term profitability
Biosecurity
A new chapter: Quat Chem joins the Kersia Group
Neogen’s range of cleaners and disinfectants is entering a new chapter as it becomes Quat Chem, part of the Kersia Group.
For farmers, this means the same trusted products, the same dedicated team, and the same commitment to livestock hygiene – now backed by the strength of Kersia, a global leader in food safety and biosecurity.
Neogen’s cleaners and disinfectants have been trusted on farms for decades, from dairy parlours to pig and poultry farms. Under the Quat Chem name, this same portfolio continues to o er a full spectrum of solutions – from circulatory and parlour cleaners to teat and hoof care products, as well as powerful disinfectants for pig and poultry operations. Farmers can be con dent that the products they know and rely on remain unchanged, with the added bene t of being part of a group focused entirely on hygiene and biosecurity.
These changes mean the business is now bringing the best of its biosecurity and hygiene expertise into the Kersia family – while continuing to support its customers and partners with the same trusted products and advice. Its disinfectants, cleaners, and hygiene solutions remain unchanged; its formulations are tried, tested, and trusted, and they are known to deliver the performance farmers expect. Equally, the team you already know: technical experts, customer service contacts, and eld support remains in place, ready to o er advice and guidance whenever needed.
For dairy producers, the demands of hygiene
and animal care are important. That’s why the portfolio covers the full range of requirements from circulatory cleaners to keep milking systems in peak condition, parlour cleaners and disinfectants to maintain hygiene standards, and specialist teat and hoof care products designed to help protect cow health.
The same attention to detail runs through Quat Chem’s o ering for pig and poultry farmers. Whether it’s routine cleaning, turnaround disinfection, or targeted biosecurity interventions, the portfolio is designed to meet the needs of modern pig and poultry production.
Now, as part of Kersia, Quat Chem is positioned within a group dedicated to food safety and biosecurity. This means farmers can expect the same great products and service, with the added reassurance of being backed by a global leader, with the resources and expertise to continue developing the next generation of farm hygiene products. For its customers, this is not a shift away from what you know and trust, but rather a step forward that brings new opportunities for innovation and support.
To learn more about the full range of products, or to discuss the right solutions for your farm, contact Quat Chem directly. FG
Genuine, species-appropriate beekeeping
Promotes the bees’ natural, energy-efficient behaviour
Significantly reduces the bees’ energy consumption
Strengthens bee resilience by minimising stress
Replicates a 300-year-old tree while remaining ergonomic
Supports common health checks and Varroa treatments
Encourages the breeding of resilient bees
Credit: Entomology Today.
Threat of varroa mites
As bee colonies, in all hive types even those in tree cavities, prepare for winter during October, Varroa destructor mites may pose a heightened threat. With brood production slowing, mites concentrate in the remaining cells, parasitising developing bees that are vital for overwintering. These winter bees are meant to live longer and sustain the colony through cold months – but varroa mites compromise their health by feeding on fat bodies and transmitting viruses like deformed wing virus (DWV). In HIIVE-managed colonies, bee stewards often conduct mite counts in early autumn and treat with oxalic acid if thresholds are exceeded. The use of oxalic acid, an organic chemical, is most e ective at targeting phoretic mites without
harming brood, and poses little to no risk of contaminating winter stores.
Unchecked mite loads can lead to dwindling populations, poor thermoregulation, and eventual colony collapse. Colonies with high mite infestations often fail to survive winter, making October a last chance for intervention. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies –monitoring, biotechnical controls, and selective treatment – are essential.
October is not just about winding down the season; it’s about securing the colony’s future. Healthy winter bees mean a strong start in spring, which hinges on controlling varroa now.
If you’re interested in learning more about HIIVE and winter preparation, contact Mike at BIOM beehives. FG
Safer and easier handling
The Ceres Bag Buddy is a range of Big Bag Lifters from one x 600kg up to six x 1,000kg bags, with the most popular being the four x 600kg, which is available as a xed or hydraulic model. The hydraulic option o ers even greater safety in stacking and manoeuvrability when changing between di erent size bags.
The Bag Buddy is a convenient and easy way to controllably manage fertiliser, seed and feed bags, far more safely than the questionable use of pallet tines, as well as decreasing the risk of damage to lorries, buildings and overhead cables.
It is designed with minimal sharp edges to prevent damage to the bags and reduce the risk of hazardous and costly mishaps. The lightweight, but substantially braced, frame helps support bags from behind, greatly reducing swing. Increased telehandler stability is also achieved by keeping the headstock and boom approximately 4ft lower than if using pallet tines, whilst still achieving the same lift, with the added bene t of increased reach over hoppers and around drill coulters. The Bag Buddy comes with retaining loops at both ends of each arm, so bags can be quickly secured in adverse weather conditions. FG
Varroa mites on a bee.
With planning rules for onshore wind in England changing again, more developers are approaching farmers and estate owners than before. But the ne print matters: headline gures may hide complex terms, and contracts can tie up your land for years with little to show for it.
We know from years of collaborating with landowners that the process can be frustrating. Agreements are often loaded with technical language, headline gures may hide complex conditions and promises sometimes fall short when assessed over time. For many, the biggest concern is nding a deal that protects the way they run their land, delivers the returns agreed, and keeps the working relationship fair and transparent for decades to come.
Rightly cautious
“Landowners are rightly cautious. Hosting turbines is a long-term commitment, and it’s vital to know exactly what you’re signing up to,” says Hugo Deed, BIWO’s director of strategy and growth. “Our role is to manage the whole process, so the agreement is clear, fair, and works for the landowner as much as it does for the project.”
Five important things to check before signing an agreement are:
THE SMARTER WAY TO HOST TURBINES
across England, we have seen rst-hand how the right agreement can deliver a dependable, lowimpact income stream for landowners.
“For years, energy production has been vili ed – treated as a problem rather than a foundation for growth,” says Javier Dagá, CEO of BIWO Renewables UK. “We believe energy is not just part of the economy – it’s the backbone of its future. We see wind as a unique opportunity for landowners to continue farming without changing their lifestyle, while maximising the value of their land.
• Payment terms – Are they xed and linked to in ation, or based on energy output?
• Development costs – Who will pay for planning, surveys, and grid connections?
• Land use – Will you be able to continue farming during and after construction?
• Timescales – What is the plan if there are delays or the project does not proceed?
“We see ourselves as the landowner’s partner in making wind work, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers the next chapter. That means managing every stage –from planning, surveys, and grid connection to operations – so landowners can focus on running their business, knowing the project is in safe hands.”
Strong partnerships
• Decommissioning – Who is responsible for removing the infrastructure at the end of its life?
These are not obstacles – they are the building blocks of a good agreement. By getting them clear from the outset, you protect your land, your business, and your peace of mind.
It’s also worth paying close attention to speci c contract clauses. From exclusivity periods to development deadlines and early termination rights, the wording of an agreement can make or break a deal. We aim to draft these clauses in a clear and helpful manner to support transparency and avoid unnecessary complications down the line.
Field experience
What makes BIWO di erent from other developers, is that BIWO’s model is fully funded. We take care of planning, surveys, grid connections, construction, and operation, with no upfront cost to the landowner. We design agreements to protect agricultural productivity, and structure payments, which are xed and linked to in ation. With more than 8,000 acres secured and around 400MW in development, we understand both the commercial and the practical realities.
This is exactly the ground BIWO Renewables UK works on every day. With a remit that covers onshore wind projects
“The strongest projects are built on transparency and trust,” adds Hugo. “When everyone knows their role, the land stays productive, and the returns are secure, that’s when a wind project really delivers.”
Our aim is to add genuine value to the industry by building strong, transparent partnerships with landowners, relationships based on trust, clarity, and shared long-term success.
For more on how to explore wind opportunities and book a no-obligation consultation, please contact the company directly or visit www.biworenewablesuk.com FG
A wind turbine deal can transform your farm’s income, but only if the contract is right, explains BIWO Renewables UK.
Javier Dagá, CEO of BIWO Renewables UK (left), with Hugo Deed, director of strategy and growth.
The launch of Britain’s first Onshore Wind Strategy in July 2025 has sparked a surge in enquiries from landowners across England. With momentum building, many are now asking: what role could my land play?
BIWO Renewables we believe the answer lies in partnership. Onshore wind isn’t just about turbines – it’s about aligning expertise with local knowledge, securing long-term while respecting the land, and ensuring benefits flow back into communities
, income .
By working side by side with landowners, we help unlock potential that lasts for decades, not just years. The opportunity is here – and the best way to capture it is together.
Standing alongside landowners today means securing tomorrow’s opportunity. Find out if your land could play a role in the UK’s onshore wind future. Contact
Sale preview: V & R Waspe & Sons, Su olk
After 120 years of trading, the Waspe family’s farming enterprise at Boyton Hall, Su olk, is being wound up, with harvest 2025 being brothers Colin and Stuart Waspe’s last.
V & R Waspe & Sons’ eet of working classic tractors, machinery and implements are all being auctioned o at a farm dispersal sale managed by auctioneer Clarke & Simpson on 1st October.
Here, we highlight just some of the lots available – for the full list, contact Clarke & Simpson on 01728 746323 or visit www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk
This JCB Loadall will be loading lorries with this year’s cereal crop right up until the sale. The 530-70 model has 9,661 hours recorded and is carrying R-pre x number plates. Supplied by Greenshields JCB, it is on 15.5/80-24 wheels and tyres with 40% tread. Like all the Waspe family’s machinery it remains in very tidy condition for its age, having been stored under cover unless it is in use.
There are two 24m Sands self-propelled sprayers available. The rst is in working order with F-pre x number plate, registered in 1988 with 6,485 hours recorded. The second lot has a C-pre x with a 3,600-litre breglass tank, and being listed for spares.
Simba 8.23m
FARM SALE
&
Case International Maxxum 5150 Power Shift 4wd tractor carries an M-pre x number plate, with date of rst registration being August 1994.
Recorded working hours are 11,133. It's on 460/85R38 rear wheels and tyres with 90% tread, with front being 16.9R24 at 5%. It's got two double acting spools and comes with a set of front weights.
This Thor Farmer hydraulic vertical log splitter was manufactured in 2005, and is in good working order.
Vintage tractor enthusiasts looking for a project will appreciate this Zetor 6718 2wd tractor, with plate number LAH 49P. It was rst registered in August 1975.
First registered in 2000 and purchased by the farm in 2002, this Weidemann 1090D/P pivot steer loader has recorded 7,385 hours. It was originally purchased to work in the pig buildings, although has since been used for loading bales. Rear tyres are 11.5/80-15.3 at 60%, and the fronts are 400/60-15.5 with 90% tread. The loader also features a hydraulic locking headstock and comes with pallet tines.
First registered in 1979, this Massey Ferguson 575 2wd tractor is the Waspe family’s longestserving tractor, and has worked 7,270 hours. It’s carried out a broad range of jobs on the farm, most recently as a log splitter. It’s on 8.3/44 rear row crop wheels and tyres, and standard front wheels and tyres. The tractor comes with Multipower, although this requires some attention.
This
These
hydraulic folding plain ring rolls are in tidy condition. They were bought by the Waspe family from a local farmer when he advertised them for sale in Farmers Guide.
PRECISION GRAIN DRYING FOR PEAK PROFIT
Could you save up to 35% of your drier operational running costs per season? Perry of Oakley explains more.
Grain drying is an expensive process. If you contract it out, you are paying to generate pro t for someone else. If you do it yourself, you’ve got the costs of buying and operating your own drier.
But with modern technology, Perry of Oakley says it can save up to 35% of your drier operational running costs per season, making your own grain drying operation more pro table and realistic.
That’s a chunky number but what does it actually equate to?
With a throughput capacity drier of 30tph on wheat, drying 6,000t per season, during an average UK summer, based on removing 6% of moisture the saving would be circa. £17,000 per season.
That goes up to £40,000 for a 60tph drier drying 15,000t per season. Please go to Perry's website for a full description of how this gure is compiled.
Perry of Oakley says farmers need to ask themselves: “What would you do if you saved that much each harvest? What di erence would that make to your operation?”
What creates those savings?
There are two key drier add-ons that deliver that big saving and drive your grain pro t up:
Grain Sentry – This is an award-winning automated PLC moisture sampling and drier control system. It uses moisture samples automatically obtained from the drier lling and discharge equipment to adjust the speed of the drier which optimises the drier performance, driving up your pro t margin.
The Grain Sentry is an intelligent drier operator so lessens the impact should your experienced drier operator leave. Plus, it lessens the amount of time a farm operator needs to be checking the drier.
The Grain Sentry only requires a calibration check once a year (it’s a game changer) and as it takes the readings automatically there’s no manpower lost in ensuring accurate up to date data is being used to run the drier. Plus the grain is returned to the system so it’s not lost in the process, resulting in no loss of tonnage due to the frequency of the testing.
Grain Sentry can be retro- tted onto any make of shutter or roller discharge continuous ow grain drier – not just onto Perry driers.
Hot Air Recirculation with insulation – It costs money to heat up the air to dry the grain, so by recirculating the optimum air fraction in the drier, you can reduce your fuel costs by up to 24%.
Worried about drier fires?
Another key challenge with operating a grain drier is drier res. With Perry’s optional patented Fire Detection System add-on, the system will automatically shut down the drier if it detects abnormal heating in the drying column.
What size drier do I need?
The two Perry drier ranges span throughput capacities from 5tph all the way up to 150tph+ on wheat, and can dry a wide range of combinable crops. Available driers are:
The Mistral – Lower end of the capacity range, o ering 5–30tph on wheat. Ideal for farms wanting to start their own grain drying. They are a great alternative to mobile driers. Comes with roller discharge and a hard-wired control panel but can be upgraded to include the Grain Sentry and Fire Detection add-ons.
The Savannah – Designed for large farms and commercial grain stores. Capacity range goes up to 150+tph. Shutter discharge comes as standard for greater control of the drier performance, along with a touchscreen PLC for drier control. Optional extras include Grain Sentry, Fire Detection and Hot Air Recirculation for optimal performance and control.
Who is Perry of Oakley?
Claire Perry, head of operations at Perry of Oakley, says: “We design, manufacture, support and innovate right here in the UK. We are proud to be a family business who have supported the British farming industry for over 78 years.
“We supply everything from drying, handling, storage, cleaning and control for your grain processing needs giving you easier integration.
“We are known for producing a quality product that lasts. We answer our phones outside working hours as we know farming is not a Monday–Friday, 9am to 5pm business. If you want peace of mind that comes with British quality, then Perry of Oakley is the answer.”
Contact Perry of Oakley directly to discuss your next project. FG
Savannah series commercial grade grain drier.
Mistral series grain drier, perfect for smaller farms wanting to dry their own grain.
Andrew Huxham, arable farmer and co-founder of Hectare Trading, o ers his advice on how to trade directly with a range of buyers to get the best grain price. When it comes to selling your grain, the big question is simple: how do you truly know if you’re being o ered a fair price? In today’s volatile market, relying on a single phone call can feel like a gamble you can’t a ord to take. If you can’t be sure of the price, you could be missing out on vital pounds per tonne, which quickly mounts up to thousands in lost income. With harvest yields below average, every pound counts. So what’s the best way to move from uncertainty to con dence and ensure you’re getting the best possible price for your hard work?
Real prices, right now
This is where a transparent approach can make all the di erence. With Hectare Trading, you can be con dent you’re securing the best price for your grain. By signing up for an account and listing your crop, you can receive competing o ers from a network of vetted and veri ed buyers, all in one place. This eliminates the timeconsuming hassle of calling each buyer individually and might even introduce you to some new ones! With every account, you also get access to local ex-farm spot prices for all major crops, based on the latest o ers made on Hectare Trading, as well as futures pricing. This level of detail provides an unparalleled view of what is happening in your local area, not just nationally.
The Hectare Trading di erence
Over the past two years, farmers using Hectare Trading have beaten average market prices over 78% of the time when compared to the AHDB Corn Returns benchmark. This isn’t a marginal gain; it’s a signi cant nancial advantage. By listing their grain and comparing o ers from the wide network of trusted UK buyers on Hectare Trading, farmers have earned an average of £5.29 more per tonne for feed wheat – and even more on other crops.
For a farmer selling 10 loads of feed wheat, that £5.29 per tonne
advantage translates to an extra £1,534 of income. In tough market conditions, that kind of extra revenue can be vital for reinvesting in the farm and managing cash ow. It’s the di erence between barely getting by and thriving.
Decide for yourself
Often, farmers who are new to the platform are surprised to see o ers that beat traditional benchmarks and the prices they have been quoted elsewhere. The transparency of seeing multiple bids side-by-side creates a competitive environment where buyers are encouraged to put their
best price forward from the outset.
Crucially, there is no obligation to accept any o er you receive. You have the power to accept the best o er or decline them all. It’s the smart seller’s approach to modern grain marketing.
Get started today
Don’t leave money on the table. Take control of your grain marketing and be con dent that you are getting the best possible price for your crop.
To nd out the best price for your grain, sign up today and download the app. Visit www.wearehectare. com for more information. Farmers trade for free. FG
Andrew Huxham of Hectare Trading.
Solution for hotspots
This year’s hot and dry weather has made grain storage more challenging than ever. Plug&Cool o ers advice on how to ensure spoilage is minimised.
With harvest temperatures running high and sheds holding onto the heat, many farmers have seen warm patches developing in their grain heaps. Left unchecked, these hotspots can quickly turn into a bigger problem, encouraging mould, insect activity and, ultimately, spoilage.
Plug&Cool says its aeration spears o er a straightforward, practical way of dealing with the issue. Designed to be lightweight and portable, the spears can be moved easily around the shed and positioned exactly where they’re needed.
Once in place, they work by pulling the warm air from the grain through the spear and out of the heap, helping to bring down temperatures in those troublesome areas. Whether it’s cereals or oilseed rape in store, the principle is the same: target the warm pockets directly before they cause damage.
For situations that demand extra air ow,
Plug&Cool has also developed the AirSpear Max. This version has been adapted to take a 1.1kW fan, giving it greater power and making it particularly useful when managing larger volumes of grain or when rapid cooling is needed after a hot spell.
Durability is another key factor. Farmers need kit they can rely on season after season, which is why Plug&Cool fans come with a ve-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard. It provides a level of reassurance that once the spears are in the shed, they’ll be ready to go whenever the job calls for them.
In a season where hot and dry conditions have made grain storage di cult, Plug&Cool explains that its aeration spears provide a simple, exible way to keep grain in good condition and maintain peace of mind. FG
GRAIN HANDLING, DRYING & STORAGE
Grain storage success stories
For 50 years, Martin Lishman Ltd has been at the forefront of post-harvest crop storage solutions, helping farmers maintain grain quality while reducing costs, the company says.
From its proven Barn Owl Wireless automated monitoring and control system to trusted essentials such as Pile-Dry Pedestals, FloorVent under oor ventilation systems and TroubleDry hot spot spears, Martin Lishman provides practical tools designed to keep crops safe, cool and market-ready.
“Our ethos has always been about providing e ective solutions that make a real di erence on farm,” explains Joel Capper, managing director at Martin Lishman. “The strength of our systems lies in their reliability and the positive feedback we hear every year from growers who rely on them to protect their livelihoods.”
One such example comes from Sutton Cheney Farms Partnership – a 2,000-acre family-run estate in Warwickshire. Faced with the challenge of conditioning a brand-new 3,200-tonne store, the team turned to Martin Lishman’s Barn Owl Wireless and FloorVent systems.
The impact was immediate; crop temperatures dropped from an average of 22°C in August to 12°C in September. “FloorVent did a fantastic job of pulling the heat out, cooling the crop quickly and e ectively,” says farm manager Tom Ingram. “Now, with the Barn Owl Wireless web app, we can check on our store instantly from anywhere – it’s made the whole process safer, faster and more e cient.”
Like many farms across the UK and beyond, Sutton Cheney’s experience underlines why Martin Lishman products have become trusted mainstays in modern grain storage, the company reckons. Joel adds: “The message is clear; when it comes to keeping crops in peak condition, it pays to choose systems that are proven to work – not just by us, but by farmers everywhere.” FG
Barn Owl wireless crop sensors.
Our ever changing climate ensures it has never been more challenging to produce a consistent quality harvest. Kentra has been at the forefront of continuous fow grain drying technology for well over 20 years. Our range of dryers and user-friendly management software give you complete, real time control over your harvest.
•
Sales@kentra.co.uk
Moisture measurement systems
Yorkshire manufacturer Kentra has expanded its range of grain moisture management products by adding two new measurement and recording systems. These additions come from Dryer Master – a Canadian company recognised for its advanced technology.
Dryer Master’s DM510 control system o ers full automation for grain drying, requiring minimal manual input. For those seeking a more a ordable option, the DM100 provides essential control features. While less advanced, the DM100 still eases the workload by automatically measuring moisture at the discharge point and adjusting the discharge rate based on operator-set moisture levels and targeted output for three discharge speeds.
Unlike the DM510, the DM100 needs periodic adjustments to maintain peak performance.
The Moisture Monitor Pro records both the moisture content and temperature of grain at the discharge point, making it easier for operators to achieve consistent results even with manual control. Both the DM100 and the Moisture Monitor Pro systems allow users to access values remotely through a mobile phone with internet connectivity, with the option to download data for analysis on a farm computer.
In response to the challenges posed by a changing climate, Kentra says its dryers are built from robust galvanised steel and feature a unique column design, ensuring e ective drying for all free- owing combinable crops. The modular construction of Kentra dryers guarantees exibility. FG
Turbofarmer 65.9
Heavy Duty Power with Precision Handling
A powerhouse in the high-capacity telehandler range, the TF65.9, 6.5 tonne, 8.8m lift height, delivers industry-leading cycle times and impressive lift capabilities. Designed for heavy-duty agricultural tasks, it ofers exceptional ground clearance and a high cab position for 360-degree visibility. Equipped as standard with Merlo’s patented ASCS system, it ensures optimal attachment performance while maintaining safe and stable operation.
Grain company changes emphasis
2025 saw a change of emphasis for BK Grain – after years of building on- oor drying facilities the company went back to its work of installing driers and machinery with buildings.
A large project was undertaken at St Giles estates, near Blandford, involving the demolition of the existing store and machinery. BK Grain then carried out the installation of a new building and all new machinery, including uprating their existing Svegma drier, an intake pit, silos, Cimbria cleaner and all Skandia handling equipment.
Having groundworks, engineers and electricians in-house allowed a timely nish despite the exceptionally early
harvest, BK Grain says.
The company also removed a second-hand installation (20 years old but as good as new) from one side of Henley-on-Thames and reinstalled on a farm on the other side of town at Shiplake. This included a Perry drier, Perry Intake and Perry handling kit. A Westrup cleaner was also purchased for this job from BK Grain’s St Giles project, so it was a good year for recycling.
With more farmers taking on livestock, BK also built two new cattle barns this year and an extension to an existing barn – as well as completing two other grain buildings in time for harvest. FG
Grain store that’s fit for purpose
With so much time and investment going into growing the crops, it is essential to have a storage building that is t for purpose. Whether it’s fruit, grain, or potatoes you grow, Graham Heath says it has the expertise in building them all.
Storing crops in tired or unsuitable buildings will only cause problems, with damp conditions acting as a breeding ground for mould and infestation. Therefore, it is essential to create suitable storage conditions to minimise waste and maximise returns.
A new crop store will o er a clean, dry, well-ventilated, and watertight construction, all built with high-quality UKCA-marked steel and materials.
Concrete panels are a key
feature in crop stores. They are easy to clean and exceptionally durable, withstanding the pressures of crop storage with ease. Concrete panels are also quick and easy to install, simply slotting in between steel supports.
Straw sheds also o er a great storage option for keeping straw undercover and protected from the unpredictable British weather, for year-round use. Talk to Graham Heath today about your building requirements, and the company says it can design the perfect storage solution for your harvest of grain, fruit, potatoes, and straw.
t: 01488 684154
PLANNING CONSULTANTS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPLE DESIGNERS
PRINCIPLE CONTRACTORS
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORS
IN HOUSE GRAIN HANDLING DIVISION
ELECTRICAL DIVISION
GROUNDWORKS DIVISION
FABRICATION DEPARTMENT
24/7 ENGINEERING & BREAKDOWN SERVICE
24/7 ELECTRICAL BREAKDOWN SERVICE
UKCA STEEL FABRICATION
e: stuart@bkgrain.co.uk or simon@bkgrain.co.uk www.bkcommercialgroup.co.uk
AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Pre-Stressed Concrete Wall
New 2,250-tonne “monster” silo
A Shropshire farmer has upgraded his grain storage by opting for an Danagri 2,250-tonne grain silo which is 18m in diameter by 13m high, with full diameter aeration/drying oor and Power-sweep unloading system.
A spiral staircase and roof ladders give easy access for service and inspection. The silo can either be lled via his existing grain drier or through a new Jema 150tph conveying system.
With the ever-increasing outputs of modern day combine harvesters putting enormous pressures on movements of grain from eld to farm, avoiding ‘bottle necks’ back at the farm is now the major priority. To help overcome this problem, Danagri-3S Ltd o ers several di erent types of intake systems and conveying equipment made by the renowned Danish manufacturer Jema.
The systems cover intake pits, chain elevators, belt and bucket elevators, chain and ight conveyors, belt conveyors and automated systems from 25–250tph.
To ensure a oor store is lled to capacity, belt conveyors are now a popular method of lling as they are smooth and quiet in operation, take less power to drive and the tripper carriage unloads evenly down the entire length of the conveyor.
Danagri-3S also o ers a range of drive over laterals, manufactured from galvanised steel and comprising of two sections – a strong welded frame and screen which sits on top of a trough making them simple to lift out and clean. The laterals are also made so that they interlock and stop small grains
from falling between the joints. The level oor nish also makes it much easier to outload from the store.
Fitting a Rekord Floor Stirrer can assist in drying all types of combinable crops, as well as wood chip and pellets.
Mounted on rails either side of the grain store, the beam moves up and down the building while the auger carriages traverse from side to side. Special variable pitch augers draw grain up along the entire length of the auger, ensuring a total mixing and blending of the grain layers to the full
Farm Fans
Quiet Driers
depth of the crop. As well as reducing the static air pressure it signi cantly increases air ow, leading to faster drying times through greater e ciency of your oor store.
This complements the company’s existing range of drive-over aeration and drying laterals, tunnels, fans, heaters and Jema grain conveying equipment
Danagri-3S specialises in grain handling and drying equipment. Free site surveys are available, along with advice and consultation. For further information visit www.danagri-3s.com FG
• 50% quieter than their previous models
• Batch or continuous flow
• Automated fill & empty system
• Simplicity of operation & reliability
• Stirring system for all combinable crops
• Prevents grain capping & crop compaction
• Manufactured for over 30 years
• Available from 4m–14m
• Increases air flow within the crop
• UK manufactured
• Automated operation
Floor Store Stirrers
• Capacities from 8tph–200tph
• Lengths 3m–39m
• 4”–10” diameter from stock
• PTO or electric drive
• Heavy duty
• Intake hoppers
Mobile Grain Augers
• Manual or hydraulic
• Large pneumatic tyres
• Indoor & outdoor silos
Silos
• Suitable for both drying & aeration
• Drying floors
• Aeration & drying fans
• Perforated removable top plates
• Heaters
• Available in 0.5 or 1m lengths
• Stirrers
• Grain spreaders
• Grain pumps
• Galvanised strong construction
• Interlocking top plates stops grain/seed from falling through
Laterals
• Power-sweep unloading augers Drive Over
GRAIN HANDLING, DRYING & STORAGE
Empowering UK farming
Agvanced UK empowers farmers and agricultural businesses with innovative, reliable engineering solutions designed to optimise operations, increase productivity, and ensure sustainability.
