Farming Monthly National October 2025

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UK food needs radical transformation on scale not seen since Second World War, new report finds

Rapid and urgent action on food is needed if the UK is to reboot its flagging economy, save the NHS billions, ensure national food security, and meet climate commitments, according to a new report.

The Roadmap for Resilience: A UK Food Plan for 2050,calls for radical transformation, at a scale and pace not seen since the Second World War. It says if we do not act now, change will be forced upon us by increasing pressures and the UK will lurch from crisis to crisis, including from food price shocks, climate disasters and weakening economic productivity.

Acting now however, allows the UK to decide its own future, and must include three core transformations: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets. Government must take the lead with "decisive and coordinated action", says the report, and proposes 10 key recommendations and a timeline to 2050.

The report is published as renewed attention is being given to global food system transformation, including through the EAT-Lancet Commission's latest report released earlier this month.

"Achieving this transformation has the power to deliver a food system where everyone in the UK has access to healthy and sustainable food," said Neil Ward, Co-lead of the Agri-Food for Net Zero (AFN) Network+, which coordinated the report, and a professor at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

"Through these three transformations we can reduce pressure on the NHS and help people lead healthier and more economically active lives. Nature will flourish, emissions will fall and farming will be more resilient and secure for future generations," he said.

"Pressures from climate change, global shocks and poor diets mean significant change to our food system is inevitable over the next 50 years. However, if we act now, we still have time to shape our future, and positively impact national security, national health, economic growth and climate change. Our window to act is narrow though – if we do not, change will be forced on us by crisis," added Professor Ward.

The report had input from 150 scientists and industry professionals from across research institutes, farming, charities and the food industry, and is the culmination of three years of work by the AFN Network+, a project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with 3,000 members and led by a group of 11 universities and research institutes.

A system under pressure

The report highlights that the UK food system is a significant source of national greenhouse gas emissions and will become the largest source of emissions by the 2040s. Meanwhile, poor diets cost

the economy £268 billion a year in direct healthcare costs as well as indirect costs such as low economic activity, and 7.2 million people now live in foodinsecure households – an increase of 80% in just three years. Adding to these challenges, the UK is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, since it is dependent on imports for 50% of vegetables and 85% of fruit, despite these being essential to healthy diets.

Transformation across three key areas

The Roadmap calls for transformation in three key areas:

• Stronger, more resilient farming: Supporting farmers to adapt to climate change, diversify business and grow more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, reducing the need for imports.

• Smarter, more integrated land use: Expanding woodland cover from 14% to at least 20% of UK land by 2050, restoring peatlands and planning land use regionally to balance food, nature and climate.

• Healthier diets made easier: Making nutritious, sustainable food the easy and affordable option, while reducing reliance on imported and highemission foods.

Urgent actions for government

The authors set out 10 priority actions, urging the government to work in partnership with farmers, food companies and local authorities. These include:

• Place food security on a par with energy security, equally essential to national security

• Set targets for dietary change and livestock numbers

• Create a National Food System Transformation Committee reporting to the Prime Minister

• Further reform agricultural subsidies to prioritise emissions reduction and carbon sequestration, alongside sustainable production and biodiversity

Professor Tim Benton, Co-lead of the AFN Network+, said: "Every year of delay makes transformation harder and more costly. We call on all parties, public institutions, industry and civil society to unite to drive forwards the transformations highlighted in this Roadmap. Change is coming to our food system, but how we shape it is our choice to make."

The Roadmap for Resilience: A UK Food Plan for 2050was developed by the AFN Network+, drawing on insights from across its community of more than 3,000 members. The AFN Network+ is jointly led by UEA, the University of Leeds, University of York, and the University of the West of England.

KUHN crowned Manufacturer of the Year

KUHN Farm Machinery has been crowned Manufacturer of the Year at the British Farming Awards 2025 with judges highlighting the business’s progressive outlook and work promoting opportunities in industry to the next generation.

KUHN was one of six nominees up for the award, including two competitor drill manufacturers. Judges were impressed with the company’s performance in what has been a difficult trading environment, while its links to educational institutions and Young Farmers groups was a particular strong point. Advances in product development and environmental production were also praised by the panel.

Collecting the award on behalf of KUHN were Sian Pritchard, managing director, KUHN UK, and Kate Hamer, marketing manager, KUHN UK.

Sian says: “We’re delighted to win this award especially against an extremely high calibre of competition. It’s an award for the whole KUHN

team, from our people at the HQ in Telford to the sales and technical teams in the field across the country, along with our extensive dealer network. We’re nothing without their dedication, commitment and expertise.

“Our extensive product portfolio is constantly changing to meet the needs of farmers and growers across the country, which puts added pressure on our teams to know these products inside out. It’s recognition such as this that shows we are helping our customers meet and overcome their challenges.”

It’s a big year ahead for KUHN, with some innovative machinery launches planned for LAMMA, including the brand-new high-capacity KARAN trailed sprayer, Highlander shallowdepth cultivator range, and revised and updated MergeMaxx grass merger.

The British Farming Awards is a yearly event, held at The Vox in Birmingham organised by Agriconnect.

Braemar & Crathie Kirk and RHASS Presidential Team Join Together to Celebrate Scottish Farmers in Harvest Thanksgiving Service

Crathie Kirk, the place of worship most well-known for regular visits by the Royal Family when they are in residence at Balmoral Castle, played host to their annual Harvest service yesterday (Sunday 5th October) to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Scotland’s farming community in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland).

Their Majesties The King and Queen joined the congregation of over 200 to enjoy the service which was arranged in conjunction with the RHASS Aberdeenshire Presidential team.

The very special service was taken by Rev. Ken MacKenzie, the Minister of the Parish of Braemar and Crathie, member of the Chapel Royal and the Chaplain to RHASS for 2025-26.

Dr Robert Lovie, who is one of the RHASS Vice Presidents for this year, Director at The King’s Foundation and well-known entertainer, presenter, host and broadcaster set the scene, explaining that the Royal Highland Society was established in 1784 and held its first show in 1822. An annual show followed and was hosted in one of eight regions across Scotland in turn. The last time the show was held in one of these areas was in 1959 when it was staged in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park before locating to Ingliston in 1960 where it has been held ever since.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Service was a way for those in the area to come together and give thanks for Aberdeenshire and its agriculture and to all those who are involved in rural work.

The service is one of the events that the RHASS Presidential team is arranging during their term -

which will culminate at the 2026 Royal Highland Show, at which they plan to fly the flag for Aberdeenshire extoling the characteristics of the area including its agriculture, food and drink, whisky, education, music, culture, tourism and the activities in the area.

Fundraising is underway with the ambition to raise sufficient funds to allow donations to go to RHASS, The Young Farmers (for “The Big Build”) and RSABI.

At the service Ellen Glennie, Chair of the North Region Young Farmers read a scripture reading as did Pat Machray - President of RHASS, who (along with other members of the wider team) has recently undergone prostate cancer treatment and is keen to support RSABI and the work they do in promoting the importance of health checks across those in farming communities.

The harvest festival also included performances from Pipe Major Michael Laing of the Lonach Pipe Band and the Mayfield players, the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir. A reading was also given by Jim Brown MBE in Doric.

The Initiative’s President, Pat Machray OBE,farms near Inverurie where he has a flock of Pedigree Suffolk Sheep, said: “It was a very special service conducted by our own chaplain for the

Aberdeenshire year, Rev Ken MacKenzie, with superb choral singing and music throughout. It was wonderful to have had a such a superb turnoutwhich is testament to the gratitude that we all have to work and live in this part of the world and to pause and take a moment to give thanks.”

James Logan, RHASS Chair, said: At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.

“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us.”

The Harvest Thanksgiving service welcomed many from the community, all coming together to show their appreciation for Scotland’s farming industry. For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk

Strenthening customer engagement and technical expertise across the UK market

AriensCo has expanded its UK team with the appointment of Michael Groves as Product Specialist in July 2025. With over 18 years of experience in professional turf care, Groves brings a strong mix of technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to the brand.

deep expertise in complex, demonstration-driven machinery, particularly High grass and slope mowers. In his new role, he will support AriensCo’s sales team through product demonstrations, dealer collaboration and customer engagement across the UK.

Groves joined the AriensCo Roadshow shortly after taking up his position, giving him an immediate opportunity to connect with dealers and end users nationwide. “This role is about helping our dealers succeed and showing customers the difference, our machines make in real working conditions,” says Groves. “The Roadshow was the perfect way to start – being out there with customers, listening, demonstrating, and adding real value.”

Having previously worked with Buxtons, Ron Smith & Co., and PSD Groundscare, Groves has built

As Product Specialist, Groves will lead technical trainings and strategic demonstrations for major clients, supporting Area Sales Managers and ensuring AriensCo products are experienced where buying decisions are made – in action. His product favourites include the new Ariens Summit Pro professional Zero-Turn range and the popular AS Sherpa ride-on mowers.

Sam Lewis, General Manager AriensCo UK, comments: “Our success depends on being close to our dealers and customers. These are investment products that need to be seen, felt and understood. Michael’s deep market knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the industry will strengthen our presence on the ground and reinforce our commitment to customer support.”

The appointment aligns with AriensCo’s strategy in the UK to position high-performance, demonstration-driven products such as Zero-Turn and high-grass mowers directly where professionals operate. Dealers benefit from closer cooperation, more active field support and an enhanced focus on end-user experience.

New Social Media Campaign Urges DEFRA to Legislate Against Cages

On 10thOctober, on World Egg Day, Compassion in World Farming has launched a new social media advertising campaign, aimed at mobilising consumer pressure on DEFRA to legislate against caged systems for laying hens.

Timed to start on this global awareness day celebrating eggs, the six-week campaign features a compelling animation that starkly contrasts the life of a caged hen with one that has more freedom to engage in natural behaviours like flapping, perching and dustbathing, once released from confinement.

The initiative forms part of Compassion’s wider programme to end caged farming across the UK and Europe. Consumers are encouraged to contact DEFRA directly to call for a ban on cages for hens.

It is strategically timed to show the depth of public support at aParliamentary Reception on 12 November, where food businesses, policymakers and stakeholders, will be calling on the government to commit to cagefree legislation.

Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farmingsaid: "Legislation is essential to ensure a level playing field. Without it, responsible businesses — those moving towards or already using cage-free systems — risk being undercut by less committed competitors and cheap, lower-welfare imports."

“While many UK companies have made voluntary cage-free egg commitments, seven million hens— 18% of UK egg production—remain in cages. This campaign is about showing DEFRA that consumer demand is strong and growing. Cage-free legislation will ensure the entire sector moves forward together, ending outdated practices and supporting UK businesses that prioritise animal welfare.”

Finalists revealed for Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2025

Following applications from up-andcoming cheesemongers across the world, the Academy of Cheese has announced its six finalists for Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2025, sponsored by Peter's Yard. Representing six different nations, these talented young cheese professionals will now prepare for the competition's grand final, set to take place at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland on Thursday 13 November.

from Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, who was put forward by the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Representing Ireland is Cián Ó Cinnéide, who works at Neal's Yard Dairy at Borough Market in London, as well as Tori McDonald from Mellis Cheese in Edinburgh, with the line-up completed by Magdalena Gruber from Mühltaler in Salzburg, Austria, and Harry English from La Fromagerie in Marylebone, London.

Established to celebrate and support professional development within the industry, Young Cheesemonger of the Year has developed into a truly global showcase since its re-launch in 2022. This year's finalists will include Emma Cachau from Fromagerie Chataigner in Paris, who was selected by La Fédération des Fromagers de France, as well as Hanna Lee

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These finalists will now take part in five rounds of judging at Festhalle Bern next month. Challenges will include cutting and wrapping, cheese identification, pairing with Peter's Yard crackers, and finally the 'MasterRind' quiz, all assessed by judges including top cheesemonger and broadcaster, Morgan McGlynn Carr, and renowned cheesemonger and cheesemaker, Andy Swinscoe from The Courtyard Dairy.

The winner will receive the coveted Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2025 trophy, a Boska Pro Cheese Tools Kit, a feature in Fine Food Digest magazine, a place on the Academy of Cheese Level Two certification course, and an invitation to judge at the World Cheese Awards 2026.

Tracey Colley, founding director of the Academy of Cheese, commented: "We're so excited by the quality and diversity of our finalists this year, who are all forging their own impressive paths in the global cheese industry. With the support of our sponsors, Peter's Yard, we've been able to raise the profile of the competition year-on-year, and so as Switzerland hosts the World Cheese Awards for the first time next month, and Bern becomes the 'Capital of Cheese', we'll be putting the skills, knowledge and passion of young mongers centre stage."

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The Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2025 final will take place during the World Cheese Awards at the Festhalle Bern in Switzerland on Thursday 13 November, from 13.30 to 16.00.

HRH The Princess Royal Visits AwardWinning Corskie Farm in Moray

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the Scotch Chef's Club run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), visited Corskie Farm in Moray on 14 October, where she was hosted by the Green family — winners of the 2024 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Award — along with representatives from the award's founders, AgriScot.

Corskie Farm is managed by Iain Green alongside his three daughters, Hannah, Jemma and Laura, and their dedicated team of staff. The business combines livestock and arable farming with a UK-wide bulk haulage operation. The farm runs a suckler herd of 631 cows and in-calf heifers, primarily pedigree Simmental, Shorthorn and Simmental-cross Shorthorn, alongside 710 mule ewes crossed with Texel tups and a 360-sow indoor breeding pig herd.

During the tour, The Princess Royal learned about the farm's pedigree cattle enterprises and its approach to grassland management and calving. She also met members of the Green family and staff before unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit.

Iain Green, host farmer, said: "It was an honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Corskie today and showcase the work of our family and team. This was a very special occasion. For my daughters and the next generation, this visit is something truly memorable."

Gilmour Lawrie, Chair of AgriScot, commented: "The Farm of the Year Awards, founded by AgriScot in 2009, provide a platform to showcase progressive and innovative businesses, celebrating their achievements while acknowledging the vital role that Scottish farms play in producing quality, nutritious food.

Corskie Farm is an excellent example and stood out as the 2024 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year because of its scale, efficiency and commitment to high-quality beef production. It is fitting that The Princess Royal was able to see first-hand the innovation and passion that secured this award."

Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, added: "The Green family embody everything that Scotch Beef represents: quality, integrity and care for the land and livestock. This visit was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate not only their achievements but also the wider work that farmers across Scotland are doing to ensure a sustainable future for our red meat industry."

The visit also brought together industry leaders, including Frank Ross, General Manager of ABP Perth, and members of the QMS and AgriScot teams, who joined the Green family in welcoming The Princess Royal.

The day concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the farm office, followed by a presentation of flowers to HRH by Iain Green's grandchildren, Alex and William Beattie.

A Four ways the chancellor could target pensions in the budget

lmost 70 % of all pension tax relief benefited higher rate and additional rate taxpayers in 2023-24 - making pension reforms a strong contender for inclusion in chancellor Rachel Reeves' upcoming November budget.

Data from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) analysed by NFU Mutual, the financial advisory firm,showsthat 55 % of pension tax relief benefits higher rate taxpayers paying the 40% rate of income tax and 13 % benefits 45 % taxpayers –with only a third going to basic rate taxpayers. Grosspension income tax and national insurance contribution relief in 2023 to 2024 is estimated to be £78.2bn - up from £72.1bn in 2022 to 2023.

Sean McCann, chartered financial planner at NFU Mutual, the financial advisory firm, said: "Pension tax relief and the national insurance foregone on employer pension contributions is a large expense to the Treasury. Chancellor Rachel Reeves may look to reduce this cost particularly as the lion's share goes to higher and additional rate taxpayers."

He pointed to four possible changes to pensions which the chancellor could include in the upcoming autumn budget to reduce the cost to the Treasury.

1.Reduce the amount that individuals can pay into pensions each year

• Currently most people can pay in up to the level of their earnings capped at £60,000 a year. This wasincreasedin March 2023 from £40,000 by Jeremy Hunt, former chancellor in the previous Conservative government.

• Bringing this down to £25,000 a year would have the biggest impact on 40% and 45% taxpayers and those late in career seeking to maximise pension contributions, to make up for lost time in the run up to retirement

Sean McCann said: "This change has the advantage of being simple to introduce from an administrative perspective -unlike the introduction of a flat rate of tax relief on all pension contributions which would bring complexity, particularly for employers and employees."

2.Charge employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) on money paid into employees' pensions

• Currently employers don't pay NIC on money they pay into employee's pensions – saving up to 15% on the same amount paid as salary.

• Employees also avoid NIC and income tax on these employer pension contributions as they are not treated as a 'Benefit in Kind'

• Salary sacrifice arrangements allow employees to give up salary in exchange for a larger

employer pension contribution – meaning that employers and employees avoid NIC.

• HMRC data from July 2025 shows the cost of National Insurance relief on employer contributions (including those made via salary sacrifice) is estimated to be £24bn in 2023 to 2024, down from £24.3bn in 2022 to 2023.

"The chancellor could levy NIC at a lower rate of 5% on employer pension contributions to clawback some of this cost, this would still make it attractive for employers to pay money into their employees pensions" Sean McCann said.

3. Charge income tax on all pension death benefits

• Currently if a pension holder dies before age 75, in most cases their beneficiaries do not pay income tax on the lump sum or income paid to them.

• If the pension holder dies from age 75 their beneficiaries are assessed for income tax on any lump sum or income paid to them

Sean McCann said that the chancellor could seek to abolish this exemption with families being assessed for income tax on any payments from their late loved one's pension.

He said: "Coupled with the government's proposal to include unspent pensions in IHT calculations from April 2027, this would be a double blow for some bereaved families."

4.Cut maximum tax-free lump sum limit to £150,000

• In most cases you can take 25 per cent of your pension as a tax-free lump sum from age 55 (57 from 2028)

• Currently the maximum amount that can be taken across all an individual's pensions is capped at £268,275, unless they have registered for protection, which may give them a higher figure.

• Reducing the limit to £150,000 would hit those who have pension benefits valued at more than £600,000 or expect to have in the future.

Sean McCann added: "Reducing the tax-free cash limit to £150,000 would impact those who have or are likely to have in the future pension savings of more than £600,000 by exposing more of their funds to tax when they take the benefits."

''Given that most people have pensions valued at significantly less than £600,000 it would be viewed as a tax raising measure focused on wealthier investors."

Bringing together tradition, community and celebration at Pembrokeshire Harvest Festival

A

brand-new initiative will bring together tradition, community and celebration later this month with the introduction of a new countywide Harvest Festival.

The Harvest Celebration is a joint venture between Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and Pembrokeshire YFC, which will be held in the most awe-inspiring venue of the county – St David’s Cathedral.

The Harvest Celebration will be held at 7pm on Monday, 27 October and it will be more than a church service, it will be a moment to reflect, reconnect and rejoice in everything that makes Pembrokeshire’s farming community so special.

Tim & Margaret Johns, Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, said, “We hope to unite all farming organisations across the county in a shared moment of gratitude and pride. It is a chance to honour the land, the people who work it and the incredible contribution farming makes to our way of living. Together we can create something truly memorable. This will be a harvest festival that brings our rural communities together in unity and

hope as well as showcasing the heart of Pembrokeshire farming in the most beautiful setting.”

The Harvest Celebration is open to anyone to go along and celebrate. Refreshments will be available to buy at the end of the service in the Cathedral.

Reacting to the news that thousands of farm businesses will be able to roll over Countryside Stewardship schemes

Reacting to the news that thousands of farm businesses will be able to roll over Countryside Stewardship schemes, Carter Jonas Partner James Bradley said: "This is very good news for the 5,000 farm businesses who were set to enter into a funding gap between the end of their current agreements and the opening of the new SFI scheme, which looks likely to be at the end of spring.

"Those farmers will be able to retain and replace the environmental goods that they have provided

without the need to look for alternative income, which may have involved differing management.

"We will be advising clients to be ready to accept their extensions as soon as the opportunity arises in order to avoid funding delays.

"We hope that DEFRA will now recognise the issue facing farm businesses who remain in legacy Countryside Stewardship schemes where there is no mechanism allowing them to roll over into the SFI. For these businesses, a huge disparity in option payment values still exist."

FESTIVE delights and frightful family fun await visitors to an award-winning farm estate in the run-up to Christmas

As the nights draw in and winter approaches, Rhug Estate is gearing up for a magical series of events that promise plenty of atmosphere, creativity, and delicious food.

From pumpkin picking and spooky Halloween fun to chef-led tasting evenings, creative workshops, and traditional Christmas celebrations, there will be something to thrill people of all ages at the 12,500acre organic farm - based near Corwen in Denbighshire - in the weeks ahead.

The season includes an intimate culinary experience hosted by Rhug’s talented head chef, Jordan Richardson.

Guests can look forward to a sumptuousWinter Tasting Menuon Saturday, November 15. This limited-seating event is designed to showcase the finest organic produce and innovative cookery for which Rhug is renowned.

Adding to the autumnal excitement is Rhug Estate’s eagerly anticipated Halloween programme, which attracts visitors from across North Wales and beyond.

From October 25 to 31, families can immerse themselves in a week of pumpkin picking, with hundreds of pumpkins grown on-site ready to be chosen, carved, and cherished.

On October 30, the celebrations reach a thrilling crescendo with a Spooky Evening, offering plenty of seasonal fun and surprises for all ages.

Creative flair will also be on display when awardwinning floral designer Kate Jordan hosts a wreathmaking workshop on November 15.

Known for crafting the winner’s crown for I’mA Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! during its Gwrych Castle run, Kate brings a wealth of botanical artistry seen on programmes such asHollyoaks, Songs of Praise,andS4C’s Rownd a Rownd.

December sees Rhug Estate transformed into a festive wonderland. Highlights include the

Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto (December 6–7), the much-loved Rhug Chapel carol concert (December 11), and a special Yuletide dining event on the same evening, bringing seasonal flavours and community cheer together in spectacular style.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said:

“This is one of the busiest and most magical times of the year for us, and we are thrilled to share it with the community and visitors from further afield. “From the sheer joy of seeing children running through our fields during pumpkin picking week to the warmth and togetherness of our carol concert in Rhug Chapel, these events embody everything we love about the season.

“Our taster sessions are also a real highlight — they showcase the creativity and passion behind Rhug’s food culture and give guests a chance to experience something truly special.”

He added: There is always a buzz across the estate at this time of year, and it’s a joy to watch families, friends, and food lovers alike making memories here. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in the weeks ahead.”

For the latest updates and full programme of events, visitwww.rhug.co.ukand follow @rhugestate on social media.

Quality Meat Scotland highlights health, environment, and social benefits of the Scottish red meat supply chain following Eat-Lancet Commission report

Following the publication of the second EatLancet Commission report, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Chair, Kate Rowell, highlights Scotland's farmer progress and potential in providing healthy, sustainable food for our growing population:

"Our responsible agricultural sector is a critical enabler in achieving a healthy population and planet and will continue to play its part in addressing our climate and nature challenges.

"Food production and food security are inseparable and, as global demand for nutritious protein is rising year-on-year from a growing population, there is great opportunity for the Scottish farming sector. People will continue to eat red meat as part of a healthy balanced diet, so building producer confidence and support in countries such as Scotland which has high-efficiency and loweremissions is critical.

"The Scottish agriculture sector has reduced emissions by 13% since 1990 and is committed to efficiencies and productivity supporting lower emissions. This includes data capturing and emission reduction projects such as the Environmental Baseline pilot in partnership with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

"We agree with many of the opportunities identified for a livestock sector transition such as gains through efficiency and technology, responsible land

management, better farming practices, animal welfare and management of food waste. For example, ruminants supporting a circular economy by upcycling food waste and byproducts not fit for the consumer market in feeds.

"We are pleased that the full carbon balance of agriculture – coupling emissions reductions with soil sequestration – has been acknowledged in the report. Farming delivers multiple environmental goods from its carbon removal potential to grazing animals promoting soil health and biodiversity.

"Another welcomed addition is the focus on social justice and everyone having the right to food, a healthy environment, and decent work.Our red meat sector adds £2.8 billion to the Scottish economy, supporting around 50,000 jobs across the supply chain in some of our most rural areas. The reality is that the vast majority (85%) of Scotland's land cannot be used for cereal, fruit or vegetable production, making livestock grazing the principle viable and secure option for our society and economy. The high welfare and standards behind our Scotch brands directly drive more efficient red meat production, helping to keep our red meat available, affordable and lower-emission.

"Ourearlier statementmakes clear that we do not find one-size-fits-all messaging to cut back red meat helpful at a country-level.Scotland does not consume excessive amounts of red meat – in fact, average intakes are already below the 70g UK NHS daily intake guideline in all groups. As recognised in Food Standards Scotland's recent modelling (2024), girls, many of whom already struggle to meet dietary recommendations. More information on the powerful contribution of red meat to our health isavailable in our red meat nutrition topic sheet.

"The vast majority of our population eats meat and there has been no real recorded shift in consumption of red meat since the 2019 report. However, more public discourse on red meat reduction is confusing and detracts attention away from more damaging environmental and health factors.

"By working together and recognising efficient producers at a country-level, we can progress towards healthy, sustainable and just food systems."

Cows, coffee and climate change - farmers from Walesand Uganda discuss common challenges

Climate change is a threat we live with on a daily basis,"said Jenipher

Sambazi, a coffee farmer in Uganda and face of the Welsh coffee brand 'Jenipher's Coffi' while meeting Teleri Fielden, who farms in the Snowdonia National Park in north Wales.

Teleri, who also works as a Policy Officer for the Farmers' Union of Wales reflected, "As two farmers from mountainous areas, despite producing very different products, we face many common challenges - and there's a lot that we can learn from one another. Unpredictable incomes and changing weather, including new and more severe threats of pests are shared challenges for farmers from Wales to Uganda."

Teleri and her husband Ned are tenant farmers

producing "Biodiversity Beef and Lamb" from their stock of native cattle and sheep, which graze diverse pastures and landscapes to conserve and strengthen local biodiversity. They sell directly to customers through a subscription box scheme.

Jenipher, the vice-Chair of the Mt Elgon Agroforestry Communities Co-operative Enterprise (MEACCE) explained how the 3,000 Fairtrade and Organic farmers in her cooperative use techniques including agroforestry to grow specialty coffee, hand in hand with nature. Tree planting brings a multitude of benefits, including anchoring the soil, which, with increasingly heavy rains, gets washed away with crops, homes and, also, human lives.

Ffion Storer Jones, Jenipher's Coffi Co-Founder who coordinated the exchange said,"Farming faces enormous pressures globally, but by standing together and acting boldly to support farmers, we can build a fairer future. A fair price changes everythingI know this from growing up in a farming family - and that's why Jenipher's Coffi always carries the Fairtrade mark".

Emma Jones, one of the facilitators of Wales' Climate Farm Demo Project - a pan European network of pilot demo farmers - who joined the exchange added: "It was very interesting, and devastating to learn from Jenipher about how vulnerable farmers in Uganda are to climate change. It highlighted how important it is to support farmers in the face of an increasingly hostile climate to adapt sustainable practices to ensure food security for all".

Farming Sector Urges Ministers to Accept Constructive Changes to New Tenancy Legislation

cottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, today urged Scottish Government Ministers to ‘act in the true interests’ of the tenant farming sector by accepting amendments to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that are supported by farmers and the majority of the agricultural sector.

The section of the Bill that affects agricultural tenancies includes provisions for new compensations arrangements for tenants when part of a tenancy is resumed. The measure would entitle tenants to a fixed half share of any increase in capital value of the land which might occur if the whole tenancy was ever to end. This would go against the principle that true compensation should leave the tenant no better and no worse off financially when an area of land is being resumed.

This measure was rejected by the agricultural sector and members of the Tenant Farming Advisory Forum. An alternative measure was put forward but the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association later withdrew its support.

As the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the final stage of the Bill, new amendments have been tabled in an effort to find a compromise solution. These amendments have the support of NFUS, RICS, the Agricultural Law Association, CAAV, SAAVA and Scottish

Responding to the publication of the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission report, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:

"The British farming industry is recognised as one of the most efficient and sustainable on the planet; one that is committed to producing food to high environmental and animal welfare standards, and continually innovating to improve efficiency, enhance biodiversity, manage soil health and reduce emissions across all farming sectors1.

"We have some of the most sustainable livestock and dairy systems in the world - our cattle are fed predominantly grass-based diets, and we carefully manage our grasslands to store huge amounts of carbon. The result is that UK beef production emissions are at half the global average, dairy more so, and agriculture responsible for just 11% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.

"And when it comes to healthy, sustainable diets, we believe in empowering people to make informed decisions about what they choose to eat. It's all about balance and moderation and looking for homegrown food – whether it's red meat, eggs and dairy, fruit, veg, cereals or legumes that provide valuable nutrients like protein, iron and vitamin B12.

Land & Estates, together representing current and future landlords, tenants and their professional advisers.

Jackie McCreery, legal adviser to Scottish Land & Estates, said: “There has been significant compromise across the sector on this issue and we hope that the Cabinet Secretary takes this on board for the sake of the tenant farming sector.

“As things stand, there is an artificial calculation when only a part is resumed and could include value which is over and above genuine compensation for the partial resumption – that is inherently unfair to the landlord and going beyond what most reasonable tenants would expect.

“Amendments now being tabled would leave the principle of compensation based on value of the tenant’s interest in the lease but remove the most damaging and unfair aspects. All the organisations who support these amendments believe they are in the true interests of tenant farming. If we continue to pass legislation that is damaging in this way the outcome will be that the letting of land – which is already in decline – will be disincentivised even more and that is the opposite of what the Scottish Government says it wants to achieve.”

NFU responds to EAT-Lancet Commission report S

"However, producing food is becoming harder due to the current geopolitical tensions and vulnerability of global food supply chains, alongside an unpredictable climate and extreme weather. Confidence remains low, with deep uncertainty due to price volatility, the future of environmental schemes and changes to inheritance tax.

"Despite this, there are huge growth opportunities, particularly due to a growing global population.

"We need the government to back British farming and, as the EAT-Lancet report lays out, demonstrate greater cross-departmental collaboration to deliver co-ordinated policies that will help build resilience, profitability and productivity in the farming sector and allow farmers to invest.

"In turn, we can continue to produce more sustainable, climate-friendly food for the nation and to export around the world, food that is nutritious and affordable, meet our domestic environmental targets and deliver for national food security."

£10m YFC impact revealed for National Young Farmers' Week 2025

Young Farmers' Clubs generate £4.51 in social good for every £1 NFYFC invests –adding up to over £10 million in value for people and communities, reveals the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) at the start of National Young Farmers' Week 2025 (6-10 October).

The total Social Value NFYFC generates is £10,024,953. This figure was created through targeted programmes, community engagement and social investment of NFYFC expenditure in 2024 (£1,188,741) combined with the volunteering contribution from members' activities – valued at £958,464.A full breakdown is available in notes to editors.

The Social Return on Investment (SROI) figure was calculated by Rose Regeneration's Social Value Engineusing data from NFYFC's 2024 Membership Experience survey, which was supported by Lantra and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The Social Value Engine, an accredited tool by Social Value International, enables Rose Regeneration to identify a monetary value to represent the social impact of YFCs.

These results also align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 'Good Health and Wellbeing' where NFYFC's impact was valued at £6,620,918.26 and 'Decent Work and Economic Growth', which was valued at £3,065,027.14.

The SROI figure is being shared to mark the start of NFYFC's journey towards its centenary in 2032 which aims to demonstrate how YFCs Make a Difference through its new YFC Boot Print campaign.

YFCs will be tasked with recording their acts of kindness over the next seven years in key areas such as caring for rural communities, the countryside and the environment, improving mental wellbeing, championing farm safety and growing inclusion and respect.

To kick start the campaign, YFCs have been encouraged to create scarecrow scenes in their communities for National Young Farmers' Week to promote the positive work of YFC. TV presenter, and former NFYFC President, Matt Baker will be judging entries.

Matt said: ""National Young Farmers week is a fantastic opportunity to promote how Young Farmers' Clubs make a difference in our rural communities.

"Building a scarecrow scene is a brilliant way to make an impact as like young farmers scarecrows are truly iconic characters of our countryside!"

Members are also being asked to write or record a letter to their future selves setting out personal goals for their journey in YFC that they can revisit in 2032.

NFYFC's social impact supports the wider work of UK Youth, which shows that for every

£1government invests in youthwork, the benefit to thetaxpayer is between £3.20and £6.40.2

NFYFC Chair of Council James Nixey said:

"Our Social Return on Investment figure demonstrates the achievements of our YFCs across England and Wales and the impressive impact they have on rural young people's lives.

"NFYFC depends on its volunteers to run the activities that our 23,000 members enjoy every week, and it is incredible to see the value of the impact they are making.

"It's clear how YFC Makes a Difference to thousands of lives and this National Young Farmers' Week we hope that even more young people will discover their local club and be part of such a positive organisation that delivers social good to so many."

The YFC Membership Experience survey, which was used to help calculate NFYFC's social value, was completed by members last October.

It included key statistics on career growth (77% of the YFC membership improved their career prospects), the future of rural industries (69% plan to work in farming or rural industries), personal development (89% increased confidence in public speaking), community connection (94% built new friendships) and mental wellbeing (94% say YFC activities boost health and emotional well-being).

To get involved in National Young Farmers' Week, visit the NFYFC website: https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/ national-young-farmers-week

New AI-powered Miscanthus analysis for smarter, sustainable farming

Afree tool for Miscanthus growers to improve crop establishment, resilience, and yield forecasting using drone imagery and data analysis has launched this autumn.

Gono.ai automatically detects and counts Miscanthus plants from high-resolution drone images, generating easy-to-read establishment maps and density reports. These outputs allow farmers to see how well crops are establishing, spot any issues early, and benchmark performance against target densities.

As well as mapping plant establishment, gono.ai can also forecast yield using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis. By combining stem and leaf biomass data with drone imagery, the platform provides early yield predictions, months before harvest, giving farmers valuable insight for planning and market decisions.

Users simply upload drone images and field boundary files, and the system delivers visual maps, density data, and

reports in both image and CSV formats. The outputs are compatible with common GIS and web-mapping tools, ensuring straightforward integration into farm management.

The project was developed as part of OMENZ and funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). It has been designed not just as a research tool, but as a practical, farm-ready system that supports the growth of a resilient UK Miscanthus sector.

“gono.ai makes cutting-edge science accessible to farmers in the field,” said Florian Ilias, managing director at Miscanthus specialist, Terravesta. “By combining AI with drone technology, growers can improve establishment, manage risk, and maximise long-term crop performance.”

The platform is available free for single-field assessments, with tailored options for larger-scale projects.

For more information or to try gono.ai, visit https://gono.ai or contact info@gono.ai

£100 MILLION UK INVESTMENT UNVEILED AS JCB MARKS 80th BIRTHDAY

JCB is marking its 80th birthday with news of a £100 million investment in ultra-modern manufacturing facilities at its global headquarters in the UK.

The project at the company’s plant in Rocester, Staffordshire, will see the installation of a fully automated powder paint plant costing £60 million as well as a full modernisation of the shop floor, with new machining centres, friction welders and cylinder boring machines.

The investment was announced as the British family company prepares to celebrate its 80th birthday – and that of its Chairman Anthony Bamford – tomorrow (Oct 23rd). The company is marking the occasion by giving the entire global workforce of more than 19,000 people an additional day’s holiday on October 24th.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said investing in the World HQ, JCB’s home since 1950, was an important and logical step for the company. Lord Bamford said: “Basing JCB in the UK makes business sense, just as it has always made business sense. The work ethic in our country remains strong – especially in the Midlands, with its deep engineering heritage.

“It makes perfect sense to invest heavily in our British factories and the £100 million we are investing now will put us at the forefront of our industry. Obviously, we are expanding overseas, not least in America, where we have been for decades. But the UK is our home.

“We directly employ more than 19,000 people around the world, more than 8,000 of whom are in the UK. And even though around three-quarters of our UK production is exported, we continue to make a huge contribution to this country and to the national economy.

Anthony Bamford was born on October 23rd, 1945 on the same day as his father Joseph Cyril Bamford founded JCB. Today, inventor and entrepreneur Sir James Dyson paid tribute to Lord Bamford as he and JCB prepared to celebrate their 80th birthdays. He said: “Anthony Bamford is a wonderful example to us all for his entrepreneurship, his engineering, design, and manufacturing. He has built what was a small British manufacturing company into one which is a true global success story and one we are all very proud of.”

Renew relationship with farming at the Budget to support investment in food resilience, says NFU

The NFU is calling on the government to renew its relationship with farmers and growers at the Budget by introducing measures that will ignite investment and growth in the industry, as rock-bottom confidence leaves investment as bone-dry as the fields this summer.

That confidence has been knocked most severely by the changes to inheritance tax, announced at last year's Budget. At kitchen tables across the country, farmers and growers have been making choices about where to cut investment on farm to try to save capital to pay for possible tax liabilities that they'd been promised this Labour government wouldn't introduce.

From the farmer in Yorkshire who can no longer invest in a new grain store to hold the wheat needed for your weekly loaf of bread, to the grower in Lincolnshire who has put off investing in a temperature controlled storage unit to keep the potatoes for your fish and chips fresh, farmers and growers across the country are holding back.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "Farmers

and growers either choosing not to or being unable to invest in their businesses should worry us all. These are the businesses that produce the nation's food, underpin the UK's largest manufacturing sector – which is worth £153 billion to the economy and supports 4.2 million jobs – and manage and protect our iconic countryside.

"This is the same farmed countryside that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet stood in front of on stage at the Labour Party conference with the slogan 'Renew Britain' emblazoned on top of sunny rural landscapes. The reality is far from sunny in those communities, with confidence levels at an all-time low. This matters because without investment in farming today, we risk food supplies for tomorrow.

"During the Labour Party conference, the Defra Secretary said she wanted to 'make sure the government renews our relationship with the NFU and the farming community'1.Even at this late stage, there is still time for the government to do that. That's why ahead of the Budget, I have urged the Chancellor again to take the handbrake off of Britain's farmers, look at the alternatives on offer to the family farm tax and work with us to unlock the investment British food production so desperately needs."

NFU secures more flexibility for Seasonal Worker Scheme

After several years of campaigning, the NFU has secured a change to the Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) which will allow workers to re-enter the country sooner than had been allowed previously1. This gives much greater flexibility to both workers and growers and has been a key pillar in the NFU's horticulture growth strategy.

The rule change, which comes into effect in November 2025, will allow horticulture workers to work in the UK for up to six months within any 10-month period. This greater flexibility means they can move seamlessly across the growing seasons, from harvesting daffodils and asparagus to strawberries and plums.

By reducing the required gap between visas, the change is expected to significantly increase the availability of seasonal workers, especially for early crops in the following season, when

the old rule has caused labour shortages. The NFU would also like to seemore flexibility for seasonal poultry workers to help meet the demands of the sector.

NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board Chair Martin Emmett said: "This is a significant achievement and something we've long been campaigning for. It gives workers and employers the flexibility needed for the unpredictability that can often come with farming and growing.

"This will also help workers, who are a vital part of our industry, to maximise their earning opportunities, as well as boosting confidence among farmers and growers. To strengthen this further, it's essential the government confirms the SWS 2026 visa allocation as soon as possible, giving growers the certainty they need that enough workers will be available for next year's harvest."

B BRITAIN’S PLOUGHMEN AND WOMEN SHOWCASE EXCELLENCE AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

ritain’s top ploughing talent gathered in the West Midlands recently for the 74th British National Ploughing Championships, a celebration of tradition, skill, and rural excellence. Held near Allesley, Coventry by kind permission of the Brandreth Family and Sir Thomas White’s Charity, the event brought together over 230 competitors from across the country.

Set with a backdrop of rolling fields, the event saw two days of spirited competition despite mixed weather. It was a clear, fine day on Saturday but thick, patchy fog throughout the day on the Sunday hindered competitors with some struggling to see their sighting poles which guide them to plough their opening furrow straight!

The coveted Supreme Champion title was awarded to Ashley Boyles from Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, using a Case IH CX90 tractor and Kverneland plough. Mr Boyles also took the British Reversible title, competing in this section the first time, having won the Conventional title four times previously. With 356 points, he was 24 points ahead of last year’s Reversible Champion, Ian Brewer from Cornwall. Young Farmer, Euron Griffith from Pwllheli took third place.

It was a case of family clashes for the top places in the British Conventional Plough-Off Final. Nigel Vickers from Sarn, near Malpas, Cheshire won the title with 277 points, just two points ahead of his son, Stuart. Both plough with Ford 5030 tractors and Kverneland ploughs. Third place was Simon Witty from Filey, North Yorkshire who finished with 273 points, exactly the same as his brother James, who is the current World Conventional Ploughing Champion. However, a ‘countback’ system awarded third place to Simon.

The event also featured four Vintage Plough-Off Finals, with four defending champions each retaining their respective titles. The Vintage Trailed Final was won easily by John Crowder from Sturton-by-Stow, Lincolnshire using a Fordson N and Ransome RLSD Major plough, scoring 272 points. David Wood from Coldstream, Berwickshire was second with 260 points and John Milnes of South Yorkshire came third, just three points behind.

Richard Ingram from Atherstone, Warwickshire effortlessly regained the British Vintage Hydraulic title. Using a Massey Ferguson 35 and Ransome TS54, he finished with 269 points and a 26 point lead in front of Alex Evans from Carlisle, Cumbria.

Charlie Nicklin from Congleton, Cheshire was just 4 points behind in third place.

The British Classic Championship title was a repeat win for Jon Cole, from Whitchurch, Herefordshire, with 271 points using a Nuffield 10/42 and Ransome TS86 plough. Sixteen points behind was runner-up, Ray Alderson from Darlington, Co Durham and third place went to Carl Fretwell from Penistone, South Yorkshire.

The Classic Reversible Final victory went to Graham Sutton, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire with 291 points, using a Massey Ferguson 65 and Ransome TS82. Timothy Hurley from Bristol was 9 points behind in second place and third place went to Neil Ramsay from Earlston, Berwickshire.

The Overall Horse Ploughing Champion title was once again won by Martin Kerswell from Fordingbridge, Hampshire with his majestic Percherons, Pierre and Gringo; and 22-year old Will Marshall from Doncaster, South Yorkshire became the Overall Young Farmers Champion for the second year in a row, ploughing in the conventional class. Shaun Garrod from Attleborough, Norfolk won the title of Overall High Cut Champion.

Alongside the competitions, visitors were treated to an array of trade stands, vintage tractor and machinery displays, two pairs of steam ploughing engines and a Chieftain tank giving noisy, but very popular, demonstrations of ploughing!

Stephen Cheeseman, Chairman of the Society of Ploughmen, which organised the Championships, commented: “The Championships are supported by ploughmen and women from all corners of the country. Our dedicated volunteers and supporters helped create another fantastic event and we are incredibly grateful to the Brandreth Family and Sir Thomas White’s Charity for allowing us to use such a fantastic site.”

Main sponsors Bridgestone/Firestone were joined by AR Demolition, Cheffins, Dales Agri Sales Agency, Farol, Farmers Guardian, Helpful Hirings, Startin Tractors and Suttons Agricultural Transport in supporting this major rural event.

Full results and photos are available at www. ploughmen.co.uk.

The 75th British National Ploughing Championships will be celebrated on 10th & 11th October 2026 at Austrey, near Atherstone, Warwickshire, by kind permission of William Corbett Farms Ltd.