The company provides a wide range of services for the agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. Its
speciality is grain handling and milling systems, with expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining everything from silos and conveying systems to cleaning, drying, and milling equipment.
The experienced team provides turnkey project management for green eld new builds, and its inhouse design team o ers a rst-class planning service, from the initial concept through to application submission and approval. The company manages the entire process, from planning to civil groundworks, steel frame buildings, and handling grain from the eld to the nished product.
In addition to grain systems, Agvanced UK o ers comprehensive electrical and mechanical engineering services, including the installation of ventilation systems and the fabrication or repair of equipment.
The company also provides clean water, dirty water and slurry pumping systems installation, maintenance, and repair.
Agvanced UK prides itself on building lasting partnerships with clients, founded on trust and mutual respect, to provide high-quality and e cient solutions. FG
Investment in grain drying facility
Holmedale Valley, North Yorks, farms 1,400ha of combinable crops with additional crops purchased to support its pig enterprise. The original 30tph grain drying plant was supplied by Tornum (formerly JW Installations) in 2004, with a further 30tph drier installed in 2012 to increase capacity. Due to a requirement to dry and store up to 38,000t of wheat, the decision was made to upgrade the existing facility ready for harvest 2025.
After many years of working together, Tim Westgarth of Holmedale Valley chose Tornum to supply the new plant, stating: “We have always had good service from the company, and they are right on our doorstep.”
The new grain drying plant
AGVANCED GRAIN SYSTEMS
AGVANCED UK is a leading provider of innovative electrical, mechanical, pumping and grain system solutions tailored to the unique needs of the agricultural industry, for example...
Grainstore Drying Floor
Drying
incorporates two Tornum TK416 continuous ow grain driers, giving a combined output of 92 tph, extracting 5% moisture. A new Skandia H Line intake and handling system was supplied, plus an additional Simeza silo to speed up tipping times and reduce double handling of the crop.
The new plant is controlled by a SCADA control system incorporating the Tornum Intelligent Drier Control (IDC) system, which aims to reduce over drying of the grain and can record the moisture levels, spot any uctuations, and aims to equalise them ready for the long-term storage. The Intelligent Dryer Control System will keep costs down, improve e ciencies and produce a more consistent product. FG
Replacement Grain Dryer
Farmer installs second Sukup silo
Su olk arable and egg producer, J W Brown & Sons increased their grain drying and storage capacity with a second Sukup drying silo for harvest 2025.
The company's Daniel Brown comments: “We’ve found that the Sukup silos work really well for our chicken feed mill. We process around 2,000 tonnes of grain each year, and the drying silos allow us to store a mix of wheat, barley, and triticale together. The stirring augers within the silos blend and mix the grains evenly and when it’s time for our weekly milling, the system automatically weighs the mix straight into the mill at the push of a button with no telehandler required.”
Each silo is tted with a drying oor and fan. Having used the rst silo through ve harvests, J W Brown & Sons has never needed to run the diesel burner for drying, as by blending damp and dry grain together with the stirring system within the silo, Daniel has always managed to achieve the correct moisture content.
“Our experience with the rst silo was so positive, we have added a second drying silo this year,” explains Daniel. “Overall, the Sukup silos have been a reliable, low-maintenance solution for long-term storage. They’re rodentproof, easy to manage, and they give us the exibility to keep grain in good condition throughout the year.”
Both silos were supplied through Sukup dealer, Allfarm Installations. Daniel says: “We
have enjoyed working with them, and they oversaw and managed the complete project. “When something bespoke is required,
the Allfarm team have the skills to fabricate products in their workshop and this capability makes the whole project come together.” FG
JH Vaudrey & Son Ltd have been supporting farmers with their building requirements since 1993 and have a wealth of expertise when it comes to the requirements of today’s agri business. JH Vaudrey & Son Ltd can provide grain stores complete with the most up to date grain handling equipment, silos, dryers, and straw barns. We also provide a maintenance service to all properties and farm buildings.
JH Vaudrey & Son Ltd provides a complete design and build service and will even take care of the planning application for you. We will be pleased to hear from you and offer a friendly reliable service. To discuss your requirements telephone 01379 678459.
Reminder
of ‘Farm Saved Seed Standard’ relaunch
With harvest now complete, NAAC is reminding growers of the importance of ensuring mobile seed processing contractors are providing a quality farm-saved seed service and meeting standards.
Quality control and traceability are essential elements in the production of farm-processed seed and the NAAC relaunched its Assured Land-Based Contractor (ALBC) (Veri ed Seed) Scheme at the start of the summer to promote professionalism and encourage high standards of safe, traceable working practices within the industry.
Originally launched 26 years ago, the scheme is an independently audited, quality standard which covers the quality of service which the contractor provides, o ering customers genuine assurance about the activity of mobile seed processing contractors.
Commenting, Rob Barrie, NAAC seed section chair, said: “Over the past 26 years mobile seed cleaning contractors have seen a steady increase in demand for their services. This growth has been in response to a number of economic and environmental factors. The NAAC has responded by providing its members with the tools they need to provide a quality service and the ALBC Veri ed Seed Standard o ers an additional layer of reassurance to customers.”
NFU combinable crops board chair, Jamie Burrows, added: “Farmers value having the choice between growing certi ed seed or farm saved seed, and it is great to see the relaunch of the NAAC seed standard which gives farmers the con dence in the
service they are receiving.”
In 2025, quality seed is vital to the customer and farm-saved seed o ers a relatively low-cost source of seed, giving the farmer control over seed quality, provenance and seed treatments. Farm saving can ensure a clean seed sample, selecting larger, bold seed sizes which are proven to give signi cant improvements in plant emergence, vigour, tillering and yield, ensuring customers are optimising potential yield going into the drill.
This updated ALBC Veri ed Seed Scheme applies to contractors who are processing seed on-farm using mobile seed processing machinery for use under the direct control of the farmer customer and where the seed is not for sale or intended for sale.
The NAAC scheme is designed to help contractors involved in the mobile processing of seed to identify the hazards and critical control points of the process. The scheme aims to help the person processing seed to fully understand, and to be able to show full understanding of, the seed processing system and the critical control points of their process including:
• Ensuring that personnel involved in seed processing are suitably skilled
• Ensuring that seed materials are traceable and are free from harmful contamination
• Providing appropriate storage for raw materials
• Ensuring that processing equipment is regularly and appropriately maintained and cleaned
• Adopting production processes, such as record
keeping, which ensures full traceability
• Identifying and controlling hazards which might occur.
The updated standard can be found at www. naac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ALBCVeri ed-Seed-v6-COMBINED- nal-2025.pdf FG
TIMBER CROP DRYING & STORAGE EQUIPMENT
Tackling housing problems without antibiotics
With the global pushback on antibiotic use and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, proven non-antibiotic products are now more important than ever in livestock health, writes independent veterinary advisor for Provita, Dr Tom Barragry.
The housing period is one of the riskiest times of year for cattle and calves. Moving indoors brings changes in temperature, environment, and feeding, which can elevate stress hormones and suppress the immune system. This leaves animals more vulnerable to disease.
Con ned spaces, wet oors, poor ventilation, and manure build-up create ideal conditions for infections. Pneumonia and lameness are two of the most common and costly problems at this stage.
BRD
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), or calf pneumonia, is the most common cause of death and poor performance in calves and young cattle between one month and one year old. Incidence is estimated at 20–25%, with damage often permanent and irreversible.
When pneumonia strikes:
• One in seven calves fail to reach their rst lactation
• Up to 70% of cattle have lung lesions at slaughter
• Pneumonic calves have lower milk yields, slower growth, longer time to rst calving, and increased calving intervals
• Calves recovering from scour are 10 times more likely to develop pneumonia. The impact is lifelong, cutting productivity and pro tability.
Changing priorities
Despite the prevalence of BRD, respiratory vaccine uptake is relatively low, with surveys showing only 25–40% of farmers using them consistently.
A 2021 UK/Ireland survey found farmers ranked ventilation and housing changes as the
most important improvements, with vaccination scoring lower. Similarly, a 2020 survey highlighted good ventilation (28%) and hygiene management (27%) as the top measures, ahead of colostrum management (18%) and vaccination (15%).
The trend is clear – more farmers are focusing on environmental solutions to prevent disease.
Air quality
Fresh, clean air is essential for healthy stock. Research shows animals perform better in wellventilated sheds, with less risk of respiratory infections. One major threat to air quality is ammonia, produced by the breakdown of urine and manure. Even at low levels, ammonia irritates the respiratory tract, damages protective lung surfactant, and weakens immune defences.
Ammonia exposure:
• Increases BRD risk
• Causes permanent respiratory damage
• Makes calves more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
Continuous exposure in enclosed spaces makes calves especially vulnerable.
Reducing risk
Alongside good management and ventilation, farmers can improve air quality with targeted tools like Provita Promist, a livestock air puri er that reduces airborne disease risks during housing. Promist is a fogging or misting agent containing:
• Natural organic acids – lower air pH and reduce harmful bacteria
• Essential oils – help clear the respiratory tract
• Wetting agents – capture and remove dust and particulates.
Applied above and around animals, Promist puri es the air, surfaces, and the animals
themselves. It can be used when new stock is housed; during still, stagnant weather; and daily in sheds with poor air ow.
The results are less ammonia, lower dust levels, and healthier breathing conditions. Farmers often see cattle coughing and clearing airways after application – a sign the expectorant e ect is working.
On-farm results
Farmers using Promist during the high-risk housing period report strong results. Applying it daily for the rst month after housing has, in some cases, eliminated pneumonia cases altogether.
One dairy farmer said: “We didn’t have one case of pneumonia to deal with last year and the calves responded in spades regarding the growth rates they achieved.”
Reported bene ts include up to 90% less antibiotic use; lower respiratory disease rates; faster growth rates; and reduced cases of ringworm.
By tackling ammonia and airborne pathogens, Promist helps protect health and performance without antibiotics.
Promist works best as part of a wider strategy, alongside:
• E ective, draught-free ventilation
• Clean, dry bedding
• Avoiding overstocking
• Good nutrition and colostrum intake
• Close health monitoring.
By directly improving air quality, Promist provides an extra layer of protection at a challenging time of year.
Farming faces pressure to cut antibiotic use to combat AMR. Non-antibiotic solutions like Promist help farmers maintain animal health and productivity while reducing reliance on medicines.
The housing period doesn’t have to bring high risk of disease. With better ventilation, cleaner air, and proven tools like Provita Promist, cattle can stay healthier, grow faster, and perform better –without heavy antibiotic use. FG
Co. Down beef farmer George Shaw using Provita Promist.
A proactive plan for A HEALTHY HERD
Ami Sawran, clinical director at Westpoint Farm Vets Chelmsford, o ers a guide to managing the transition to winter housing.
As the weather turns and thoughts of housing loom, it can feel like the pre-transition to-do list has become a lot more urgent. However, a little forward planning now can make all the di erence, optimising cattle health and ensuring a smoother, more pro table
housing period. Let's look at the key considerations for your proactive autumn plan.
Buildings
Before you bring a single animal inside, a full assessment of your buildings is a great place to start. A quick walkthrough with a critical eye can identify potential issues.
Space and ow: Check that there is enough water trough and feed
space for your group. Competition at the trough can lead to overfeeding in dominant animals and underfeeding in others, impacting overall condition. Consider adding ringfeeders to reduce this.
Ventilation: This is the single most important factor for a successful housing period. Poor or stagnant air ow leads to temperature uctuations and the buildup of pathogens, making
respiratory diseases like pneumonia much more prevalent. Look for ways to improve air ow without creating a draught, whether through building modi cations or by simply adjusting doors and vents. Your vet can assist with an air ow assessment to check how your current set up is working and suggest improvements.
Flooring and lameness: The transition from soft pasture to hard concrete is a risk factor for lameness. Check that oors are not slippery and have adequate drainage. Slurry buildup is a major cause of foot scald and digital dermatitis, so ensure your waste management system is t for purpose and that cattle have clean, dry areas to lie down.
The parasite playbook
Internal and external parasites can thrive in the close-contact environment of a shed. The warm, wet period we’ve had this year increases the potential risk of parasite burdens, even in adult animals.
On-farm diagnostics: A parasite assessment to clear existing burdens should be undertaken prior to bringing animals in. Remember that faecal testing in cattle can be complex, so interpret results
Stunted grass growth and DM yield Reduced plant uptake of vital minerals Lowered energy, trace element, and vitamin levels in conserved forage
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alongside a working history of the farm and your pasture's risk pro le (for example, whether you have a history of uke). Don't forget external parasites either – lice are very easily transmitted at housing and can cause signi cant irritation, leading to stress and poor feed conversion.
Correct treatment: If treatment is necessary, using the right anthelmintic is paramount to prevent drug resistance. Always weigh animals and calibrate dosing guns to ensure the correct dose is applied.
Biosecurity
Bringing animals in and mixing groups is a perfect recipe for a disease outbreak. A strong biosecurity plan is your best defence.
Isolation: Any animals arriving from outside the farm should be isolated for at least two weeks and screened for disease before they are mixed with the resident herd.
Vaccination: Talk to your vet about your herd's risk pro le and discuss whether a vaccination program for key diseases,
particularly respiratory pathogens, would be a sound investment. Having animals back in ready for housing is a good opportunity to administer vaccines if necessary. Managing tra c: Simple measures like a designated boot dip, clean overalls, and managing the movement of equipment between groups can prevent the spread of disease from pen to pen.
The rumen’s ecosystem
Diet transitions can cause signi cant digestive upset. Think of the cow’s rumen as its own nely balanced ecosystem, designed for grass over the summer. A sudden change to a housed diet can upset this balance,
leading to poor nutrient absorption or, in extreme cases, bloat and acidosis. Introduce concentrates gradually over three to four weeks and ensure there is plenty of longbre forage available to aid rumen health.
Before the nal housing date, take a walk around your buildings and elds with your vet. You can utilise a free on-farm visit under the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to facilitate this discussion. Talk through your housing plan for the autumn, your biosecurity protocols, and your disease history. A simple conversation now can identify potential weak spots and prevent a costly health issue down the line. FG
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Rispoval® 2
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*Up to 9 months BRSV and 6 months Pi3 virus cover - 2 of the major viral pathogens in the Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) complex.
Rispoval 2 / BRSV + Pi3 lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (Pi3V), strain RLB 103, live and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), strain 375, live with an adjuvanted liquid solvent. POM-V.
For further information please see the products’ SPC or contact Zoetis UK Ltd, Birchwood Building, Springfield Dr, Leatherhead, KT22 7LP • www.zoetis.co.uk • Customer Support: 0345 300 8034 or customersupportUK@zoetis.com • Use medicines responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible). Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.
Date of preparation: July 2025 • MM-42299
Before the nal housing date, walk round buildings and elds with your vet.
Ami Sawran, Westpoint Farm Vets.
www.dairymaster.com
tel: 01527 878505
How to avoid the pitfalls of poultry shed disinfection
With disease outbreaks having the potential to devastate a poultry business, and the line between bankruptcy and a good business often quite ne, Hysolv director Jim Bigmore o ers some expert advice.
There are three parts to e ective disease prevention – management, vaccination and biosecurity – and all three are vital. Biosecurity helps prevent disease entering the house, where it can spread like wild re, so a good cleaning team are worth their weight in gold, Mr Bigmore says. Three of the most common pitfalls when it comes to cleaning and disinfection include:
• Not drying surfaces before disinfection: If you apply a 1% solution to a wet surface, the solution applied will be less than 1% and could be ine ective
Product choice
Mr Bigmore’s three top product choices for poultry sheds are:
Cleaning and disinfection protocol
When putting together a cleaning and disinfection programme, there will be di erent considerations for broilers and long-lived birds (layers and breeders), as well as houses with coccidia or other ongoing disease issues. Below are the recommended programmes:
Broiler sheds
• Pre-clean: If there’s an issue with litter beetles, band spray insecticide around the walls if the house is still warm; or use a fogged insecticide in the roof space if it’s cold
• Dry clean: Empty and raise feeders and drinkers and remove all equipment, litter, dung, dust and dirt
• Sanitise water system: Open ends to ll completely. Once the lines are full, close the ends of the pipes and sweep the waterline nipples with a broom to activate them. If the water system is circulated, leave the sanitiser to circulate for at least six hours. If the pipes are non-circulating, leave for 24–72 hours
• Clean shed surfaces and equipment: Use an alkaline cleaner through a foaming lance at low pressure and leave for 30 minutes, then power wash shed surfaces and outside concrete apron with water under high pressure
• Remove any pools of water from the oor and allow the shed to dry
• Disinfect the shed: Close doors and vents, then spray disinfectant on all surfaces, equipment and concrete apron using 400ml/ m2 for rough/absorbent surfaces and 300ml/ m2 for smooth surfaces. Allow the shed to dry completely
• Using an incorrect concentration: Always refer to an independent source for advice on e ective dilutions – the DEFRA recommended dilutions are very useful
• Using the wrong disinfectant: Not all products are good at everything. Disinfectants based upon glutaraldehyde are generally e ective against bacteria and viruses, but work more slowly at colder temperatures (less than 4˚C). Peracetic acid products are also e ective against bacteria and viruses and are not a ected much by colder temperatures, but bind to organic matter and may be corrosive to unprotected ferrous metals. Another common misconception is that products with the same active ingredient will work in the same way, which has been disproven in DEFRA comparative trials.
Intercid: This is unique to the UK market because it contains glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde. It was shown to break through a 25-day build-up of biofilm in DEFRA’s 2017 comparative study, whereas other products only managed five days. It was one of the best performing products against salmonella in DEFRA’s 2011 study.
• Fumigate with formaldehyde: A fogging agent can improve performance
Interkokask Concentrate: This is a chlorocresol product and is very effective against coccidial oocysts, bacterial spores, salmonella and campylobacter. If used at 4% and left overnight it will also remove red mite and red mite eggs. It’s ideal for boot dips as it’s resistant to organic matter.
Intersteril: Newly launched, this is a 15% peracetic acid disinfectant which is three times more concentrated than existing products –and it’s attracting a lot of interest in the market. It can be used against coccidial oocysts, bacterial spores, viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi. It’s also very useful for organic farmers and means they can now disinfect against all the usual disease-causing organisms.
Many of Hysolv’s products were originally developed by German company Lohmann for the disinfection of their own poultry sheds, and were subject to extensive field trials.
• Test: When the building is safe to enter take total viable cell (TVC) swabs, especially from litter-line, vents, control room and corridors. If TVC is too high repeat the disinfection or fumigation stages, then retake TVCs.
Coccidiosis disinfection
Follow the standard cleaning protocol but replace the standard disinfectant with an anticoccidial disinfectant. To keep costs down, spray all surfaces up to 2m with anti-coccidial disinfectant, let it dry and spray the remaining surfaces with a standard disinfectant. Or, spray the whole house with anticoccidial disinfectant.
Ongoing disease problems
For broiler ocks with ongoing disease issues, disinfectants should be used according to Defra’s approved dilutions – some manufacturers can be over-generous with claims about which concentration works, Mr Bigmore notes.
Layers and breeders
Again, use the standard cleaning protocol but slats should be soaked in a cleaning solution. A heavy-duty alkaline cleaner should be used for slats and nest boxes – a chlorocresol disinfectant such as Interkokask Concentrate is recommended. FG
pitfalls when it comes to cleaning and
Hysolv director Jim Bigmore.
Hysolv supplies farmers, vets and wholesalers with a range of high quality disinfectants, pesticides and cleaners to help safeguard animal health and improve performance.
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Dr Bond recommended saving higher quality silage for key periods.
Farmers advised to hold best forage for key times
With many farmers forced to start feeding their winter reserves early due to the summer drought, Alison Bond, technical services manager for Rumenco, o ers tips on stretching available forage.
knowing what you’ve got in the clamp are more important than ever.
on – and I don’t think anybody’s got it.”
with last year but some variable
Analysis so far suggests that rst cuts were on a par with last year but the second cuts have been poor – and low lactic acid levels mean there could be some variable fermentation. With this in mind, silage testing and
“I would suggest putting together a budget so you'll know if you can a ord to feed some silage now, then looking at the animals and their condition because it’s not worth leaving it too late,” Dr Bond said.
Body condition scoring sheep 6–8 weeks before tupping, and again four weeks later, is recommended.
Discussing the impact of the shortages, Dr Bond noted that we could see more singles and empties, and fertility issues in cattle. “We’re going to see sheep start to lose condition as we’re starting to think about getting them ready for tupping. We need 6–8 weeks of 1kg dry matter a day at about 10.5 ME to put condition
Similarly farmers will want to get the best out of the late season to get cattle ahead before housing, “but the grass just isn’t there to do that this year”.
She suggested putting out poorer quality forage and saving the higher quality for key periods such as lambing and preparing for tupping, to ensure there’s plenty of good quality colostrum, and tupping. Meanwhile for breeding cattle, good quality forage will be most important during early lactation immediately post-calving to support body condition and breeding.
Weaning lambs early could be another option, Dr Bond added. “If your lambs are in good nick, you can get them away on concentrate, leaving the ground free for the ewes.”
With the grass being of such poor quality this year, stock may bene t from a forage supplement such as a Rumevite block or a molassed feed bucket to support forage utilisation and body condition. Additionally, where grass is low in quality and quantity, minerals and vitamins will be too, as without the moisture in the ground, plants can’t take up the nutrients they need. Again, the message is, get silage measured, have a look at what you’ve got and ensure supplements have the min-vit package.
The Addington Fund is o ering dry weather emergency grants this year for farmers who are struggling to feed stock due to the ongoing drought. Visit www.addingtonfund. org.uk for more information. FG
Sawdust Dispenser
With the use of calf jackets you can make significant savings on feed, medication and bedding costs, by better conversion of energy to growth rather than warmth and reduce the risk of pneumonia and scours from chills and draughts
• Easy to use
• Breathable and water repellent
• High quality for long life
• Machine washable at 50oC
• Available in two sizes
• One chest closer, two adjustable leg straps
the Scrapenser, now you can spread sawdust into your cubicles while you scrape out!
Time saving - two jobs in one trip
✔ Fuel saving - always have your dispenser with your scraper
✔ Low investment - scraper tractor does both jobs
✔ Better husbandry for your cattlespending more time in clean beds
✔ Easy adoption - bolts onto you existing scraper
✔ Yes, it can spread both sides
on stretching available forage.
Dr Alison Bond.
•
•
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Get in touch to find out more: farming@cranswick.co.uk or 01482 422037 You can also visit us at: woldfarms.co.uk whiterosefarms.co.uk or waylandfarms.co.uk
Show highlights next gen
This year’s Dairy Show will have a special focus on inspiring and educating new entrants to the industry, with the launch of Dairy Discovery Day. This is designed to connect agriculture with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
The usual show highlights will also return, such as livestock classes and top speakers – plus a new Agri Forum panels programme. Key discussions will focus on inheritance tax, o ering practical strategies for succession planning and safeguarding farming families, alongside the rising role of biomethane in low-carbon agriculture, where leaders in the industry will highlight its potential for renewable energy, waste management and
environmental gains.
Another rst for the show will be hosting the LandAlive event, which showcases regenerative dairy farming through keynote talks and in-depth panel discussions.
On the eve of the show, the Dairy Industry Dinner will welcome guest speaker Sarah Dyke MP (Liberal Democrats) alongside industry leaders, and funds will be raised for the Farm Safety Foundation.
The show takes place on 1st October at The Bath & West Showground – The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN. Gates open at 8.30am and free parking is available.
To book tickets visit: www. bathandwest.com/the-dairy-show FG
Update to Hi-Spec feeders
Hi-Spec Engineering Co Limited says its Vertical Auger and MixMax paddle type feeders o er one of the widest ranges of diet feeders on the market, with a particular feature being the broad range of feed-out options available.
The Vertical Auger range is available in single (V) and twin (T) auger variants and sizes from 7–32m3. A new feature on 2025 feeders is the ability to t extension sides, so that should the need arise, maybe due to an increase in herd size, this makes it possible to quickly increase the capacity of the feeder. In addition they also now feature a platform type ladder to give a more stable base when viewing the mix.
As with all Hi-Spec Vertical Auger feeders, the twin-auger T18 mixer can quickly and e ciently
incorporate complete bales into the mix, due to the unique knife arrangement.
As standard, T-Series feeders are tted with a Dinamica Generale DG600 display and weigh cells that allows a number of feed mix recipes to be recorded for di erent groups, with the option of more advanced app or cloud-based systems.
The Hi-Spec MixMax range of paddle type feeders, meanwhile, range in size from 10–24m3, and include the 18m3 MM18. The MixMax is designed to be exible, sturdy and economical, with a long lasting and simple design that ensures low running costs and maintenance. As standard, all MixMax feeders are tted with DigiStar weigh cells and programmable EZ3410 display. FG
Yard Scraper
FECs prove crucial for farms during summer drought
Farmers are being advised to use a knockout drench in the mid-tolate grazing season and carry out regular FECs, which have proved vital during the drought.
Average worm egg counts drastically increased in July, with some farms having very high pooled strongyle worm counts of over 750 EPG in lambs, according to data from Zoetis’ Parasite Watch. The rise coincides with warm, more humid weather conditions across many parts of the UK, accelerating the lifecycle of worm larvae on pastures.
Patricia van Veen, national veterinary manager at Zoetis, said it’s
missing the Nematodirus spring rise. To manage wormer resistance, we consider all drench groups, perform regular drench checks, and incorporate group four or ve wormers like Startect as a knockout drench in the late season.
“This experience has underscored how important it is, especially during drought, to closely monitor animal growth and FECs. Doing so enables you to respond quickly with the right interventions.”
drench such as dual active
other wormer groups. ewes
crucial that farmers closely monitor lambs for growth and cleanliness to quickly respond to parasite control. She recommended a knockout drench such as dual active group ve wormer Startect, in the mid-to-late grazing period to help manage wormer resistance and prolong the e cacy of all other wormer groups.
Peter Baber, a sheep farmer from Devon, said monitoring FECs has proved crucial for them during this year’s drought conditions.
BED ANY SHED
“A sudden rise in FEC alerted me and prompted a review of our next steps. In our case, this led to providing additional silage to the weaned ewes to improve their nutritional status and support their immunity. We also drenched the lambs at weaning with a group one-BZ wormer, followed by a drench check to assess the product’s e ectiveness.
SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) recommends drenching all remaining lambs to maximise the chance of killing all resistant worms. Once drenched, lambs should be returned to the same elds and then moved after four or ve days. This ensures that they will pick up a few untreated worms to take with them.
immunity. We also drenched the one-BZ wormer, followed by a
“For most lambs this was the rst drench done this season, following low FEC counts earlier in May and June, with the April born lambs
The group four and ve wormers should also be used as a quarantine drench when introducing new stock.
For further information on Zoetis Parasite Watch or to sign up to the alert service visit https://cloud. mc.zoetis.com/parasite_watch. For further information on Startect contact your animal health advisor or go to https://www2.zoetis.co.uk/ rama-connect/livestock/products/ sheep/startect. FG
Devon sheep farmer Peter Baber.
Using data to streamline decisions
The 1,619ha Farleigh Wallop Estate in Hampshire has long used data to drive its on-farm decision making. But a move to digital farming software, Omnia has helped to streamline day-to-day management and save costs.
The estate’s soil types range from chalk to heavy clay cap, which allows for a varied crop rotation of milling wheat, malting winter and spring barley, HEAR oilseed rape, maize and beans. And there are plans to introduce potatoes for next harvest.
Cian Flavin, farm and estate project manager says: “Although we are growing crops predominantly for premium markets, each harvest year has its own challenges. It is important we make sure we manage what we can and data helps us to do that.”
Before making the switch to Omnia a year ago, the estate had been running on four di erent
software systems – one for soil mapping and variable rate applications; one for spray records and IPM; an Excel spreadsheet for fertiliser recommendations and N-Max restrictions; as well as John Deere Operations Centre to track machinery and cultivation costs.
“The introduction of the spray module was the key thing to warrant us moving to Omnia and it is working really well for us,” explains Cian. “We have been able to amalgamate those four systems and have all that information and more in one place.
“Omnia has great API with John Deere Operations Center, and now we are creating variable rate application maps with Omnia, be it for seed, nitrogen, all the way through to liming, and we can just send them straight out through Omnia to the tractor doing that job.”
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Omnia EasyPlan.
Cian Flavin, farm and estate project manager at Farleigh Wallop.
Seamless switch
The switch to the software has been a fairly seamless one, with Cian having regular meetings with his local Omnia digital services specialist, Rowan Duckworth.
Cian explains: “Rowan would call in regularly and go through any questions I had. That probably got me up to speed with the software so quickly.
“The helpline is also very good and the team is very receptive to suggested improvements. As on the ground farmers we can give feedback to the Omnia team about the software, and I have actually seen that being implemented, so it is promising to know it is going to be a module that will keep advancing with farmers.”
Cian also took the approach that if the estate was to go fully digital, the whole team should be on board, so Wi-Fi was tted to the main farmyard, with a central farm laptop given to the team, and each of the farm’s employees having the Omnia Scout app on their mobile phone.
“I try to run an open book with the team – giving them access to this information means they can see my logic in why we are doing things a certain way and they can see plans or tasks that need doing. I have found this takes the weight o me a little.”
With two new team members joining the team just before harvest this year, Omnia has also proved useful in helping them navigate their way around the estate.
“On the Scout app, they can pull up Google Maps to give them a route to a eld or back to the grain store, which has been invaluable in their rst week of not knowing their way round the estate,” says Cian.
Finetuning budgeting
The estate’s independent agronomist also has agronomy level access to the farm’s records, allowing for greater autonomy with Cian, who is BASIS and FACTS quali ed himself, and his crop management plans.
“The team can sit down and provisionally plan the season to get an understanding of costs and where prices are looking for the springtime, as well as assessing how the crop and season is going before deciding applications. It has been very useful even for our agronomist to see which crop is coming next. Having that kind of clarity on what we are doing is helping them make better decisions on the ground.”
Omnia Business Manager provides live gross margins for everything from topping grass margins through to combining, which Cian has been using for budgeting.
“That has been key to netuning our budgeting. Once we have for example applied the T1 to wheat, I can sit down with the agronomist and assess how the crop is looking and what potential is there, but then instantly look at where the gross margin is for the crop and take into consideration any indirect costs, such as cultivation passes, costs of drilling, applying slug pellets and so on.
“It has made me really mindful of recreational machinery passes, and how we can streamline operations so for example, applying 2–3 products as a tank mix and not having that extra spray pass.
“Another key part of this is the team on the ground buying into it – they can see that whatever they submit on Omnia Scout is what is driving decisions for that crop. Their record keeping has to be as sharp as mine, as the manager.” FG
SWITCH ON TO OMNIA.
From precision mapping to compliance reports, everything you need is in one powerful, easy-to-use platform.
Tools to boost profitability, productivity and sustainability. Simple setup and support from people who speak your language.
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Omnia digital services specialist, Rowan Duckworth.
ON-HAND ADVICE MAKES PRECISION TECH PRODUCTIVE
While a wealth of precision farming technology is available to farmers, the direct support it is backed by is key to helping novice and more experienced users get the best from it.
This is the focus of AS Communications – a farming family-owned business with over 35 years’ experience. Headed by William Mumford, a fthgeneration Cambridgeshire farmer, the company provides precision farming solutions ranging from autonomous tractors to steering and guidance systems, correction services and application control technology. Being entirely Britishfocused, the company is dedicated to delivering products and packages tailored to British farmers.
Most importantly, ASC’s expert sta provide training, support and after-sales service that is integral to the technology the company supplies. This includes a correction signal subscription management service to ensure customers are provided with the best signal to suit their needs, and supported at all times. This service includes over-the-air installation, reminders
and full management of pending subscription renewal, plus full eet signal management overseen by ASC’s Ben Je s, ensuring users stay connected and accurate, eliminating frustration over downtime from any loss of signal.
The company’s product o ering includes the full range from German precision specialist Lacos, including the high-de nition LC:ONE Isobus terminal, which provides non- Isobus tractors with the
First HarvestPro launches
PFC is launching the very rst HarvestPro fully automated applicator with integrated moisture and wet bale management, removing the guesswork and stress, the company says.
The Shark Fin moisture sensor has the simplicity of a rub pad but engages signi cant technical updates to remove issues such as static build-up and temperature corruption from competitor products, PFC reckons. It has a +/1% accuracy.
On large square balers, the microwave option o ers users the world’s most accurate sensor at +/0.5% accuracy; it has zero wearing parts and is una ected by dew, bale
density or crop type, PFC continues.
The applicator utilises a single pump with an industry-leading capacity. HarvestPro is the only automatic applicator that can meet the output demands for all balers, so if the weather is against you there is no slowing down to allow the pump to keep up. Utilising a zero-drift nozzle is an industry rst and ensures the acid or inoculants you are applying are on the bale to work correctly.
PFC claims HarvestPro acid is also the strongest on the market per litre and the cheapest per tonne of forage applied. The new HarvestPro at a cost point is up to 45% cheaper than the old PFC o ering. FG
technology to seamlessly operate Isobus implements from a single touchscreen.
ASC’s range also consists of a full range of GPS antennas and steering kits to minimise operating fatigue and maximise accuracy. Emlid eld boundary mapping is also o ered for centimetre-level accuracy. Also available from the company is a range of tramline valves, seed blockage sensors and seed counting technology from MC Electronics, plus
a line of penetrometers.
AS Communications is also the UK agent for the full range of autonomous tractors from AgXeed, o ering farms facing labour challenges an option to fully automate certain eld tasks. The AgBot range comprises the three-wheeled W3, four-wheeled W4 and twin-tracked T2, all powered by diesel engines and simple to manage via an app through any smart device. FG
Will Mumford, MD of AS Communications, setting up an AgXeed T2 autonomous tractor.
LACOS
LACOS
EMLID
AGXEED
Autonomous
MC
Tramline
Seed
Correction
Save
Save
Stay
Stay
WHY ADJUVANTS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
One of the most e ective – and often underutilised – tools available to growers and agronomists is the adjuvant, according to Nichino commercial technical manager, Ollie Johnson.
In today’s farming environment, every input must work harder than ever before. Crop protection products face greater scrutiny, regulatory restrictions are tightening, and the pressure to achieve more from fewer active ingredients continues to increase. At Nichino, we see adjuvants not as optional extras, but as essential partners in modern crop protection strategies.
What is an adjuvant?
Simply put, adjuvants are spray partners that improve the performance of crop protection products. They don’t provide pest, disease, or weed control in their own right, but they help the chemistry you’ve already invested in work more e ectively.
Depending on the type, an adjuvant can: improve spray retention and coverage on the leaf surface; enhance uptake into the plant; reduce drift and losses during application; and help overcome issues like hard water, waxy cuticles, or challenging weather conditions.
Without an adjuvant, a proportion of valuable chemistry can easily be lost before it ever reaches its intended target.
Why they’re important
Resistance management: We cannot a ord suboptimal performance. Every spray must hit its target and deliver robust control to slow resistance development. The loss of e cacy in herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides due to resistance is one of the greatest long-term threats to productive farming. Adjuvants are part of the resistance management toolbox – helping sprays achieve consistent coverage and uptake and reducing the chance of survivors that fuel resistance build-up.
The right adjuvant
Not all adjuvants are the same, and selecting the right partner for the job is critical. Nichino’s range is designed to give agronomists and growers con dence that the chemistry they apply is being delivered as e ectively as possible.
• Oils (methylated seed oils, mineral oils, etc.): Products such as Toil enhance penetration into the leaf – particularly useful with systemic herbicides. This group also features BackRow Max, which improves the performance of soil-applied residual herbicides, when even coverage across the soil surface is critical
• Wetting agents/spreaders: Kantor reduces surface tension, so droplets spread evenly, improving coverage against disease spores or small weeds. Dense crop canopies can often shield weeds or pathogens; adjuvants like Kantor help overcome that barrier
• Drift control agents: Drift reduction is a key concern for growers operating near sensitive habitats or watercourses. Kantor can also modify droplet size to keep sprays on target, protecting both crop investment and the wider environment
• Water conditioners: Volta Ego neutralises hard water ions that can otherwise bind with actives like glyphosate and reduce performance. In areas with challenging water quality, this simple step can make the di erence between a successful application and disappointing results.
extend spray windows under marginal weather conditions, but they cannot compensate for poor practice. Our technical team regularly advises growers on best-use conditions
• Tank-mixing: Compatibility is essential when products are combined. Nichino adjuvants undergo rigorous testing, but we always recommend small-scale jar tests to avoid tankmix issues
• Value for money: Adjuvants represent a relatively low-cost addition compared with the chemistry they support, and the return on investment is often signi cant. In our experience, growers who consistently use adjuvants as part of their spray strategy see noticeable improvements in performance and reliability.
Looking ahead
The role of adjuvants is only set to grow. As biologicals and bio-based crop protection products become more common, adjuvants will be essential in helping these new tools perform consistently in real-world conditions. Nichino is already working to integrate its adjuvant portfolio with emerging biological solutions, ensuring they deliver the reliability growers demand.
Nichino ensures growers have access to adjuvants that are tried, tested, and supported by technical expertise.
Alongside this, the rise of digital farming and precision spraying means applications can be timed and targeted with greater accuracy. When paired with the right adjuvant, this creates an opportunity to maximise e ciency: more control, less waste, and greater sustainability. Nichino’s mission is to support growers in making these advances practical and pro table.
Regulatory and environmental pressure: With fewer actives available, getting the most out of each approved product is vital. At the same time, farmers face rising pressure to reduce environmental impact, particularly around water quality and biodiversity. Nichino has built its product portfolio with sustainability in mind, and adjuvants are a key component. They can reduce the need for repeat applications, lower the risk of drift into non-target areas, and ensure less product is wasted.
Practical considerations
When working with adjuvants, keep the following in mind:
• Always check the label: Some crop protection products specify which adjuvants are approved or required. Nichino works closely with manufacturers to ensure our adjuvants are fully compatible and compliant
• Timing matters: Certain adjuvants may help
Adjuvants may not always grab the headlines, but they are one of the most powerful tools available to growers looking to maximise return on investment, protect active ingredients, and safeguard the environment. By understanding how di erent adjuvants work and matching them carefully to your crop protection strategy, you can drive better results, preserve chemistry for the future, and ultimately protect farm pro tability. FG
The extremely low drift Lechler IDTA asymmetrical twin nozzle was introduced nearly 10 years ago at Agritechnica 2015, where it was awarded a silver medal. Marking the anniversary, UK importer On Point Spraying Solutions Ltd notes the success it has achieved over the past decade.
Feedback from sprayer operators using the IDTA for many years have been unanimously positive, making the IDTA nozzle the go-to nozzle for both pre-emergence applications and drift control, On Point says.
Spraying should be both e cient and environmentally safe. The IDTA achieves 95% drift reduction for IDTA 05 and 90% for sizes 025–04.
The IDTA nozzle is well suited for high-speed applications due to the 30-degree forward and 50-degree rear facing spray con guration. With the spray ow rate split 60-degree forward and 40-degree rear distribution, uniform deposition is achieved.
On Point adds that it can also ensure optimum user protection during cleaning of the nozzle, thanks to the patented Click Clean easy removal/installation of the injector. FG
Upgrade to ISOBUS Control for your Sprayer
Raven ISOBUS -designed to maximise a sprayers potential.
Up to sixteen sections for excellent GPS headland control minimising overlaps and misses to help maximise yield.
Precise application gives perfect spray quality to achieve the full potential of the pesticides or fertilisers applied.
When combined with up to four Direct Injection pumps gives the ultimate variable rate application without altering the carrier volume. Each ingredient in the application can be varied independently to target the different requirements of selected areas of the field, be it for weeds , disease or growth regulator.
Pesticide application costs will be reduced by precisely targeting individual products during only one pass. No more “I require it in part of the field but its easier to mix up a whole tank “
For more information Call:
New launch boosts safety
The perilous task of wheel changing on self-propelled and trailed sprayers is now safer, quicker and easier, thanks to the launch of the Sprayer-Jak this year, following two years of development.
Sprayer-Jak can be remotely operated, removing the operator from the ‘danger zone’ where a wheel or worse could fall on them, explains WM Agri MD, Will Mallon. It lifts two axles simultaneously, so there’s no need for bottle jacks or axle stands, and will comfortably handle 13t.
Once it lifts the axles from the ground, the self-locking mechanism safely secures the sprayer from tipping or becoming unstable.
It’s essentially fully mobile with an optional additional wheel kit. Optional extra lift kits allow sprayers up to 3.5m of ground clearance to be used with the Sprayer-Jak.
WM Agri, the established agent for the Trak-Jak which safely removes tractor wheels, also launched the Tire-Grabber this year. It can be tted to any wheeled-loader, telehandler or forklift, with attachment to any type of loader.
For those who question the cost of the products, Will says this is negligible compared to the cost of an accident should HSE become involved. FG
The Complete Solution
IDK
Air induction flat spray nozzle
90% Drift
Very low drift up to 3 bar (dependent on nozzle size)
Available in POM or Ceramic
ID3 3 star
Compact symmetrical Air induction Twin nozzle
90% Drift reducing *
IDKT or
Very low drift up to 3 bar (dependent on nozzle size)
Optimal deposition thank to symmetrical twin flat
spray jet 30°/30°
Available in POM or Ceramic
Compact design
Air induction flat spray nozzle
Very low drift up to 5 bar (dependent on nozzle size)
Drift stability over a large pressure range
IDTA
Asymmetrical Twin flat spray nozzle
Extremely low drift
95% Drift reducing for 120-05
90% Drift reducing for 025-04 Ideal for higher sprayer speeds due to 30°/50° spray configuration
Ceramic
Optimum user protection thanks to 'CLICK CLEAN' removal/installation
Liquid Fertilizer Application
Orifice nozzle with vertical spray pattern
FS or
7° backward spray inclination reduces the jet force and ensures gentle application
FD
Flat spray nozzle with horizontal spray pattern for uniform cross distribution
Gentle liquid fertilizer application thanks to extremely low spray impact
Nozzle in cap for standard bayonet connection system
Minimum risk of scorching due to extremely coarse droplet application
PRECISION SPRAYING WITH BOOMCONTROL
Award-winning BoomControl on mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers from 1800 to 8000 litres: Leeb CS, Leeb AX, Leeb LT, Leeb GS, Leeb PT and Leeb VT
To discover more about the wide and versatile range of cultivators, drills and sprayers, speak to your local HORSCH branch HORSCH.COM
Leeb PT
Leeb
CS
Leeb LT
NEW HUB TACKLES HARD WATER RISKS
De Sangosse has launched a dedicated resource to help farmers maximise glyphosate performance and reduce the risk of resistance through better water management.
As pre-drilling glyphosate applications approach, a new online resource is helping farmers unlock more consistent weed control by tackling one of the hidden, yet critical factors a ecting performance: hard water in the spray tank.
The Clean Water. Clean Kill. stewardship hub, developed by De Sangosse, brings together practical, science-based information, explainer videos, and a downloadable guide – all designed to help farmers and operators maximise glyphosate e cacy and protect against resistance.
And with Italian ryegrass resistance con rmed in the UK, there’s fresh urgency around stewardship and getting every glyphosate application right.
Most farms a ected
An estimated 70% of farms in England are working with moderately hard to very hard water. This matters, because hard water contains calcium, magnesium and iron ions that bind to glyphosate in the tank, forming inactive compounds that can’t be absorbed by weeds.
“That can lead to glyphosate e cacy losses of up to 30%,” warns Rob Suckling, commercial technical manager at De Sangosse.
hard, and some were using a conditioner just in case. But that’s risky. If you don’t know how hard your water is, you can’t dose your conditioner correctly. And if it’s under-dosed, you’ll still get glyphosate lock-up.
“We also found a signi cant number of farmers were either not using a water conditioner at all, or relying on straight ammonium sulphate (AMS), believing it would solve the problem.
“But AMS doesn’t remove hardness ions. It simply provides ammonium, which serves as a competition agent for divalent cations to form glyphosate salts. Because of its competitive action these products are said to provide partial water conditioning. Without a true chelating water conditioner like X-Change, glyphosate remains vulnerable to lock-up in hard water.”
This lock-up happens silently in the tank, with no visible sign, but can result in sub-lethal dosing, allowing weeds to regrow and potentially accelerating resistance development. “We also heard from farmers using citric acid or fulvic/ humic acid to condition water, but again, they can cause more problems than they solve, competing with glyphosate for uptake,” adds Rob.
• Video explainers: Short clips on how hard water a ects glyphosate, how to test hardness, and how to condition e ectively
• Downloadable Glyphosate Stewardship Guide: Developed in partnership with John Cussans of ADAS, covers water hardness and testing, water source considerations and the importance of regular testing, conditioner selection, adjuvant use, mixing order and WRAG aligned resistance stewardship
• Live FAQ: Submit your questions or read realworld examples from other farmers.
Simple, practical
“You can end up with weakened control, regrowth, and increased selection pressure for resistance.”
Highly engaged
“Every time glyphosate gives a partial kill, it increases the risk of resistance creeping in,” says John Cussans, principal weed scientist at ADAS. “We’re not facing a crisis yet in the UK, but stewardship needs to be taken seriously. Resistance concerns every farmer and it’s crucial that growers follow WRAG (Weed Resistance Action Group) Guidelines, which includes using the right water quality to maximise e cacy.”
But despite how widespread the issue is, Rob says relatively few farmers have tested their spray water.
While the knowledge gap around water quality was surprising, the positive news is that farmers were highly engaged with the issue.
Both Rob and John believe the industry has a real opportunity this autumn to take a simple but meaningful step forward in glyphosate stewardship.
“At events and open days this summer, we spoke to a lot of growers who suspected their water was
“Once the link between hard water and glyphosate performance was explained, there was a clear willingness to act,” says Rob. “Farmers wanted to test their water, understand what conditioners actually do, and make sure their glyphosate is working at full strength.”
The new Clean Water. Clean Kill. hub has been built speci cally to support that, providing practical, eld-ready support:
“Testing water and using the right conditioner at the right rate is something every farm can do. It’s low cost, it’s practical, and it gives a return through better weed control and longer glyphosate viability,” John concludes.
The Clean Water. Clean Kill. hub is available now at: https://www.desangosse.co.uk/solutions/ clean-water-clean-kill/FG
John Cussans, principal weed scientist at ADAS.
Rob Suckling, De Sangosse.
TECH UPGRADES FOR KNIGHT
The 3,500/4,000/5,000-litre 2400 series self-propelled sprayers from Knight Farm Machinery now incorporate multiple recent technology upgrades.
Perkins 175/235/300hp engines provide power to individual wheel motors, while comfort upgrades include the air-suspended Claas X10 cab with Cat IV ltration and auto ride-height control.
Fluid Control Pro calculates the amount of product required for a given job and automatically operates the lling cycle. Managed via the lling area computer or in-cab Isobus terminal, it helps lling time management based on entered information such as required application rate and eld size, to calculate the
task’s required chemical volume.
MAXImizer uid control enables the sprayer’s low volume plumbing to be primed for full circulation, automatic agitation and instant nozzle response/switching, with clean water line purging similarly instant. The new MAXImizer PRO development has further reduced boom pipework by 21% for faster response and minimal retained uid.
Vario Select nozzle automation uses combinations of four di erent capacity nozzles on each body to provide up to 16 application rates of up to 800-litres/min. The system, which can also be used for spot spraying in conjunction with a prescription map, uses computerised
nozzle selection and allows the operator to select the required application rate and droplet size, minimum/maximum pressures and working speed range, after which it then selects the best nozzles for the task.
Vario Select also governs exible rate control, and provides turn compensation through gyroscope measurement and instant switching between nozzle types to compensate for the di erent speeds of inner and outer nozzles during a turn. Boom precision is further aided by Knight’s 4D Active Boom Control for quick and accurate ground contour following and consistent nozzle height above the crop/ground.
KINS air-actuated nozzle switching technology means a conventional nozzle body con guration can accommodate single, triple or quin nozzle bodies, with each group of four bodies incorporating a Smart Module con gurable to provide section or individual nozzle switching.
Boom developments include new Knight Contour Master terrain-tracking technology for tri-fold booms (30–40m). Four sensors across the boom work with advanced software to control height, tilt, levelling and variable geometry of each boom side (+/-5-degrees). A further 6G version of Knight Contour Master uses six sensors and Knight’s own technology to manage additional variable geometry points between the inner and outer boom sections. It adds full independent automatic movement of the outer boom sections to the existing boom contourfollowing, providing 8-degrees of movement at the boom ends in both directions. FG
Perform Better – Earn More with 2G CHP Service & Overhaul
Whether it’s routine servicing, major overhauls, or emergency support, 2G provides tailored maintenance solutions designed to save farmers money. Reduce your running costs, avoid unexpected repair bills, and keep your farm powered reliably with expert care from 2G.
•Lower running costs – Apply 2G’s biogasdedicated components to your CHP and reduce breakdowns.
• Better efciency – Run at peak performance, cutting biogas consumption with the latest technology.
•Maximum availability – Keep power fowing when you need it most — system uptime is key to your success.
•Long-term savings – Overhauls tailored to your FIT/RHI period deliver the latest in efciency and reliability.
•Trusted expertise – With over 30 years’ experience in the biogas sector, 2G engineers know how to maximise your system’s value.
COULD CHP REDUCE YOUR FARM’S ENERGY BILLS?
(DNO) is required so they know what generation is on site.
a small heat network. This not only reduces costs on the farm but can also create an additional income stream.
2G can take the lead in managing this application process. Once up and running, CHP units are designed for continuous operation and require regular servicing. 2G o ers exible service packages that can be tailored to each farm, whether the farmer wants to be closely involved in the routine maintenance or prefers a fully managed service.
How long does ROI take?
What system do you recommend?
A. On a 500kW AD site, even a 1% improvement in CHP availability can add around £13,000 per year in extra income. Replacing older engines with modern, more e cient units can therefore make a big di erence to pro tability.
With energy costs contributing to the tight margins farmers are facing, we spoke to 2G Energy sales manager Ian Forsyth about how combined heat and power could reduce farm energy bills.
How does CHP work?
A. CHP (combined heat and power) is a technology that generates both electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source. By capturing and using the heat that would normally be wasted, CHP can achieve overall e ciencies of up to 95%. As a simple example, if natural gas costs around 4p/kWh, a CHP can produce electricity at about 10p/kWh – with the heat coming ‘free on top.’ That heat, if used e ectively, can easily be worth another 5p/kWh in savings. The key advantage is that the energy is produced right at the point of demand, giving farmers reliable, e cient power and heat exactly where it’s needed.
a grid connection) or LPG (where mains gas isn’t available). These fuels are reliable, widely available, and deliver strong economics. For farms with an anaerobic digester, CHP is an ideal partner technology: the biogas produced can be used directly in the engine to generate both electricity and heat. CHP can also run on other renewable gases such as land ll gas, or hydrogen, depending on the setup and long-term farm plans.
What fuels can be used?
A. Most farm-based CHP systems run on either natural gas (if there’s
A. The return on investment depends on a few key factors: the size of the CHP unit, the price of gas, how much of the available heat can be used e ectively on the farm, and the cost to install the equipment on site. In today’s market we see payback periods typically between one and four years. This equates to an annual return on the invested capital of around 25% up to 100%, depending on the individual set-up.
What’s involved in set-up?
A. Installing a CHP system is relatively straightforward. The farmer’s local mechanical and electrical contractors can usually carry out the installation work, while 2G provides the design support and then comes to site for commissioning. If the farm is connected to the electricity grid, a connection agreement with the local Distribution Network Operator
2G
CHP
20–30kW of electricity
heat in winter. Here, electricity/44kW
For non-AD farms, the CHP should be sized to match the actual power and heat demand. A typical chicken shed, for instance, uses around 20–30kW of electricity but up to 200kW of heat in winter. Here, a gbox20 (20kW electricity/44kW heat) could be a perfect t.
What can the heat be used for?
A. The heat from a CHP system is typically available at a ow temperature of 80–90°C, and this can easily be adjusted for di erent uses on the farm. Common applications include heating livestock sheds, drying crops or woodchip, preheating the air supplied to grain dryers, or simply heating the farmhouse. In some cases, the heat can also be supplied to neighbouring sheds or other local heat users via
About 2G Energy
In some cases, a technology mix delivers the best results. For example, a gbox50PLUS producing 50kW electricity and 100kW heat could cover the shed’s base load, with 30kW electricity feeding an air-source heat pump to deliver an additional 100kW of heat in winter. In summer, when heat demand is low, the CHP can be switched o and the shed powered by a solar PV system on the roof. 2G can precisely model the best CHP size and expected return on investment for each farm. 2G supports farmers from the rst idea through to a fully operational CHP. Check your potential using the free Bene t Calculator: https://2-g. com/uk/contact/energy-savingscalculator. Or, get in touch with 2G directly. FG
2G Energy has been in business for over 30 years, with its head o ce in north-west Germany. Today its o ering includes AI-based features that can predict and prevent faults before they occur. Globally, 2G has sold more than 10,000 CHP units and is now the third-largest CHP manufacturer in Europe. In the UK, it has operated since 2011 as a 100% subsidiary, with over 600 CHP units installed, including over 200 on farms. Its own local service teams support customers nationwide, from Inverness to Brighton.
Energy sales manager Ian Forsyth.