Alistair Carmichael MP wins NFU Farming Champion of the Year Award

Defra Committee Chair and Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael has been awarded Farmers Weekly's coveted Farming Champion of the Year Award, an award sponsored by the NFU.

Over the past year, Mr. Carmichael has been a consistent and vocal advocate for British farming, challenging the Prime Minister and Treasury over their untenable justifications for the family farm tax and criticising the government's refusal to consult with the NFU and wider industry.

Under his leadership, the cross-party Efra Committee has echoed sector concerns about the tax's impact on farmers and growers – from investment and resilience to its human toll – and calledfor apauseto the damaging policy.

Beyond the tax debate, he has continuously championed farming over the past year,focusing onstrengthening fairness in the food supply chain and pushing for greater recognition of agriculture's role in national food security. His work has helped ensure farmers' voices are heard at the heart of Westminster during a critical time for the sector.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:"Alistair Carmichael is a truly deserving recipient of the Farming Champion of the Year Award.

"A standout campaigner and advocate for British farming, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, his strong political advocacy in what has been an incredibly challenging year for farmers is a testament to the values of resilience, dedication and hard work that define our industry.

"We are incredibly proud to see him receive this welldeserved recognition."

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Carmichael commented:"I'm absolutely blown away. To be recognised by the NFU in this way means a great deal. Farming has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember and it's shaped my work in Parliament making sure farmers' voices are heard.

"I don't do this job for awards – I do it because backing British farming is in the national interest. There's no countryside without farming and no farming without government policy that does not have food production at its heart, and that's absolutely where we have to get back to.

"Even at a time when there's no shortage of reasons to be despondent, this is still a great industry with a great future, and I'm proud to play my part in supporting it."

NFU secures agri-environment scheme roll over for thousands of farmers

The NFU has successfully secured a roll over of Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) agreements for thousands of farmers following several months of campaigning. The news was confirmed in a meeting between Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds and NFU President Tom Bradshaw on Tuesday 14thOctober.

The CS MT scheme, which was set to expire at the end of the year, will ensure that over 5,000 farmers will be able to continue delivering environmental benefits for the nation.

NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: "We're really pleased that Defra has listened and given certainty to so many farmers about the future of their environmental work for the year ahead. It recognises the valuable environmental work they have been delivering for many years.

"This result is a culmination of months of campaigning by the NFU. In reality it means that agreement holders will be able to continue delivering everything from wildflower corridors and habitats for farmland birds to nurturing species-rich grassland."

NFU campaigning has included:

• Submitting an FOI (Freedom of Information) request to Defra to establish the number of agreements expiring.

• Writing to the former Farming Minister to highlight concerns about there being a gap between CS MT agreements ending and no other agri-environment schemes opening and asking for a year roll over.

• Meeting the new Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds on her first day of the job to stress the urgency of this issue and the need for a rapid decision.

• Multiple meetings with Defra officials in Westminster and on farm to raise the concerns of expirees.

• Tabling written questions in parliament to highlight the issue and ask for an update from Defra on its plans for expirees.

• Focused lobbying at the Labour Party Conference.

Mr. Exwood continued: "To ensure that farmers can continue to undertake these vital environmental projects as part of profitable, resilient businesses, transparency over budgets and timelines for the rollout of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme is key. We will work with Defra on a long-term, strategic plan for all agri-environment schemes."

AFBI appoints Agricarbon to undertake deep soil carbon stock assessment

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), based in Northern Ireland, has appointed soil carbon measurement supplier Agricarbonas a delivery agent to support their ongoing research on farm soil carbon stock assessment. This work represents an intrinsic part of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) and will contribute to a better understanding of soil carbon stocks in NI's farmland.

Funded by Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs(DAERA) and led by AFBI, SNHS aims to soil sample every active agricultural field in Northern Ireland and is one of the most comprehensive programmes in the world focusing on the measured nutrient status of soils. It enables farmers to optimise the application of crop nutrients to their soils to maximise yields and help increase farm profitability.

unlocks environmental gains and long-term sustainability. Redefining how soil health and carbon are measured across agricultural landscapes is a vital climate tool. We're increasingly contributing our expertise to projects like these,looking for robust carbon baselining that produces high-integrity soil data to help meet climate goals, in Europe and beyond."

Alongside this, the scheme aims to provide a baseline assessment of farm carbon stocks in soils and under hedgerows, contributing to the research which will support lower carbon farming practices in Northern Ireland. By understanding soil carbon stocks, and potentially the ability of NI's soils to sequester carbon, the research will support NI in achieving its national climate targets such as reaching net zero carbon by 2050.

Agricarbon will lead the deep soil carbon sampling, to one metre in depth, and subsequent analysis within the carbon research element of SNHS on approximately 250 field sites across Northern Ireland. Agricarbon's expertise in soil carbon stock assessment is well-known in supporting farming practices which enhance soil health as well as soil carbon sequestration across the agricultural system.

Dr Selva Dhandapani, AFBI Carbon lead on SNHS said: "Working together with Agricarbon will enable the AFBI team to attain a detailed assessment of belowground carbon stocks in grasslands. Their work in this project will reveal the amount of carbon stored in different soil depths, which helps with our modelling work in estimating total carbon storage in all of Northern Ireland's grasslands and in predicting ideal management strategies for maximising soil carbon storage in these grasslands."

Annie Leeson, CEO and Co-Founder of Agricarbonsaid:"This partnership marks a critical step in empowering farmers with data that both

The deep soil carbon work that Agricarbon is conducting fills an important knowledge gap for farmers and policymakers in Northern Ireland. Sampling to a greater depth of one metre, combined with innovative laboratory analysis, will provide soil carbon data that would otherwise have been unaccounted for. This data will build an important picture to aid decision making on management practices for farms, and inform low carbon farming policies in NI, where agriculture remains one of the most defining features of rural identity and land use.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLArecently announcedthat 18,600 farm businesses are already benefitting from taking part in the Scheme overall.The final datasets from Agricarbon's deep soil carbon sampling work will be combined together with the wider carbon research work programme carried out by AFBI, arming researchers and educators with knowledge and vital insights to support the future resilience of the NI farming community and agri-food industry.

The work further builds on the foundations of the pioneering ArcZero NI project led by Professor John Gilliland, of which Agricarbon was a partner, which also measured soil carbon stocks across a network of predominantly grassland farms in NI. Its DAERA funded work found, for the first time, that farmers manage huge carbon stocks totalling tens of thousands of tonnes stored in soil, pasture, crops, trees and livestock, showing the significant capacity that agriculture has to capture, manage and store carbon.

This latest investment by DAERA into the SNHS Scheme shows how valuable soil carbon stock assessments are proving to be in contributing to the knowledge bank needed for a successful transition to sustainable farmingin the country.

An Agricarbon field operator extracts a core from a farm in the Sperrins, north-west of Northern Ireland.

Proceed

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A Major new research project will take cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) control to next level

n important new collaboration between some of the finest applied research organisations in England (where CSFB is most problematic) was announced today (8 September 2025) by AHDB.CSFB Research+will be worked on together by ADAS, Niab and Rothamsted Research.

CSFB Research+ represents AHDB's largest single investment in CSFB research, with a total project value nudging £750,000. A third of this investment is from cash and in-kind contributions from an extensive network of project partners.

The project will evaluate the field performance of novel control products, improve guidance on cultural control measures, fine-tune understanding of CSFB development, generate data on natural enemies and prime innovation in CSFB management.

Running for nearly five years, the work builds on a longterm series of AHDB- and Defra-funded projects that has dramatically improved understanding of the pest's life cycle, crop risk factors and effective cultural control strategies. It also underpinned the release of atop 10 list of CSFB management strategiesearlier this year.

Sacha White, AHDB Lead Crop Protection Scientist, said: "Faced with a lack of chemistry and insecticide resistance challenges, confidence and commitment to OSR has waned, with the UK shifting from a net exporter to a net importer in recent years.

"This new research partnership project brings together passionate and knowledgeable people from across the industry - spanning farmer cooperatives, input

specialists, grain merchants, food producers and applied researchers – to co-design activity that puts CSFB control firmly back into the hands of farmers."

Featuring numerous field trials and assessments, the research will:

• Examine the field performance of novel CSFB control products, such as novel insecticides/seed treatments, botanical biopesticides, entomopathogenic nematodes and synergists

• Extend the availability of cultural control methods, including the use of OSR stubble cultivation to disrupt soil-dwelling CSFB pupae and brassicas in cover crops to lure beetles away from OSR cash crops

• Improve understanding of CSFB traits to target cultural, biological and chemical control, including studying how environmental conditions influence CSFB development and migration

• Study the two main parasitoids of CSFB:Microctonus brassicaeandTersilochus microgaster(with a focus on the former), including how to encourage them

• Work in partnership to co-design activities that target research and knowledge exchange, create spaces for innovation and maximise value to levy payers

A wide range of communication channels will be used to promote results to levy payers throughout the project. Project activity will be badged under the CSFB Research+ banner to maximise visibility and to help put CSFB knowledge into practice.

For the latest project information, visitahdb.org.uk/csfbresearch(or search for 'CSFB Research+').

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Arable Scotland returns in a new format

Scotland's leading event for knowledge exchange in arable farming, Arable Scotland, has launched a new initiative which will take place at The James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie, on Tuesday 24thFebruary 2026.

'Arable Futures', Arable Scotland's new in-person conference, will bring together people from across the arable sector to share insights, challenges and aspirations across the Scottish arable farming sector. The event aims to develop a shared understanding of what the future holds, challenge us to question how the sector responds, and identify actions that could be taken to create future resilience.

The event is free and open to everyone interested in the arable sector, including those at early career stage, and will be invaluable for anyone involved in the industry supply chain.

Dr Alison Karley, Head of Ecological Sciences at the Hutton said, "After several years of a fieldbased event, we're excited to trial a new format for Arable Scotland. This conference-style event will bring together representatives from across the industry - and generations - to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for arable production. Our goal is to work collectively to identify actions that will future proof the sector."

Four interactive sessions will bring together people involved in arable supply chains, farming and 'value

addition'. The first three sessions will explore what the future holds for the arable industry, natural capital futures and benefit-risk sharing across the sector, and future crops for climate resilience. These discussions will lay the ground for the fourth session to identify the futureskills required for the arable sector.

A final wrap up session will decide what actions can be taken by the sector, and assigned to interested parties, to secure future sustainability and confidence.

The audio-enabled, independently moderated event aims to create an inclusive safe space for non-judgemental discussions about the future of the Scottish arable sector, reflecting the voices within and across generations. It will develop a shared understanding of what the future holds, challenge us to question how the sector responds, and identify actions that could be taken to create future resilience.

'Arable Futures' will be facilitated byThe James Hutton Institutein collaboration with supporting organisations including the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Scotland's Rural College (SRUC),SEFARI Gateway, and the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR).

The event will run from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at the Crop Innovation Centre, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA.

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We supply and source an extensive range of high quality, great value products. Whether you need to replace a slurry hose, malleable fitting, or food hose, we can help.

From 24/7 on site hose replacement service, to planned preventative maintenance, we can keep your business moving day and night.

Pirtek Cambridge

Tel: 01223 835 222

www.pirtek.co.uk/service-centres/cambridge/

Pirtek Ipswich

Tel: 01473 688 288

www.pirtek.co.uk/service-centres/ipswich/

Our specialised agriculture solutions

We supply a range of high quality products including:

– Malleable fittings

– Workshop fuel and lubrication

– Hydraulic hoses

– Fittings

– Quick release couplings

– Pumps and motors

– Valves

– Cylinders

– Irrigation

– Jet wash and washdown

– Spill control products

– Food grade parts

– Oils and lubricants

A 13 Years On: Blaney Bale Shredder Still Transforming Sheep Feeding in Antrim

Cushendall sheep farmer has praised the durability and labour-saving benefits of his Blaney Bale Shredder, which has been in use for over 13 years and is still going strong.

John, who houses sheep through the winter months, purchased his Bale Shredder in 2013 to make feeding easier and more efficient. “We find it tremendous for chopping silage, better than some of the more modern machines we’ve tried,”he explained.

By chopping silage precisely to match flock size, John has reduced waste while saving valuable time. “It saves me maybe two hours a day. Without it, there would be a lot more manual labour involved,”he added.

The Bale Shredder also fits seamlessly into housing systems, helping improve feeding conditions. John noted that chopped silage reduces clumping on slats and passageways, making for a cleaner and more consistent feed, with less wastage.

Durability is another key strength. “It certainly is durable. I only need to send it out for a service about once every five years,”John said. “I’d highly recommend the Blaney Bale Shredder to any

sheep or beef farmer feeding silage.”

Alongside feeding, the machine has also proven versatile for bedding, chopping straw when required.

The Blaney Advantage

Sean Blaney, Founder and Chief Engineer at Blaney Agri, said:

“Stories like John’s are at the heart of what we do. We invested significant time in developing the Bale Shredder to ensure it is best in class — engineered to handle heavy bales with ease, process silage bales faster, and minimise the risk of chute blockages through clever design. It’s inspiring to see our machines still delivering value after more than a decade in the field. At Blaney, we’re committed to continuous innovation, but also to building equipment that lasts - durable, reliable, and designed to make farming life easier. That’s the Blaney Advantage.”

Sean added:

“We take great pride in being part of the farming community. When a farmer tells us a machine has saved them two hours a day for over 13 years, that’s a real impact on their daily lives and businesses. It’s not just about machinery; it’s about giving time back to farmers and supporting them through the toughest months of the year.”

Blaney Winter Solutions

The Bale Shredder is part of Blaney’s wider winter solutions range, designed to save farmers time, reduce waste and improve livestock housing conditions. Alongside the Bale Shredder, the range includes:

• Cubicle Bedder– ensuring clean, comfortable housing conditions with easy bedding application.

• Bale Feeder X6– a cost-effective and efficient solution for feeding bales with less waste.

• Forager X10– a bale unroller engineered for outstanding performance, maximising time and labour savings during the busiest winter months.

To find out more about Blaney Bale Shredders and winter feeding solutions, visit www.blaneyagri.com or call 028 2587 2801. You can also follow ‘blaneyagri’ on twitter and facebook.

TURBO JET

“Precisely metered & accurately spread”

• Up to 15m working width

• 240 or 400L hopper capacity

• Even distribution of grass seed, cover crops, Avadex and OSR

APPLICATORS & SEEDERS WHEELS & TYRES APPLICATORS & SEEDERS WHEELS & TYRES

FIXED CENTRES

“Low maintenance, high strength wheels”

Colour matched as required, supplied with any brand of tyre.

Farmers urged to consider BYDVresistant varieties for milder autumns

Following exceptionally mild September and October weather across the UK, with aboveaverage temperatures and prolonged aphid activity, there is a heightened risk of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) this season, says RAGT technical manager Andrew Creasy.

“Unusually mild settled weather so far this autumn, coupled with an ample green bridge from last harvest, increases the risk of barley yellow dwarf virus,” says Andrew.

He adds that, according to the AHDB BYDV management tool, crops planted at the start of October are expected to reach the T-sum threshold for a possible insecticide treatment during the third week of the month for most of the country. However, with as much as 715,000 Ha signed up to the SFI action CIPM4 (no use of insecticide on arable crops), farmers could have insecticide restrictions if they want to claim the £45 /ha eligible for the action.

“Autumn drilling is almost complete for most farmers. Where BYDV is a concern, it will be a matter of using the risk prediction tools and applying an insecticide when thresholds are met.

“I strongly encourage farmers look now at how variety choice can alleviate the risk in the future. We have a reliable genetic solution to the yield losses caused by BYDV, allowing farmers and agronomists to focus on the many other tasks that need their attention in the autumn.

“RAGT has a high yielding BYDV resistant feed wheat candidate for the AHDB Recommended List, which could be a game-changer for next autumn,” continues Andrew

Last year, Kent farmer Richard Budd grew the BYDV-resistant group two variety RGT Goldfinch in the early drilled slot to help mitigate the increased risk of BYDV.

“After seeing what looked like BYDV on the flag leaf in Crusoe very late last year, I wonder about how much yield we lose to transient BYDV infections, which no one can tell you. But with Goldfinch, you don’t get that problem,” says Richard.

Richard values RGT Goldfinch for being inexpensive to grow, not requiring any insecticides, and having robust disease resistance, making it a useful option for early drilling on challenging land, where he’s not confident in applying sprays for BYDV in the autumn.

Drilled in the September window just before the rain, on a south-facing bank that two years previously had been decimated by BYDV, yields were in line with last season’s farm average of 7.5t/ha.

James Witty

“But that doesn’t tell the whole story. It was on some heavier land, and the headlands didn’t come to much, unfortunately. But where the crop was good in the middle of the field, it was yielding as well as the best of Extase and Cheer. I was seeing 10, 11, and 12s on the yield meter, which I know is fairly well calibrated, so it can yield,” he explains.

Quality was also good with specific weights in the high 70s to low 80s, and a grain protein, which he suspects will reach milling quality specification.

He was also able to save around £75/ha on fungicides compared with other varieties on the farm this season, helped by its good disease resistance, he says. “When new fungicides are £50-60/ha, that needs considering.”

Add in a Sustainable Farming Incentive payment for no-insecticide, and it fits well into his needs, he concludes.

Bruce Farm Machinery

Bogauldy, King Edward, Banff, AB45 3LX

Tel: 01261 821659

S Optimised baling solution to launch at Agritechnica 2025

ilotite, a leader in forage film solutions, is excited to launch a new net replacement film at Agritechnica 2025, that promises to reduce downtime.

At Agritechnica, Silotite will launch its latest innovation, Baletite 3000m, a longer-length baler film designed to improve efficiency for large-scale contractors.

With a 50% longer film length (3000 metres per roll) compared to standard Baletite, Bart Geeraert, Silotite’s commercial director, explains that operators will benefit from spending more time in the field without returning to restock reels, reducing downtime by up to 50%.

“The 1330mm width is optimized for all combi machines, ensuring optimal bale formation and over-edge protection,” he says.

“The Film&Film wrapping concept offers several advantages over net wrap, including reduced spoilage, easy bale opening, and simplified recyclability, and this expansion is the next step in driving productivity.

He adds: “We’ve listened to contractor feedback

James Witty

and created a film that not only improves output but also delivers denser, longer-lasting bales.” With improved holding force compared to net wrap, Mr Geeraert says Film&Film improves bale density and prevents slumping in long-term storage.

Minimising expansion prevents air from re-entering the bale and facilitates better ensiling conditions. Following the integration of Amcor and Berry Global earlier this year, Silotite is supported by Amcor’s expertise, which has helped drive the development of next-generation agricultural films that deliver exceptional crop protection, operational reliability, and more sustainable outcomes.

Mr Geeraert says for farmers, contractors, and distributors, this means greater security of supply, stronger technical support, and ongoing investment in innovation.

“I encourage anyone interested in improving their forage quality to join us on our stand at Agritechnica (Hall 25, Stand 25A06) to explore our solutions designed for contractors and farms alike,” he concludes.

4.5m - 20.3m

Contour Following

Much more than consolidation

CAMBRIDGE ROLLS

HE-VA’s hydraulically folding rollers adapt to the contours to efficiently consolidate and level, but can be used for much more.

All HE-VA rollers have the unique SAT system as standard, allowing weight to be evenly transferred across the full working width.

The range also feature market leading NG Cambridge or Cambridge and Breaker rings in 20” 22” or 24”.

KO Machines Ltd

Lower Laches Farm, Laches Lane

Wolverhampton, WV10 7PA

Tel: 01902 798771

www.komachines.co.uk

• King Roller 12.3m - 20.3m

• Tip Roller XL 12.3m - 15.3m

• Tip Roller 4.5m -10.2m

Make your Rollers work harder!

Add shattaboards, slicerboards, a top-cutter or straw tines to Tip or Tip XL rollers to create a multi-purpose cultivator. A seeder can also be fitted to spread slug pellets, grass seed or to apply Avadex.

*See he-va.co.uk for full T&Cs on NG rings.

KO Machines Ltd

3 Bertsmith Way, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3SN

Tel: 01630 659555 www.komachines.co.uk

T Alun Jones & Son

Danycapel Garage Dryslwyn, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8SD

Tel: 01558 668383

www.talunjones.co.uk

N ORONDIS Vip gives red carpet protection for brassica, alliums and salads

ew Orondis Vip from Syngenta now gives brassica, allium and leafy salad growers the exceptional disease protection powers of Oxathiapiprolin (OXTP), in combination with the highly systemic and well-proven Metalaxyl-M.

Orondis Vip will also supersede the existing use of Orondis Plus + Amistar that has been an industry-standard fungicide for allium and leafy salad growers.

Welcoming the full approval for Orondis Vip, Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Simon Jackson, highlighted the new fungicide provides consistent protection even in the most challenging conditions. “The two complementary active ingredients work synergistically within a single easy-to-use product, to provide internal and external leaf protection.

“The powerful control of OXTP is especially valuable in delivering dependable highperformance control of downy mildew – where damaging infections will significantly reduce marketable yield in brassicas, alliums and salad crops.”

Trials results with Orondis Vip in brassica and leafy salad fungicide programmes was on show for growers to see and discuss at the Syngenta Vegetable Innovation Site in Lincolnshire last week.

“That’s particularly effective for downy mildew spores spread by wind and rain splash; giving the highest level of protection in the very conditions most conducive to infection and when other fungicides may struggle,” Simon points out.

OXTP disrupts critical processes within the disease spore cells and breaks down lipid movement between plasma walls, which renders the spore unviable. Furthermore, Metalaxyl-M inhibits rRNA synthesis within the disease cells to stop protein production and growth. Together, the two actions assure maximum efficacy, while effectively managing fungicide resistance.

Effective disease protection is achieved by OXTP rapidly binding into the waxy leaf surface, and then working through the leaf structure to give extended periods of control before disease spreads.