SPOTLIGHT ON…
How solar is strengthening farm businesses
power into the grid under long-term agreements. Some farmers also choose to combine solar with biodiversity improvements, using the fenced-o areas beneath panels to encourage wild owers, pollinators, and small mammals.
A farmer’s perspective
One farm already seeing signi cant bene ts is James Foskett Farms, a vegetable farm based in East Su olk. The farm consumes a large amount of energy to operate its cold storage facilities throughout most of the year. To address this, James Foskett Farms installed an additional 1,500 solar panels, creating a new 700kWp solar system. As a result, the farm has successfully reduced its electricity purchases from the grid by 25%, boosting its energy resilience and o ering a level of protection against rising energy prices. Furthermore, James has taken advantage of a major export agreement with the local District Network Operator, allowing the farm to sell surplus electricity back to the grid for additional income. The project is expected to achieve a payback period of 5–5.5 years, delivering a return on investment (ROI) of 17–20%.
Return on investment
Founded by former pig farmer Robbie Gawthrop, East Green Energy is a family business which understands the realities of running an agricultural business. We take a look at how the business is powering pro tability on farms.
East Green Energy understands the pressures on farms, from uctuating market prices to rising costs. Drawing on his rst-hand experience in farming, Robbie and his sons recognised the potential of renewable energy to give farmers greater control over their operations, reduce overheads, and build a more sustainable future.
Today, East Green Energy says it is a leading renewable energy specialist in the UK, designing and installing solar PV, battery storage, and sustainable heating systems for homes, farms, and businesses – always with the practical, pro tfocused mindset of someone who knows the land.
Across the UK, farmers are nding that diversi cation is no longer just an option – it’s becoming essential for long-term resilience. With
rising input costs, unpredictable commodity prices, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, many are turning to renewable energy as a reliable way to boost income and futureproof their businesses.
Solar PV, whether mounted on existing farm buildings or installed as ground-mounted arrays, is proving one of the most e ective diversi cation strategies – delivering both energy savings and a steady return on investment, all while making productive use of underutilised assets.
Utilising buildings
For many farms, rooftops represent untapped earning potential. Grain stores, livestock sheds, and packing facilities often have large, unshaded roof areas that are ideal for solar PV installations. By generating electricity on-site, farms can reduce their reliance on the grid and shield themselves from volatile energy prices.
A well-designed rooftop system can supply power directly to farm operations during the day – running everything from cold storage to grain drying – with any surplus exported to the grid for an additional income stream. Modern systems require minimal maintenance and can be installed without disrupting day-to-day farming activities.
Ground-mounted solar
For farms with suitable land, ground-mounted solar o ers another route to diversi cation. These systems can be sited on less productive elds, awkward corners, or areas that are di cult to farm, turning underused space into a steady income source.
Ground-mounted arrays can be scaled to match demand – from small systems powering individual buildings, to larger installations feeding
Solar PV has become increasingly a ordable in recent years, with improved e ciency meaning systems generate more electricity per panel than ever before. For many farms, the payback period can be as short as 3–7 years – with systems continuing to generate free electricity for decades beyond that.
The economics are strengthened by the ability to sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This means that every kilowatt hour generated – whether used onsite or exported – works to improve the farm’s bottom line.
Solar installions can be 100% o set against the annual investment allowance.
Reducing carbon footprint
The nancial case for solar is strong and the environmental bene ts are equally important. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions is becoming a priority for the agricultural sector, especially as supply chain partners and retailers increasingly ask about sustainability credentials.
By generating clean energy on-site, farms can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, which can strengthen relationships with buyers and open up new marketing opportunities. In a competitive marketplace, being able to show both e ciency and environmental responsibility can be a real advantage.
The future
As energy prices remain unpredictable and pressure grows for sustainable production, solar PV is expected to play a growing role in farm diversi cation strategies. Whether installed on rooftops or as ground-mounted arrays, solar gives farmers control over one of their biggest costs while providing a secure, predictable return.
For many, it’s not just about cutting bills – it’s about building resilience, reducing environmental impact, and creating a legacy of smarter, cleaner energy use for the next generation. FG
Solar energy project at James Foskett Farms.
James Foskett; Jessica Church, organic sales and marketing manager at James Foskett Farms; and Jack Gawthrop, East Green Energy commercial manager.
for farming
Energy cost stability – Lock in energy costs and reduce exposure to market volatility.
Less reliance on the grid – Less risk of blackouts and downtime.
Achieve sustainability goals – Reduce your carbon footprint and showcase your commitment to sustainability.
Maximise large spaces – Make the best use of your available space with roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
Easily scalable systems – Expand as your needs grow, or add to an existing installation.
SUPPORTING DIVERSIFICATION WITH SOLAR
is expected to generate around 122,600kWh of clean electricity per year, delivering an estimated payback period of just three years.
A well-designed solar PV system can support both your core farming operations and new diversi ed activities, providing clean, a ordable electricity across the whole business.
As UK farmers face a growing list of challenges, many are exploring diversi cation options as a route to secure long-term income and futureproof their farm. Farmers are moving beyond traditional agriculture to create multiple income streams and adapt to changes in policy, land use, and climate. New enterprises, such as camping sites, glamping and farm shops with EV charging, generate new income streams but also increase power usage.
Key areas of farm diversi cation include:
• Retail and hospitality, such as farm shops and cafés
• Holiday lets, glamping, and farm stays
• Event venues for weddings, corporate retreats, or festivals
• EV charging stations, linked to farm shop, café or retail units
• Cold storage facilities, for own produce or tenant use
• Anaerobic digestion systems
• Workshops and converted outbuildings, rented to local businesses
• Direct retail sales of farm produce.
Utilising space
With solar PV, farmers can generate their own renewable electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and signi cantly cutting energy bills. As many farm operations and diversi cation ventures run during daylight hours, when solar generation is highest, a large share of the power can be used directly, making the system highly e cient and cost-e ective.
Farms are often ideal sites for solar installations. Large, unshaded roof spaces on sheds and barns make excellent panel space, while underutilised elds can be used for ground-mount systems without interfering with day-to-day farming.
Solar PV systems can be scaled to suit your energy needs, making them a versatile solution, whether you run an arable, livestock, dairy, horticultural, or a mixed-use farm, with or without additional rural businesses.
Solar PV is a long-term investment that pays back in multiple ways:
• Lower electricity bills – Reduce your energy costs from day one
• Energy security – Protection from rising and uctuating energy prices
• Carbon footprint reduction –Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
• Better use of buildings – Turn unused roof space into a revenuegenerating asset
• Increased farm value – Energye cient infrastructure can improve farm valuation.
Full service
As part of the Noble Foods Group, Noble Green Energy says it understands the speci c needs of farmers and rural businesses. It provides a full, turnkey solar PV service, including:
• Site assessment and system design tailored to your energy pro le
• Roof-mount or ground-mount installations using trusted, highperformance technology
• Grid connection management and help with planning and permissions
• Ongoing system monitoring and maintenance for optimal performance
• Finance options and grants where available.
“Farms are ideally placed to bene t from solar PV,” says James Pullin, general manager of Noble Green Energy. “Whether it's powering agricultural operations or supporting diversi cation ventures like holiday lets, cold storage or EV charging, solar allows farmers to generate their own energy, helping to reduce electricity costs and potentially even create an income by exporting surplus back to the grid.”
Real results
Farm businesses are already bene ting from switching to solar with Noble Green Energy, the company says.
PD Hook Hatcheries:
PD Hook Hatcheries in Cowdown, Hampshire, worked with Noble Green Energy to install a 100.05kWp roofmounted solar PV system on one of their chicken sheds. The system
During peak sunlight and usage hours, the power from this single shed’s panels is enough to run the ventilation systems for all four chicken sheds on site. This makes the installation a perfect example of how well solar PV can integrate with poultry farming, where ventilation is one of the largest energy demands.
The site was an ideal candidate for solar, with its high daytime energy use closely matching solar irradiance patterns. This alignment means the farm can directly use a large proportion of the energy it generates, maximising savings and e ciency.
Alongside signi cant cost reductions, the system cuts the site’s carbon emissions by more than 17 tonnes per year – the equivalent of planting over 800 trees.
Tuesley Farm:
The Hall Hunter Partnership worked with Noble Green Energy to signi cantly expand their solar PV capacity at Tuesley Farm, installing a 1.7MWp ground-mounted array and boosting total site generation to over 2.1MWp. The system produces around 1.7GWh of energy annually, delivering substantial carbon savings and long-term energy resilience.
To support the expansion, the farm’s DNO transformer was replaced with a 1.5MVA unit, along with upgraded electrical infrastructure. A smart export limit of 999kW was implemented to avoid costly network reinforcement.
This modern system enables high solar self-consumption, with export levels routinely reaching the set limit during peak sunshine. Continuous monitoring ensures the array is performing optimally, supporting both operational e ciency and sustainability goals. Visit https://noblegreenenergy. co.uk/or get in touch with the team to book a free site assessment. FG
Roof-mounted solar installation at PD Hook Hatcheries.
Ground-mount installation at Hall Hunter Partnership, Tuesley Farm.
Self-storage a “no-brainer” for farms
Self-storage is a fast-growing market and an increasingly popular farm diversi cation as it can generate good pro ts with relatively low input. We spoke to Kuboid’s head of sales and marketing Chris Fletcher to nd out more.
The UK self-storage market has been growing at an average rate of 10% each year and has generated £1.2 billion in turnover this year. Downsizing was always a key driver for the market but shifts since the Covid-19 pandemic have seen the sector go from strength to strength. For example, the rise in working from home, plus more people living in ats and children leaving home later, have all seen demand for storage rise.
Asked whether the industry will continue to grow, Chris said: “Yes, and in a very big way. It’s de nitely going to continue to grow as a sector in general, due to the drivers that push demand. And for the agricultural world, I think it’s a no-brainer.”
Underutilised farm buildings are ideal for
this venture, he added. As corporate self-storage operators favour city locations, rural areas are often overlooked meaning farmers can capitalise on an untapped market. Additionally, farmers are often well-known in the local community, and many consumers will like working with someone they know rather than a faceless corporate business.
A key bene t of self-storage for farmers is that good pro ts can be made from automated sites requiring very little human input, maintenance costs or upkeep. Rental rates can be exed in line with changing market conditions, and it’s a steady income stream that’s generally resilient during volatile conditions. Average payback in the UK is 3–5 years, according to Kuboid.
The company has a growing agricultural base and has converted a lot of agricultural land or farm buildings into self-storage.
Commenting on challenging government policy and conditions for farmers currently, Chris said:
“We’re making it extremely hard for our farmers to survive, which is an absolute shame. Heaven forbid we ever get close to wartime again, we’re going to really need our farmers and our farmland. I feel very sorry for historical farm brands and family names that are doing everything they can to stay in the sector but are being strangled left, right and centre.
“There are lots of ways to diversify but this is just another avenue that we know works and will keep these family names in business.”
Self-storage specialist Kuboid assists farmers from concept to completion, general consultancy, planning, design, construction, and aftercare. To nd out if self-storage could work for your farm, contact the company directly. FG
for Farmers & Landowners
Asset Finance & Business Loans
Kuboid’s head of sales and marketing, Chris Fletcher.
Scan the QR code to find out more and discover how farm diversification can future-proof your business
Free audit helps farmers cut bills
TCD Energy digs deep into farmers’ energy, water and waste costs to uncover hidden overcharges, reclaim past billing errors and secure better rates and services –at no cost to the farmer.
When Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones received a shock bill for
over £100,000, his energy supplier claimed it was due to re-billing going back years. But after calling in TCD Energy, the result was staggering – the £100k bill was wiped, and his account was later rebalanced to show a £10,000 credit. TCD also helped him switch to a new supplier, more than halving his annual energy costs.
Gareth said TCD Energy was a “game-changer” for his farm and the process was seamless. “The punitive energy contract we were stuck in was crippling us nancially, and I didn’t know how we were going to manage. TCD Energy’s team not only got us out of that terrible contract but also secured much better rates for our utilities, saving us £50,000 a year.”
The company works with farmers and rural enterprises across the UK. After auditing the farm’s energy accounts it provides a free renewable energy assessment, helping farmers explore solutions such as solar PV. It also helps with funding arrangements, access to grants and planning. FG Gareth Wyn Jones/Instagram.
What’s new in diversification?
Whilst diversi cations such as weddings and glamping are longestablished methods of generating additional revenue on-farm, we take a look at some fast-growing industries that farmers could tap into.
Wellness tourism: The wellness industry is a rapidly growing market, now worth £166Bn in the UK. Farms are ideally placed to capitalise on this trend, as the mental and physical bene ts of spending time in nature are well known. Examples of farm wellness opportunities could include anything from full retreats, to o ering yoga or meditation classes, nature walks, farm-to-table cooking sessions, herbal foraging workshops, and woodland saunas, forest bathing
and wild swimming.
Dog parks: Popular among dog walkers and dog owners, these can provide a good source of income – around £8–10 per half-hour, according to the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) – utilising small acreages of land that could be considered marginal and less suited to arable cropping.
Farm vending/retail: With margins especially tight, more farms are turning towards selling direct from the farm, where you can keep pro ts at the farm gate. Vending machines or retail spaces have the added bene t of not requiring the same labour input as more traditional shop or café enterprises. FG
Candy and Wilma at a secure dog eld set amongst a 60-year-old apple orchard at White House Farm. Image: The Dog Orchard.
FARM DIVERSIFICATION
NFL’s free-range pigs are kept in large paddocks with minimal infrastructure.
COULD PIGS BOOST YOUR ARABLE BUSINESS?
As many arable farmers struggle with poor crop prices and increasingly volatile weather impacting yields, North Farm Livestock is seeing huge growth in those looking to add pigs to their enterprise.
“We have seen tremendous growth this year. It just keeps coming,” says Michael Baker, who owns the business, alongside his brother Ian. The family-run company, which Michael and Ian run alongside their respective sons, Matthew and Todd, is growing. North Farm Livestock, known locally as NFL, supplies all of Waitrose’s freerange pork through a long-term supply contract with Pilgrim’s Europe, and has recently been nominated for Outdoor Producer of the Year at the National Pig Awards, alongside nominations in other categories.
“We have heard from so many farmers and landowners who are looking at the prices they are receiving for their crops and realising they need to add something else to their farm,” adds Matthew. “They are so passionate about producing food and having a working farm but
they also need something which is going to bolster their bottom line. That’s where North Farm Livestock and our pigs come in.”
How does it work?
Explaining the variety of ways in which the team work with farmers and landowners, Matthew says that in most operations, NFL rents elds from the landowner and manages the whole operation itself. In some cases, the landowner or farmer provides the labour with NFL infrastructure or in others, the farmer invests in the kit themselves.
“Our non-negotiables are our high standards of animal welfare and our high standards of site maintenance and presentation. On everything else, we can adapt and be exible,” he notes.
Another cornerstone of the business is the team’s pride in being a family-run business. “Partners value that they can pick up the phone to us and speak to us directly,” Matthew shares. “They appreciate that when they ask a question, we get it answered. When they shake hands with us, it’s done and dusted.”
NFL’s free-range pigs are kept in large paddocks with minimal infrastructure. Within the single-strand electric fence, each paddock has two steel-framed tents to provide shelter, ad-lib feed hoppers and water drinkers. On most of their land, NFL operates on a muck-forstraw deal with the landowners.
“We take the straw in the swathe,” explains Michael. “We bale, chase and cart it ourselves. In return, we clear the muck from the pigs and move it into a heap at an agreed location. This is
an enormous bene t to the rest of the farm.”
Free-range pigs contribute enormous amounts of organic matter to the land they’re on but also provide tonnes of muck to spread across the wider farm or estate.
“You get signi cantly more muck from a eld of free-range pigs than you do an outdoorbreeding herd.”
Shaping standards
Todd Baker is part of Waitrose’s ‘Farming for Nature’ working group. Last year, the retailer announced they would support their supply chain to transition towards regenerative farming practices by 2035. Alongside colleagues from Pilgrim’s Europe and LEAF, Todd is working to shape a set of standards for outdoor pig production which will ultimately apply across all their farms.
“Anyone can pay rent, but we know that our success is built upon the relationship we have with the landowner and the service we provide to them,” Todd says.
The team drill a grass mix prior to putting pigs down to maintain ground cover and soil structure, and level the land before returning it to the landowner at the end of their tenancy. They want to support the wider success of each farming business they partner with.
Todd concludes: “We are looking for landowners and farmers who want to partner with us. Our pigs are good for their land, and for their business.” FG
Michael Baker, co-owner of NFL.
Todd Baker, NFL.
The UK’s leading free-range pork producer
We are looking for land for our free-range pigs. If you are a landowner, estate or farmer interested in partnering with us, please get in touch.
Follow the QR code or call Todd on 07784 874770 or Matthew on 07747 422057.
Farmer aids egg diversification with milk float vans
Richard Robinson is using eight Mercedes-Benz Sprinter milk oat vans, funded through asset nance, to deliver fresh eggs to customers.
Richard says he’s proud to deliver fresh eggs straight to his customers’ doorsteps in a 21st century way. The delivery round was the latest logical step for Robinson’s Eggs, which he founded in 2008 near Clitheroe, Lancashire with 400 hens. Now he has 50,000 free-range birds and a state-of-the-art packaging centre and sells to cafés, restaurants, hotels and bakeries. But he’s always championed customers being able to buy direct from their local farmer.
“One of our customers told us he was selling his milk round,” says Richard. “We already had the sta and the eggs – we just needed to buy the milk from another local dairy farmer and hold other products such as yoghurt and cheese. We’ve bought other rounds since. People love buying local.”
But purchasing so many vans is expensive – so Richard contacted Rural Asset Finance, a specialist lender to UK farmers. “Richard had
paid outright for two vans, so we o ered him a ‘sale and HP back’ facility, which reimbursed him 90% of the net invoice price,” explains Rural Asset Finance’s head of sales Ben Wood. “This enabled him to pay for them on a xed-term, 36-month agreement which freed up his cash ow – so vital for any expanding business.”
The ex-supermarket vans, tted with an aluminium ‘milk oat back’, have been so successful that Richard is buying six more. It’s an investment made easier by Rural Asset Finance, also restructuring Richard’s existing land mortgage and consolidating other debts by securing them on the farm’s land and buildings – a move that considerably reduces his monthly repayments.
Now Richard’s team is developing a dedicated doorstep delivery phone app. And as the customer base grows, there’ll be no shortage of eggs to feed them. Richard’s on-farm processing unit is already capable of sorting, grading and packaging 500,000 eggs a day – and he’s building towards that capacity. “It’s really taken o ,” he
says. “We will be expanding the ock further and are talking to Rural Asset Finance about funding a bigger free range hen unit.”
“Ben spoke sense from the start,” adds Richard. “He took time to understand what we wanted to achieve. Banks want to see masses of history, but he was more
forward-thinking, looking at where we wanted the business to go and how we planned to get there. Then it went to Rural Asset Finance’s credit department and was all really straightforward. Ben kept us constantly up to date, helping to obtain any other information they needed.” FG
Business rates revaluation 2026
The next business rates revaluation in England and Wales will take e ect on 1st April 2026. This is based upon ‘physical circumstances’ on the farm as at 1st April 2026, and relating those to ‘economic circumstances’ ( nancial) as at 1st April 2024, advises Barry Davies, of Davies & Co.
Farms that have diversi ed into commercial or leisure enterprises should have received a Valuation O ce Agency (VOA) form to complete and return (within 56 days) to assist the agency in assessing the rateable value as at 1st April 2026. Failure to return the form in time can result in a penalty, initially at £100.
Ratepayers will legally have to advise the VOA in completing
the form of any changes to the property, size and use. This includes physical alterations to land and buildings such as extensions, car parking, etc. Be aware that the VOA will scrutinise publicly available information, including your business’s website to check if properties are being used in a way that should be liable for business rates.
It is intended to ensure transparency to the rating system, but owners and operators may feel more frustrated at the unfamiliar red tape, and the risk of nancial penalty should they accidentally submit incorrect information. With this in mind it is important to get any historical inaccuracies or changes recti ed. FG
Log Cabins Granny Annexes
FARM DIVERSIFICATION
COULD AN EV CHARGING STATION SUPPORT YOUR FARM BUSINESS?
With the percentage of electric vehicles on the road set to keep rising, making use of spare land with an EV charging station could bring you extra revenue, with very little maintenance or capital outlay. We spoke to Teddy Kealey, expansion lead at Fastned, the UK's top-rated ultra-rapid EV charging company, to nd out more.
It’s well known that UK farmers are increasingly having to nd additional revenue sources as margins tighten – but most will be looking for a way to complement, not replace food production.
Fastned has been working with farmers to develop electric vehicle charging stations on underutilised land – it’s a symbiotic relationship, giving landowners additional revenue, and providing Fastned with ideal locations, Mr Kealey explains.
hub is also important – the company looks for spaces of around 0.2–0.8 acres.
The in-house software team built a bespoke auto-charge feature which means drivers can register their car with Fastned through an app and any Fastned station in Europe will recognise their car when they plug in, and start charging immediately.
The site should be on at, uncontaminated land and ideally not in a greenbelt area – but these are hurdles that can potentially be overcome. Grid connection is applied for early to ensure availability and a ordability – and the cost of this is covered by Fastned. Stations can be delivered quickly, depending on external factors such as planning permission and grid connection, but the company is a “well-oiled machine” with a successful track record in getting projects wrapped up in a timely way.
Reliability is also key for the business; the company is leading the way with a 99% reliability rating which means drivers trust the service provided. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case across the industry – not all chargers are always reliable. That’s why we have in-house maintenance teams that can be called out quickly to x any technical issues. Maintaining our high reliability rating is a priority for us,” Mr Kealey notes.
All that’s really needed from the farmer is to instruct solicitors in negotiating the lease agreement, and giving consent to the distribution network operator for their substation, Mr Kealey explains.
Fastned has a 24/7 customer support team –but, he adds: “The landowner will have a strong relationship with myself, my team, and our delivery team, so they can always send us an email or pick up the phone to us.”
“The main bene t is providing farmers with a long-term secure rental income from what is often underutilised land,” he adds. “We sign leases of typically 30 years or more and we handle the entire lifecycle of the process – the planning application, construction, delivery and of course the operation as well. It’s a very hands-o type of investment from the farm with essentially no capital outlay.
For more information visit the QR code to get in touch with the Fastned team. FG
construction, delivery
How are farmers paid?
“In addition, the site can enhance the farm’s environmental credentials by supporting the shift to clean transport.”
There are opportunities to diversify even further by bringing in retail such as shops and cafés for drivers to visit during their stop o , Mr Kealey explains. Fastned can connect the landowner with one of its retail partners, deliver the retail itself, or a local operator can take a lease alongside Fastned’s.
What sites are suitable?
For those interested in a charging site on their farm, Fastned will initially visit the site to check suitability and discuss the process, before negotiating the lease.
In terms of site suitability, access to busy roads is obviously key, and visibility from the road is also a big plus. Enough space to deliver a proper
Farmers will get a quarterly xed rent, which is index-linked and reviewed every ve years to ensure they don’t lose out due to in ation. However, for those wanting to take a bit more risk and see potentially higher pro ts, there’s an option for revenue share – or a mixture of revenue share and a lower xed rent.
“The total rent can be quite signi cantly higher than you would normally get from just a xed rent on that site,” Mr Kealey says. “Revenue share gives the farm an opportunity to share in our success as a market leader, but also the fact that the industry itself is growing so rapidly –and EV uptake is only going in one direction.”
Design and reliability
Fastned puts a big emphasis on delivering good quality station design and safe, intuitive, drivethrough layout. Each of its stations o ers up to 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes, all powered by 100% renewable energy. Its distinctive yellow canopies o er protection from the rain while capturing solar energy to help power the lighting and facilities at the station.
About Fastned
Fastned was founded in The Netherlands in 2012 and is now operating in nine countries –starting in the UK in 2019, where it also built the rst ultra-rapid charger. The company founders remain heavily involved in the company and were some of the rst pioneers in ultra-rapid and EV charging in The Netherlands.
The company now has 35 charging stations in the UK and around 360 across Europe, but its target for 2030 is to expand to 1,000, with the UK being one of its most signi cant markets.
Teddy Kealey, Fastned expansion lead.
Real time energy matching
Conrad Energy is pioneering real time energy matching for UK farmers, helping them capture more value from renewable generation while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of their supply chains.
Many farmers already generate clean electricity through solar, wind, or biogas, but too often this energy is exported at low value. Real time matching ensures that power produced on a farm is directly aligned with electricity consumption needs of their supply chains – from cold stores, dairies to food processing. This creates a circular economy where energy use and food production are more tightly linked, creating value and reducing everyone’s
carbon footprint.
For retailers, processors, and consumers, the bene ts are clear – lower-carbon products, more transparent supply chains, and reduced exposure to energy price volatility. For farmers, it means making every unit of energy count, lowering costs, boosting income from renewables, and o ering their buyers the assurance of greener produce.
“Real-time energy matching empowers farmers to go beyond net zero commitments,” said Tim Foster, director of energy for business at Conrad Energy. “By directly connecting on-farm generation with the businesses they supply, we create value across the chain – from eld to fork.” FG
Grain barn converted to cinema
White House Farm in Norwich transformed their old grain barn into a cinema in late August, as the pressures in the farming industry prompted them to think di erently.
Charlotte Gurney and her husband Ollie took over the arable and fruit farm in 2013 and their diversi cations include PYO, a farm shop, café and butchery – plus a range of tenants in repurposed buildings such as a hairdresser, children’s nursery, pottery and dog day care.
The farm’s latest initiative was sponsored by Larking Gowen and supported by Cinema City Norwich and the Sir John Hurt Film Trust. Two screenings in August showed The Princess Bride and Ferris Bueller’s Day O , with customers served awardwinning sausages and strawberry ice cream from the farm.
Charlotte said they were spurred
on to keep diversifying by this year’s “miserable harvest” which hit crop yields and quality – they were not able to reach the malting barley spec and couldn’t even plough the straw back in, so it went for animal feed.
However, Charlotte notes that their location close to a city brings lots of footfall to their diversi ed businesses – the cinema venture was very well received by local people and they hope to run another in the future, she added. FG
Power up your farm
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Whether you’re buying or selling energy we help you cut costs, and boost returns, without compromising your green credentials to customers and supply chain partners.
For more information contact info@conradenergy.co.uk or phone 01235 427290
Let’s power change together.
Seed Hawk 600-900C
It is crucial to choose a seeding system that not only produces crops of the highest quality and yield but also performs reliably under all weather conditions.
Give your crop the best chance to succeed while reducing risks at the same time.
Where farming starts
No-till seed drill “a reliable choice”
Key features of Väderstad’s Seed Hawk 600-900C include its versatility, precision, reliability and simplicity.
The Seed Hawk 600-900C is a highly versatile no-till seed drill designed to meet the demands of modern agriculture – available in working widths of 6, 8 and 9 metres. Its standout feature, according to Väderstad, is the tine coulter system, which creates a clean seed slot, placing both seed and fertiliser in undisturbed soil for optimal germination and growth.
This precision is further complemented by its 7,000-litre pressurised hopper, which is divided into three compartments. This innovative design allows for the independent mixing and application of up to three products, providing the versatility that is essential for today’s farming operations.
Remarkable precision
At the core of the Seed Hawk’s performance lies the Fenix III metering system, which handles the delivery of seed and fertiliser with remarkable precision. The system is known for its reliability, simplicity, and high degree of exibility, accommodating a wide range of seed and fertiliser types.
Its advanced design also enables section control to optimise input use. For example, the 6m version operates in two sections, while the larger 8 and 9m machines are divided into three sections. This feature minimises overlaps, reduces input costs, and maximises eld e ciency. Whether dealing with small seeds or larger fertiliser granules, the Fenix III system ensures consistent metering and application across the entire working width.
Unparalleled accuracy
The heart of the Seed Hawk 600-900C lies in its individually mounted dual-knife tine coulters, which are designed to deliver unparalleled accuracy in
all soil conditions. With a row spacing of 250mm, each tine coulter is paired with a packer wheel that ensures consistent seed depth and excellent soilto-seed contact. This precision is enhanced by the hydraulic coulter downforce system, which provides up to 190kg of adjustable pressure.
Operators can ne-tune the downforce directly from the cab using the E-Control system, adapting the machine to varying soil types and conditions with ease. Additionally, the fertiliser is placed 38mm o set from the seed row, creating an ideal environment for early root development and maximising the crop’s yield potential.
Adaptability
For those requiring additional adaptability, the Seed Hawk o ers an optional front disc system. This feature enhances the machine’s performance by combining the bene ts of a disc coulter with the microclimate created by the dual-knife tine coulters. The front disc ensures a clean and even seed slot, further improving seed placement accuracy. By integrating this system, farmers can achieve the best of both worlds: the precision of a disc coulter and the reliability of a tine coulter.
Another critical component is the press wheel, which plays a key role in sealing moisture into the fertiliser row and preventing soil capping over the seed. Positioned directly behind the knife coulters, it maintains consistent seed depth while ensuring smooth and precise operation. This design signi cantly enhances seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for uniform germination and robust early growth.
Peace of mind
To ensure uninterrupted operation and optimal
eld e ciency, the Seed Hawk can be equipped with the SeedEye blockage monitoring system. This optional system continuously monitors the ow of seed and fertiliser, instantly alerting the operator to any blockages. By detecting and addressing disruptions in real time, the SeedEye system helps maintain consistent application rates and prevents wasted inputs, giving farmers peace of mind and maximising productivity, Väderstad explains.
Additional features of the Seed Hawk 600-900C include the option for hydraulic weight transfer on the drawbar, which adds 1,500kg onto the hitch point. This improves machine stability and ensures even weight distribution across the drill, further enhancing its performance in challenging eld conditions. Combined with the machine’s robust construction and innovative design, this feature makes the Seed Hawk a reliable choice for no-till seeding, the manufacturer concludes. FG
The Seed Hawk o ers an optional front disc system.
The iPad-based E-Control system wirelessly connects to the Väderstad machine.
Seed placement that pays: Amazone’s tine direct drills
Direct drilling continues to move from niche to normal as growers look to reduce establishment costs, protect soil structure and capture timeliness.
With increasingly variable seasons, it’s easy to see why the appeal of drilling straight into stubbles or cover crops continues to grow. But not all direct drills are created equal. A machine must place seed consistently, handle residues without blockages, and be straightforward to operate if it is going to perform day in, day out. Amazone has long invested in tine drill technology, and its three agships – the Condor, Cayena and Primera – are designed to answer the di erent challenges farmers and contractors face when drilling directly.
The Condor
The Condor is the high-output option, designed for large acreages where timeliness is crucial and soils need to be protected from unnecessary disturbance. Its slim and hard wearing ConTeC pro coulters cut into the surface with minimal soil throw, creating a clean slot and placing the seed accurately before pressing the slot shut again. Due to the narrow opener design, the drill pulls smoothly, requiring less horsepower per metre than might be expected from its wide working width. That allows operators to cover large areas e ciently without a heavy tractor on the front, something that makes a tangible di erence to fuel use and soil compaction. In the eld, what stands out is the Condor’s ability to maintain even depth across undulations and
residues, ensuring uniform crop emergence even when conditions are far from perfect.
The Cayena
Where the 12m Condor excels on output, the 6m Cayena is all about tackling tougher seedbeds with a compact, practical design with a narrower 16.6cm coulter spacing. Its narrow openers are aggressive enough to bite into rm ground yet still create a controlled slot that closes neatly behind. That ability to establish crops when conditions are challenging makes it a valuable tool for growers who need to keep drilling on schedule.
Being lighter and shorter than many direct drills, the Cayena also pairs well with a mid-sized tractor, keeping fuel use sensible and reducing the risk of headland damage. Contractors in particular appreciate the way it travels easily on the road, slots quickly into the next job and remains reliable without constant adjustment.
The Primera
The Primera takes the concept further, o ering a drill with the versatility to handle an exceptionally wide range of crops. The Primera o ers the versatility to handle everything from cereals and pulses to oilseed rape and complex cover crop mixtures, backed up by high-capacity hoppers and adaptable tine arrangements. The
opener design ensures seeds are placed evenly and closed in reliably, even at higher forward speeds, and the drill’s residue handling allows it to cope with heavy straw or thick covers. High daily outputs and the ability to adapt quickly to di erent crops mean the Primera ts well on farms where exibility is as important as precision.
Across Condor, Cayena and Primera, one of the consistent strengths is how straightforward the drills are to set up and operate. Metering is precise, as you would expect, but it is the ease of calibration that really stands out. Switching between crops or adjusting rates in the eld can be done quickly and without fuss, saving valuable time when conditions or weather windows are tight. Isobus control integrates smoothly with modern tractors, giving operators ngertip control from the cab and the reassurance that seed is being applied accurately, even as speeds and soil conditions change. The drills are designed to work with the operator, not against them.
Residue handling
Residue handling is another common thread. All three tine drills carry the frame clearance and coulter geometry needed to keep straw and trash owing without blockages. That matters not just for e ciency, but for consistency of placement. An open slot or a missed row shows up for months afterwards, whereas a clean, uninterrupted pass provides the even stand every grower wants.
Here’s an idea - a drill that delivers
Condor direct tine seeder
In working widths from 12 m to 15 m. Hopper size 7,800 l.
Maintenance demands are low too, with openers and wear parts designed for longevity and service points grouped logically. For busy operators covering hundreds of hectares, less time with the grease gun and more time drilling makes a clear contribution to output.
Choosing between the three models comes
down to farm scale and cropping focus. The Condor is the machine for large acreages where wide working widths and soil-friendly drilling are needed. The Cayena o ers a compact, straightforward solution for more variable conditions and lighter tractors. The Primera delivers exact seed depth placement and excellent
trash management. What unites them all is a focus on placing seed precisely, minimising soil movement and making the operator’s life easier. In practice, that means reliable establishment, strong crop emergence and a drilling system that remains viable as weather patterns shift and establishment windows narrow. FG
perfect seed and fertiliser placement
They say size isn’t everything, but the Condor direct tine seeder, in 12 and 15 metres, ticks both the size and the fexibility boxes.
The 7,800 litre seed hopper, which is carried on the tractor link arms to ensure plenty of traction, is split into 3 - enabling up to three diferent seed varieties or a mixture of seed and fertiliser to be drilled simultaneously - and all from vari-rate maps.
With up to 200 kg of coulter pressure, the ConTeC pro chisel opener ensures a residue-free seed groove with the seed being embedded into the furrow by the following press wheel on each coulter. It couldn’t be simpler, it couldn’t be more efective and above all it helps your soil.
Amazone - from Stubble to Harvest.
The ConTeC pro opener ensures the perfect seed placement.
Richard Hellyer Farm Manager
on a 700ha heavy clay farm at Hatley St George, Bedfordshire
We purchased the Triton 6m drill in 2021 to replace heavy cultivations and reduce labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to maximise our winter wheat acreage and drop spring drilled crops from the rotation. The Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a dramatic reduction in costs and with wheats averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting from our previous heavy cultivation and plough system. It is true to say that the Triton will drill clay effectively in virtually any conditions and gives the confidence to drill wheat later to reduce black grass.
Twin hold roll pin blade removal system and backward leaning air borne upper blade for trash lift and ease of trash flow
Seed depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace
Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades
Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. Six years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the Triton than from ploughed trials on our own land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling. A number of other manufacturers are now claiming all weather capabilities – don't be caught out, get a demo against a Triton.
Downward facing upper blade does not hook grass weed seed up from below stale seed bed and field surface
Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance
SOIL SURFACE
Drilling at 40mm depth
Downward facing upper blade holds field surface in place minimising soil eruption in the stale seed bed
14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground for air drainage and rooting
Range of drill conversion systems
JJ Metcalfe & Son Ltd o ers a wide range of drill conversion systems to suit many of the tine drill models on the market. Alternatively, the company explains that if you have an unused 80mm or 100mm frame lying around in the yard, you can easily build your own using JJ Metcalfe’s innovative box section brackets. Its 12mm point is designed to move minimal soil, creating a precise slot for seed placement that’s simple to close. Where a touch of tilth is required, the company suggests its 50mm winged coulter is an excellent choice – disturbing less soil, leaving a level seedbed, improving seed-to-soil contact, and helping to reduce slug damage.
For soils su ering from light compaction, its wider winged coulters can help alleviate the issue. Every point in JJ Metcalfe’s range ts onto its purpose-designed holder system, from 50mm through to 125mm, in 25mm increments, giving you complete exibility to suit your ground conditions.
To learn more about JJ Metcalfe’s systems, or discuss building your own drill, get in touch with the team directly. FG
• Creates a level fnish.
• Conversion systems available to ft a wide range of tne drills - Horsch, Weaving, Tillso, Seed Hawk, Kockerling, and Amazone
• Wide variety of points and tubes to suit individual needs
• Self build components available for 50mm, 80mm and 100mm box secton frames
• Points available in 3 lengths and 6 diferent widths
• Design protected by registered community design number 008046148-001
our website www.jjmetcalfeandson.com or call 01609 771124
New addition to Eco Drills
Lincolnshire-based rm Dale Drills has introduced a new electrohydraulic control system for its range of Eco Drills. The system operates using the tractor’s power beyond (load-sensing) hydraulic supply, reducing the number of spool valves needed – just three hydraulic hoses – streamlining the connection process.
Operators can now control the hydraulic functions using a joystick and touchscreen display. This allows for ‘on the move’ adjustment of the hydraulic downward pressure to the tines and packer rollers, providing accurate depth control, even in varying soil types. The system also reduces the
time taken to fold/unfold the wider XL models utilising sequencing valves, further improving the e ciency of the drill. Alongside drill folding and tine control, the electrohydraulic system also controls the fan and includes safety features such as Road Mode.
Design engineer Tom Crosbie said: “The new system packages all the existing features of the Eco Drill into an easy to use, up to date control package. The operator has more control of the drill from the seat, reducing downtime and increasing output.”
To nd out more, contact the company directly or visit www.daledrills.com FG
Barley sown with JJ Metcalfe and Son Ltd 50mm winged coulter.
Hydraulic depth control for quick depth adjustment and machine setting.
Depth wheels integrated into the frame to reduce weight and utilise smaller tractors.
Versatile
Kuhn widens Megant tine drill range
Two wider models of Kuhn Farm Machinery’s popular Megant tine drill have joined the single 6m model already in production.
Suitable for use in min-till operations, the 7.2m 722 R option, and the 8m 802 R mounted drills include many of the same features as the existing 602 R model, but feature wider working widths to increase pass-to-pass output.
The 802 R can achieve 8ha/hour, while the 7.2m model is compatible with 36m sprayer widths, allowing symmetrical drilling and tramlining over ve passes.
Kuhn’s Megant range has a low power requirement, with 180hp needed for the 7.2m model, and the 8m model requiring 200hp. The models feature a single 1,800-litre
hopper, with an optional SH 1120, 110-litre hopper, for drilling small seeds in the same pass. Both hoppers use the same seed distribution ow and outlets to maintain simplicity.
The Megant o ers growers the option to drill in a variety of soil conditions, with a staggered tine layout over four rows allowing trash and sticky soils to ow easily. Reversible forward-facing coulters, straight coulters, or 12mm tines are available, while the four front wheels (six or eight are optional) achieve a consistent seeding depth. Kuhn’s VistaFlow universal tramlining and blockage monitoring system is also an option.
The two new models will be in full production from spring 2026. FG
New 7.2m and 8m models have been added to the Megant tine drill range.
The 8m 802 R model is a capable of 8ha/hour from the 1,800-litre hopper.
Improved weed control
Applied after drilling, Avadex targets problem grassweeds like black-grass and wild oats before they emerge, reducing competition with the crop.
Soil incorporation
Drilling followed by Avadex ensures the granules are evenly distributed in the soil where weed seeds germinate, maximising effectiveness.
Resistance management
Including Avadex in the herbicide programme provides an additional mode of action, helping to slow the development of resistance in grassweed populations.
Avadex Contractor
Ratatak: Precision, timing and teamwork
Jonathan Tunmore of Ratatak, Su olk, shares how his specialist spreading machines, tight weather windows and clear farmer communication keep Avadex application accurate, e cient and e ective.
Since 2012, Ratatak has been applying Avadex across thousands of hectares each season. The granular herbicide plays a key role in controlling black-grass and other problem weeds, but its success depends on more than just spreading product on elds. “It all comes down to timing and communication,” Jonathan explains.
Purpose-built spreading
Unlike liquid sprays, Avadex granules require a pneumatic boom system rather than a conventional sprayer.
Jonathan runs two specialist machines:
• A 24m self-propelled spreader with low ground pressure tyres for lighter land and tricky conditions
• A 36m trailed Rauch machine for larger blocks, keeping work e cient where wide tramlines allow.
Operation of the machines has been ne-tuned by Jonathan over years of experience. “Both machines have straight, solid, acrylic type piping rather than exible drill-type tubing, and high-capacity fans,” he explains.
“That keeps air ow consistent and ensures granules reach the boom evenly, even at higher forward speeds. We run three fans; one for the metering system, and one for each side of the boom. That way, product gets to the outlets fast without blockages or delays.”
The precision in application becomes vital in di cult autumns.
“Some years you get windows of just a day or two between rain,” Jonathan says. “If the seedbed isn’t dry enough, farmers don’t want machines running o tramlines. You can lose a lot of work if you can’t get down those established tracks, so having a 24m and 36m option gives us exibility.”
Timing is everything
Recent label restrictions now require Avadex to be applied pre-emergence rather than at later growth stages, shrinking the application window. That, combined with catchy autumn weather, can make life di cult.
“Farmers used to start drilling in early September,” Jonathan says. “Now, it’s often late September before anyone calls. Then suddenly it’s full-on for three or four weeks – and if the weather breaks, it’s chaos.”
Good communication helps
everyone win. Yet, communication remains the biggest challenge.
“We do thousands of hectares a year, and maybe two farmers give us a month’s notice,” Jonathan laughs. “The rest call whilst the drill is already rolling. If we know drilling jobs early, we can prioritise and make sure that the product is applied at the best time possible. It’s better for us, but more importantly, it’s better for the farmer – because Avadex works best when it goes on immediately after drilling, before the crop emerges.”
Early booking allows Jonathan to plan workloads, prioritise larger blocks and ensure every hectare gets treated at the ideal time. “It’s about giving the product the best chance to work,” he explains. “Straight after drilling, onto a well-consolidated seedbed – that’s when Avadex performs best.”
Managing challenges on farm
Jonathan also points out the importance of certi cation. “Anyone applying granular herbicides needs PA4G training,” he says. “It’s not just a technicality, it’s there to make sure applications are safe, accurate and fully compliant with assurance schemes like Red Tractor.” For many farms, using a contractor removes that headache. “We’re trained, insured and set up to cover big acreages quickly. Farmers can focus
on drilling, knowing the Avadex will go on accurately and legally. With the right notice, we can move heaven and earth to keep things on schedule.”
While some growers mount applicators on drills or rolls to stay independent, Jonathan warns this can slow eldwork when conditions are tight. “If you’ve only got a 4ha hopper, you’re stopping all the time to re ll,” he says. “And the operator needs the right PA4G certi cation for granular application – it’s not just a case of bolting on a piece of kit.”
Contractors, meanwhile, can cover thousands of hectares e ciently if they know what’s coming. In a good season, Jonathan’s
team can spread thousands of hectares – but only if drilling schedules and weather cooperate.
Looking ahead
Despite challenges, Jonathan sees steady demand for Avadex spreading as part of integrated weed control strategies, especially for black-grass.
“It’s like body blows in boxing,” he says. “Avadex is one punch in a stack of products to weaken weed populations over time.”
With new chemistry on the horizon and machinery continually improving, contractors like Ratatak will remain central to keeping applications accurate, timely and e ective. FG
Ratatak’s owner, Jonathan Tunmore.
Jonathan operates a trailed machine, plus this 24m self-propelled spreader .
IceWatch Are Recruiting Now
Shining a light on mental health in farming
Life in farming has always demanded resilience. From long working days and unpredictable weather to uctuating markets, increasing costs, shifting government policy and the family
the list of challenges farmers face is
For many, the farm is not just a workplace but a home and a legacy, so the pressures often feel personal as well as professional. Add in the isolation that rural life can bring, and it’s clear why conversations around mental health in agriculture have never been more important.
In our next episode of The
Farmers Guide Podcast, we will be turning our attention to this vitally important subject. We want to explore the reality of mental health in farming today – the pressures that weigh on individuals and families, the barriers that can make it hard to ask for help, and the positive steps that are being taken across the industry to support wellbeing.
burden alone.
We also know that the farming community is one of the most supportive and close-knit there is. From neighbours lending a hand at harvest to family members picking up extra responsibilities, acts of care and solidarity happen every day. That same spirit of community is essential when it comes to mental health.
TUNE IN 7th OCT
Mental health is not a simple or uniform issue. The experience is di erent for everyone, and there are no quick xes or one-size- ts-all solutions. But there is one thing that makes a di erence for everyone: open, honest conversation. By talking more about mental health, by recognising the signs of stress and strain in ourselves and others, and by sharing stories and experiences, we can start to break down stigma and create a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength and not a weakness.
This episode won’t pretend to have all the answers. What it aims to do is create space to re ect, to raise awareness, and to point towards the support that exists. Farming may be unique in its challenges, but no one should feel they have to shoulder the
If you’d like to be part of the conversation or share your own perspective, we’d love to hear from you – just email us at podcasts@farmersguide.co.uk
Tune in on 7th October as we shine a light on this vital issue for our industry and the people who keep it going. FG
Wheat and livestock pricing guide
The wheat futures, cattle, pig and lamb prices as at or around 8th September 2025
Each month, Farmers Guide publishes a summary showing the London Feed Wheat Futures, overall all-prime cattle deadweight, GB Standard Pig Price (SPP), and deadweight lamb average prices as provided by Open eld (grain) and AHDB (livestock).
This month's data covers the period from September 2024 to end August 2025 or longer, to allow a simple comparison of prices across the year and highlight any trends. The prices shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. FG
London Feed Wheat Futures for
Riverford previously called for fairer treatment of farmers in a campaign targeted at the 'Big Six' supermarkets.
Farmers Guide
The UK’s Leading Monthly Farming Magazine
DIRECTORS
Managing director Julie Goulding julie@farmersguide.co.uk
Director Greg Goulding greg@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694454
Supermarket profits continue to rise as FARMS HIT HARD
Major supermarkets are continuing to report rising pro ts this year, as farmers face one of the toughest harvests on record, and particularly poor grain prices.
The power imbalance between supermarkets and British farmers was recently discussed by MPs, Peers and farming leaders at the House of Commons – with campaigners calling for changes to the supply chain. The discussion comes on the back of a particularly di cult harvest, which has seen yields and quality down signi cantly for many arable farmers, and livestock farmers facing high costs of bought-in feeds, or culling animals due to the forage shortfall.
Meanwhile, major supermarkets are continuing to report growth – Tesco’s latest operating pro ts topped £3bn, a 10.6% increase; Sainsbury’s rose by 7.2% to just over £1bn; Morrisons’ pre-tax pro ts surged to £2.1bn; and Waitrose to £227m, up £122m.
Support for British farming among major supermarkets is varied. They publicly backed the NFU campaign calling for a pause and wider consultation on proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs for farmers. M&S also urged the government to set legally binding targets for domestic food production and simplify grant schemes. Morrisons is one of the biggest investors in the sector, committing £1.4 billion a year to British farming, alongside its ‘For Farmers’ product range. Retailers including Waitrose,
the Co-op and Ocado have initiatives to help with the transition to naturefriendly farming.
A number of retailers also have commitments to sourcing 100% British on certain product lines, however, Asda dropped its 100% British fresh chicken pledge this year; and Morrisons suspended its British-only lamb pledge in mid2024.
The recent roundtable in the House of Commons called for a single, central regulator to provide genuine protection to farmers and ensure fair treatment by supermarkets. Organic veg box company Riverford said two years on from the launch of its #GetFairAboutFarming campaign, farmers and growers are still being forced to accept late payments and cancellations without notice.
Around 30 MPs have now signed up to an Early Day Motion which suggests merging the existing supply chain watchdogs, which are currently split across two government departments.
Riverford research has shown 67% of farmers fear being delisted if they speak out against unfair supermarket practices and 75% say the behaviour of supermarkets is a leading concern within the industry. FG
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SALES SERVICE HIRE
ON SITE AUCTION
On Instructions from GC & J Horner
At Ashley Farm, Cow Lane, Rampton, Cambridgeshire CB24 8QG
On Tues 30th Sept 2025 at 10:30am
Viewing from 10am until 4pm on 29th Sept 2025
Including: Combine: New Holland CX860 with 24 header (02); Tractors: Massey Ferguson 6490 (07), Massey Ferguson 6480 with loader (13), Massey Ferguson 6180 (96); Crawler: CAT Challenger 55 (98); Materials Handlers: CAT TH336AG with JCB Q-fit, Liebherr R901LC excavator (81), various attachments; Sprayer: Househam AirRide 2000 24m (04); Trailers: Chie ain 16t dump (99), Richard Western 14t grain (98), Ifor Williams DP120G3 tri-axle with livestock body; Implements: Opico GT525XE 12t mobile grain drier, Agrimaster KL270SW flail (12), McConnel PA9058 hedgecutter, Lely Splendimo 320MC (09), Cousins V-Form 5 leg, Maschio 4m, 5m, 6m power harrows, Sumo Trio 4m, Quivogne Tinemaster TM32 (07), Accord T-S Line 6m drill (06), NRH 6.3m Cambridge rolls, Kverneland Exacta HL 24m fert spreader (10), Krone Comprima V150KC round baler (14), New Holland 945 baler; Misc: Large quantity livestock equipment, implement spares and workshop equipment etc
ONLINE TIMED AUCTION
On Instructions from The Executors of P F Brabbs At Rogerthorpe Manor Farm, Badsworth, Pontefract WF9 1AB
Starts Fri 3rd & Closes Weds 8th Oct 2025
Viewing from 10am until 4pm on 6th - 7th Oct 2025
Including:Combine Harvester: John Deere 9680WTS c/w 22 header (04); Tractors: Case Puma 240 CVX (17), Case Puma 165 CVX (20); Trailers: Jones Engineering 25 flatbed (08), Bailey 13t twin axle (00), Bailey Beeteaper 14t twin axle (99), Ifor Williams DB11 16 drop sides, Reekie RDTGP hydraulic plat, Reekie RDT20F hydraulic plant, Pike Signals single axle tra ic light; Implements: McConnel PA6565T hedge cutter (14), Mesko-Rol Z275 tedder (08), Kuhn 2.3m flail mower, Amazone ZA-V 3200 Profis Hydro fertiliser spinner (22), NRH Engineering hydraulic folding Cambridge rolls, Amazone 3m combi drill with Centaya 3000 super 3m and Amazone KG3001 special power harrow (20), Sumo 3m Trio 3 (10), Kuhn HR4004 power harrow (09), Simba 5.5m x-press, Kverneland EG85 5furrow reversible plough etc.
For more details contact George Watchorn or Jon ClampinFor more details contact James Walton or Chloe Greig
TIMED AUCTION
On Instructions from the Exors of the Late J Wright
At Chalderbeach Farm, Holme Road, Ramsey St Mary’s, Cambridgeshire PE26 2SX
On Fri 10th Oct 2025 at 10:30am
Viewing from 10am until 4pm on 9th Oct 2025
Including: Combine Harvester: John Deere C670i with 625R header (10); Tractors: Fendt 722 Vario Power Plus (21), Fendt 716 Vario Power Plus (19), John Deere 6430 Premium (07), John Deere 2140; Crawlers: Track Marshall 56, International BTD 640; Materials Handler: JCB Loadall 531-70 (06), Strimech grain bucket (95), Strimech X-Form muck grab (10), various attachments; Trailers: Gull 10t root (94), Richard Western 12t grain (95); Sprayer: Knight 20m trailed (96); Implements: Maschio Reco 3500m power harrow (10), Heva Combi-Disc (18), Cousins Contour 7.3m Cambridge rolls, Kverneland EG85 4f rev. plough, Kongskilde Germinator SP4000, Bomford Dyna-Drive 2.5m, Bernard Krone 2m rotavator, Sulky Reco DX30+ fertiliser spreader, Garford 12row precision drill, Kuhn HR403 with Lely hopper combination drill (04); Misc: John Deere wafer weights, workshop equipment etc.
For more details contact George Watchorn or Jon Clampin
On Instructions from R&M Smithson (Farming) Limited At Fretwell Farm, Low Street, Beckingham, Doncaster DN10 4PS
Starts Weds 15th & Closes Weds 22nd Oct 2025
Viewing from 10am until 4pm on 15th - 16th Oct 2025
Including: Tractor: John Deere 6195M (21); Trailers: Easterby ET12 12t twin axle (94), Thule Brederup 1205S single axle; Implements: John Deere 750A seed drill c/w John Deere press rollers (20), HE-VA king roller 16m (15), Weaving WFN 280 flail mower, Bomford hedgecutter (10), Strimech 3m grain pusher, John Deere 900kg front weight block; Miscellaneous: 10m3 fibreglass fertiliser tank, Cherry Products work platform, Sinar grainspear 6300 moisturiser analyser, Protimeter grainmaster moisture meter, Wile 65 digital moisture meter etc.
For more details contact James Walton or Chloe Greig
On instructions from Clarke Farms (Isleham) due to a change in farming policy
HALL FARM, HALL BARN ROAD, ISLEHAM, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB7 5RB
TIMED ONLINE AUCTION OF WELL MAINTAINED JOHN DEERE TRACTORS, NEW HOLLAND COMBINE, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
To include: Tractors: 2023 John Deere 6R215 (1,500hrs), 2024 John Deere 6R155 (1,000hrs), 2021 John Deere 6130R (2,600hrs) Combine Harvester: 2015 New Holland CX6080 20ft cut (1,500hrs) Vehicle: 2014 Mitsubishi L200 Trojan Machinery: 2024 New Holland Bigbaler 1290 Plus baler (unused), 2024
JCB 531-70 Agri Super Telehandler (07’) & Attachments, Trailers, Arable Machinery, General Implements, Workshop Equipment and Tools, Non-Vat Items, Sundries & E ects.