“The combination of actives and outstanding potency enables effective control at low rates of use that is beneficial for fresh vegetable producers,” adds Simon. The application rate is the same 0.5 l/ha for all crops on the label, with two applications permitted for brassicas and alliums.

In addition to leafy salad crops, Orondis Vip is also approved on the label for herb crops and edible flowers that are important high-value niche markets for some growers.

“Orondis Vip offers superior downy mildew control through its novel and proven modes of action, protecting both new growth and mature plants under high disease pressure,” advises Simon. “It gives reliable season-long protection, with better disease control, compared to standard treatments, for improved crop quality and yields.”

R Rumenco launches new silage additive

umenco has launched NovaSile Cool and Stable (NovaSile CS), a new silage additive designed to work across all silage types including grass, maize, wholecrop and legumes.

“NovaSile CS contains two fast-acting lactic acid bacteria that reduce the pH level of a clamp or bale quickly, to protect its nutrient value and prevent against yeast and mould development that can cause silage to heat,” explains Rumenco’s Dr Alison Bond

NovaSile CS also contains an acetic acid producing bacteria that improves aerobic stability once silage is exposed to oxygen. Having two independent bacteria working in harmony enables NovaSile CS to keep ensiled forage cool and improve dry matter retention when the clamp is opened. The homofermentative and heterofermentative bacterial strains provide complementary properties that keep silage stable and lock in nutrients, helping to optimise feed quality.

controllable amounts of acetic acid and other antifungal compounds that prevent yeast and moulds developing as quickly, especially when the clamp has been opened,” says Dr Bond.

With silage quality and quantity a concern in some parts of the UK, and with feed stocks down for many, 2026 will be a crucial year to optimise forage production. With its ability to improve silage quality, speed up fermentation and provide a higher dry matter and nutrient rich forage, NovaSile CS could be an important solution for many livestock farms next year.

NovaSile CS contains the only European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved bacteria proven to reduce heating and improve dry matter retention. It does this by converting sugars into more

“Bought-in feed is a huge cost to any livestock farm, so maximising homegrown forage and locking in the nutrients is essential for maintaining animal health and profitability. NovaSile CS is a breakthrough in forage preservation and offers a unique silage control formulation that will help keep silage fresher for longer,” says Dr Bond.

NovaSile CS is suitable for all forage types, making it easy to adopt on larger farms that produce maize and wholecrop in addition to grass. The product is available in 200-gram sachets each able to treat 100 tonnes of fresh forage when diluted in up to 7 litres of water. It is best applied during chopping to ensure even coverage and can be applied via both low-dosing systems and standard systems.

SFI silicon confusion explained

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme offers £45 per hectare to those willing to adopt its rules for three years. Among the rules are strict restrictions on the use of chemical insecticides, seed dressings, nemacides, acaricides and silica insecticides. However, this has caused some confusion with farms using silicon biostimulants.

“The SFI guidelines clearly state that the use of silica insecticides is prohibited. However, silicon biostimulants are allowed under the scheme and are fundamentally different in the way they work,” says agronomist Mike Stoker, from silicon specialist Orion Future Technologies.

He suggests greater clarity is needed to help farmers differentiate between silica insecticides and products that make silicon plant-available using monosilicic acid.

“Silica is a common alternative to chemical insecticides. However, it is not permitted under the SFI scheme. However, the use of silicon biostimulants that make silicon plant-available and have the potential to alleviate abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and heavy metal toxicity can still be used,” says Mr Stoker.

The use of silicon biostimulants also has the potential to increase yield by improving the plant’s ability to absorb not just silicon, but other nutrients from the soil.

“Helping plants to absorb more silicon strengthens the cell walls of the plant and helps root growth which can lead to higher yields. However, the plant is also able to absorb other nutrients such as boron, calcium and iron, which also help improve resilience against common stresses,” he adds. With the drought conditions experienced this year, and the threat of pests increased by a mild autumn, SFI land is likely to be under greater pressure.

James Witty

“Aphids and CSFB are a threat this autumn, so using silicon products will help establishing plants to thicken cells walls and increase leaf hair density to discourage biting pests. With the ground still very dry in some parts, the use of silicon can help plants to grow deeper- seeking roots faster, which will help the plant find moisture,” says Mr Stoker.

However, he stresses the need to find products that are permitted under SFI regulations.

“There is confusion over the use of silica pesticides and silicon biostimulants. Silica must not be used on SFI, but silicon biostimulants can be used as a biological way to strengthen plants against environmental pressures,” he concludes.

Terms & Conditions:

Finance for business purposes only. Subject to acceptance and affordability checks. Applicant must be 18 or over. Promotion valid until 13th January 2026. Available on new equipment only with minimum RRP of £5,000. The finance product offered under this promotion is hire purchase. Full VAT is due on signing. An option-to-purchase fee of £50 plus VAT will be collected with the final payment. You will own the machine when all payments have been made. Alternative finance options are available, terms apply. An annual administration fee of £40 plus VAT applies. A documentation fee of £50 will be collected with the first rental. Images are for illustrative purposes only. The offer is subject to a maximum balance to finance of 50% (based on RRP). Kverneland Group Finance is a trading style of BP Paribas Leasing Solutions Limited. Finance provided by BP Paribas Leasing Solutions Limited, Midpoint,

or

to credit brokers who introduce

to them; please contact the broker if you require more information.

Eaubrink Farm boosts harvest efficiency with new grain processing plant

aubrink Farm GmbH, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has expanded its post-harvest capacity and streamlined operations with a new on-farm grain drying, storage and handling plant designed and installed byMcArthur BDC. The 11,000-acre business grows winter wheat and barley and spring barley, sugar beet and beans.

Farm Manager, Leopold Stolberg, contacted McArthur BDC as Eaubrink Farm needed to expand its drying and storage capabilities and he had not been completely satisfied with the previous supplier of post-harvest equipment.

“In recent years, we simply didn’t have enough capacity and didn’t want to keep relying

onoutdated facilities,” explained Stolberg.

Stolberg also wanted to make harvest operations simpler by having a drying and storage plant situated closer to where crops were being harvested. Previously, grain had to be transported to a drying facility some distance away, and then brought back to the farm to be stored. A new on-farm plant would result in a significant reduction in transport costs and manpower hours.

“McArthur BDC was selected as the preferred supplier for this project because from day one, I had a feeling that working with its team, we would be in very professional hands,” said Stolberg.

“The McArthur BDC team also worked very closely with the other contractors on site, civil contractor, DG Scales, and Neil Whicker Electrical Services. This collaboration played a key role in bringing the project together.”

McA BDC also arranged for Stolberg and DG Scales to visit two of McArthur BDC reference sites so they had sight of different grain processing systems.

Following site visits and detailed design meetings, McArthur BDC supplied and installed a bespoke grain processing system comprising:

• Svegma 54t/hour continuous flow grain drier

• 2x 3,300t Sukup aeration silos

• Skandia Elevator handling equipment, including:

Below-ground trench intake (100t/hour)

2x belt and bucket elevators

4x chain and flight conveyors

2x paddle sweepers

Dust and chaff remover

• PLC touchscreen control panel, integrating automatic drier control, remote monitoring, live access, and email/text alerts

McArthur BDC also optimised the site layout to keep harvest traffic flowing. The trench intake is positioned next to the weighbridge and new plant office so that loads can be weighed, tipped and turned around quickly without disrupting other farm operations.

Grain enters the plant via the 100t/hour trench intake conveyor which can either:

• Feed the drier line – via theSkandiabelt and bucket elevator, through the dust/chaff remover, grain is then transported to a Skanda chain and flight conveyor into theSvegmadrier. Once dried, grain is emptied via another conveyor into a second elevator, which feeds a conveyor which distributes grain to one of the twoSukupsilos.

• Bypass the drier – the trench conveyor feeds directly into the drier discharge conveyor, allowing grain to be transferred straight into storage aeration silos.

Additionally, a secondary conveyor allows grain to be taken directly from the silos into the

adjacent store. This conveyor also enables lorry/trailer loading through a centrally positioned outlet along the new roadway between the silos and the existing store.

When emptying the silos, each silo is fitted with a Skandia paddle sweeper and grain is discharged into the outloading system, feeding into a vertical auger that allows grain to be loaded directly into lorries for simple and efficient bulk loading.

The new plant has successfully met Eaubrink Farm’s post-harvest requirements:

• Additional 6,600t of storage capacity.

• The Svegma drier handles peak harvest volumes, minimising downtime and bottlenecks.

• Direct discharge into either silo or the existing store, giving full crop flow flexibility.

• Quick grain movement between drier, silos and store, maximising storage utilisation.

• Safe drying and storage under optimum conditions, reducing post-harvest losses.

“The plant delivers significantly improved operational efficiency with reduced handling times,” said Stolberg. “We can now maximise throughput during the short harvest window and reduce bottlenecks, enabling better use of labour and machinery. Its design also gives us the flexibility to expand in future.”

Stolberg advises other farmers considering similar investments not to rush the process. “It’s important to make the right choice of partner, and that can take time. Although my first impression when meeting McArthur BDC was that working with them, we would be in professional hands, I met its team several times before making the final decision. The wrong decision can be expensive and impossible to rectify.

“It also helps to keep a close eye on progress during construction, because designs can look very different once they move from paper to reality. By walking around the site daily, or every other day, you can spot opportunities to make adjustments in good time,” Stolberg continued.

“Above all, it is key that you have the right partners, and not too many, and that they are the right fit for you. For Eaubrink Farm, there is no question that McArthur BDC was the right fit.”

Test requirements for specialized application equipment

At NSTS we are often asked about testing requirements for the wide variety of equipment that is used on farm, and in the other sectors we work with. Whether it’s a sprayer on a quad bike, an applicator treating crops for storage or the various pieces of equipment fitted to a potato planter, these are common types where questions are raised.

The straightforward answer is that for growers in crop assurance schemes, only the main crop

sprayer, and if you’re using granular nematicides, this equipment is required to be tested annually, for all other equipment the legal requirements for timescales of testing can be followed. So for example if you’re a potato grower applying a liquid formulation of nematicide, the minimum timescale is every six years, after the initial test before it is five years old. This is also the same for powder applicators too. We would always recommend more frequent testing to help ensure all equipment can apply products safely and accurately.

In the amenity and horticulture sectors there is wide use of ‘pedestrian’ sprayers, and it has recently been necessary to clarify what determines equipment that is classified as pedestrian. Some of these sprayers are either pulled along manually or have driven wheels, but the actual spraying system is as sophisticated as many much larger scale machines. The new requirements can all be found on the NSTS website.

Another question sometimes raised is the requirement for testing fertiliser spreaders. NSTS have had a protocol for testing spreaders since

2016 and many of the benefits are comparable to why sprayers must be tested. Crop assurance schemes only require proof of calibration but the NSTS test takes this much further and includes a tray test to calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) to see how evenly the product is being spread. There is no legal requirement for a spreader to be tested, unless it is applying a pesticide, but knowing the machine is spreading evenly will help ensure the whole field can utilise each product tested and applied.

A Day at the Airfield with the Ariens SUMMIT PRO 572

he morning begins quietly at the airfield. The sun rises over the hangars, the smell of coffee lingers, and the day stretches wide open. Before the first aircraft leaves the ground, another machine must get to work. Grass here isn’t decoration. It frames the runways, defines the taxiways, and creates the first impression of order and safety for anyone arriving.

A groundskeeper finishes his mug, pulls on a jacket, and walks across the tarmac. Waiting in the hangar, between wings and propellers, is the machine that will carry him through the day: the Ariens SUMMIT PRO 572.

He checks the blades, fastens his ear protection, and settles into the air-ride seat. With a twist of the key, the Kawasaki® FX engine growls to life. The mower rolls out of the hangar past parked aircraft, its orange frame a sharp contrast against the polished fuselages. The day’s first mission has begun.

Taking the SUMMIT PRO 572 to the Field

The opening stretch is always delicate. Aircraft wings, hangar doors, and tools leave little margin for error. This is where zero-turn steering shows its value. With fingertip control, the mower glides between obstacles, turning cleanly and moving with precision. No wasted manoeuvres, no uncut patches, no risk of scraping against aluminium.

Once it clears the hangars, the landscape opens. Vast fields stretch to the horizon, edged by runways and dotted with windsocks. Here the SUMMIT PRO 572 reveals its strength. The 72-inch cutting deck devours grass in wide swaths, leaving a flawless finish in its wake. The operator moves steadily across the field, watching long green strips transform into uniform, trimmed turf. The numbers tell the story: up to 29,500 square metres an hour

cut cleanly, which translates to real savings in labour and fuel. For a property that never stops growing, the difference is dramatic.

Operator Experience: Comfort for Long Shifts

Hours on a mower can take their toll, but the SUMMIT PRO 572 was built for endurance. The pneumatic suspension seat softens every bump, adjustable armrests find the right fit for different body types, and controls are intuitive enough to become second nature. Wide 26-inch rear wheels and professional hydrostatic drives add stability even when the ground isn’t perfect.

As one operator put it: “We used to spend two full days mowing the airfield. With the 572, we finish in one – and the crew actually argues over who gets to drive it. Comfort, speed, consistency: it ticks every box.”

When mowing sessions run into the afternoon, that comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s the difference between finishing strong or wearing out.

Why the Airfield Chose the SUMMIT PRO 572

For the flying club, the decision to invest wasn’t about chasing speed alone. Airfield safety leaves no room for compromise. Grass too long can attract birds or hide debris. Machines that break down create delays and force rescheduling of work crews. The mower had to be reliable above all.

The SUMMIT PRO’s build quality became the deciding factor. A fully welded tubular frame, a reinforced ENVY-PRO deck made of thick steel, and cold-forged blade spindles are engineered for thousands of hours of operation. Maintenance intervals are long, downtime is rare, and when the engine starts, the crew knows it will keep running.

On property where reliability is tied directly to safety, that confidence is priceless.

A Planting the Seeds of the Transforming Farming Careers

s the country marks National T Level Week, Shuttleworth College, part of The Bedford College Group, is celebrating the students who are sowing the seeds of tomorrow's farming success through its innovative T Levels in Agriculture. These qualifications are cultivating the next generation of skilled, passionate and forwardthinking farmers who will shape the future of British agriculture for years to come.

T Levels represent an old standard in technical education, nationally recognised qualifications that combine academic learning with hands-on industry experience, which have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure students gain the right skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the modern workforce. For those looking to build a career in farming, these qualifications are a direct pathway into one of the UK's most vital and rewarding industries.

Set within the rolling countryside of Bedfordshire, Shuttleworth College offers ambitious young people the chance to turn their enthusiasm for the land into a thriving career through two specialist T Level pathways: Crop & Plant Production and Livestock Production. With optional on-site accommodation available, students can choose to live and learn in the heart of the countryside while gaining handson experience. These qualifications are ideal for those who want to combine a love of the outdoors with the science, technology, and business of modern agriculture.

Unlike traditional courses, T Levels combine classroom learning with valuable real-world experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge directly in professional farming environments. This approach helps to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping students with the technical expertise, confidence, and practical understanding to step straight into the workplace and make an impact from day one.

At the heart of Shuttleworth's agricultural training is its working Kingshill Farm, a 166-

Future: How T Levels Are Careers at Shuttleworth College

hectare site featuring arable cropping of winter wheat, spring oats, seed peas, sugar beet and a further 100 hectare of permanent pasture for grazing. Here, students swap theory for practice as they drive, calibrate and maintain machinery, study soil, and plant science, and learn about crop management in a genuine farm environment.

For those enrolled on the Livestock Production T Level, students get to work with 60, High Health status Red Poll Cattle and 300 breeding ewes, where they will be focusing on animal

welfare, business management and sustainable production, developing a comprehensive understanding of how to manage livestock ethically and efficiently in a modern farming context.

"Our T Level students aren't just learning about farming, they're living it," said Shane Durham, Head of School Farm and commercial courses at Shuttleworth College. "By studying on a fully operational farm and working alongside industry professionals, they gain hands-on experience that brings their learning to life. These T Levels are about more than learning to farm; they're about developing skilled, confident individuals who will lead the way in sustainable food production, protect our environment, and ensure the future of British agriculture."

Farming remains one of the UK's most vital industries, but it is also one that is rapidly evolving. From smart machinery and precision planting to sustainable food systems and climate resilience, the future of farming demands innovation, and that's exactly what Shuttleworth's T Level students are being trained to deliver.

As National T Level Week celebrates the power of technical education, Shuttleworth College stands proudly as an industry leader showing how practical, skills-based learning can open the gate to meaningful, fulfilling and future-proof careers in agriculture.

For more information on Agriculture and other T Level courses available at Shuttleworth College and across The Bedford College Group, visithttps:// bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/study/ school-leavers/tlevels/

R Regenerative and Conservation Agriculture: what really works? Researchers and farmers join forces to find out

esearchers from University of Gloucestershire will play a key role in anew £12.3 million project to discover how regenerative and conservation agriculture (closely aligned systems that boost agricultural productivity and resilience by prioritising soil health) could help reverse the alarming degradation of soils.

Working hand-in-hand with farmers, the EU-fundedTRAILS4SOILproject will provide hard evidence from 100 sites across nine European countries on regenerative and conservation agriculture's impacts - not only on soil health, but also on crop yield, farm income and farmer wellbeing.

University of Gloucestershire is one of 22 research and agricultural organisations from across Europe working on the project. Playing a central role, the University will work with farmers and identify other stakeholders to work with, drawing on their experience, expertise and perspectives to safeguard the future of farms in Europe.

Over the next five years, TRAILS4SOIL project members will work collaboratively to evaluate the impacts of regenerative and conservation agricultural methods on soil health and crop yield, as well as farmer income, farmer wellbeing, and the environment.

Dr Jane Mills, Associate Professor in AgriEnvironment Behaviours at University of Gloucestershire'sCountryside and Community Research Institute, said: "Farmers are struggling with the pressure to produce huge volumes of lowcost food, and now climate change is making their jobs even harder. Regenerative and conservation agriculture holds huge promise in helping defy these pressures.

"By working directly with farmers, TRAILS4SOIL will benefit from their knowledge of local conditions. This means we can help other farmers understand which solutions are most likely to work best on their land."

According to European Environment Agency figures, over 60% of soils in Europe are degraded – meaning they are eroded, compacted, contaminated and/or drained of nutrients and moisture, harming crop yields, income and biodiversity. The project comes in response to

surging interest in the potential of regenerative and conservation agriculture to undo this damage.

Project Coordinator Professor Emilio GonzalesSanchez, from the University of Cordoba, commented: "Society has overlooked soil's needs for too long and we're now experiencing the harmful repercussions of that.Soil erosion alone costs the EU economy up to €38 billion every year in reduced agricultural productivity and infrastructural damage.

"We will share our data from 100 sites with policymakers, farmers and land managers, giving them reliable information on regenerative and conservation agriculture. Ultimately, we want to help transform European agriculture for the benefit of all society and the environment."

The project team met in Cordoba, Spain on 16 September to kickstart the work towards securing a sustainable future for farming in Europe.

heep and beef farmers are being invited to sign up for 'Data made easy' workshops to help make the most of their on-farm hardware and software for EID, weighing and management. The three Monitor Farm Scotland events will allow farmers to get oneto-one advice on their own set-up, practical tips to streamline data flow and tackle any issues.

S Monitor Farm tech workshops to offer one-to-one specialist help

understand their own farm technology, get the best set-up on-farm and improve decision making and profitability. It's about understanding how your technology can work for you."

Places on these practical workshops must be prebooked as they have a maximum capacity of 12 people to ensure dedicated support. They run from 1-5pm and are onMonday 10 November: Ayrshire (NFU office Ayr market),Tuesday 11 November: Roxburgh (Border Union meeting room)andWednesday 12 November: Stirlingshire (UA Stirling).

The events are being led by independent farm technology specialist Matt Blyth, an experienced innovator in the sheep and beef industry and the founder of Blyth Livestock Advisory Services (BLAS). A flock manager prior to setting up BLAS, he was among the first farmers to adopt EID technology to capture key livestock data. Today, Matt applies this practical expertise to help farmers across the UK harness their own data to enhance livestock management and business performance Matt said: "These workshops will help people

To ensure maximum benefit from the individual sessions, attendees will be asked for more information regarding the equipment they would like to bring along to the workshop alongside how they would like to integrate data collection and utilisation. This could be anything from understanding your current set up, learning new software, improving data recording, connecting EID with weighing, troubleshooting, decision-making and more.

Iona Smith, Monitor Farm regional adviser said: "Technology should help simplify, streamline and improve daily tasks while optimising animal performance. These small, practical workshops will allow farmers to discuss their on-farm set-up, any issues they might be having and identify how they can best run the systems in their farming business.

"Whether you're using ruminant technologies such as Tru-Test or Gallagher or just getting started – this workshop will help you connect the dots between hardware, software, and decision-making," she said.

Matt has already featured in the Monitor Farm Scotland podcast, Field Talk, discussing his practical experiences with technology:https:// youtu.be/wmPZMpHG6tM

Monitor Farm Scotland beef and sheep tech workshops – book your space:

• Mon 10 November: Ayrshirehttps:// techtalksayrshire.eventbrite.co.uk

• Tue 11 November: Roxburghhttps:// techtalksscottishborders.eventbrite.co.uk

• Wed 12 November: Stirlingshirehttps:// techtalksstirlingshire.eventbrite.co.uk

BritishPotatoEvent2025

he world of potato production, processing and retailing is gearing up for a major gathering this autumn: the British Potato Event 2025 (BP2025), scheduled for 19-20 November 2025 at the Yorkshire Event Centre, located on the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate (HG2 8NZ), UK.

What is BP2025?

Held once every two years, the British Potato Event brings together the full spectrum of the potato sector — from seed production to retail shelf — under one roof. It provides a “seed to shopping trolley”-scope of the industry, uniting growers, packers, processors, equipment suppliers, researchers, advisors and retailers. For 2025, the event emphasises innovation, sustainability and business opportunities in a multi-billion-pound industry.