Hay, Straw, Sundries and Non-VAT Items
1354hrs. £7,995. M Collyer Tel 07970 050417 (Wiltshire)
TGB Blade 520cc quad bike, road registered, electric winch, only 400mls on clock, as new condition, retirement sale. £3,750. S Cartland Tel 01564 823398 (Warwickshire)
KUBOTA RTV 900 4x4, 2009, c/w hyd tipper, great little machine, would benefit from some plate welding to floor & the seat recovered, but works as it should, only reason for sale is no longer have use for it. £3,000 ono. S Shemilt Tel 07359 966519 (West Midlands)
HESSTON 4900, serviced & ready to go, stored under cover. £7,995. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)
NEW HOLLAND BC5070, new 2014, done approx 20000 bales, one owner, tidy condition. £9,850 no VAT. G Richards Tel 07523 961600 (Cambridgeshire)
KRONE Big Pack 1290 highspeed baler, in excellent condition, 2020, first harvest 2021, 31268 bale count, barn stored, serviced regularly by main dealer, bale size 200mm x 900mm (3'11" x 2'11"), twin axle with rear axle steering. £71,500+VAT. S Peach Tel 07802 566030 (Hampshire)
RUSSEL 56 bale trailer, tidy & in working order. £495 ono no VAT. M Mays-Saxby Tel 07764 927257 (Cambridgeshire)
CASE LBX331 standard square baler, 4 string, 80x90 bales, solid, straightforward machine, just finished baling our straw & not missed a beat, hydraulic bale ejector, knotter blowers, 97000 bale count, ready for work. £8,500+VAT. P Shinner Tel 07472 904700 (Devon)
MF185 Series 2, 2003, cutter tandem axle hydraulic blower, farmer owned & used, low bale count for year. P Purser Tel 07917 035607 (Buckinghamshire)
2012 John Deere 644 Premium baler, cracking machine, fully working & reliable, only done 14,000 bales, selling due to swapping for a combi baler. £11,000+VAT ono. N Hollinshead Tel 07483 374957 (Warwickshire)
NEW Holland 648 Crop Cutter belt round baler. £2,700 ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
NEW Holland 648 Crop Cutter belt round baler. £2,700 ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
COOKS flat 8 sledge. £635 ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
SGN bale unroller, 2021, excellent machine for feeding round bales out. £1,250+VAT ono. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)
EMCO-FAHSE Monocentra 6 row beet drill with bout markers operator's manual, always kept under cover, very straightforward & easy to use, nothing electric to go wrong, two of the seed hoppers are slightly cracked. £2,000+VAT ono. T Ellis Tel 07967 311946 (Staffordshire)
All sales enquiries to Simon Peacock Tel: 01485
High quality used equipment
2022 Hitachi ZX85USB-6
2093hrs, hydraulic hitch, bucket, dozer blade , green and orange beacon, work lights, boom and arm safety valves, hammer pipework, rotation pipework with low pressure return, camera -A/C -450mm rubber tracks
Essex
2024 Wacker Neuson EZ26
113hrs, a/c, ram guards, hydraulic quick hitch, 3 x buckets, rotating 5 claw Intermercato grab, radio, LED lights, hammer and rotation circuit, 450mm rubber tracks, extra counterweight, warranty remaining (UK).
Essex
2022 HiSpec 4000 TD-S 18,886l
Capacity, 50mm swivel ring hitch, Sprung drawbar, 11000 Jurop pump, hydraulic and air brakes, 650/55 R26.5 tyres, LED strobe beacon, LED road lights, 3 point linkage brackets
Essex
2024 New Holland T7.225 Auto Command, 1488hrs, Sidewinder, 140L/min, 8 LED w/lights, dynamic comfort seat, cab & f/susp, 3 spd PTO, 150A alternator, a/brakes, 4 e/remote valves, fender controls, hi mount r/lights, bluetooth radio, dynamic f/fenders, Telematics, Intelliview IV, 110mm lift rams, full GPS, f/linkage, 2 mid mounts, hyd top link, Power Beyond, Isobus, Mitas 650/65R38 & 540/65R28
2024 New Holland T7.315HD PLMi Blue Power, Auto Command, 1239hrs, 50km/h, 220L/min, 14 LED w/lights, cab & f/susp, 4 spd PTO, 250A alternator, a/ brakes, 5 e/remote valves, 2 mid mnt valves w/adv joystick, fender controls, hi mnt r/lights, bluetooth radio, dynamic f/fenders, ISO Power Beyond, Telematics, Intelliview 12, full GPS, 120mm lift rams Cat3, f/link w/PTO, cooled storage box, ext a/line, Firestone 710/70R42 & 600/70R30 Essex
2024 New Holland T7.340
Blue Power Auto Command, 1034hrs, 50km/h, 220L/ min, 14 LED work lights, semi, active Comfort Ride™ cab suspension, front suspension, 4 speed PTO, 250A alternator, air brakes, 5 electric remote valves, 3 mid mount valves with advanced joystick, fender controls, high mount road lights, bluetooth radio, dynamic front fenders, ISO Power Beyond, hood & rear camera, telematics, Intelliview 12, full GPS, 120mm lift rams Cat3, front linkage with PTO, cooled storage box, external air line, Mitas 900/60 R42 and Mitas 650/60 R34
2023 New Holland T7.270 Auto Command, 1343hrs, 50km/h, 150L/min, 8 LED w/lights, cab & f/susp, 4 speed PTO, 150A alternator, a/brakes, 4 X e/remote valves, 2 mid mnt valves w/ joystick, Fender controls, high mount r/lights, Bluetooth radio, dynamic f/Fenders, ISO p/beyond, telematics, Intelliview 12, full GPS, 110mm lift rams, f/linkage with PTO, alliance 650/65 428 and alliance 540/65 R30
2024 Richard Western SF18HS 18t Silage Trailer sprung drawbar, silage sides, hydraulic tailgate, grain chute, high level rear lights, commercial axles, air and hydraulic brakes, rear beacon, 560-60-22.5 tyres
2023 Richard Western SF16HS Grain Trailer with Rollover Sheet sprung d/bar, rollover sheet, hydraulic tailgate, grain chute, high level rear lights, commercial axles, air and hydraulic brakes, rear beacon, 560-60-22.5 tyres
Buildings For Sale
2023
2024 Richard Western SF16HS 16t Silage Trailer sprung drawbar, silage sides, hydraulic tailgate, grain chute, high level rear lights, commercial axles, air and hydraulic brakes, rear beacon, 560-60-22.5 tyres
2023 Richard Western SF16HS Grain Trailer (Grey) sprung drawbar, hydraulic tailgate, grain chute, high level rear lights, commercial axles, air and hydraulic brakes, rear beacon, 560-60-22.5 tyres
2023 Richard
SF14HS Silage
60m x 30m x 5.4m £73,000 frame and purlins only
30m x 17m x 5.4m £29,750
Insulated panels and sliding doors
35m x 25m x 4m £26,500 tent building excellent condition
18m x 10m x 6m £35,000 all green composite cladding and insulated roller doors + 2.5T crane
40m x 17m x 4m £26,000 with single skin cladding roof and sides and roller door
23m x 13m x 6m POA fully clad c/w 18m x 12m x 5m CHILLSTORE 100mm panels
30m x 12m x 4.3m £19,000 frame only
07939 445055
Scan the QR code to view details and more buildings
(Bedfordshire)
JOHN Deere 1188 Hydro 4 SII combine, 18’ header & trolley, straw chopper, Griffith Elder grain weigher, c/w instruction manual & parts catalogue, 3338hrs, barn stored, very good condition. £22,000+VAT ono. N Lindsey Tel 07885 205680 (Cambridgeshire)
MATROT OSR side knife, hardly used. £700. M Wheeler Tel 07808 200404/01892 722532 (eves) (Kent)
NEW HOLLAND set of side knives, came off a New Holland CR9080, fully working when last used, can be sold separately £250+VAT. L Oakley Tel 07900 086087 (Hertfordshire)
CLAAS 740 Lexion, 2013, 9m Vario header c/w 2 hyd vertical knives, Laser pilot, Cat engine, compressor, yield/moisture, 900 tyres, no Adblue, 893 effective working hrs, owner driver from new, barn stored, exceptionally good condition. T Hinchley Tel 07802 396931 (Nottinghamshire)
WANTED
COMBINE HARVESTERS & agricultural machinery KM Group 07944 116870 kmgroupcombine@gmail.com
DEUTZ FAHR M 35.80 combine, 14' header & trailer, 2100hrs, used this season with no issues, genuine reason for sale, located nr Plymouth. P Shinner Tel 07472 904700 (Devon)
NEW Holland TF44, retirement sale, off small farm, 20’ header & trailer, the best you could find in UK, only 2931hrs, ready to go to work, new rear tyres, front tyres good, V8 Mercedes engine, Hydro transmission. £12,500+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07850 390013 (Cambridgeshire)
GRAIN MAIZE GAME FEED
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JOHN Deere W540 HillMaster, 5.5m header, 2009, 2012 reg, 1256 drum/1780 engine hrs, Tuckwell maintained, will have post harvest check before sale, available now, retirement sale. £59,995+VAT ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
Specialists in new & refurbished combine harvester parts
See our ad on page 16
CLAAS Lexion 510, 2010, 5.4 auto contour header, immaculate condition, 1226/1044hrs, you won’t find a better one. £67,500+VAT. R Ford Tel 07771 640503 (Norfolk)
CLAAS Lexion 580+ TT, 2009, 3639/2885hrs, 9m Vario header & one side knife, excellent working order, maintained be ex-Claas engineer. £55,000+VAT. R Ford Tel 07771 640503 (Norfolk)
JOHN Deere 2264, 1998, 2264 combine, 20' header with trailer, chopper, lovely condition, just finished harvest, excellent. R Gates Tel 07801 567027 (Bedfordshire)
NEW Holland CX7.80, 2017, 5 straw walker, 22' varifeed header, 1900 drum hrs, good condition. J Brocksopp Tel 07974669997 (South Yorkshire)
CROP PROTECTION
RAPPA electric fence solar power units (3), only 2yrs old, moving farm, so no longer needed. £70 each or £200 for all three. G Swindells Tel 07974 695924 (Nottinghamshire)
DIGGERS / DOZERS / DUMPERS
CASE CX50 5T digger, 2004, 8275hrs, c/w 3 buckets, well maintained machine, only selling due to upgrading to a larger machine. £8,000+VAT. A Garner Tel 07850 727436 (Cambridgeshire)
CATERPILLAR D6H LGP, 1996, 13000hrs, tracks/undercarriage & machine in vgc, hyd tilt blade.
£30,000+VAT ono. J Adams Tel 07984 380891 (Northamptonshire)
FOWLER Challenger 33 steel track crawler & Miles mole drainer carriage for bulldozer tracks, near as new. £8,000. K Ollett Tel 07753 859881 (Suffolk)
DRILLS
KUHN Accord 4m combi drill, Kuhn 4003 p/harrow, 3 rows Suffolk coulters, tramline shut offs, pre em markers, hydraulic coulter lift, quick fit tines, refurbished by Andrew Guest, done very little since, ready to go, excellent condition.
£10,500+VAT. B Hurst Tel 07789 902585 (Lancashire) Buy and sell online
WEAVING GD 4.8m Direct Drill, 2020, done 660ha, one owner/driver from new, discs 90%, bearings good, never left out, paint as new, press wheels in good condition.
£55,000+VAT ono. J Sessford Tel 07831 412016 (Warwickshire)
WEAVING 6m Tine Drill
07748 004794 01245
1999 John Deere 750A 3m trailed no till drill, c/w bout markers, nearly new discs (80 acres), hopper ext (holds 1T wheat), upgraded to RDS, electric drive, variable rate & Artemis control screen (cost £4K), tramlining, serviced, gwo. £18,500+VAT. P Batt Tel 07592 592727 (Kent)
KVERNELAND TS EVO 480 tine drill, fully refurbished last year, new pipes, new metering gears, new tyres on wings, tramline, pre emergence markers, very tidy looked after drill, retirement sale, ideal for 24m tramline system.
£15,000+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07920 100623 (Cambridgeshire)
HORSCH CO4 drill, 1999, much spent recently, rear packer refurbished, new bearings, seals, spacers, new top cover, coulters replaced, Accord metering, control box refurbished last year, new PTO shaft, very good basic drill.
£9,750+VAT ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
MOORE Unidrill 4m trailed direct disc drill, good discs, some spare coulters & discs & full set of bearings, good condition.
£11,750+VAT ono. G Duszczak Tel 07813 472992 (Derbyshire)
ACCORD DA-S 3m drill with Lely Terra 3m power harrow, good working order, viewing welcome, sold as seen. £4,500 ono. T Pantall Tel 07970 193531 (Herefordshire)
WEAVING Sabretine 6000m 6m direct drill, great condition, c/w Weaving drill screen, 2400ha drilled, great drill, works direct or into cultivated work, especially good in the wet, markers unused, delivery available, msg for more info. £34,995+VAT. L Edgley Tel 07803 435689 (Cambridgeshire)
CLAYDON 3.45m SR drill, 2008, new set of tungsten points & A shares, RDS control box, bout markers, twin following harrow, in good working order. £9,000+VAT ono. J Sills Tel 07398 719782 (Cambridgeshire)
JOHN Deere 750A 6m drill, 2016, 4750ha, Stocks Rotor-Meter, Isobus + no markers, hopper ext, spoked gauge wheels, Pro Series firming wheels, barn stored, tyres + discs recently replaced, will soon need new seeding boots & bushes. £38,000+VAT ono. J Sills Tel 07398 716782 (Cambridgeshire)
SUMO Versadrill 3m with Stocks applicator. Offers. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)
WEAVING Machinery Double Disc Assay x 7 with OSR seeder unit & land wheel, 2019, has been mounted on 3m Horsch Joker for sowing OSR & other small seeds, c/w all mounting bits, brackets & bolts, would attach to any 3m cultivator. £2,000+VAT ono. T Ellis Tel 07967 311946 (Staffordshire)
RANSOMES Nordsten NS4030 + Farmforce cultivator combi 4m grain drill, Agritron electronic tramline system, OSR seed kit, drill tips & harrow tines replaced, new packer roller, all in very good condition, used this spring, retirement sale. £3,250+VAT. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
WEAVING Sabre 6m tine drill, 2021, excellent condition, always stored inside, c/w control box, wheel eradicators, great universal drill, can drill anything into anything. £39,995+VAT. A Campbell Tel 07738 955496 (Cambridgeshire)
71081348
71086205 John Deere 7230R 2017, 6690hrs, Premium Edition, E23, 40K, AutoTrac Ready, 4100 screen, TLS (front suspension), Active air seat, A/C, PUH, hyd brakes, 4ESCV, Michelin tyres £49,950
11091480
31091328 John Deere 7R 270 2022, 1190hrs, E23, 50K, AutoTrac ready, activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, 162L/min hyd pump, 4ESCV, IPM, Premium front linkage w/2ESCV
11092301 John Deere
41093280 John Deere 6R 215 2022, 2150hrs, AutoPowr CommandPro, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, Ultimate air seat, A/C, 4ESCV with joy stock controls £119,950
31093277 John Deere 6R 195
2023, 1450hrs, AutoPowr CommandPro, 50K, AutoTrac ready, activations, TLS, HCS, Premium air seat, 155L/min hyd pump, 4ESCV, PUH, air/ £129,950
HORSCH CO8, Metcalf 12mm points, good machine all works as should, would benefit from a new Agrotron cable. £13,000+VAT. M Nichols Tel 07593 575655 (North Yorkshire)
NORDSTEN 4m Profiline Drill, 2015, tramlining, bout markers, small seed ki, following harrow, fits on tractor or with a Drillmate, good condition. £5,000+VAT. D Munro Tel 07913 785927 (Essex)
2015 KRM 4m Sola drill, model 2311, excellent condition, barn stored. £9,250. A Lee Tel 07749 951898 (Norfolk)
HORSCH Avatar 12.25 SD, 2022, excellent condition, 4472ha, discs & coulters new last year, Horsch Connect, 2 tanks + mini drill, half section control, Scharmuller ball hitch, Horsch Touch 800 screen, Isobus. £125,000+VAT. A Gemmill Tel 07802 733458 (Hertfordshire)
VADERSTAD Rapid RDA 600S seed drill, 2011, 8,397ha, system disc, hyd cross board, staggered tyre packer, bout markers, pre em markers, Seed Master blockage monitor system, good wearing metal. £21,950+VAT ono. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)
HORSCH CO6, 2004, currently on 3” Dutch openers, 25cm leg spacing, rear packer tyres replaced recently, f/w new motor 2yrs ago, c/w full set seed rollers as pictured, will go straight to work, low maintenance rapid drilling. £13,250+VAT ono. H Ogle Tel 07800 773496 (Nottinghamshire)
VADERSTAD Rapid 600F system disc, 1999, half width shut off, pre em markers, hydraulic fan, good working order, although discs & coulters worn but would do a season. £11,000 ono. J Goodfellow Tel 07736 737460 (Cambridgeshire)
AMAZONE D8 drill spares, Suffolk coulters & springs, seed tubes, spring retaining bar, markers & hydraulic change over, tramline control, basically everything but the seed hopper & metering. No sensible offer refused. P Metcalfe Tel 07778 254547 (North Yorkshire)
HORSCH Pronto 4DC, 2007, 2787ha, c/w plenty of spares & calibration rollers, good condition all round, plenty of metal left on the discs. R Wheelhouse Tel 07739 707327 (South Yorkshire)
KRM/WEAVING Sabre, 6m KRM mounted drill modified to suit Weaving Sabre tines, original box & metering system, new frame for new tines, converted in 2020, hyd folding, tramline markers, LED lights, following Z harrows, great drill. £16,000+VAT. B Turnham Tel 07896 124031 (Northamptonshire)
WEAVING Sabre 6000M, owned from new, 2020, 890ha, vgc, bout markers, pre emergence markers & half width shut off, N Cambs fenland farm. £42,250+VAT ono. M Fisher Tel 07970 894244 (Cambridgeshire)
EQUESTRIAN
DAF LF45 150 horsebox, partitioned for 3-4, changing area with seats, tack lockers, cut through tilt cab for easy maintenance, MOT April 2026, smart, easy to drive lorry in good condition. £6,250. S March Tel 07860 835995 (Essex)
FENCING & GATES
GALVANISED heavy duty field gates, 14' c/w hook & eyes, never used. £100 each ono. G Shepherd Tel 01283 732275/07837 055979 (Derbyshire)
WOLSELEY electric fencer (3 strand wire system), needs 6V battery. £40. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)
FORAGE & SILAGE
GRINDSTONE to fit Reco Mengele SH30 forager. £170 ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
ROUND BALE silage, GS4 mix so lots of clover in it, 6 layers of plastic, made last year, approx 80 available. £30/bale, loading available. R Hodgkins Tel 07747 623124 (Hertfordshire)
GENERATORS
GENERATORS: diesel & PTO, quality used & new, est 25yrs. JSP UK Ltd. Tel 07774 742182 (Hereford)
BRUSH PTO 10.5Kva generator, 1970, 350 volt, 30 amp, in good condition, all working, new belts & conductor board installed. £325. N Mastin Tel 07792 859597 (Lincolnshire)
STEPHILL generator 60kVA 3 phase generator, good working order, on 4-wheel trailer, sale includes two 3 phase cables, earthing rod & earth cable, two 20L diesel jerry cans + one pouring spout, good condition, more photos online. £6,500. T Vasovic Tel 07769 111494 (Hertfordshire)
GRAIN HANDLING/ STORAGE
LAW DENIS SBC continuous flow grain dryer, in working order, various bucket elevators & carrier chain & flight conveyors. M Parker Tel 07974 116990 (Derbyshire)
PLOT FEEDS
GRAIN STORAGE panels & extras for square bins, approx 55 in total, 300x92cm, some are thicker metal than others, 16 leg/corner brackets (10' & 8'), floor & top brackets, air ducting, ladders. £1,500 ono. T Pantall Tel 07970 193531 (Herefordshire)
Specialists in crop drying & storage of combinable crops, onions & potatoes
See our ad on page 83
GRAIN AUGER on wheels, 8" x 41', 3 phase motor, starter & cables, loads about 30T/hr, loading hopper, drawbar & transport wheels, in excellent condition, retirement sale. £2,500+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07920 100623 (Cambridgeshire)
Roy Edwards 07702 408833 Full engineering, installation & dismantling services
SLEWTIC grain bucket, JCB brackets. £750+VAT. R Quiney Tel 07711 434763 (Warwickshire)
See our ad on page 78 A leading provider of innovative electrical, mechanical, pumping and grain system solutions
DENIS D202 pre cleaner, c/w stand, full set of sieves (26), all panels, ducting, pipework with clips, 2 Kongskilde TRL 20 3ph blowers, 2 corn fans, 46’ of steel ducting c/w shut offs, corners, cyclone end, two 45 deg diverters, spouts. £6,000 ono. T Pantall Tel 07970 193531 (Herefordshire)
UNUSED grain conditioning equipment, grain fan assist wireless 1ph (10), grain fan assist sensor 2m (1), Polycool std pedestal (10), Polycool extension 150 x 1m (10), Polycool coupler 150mm (10), PV250 fan 1.1kw single phase (10). £8,292+VAT ono. J Meredith Tel 01730 230330 (Hampshire)
Specialists in grain storage, drying & handling equipment
See our ad on page 80 22-111332
GRASS MACHINERY
ROUND bin silo No3, frame 1.5m, Bin widest 1.8m dia, bottom chute 0.58m, outer bottom 0.43m, inside height 4.01m, total height 4.08m, was indoors & in use 6mths ago then laid on side to prevent rain ingress, holds 6-7t, collection. £700 ono. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)
1997 Kentra 1740 dryer, dismantled 5yrs ago, all kept inside. H Mcintosh Tel 07778 785326 (Wiltshire)
FIFTY-FOOT 6" belt with 5.5" cups, for a grain elevator, c/w man platform. £90. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)
CARIER horizontal chain & flight conveyor, 7m x 10” wide, c/w 3 phase motor, good condition. £350+VAT. P Treen Tel 07879 477172 (Suffolk)
SPEARHEAD 500 Rollicut bat wing mower, 9 rotor with twin rollers, 2020 model, excellent condition. £14,750+VAT. C Whittaker Tel 07817 459977 (Staffordshire)
FERRI ZMTE 2000 2m left hand offset flail mower, in good working order, ideal for mowing verges & field margins, hammer head flails, operator's manual included. £3,000+VAT. M Fleming Tel 07881 913725 (Lincolnshire)
MAJOR offset 1.7m (5’6”) topper, been totally refurbished, new PTO, new blades & all new pins, galvanised. £950 ono. B Harding Tel 07850 917734 (Suffolk)
Winton 1.75m Flail Mower
£1,950+VAT
New, heavy duty model, fitted with hammer flails.