Why Attend?

Visitors to BP2025 can expect:

Unrivalled networking opportunities: connect with buyers, suppliers, advisors across the chain; gauge competitor activity; explore business growth.

A large exhibition hall showcasing farm, packing and processing machinery, technology and services.

A comprehensive seminar programme covering current challenges (such as disease threats in potatoes), market trends and future-focused topics — for 2025, the GBPotatoes (Knowledge Exchange Partner) has helped shape sessions including “Managing the threat from a changing late-blight landscape”, “Securing the potato’s place on the plate” and “Transformative reduced-input potatoes”.

Free visitor entry: registration opens (or opened) in Summer 2025, with fast-track pre-registration possible.

Location & Logistics

The venue, Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, offers purpose-built exhibition halls within the sprawling Great Yorkshire Showground. The 2025 event runs from 9:00 a.m. on 19 November to 4:30 p.m. on 20 November (some sources give 4:00 p.m. finish, so checking the exact schedule ahead of attendance is wise). Visitors should pre-register early to avoid queues and gain fast access.

A Brief History & Industry Context

The event builds on the long-standing tradition of the British potato industry showcasing its innovations, technologies and market insights. Although specific details of all past iterations aren’t always published, the bi-annual rhythm means this edition follows previous successful shows. For example, in industry listings it is noted as the UK’s premier trade event for potatoes every two years.

The upstream supply chain in Great Britain is well organised via bodies such as the AHDB Potatoes (formerly the Potato Council), which has monitored research, marketing and industry-development activities for decades. Wikipedia In this context the BP2025 sits as a focal moment for the industry to come together, reflect on progress, and plan ahead for the challenges and opportunities of the next cycle.

Themes & What’s New for 2025

Several key themes are prominent for BP2025:

Sustainability & reduced-input production: The seminar programme includes a session on “Transformative Reduced Input Potatoes”, looking at breeding, agronomy and operations that reduce reliance on inputs while maintaining yield and quality.

Innovation in equipment and processing: With highend machinery, digital tools and packing/handling innovations to be displayed, attendees can expect to see next-generation solutions.

Market & supply chain dynamics: With evolving consumer preferences, climate-resilience challenges and global trade shifts, the event addresses how the UK potato industry can adapt and thrive. The seminar “Securing the potato’s place on the plate” is one example.

Registration to attend BP2025:

Visit the official website: www.britishpotato.co.uk/ industry-event/visitors/

Registration is free for visitors (trade only). Preregistration when open allows fast-track access.

Exhibitors wishing to participate (stand space, sponsorship) can find exhibitor-info via the official site.

Final Thoughts

For anyone involved in the UK (or international) potato supply chain — from seed growers, agronomists, machinery manufacturers, packers, processors, to retailers — the British Potato Event 2025 represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Over two intensive days you can explore innovations, understand the latest research, build new business contacts and engage in the strategic conversations shaping the future of the sector. Mark your calendar for 19-20 November 2025 in Harrogate, register ahead of time, and come prepared to connect, learn and advance in this dynamic industry.

HAITH TO EXTEND A WARM YORKSHIRE WELCOME TO BRITISH POTATO 2025

he UK's leading manufacturer of vegetable handling solutions is set to extend a warm Yorkshire welcome to next month's British Potato Show in Harrogate.

Visitors to Haith's stand (220) in Hall 2 at the Yorkshire Event Centre on 19th and 20th November will be greeted with genuine Yorkshire hospitality and be able to see some of the company's latest innovations.

Haith, a proud Silver Sponsor of the event, will showcase the latest SupaFill 600 Pro box filler, the new Horizontal Debris Remover, and its latest mobile washing system.

Successor to the original award-winning SupaFill 600, the 600 PRO remains one of the highestcapacity twin box fillers on the market, capable of filling up to 60 boxes per hour. Its unique central distribution conveyor feeds two outer filling conveyors that gently layer crops into boxes. The machine accommodates multiple box sizes, features variable speed controls, and introduces a new, extra-durable positive drive system for lowering and retracting the filling heads.

Operators benefit from an intuitive remote HMI touchscreen, offering fingertip control over advanced functions including manual and automatic box filling, box height selection, lifetime and batch counting for stock management, and maintenance scheduling.

Haith's Horizontal Debris Remover also makes its debut at British Potato 2025, introducing a new level of cleaning efficiency to the company's range. Designed to remove loose soil, stones and haulm before washing or grading. A heavy-duty rubber belt with soft pintle fingers carry the potatoes along to a powered counter-rotating roller that gently transfers the crop off the side via an integral discharge chute. Debris falls through the pintles to the base of the belt and is carried under the roller to the waste chute at the end of the machine. The gap between the roller and the belt is adjustable to control the size of debris removed.

Haith's latest mobile washing system will be the focus of the company's outside stand (OS3).

Haith developed its first mobile washing system in 1979 to help farmers supplying crisp and chip

factories deliver a clean, washed sample, free from stones and foreign objects.

Today, the Haith Mobile Washer features highefficiency motors and automatic sludge removal, reducing both water usage and operating costs. Towable by tractor or HGV, the system features integrated stone separation and an automatic waste removal system, ensuring that only the cleanest samples progress through the process.

Haith has incorporated a unique shaft sealing system that enhances longevity, and for ease of maintenance, all bearings are mounted externally, unlike traditional designs where the bearings operate underwater. Operators can control the entire system via a single HMI interface, while optional CCTV monitoring enables real-time visibility of crop flow from the inspection cabin.

"British Potato is the premier event for the UK potato industry, and we're excited to be part of it," says Duane Hill, managing director at Haith Group. "We are looking forward to seeing customers, partners and suppliers and everyone visiting our stand is assured a warm Yorkshire welcome. As well as our hospitality, we are eager to present our latest handling solutions and share our plans for the future, which will allow potato growers, packers and processors to work more efficiently and effectively."

For more information about Haith and its range of potato handling machinery, visit the team at British Potato in Harrogate or have a look at www.haith. co.uk, email sales@haith.co.uk or call (0) +44 1302 831 911.

Scotts Precision Manufacturing Celebrates Sale of 1,000th Evolution Separator

Scotts Precision Manufacturing based in Eastville, Lincolnshire, is proud to announce a major milestone in its history: the sale of the 1,000th Evolution Separator. First launched in 2005, the Evolution Separator has grown to become a trusted, proven and essential machine for growers and processors across the world.

The idea behind the Evolution was born out of necessity. At the time, the root crop industry was working with systems that were outdated, inefficient, and often caused unnecessary damage to crops. Growers needed something better. Scotts listened and responded with a solution that combined gentle handling with effective cleaning. From that moment on, the Evolution Separator has set a new benchmark in the industry, transforming the way crops are cleaned both on farms and in factories.

Since its launch, the Evolution has continued to develop. Now in its second generation, the latest model uses direct drive motors in place of the original chain drive, bringing improved performance, reduced maintenance and even greater reliability. This commitment to constant improvement is one of the reasons the Evolution can now be found working in farms and factories across the globe, proving time and again that it is a machine growers can depend on.

The landmark 1,000th machine has been delivered to a British grower, highlighting the strong loyalty and trust Scotts continues to enjoy in its home market as well as overseas.

The success of the Evolution Separator has been

central to Scotts’ growth as a company. Demand for the machine has seen the factory size double in recent years, and the team now numbers around 25 staff, a dedicated group of people whose skill and hard work have made this achievement possible. Further expansion plans are already underway as the business looks to the future.

Derek Scott, Managing Director of Scotts Precision Manufacturing, reflected on the milestone:

“This is more than just a number, it’s a moment that makes us pause and look back at the journey. When we launched the Evolution Separator in 2005, we wanted to give growers something that genuinely made their lives easier, their crops cleaner, and their businesses more efficient. To see 1,000 machines now out in the world, helping farmers and processors every day, is humbling. None of this would have been possible without the trust of our customers, who put their faith in us, and the dedication of our team here at Scotts, who pour their energy and expertise into every machine we build. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Looking ahead, Scotts remains committed to driving innovation. The company is already working on the next exciting chapter of the Evolution Separator, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of modern agriculture and food production for years to come. With deep gratitude for the past and strong ambition for the future, Scotts is ready to continue building on the legacy of the Evolution.

For more information, please visit www.scottsuk.com, email sales@scottsuk.com or call +44 (0)1205 270128.

James Hutton Institute Showcases Innovations and Research Leadership at British Potato 2025

cientists from The James Hutton Institute are delighted to be taking part in this year’s British Potato, a major event in the potato industry’s calendar bringing together the entire UK potato supply chain to support its sustainability, productivity and profitability.

The biennial celebration provides an opportunity to showcase the latest potato innovations and research, allowing industry, policymakers and scientists to network and develop collaborations.

Hutton scientists will share their research in two technical seminars covering the important topics of late blight and potato cyst nematode (PCN).

The Hutton is a world leader in scientific research and breeding programmes that aim to address the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises, and the need to reduce chemical inputs.

It is host to the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), which works in partnership with academics, industry and government in the UK and beyond to carry out scientific research to future proof the potato industry and support economic resilience and growth. Researchers are developing new potato varieties with desirable agronomic characteristics and resilience to external stresses, such as temperature extremes and diseases and developing solutions that will help ensure the future of potato as a sustainable and profitable crop that provides nutritious food for all and supports the British economy

Ian Toth, Director of NPIC will chair British Potato’s opening session entitled ‘Managing the threat from a changing late blight landscape’, that will feature the Hutton’s David Cooke and other national and international speakers.

David will present the Hutton’s work on the Fight Against Blight campaign and update the industry on progress on late blight integrated pest management approaches in the face of challenges thrown up by changes in the pathogen population.

In a separate seminar, James Price, Hutton scientist and also project lead for PCN Action Scotland (www.pcnhub.ac.uk), will present the official release of PCN Action Scotland’s decision support system for PCN management. This free interactive web tool will allow users to see the impact of different potato varieties, cover crops and nematicides on PCN management in unique usercreated scenarios. There will be a live demonstration of the tool offering audience members an exclusive opportunity to directly interact with both the PCN Action Scotland project and the new scenario planner.

The Hutton and NPIC are partners in the annual British Potato industry awards, which take place on the first night of British Potato and are pleased to be presenting an award during the ceremony. The Hutton is also one of the finalists in this year’s competition.

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Pilgrimage and Plough: Walking the Paths Between Faith and Farming

et’s go back to summer in the Cotswolds, where everything felt suspended in time. Dawn broke over dew-speckled meadows, the air thick with the scent of wildflowers, warm earth, and the faint, comforting tang of hay. Bees drifted lazily between grasses and poppies, and the soft ripple of barley from afar in a gentle breeze seemed almost musical. At The Regenerative Ark Summit, this living landscape pulsed in tandem with the ideas and conversations unfolding within it. Rupert Sheldrake spoke with a quiet intensity about the intelligence of nature, of the subtle rhythms and communications between plants, soil, and ecosystems that humans have only begun to perceive. Standing there, surrounded by fields that stretched to the horizon, I felt the familiar thrill of recognition: the land we care for is alive, and every furrow, every seed, every crop carries a memory, a story, and a connection. That summer was not just an event; it was a reminder of the enduring, almost sacred rhythm of life itself.

History whispers of similar rhythms. Pilgrimages in Britain were never merely journeys of faith; they were woven into the agricultural calendar, unfolding alongside planting and harvest, sowing and reaping. Pilgrims traversed rural landscapes, passing through villages and farmland where inns and homesteads offered respite. They carried prayers for bountiful crops, thanksgiving for abundance, and, sometimes, the quiet hope of guidance. The fields they walked were tended by

farmers whose hands bore both the toil of labour and the reverence of care. There was an unspoken understanding, across centuries, that human lives and the land’s vitality were inseparable, that tending the soil and tending the spirit were complementary acts.

Sheldrake’s reflections at the summit cast a contemporary lens on this ancient truth. He, spoke of morphogenetic fields and the invisible patterns that shape life, an intelligence embedded in nature itself. Listening, I recalled the intuition of seasoned farmers: sensing a change in the soil, reading the sky, knowing when the grain is ready by subtle cues only perceptible to those attuned to the land. What Sheldrake names in scientific terms has long been lived experience for those who work closely with the earth. Farming, in this light, is not merely an occupation or industry; it is an act of stewardship, a dialogue with life, a practice in patience, observation, and care.

There is something profoundly poetic in the parallels between pilgrimage and farming. Both are journeys of attention: one through landscapes of the spirit, the other through fields and pastures, each demanding observation, respect, and dedication. Walking pilgrims traced physical paths through villages and hills, while farmers traverse cycles of seasons and soil. In each, there is reflection, learning, and transformation. Even today, these journeys continue, in farm visits, agritourism, and regenerative retreats where people reconnect with the land, witness the care poured into food production, and gain a sense of

belonging within the cycles of nature.

The Ark Summit itself was a modern-day pilgrimage. Farmers, scientists, writers, and artists gathered not for profit, but to listen, to share, and to rediscover the invisible threads connecting soil, seed, and human life. Conversations rippled seamlessly from soil microbiology to the ethics of regenerative livestock management, from ancient farming practices to the promise of future innovations. Laughter mingled with debate, curiosity with awe, and all the while, the Cotswolds’ golden fields shimmered beyond the windows, as if echoing the summit’s collective heartbeat. Here, the past and future met: medieval rhythms whispered in the furrows, while Sheldrake’s insights illuminated the potential of living in conscious relationship with the land.

Pilgrimage routes shaped rural economies for centuries. Villages thrived on passing travellers; farms supplied food and shelter, and local crafts flourished. Today’s educational and regenerative farms continue this legacy, inviting “modern pilgrims” to walk among crops, learn the secrets of soil health, and witness the artistry and diligence of contemporary farmers. Visitors leave not only with knowledge but with a renewed awareness of how intimately human life and agriculture are entwined, a quiet reverence, a sense of purpose, and a connection to something larger than themselves.

Farming carries its own moral imperative. Those who work the land feel climate change in every unexpected frost, droughted field, and shifting pasture. They sense the interdependence of soil, water, and livestock. By opening their fields, sharing their expertise, and showing others the rhythms of life and growth, farmers pass on more than practical skills: they transmit values, foresight, and care for future generations. It is an invitation to participate in the ongoing pilgrimage of cultivation, one that asks not only for labour, but for attentiveness, ethics, and empathy.

The echoes of pilgrimage remain in Britain todayin harvest festivals, seasonal fairs, and village markets. These traditions are more than celebrations; they are reminders that the cycles of human life and the land are inseparable. By weaving together the lessons of history, the

regenerative insights of Sheldrake, and the lived experience of contemporary farmers, we see a narrative that is both urgent and beautiful: one that inspires children and adults alike to engage with the land thoughtfully, to respect the work of those who feed us, and to consider

agriculture as both vocation and journey.

As the sun dipped below the Cotswolds’ rolling ridges that summer, fields glowing in amber light, I felt the quiet satisfaction of having walked both a physical and metaphorical path. The voices of the summit, the laughter of attendees, and Sheldrake’s reflections lingered, reminding me that pilgrimage is not solely about a destination. It is a practice, a mindset, and a way of seeing the world. Farming, in all its enduring challenge and profound reward, is very much a pilgrimage of its own, a journey that asks us to move deliberately, care deeply, and honour the living land beneath our feet.

Whether we walk the pilgrim’s route, tend a field, or gather with fellow seekers at a summit, we are participants in a story far larger than ourselves. It is a story written in soil and seed, in footsteps and faith, in curiosity and courage. And it is a story we are called to continue, for the land, for our communities, and for the generations yet to walk these fields.

As we head towards Christmas, a season of celebration, food, and togetherness, let us remember that each act of care on our farms, each lesson shared with children, and each mindful step through the fields is part of this living, ongoing pilgrimage, one that nourishes both land and life.

To explore these ideas further, readers can follow Rupert Sheldrake’s work or learn more about The Regenerative Ark Summit, and perhaps, like us, find inspiration for the journey ahead.

Instagram: follow.the.ark

www.arkce.com and read for yourself The 2025 Ark Summit Report which offers a clear, curated window into the movement – packed with exclusive, actionable insight.

Written by Olivia Shave @Ecoewe

Biomethane key to Northern Ireland's Net Zero Future, say industry leaders at 2025 ADBA Conference

ndustry leaders, policymakers, and investors gathered at theAnaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association(ADBA)Northern Ireland Conferenceat the ICC Belfast last month to explore how to unlock Northern Ireland's vast biomethane potential and cement its role in delivering the region's net zero and circular economy goals.

Opening the conference on 23 September,Chris Huhne, ADBA Chair, emphasised Northern Ireland's unique position: "No other region in the UK has such abundant agricultural and livestock resources. Northern Ireland has the greatest potential to lead the biomethane revolution — the question is no longer how, but why it needs biomethane?"

In a policy and market update,Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA's Policy Lead, highlighted that Northern Ireland could produce up to 6.5 TWh of biogas — exceeding the Republic of Ireland's 2030 target — and reduce emissions by around 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. He urged policymakers to include Northern Ireland in the forthcoming successor to the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) and to clarify the rules for the Republic of Ireland's Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO).

"Biogas can support both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland's energy needs," said Dr Mottram.With the right framework, we can save households money, support farming, and strengthen energy security.Biogas also represents a huge opportunity for export towards Great Britain."

Government Commitment and Collaboration

Delivering the keynote address,Andrew Muir MLA, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, reaffirmed the NI government's commitment to biomethane as part of the energy transition, explaining how itplays a clear role in tackling climate change while supporting resilient agricultural communities.

The Minister also highlighted new funding, including £50,000 for proof-of-concept projects and £9 million for shared bioeconomy projects announced earlier this month, as well as efforts to promote cross-departmental collaboration within the Northern Ireland government, notably with the Department for Economy.

Investment, Regulation, and "Joined-Up Thinking" Needed

Throughout the day, speakers from Kinecx, A&L Goodbody, Green Gas Task Force, Manby BGE, Firmus Energy, SGS, Ulster Farmers' Union, BH Estates, Encirc, SGN Green Gas Solutions, Verdant Analytix, Vogelsang, AFBI and Anaergia called for clarity, stability, and collaboration across departments and regulators. They noted that the absence of a clear policy framework has stalled momentum since 2021.

Mark Stevensonof Kinecx noted that policy gaps

and fragmented regulation were holding back investment, calling Northern Ireland to adopt a joined-up approach between the Department for the Economy and DAERA to realise its biomethane potential.

Charles McAllisterof the Green Gas Task Force added that biomethane could offset up to 13% of the UK's net zero target, urging the creation of a national biomethane target and a UK-wide case study to showcase best practice.

Circular Economy and Nutrient Management Solutions

A recurring theme across sessions was that anaerobic digestion (AD) is more than an energy solution — it's a cornerstone of nutrient management, waste reduction, and agricultural resilience.Dr James Youngof the Centre for Competitiveness presented the Mid-Ulster EcoCycling Centre as a model for linking agriculture, renewable energy, and local economic development.

Speakers also discussed how AD can help address the Lough Neagh nutrient pollution crisis, with calls for targeted action on the 20% of sites responsible for 80% of phosphorus runoff —

creating both environmental gains and feedstock continuity for AD plants.

Making AD Investable

Investors and developers stressed the need for clear market access and financial certainty.James Dormanof Manby BGE, which employs 150 people in a £300 million biorefinery project, explained that investors needed confidence — in the feedstock, in the planning, and in the policy. Given the right signals, Northern Ireland could attract large-scale green investment and export renewable gas across the island.

Next Steps for ADBA in Northern Ireland

The conference concluded with a call from the attendees for ADBA to appoint a full-time policy and public affairs representative in Northern Ireland, to strengthen collaboration with the agrifood industry and policymakers, and to ensure the sector's voice is heard in the development of future support schemes.

Reflecting on the day's proceedings, Chris Huhne said: "This ADBA Northern Ireland conference was the most focussed yet on how we finally begin to exploit the region's massive potential for biogas. Minister Muir showed that he understood the importance of anaerobic digestion in staunching the nutrient overload that is wrecking Lough Neagh, and it is surely just a matter of time before such a visible environmental problem is addressed.

Northern Ireland has the resources, the expertise, and the urgency to lead the UK in biomethane production. What's needed now is policy certainty and partnership — to turn potential into progress.

I came away optimistic that the northern Irish sector, which has been marking time for so long, can succeed in another big push forward. In particular, it is not hyperbole to say that the future of the northern Irish livestock sector, the biggest protein producer in the UK, depends on our success. There will be no net zero in agriculture without AD, biogas and bio-fertiliser".

BRETT MARTIN ADDS A NEW SIMPLE AND HYGIENIC PVC LIVESTOCK WALL PANEL TO ITS RANGE

dding to its range of high-quality agricultural sheeting and rooflight products, Brett Martin has launched HoardBoard, a durable, hygienic and easy to install PVC wall panel product designed for wall lining or partitioning for pig buildings and other livestock sheds.

The durable 35mm Twinwall HoardBoard panels are impact, moisture and mould resistant and will not corrode. HoardBoard has been designed to make thorough cleaning and disinfection quick and easy with a smooth, chemical resistant surface that can be cleaned with a high-power pressure washer.

HoardBoard is also fast and simple to install. The panels are designed with click panel

connection at each side of the panel meaning the sheets fit securely together and can be bonded or point fixed to the wall. HoardBoard panels, available in white or grey, are 500mm in width and supplied in lengths of up to 3 metres.

John Logue, Agri Development Manager said: “Maintaining a hygienic environment is essential for the health and wellbeing of livestock. HoardBoard makes this easier to achieve and also effectively protects the walls of the building, reducing maintenance requirements. The lightweight panels and simple installation process means it can be installed in a wide range of livestock buildings with minimal effort.”