Wisson-Burton Machinery Sales Tom W-B • 07549 664260 wbmachinerysales@gmail.com wbmachinery.co.uk
WILDER 8' flat roll, ideal for paddocks. £275. B Harding Tel 07850 917734 (Suffolk)
TRAILED gang mowers, 5, with spreader, land wheel driven, in need of tender loving care! £100+VAT ono. D Keene Tel 07831 874438 (Oxfordshire)
J. E. SPENCE & SON LTD
NEW polypipe, twin walled, perforated & non perforated, 375 & 600mm sizes available only, in 6m lengths, Milton Keynes area. C Smith Tel 07831 479966 (Buckinghamshire)
POLYTUNNEL/LAND required to rent, am looking to grow 500–1000 tomato plants & so require a situated polytunnel to rent, or a plot of agricultural land to place one on, in the Torbay area for my project please, all advice much appreciated. K Merchel Tel 07392 519192 (Devon)
SOUTH Devon suckler cows, small herd (33) pedigree/pure bred, all home bred & closed herd, aged from 2014 to 2023, all run with pedigree South Devon bull from mid April to 4th August, majority polled, all very good temperament & easy calving. j Barlow Tel 07968 969424 (Nottinghamshire)
SOUTH Devon pedigree/pure bred suckler cows, small herd (33), all home bred & closed herd, aged from 2014 to 2023, all run with pedigree South Devon bull from mid April until 4th August, majority polled, all very good temperament & easy calving. J Barlow Tel 07968 969424 (Nottinghamshire) LIMOUSIN bull for sale, easy calving, quiet temperament, 2yrs old. K Knight Tel 07810 553957 (Norfolk)
DRIED grain maize available off the combine, supplied general or whole, can also arrange kibbling, will deliver. C Smith Tel 07831 479966 (Buckinghamshire)
LANGLEY herd of pedigree British Friesians, have for sale a selection of down calving heifers due September in calf to British Friesian bull & fresh calved heifers, well grown, BVD free, excellent pedigrees & conformation. J Carnell Tel 07768 645124/01525 222343 (Buckinghamshire)
CONTINENTAL X shearling ewes (25). M Beechey Tel 07930 922026 (Leicestershire)
WEEKLY TUESDAY SALES
Prime Lambs, Cull Ewes, Store Lambs & Goats
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY SALES
Prime Cattle, Calves, Breeding & Store Cattle
(Pig Sales every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month)
Seasonal Breeding Sheep Sales Market Tavern & Function Facilities
STABILISER breeding heifers (3) born March 2024, very docile, polled, easy calving, High Health status, TB4, will make excellent sucklers, ideal for someone who's looking to try out the breed. I Spinks Tel 07899 892899 (Norfolk)
PEDIGREE in calf Holstein heifers & second calvers, due end of September, early October, in calf to Aberdeen Angus. £1,400. D Bolderston Tel 07887 925550 (Suffolk)
BOER GOATS for sale, accredited & Johnnes level 1, all good breeding stock, based in Aberdeenshire. M Ross Tel 07813 401576 (Aberdeenshire)
PIETRAIN meat weaners. £70 ono each. G Pawson Tel 07376 488722 (Cheshire)
ABERDEEN Angus registered bull, 2.5 years old, hoof trimmed, fertility & blood tested, BT vaccinated, quiet, well grown, thick set & ready for your cows & heifers, Shadwell & Wretton. £4,500 ono. J Runciman Tel 07795 548648 (Norfolk)
LINCOLN Red steers (7), spring born 2025, single suckled & well grown. J Barlow Tel 07968 969424 (Nottinghamshire)
WELSH Badger Face pure bred shearling tups (2). £100 each. J Moody Tel 07767 673493 (Derbyshire)
PYGMY GOATS entire males & females, born 2025, all have had Lamivac x2 injections, based Stoke on Trent ST9 area, please call for more info. Prices range from £200–£300. T Carr Tel 07984 495061 (Staffordshire)
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Old Spot X Duroc breeding boars & gilts, store pigs also available. J Sowter Tel 07561 637615 (Derbyshire)
SUFFOLK shearling rams. V Wolton Tel 07920 772862 (Essex)
BLUE FACED Leicester X shearling ram, tight coat & excellent conformation, vaccinated with HeptaP and Footvax, MV accredited, ready for work. C Grundy Tel 07808 914719/01406 330205 (Lincolnshire)
ABERDEEN Angus bulls available from the Park Wall herd, 16–20 months old, Johnes Level 1, BVD Accredited, TB4, FA. J Musk Tel 07748 850465/01638 724831 (Suffolk)
LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT
SHEEP turnover crate, had very little use. £250. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
POULTRY feeders, selection of tube feeders available. £10 each. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
CONCRETE water tank, sound condition, 2 available. £150 each. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
FIBREGLASS 15t bulk feed bin, good condition, buyer to collect. £800. R Anderson Tel 07887 484733/01366 728583 (Norfolk)
TEAGLE Tomohawk 8550 Dual Chop straw chopper, excellent condition, bluetooth controls, 2016. M Parker Tel 07974 116990 (Derbyshire)
LARGE quantity of poultry slats made with dovetail slats, 5.2m x 1.5m. Offers. A Gapp Tel 07549 744457 (Norfolk)
LARGE quantity of dovetail slats (new) in 4.8m lengths. £4 each ono. A Gapp Tel 07549 744457 (Norfolk)
CATTLE feed barriers 15' (5), five 8' feed troughs, three 3' & one 4' water troughs, Portequip calf creep feeder 2.5m for 5 calves, Ritchie cattle crush with head yoke - needs new scale weigher, two 10' sheeted gates, 10' cattle pen gates. J Wilson Tel 07747 761596 (Suffolk) QUANTITY of bell drinkers available, c/w pipework & fittings, now surplus to requirements. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
MF 8S.305
2025, 700hrs, Dyna VT Exclusive, front links & PTO
MF 8S.265
2024, 4hrs, Dyna 7, front linkage
MF 8S.265
2024, 7hrs, E Power, front linkage
MF 8732S
2020, 1900hrs, front links & PTO
MF 7620
2014, 4300hrs, Dyna VT Exclusive, front links
MF 7718S
2022, 1200hrs, 50kph, new tyres
MF 8740S
2019, 9000hrs, front links & PTO, guidance, 50kph, air brakes
Kverneland 6 furrow LB variwidth plough
Kverneland 6m tine seeder drill full spec
Kverneland 8555 4 row tedder
Kverneland 3228MN mower conditioner
Kverneland FRO 2.8m grass topper front & rear
Kverneland 3232 MT mower conditioner
Kverneland 3332 front mounted mower conditioner
Kverneland 8590 8 row tedder pro-line
Kverneland 8576 6 row tedder
Kverneland 9580 2 row trailed rake
Kvernland 7 furrow LO on-land & in-furrow plough
Redrock 20t dump trailer
Redrock 24t tri-axle low-loading trailer
McHale 691BH & R5S round bale handlers
McHale 691HB bale handler, several
McHale R5 soft hands bale handler, several
McHale V6750 round baler
Teagle 8500 Chief feeder bedder
Moulton FY4 yard scraper
Kawasaki Mule Pro DX
Kawasaki Mule Pro MX
Kawasaki 450cc quad bike (new type)
Kawasaki 750cc quad bike
Bomford 2.8m flail mower
PlantMec 8’ & 10’ yard brush
PlantMec hydraulic bucket brush
Walter Watson 8’ x 36” flat roll
Walter Watson 10’ x 36” flat roll
Walter Watson 12’ x 36” hydraulic rotating
USED MACHINERY IN STOCK
McCormick 2005 CX105 extra shift, front linkage & PTO, 1600hrs
Agco DM255/P mower conditioner, very good condition
Titan 18T mono-bodied silage/grain trailer with rollover sheet
PlantMec 319 Q-bedder, 2020
Walter Watson 10’ flat roll (end tow)
Simba/Horsch 4m CO drill
Kawasaki diesel mule (Tatty but runs well)
Kawasaki 360 quad bike road legal (tatty but runs well)
BUNDLES of new egg trays. £4 each ono. A Gapp Tel 07549 744457 (Norfolk)
WOODEN nest boxes (32 holes) c/w legs, good condition. £40 each ono. A Gapp Tel 07549 744457 (Norfolk)
TWO new 50m rolls of poultry flexinet (Rutland). £70 each ono. A Gapp Tel 07549 744457 (Norfolk)
CALF creep gates to fit 3 in 1 feeder 800 HD, as new as have never been used, located Northampton. £360 for the pair. P Sessford Tel 07814 264416 (Northamptonshire)
KVERNELAND 864, 2018/2019, had very little use, excellent condition, stored in shed, full spec, takes 120x120 or two 5' rounds. £11,000+VAT ono. C Jones Tel 07818 600062 (Northants)
CATTLE trough, heavy duty, large circular trough, holds 200 gallons. £75. G Tidball Tel 07976 754314 (Somerset)
MOBILE poultry house, suitable for 200 hens, raised floor, roll away nest boxes to conveyor belt collection, mains water tank connection to nipple drinkers, towing skids, clean & in good order, 8.5m x 4.2m, buyer to dismantle. £1,500. S Bendall Tel 01449 741247 daytime only (Suffolk)
SPREAD-A-BALE Maxi, 2021, with extra side attachment to operate sideways as well as lengthways, in very good working order, one owner from new, recently had a new floor belt & has had new tines. £8,000+VAT. S Wisson-Burton Tel 07776 184394 (Cambridgeshire)
TRAILER tank top, grain storage for feed. £250+VAT ono. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)
SHEEP EQUIPMENT – hay racks, troughs, hurdles, lambing equipment, everything sheep. J Wolton Tel 07920 772862/01206 298844 (Suffolk)
CHICKEN HUTS 8’ x 6’ skid mounted, can be moved with fork truck, can load, some repairs needed. FOC. K Ollett Tel 07753 859881 (Suffolk)
ONE TONNE feed hopper with trough, suitable for pellets & grain feeding, space for lifting with a forklift. WhatsApp or call.
£300+VAT ono. R Morton Tel 07418 609725 (Norfolk)
POULTRY/PHEASANT feeders, 45 gallon metal drums with slots for feeding, 12 available. £10+VAT ono each. R Morton Tel 07418 609725 (Norfolk)
CHICKEN catching modules, stackable, 12 draws per module, 3 modules available. £350+VAT ono per module. R Morton Tel 07418 609725 (Norfolk)
WATER bowser, 300 gallon with sheep trough attached, WhatsApp or call. £450+VAT ono. R Morton Tel 07418 609725 (Norfolk)
MACHINERY
2014 Suton Hydraulics front & rear rotary brush, galvanised. £1,650+VAT. R Morrell Tel 07774 472942 (South Yorkshire)
BOMAG BW 65 roller, 2016, c/w Ifor Williams trailer, all good, done little work. £2,500+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)
AGRIMECH bulldozer/snow plough 5' blade, new, to push soil, mud, grain, hedgerow wood, etc, to fit small Kubota/ Siromer, very adjustable angles. £500 no VAT. R James Tel 01263 837569 (leave message for call back) (Norfolk)
LOGIC rotary yard sweeper with Honda engine, starts & runs as it should, c/w fixings & static brush, as new, all brushes new. £1,500+VAT ono. R King Tel 07929 424474 (Nottinghamshire)
MATERIALS HANDLERS
A & R Handling
Manitou Spare Parts Supplier
X-FORM 7’6” muck grab, Manitou fitting, had little use, straight. £1,850+VAT. R Morrell Tel 07774 472942 (South Yorkshire)
MANITOU 735 MLT Turbo teleporter, 11 plate, with air con, boom suspension, pick up hitch. £29,995. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)
07966 593526
www.aandrhandling.co.uk
2015 JCB Teleporter 535-125, 2638hrs, in good condition for age. T Coates Tel 07768 164007 (Norfolk)
SANDERSON 622 teleporter, tyres, brakes, hydraulics OK, boom ram refurbished, drives in all gears, starts & runs well, Ford engine, ideal self build/yard machine. £7,000. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)
JCB 532-70 AgriSuper Loadall, 2023, 296hrs from new, 130hp, 40k Powershift, boom suspension, Q-fit headstock, PUH, heated seat, LED lights, a/c, tyres at 95%, machine is in excellent condition. £66,950+VAT ono. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)
JCB TM220, 2023, in very good condition, 1600hrs, Michelin Bibload 400/70-20 tyres, JCB Q-fit carriage. £55,000+VAT ono. O Williams Tel 07725 473494 (Cambridgeshire)
£6,000+VAT
2020, 5801hrs, two stage Duplex mast with sideshift, fingertip armrest controls, LED lights, 21kmph hydrostatic, vgc
2001 John Deere 3200 teleporter, good condition with forks, bale spike, grain bucket & pickup hitch, new tyres. £14,500+VAT. K Ollett Tel 07753 859883 (Suffolk)
ROLLER conveyor, ex-military, very heavy, approx 2.4m x 38cm, hooks on one end, weighs approx 75kg, rollers have bearings, asking price is per unit (photo shows two units). £175. J Berry Tel 07715 231291 (Cheshire)
ABBEY 2500R Premium Plus slurry tanker, 2023, sight glass, stone trap, tyres at 100%, quick release fill points, dribble bar brackets, excellent condition. £14,950+VAT ono. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)
ABBEY 3500 gallon tanker, 2022 c/w 10m dribble bar, very good order, had very little use, front fill arm with pot, 650/60-26.5 tyres, rear steer axle. £42,500+VAT ono. O Williams Tel 07725 473494 (Cambridgeshire)
PEST CONTROL
KVERNELAND 5 furrow reversible plough, 240 headstock, very good condition, good metal, furrow wideners. £5,500+VAT. M Stead Tel 07794 112393 (North Yorkshire)
GREGOIRE Besson wearing metal, landside rot/univ 173388 (11), skim m/b R19172 (4) & L 19171 (4), rev point R 173332 (4) & L 173331 (5), pr L&R Spaldings carbide points, skim point R 19114 (6) & L 19113 (9), pr L&R shins - unmarked, GB? £575 the lot. G Howell Tel 07903 089391/01728 723683 (Suffolk)
RABEWERK wearing metal/spares to fit Raven/Albatross slatted model, a useful quantity available. Please enquire for more details. G Howell Tel 07903 089391/01728 723683 (Suffolk)
NAUD APN 56236 5f wagon plough, good condition, new in 1992, some wearing metal available, only available as tractors have outgrown the plough. No sensible offer refused. P Metcalfe Tel 07778 254547 (North Yorkshire)
(Leicestershire)
FREE pest control, looking for someone in need of help with pest control for rabbits, rats, birds on their land, I use a legal sub 12’/lb air rifle, I am 50yr old electrician who can be trusted to carry this out, please get in touch. M Corley Tel 07713 014078 (County Durham)
LEMKEN Europal 7 5 furrow plough plus press, 2005, slatted mouldboards, metalwork in good condition, c/w press arm & Vario pack 110 press (could separate). £4,950+VAT ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
PLOUGH parts for Lemken Europal 8 plus nut bolts, as sold plough. £200 ono. r McCheyne Tel 07973 408233 (Essex)
KVERNELAND 4 furrow LB variwidth plough & Kverneland press ARPL, c/w Lemken 4 furrow press & 4 furrow flexicoil press, all in good condition & genuine, used as one unit on 60 acre farm, retirement sale. Call for more info. £5,500+VAT. K Cook Tel 01953 681201 (Norfolk)
2013 Class Arion 640 CIS A well cared for example recording 5,763 hours, 3 SCVS, 40kph
2019 Case IH 300 OPTUM AFS C/w GPS and done just 3065 hours. Front linkage, 4 rear ESCVS.
2017 JCB 531-70 Only 1836 hours! Comes with pallet tines.
2019 Bailey Root 14 Trailer Sprung axles and drawbar, 50° tip angle, rollover sheet, air brakes.
2023 Triton 3M Mounted
Direct Drill - Done just 170ha! 18 tines at 6″/160mm spacing. VGC.
for DL700 machine, vgc. R Moore Tel 07799 767170 (Norfolk)
Engineering Ltd Coningsby, Lincs 01526 342466
TRIMBLE XCN 1050 full GPS system, 2019, XCN 1050 screen, Nav 900 GPS receiver, running range point RTX, EZ Pilot Pro steering wheel, wiring looms all included. £5,250+VAT. R Chapman Tel 07860 401855 (Lincolnshire)
STARFIRE 3000 domes (2), one with SF2 Activation & 2630 screen, the other with SF1 Activation & 4020 screen, vgc. R Moore Tel 07799 767170 (Norfolk)
NIXON pressure washer, petrol engine, 4000psi operating pressure. £100. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
heated industrial power washer, very little used. £900. R Alcock Tel 07791 728834/01695 722950 (Lancashire)
OTHERS JUST PAINT MACHINES AND DO WHAT THEY THINK NEEDS DOING...
Refurbished Power Harrows:
• All New Bearings and Seals in the Trough and Gearbox
• Blade Holders All New are fitted
• New Genuine Kuhn Tines fitted
• New Packer Roller Kit fitted
• Shot Blasted, Repainted and New Stickers
• New PTO and Guards fitted as standard
• Models of Power Harrows used:
HR3001, HR3002, HR3003, HR4001, HR4002, HR4003 and HR4004
• Front or Rear Levelling Board as standard
• Cam Clutch new fitted on all machines
• Wheel Track Eradicators are available as an optional extra
All Seed Drills Totally Refurbished:
• New Main Frame with Extra Strength
• New Coulters and Pivot Bushes
• New Metering Device
• Vertical Folding Markers Power Harrow mounted
• New Disc Marker Pivots and Discs
• All New Hoses and Hopper Cover
• New Hopper Extension and Double Step
• Tramliner c/w 2 or 4 Shut Offs and Low Level Sensor
• All Shot Blasted, Repainted and New Stickers
• S-Type Following Harrow Standard on complete combinations
• 2 Rows of Coulters as standard – 3 rows optional extra
• Pre Emergence Markers available as an extra
• Hydraulic Coulter Lift available as an extra
Refurbished Combinations
3m – from £14,650
Kuhn 3001 3002 3003
Power Harrow:
• New Maxi Packer Roller & Clod Board
• Accord 3m DA Seed Drill c/w Tramliner
• 2 row Suffolk Coulters
• Vertical Folding Markers fitted on harrow
• Hopper Extension
• Step and S-Harrow
4m – from £16,500
Kuhn 4001 4002 4003
Power Harrow:
• New Maxi Packer Roller & Clod Board
• Accord 4M DA Seed Drill c/w Tramliner
• 2 row Suffolk Coulters
• Vertical Folding Markers fitted on Harrow
• Hopper Extension
• Step and S-Harrow
12 Months Warranty on our combis
LEMKEN discs, new, part no 3490559. £20. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire)
COUSINS press rings, new 24", part no 200013b, GLK6650. £100. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire)
GENUINE Bourgault sweep points, 9" wide, Speedloc fitting, 31 available. £20 ono. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire)
GENUINE Kuhn tine, Quick fit 2, two sets available for 3.5m power harrow, good condition. £10.95 ono each. H Blackwell Tel 07850 468364 (Essex)
COUSINS breaker rings, new, part no 640022BR. £30. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire) ROLL rings, new 20”. £45. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire) ROLL ring, new 24”. £60. A Dunham Tel 07767248412 (Cambridgeshire)
NEW roll rings, 22” with a 2.5” centre hole. £50. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire)
UNUSED Bondioli & Pavesi oil cooler with 24volt cooling fan, originally ordered for Unimog U520 & not used. £55 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)
FUEL water filter, genuine part, no J800394 to fit Cummins engine. £25 ono. A Dunham Tel 07767 248412 (Cambridgeshire)
GENUINE Unimog heavy duty top link from U1600, as new, retirement sale, including genuine attachment pin/support bracket. £230 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)
FIVE wheel chocks, ex Unimog. £20 the lot no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)
CASE IH clutch kit, new, to fit Case IH 684, 784, 785, 884, 885 tractors, 6 paddle, 11" disc, Vapormatic part no. VPG1400, VPG2032. £70. D Cripps Tel 07956 252015 (Kent)
PICK up hitch cable to fit 6610, 5610, 7610, 7810 tractors. £60. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
FORD engine c/w Wright Rain irrigation pumps, 100hp, suit Ford tractors, eg TW Series. £2,800 ovno. M Wheeler Tel 07808 200404/01892 722532 (eves) (Kent)
REAR PTO shaft, heavy duty, for Unimog U1600, unused & as new, was removed when Unimog was delivered new. £975 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)
SPRAYERS
SPRAYTEC LTD
Sprayer Specialists in the Eastern & Southern Counties
Crop & Amenity Sprayer Specialist
Sprayer Specialist in the Eastern & Southern Counties
New and used sprayers and parts stocked for: Berthoud • Househam Chafer • Team and most other makes Hypro • Teejet • Lechler Altek • RDS • Dual Pumps Enduramaxx • Stocks Fan Jet
SPRAYER, SLUG PELLET AND GRANULAR APPLICATOR TESTING
Contacts:
Robert Webb: 07860 801322
Andy Gemmill: 07590 710680
Anthony Williams: 07711 947189 Harvey Walbanke: 07802 336880 Phil Ramsey: 07934 779628
InTrac Steering Axle Trailed with
5000L / 24/30m (or 36m) Tri-fold air suspension
Electrac Steering Drawbar Trailed with air suspension & heavy duty contractors’ booms 3500L / 12/24 or 14/28m Bi-fold
JOHN DEERE 832 trailed 24m sprayer, 2006, PTO single piston 280L/min pump (recently renewed), c/w 4 section 24m double fold booms, EL-4 auto rate controller plus EHB-2, 380/90R46 Goodyear & 20.8x38 Michelin, NSTS tested 4/11/24, vgc. £9,500+VAT ono. N Lindsey Tel 07885 205680 (Cambridgeshire)
BERTHOUD Elyte 24m 2200L, 2011, fantastic straight condition, accurate & reliable, quad nozzles, clean water rinse tanks, c/w some running spares & all original manuals, ex small arable farm Hampshire. £6,750+VAT. E Stevens Tel 07775 614865 (Hampshire)
BATEMAN RB16, 2005, only 4070hrs, 3000L tank, 24m boom, two sets of wheels, serviced & tested by Bateman in February. R Hall Tel 07860 906793 (East Yorkshire)
CHAFER dribble bars, variable rate settings, 24m set. R Moore Tel 07799 767170 (Norfolk)
HOUSEHAM AR3000, 2007, 3000L with external clean water tank, separate Fast Fill pump, 24m twin line booms with triple bodies & single, hyd adj track width, manual 4 sections, LED w/lights, 600/60R28 flotations, 320/90R32 rowcrops. £26,000+VAT ono. J Strickland Tel 07917 274999 (North Yorkshire)
BATEMAN RB25, 24m, two sets of wheels (40%), two spray lines, always Bateman service/MOT, 11000hrs. £21,500+VAT. J Ridley Tel 07850 138851 (Hertfordshire)
KUHN Aero 24m with microgranular rollers, mounted on Sands skid unit for Avadex application, farm built, good output machine. £8,500 ono. K Barker Tel 07771 684128 (Norfolk)
LELY fertiliser spreader, 1.5t capacity. £700. R Alcock Tel 07791 728834/01695 722950 (Lancashire)
Suppliers of...
• Agroco • AR • BFS • Comet Cooper Pegler Dual Pumps Hardi Hypro/Lurmark Teejet
Black Peak Farm Flint Cross Nr Heydon Royston Herts SG8 7PJ
ALLMAN 2600L 24/12m, specially built by Allman with Househam boom, 2 sets wheels, Arag electrics, 6 diaphragm pump, 100L clean water tanks, plus hand wash tank, induction hopper, NoRoSo tested till Dec, basic but very reliable. £4,750+VAT. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
SANDS Horizon 4000, 24m, 2016, 4500hrs, very good condition, full GPS section control & auto steer, AgLeader controller. £110,000+VAT. O Williams Tel 07725 473494 (Cambridgeshire)
SPREADERS
KRM Bogballe fertiliser spreader, 24m, very good condition, has a tear in cover but taped up, f/w new lights & wiring, holds 1200kg, will go straight to work. £1,520+VAT. M Stead Tel 07794 112393 (North Yorkshire)
AMAZONE 1000 fert spreader, well looked after, came off a 150acre farm, done little work, still has the paint on the broad casting discs, hopper is in excellent condition with no rot or rust anywhere, will go straight to work. £1,000. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)
BUNNING Lowlander 105 rear discharge muck spreader c/w greedy boards, 1996, good condition, good floor, chains, beaters, new rear sprockets. £6450+VAT. M Stead Tel 07794 112393 (North Yorkshire)
& HAY
WHEAT, BARLEY
FUELPROOF diesel & Adblue bowser, 2021, 9000L, c/w petrol generator to run AdBlue & 550LPM diesel Puisi pump, hose reels for diesel & AdBlue, auto shut off nozzles for both, flow meter, inline filters, LEDs & flotation wheel, top spec. £18,000+VAT. R King Tel 07584 635054 (Cambridgeshire)
PARMETER 250 disc harrow. 4m wide ridged, retirement sale from small farm, all good discs & bearings, hydraulic angle adjustment, in perfect working order, rear drawbar, scalloped front & plain rear discs. £4,000+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07850 390013 (Cambridgeshire)
BOMFORD Flexitine 3.5m.
£625+VAT. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)
MCCONNEL Shakaerator
water butt c/w tap, holds 1520L. £40. G Tidball Tel 07976 754314 (Somerset)
£7,500+VAT.
MASSEY FERGUSON cultivator, very good condition. £200. R Alcock
Andrew Guest Ltd
01636 700608 07833 535891 Kuhn Power Harrows & Accord
e: simon@andrewguest.co.uk www.andrewguest.co.uk
MASCHIO 3m power harrow, 2007, but hardly used & stored indoors, hydraulic adjust packer, in excellent condition. £8,000+VAT ono. D Hudson Tel 07889 055974 (North Yorkshire)
FLATLIFT 3 leg crumbler & mole leg attachment with expander. £950+VAT. R Morrell Tel 07774 472942 (South Yorkshire)
BOMFORD 6m cultivator, done very little work, always stored under cover, good condition. £3,750+VAT. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)
COUSINS 6.2m hydraulic fold rollers with good plain rings. £2,250. D White Tel 07923 477223 (Essex)
MASCHIO Dominator 3.5m power harrow, barn stored, good tines, hydraulic adjustable roller, no oil leaks, in excellent condition. £3,000+VAT. R Grover Tel 07792 527782 (Suffolk)
HORSCH Sprinter 4ST tine drill, 4m wide, 2011, very good condition. £21,950+VAT. P Longford Tel 07551551493 (Worcestershire)
Suppliers of cultivation equipment airseeders & slug pelleters
See our ad on page 23
VADERSTAD 820 Carrier, in good condition. £24,000+VAT. J Hoyes Tel 01507 568213/07960 013997 (Lincolnshire)
FORCE 3 point linkage
1.5m steering front press. £1,100+VAT. N Lindsey Tel 07885 205680 (Cambridgeshire)
JOHN DEERE
2021 Case Optum 300 CVX, 2135hrs, GPS ready, front linkage + SCV, 900 tyres, 5 spool valves ......£117,000
December 2020
Case Quantum 110N, 2232hrs,40kph, front linkage & PTO, electric hydraulics, 4 rear electric spool valves, 3 mid mount spool valves, front tyres 280/70x16 75%, rear tyres 360/70x28 75%, immaculate ...........£34,000
2023 Case Puma 240 CVX, 2878hrs, front linkage & PTO, 2 mid mount valves, 5 rear spool valves, Power Beyond, full RTK, full LED lighting kit, front tyres 600/60x30 70%, rears 710/60x42 80% Michelins ....................................................................£110,000
2022 Case Puma 240 CVX, 3889hrs front linkage & PTO, hydraulic top link, Power Beyond, guidance ready, 2 mid mount valves, climate control, baler bar, full LED lighting kit, leather seat, front tyres 600/65x28 70%, rear tyres 650/75x38 80% mint.......................£89,000
2023 Case Magnum 340 Powershift, 2100hrs, 50kph, Power Beyond, full guidance, full RTK, front weights, 5 spool valves, standard drawbar, front tyres 600/70x30 95% Michelin, rear tyres 800/70x38 95% Michelin, slight cut on top of lugs, still in manufacturer’s warranty . £133,000
2023 Case Puma 165 CVX c/w Case L4522T loader, 2882hrs, 50kph, Power Beyond, deluxe leather seat, front tyres 600/65x28 70%, rear tyres 710/70x38 80%, never seen livestock, still in manufacturer’s warranty .........................................................£82,000
2021 Case Maxxum 145 CVX, 4800hrs, 50kph, 1 mid mount valve, front linkage, 3 rear spool valves, deluxe seat, front tyres 440/65x28 40%, rear tyres 540/65x38 60% ......................................................................£58,000
We
2013 John Deere 5080GV, 1357hrs, air con, manual shuttle, front tyres 240/70x16 60%, rear tyres 340/85x24 75%, tidy little tractor...............................................£21,000 MASSEY FERGUSON
2018 Fendt 516 Power, 8020hrs, 50kph, front tyres 0%, rear tyres 40% original ....................................£53,000 VALTRA
2019 Valtra N134 Active with Quicke G5S loader c/w soft ride & hydraulic locking, 8589hrs, 50kph, front & cab suspension, air brakes, front tyres 14.9x28 80%, rear tyres 18.4x38 80%, small amount of rust on front wheel .....................................................£39,500 DEUTZ
CAMBRIDGE Rolls, 4m width with transport wheels, heavy duty single roll with hydraulically operated transport wheels, 2’ diameter rings in very good condition.
£1,000+VAT. M Fleming Tel 07881 913725 (Lincolnshire)
CONCEPT 4m SpeedTill. £1,750+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)
CLAYDON 7m stubble rake, still on original tines, nearly new.
£8,000+VAT. J Ridley Tel 07850 138851 (Hertfordshire)
PARMITER Utah 250 trailed heavy disc harrows, up to 12' working width, working order, will level pretty much anything, buyer to collect.
£1,500+VAT. T Ellis Tel 07967 311946 (Staffordshire)
SUMO Trio 2.5m stubble cultivator, 2020, immaculate condition, shearbolt protection, worked a maximum of 150 acres from new, viewing recommended, like new!