HoardBoard is just part of the range of Brett Martin products for agricultural applications. This includes Marlon CST Heatguard, a heat reflecting polycarbonate rooflight for livestock buildings, Marvec CS Agri, an easy to clean and maintain corrugated PVC wall and ceiling liner for poultry buildings and Marlon ST multiwall polycarbonate for a wide range glazing and louvres. Brett Martin’s extensive range of roofing and cladding systems for the agriculture market is supported by a nationwide distribution network and customer service team.

To find out more visit www.brettmartin.com/agri

Aflooded field is more than an inconvenience, it can be a risk to your livelihood.

Flood Action Week is the Environment Agency’s annual campaign to make sure homes, communities, and businesses are prepared for potential flooding and stormy weather over the winter months. This is based on a government briefing that the CLA attended during Flood Action Week, and includes a list of practical tips to help you improve winter readiness on your land.

Met Office update

So far in 2025, the autumn has been wetter than usual in northern and western areas of England and Wales, but eastern and central areas of England remain relatively dry. There is still a long way to go to make up the deficit in rainfall from the very dry spring and summer. Soil moisture levels are recovering with the rain in September, but groundwater isn’t recharging as quickly. Much of the infiltrated water remains stored in the upper layers of the soil, which is a risk factor for flooding even though there is, on paper, plenty of infiltration capacity left.

The Met Office’s best forecast is a typical start to the winter. December may be a bit colder than usual; rainfall in the north and northwest of the UK may be slightly higher. However, as we have seen in previous years, large-scale weather circulations can become trapped, leading to extended cold or wet periods, which are hard to predict. Climate change makes weather forecasting –and modelling flood risk – much tougher. While the Met Office forecast is relatively reassuring, it does not remove the need to be prepared for all eventualities.

News from the Environment Agency

In our latest briefing we heard from Mike O’Neill, Deputy Director of Preparedness and Recovery at the Environment Agency, who explained some of the steps the agency has taken to improve its preparedness. These include a full rollout of a National Operations Centre to enhance coordination, a 24/7 cadre of National Tactical Advisors on standby to improve the quality of decision-making in emergencies, as well as various enhancements to flood warning services.

The agency continues to coordinate with the National Fire Chiefs Council, military, and more local emergencyresponder teams, including through joint training and simulations. Most recently, it tested a crossgovernmental emergency response to a large surfacewater flooding incident.

Are there sufficient flood defences?

Many land managers will be anxious to learn the condition of flood risk assets, such as pumping stations, flood gates and culverts, or natural features like river embankments. The overall percentage of highconsequence flood risk assets in good condition is around 92.7%, much lower than 98% in good health in 2018, which used to be the target. This is due to several factors: ageing assets, a growing total number of assets, worsening flood events, and inflation and price increases.

Fundamentally, it's the CLA’s view that central government has not allocated enough money for flood risk asset maintenance. The FAQ explainer about riparian landowner responsibilities on page 23 of August’s Land & Business magazine (available to read by CLA members) should clarify responsibilities for riparian and asset maintenance. Your local Environment Agency office can let you know what permits you need for works.

Steps to improve your winter readiness

Check you have the right insurance cover for your needs: For example, does your property insurance cover include the different types of flooding you may be exposed to, such as groundwater flooding? Flood Re can help provide more affordable home insurance if you live in a high flood-risk area, although it does not extend to commercial premises (which include certain holiday accommodation). You may find two separate insurance products is cheaper. CLA members can reach out to CLA Insurance for specially-tailored guidance, but as always, it pays to shop around.

Monitor your local flood risk: The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) provide flood warnings and alerts, which you can sign up to receive by text, email, or call. Forecasts from the National Tidal and Sea Level Facility and real-time and historic data on river-flow rate and water levels from Gauge Map may also be useful.

Prepare an Emergency Flood Response Plan: Floods often happen with little time to plan or research what to do. Creating a checklist of actions can remind you of actions to take immediately before a flood to reduce your losses, for example:

• Turning off water, gas and electricity supplies

• Shutting windows and doors

• Taking pictures to help with insurance claims

• Moving important documents and sentimental belongings upstairs or to high cupboards

• Moving livestock, vehicles, equipment, fuels and chemicals to higher ground which you have previously identified.

Your plan could include details you may struggle to quickly access after a flood, like your insurance policy, contacts for your utility providers and helplines for charities like Forage Aid (which provides emergency bedding and forage for livestock).

Assemble an Emergency Flood Kit: A grab bag of essentials that will facilitate a speedy evacuation and make time in temporary accommodation more bearable.

Longer term, to build resilience, you may wish to invest in property-level flood resilience and set aside frequently submerged land to hold floodwater. This week, the government also announced a new flooding policy to decide which flood schemes are funded, and this should support more nature-based flood management and property flood resilience. Stay tuned for further guidance on this.

Rural crime continues to be one of the most costly and disruptive challenges facing farming communities, from the theft of high-value tractors and GPS units to the targeting of smaller vehicles such as ATVs, trailers and 4x4s. The losses run into millions each year, but the impact reaches far beyond the financial cost, with delays to harvests, stress for families, and serious disruption to rural businesses.

The National Rural Crime Network(NRCN) Action Week shone a spotlight on these issues, bringing together police, insurers, industry partners and rural residents to work collectively on solutions. Among the tools already making a real difference are theCESAR Schemeand the wider range of forensic security systems developed by Datatag ID Ltd.

CESAR, the official Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration Scheme owned by the CEA and supported by the AEA, provides machinery with a unique, permanent identity using Datatag’s proven technologies. With overt triangular ID plates, hidden RFID transponders, Datadots® and a covert forensic DNA solution, CESAR makes it almost impossible for criminals to disguise stolen equipment. Police forces across the UK are equipped with the RAPID app, allowing instant checks in the field and helping to secure recoveries and prosecutions. Officers nationwide have also been trained in its use, further strengthening frontline capability.

CESAR is industry-recognised and backed by leading agricultural brands, includingJohn Deere,New Holland,Kubota,Massey Ferguson, andManitou, many of which fit the system as standard. It is also supported by insurers, with theNFUoffering significantly reduced premiums for CESAR-protected machines.

Alongside CESAR, Datatag has developed specialist systems to protect other high-risk items, including agriculturalGPS units,trailers, and4x4s. GPS theft, in particular, has become a significant threat, with devices often worth tens of thousands of pounds and vital to modern farming operations. Datatag’s dedicated GPS Security System gives each unit a permanent and traceable identity, closing the gap that criminals have exploited and giving police the confidence to seize and return stolen property. For trailers, which have traditionally been difficult to recover due to the lack of a standardised registration system, Datatag technology provides a long-overdue solution.

The effectiveness of the scheme is perhaps best illustrated in Derbyshire, where the police have made CESAR and Datatag a cornerstone of their rural crime strategy. Working closely with farmers and dealers, more than 70,000 assets, ranging from livestock trailers to combine harvesters, have been protected. The results are striking theft rates of CESAR-marked machinery have dropped to just 0.06% when recoveries are included, with recovery rates three times the national average.

The shared success of CESAR and Datatag reflects the three pillars that underpin NRCN Action Week: deterrence, identification and collaboration. Clear ID plates and warning decals act as a visible deterrent, hidden technologies provide indisputable proof of ownership, and strong partnerships between industry, insurers and law enforcement ensure the system works in practice. As rural crime becomes increasingly sophisticated, the case for installing advanced security has never been stronger. NRCN Action Week shows what can be achieved when farmers, manufacturers, insurers, and the police work together, and the Derbyshire experience is proof that crime can be driven down to almost zero. For rural communities under pressure, systems like CESAR and Datatag are giving them the chance to fight back, protect livelihoods and build a safer countryside for the future.

SP Energy Networks is calling on farmers to take extra precautions when working near overhead power lines, as part of a newSafe By Designsafety drive launched in partnership with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC).

Contact with electricity infrastructure remains one of the most serious risks in agriculture, with heavy-duty machinery and busy farm schedules often bringing workers dangerously close to overhead lines. SP Energy Networks is urging farmers to put safety first this season by planning ahead, using farm maps, and making the most of modern technology like height restrictors.

Working in partnership with SP Energy Networks and SAYFC, young farmers Jack and James appeared in an educational video to highlight the risks they've encountered while working on a farm, while also shining a spotlight on the precautions they take to avoid incidents.

James Kennedy, Farmer and SAYFC Member said:"When you're out working every day, it's easy to forget just how close some of your kit can come to power lines, especially when you're rushing to get jobs done. We've all had moments where you stop and think, 'that was too close for comfort'.

"Taking a few minutes to plan your routes and check the height of your machinery can make all the difference. It's simple stuff, but it keeps you, your team, and your farm safe. That's why this campaign is so important as it's a reminder to look up and think before you act."

The video is designed to highlight the top tips for farmers to stay safe at work, reinforcing SP Energy Networks' commitment to reducing the number of incidents on farms and highlighting how preparation and communication can prevent serious accidents.

Derek Bell, SP Energy Networks Health and Safety Director added:'Electrical

infrastructure, such as overhead power lines, is a common feature on many farms and it's important that everyone working around them understands the potential risks. By identifying overhead lines, measuring machinery heights and using height restrictions correctly, farmers can take simple but effective steps to stay safe.

"Through forward planning and shared awareness, we can prevent incidents and save lives. Our partnership with SAYFC reflects SPEN's commitment to working alongside the agricultural community to promote safety and ensure every farm remains a safe place to work.'

The top safety tips featured in the Safe by Design campaign are:

• Know your land- Mark overhead lines, poles, towers, underground cables, and substations clearly on farm maps using resources like LSBUD.

• Check line heights- Engage with your local network operator to undertake GS6 surveys and record line voltages and clearances.

• Know your machinery- Never guess the height of vehicles or equipment. Use height restrictors where possible and adjust for safe clearance.

• Plan safe routes- Map out access routes to avoid hazards and ensure everyone on the farm, including contractors and delivery drivers, knows them.

• Stay alert- Always look up before lifting booms, augers, or trailers and stop work immediately if contact is made. Stay in the cab, call 105 for the electricity emergency line, and dial 999 if anyone is injured.

• Treat all lines as live- Never assume a power line is safe.

For further information, please contact Stripe Communications by emailing spnetworks@stripecommunications.com

Female forest workers can finally wear chainsaw protection equipment designed specifically for their bodies, bringing an end to years of using ill-fitting men's workwear that compromised both safety and comfort.

Forestry England's investment has enabled the range of female fit workwear to be developed by manufacturer Arbortec. The design and production process has involved extensive testing and feedback from female forest workers for the first time. Through the collaboration, two versions of women’s-fit chainsaw trousers are being launched. The top range called Breatheflex Pro, are available from today alongside work jackets; a midrange version of the chainsaw trousers will be following soon. Chainsaw gloves and boots are set to join the collection over the next few months when designs for those are finalised.

This positive step tackles longstanding workplace challenges in forestry, where female workers have made do with men's equipment. Forestry England's female forest workers have shared experiences of being swamped in extra-small men's shirts, constantly adjusting oversized sleeves, and using tape to secure loose men’s chainsaw trousers.

Fahra Collins, Forestry England Training Delivery Manager, said:

The investment demonstrates Forestry England's dedication to building a truly inclusive forestry sector that welcomes talent from all backgrounds. With 44% of Forestry England's workforce identifying as female, properly fitting safety equipment removes a significant barrier to women's full participation in fulfilling forestry careers.

Mike Seddon, Forestry England Chief Executive, said:

“Our female staff working in the nation’s forests bring their professionalism and passion to work every day to ensure these special places thrive in the decades ahead. I’m proud Forestry England could take the lead in investing in this workwear range. It means vital equipment is now available for them and for women across the forestry industry. We are committed to becoming a more diverse workforce representing the people we serve and will continue to champion women in Forestry England, removing barriers to them progressing and fulfilling their potential wherever we find them.”

"We're thrilled to finally offer our female colleagues the properly fitting equipment they deserve. This is safety-driven and also about comfort, ensuring every member of our workforce feels valued and protected while doing the important work of caring for our nation's forests. We hope this will inspire more women to consider rewarding careers in forestry knowing their needs will be met and they can contribute their skills and talents."

Win Brothers, Arbortec Marketing Manager, said:

"Designing chainsaw protection for women wasn’t just about resizing—it was about rethinking fit, movement, and comfort from the ground up. We worked closely with female forestry professionals to ensure every detail reflects their needs in the field. This range is a milestone in safety wear, and we’re proud to help make forestry more inclusive, one garment at a time."

Arbortec has safety-tested the female fit equipment in its test laboratory using controlled chainsaw impact simulations, ensuring women's protection meets the same high standards as men's equipment.

The range will be available to the broader forestry industry, helping position the sector as increasingly welcoming to women working in forestry and arboriculture organisations.

The modern calf feeder with individual calf feeding, whole milk system, intuitive control of

the graphic display and many other features

CalfExpert is a calf feeder that has been developed to meet the latest standards in calf feeding. State-of-the-art feeding technology ensures that the milk for the calves is always freshly mixed. It does not matter whether milk replacer or pasteurised whole milk is used. CalfExpert prepares the milk automatically and individually for each animal.

You, as farmer, remain completely flexible in your work schedule while calves are fed 24/7. The calf feeder takes your calf rearing management to a whole new

Intuitive operation via the graphic display and the link to the CalfGuide mobile app make it easier for you and your team to monitor your animals. All the information about your calves, status reports and alerts are at your fingertips in the app and directly on the calf feeder at all times.

Different feeding programmes form the basis of successful and performance-oriented calf rearing in automatic calf feeding. Labour savings and complete supervision included.

Individual animal feeding

Feed calves automatically.

Organise feed changes gently: milk mixed freshly and precisely matched to the calf. For healthy and productive calves.

Feeding a large number of calves with a fresh mix adapted to each individual calf is a major challenge. CalfExpert makes it child's play.

Always freshly mixed

The CalfExpert calf feeder mixes the milk fresh for each calf. Any residual milk is kept warm and flushed out of the system following longer drinking breaks. Other calf feeders work with a central milk supply. In milk stored this way at 40 °C, the bacterial count doubles every 20 minutes. In contrast, the CalfExpert guarantees maximum hygiene and feeding suitable for every individual animal.

Individual adaptation

A central milk supply has another major disadvantage: modern feeding programmes (e.g. metabolic programming) require a higher CMR concentration (e.g. 160 g/l) at the beginning of rearing to stimulate performance. However, a lower milk replacer powder concentration (130 g/l) is necessary in the weaning phase. This individual animal feeding can only be achieved if the mix is prepared individually for each calf,

QuickChange logic for greater performance

We have accelerated the mixing process and the change of calves in the CalfExpert, thereby optimising utilisation of the HygieneStations.

Milk is mixed quickly and can be called up at the feeding station after just 3 seconds. Once the milk meal is finished, a switch is immediately made to the second feeding station. Here, a second calf can be fed immediately while the first is still satisfying its need to suckle.

In addition, priorities can be specified in the CalfExpert menu so that young or sick calves are given preferential treatment. The tried and tested flexitime programme ensures that meals are distributed very evenly throughout the day without clusters of visits to the stations. The result is reduced waiting times with high animal occupancy and a positive "visiting experience" for the calves.

Enjoy calm and compliant calves

Since CalfExpert does not restrict feeding to certain times of day, calves can come and feed at any time.

Your calves will no longer see you as a nurse and will therefore remain calm when people enter the barn. Younger and weaker calves have all the time they need to consume their full ration.

As the CalfExpert also works with an intelligent credit logic, all calves have a feeding credit at a different time. As a result, fewer animals crowd around the station. The anti-pirate milk valve ensures that stronger calves do not steal milk. The result: extremely uniform, relaxed groups of calves.

QuadroFlex: simultaneous and yet flexible feeding

With the new QuadroFlex system, four calves can feed at the same time at two PowerMixers. The CalfExpert mixes the milk freshly when calves wish to drink. This means no tank supply system is required. The feeding quantity is determined precisely for each calf by maintenance-free sensors. If a calf requires a special mix e.g. including medicine or electrolytes, only the sister stall at the same PowerMixer is switched off. Feeding continues at the second Power Mixer at both stations. This allows 120 calves to be fed at 4 HygieneStations. Thus the capacity of the CalfExpert has been increased by approx. 20 – 30 % compared to its predecessor H&L100.

Flexible feeding programmes

Modern feeding programmes should always adapt to the age and breed, personally set rearing goals and state of health of the calves. CalfExpert allows you to do all this in the optimum way.

Weaning process

CalfExpert prepares your calves in a particularly gentle way for the intake of concentrate and roughage. It reduces the amount of feed at the end of rearing in small steps of 0.1 l per day and thus stimulates the development of the forestomach system.

8 feeding curves

CalfExpert can be used to turn any feeding programme into reality. Feeding curves can be adjusted very flexibly in each of the 8 groups. Up to 16 "turning points" allow you to fine-tune your personal feeding concept down to the last detail. Or you decide in favour of one of the proven and pre-set CalfExpert feeding programmes.

Metabolic programming

Intensive feeding in the first few weeks of a calf's life will usually lead to significantly higher milk production later. However, the correct weaning of calves, for example after an ad libitum phase, poses particular challenges for every calf breeder. With CalfExpert, each calf is slowly weaned off high milk intake, in terms of volume as well as concentration.

Effective mixing of milk replacer powder

Flexible feeding also means that a wide range of CMRs and additives have to be prepared in an optimum and lump-free way. The continuously variable PowerMixer ensures a soft start to avoid splashing and then stirs the milk replacer powder thoroughly. This means the calf receives its freshly mixed milk directly at the teat in just 3 seconds.

The feeding process can sometimes take longer where young or weak calves are involved. We prevent the separation of the milk replacer powder by slow permanent stirring. And if it gets colder, the heater in the mixer always ensures the mix is kept at a constant temperature, for no matter how long the calf needs.

Second milk powder chamber

The new option allows the CalfExpert to feed two different types of milk replacer (CMR).

The milk powder compartment is at a 90° angle to the CalfExpert and feeds milk powder into the PowerMixer of the machine via a dosing augur on the side. The volume of 50 kg of CMR can be supplemented by a further 25 kg via the additional powder chamber. This

gives the CalfExpert the largest milk powder storage capacity of any automatic feeder on the market, with a maximum powder storage capacity of 150 kg (2 x (50 + 25 kg)). Ideally, this is done in such a way that one type of milk replacer slowly takes the place of the other. This can make sense, for example, if a high-quality skimmed milk replacer is to be used in the first few weeks of life in order to promote the early development of the calves with highly digestible CMR.

Later, cheaper milk replacers can be used, whose ingredients (e.g. certain proportions of high-quality vegetable proteins) are intended to support the transition to ruminant.

Specific additive feeding

Minimal doses of feed additives can be added to the milk diet in order to stabilise the gastrointestinal system. Sick calves can be treated with medicines in the milk. You can use two powder dosing units and two liquid dosing units. As with the milk programme, you can set different feeding curves for these additives as well. This means maximum flexibility for top calf health.

powdered milk? This causes changeover stress with your calves and is likely to cause digestion problems. "EvenMilk", our intelligent whole milk control, knows how much whole milk is available and how much is to be fed. It makes sure that whole milk and CMR are mixed in balanced proportions even when whole milk quantities fluctuate daily.

Clean and reliable

A calf feeder is designed to make your work easier and perform continually for 24 hours. To achieve this it has to work reliably under the rough conditions of a calf stall, like the CalfExpert does.

EvenMilk: intelligent whole milk feeding

Whole milk is digested perfectly by the calf and results in the best performance. With the CalfExpert whole milk programme you can set whole milk proportions or supplement the whole milk in the feeing programme flexibly. What happens with your feeder when the whole milk supply has been used up? Does it then feed

Hose cleaning including the teat

All hose systems used to have deposits of contaminated milk because they had not been cleaned often enough or thoroughly enough. The HygieneStation rinses the entire milk hose through to the teat during longer drinking breaks. In addition, the complete milk system is cleaned several times every day. If theDoubleJugmilk tank is used, the supply line to the CalfExpert is also cleaned automatically. This will reduce a calf’s exposure to bacteria, improve the health of the calves and save on manual cleaning.

Two cleaning agents

To optimise cleaning even further, the CalfExpert can use two different cleaning agents: either alternate with

each cleaning cycle or combine in one cleaning cycle (alkaline, rinse, acid, rinse). The cleaning agent pumps are fitted on the outside. They can thus draw directly from the tanks. This is safe and convenient. In addition, the CalfExpert generates automatic messages as soon as a canister is empty.

Fly shield as standard

Two large doors protect the critical area where the mixer bowls are located. This keeps flies away from the milk and avoids problems in the milk system. The doors can be locked so children cannot be harmed or injured.

Integrated operating instructions

The 7″ graphic display not only allows all calf data to be conveniently viewed. Pressing the key with the book icon opens help texts and information from the operating instructions at every level of the application.

Ready to work whatever the weather

Calves love the outdoor climate, your CalfExpert does too. It comes with a frost protection programme that is activated automatically as soon as there is a risk of frost. Sensors in every HygieneStation and in the CalfExpert mixing chamber measure the ambient temperature and then adapt the mixing temperature and intensity of the frost protection programme accordingly. You can clean the outer surfaces of the automatic feeder with water, since all the sensitive components are water spray-proof.

Simple maintenance

Regular inspection of the technology is easy: you can test all the important CalfExpert components quickly and easily in the maintenance menu. You can also carry out calibration quickly yourself, because the software always tells you exactly what to do. We recommend that you have your CalfExpert serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. This provides you with the peace of mind that the automatic feeder will be ready for the next rearing cycle.

Automatic calibration

The CalfExpert checks the flow rate of milk and water at regular intervals. ensuring a consistent amount of water for the calves without your needing to actively worry about it. Although this unfortunately does not apply to the amount of powder, the machine will remind you as soon as calibration needs to be performed. However, with its Brix-TS option, CalfExpert compensates for deviations in the mix concentration, so that you are always surethat the calves have been fed correctly.

Smarter work – better performance

Kill two birds with one stone: CalfExpert not only frees you up from tedious and strenuous work. Intelligent software and smart operation also increase feeding quality.

SmartKeys

We deliberately avoid the use of touch technology and rely instead on the use of SmartKeys, meaning that a CalfExpert can be operated reliably even in frost, rain, with gloves or even dirty fingers. The illuminated

SmartKeys guide you through the programme.

The completely new control software offers maximum clarity and simple CalfExpert operation. All calf data with individual feeding curve, alarm lists, technical parameters etc. can be viewed on the 7" display. The Wi-Fi connection also allows you to retrieve individual items of data on mobile devices and to receive push notifications in the event of error messages.

Higher income thanks to improved performance

Calves supplied with a lot of energy start lactation at an earlier age and produce more milk later on. CalfExpert also provides you with the best prerequisites for optimum animal health. This means a lower death rate and more animals in the herd reared from your herd offspring. This in turn gives you the opportunity to select the offspring in a targeted manner and to sell surplus heifers at a profit. And last but not least: by saving working time, you are freeing up capacities on your farm that can be used profitably.

CalfGuide app

CalfExpert comes with a WiFi interface as standard. The CalfGuide app allows you to access important information directly on your mobile phone. This includes the general calf feeder data and details of the calf lists with the entire calf history. You can easily modify calf information and feeding curves in the app. The CalfExpert also sends messages when the cleaning containers are empty, for example. A particularly practical feature is a health check, which allows you to objectively assess the health of your calves.

AmmoniaDetect

Ammonia irritates the mucous membranes of calves, even in small doses. This can lead to bronchitis in the long run, which can soon turn into pneumonia. Ammonia is only perceived as an odour when it is already in the

harmful range. AmmoniaDetect is an electrochemical sensor that permanently measures ammonia levels in the barn air. It is installed directly in the lying area, protected from the calves by a pipe. CalfExpert analyses the measured values continuously and documents them in a chart. This enables you to optimise the ventilation of the calf barn and determine the best time for mucking out.

Gain time and flexibility

Take care of your calves when YOU want and don't let them dictate your day. There are often other jobs and responsibilities to be taken care of in the mornings and evenings in particular: milking and feeding the cows, making breakfast for the family or taking your children to school... CalfExpert feeds your calves. You only have to monitor the machinery and the animals. And training is reduced to a minimum with the new HygieneStation.

Automated work routines

With the CalfExpert, all employees know what they have to do and when. They perform checks, teat changes etc. at regular intervals. The CalfExpert generates timely notifications when whole milk and cleaning agents are running low. And the CalfExpert reports this a few hours before the containers are actually empty to avoid any mad rush.

A feeder that has growing potential

With CalfExpert you can feed up to 100 calves at 4 stations, with QuadroFlex as many as 120 calves. Even if you feed fewer animals today, our modular system allows you to expand the calf feeder machine at any subsequent time with all the options available. So you save money now but can still make use of all the possibilities later.

Would you like to receive a quotation or individual advice? Our sales partners will be happy to assist you.

Bolus technology on trial for suckler cows at Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm

Suckler cows at theBanff and Buchan Monitor Farmare trialling new electronic rumen bolus technology, hoping to give farmer Bruce Irvine more breeding, health and welfare information to better manage his herd.

The use of electronic boluses in the rumen in dairy cattle is well established, using movement and temperature sensors to measure rumination, body temperature and activity. For dairy farmers, data analysis, through apps, provides early detection and recording of bulling, calving, feeding issues and onset of illness. However, they are not currently widely used for sucklers.

Bruce is among the first beef producers to trial the system, putting rumen boluses into 100 of his summer-calving Stabilisers. The two-year 'proof of concept' trial supported by Scottish Government Innovation Project funding, involves vets, a nutritionist and bolus supplier smaXtec, and is examining the efficacy, accuracy and cost-benefits of boluses. Bruce hopes the technology will offer improved detection of bulling, cattle illness and calving management.

Meadows Vets, are working closely with smaXtec to address this.

Bruce says: "For the rumen pulses, the system expects cows to have 450-650 pulsations per minute, and when that drops, it's usually a sign for dairy cows that they're not getting enough forage or that the ration has changed. But our sucklers are not always eating the same ration – they might be eating grass or from a ring feeder, so rumen pulses in sucklers can be different to dairy cows who are eating the same all the time. The lowest we have had is 300 per minute which has resulted in an alert."

So far, the boluses have generated plenty of information, which is available to Bruce via an app. It highlights cows with temperatures above their average who may be developing an infection; measures rumen pulses so tracking rumination; works out how much water cows have drunk (via her drop in temperature from drinking cold water and an algorithm); tracks her movement and whether she's in heat or has been bulled.

However, the system is currently calibrated for dairy cows, meaning there is some work to be done to make it accurate enough for sucklers whose daily life and eating patterns outdoors are more varied. Bruce and Ewan Jamieson, director at

He adds: "We've also had some challenges with the signal between the boluses and base stations which pick up the data. It would be no problem in a shed or in a flat field, but we have lots of undulations, which makes it difficult for the base stations to always be in contact with the boluses. We've had to move them a few times and buy another one to have enough coverage.

"If the cows are out of range, the boluses will store five days of data, but if there are 30-40 cows out of range, we have found it will take five to six days to 'catch up'. Two of the base stations are solar powered, the other is run off a 12V car battery which lasts only five to six days on average, so we are planning to make that solar too."

The boluses cost £30 each and are guaranteed for the life of the cow, with an expected battery life of five years, while the software/app subscription is £30/head/year. Bruce is hopeful that the value will come when the bolus identifies cows in heat and their service date. "I am trying to catch insemination dates so we can see how this works for the next calving cycle."

He would like the bolus to accurately highlight when a cow is calving – and when they might be stuck - as they are in sheltered fields which are a distance from the farm and are currently checked four (or more) times each day.

"I hope it will all go in the right direction. SmaXtec is using the data and algorithms to make the system work better for sucklers. The app is good, and I often look at it – I could spend all day looking at the data if I wanted to. I know now that most of our cows drink once a day and usually about 28 litres or so, but the young bull that is carrying a bolus consistently drinks four times a day and drinks about 69 litres."

Vet Ewan Jamieson will be providing an independent assessment of the benefits of boluses and software on Bruce's farm, and a cost-benefit analysis will also be done at the end of the project.

Helen Hollingsworth, who is part of the customer success team at smaXtec UK, says: "We wanted to take part in this trial to see the challenges presented by monitoring cows outside, be that dairy or beef. There are definitely more challenges with outside monitoring, where the topography of the land varies, and cows can potentially spend time 'out of range'.

"With a range of up to 300m line of sight, it does mean farmers needs to consider how they can encourage cows to come closer to the base station at least once a day, be that with ring feeders, mineral licks or simply smaller fields, or they can use more base stations in order to cover larger areas.

"It's easy to see on the app whether cows are behind on data or offline, which means they can then change the location of the base station. Having the base station powered by battery and solar means they can be mobile, using a trailer or similar, and taking the unit to where cows spend most of their time.

Key areas for the trial:

• Herd fertility – ensuring compliance with requirements for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme, which now requires tight calving intervals. Ideally, boluses will identify bulling behaviour and where cows do not 'take' to the bull. Bulling behaviour is associated with increased activity from the cow; the project will show whether this is accurately measured and displayed in real time by the bolus technology.

• Cow health – vital for its own welfare, for its fertility, efficiency and ability to raise a calf. Cattle frequently show few signs of infection at an early stage, succumbing only at a point where farmer and vet intervention is required. The project will test if early detection of body temperature rise and changed behaviour can be detected by the bolus to provide alerts and early intervention.

• Calving success – a busy time on farm, the project will test whether a bolus can detect the onset of birth, along with length of time in labour. Will early detection of calving help Bruce to better manage labour and prioritise attention to cows which may require assistance with calving?

"As with any technology, customer input is vital, and Bruce has been very good at working with us and the system to get the most out of using smaXtec on his farm. We have already helped detect issues around calving time, while identify issues with feeding and heat detection has been working well too. We are excited to see how things progress."

Monitor Farm regional adviser Peter Beattie says: "The Monitor Farm Programme offers a unique opportunity to explore occurrences in real time.This technology could give suckler producers much more information about their cows and identify potential issues earlier. It's an ongoing trial on a commercial scale and will be very interesting to see how it performs.Sharing experiences and learning together is at the heart of the programme"

Listen to the Monitor Farm Scotland Field Talk podcast to find out more about smaXtec technology. It features Ewan Jamieson, director at Meadows Vets and Helen Hollingsworth from smaXtec:https://youtu. be/dI6yeiwRKKQ? feature=shared

About the Banff and Buchan Monitor Farm

Sauchentree Farm, at New Aberdour, on the north-east coast of Scotland, is run by Bruce Irvine in partnership with his wife Vicky and his mother. Help at lambing comes from art-lecturer Vicky, his sister and brother-in-law, and their two daughters are starting to get involved in the farm. A new chicken unit installed this summer has provided extra labour for the business.

In total, Bruce farms 263ha (650ac) with cereals, sheep and cattle. He believes the three enterprises are as important as each other, with livestock providing fertility for the arable side. Bruce markets their lamb and beef through Woodhead Bros, Turriff and ANM at Thainstone and enjoys competing with neighbouring farms on yield and lambing percentage. The family have been at Sauchentree for more than 200 years.

Revolutionary four-way milking technology

The GEA IQ's revolutionary four-way technology ensures that you always have maximum milk quality, quantity and udder health. Using it is incomparably easy! Easier attaching, milking and maintenance.

The new milk guide piece has been designed following the natural structure of a cows udder. It is subdivided into four guide chambers. The milk flows directly and quarter individual to the outlet. Thanks to the incline in the respective cluster chamber this process is faster and much more gentle.

Features & Benefits

Maximum milk quality - smarter vacuum control significantly reduces milk contamination. Vacuum is greatly reduced when the liner is not attached, which means less manure and other soil/debris is sucked into the milk line. You won't believe how clean your milk filters are with the IQ Milking Unit.

Improved udder health - with four separate guide chambers there is no threat of teat-to-teat cross contamination of mastitis-causing bacteria. Unlike conventional milking units, the new IQ unit is subdivided into four quarters, and milk from each quarter is kept separate.

Holds on any shaped udder - the short milk tubes

are longer which allows proper placement on virtually any udder shape. The unit weight is ideally distributed 80% on the teat and 20% in the claw. Plus, better unit alignment means fewer unit slips and squawks.

Easy maintenance - unique and patented liner connection makes liner changes quick and easy. Shells, liners, and air dividers can be pre-assembled to allow liner changes in minutes instead of hours.

Faster milk-out times - improved vacuum stability increases flow rates and the sharper angle of the

milk chamber speeds flow to the milk line.

Quieter operation - the automatic vacuum shifting system makes for virtually noise-free milking - even during attachment or during a kickoff.

More reliable performance - the slim profile of this unit is harder for cows to kick-off.

Components for IQ Milking Cluster

For the milkers of today and tomorrow: The GEA IQLiner is unique in that it is fitted individually

onto the IQ cluster! Take advantage of the optimum adhesion and flexibility on the udder! The well thought-out benefits of our IQLiner ensure animal-friendly milking together with the best possible teat conditions and the well proven rubber and silicone material works as reliably as ever.

GEA and local GEA Dealers are offering a special offer on the IQ Milking Cluster this Autumn until 31st October 2025. Benefits from four-way technology to ensure you always have maximum milk quality, quantity and udder health by contacting GEA today for the special offer price. Contact your local GEA Dealer or visit www.gea.com for further information.

ForFarmers UK Launches NEXUS™

A New Era in Precision Dairy Cow Nutrition

ForFarmers UK, a leading provider of total feed solutions to the livestock industry, has launched NEXUS™, a groundbreaking new dairy compound feed range powered by FEED2MILK.

FEEDMILK is a practical, proven approach that empowers farmers to continually adapt their strategies. Through independent European feed research and on-farm precision monitoring, NEXUS offers measurable, repeatable results.

Guided by its mission For the Future of Farming, ForFarmers continues to help British farmers build resilient, profitable businesses while driving forward the sustainability of agriculture.

requirements, the NEXUS product range is soya free and an option for all.

The feed range is designed to adapt seamlessly to fluctuations in forage quality and quantity, as well as to the evolving nutritional requirements of highperformance dairy herds.

"This adaptability ensures farmers can have complete confidence that their cows' performance, sustainability targets, and profitability are taken care of," says Robert.

The range harnesses the very latest research, alongside ForFarmers' extensive practical expertise, to deliver a truly advanced approach to dairy nutrition and uses the power of dry NIR forage analysis for accurate, consistent, and reliable nutritional insights.

With over 125 years of experience working alongside farmers, ForFarmers has consistently innovated in order to adapt to the challenges the industry faces change.

NEXUS represents the next chapter in that journey bringing together cutting-edge science, practical on-farm insight, and a laser focus on precision.

"In today's dairy sector, feed influences everything from herd performance and farm profitability to waste reduction and environmental sustainability," says Robert Pullar, ForFarmers' Ruminant Nutritionist. "Precision feeding is no longer optional — it is fundamental."

ForFarmers continues to meet the ruminant industry's need to be more sustainable. It optimises protein through the use of True Digestible Protein (TDP) and with continuing uncertainty about the implementation of EUDR legislation and retailer

Robert comments: "The NEXUS range is designed to deliver against four key priorities central to every dairy farm business, including feed efficiency, by balancing rations to precisely meet — but not exceed — herd nutritional requirements.

"Secondly, NEXUS tackles cow performance, by considering the independent needs of both the rumen and intestine, and functional nutrients which support maximum digestion and utilisation. Environmental sustainability is also addressed with zero soy as standard.

"NEXUS embraces true TDP rather than Crude Protein (CP) thereby optimising nitrogen efficiency and reducing environmental impact. With a foundation in TDP principles, the digestible protein available for milk production, NEXUS optimises nitrogen efficiency and reduces environmental impact. Finally, NEXUS can also aid business profitability, by improving feed efficiency and managing costs, helping to achieve stronger margins in all market conditions," he explains.

"NEXUS is about giving farmers confidence," concludes Robert. "Confidence that their herds are being fed with ultimate precision. Confidence that their business is maximising profitability while reducing environmental impact. And confidence that they are ready to meet the challenges of the future."

Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients launches the ROI Calculator

2.0 to help dairy farmers optimize fat supplement use

Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients' launch of the upgraded ROI Calculator 2.0 offers farmers and nutritionists further support in assessing the financial and nutritional impact of rumen-protected fat supplementation in dairy rations globally.

According to Paul Fransen, the developer and Business Development Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, the ROI Calculator 2.0 feeds off the original performance-to-financial correlation ‘return on investment’ model, with more datasets and features to guide on-farm decision making.

“The Return on Investment Calculator 2.0 allows farmers anywhere in the world to input their own herd data, such as milk prices, feed costs and fat supplement pricing, for an instant projection on profitability and nutrient digestibility,” explains Mr Fransen. “By tailoring recommendations to individual farm economics, the tool empowers producers to strike a balance between cash flow constraints and long-term herd performance.”

Expanded capabilities

Key inputs for the model, including expected milk yield, milk composition and feed efficiency, come from two meta-analyses from Dr Adam Lock’s group at Michigan State University, USA, that collated more than 65 peer-reviewed research papers.

The new ROI Calculator 2.0 builds from those data

points, giving users the ability to analyse hydrogenated fatty acid products, calcium salts and high-C16 rumen-protected fat supplements at flexible inclusion rates. Users also receive a greater amount of feedback with 15 selectable graphs, covering metrics such as margin, return on investment, nitrogen efficiency, feed efficiency, and NDF and fatty acid digestibility.

“This allows users much greater economic insights to compare cash flow impacts with longer-term efficiency gains,” explains Mr Fransen.

Supporting data-backed decisions

As dairy farmers continue to face fluctuating feed costs and milk prices, the ROI Calculator 2.0 provides a valuable resource to help farmers stay competitive, efficient and profitable.

“The ROI Calculator 2.0 doesn’t just give farmers numbers – it gives them actionable insights that show how fat supplementation strategies can improve milk yield, cow health and financial returns,” concludes Mr Fransen. “Every input must deliver a value and this tool is going to allow users to evaluate which rumen-protected fat supplement will deliver the most value to their individual herd. Fat supplements are highly energy-dense and different fatty acid formulations drive different aspects of production.”

The ROI Calculator 2.0 is free and available from volacwilmarfeedingfats.com

Major charity collaboration safeguards welfare of rare horses

In an exceptional collaboration, two equine welfare charities have worked alongside the RSPCA to lead a 15month operation to protect 70 rarebreed horses and foals in Devon.

Concerns were raised by members of the public in May 2024, which prompted action fromThe Mare and Foal SanctuaryandWorld Horse Welfare. Welfare officers found a number of semi-feral herds of Icelandic horses. There was unmanaged breeding, with pregnant mares living alongside fighting colts and stallions. Some were found with lifethreatening injuries. High worm burdens, especially among young horses, posed a major concern with some random samples showing levels in the thousands. Excessive worms can lead to malnutrition, poor growth, colic, and other health problems, making it crucial to manage parasite control to keep the horses healthy and thriving.

The equine charities worked together with theRSPCAacross several sites in Devon. As the owner cooperated, horses were signed over in stages over several months to the three charities.

Two additional charities,The Donkey SanctuaryandRedwings Horse Sanctuary, supported the operation with extra transport, equipment and expertise.Blue Crossalso stepped in at the conclusion of the case with an offer to rehome some of the horses. The entire process was a vet-led, multi-agency effort adhering to strict codes of practice upheld by all partners. Injured horses and those deemed most at risk by the vets were removed first, followed by mares and foals in need of specialist care, then stallions. Healthy mares and foals were taken last. By the end of summer 2025, all horses had been safely removed.

Throughout, the focus remained on achieving the

best possible welfare outcomes for the equines, demonstrating how teamwork and dedication can make a real difference in safeguarding their wellbeing. The charities have united in a message encouraging all equine owners who may be struggling to come forward and seek help.

Leah Brock, Senior Field Officer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary described the operation as a true achievement of collective effort. "I am deeply relieved that all horses involved in this case have now been safely removed" she said. "It has been truly humbling to witness the way each charity stepped forward without hesitation, offering their time, resources, and expertise to ensure these equines received the care they needed. The commitment shown to alleviating potential suffering has been nothing short of inspiring. This operation demanded significant manpower and perseverance, often in challenging weather conditions. I am incredibly proud of the role we've played in bringing this case to a positive conclusion.

World Horse Welfare's Deputy Chief Field Officer Jon Phipps said: "I'm delighted that by working together in this way, we've managed to safeguard the future of these lovely horses. We had major concerns for their welfare, and without rapid intervention, an already unstable situation was in danger of spiralling totally out of control. World Horse Welfare have taken in a large number of the horses across two of our rescue and rehoming centres and the teams have been very impressed by the way they have taken to the rehabilitation process on our farms. The resilience, friendliness, and quick learning they're already demonstrating, having arrived pretty much unhandled, is a real tribute to the Icelandic breed."

RSPCA Inspector Sarah Morris, who led for the animal welfare charity, said: "This multi-agency approach demonstrated what can be achieved when charities collaborate towards common goals. Each charity contributed specialist skills and knowledge, which allowed us to support the horses and the owner. We encourage the public to work with us, follow guidance, and correctly manage the welfare of their animals, and reach out for help when needed. I cannot praise enough the work of the equine charities involved in this operation; what we achieved was truly amazing."

Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "We were happy to be able to assist in this operation and help play a vital part in a successful welfare outcome for this large group of equines. Whilst there were no donkeys or mules involved in this case, one of our Donkey Welfare Advisers and our experienced lorry drivers were able to assist with the planning, loading and transport of some of these horses, helping to reduce risks and ensure they reached their new destinations safely."

Focus on input costs to boost dairy resilience

South West dairy farmers have experienced a notable financial rebound over the past 12 months, but margins remain fragile. That’s according to the latest Milk Cost of Production Report from Old Mill and the Farm Consultancy Group, which was unveiled at the Dairy Show on 1 October.

Stronger milk prices and easing feed costs have lifted average comparable farm profits to £644 per cow in the year to 31 March 2025, a significant recovery from just £153 per cow the year before.

Milk income rose by £425 per cow - a 15% increase - to reach £3,335, while the total cost of production climbed from £3,153 to £3,269 per cow. Non-milk income jumped from £395 to £578 per cow, helped by stronger beef prices. This tipped the balance back into profit, providing welcome news after the sharp squeeze of the 2023/24 period.

The average herd size in the survey increased from 295 to 322 head, with yields improving to 7,435 litres per cow, up from 7,256 litres the previous year, thanks in part to better silage made in 2024.

maintained much tighter control over costs, particularly over feed and labour.

On average, the top 10% spent £218 less on feed per cow than the bottom 10%, and more than £1,000 less on labour, power and machinery combined.

“Those businesses that successfully controlled power, machinery and labour costs made the most of increasing milk prices in 2024/25,” said Allaster Dallas at the Farm Consultancy Group. “The most profitable farms averaged 540 cows, compared with 198 cows in the bottom group.”

Feed costs eased by £19 per cow, but other inputs moved upwards. Labour costs increased by £29 per cow, with power, machinery, administration and repairs also rising, adding renewed cost pressure.

“Overall, the rise in milk income of around 4.9p per litre was not completely offset by costs, which have slowed the rate of increase,” said Bradley Causey at Old Mill. “Milk prices began to tick up partway through the 2024/25 period, and feed prices continued to soften, following a trend since April 2023.