£15,000+VAT. D Vernon Tel 07763 340595 (Warwickshire)
SIMBA 3m X-Press with ST bar, very good condition, always kept indoors, new discs have done 100 acres, legs f/w Bourgault Speedloc system. £9,950+VAT. R Swayne Tel 07809016832 (Kent)
COUSINS Type 28 6m folding double press, average condition. £2,900+VAT. T Golding Tel 07708 244506 (Essex)
WEAVING 3m tined multi disc cultivator, Sumo legs, new points, 5 legs, 2 rows of discs & packer roller, stong frame, good condition. £6,500+VAT. R Hall Tel 01379 384209 (Suffolk)
COUSINS V-Form spares, quantity of spares including one brand new & three used legs, three new & two used points, one new cutter & four pairs of wings. £500+VAT. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)
KVERNELAND furrow press for a 3 furrow plough. £350+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)
KUHN bolt on tine kit for 4m HR4002 power harrow. £350+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)
PARMITER Utah disc harrow. £1,600+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)
COUSINS heavy duty cultivator tines, 6 short & 7 long. £300+VAT. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)
MICHAEL Moore double press, 1998, 4.5m with leading tines, good order, unused for many years due to move to direct drilling. £2,995+VAT. T Allebone Tel 07973 147143 (Northamptonshire)
MASSEY Ferguson 3070, 9375hrs, starts runs & drives with no noises but has selection issue with high box, 4 new tyres, rot in usual places on cab, good clutch, sharp brakes, hydraulics PTO OK, PUH, no lift arms, ideal feeder wagon tractor. £8,500. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)
FORD 8210 Turbo, 1991, J reg, 7134hrs, c/w front weights, in good condition, call for more details. £19,250+VAT. N Gaunt Tel 07999855169 (Derbyshire)
MF 8S 305
Dyna VT Exclusive, 2025, 700hrs, f/links & PTO, Trimble guidance receiver, 50kph, air brakes, LED lights, 2 Fieldstar 5 screens, hyd toplink, 4 spools, 710/70/42 & 600/70/30 tyres, as new
01691 791460
TRACK Marshall 155 crawler tractor, 3pt linkage, front 1T weight block, 3600 genuine hrs, excellent running gear, retirement sale from a small farm, owner driven, had a recent new radiator, alternator & turbo. £12,000+VAT.
D Lockhart Tel 07850 390013 (Cambridgeshire)
NEW Holland T5.110, 2023, 1260hrs, tidy utility tractor, still being used so hrs will go up, only ever used on feeder wagon, straw chopper & bale wrapper (at the stack), has never done any hard or road work, tyres are still like new. £46,000+VAT ono. D Bushell Tel 07811 204309 (Carmarthenshire)
CLAAS Axion 830, 2023, Cmatic transmission, 80% tyre tread, GPS & 3yrs warranty, only 1284hrs, front linkage & hydraulic top link, excellent condition. £115,000+VAT. C Leggott Tel 07967 975638 (Lincolnshire)
JOHN DEERE SG2 lower back sliding window, all glass intact & still in original packaging. £60+VAT ono. L Oakley Tel 07900 086087 (Hertfordshire)
JCB Fastrac 4220, Stage 5, 2021, 5000hrs, Field Pro, heated front & rear screen, traction control, hill hold, rear deck weight, GPS ready, front linkage, BKT 600 tyres, owner operator from new, good condition. £78,000+VAT. D Voutt Tel 07900 818810 (Cambridgeshire)
DRAWBAR to fit 5000/6000 Series MF tractors. £150. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)
WEIGHT block, 3pt linkage, ideal for a loader tractor. £60. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)
Feed Processing Specialists
Tub Grinders
- Exclusive UK Distributor of VDW, Haybuster and Rotogrind tub grinders
- Range of models from 5t–25t/hr output
- New, used & refurbished machines available
- Ideal for straw, hay, green waste, roots, biogas feeds, etc
Root Choppers & Cleaners
- Loader, 3 point linkage, free standing PTO and electric drive available
- UK Distributor of VDW range of choppers, cleaners & feed dispensing equipment
- Output from 10t/hour to over 120t/hr available
Diet Feeders
- Largest stock of mixers in the UK - over 50 machines in current stock
- Refurbished, used & nearly new units available
- New Mini Mixer available
- Diet feeder parts available - blades, conveyor belts, gearboxes, weigh cells
JOHN Deere 6190R, 2014, 40K Autoquad, front rear cab suspension, very tidy, 4140hrs. £47,500+VAT ono. G Vale Tel 07968 264768 (Bedfordshire)
TOMBSTONE for 5000/5610/6000 non power steering. D Sturman Tel 07836 339900 (Hertfordshire)
JOHN DEERE tractor tombstone front weight for 7 Series. R Moore Tel 07799 767170 (Norfolk)
CASE MX170, 2002, 9732hrs, 40kph semi Powershift, front linkage, air brakes (rare!), air con, 4 spools (3 manual, 1 electric), PUH, creep box, all original paintwork. £24,950+VAT ono. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)
2021 John Deere 6155R, 1055hrs only, Autoquad, fully Autotrac 6000 receiver, Powergard to June 2026, immaculate. N Hanson Tel 07944 138839 (Buckinghamshire)
2022 Claas Arion 610, front & cab suspension, 730hrs, 50k gearbox, still under 5yr warranty, in good condition, owned from new, change of farming reason for sale, set of rowcrops available at extra cost.
£64000+VAT ono. D Lunn Tel 07941 072957 (Cambridgeshire)
TRAILERS
GRAIN/SILAGE sides (2) for Fraser 6t trailer, 3.4m x 0.56m, good condition, straight. £100 each ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
TAILGATE for Marston 10t trailer, but would fit others, 7' x 4', with hanging posts, little used & straight. £475 ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
for
8-TON T&F trailer, tips fine with no leaks from the ram, floor isn't grain tight but would be fine for muck, etc, all doors are good & straight, has hyd brakes, two tyres are good, the other pair are OK. £1,675. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)
GRAIN sides (4) & frame/posts
Marston 10t trailer, straight & had very little use. £200 ono. R Swayne Tel 07809 016832 (Kent)
45-FOOT trailer. £1,500. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)
FLAT bed trailer (possibly a Marshall?), ideal for bales or bins of greens, 22' bed, removable rear headboard, 4 good tyres, on sprung axles, hydraulic brakes, floor is mostly good except a small area at the front. £2,250. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)
SHOOT trailer, converted ex BT lorry body on agricultural axle, seats 18–20 people with bus & bench seats, c/w safety gate, roller shutter door, storage lockers & road lights, good condition. £1,500. N Garrod Tel 07801 634235 (Norfolk)
RICHARD Larrington push trailer, 2013, in good working condition, on air brakes & suspension, will carry 20t comfortably. £15,000+VAT ono. M Hill Tel 07799 267920 (Nottinghamshire)
kits for your tanks
RICHARD WESTERN SWT18t grain trailer, sprung drawbar, air brakes, hydraulic back door & grain chute, flotation tyres, rear drawbar, in good condition. M Parker Tel 07974 116990 (Derbyshire) ARTIC dolly for tractor, on super singles, retirement sale, been used to tow 30T artic grain trailers, good 5th wheel. £650+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07920 100623 (Cambridgeshire)
13/14-TONNE aluminium grain trailer, grain chute, retirement sale, will be supplied on super singles, ram drips on last tipping stage but never a problem, lorry conversion deep sided body. £2,000+VAT. D Lockhart Tel 07920 100623 (Cambridgeshire)
45-FOOT straw trailer with bogie. Open to sensible offers. £1,800+VAT
(Suffolk)
IFOR WILLIAMS 8' x 5' livestock trailer, needs new floor & tyres. £150 ono. R Digby Tel 01263 824069 (Norfolk)
HOMEMADE wooden trailer, 9' x 5', well built, needs new floor. £120 ono. R Digby Tel 01263 824069 (Norfolk)
MF 4t grain trailer. £750. M Wheeler Tel 07808 200404/01892 722532 (eves) (Kent)
nice low 32” deck height, hi speed comm axles, air over hyd brakes, load sensing, galv bale ladders, strap locker JPM 32’ tandem axle bale trailer
IFOR Williams TA510G livestock trailer, 2014, lights work but missing one f/side light, brakes & bodywork good, 1" hole in ramp, hitch key, inner partition, cattle spec (only top flaps open but can be converted by retro fitting kit). £3,000 ono. O Brake Tel 07789 798688 (Oxfordshire)
TRIFFITT low loader purpose-built to carry 8t excavator, had very little use (hasn’t even done 10mls), always kept under cover, hydraulic brakes, excellent tyres, 25’ flatbed, 30’ overall. L Rofix Tel 07860 255223 (Suffolk)
TRAILER ex army, fast tow capacity, 3.5t, sprung axles with lockable chemical container, used behind Unimog or Land Rover to transport IBC & chemical to sprayer, ideal for transporting diesel to combine, etc. £275 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)
PETTIT 8t tipping grain trailer always stored under cover, only used for grain, good tyres, c/w short posts for lower sides if required, in very good order. £2,500 ono. V Long Tel 07734 852887 (Norfolk)
AS Marston 14T grain tipping trailer. new thick rollover cover with ratchet straps & tie downs, hyd lifting & brakes, good tyres, manual swinging tailgate, f/ladder, bulker length 6.76m, total length inc f/pick up 8.16m, height 2.7m. £5,750+VAT. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)
MARSTON Trailer 10 Tonne. 10 Tonne rigid grain trailer. Twin axle. Hydraulic rear tipping. £3600 O.N.O. Average. other. AS trailer. 1985. A Conder Tel 07768914500 (Hertfordshire)
IFOR Williams tri-axle livestock trailer, 2013, c/w Easy Load system & sump tank, original handbook, wheel brace & 2 keys owned from new, in good condition with good tyres, lights & brakes working. £4,500. D Cheffings Tel 01245 225250 (Essex)
RICHARD Western SF24, 2022, 560 tyres, front & rear steering, silage sides & roll over sheet, good condition, please ask for more info. £30,000+VAT ono. M Hill Tel 07799 267920 (Nottinghamshire)
&
TRELLEBORG set of flotation wheels, TM1060 710/60-R38 rears & 600/60-R28 fronts on rims to suit Fendt 500 Series (used on 516), used as flotation tyres, but for sale due to no longer having tractor 75–80% in vgc. £6,800+VAT. J Forrest Tel 07836 561426 (Suffolk)
ALLOY 5 stud 4x4 spare wheel, Goodyear Wrangler tyre 155/60-R18 LL2V. £50 no VAT. R James Tel 01263 837569 (leave message for call back) (Norfolk) 245/70-R16 tyre, done approx 1000mls. D Sturman Tel 07836 339900 (Hertfordshire)
JOHN DEERE 2850 Stocks Ag dual wheels, 12x38 with fixings, 13.6R38, good condition. £300+VAT ono. T Ellis Tel 07967 311946 (Staffordshire)
PAIR of Michelin Agribib 14.9R28, small cracks on outside of one. £120 the pair. D Wright Tel 07887 640895/01386 584294 (Gloucestershire)
VEHICLES
Volvo V90 Momentum 2.0 Petrol Euro 6
BRIDGESTONE flotation wheels, set of four VF Bridgestone VT 900/60R42 rear & VT combine 750/65R26 fronts to suit MF 8740, approx 5yrs old, for sale due to changing tractor, in very good condition 75–80% tread. £12,500+VAT. J Forrest Tel 07836 561426 (Suffolk)
Latest design & features with only 43,000mls, 1yr warranty & customer support, everything just serviced means 18,000 miles cost free motoring Volvo XC90 Momentum AWD 2.0 D5 Diesel Euro 6 vehicle just arrived, not available until fully prepped
Finance available subject to status Enquiries: 01245 422498
Contact COLIN SIMS 07831 805080 01205 460081 sales@agriculturaltyresandwheels.com
ROWCROP wheels, Michelin Agribib 480/80R46 rear & 420/90R30 front, to suit 700 Series Fendt (used on 724) on rims to track at 2m centres (tyres have been used for ploughing and as rowcrops) 35–40% tread left. £3,250+VAT. J Forrest Tel 07836 561426 (Suffolk)
MF front wheels, heavy duty, 900x16, vgc. £500. A Ford Tel 07708 154580/01508 530598 eves (Norfolk)
MF wheels, 13.6x28, 60%, vgc. £400. A Ford Tel 07708 154580/01508 530598 eves (Norfolk)
STOCKS Dual wheels, 16.9x38, c/w clamps, tyres @30%, vgc. £350. A Ford Tel 07708 154580/01508 530598 eves (Norfolk)
PAIR of rims and tyres to fit Mitsubishi, 6 stud rims, tyres as new condition, 205-R16. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
STOCKS Dual wheels, 13.6x28, c/w clamps, tyres @30%, vgc. £250. A Ford Tel 07708 154580/01508 530598 eves (Norfolk)
WHEEL & tyre to fit Ifor Williams TA510 triaxle livestock trailer, tyre as new condition, 175/75/R16C. M Nott Tel 07974 112885 (Worcestershire)
PAIR of rowcrop wheels, 9.5x44, good Kleber tyres, MF centres. £60+VAT. R Quiney Tel 07711 434763 (Warwickshire)
JOHN DEERE 2850 rowcrop wheels, bought them with the tractor about 12yrs ago & never used them. £500+VAT. T Ellis Tel 07967311946 (Staffordshire)
ALTURA 23.1x26 grass tyres, presently on JD 2650 rims, new, for sale because I've sold the grassland & no longer have use for them. £1,550 ono. K Gilson Tel 07434 836447 (East Yorkshire) FOUR alloy rims c/w tyres, 215/65R16. £50 each ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys)
MICHELIN radial tyre, 540/65-R28. £250. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)
Toyota
2018, with mesh door, good condition. £100+VAT. R Pickard Tel 07931 583489 (Leicestershire)
FRONT & rear bumpers to fit Mk8 Toyota Hilux Active model 2016 onwards, a few scratches but good enough to make a cheap repair, can send pictures via WhatsApp if required. B Robinson Tel 07740 683113 (Gloucestershire)
GAMIC
Hilux aluminium canopy,
VEHICLES
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Sport
HSE on a 68 plate, in dark blue, black leather interior with electric seats, only 44,000mls, due a service hence the reduced price, but drives really nice, good condition. £15,250 ono. J Binning Tel 07765 064694 (Oxfordshire)
2004 Isuzu Rodeo pickup, 4wd, lots of miles & cosmetic challenges but MOT until next January, would make a cheap runabout for a farm or shoot. £1,500+VAT. B Robinson Tel 07740 683113 (Gloucestershire)
NISSAN Navara rear body guard frame, c/w frame & connections, good condition. £50+VAT. L Oakley Tel 07900 086087 (Hertfordshire)
CLUB Car electric golf buggy, low hours, had little use, 2+2, lights, charger. £2,500. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)
TOYOTA Hilux 2.8 Invincible X, 2024, 6spd manual, Crimson spark metallic, black leather, heated seats, air con,10K miles only, privately owned from new, serviced by Toyota, balance of 10yr warranty, Spray X liner, towbar, excellent. £34,500+VAT. S Powell Tel 07970 504749 (Gloucestershire)
MINI Cooper diesel, 2010, 98000 miles, in excellent condition, just serviced with as new tyres & sold with 12 months MOT. £2,750. C Bigley Tel 07909 910005 (Lincolnshire)
SSANGYONG Rexton 2.7TD auto, 5/7 seater, 12 plate, currently SORN, selling for spares or repair, broken engine mount (easy repair), recently been my estate vehicle so only driven on private roads & parkland, low mileage. £1,100 ono. R Horner Tel 07769 806840 (Bedfordshire)
VAUXHALL Astra 1.4 petrol, 60 plate, 95,000mls, used daily until the end of the month, 2 keys, spare wheel, a/c, f/elec windows, new battery & oil filters, 2 new tyres after MOT, some paint flaking on one corner of bumper. £1,200 ono. L Newstead Tel 07971 035155 (Somerset)
2017 Scania R450 Highline sleeper, 3-axle unit, tested till March 26, fridge, air con, night heater, auto cruise, hill assist, sliding 5th wheel. £14.950. D Brown Tel 07860 710707 (East Yorkshire)
LAND ROVER Evoque 2.2 SD4 Pure Auto Tech pack, Loire blue, 64 reg, 2 owners, 103,000mls, owned for 7yrs, service history, new tyres, starter motor, battery & gear selector, cambelt change 2023, vgc, genuine. £7,499 ono. B Brown Tel 07768 038369 (Cambridgeshire)
NISSAN Navara 2.5 Tekna, 2014, double cab truck with canopy, FSH, 2 local owners, silver, 120k miles, manual, diesel, MOT April 2026, never towed. £7,750+VAT. A Hladun Tel 07778 747881 (Lincolnshire)
RENAULT Master LWB dropside truck, 2020, MOT June 2026, rare automatic, front wheel drive, single rear wheels, 3 seater cab with media centre, sat nav , bluetooth, in immaculate condition, only for sale as need a 7T. £13,495+VAT. S March Tel 07860 835995 (Essex)
2001 LDV dropside pick up, 3500 gvw, Ford Transit banana diesel engine, one owner, 46,000 miles from new. £1,250. K Ollett Tel 07753 859883 (Suffolk)
ALUMINIUM dropside body, 35000 tonne GVW on Renault, 2009, chassis with hydraulic tail lift. K Ollett Tel 07753 859881 (Suffolk)
VINTAGE & CLASSIC
BEDFORD pickup, 1972, MOT & tax exempt, 2.3L petrol engine, electric overdrive gearbox, two new tyres. £1.800 D Marchant Tel 07952 698664 (Northamptonshire)
Over 25 years experience
Vintage & Classic Tractor Cab Replacement Panels, Parts & Interiors
MF 135 black & red bucket seat, adjustable, hardly used, vgc, as new. £90. A Ford Tel 07708 154580/01508 530598 eves (Norfolk)
1992 Massey Ferguson 3690, 8/16spd g/box, 3 spools, 1000 PTO, r/tyres 80%, f/20%, solid f/linkage, r/ wheel & f/belly weights, reliable & genuine, starts instantly, regularly serviced, 1 owner since 1995, ready for work or collector. £22,750+VAT ono. S Edwards Tel 07970 075145 (Shropshire)
SILVER CLAAS Europa, 1963, in working order, cut 6 acres the other year, 6'8" cut, good engine, keeps good oil pressure, c/w a few spares, mostly all painted, heartbreaking to sell it. £2,500 no VAT. C Flatters Tel 01775 640112 (Lincolnshire) MASSEY FERGUSON 788 1964, probably the best 788 in the country, full restoration, cuts a bit most years, c/w LOTS of spares, good engine, keeps good oil pressure, lots of paper work.
£3,250 ovno no VAT. C Flatters Tel 01775 640112 (Lincolnshire)
1985 John Deere 2040s XE in original condition apart from seat, but original seat included, only one previous owner from new, c/w original manual, in full working order, recently serviced, two spools, showing just over 6000hrs. P Wade Tel 07805 747339 (Norfolk)
BENTALL 0.5T mill & mixer, single phase, needs new air socks, otherwise in working order. D White Tel 07923 477223 (Essex)
PERKINS A4-270D direct injection diesel engine, originally from Massey 780S combine harvester, more recently used to power a standby generator, starts & runs well, can be seen running. £1,250+VAT ono. N Osborn Tel 07885 625416 (West Sussex)
DAVID Brown wheel weight. £80 ovno. M Lewis Tel 07422 668416 (Powys) MERCEDES MB-Trac 1500, 1983, 150hp, 4320hrs, one owner from new, front linkage, immaculate inside & out, retirement forces sale. M Burnel Leake Tel 07831 126304 (Hertfordshire)
DAVID Brown Selectamatic 780, in showroom condition, delivery can be arranged, call for details. F Campling Tel 07876 507590 (Lincolnshire)
MASSEY Ferguson 135, recently refurbished but rarely used so in very good condition, f/w front loader & everything works as it should. £7,500 ono. M Ewen Tel 01279 777530 (Hertfordshire) We are
&
Massey Ferguson grader, original branding still visible, please feel free to ask questions. £695 ono. z brodie-james Tel 07720 397795 (Dorset) FORDSON Dexta, was running when parked up 5yrs ago, engine turned over a few times when battery fitted then locked solid, so project for someone. £1,000. C Bigley Tel 07909 910005 (Lincolnshire)
Ford 7710 2wd, very original condition, 16.9R38 tyres, 6648hrs, some rust in places but no serious rot. £8,500 ono. J Clark Tel 07841 873629 (Essex) INTERNATIONAL 475 with Quicke 2560, showing 4583hrs, Perkins engine, 62hp, ballasted tyres, Quicke 2560 loader, will come with the muck grab & a single bale spike. £5,500+VAT. C Wollen Tel 07786 117094 (Bristol) KIA Sorento 4wd, failed MOT, but would do as farm vehicle off road. D Sturman Tel 07836 339900 (Hertfordshire)
VINTAGE
RYTEC Workbox & Weightbox with removable weight, various sizes & weights
Used Machinery
CLAAS Arion 650 Cebis 2016 (66) 185hp, 50kph Hexashift transmission 5950hrs, Proactive front axle, front linkage, good condition £48,000
CLAAS Arion 640 CIS, 2010, under 5700hrs, hexashift, 4 spool valves, front linkage, Proactive front axle, fully suspended cab, very good tyres, good condition
KW chopper feeder bucket, 2019, JCB Q Fit brackets good
mower,
Email details to farm@murrell1.plus.com 01603 712222 www.jmurrell.co.uk
COMPLETE front axle for 2.5/3t Indespension plant trailer, or complete dilapidated trailer for spare parts. R James Tel 01263 837569 (leave message for call back) (Norfolk)
COMBINESWANTED
New Holland TC, TX, CX
Deutz Fahr - all models John Deere 1177, 2056, 2058, 2256, 2258
BELARUS 310/406-12-16 tyre wanted off muck spreader, or complete wheel & tyre. D Hall Tel 01773 711220 (Nottinghamshire)
4X4S & PICKUPS wanted, anything considered, cash payment, in the Anglia/ Kent region. Prompt collection. Call Jeremy Long on 07711 079821.
BRACEY 9 tine heavy cultivator with hydraulic lift. J Markham Tel 07860 573628 (Bedfordshire)
LOOKING for a Massey Ferguson 550 tractor, good, bad or ugly (any condition considered). P Jackson Tel 01422 243913/07942 201603 (West Yorkshire)
VINTAGE tennis court markers, any considered, please send me photos. I Morris Tel 07496 394356 (Shropshire)
PTO roller mill required, preferably Fraser. c cornish Tel 07880 976137 (Suffolk)
FLOWELL PTO livestock feeder wanted. C Cornish Tel 07880 976137 (Suffolk)
LOOKING for a classic Massey 550 tractor in usable condition, any condition considered, please call with details. P Jackson Tel 01422 243913/07942 201603 (West Yorkshire)
Land wanted for pig units by UK’s leading free-range pork producer
See our ad on page 121
SUGAR beet cleaner loader with picking table or stone removal rollers wanted, must be in decent working order, needed for this campaign. B Hargreaves Tel 07971 832271 (Shropshire)
WANTED
John Deere 00, 10, 20 & 30 Series tractors
Please email your machine to info@jamesmurrell.co.uk or call
01603 712222 Norwich, Norfolk www.jmurrell.co.uk
DESTONER wanted with discharge elevator. N McLeod Tel 01362 687240 (Norfolk)
SAW blade attachment for Fisher Humphries long reach hedger wanted, in working order. W Fenn Tel 07714 200440 (Northamptonshire) WASTE SERVICES & RECYCLING
(blue),
(Lincolnshire)
HESTAIR
Specialist bolsters ProCam team
Agronomy rm ProCam has bolstered its strategic o ering to arable and livestock farmers with the appointment of David Ramdhian as the company’s head of seed development.
New regional advisor for Monitor Farm Scotland
Monitor Farm Scotland has welcomed Iona Smith, who joined the team on 22nd August as a regional advisor.
sheep farm in Turnberry, South Ayrshire and went on to complete an Honours Degree in Rural Business Management at SRUC Edinburgh.
David, who has worked within the seed trade in various seed breeding, production, treatment and retail, marketing and sales development roles for more than 30 years (including with Dalgety, DLF, UPL and more recently RAGT) joins ProCam to develop the company’s seed strategy, ensuring customer access to an industry leading range of crops and performance seeds.
In his new role, David will be responsible for overseeing the growth of ProCam’s seed o er and to provide complementary support and advice to the company’s core crop protection and agronomy services.
“In a world where crop protection active ingredients are under regulatory pressure and challenges such as climate change and the push for greener, more environmentally friendly food production increase, my main priorities will be to work with ProCam’s agronomists to enhance the service we o er to farmers,” David explained. recently RAGT) joins access to an industry and challenges such as and push for greener, more food production increase, to work with ProCam’s
Iona brings a wealth of experience to the role. Most recently, she worked with Blackhall & Powis as a graduate land manager where she was involved in numerous onshore and o shore renewable projects all over the country. She was brought up on a pedigree beef and
Alongside her professional work, Iona is also the current chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland, and this October is leading the UK team to the World Hereford Conference in Kansas City, America which demonstrates her commitment and passion for the farming sector.
East Green Energy has welcomed Tim Thornton as its new sales manager. Tim had a long and illustrious career with Tuckwells selling all things John Deere. He is a motivated, results-driven professional with more than 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing across the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
Throughout his career, Tim has been guided by three core principles: a passion for exceptional customer service, a strategic approach to problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to his team. His track record speaks for itself – successfully leading eld sales teams through clear goal setting, meticulous planning, and strong customer relationships.
For Tim, joining East Green Energy was a natural step. Having installed a solar PV and
New role for Tim Thornton at East Green Energy
battery system at his own home, he witnessed rst-hand the dramatic impact it had on reducing energy costs. It sparked a belief that renewable energy will play a crucial role in helping businesses stay pro table – giving them control over rising energy prices and providing a tangible, long-term way to cut bills.
Clarke & Simpson pays tribute to partner Henry Birch
Suffolk-based Clarke & Simpson has paid tribute to Henry Birch , who passed away on 27th August.
A spokesperson for Clarke & Simpson said: “Henry was a highly respected and beloved partner of Clarke & Simpson, known for his
In her new role, Iona will be supporting the Dumfriesshire, East Lothian and Roxburghshire Monitor Farms, taking on the cluster previously covered by Maura Wilson, who is moving on after three years in the role.
dedication, expertise and great spirit.
“Henry’s contributions to our business and the wider community will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. Rest in peace, Henry. We will miss Henry came from Shropshire,
where his family still farms. He joined Clarke & Simpson in 2003 from Bidwells, where he had worked for over 20 years,
building a reputation for expertise you.”
in estate management.
Henry’s work at Clarke & Simpson primarily consisted of managing rurally based estates throughout England and Scotland.
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All of our spreaders are manufactured by ourselves in the UK and combine heavy duty construction with top quality components. Standard specifications include 20mm chain, 70mm shafts and bearings, commercial axles, wide angle PTOs.
...the only British built plough on the market, uses a combination of well proven genuine Dowdeswell parts and modern updates From 5 to 10 furrows to suit horsepowers up to 600hp, in furrow and on land options with a choice of bodies including DD, DDS, UCN, SCN and Slatted.
... supply a wide range of new PTO shafts and spares nationwide and also carry out servicing and repairs on most types of shaft.
A huge range of parts are available including U/Js, tubing and guards. We also supply gear boxes and hydraulic motors for a wide range of machines including mowers. spreaders and toppers.
Our parts department offer’s a comprehensive range of oils, filters, wearing parts, batteries, bearings, belts, and tools.