“These two key trends have therefore both moved in a positive general direction for dairy farmers in 2024/25, which we can see trickling down to create increased comparable farm profits. Fortunately, the rises in other costs did not eat away at this profit.”

The gulf between the most and least efficient producers continues to widen. The top 10% of farms achieved profits of £1,098 per cow, while the bottom 10% lost £497 per cow. Interestingly, the most profitable herds actually produced slightly less milk - 6,135 litres per cow compared with 6,342 litres in the bottom 10% - but they

Smaller herds are finding it increasingly difficult to absorb rising fixed costs.

“Economies of scale allow larger farms to spread the cost of labour and machinery more effectively, leaving them in a stronger position when milk prices fluctuate.”

Looking ahead, milk income in 2025/26 is forecast to increase to £3,465 per cow; however, costs are expected to rise further to £3,467, resulting in a forecast profit of £514 per cow. This is down on the 2024/25 peak but still ahead of the 2023/24 low point and broadly in line with the four-year average of £520.

Businesses that used the better times of 2022 to strengthen their cash positions were best placed to weather the difficulties of 2023/24. Now, with profitability restored, the report highlights how farmers should look to future-proof their business by paying down debt, investing in resilience, or putting succession plans in place.

Volatility, however, remains an ever-present challenge. Labour shortages, rising machinery costs, and uncertain milk contracts all continue to put pressure on the sector. Added to this are unpredictable external factors like disease outbreaks and global market shocks.

“Although there may be cautious optimism for the future, nobody can predict what will occur with certainty,” said Mr Causey. “But overall, the figures shown in the report suggest a positive outlook for the industry.”

• For more information visit www.om.uk

James Holding Dairy Engineering

Unit 18, The Gardens, Malton Road, York, YO32 9TN

Office Tel: 01904 400449 James: 07807704884 info@jamesholdingengineering.com

MMT Services Ltd

Lukers Farm, Grittenham Wiltshire, SN15 4JR

Office Tel: 01666 511100 Mobile: 07717 781103 www.mmtservicesltd.co.uk

Mcknight Dairy Services Ltd

Glenmaquin, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland, Eir F92 X8C1 Tel: +353 8764 81124 www.mcknightdairyservices.com

Fernshire

Ltd

Chapmans Farm Pristling Lane, Staplehurst, TN12 0HH

Tel: www.neguschaseltd.co.uk

Cookstown

Dairy Services

Cookstown, Ardee, Co. Louth, A92 K202

Tel: www.cookstowndairyservices.com

G&A Wallace Engineers Ltd

Unit 17, Stainton Grove industrial estate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8UJ

Office Tel: 01833 625361 Mobile: 07828532868 www.gawengineers.com

Mid-Ulster Dairy Services

21a Donaghrisk Road, Tullyhogue, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8UU

Tel: 028 8676 5098 www.midulsterdairyservices.co.uk

Top class farming and competition at the Dairy Show

More than 6,000 farmers and suppliers came together at the Dairy Show on October 1 to support each other, share ideas and exhibit top class livestock.

Against a backdrop of falling milk prices, the mood remained buoyant, with producers sharing regenerative farming tips in the LandAlive seminars, learning from industry experts in the AgriForum theatre and exploring new technology from the 300+ exhibitors. “It’s been a challenging year given the dry weather,” said David Cotton, dairy farmer and chairman of the show. “But farmers are good problem-solvers and are always adapting and looking at ways to improve resilience in uncertain times.”

Family farm tax

A major headline this year has been the changes to inheritance tax, which threatens the viability of family farms. Visitors packed the AgriForum session to learn how to navigate the impending new rules. “The worst thing anyone can do is put their head in the sand,” said Philip Whitcomb, partner at Clarke Willmott solicitors.

Options to try and mitigate tax include diluting company shareholdings among more directors, putting land into trust, and gifting property under the seven-year rule, said Mike Butler, agricultural partner at accountant PFK Francis Clarke. However, every option carries other potential tax implications, as well as complexity when it comes to running the business.

“Often these set-ups are very inflexible; but fiscal rules will change, and family circumstances will change,” explained Mr Whitcomb. “So you need to ensure there’s a way out if things do change.” Taking professional advice from accountants, solicitors, and your bank is therefore essential.

Regen farming

Over in the new LandAlive theatre, farmers and consultants shared their journeys into regenerative farming, with processors, banks and

nutritionists joining the supply chain dots. “Soil is the foundation of everything,” said event organiser Tom Pycraft, founder of Ark. Soil health, livestock health, environmental health and human health are all intrinsically linked, and regenerative practices stand to benefit them all.

Lee Truelove, head of regenerative farming at First Milk, explained how lots of producers making small changes can add up to have a significant impact. Over the past four years the co-operative’s 700 farmers have managed 92,000ha of land regeneratively, sequestering 203,000t of carbon dioxide per year and reducing their carbon footprint by 3.2% per litre of milk.

“We need systemic change and that’s only going to come from partnerships,” he said. We have to work with the major food companies – a little bit of change with them will have a massive impact.”

Biomethane

Another element to circular farming is using slurry and manure to generate power. Anaerobic digestion has been around for many years, and the next development is creating biomethane to be used either on-farm or injected into the gas grid.

One AgriForum session brought together experts to explore this emerging technology and its on-farm potential.

Although there are initial hurdles to overcome in terms of securing planning permission, funding and grid connection, the opportunities are tremendous, said Jacks Weaver, regional policy manager at the NFU. “There’s huge scope for collaboration.”

Smaller producers could feed into a single collection hub with grid access, while the digestate waste can be used as a soil conditioner.

“The most exciting thing for the industry is that the technology is being made smaller and more accessible,” she added. Adding CO2 production to the mix, alongside biomethane, is a further

opportunity, with the whole system offering the potential for improved farm sustainability in every sense of the word.

Cattle show

The culmination of the show – after two days of calf and cow competition - was the supreme interbreed championship, picking out the best of the best. Claiming top spot with a perfect judges’ score of 50 was Oliver Reed with his three-year-old Holstein cow Davlea Chief Lulu 3. Sired by Stantons Chief, this impressive cow calved in June and is yielding 60 litres of milk per day.

Oliver, whose family milk 150 cows through three Lely robots in Blackborough, Devon, also won the reserve interbreed calf competition with Beaconhill Arrow Kelly. Coupled with his first ever supreme win at the Dairy Show, celebrations were therefore guaranteed.

In reserve spot was James Evans with his threeyear-old Jersey cow Mydrim Tequilas Spring Tracy. This homebred cow by Tower Vue Prime Tequilla produced twins in June, is yielding 40 litres per day, and is back in-calf to River Valley Victorious.

Following a string of successes at the Royal Welsh, Pembrokeshire and national Jersey shows, she’ll be heading to the Welsh Dairy Show next.

“I love everything about her,” said Mr Evans, who keeps 50 cows near Haverfordwest in Wales while also working fulltime as an animal nutritionist.

“She’s got power, strength and a tremendous udder, as well as great feet and legs – she just glides around the ring.”

Dairy Industry Award

On the eve of the show, at the Dairy Industry Dinner, Michael Masters, head of milk supplies and operations at Barbers Cheesemaker, was presented with the Dairy Industry Award.

“From setting up the first Dairy Producer Organisation and travelling all over the country supporting dairy farmers, to giving evidence at parliamentary enquiries, Michael has spent a lifetime in dairy farming,” said Mr Cotton. “A huge well done - this award is very well deserved.”

• For more information visit www.bathandwest.com/thedairy-show

Horse charity appeals for public help to name a rare Icelandic colt

Following a major welfare collaboration, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is inviting the public to name an adorable young Icelandic foal. The charity hopes the naming campaign will attract new supporters and raise awareness of its life-changing work with horses, ponies, people and nature.

In a major 15-month-long welfare operation revealed last week, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, and the RSPCA joined forces to safeguard 70 rare-breed Icelandic horses and foals at several sites in Devon. Prompted by public concerns, the charities coordinated with the owner to achieve the best possible welfare outcomes for the equines.

( More information here:https://mareandfoal.org/ inside-the-15-month-operation-saving-devonshorses/ )

months old, and he is doing really well. He came to us a few weeks after his birth in the summer, with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal. They were completely unhandled on arrival, and we gave them lots of space to explore and settle. The colts kept our team entertained, doing "zoomies" around the paddock and enthusiastically playing with all their new toys. Unfortunately, a giant teddy bear came off worse for the encounter!

'This little foal was quite reserved around people at first, often sticking close to the other colt and hesitant to join in. But his Sanctuary Care team says he's now relaxed and confident and loves to be groomed and scratched. They feel it's been a privilege to spend his first few months watching him grow and blossom. They've fallen in love with his bright blue eyes and stunning markings - he's a very handsome young colt. At first, his team tentatively nicknamed him "Winky" but we don't think it quite suits him. We'd love to hear everyone's suggestions so they can choose the perfect name. The lucky winner may even get the chance to come and meet him in person.As a charity, we're dedicated to improving the lives of horses, foals and people, and protecting the environment to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. We simply can't exist without public support, so we're hoping people will join us on this young foal's journey, learn more about these beautiful animals and help us to make a real difference.'

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, based in the South West, has now given lifelong sanctuary to 13 of these stunning Icelandic horses and foals. The charity says it's looking forward to sharing all their stories in the coming months and hopes that supporters will continue to follow their progress as the horses and foals are given the loving care and training that they need to live long, safe, and happy lives. The Sanctuary credits its incredible supporters, whose generosity in following, sharing, and donating makes these efforts possible. To celebrate and raise awareness about these unique horses, the charity is inviting members of the public to help name one of the new foals and follow his progress.

Pippa Quelch, the Sanctuary's PR and Campaigns Manager, says: 'This beautiful colt is just four

Icelandic horses are a unique breed, known for their strength, agility, and thick coat, making them perfectly suited for cold climates. They are a hardy, versatile breed often known for riding, driving, and working. In the UK, Icelandic horses are quite rare, with around a thousand registered individuals. Despite many being under 14.2 hands - what would typically be called ponies - there's no Icelandic word for 'pony', so Icelandic adults are always referred to as 'horses'.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary says everyone is welcome to enter as many name suggestions as they like using the entry form on its website:https:/ /mareandfoal.org/name-our-icelandic-foal/and the winning name will be announced in two weeks' time on Thursday, October 30th.

You can find out more about the work of the charity and keep updated about its latest news, activities and appeals here:https://mareandfoal.org/join-ourmailing-list/

Horse clipping and grooming routine crucial A

good grooming routine is crucial to horse health and wellbeing in autumn and winter. As conditions become colder, and wetter, it is important to have clipped active horses and undertaken regular grooming to improve skin health and reduce any discomfort for horses that wear blankets and coats for long periods.

“Horses shed their summer coat for a thicker winter coat, but clipping is still essential to leave an even layer of hair. Using a gentle shampoo that is also tough on dirt and has good conditioning properties is important preparation, and choosing a clipper you can work with comfortably and for long periods is advised,” says showjumper and trainer Bex Mason.

In autumn and winter, mud fever and rain scald threaten horse health, but these are easily managed with a good routine, suggests Bex:

“We have heated lamps to keep horses warm during bathing, but for those without I would suggest covering the rear of the horse while washing the front, drying thoroughly and then covering the front. I use ProGroom shampoo and warm water, which lathers up well and leaves a nice gloss on the coat.”

Depending on how fast the coat of a horse is to grow, most riders will be clipping at least once a month until the end of the year. However, with competition horses it could be more like two to four weeks which means being

prepared is of paramount importance.

“Buy new blades or have existing ones sharpened. I use a Heiniger clipper and can choose to have the blades sharpened in the UK in a matter of days or buy replacements. The clipper should fit your hand well and be light enough to use for long periods. I find using a little coat shine helps the clippers glide through more easily too.”

The quieter and smoother the clipper, the more likely it is that the horse will remain calm and not fidget.

“Have the horse in a relaxed environment, ideally after it has been fed, bathed and is calm. I always clip against the direction of the coat and change direction in tricky areas like the whorls. Don’t rush. Allow plenty of time so that you can do a good job without upsetting the horse or frustrating yourself,” she says.

At her latest business venture, Brooklands Farm, near Redditch, she has compiled a bible for her and team to refer to when grooming and clipping horses that are stabled there.

“I’ve taken tips from some of the best in the industry, over more than 20 years, and the most important piece of advice when it comes to clipping and grooming is to prepare and be methodical. Invest in the right kit and make the time to do a world-class job every time, because it will make all the difference for you and your horse,” she concludes.

Liver Fluke - Treating livestock early this autumn is not an insurance policy against infection, warn SCOPS and COWS groups

Farmers considering whether to treat livestock for liver fluke this autumn are being urged by experts from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups to use the testing available to decide if they need to treat, and when.

"In recent years, changeable weather patterns have emphasised how variable the liver fluke challenge is, both in terms of its extent and timing, and 2025-26 is following this trend,"says John Graham-Brown of NADIS and the University of Liverpool.

"For several years now, the fluke challenge has been lower and later than traditionally expected in many parts of the country. However, many farmers are sticking with traditional treatment windows, meaning a large proportion of treatments are being given too early. This leaves livestock susceptible to disease, as the challenge typically increases through the autumn and into winter. There is no 'insurance' element associated with a fluke treatment given too soon," he adds.

"In Scotland, we are also seeing a much later start to the liver fluke season." says SRUC Vet, Heather Stevenson."Last year, it was late in the autumn before we saw significant evidence of disease, even in some of our very high-risk areas. This is a long time after many traditional treatments had been given."

Rebecca Mearns of APHA agrees: "Our data also shows the trend towards much later liver fluke infections. We even had reports of acute disease due to immature fluke parasites in sheep in late winter / early spring in 2025. Farmers are often surprised that they have liver fluke issues because they treated stock earlier in the autumn. The problem is that flukicides have no residual effect (or persistency), so if they put the stock back on to 'flukey' areas after treatment, they are as just as susceptible to a later challenge as untreated stock."

What can farmers do?

"The key to deciding whether to treat and when, is to test,"says Philip Skuce of Moredun, "and the first line of defence would be tests in the late summer and autumn that can detect early infection, from as little as two weeks after fluke are ingested off pasture.*

"This involves either a blood test, or the new Lateral Flow Test (LFT), which is carried out onfarm. Both methods detect circulating antibodies to liver fluke and when used on this year's first season grazing animals (lambs or calves), these animals can be used as 'sentinels' to identify if liver fluke is present in different management groups and/or parts of the farm. By repeating the test every 3-4 weeks until either it is positive, or faecal methods can supersede this test, this can also answer 'when' to treat, avoiding unnecessary and costly treatments that are too early.

"Consideration also needs to be given to which flukicide would be most appropriate to use, given the likely age of liver fluke infection and age kill of the respective flukicides, and informed by testing."

"The need to use testing to see if, and when, liver fluke is a threat, has never been more important,"adds Lesley Stubbings of SCOPS."To help farmers and their advisers to adopt antibody testing early in the season, we have recently released apodcast on the subject, which sits alongside the other advice on the SCOPS and COWS websites, together with podcasts on liver fluke in general from previous seasons."

Farmers Could Risk Significant Losses by Ignoring the threat of Iceberg Diseases warns WVSC

The results of a recent survey conducted by the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) have highlighted the potential for serious losses in the sheep industry if iceberg diseases are not brought to the fore in disease management programmes.

The survey, which was conducted as part of a WVSC student placement project at the Centre, examined the disease priorities of 68 sheep keepers and identified which mitigation measures were most frequently utilised to improve flock health.

Dr Hazel Wright, WVSC Centre Manager, said: “The results of this survey demonstrate that iceberg diseases remain vastly underrepresented in farm management programmes. This is surprising given that we know that iceberg diseases of sheep, such as Maedi Visna and Johnes, bring a variety of health, welfare and economic consequences, are difficult to control, can be hard to identify and can seriously compromise the productivity and profitability of farm businesses.

“In our survey, almost half of all respondents (47%) reported production losses and/or abortions in the last year. The most significant symptom reported was the presence of thin ewes and this is a classic symptom of iceberg diseases. Despite this, almost three quarters (74%) admitted that they did not routinely screen for these diseases”.

Ms Annabelle O’Reilly, WVSC student placement, said “Iceberg diseases seem to have fallen behind other disease priorities on farm. Alarmingly, 14 percent of the farmers we surveyed were unable to name any iceberg diseases at all, and only 15 percent recorded viral diseases of sheep as a health priority on their farm.

“The clinical signs and symptoms associated with many iceberg diseases are often mild and vague at the start of the disease process, and therefore animals may not appear to be ill until the disease is severe and has had an opportunity to spread more widely throughout the flock. This makes iceberg diseases especially insidious.

Proactive, rather than reactive management is therefore required”.

Dr Wright added that the WVSC was keen to see sheep keepers maximise the profitability of their flock and hoped that this survey would be the start of a wider conversation amongst the industry and with their vets about the importance of these diseases and the effect that they can have on the health and productivity of the farm.

“By routinely screening for iceberg diseases, mitigation measures can be put in place before they cause major production inefficiencies through persistent and long-lasting subclinical infection”, added Dr Wright.

Attleborough

Baconsthorpe Farm, Ellingham Road

Norfolk, NR17 1YQ

Frome

Marston Park , Bulls Quarries Road

Tytherington, Somerset, BA11 5BS

Capitol Sales: Steve Taylor - 07824 512511 01373 465941

Sales: Gary Grant - 01373 468722 / 07860 590701

Dairy Manager: Nigel Ellis - 01373 468707 / 07860 247367

Huntley

Ross Road, Gloucestershire, GL19 3EX 01452 830303

Sales: Chris Newey (VMS specialist) - 01452 830303 / 07880 798475

Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb Shine at Anuga 2025: Awards Recognise Leading Importers and Retailers

uality Meat Scotland (QMS) proudly recognised three outstanding importers and retailers of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb during an awards lunch at Anuga 2025, held from 4 to 8 October at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. The event, one of the world's largest food and beverage trade shows, celebrated partnerships that champion Scotland's premium red meat.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, presented the awards alongside Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, and Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS. Together, they celebrated the unwavering dedication of G&B Yerseke BV, Selecta S.P.A., and EFEOGLU Meat GmbH.

Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, said:

"These awards recognise the commitment of our partners who help us strengthen the presence of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb around the world. Anuga provides a vital platform to build relationships and highlight the excellence of Scottish red meat on a truly global stage."

Throughout Anuga 2025, QMS is showcasing the exceptional taste, sustainability, and heritage of

Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork at its flagship stand. Visitors can learn about Scotland's world-leading quality assurance schemes, sample Scotch Beef, Lamb and Specially Selected Pork prepared by our award-winning chefs and engage with QMS experts. The event provides a crucial opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing partners and forge new connections with international buyers.

Among the three winners was G&B Yerseke BV, a leading Dutch wholesaler of fish and meat, working closely with partners such as ABP Perth to bring high-quality Scotch Beef to their customers.

Ms. Nelline Goedegebure, Director of G&B Yerseke BV, Netherlands said:

"Receiving this award is a great honour for us. G&B has always strived to deliver the highest quality products to our customers, and Scotch Beef has become a cornerstone of our offering. Last month, we showcased the best of Scotch Beef at a Scottish-themed lunch for over 100 people, including some from high-end restaurants in the Netherlands, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We are proud to represent Scotland's exceptional red meat and look forward to continuing this partnership with ABP and our Scottish suppliers."

Also recognised was Selecta S.P.A., working in partnership with Dunbia. Selecta is the direct link between the best food producers and catering professionals, providing high-quality raw materials including meat, seafood, cheese, cured meats, and more. They source Scotch Beef and Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef from Dunbia, and actively promote these products through masterclasses, events, and training sessions across Italy –underlining their commitment to Scottish quality.

Mr. Guido Bruzzo, Owner of Selecta S.P.A., said: "Receiving this award is a privilege and reflects the trust we place in our Scottish partners. Scotch Beef is a symbol of quality and authenticity, values that resonate deeply with our company and our customers. Through our masterclasses and events, we are proud to showcase Scotch Beef to chefs and catering professionals across Italy, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen this successful partnership with Dunbia and QMS."

EFEOGLU Meat GmbH, based in Cologne, Germany, was also honoured with a recognition award. EFEOGLU Meat GmbH works closely with Scotbeef and has been selling Scotch Lamb from Vivers Scotlamb for over 10 years, helping to build a strong reputation for quality and authenticity among their customers.

Founded by Managing Director Bahri Bürü, the company has strong family roots in butchery dating back to the 1970s in Turkey. After moving to Cologne, Bahri and his brother Huseyin opened their first supermarket in 2012, expanding rapidly to eight supermarkets by 2017 before establishing their wholesale business in 2018. Today, they supply mainly Arabic and Turkish supermarkets and wholesalers, delivering across Germany from Bremen to Frankfurt.

Mr. Bahri Bürü, Managing Director of EFEOGLU Meat GmbH, said:

"This award is very meaningful for us as Scotch Lamb has been part of our business for over a decade. Our customers value its quality and consistency, and it has helped us grow strong and trusted relationships across Germany. We are proud to represent Scottish produce in partnership with Scotbeef and look forward to continuing to share its quality with our customers."

For more information on QMS's activities at Anuga 2025, visitwww.qmscotland.co.ukand follow @qmscotland on social.

SRUC launches world’s first opensource digital twin for dairy farming

SRUC's Dairy Research Centre, has unveiled farm-twin, a world's first open-source Digital Twin platform designed specifically to transform dairy farming.

Made possible through funding from the Digital Dairy Chain, part of the SRUC-led UKRI Strength in Places programme, this project explores the use of Digital Twin technology in dairy farming.

From optimised feeding and proactive health monitoring to enhanced environmental management, a digital twin plays a vital role in precision agriculture, advancing productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability in the dairy sector.

Dr Mazdak Salavati, Data Scientist at SRUC's Dairy Research and Innovation Centre near Dumfries, said: "The real power of farm data lies in combining different sources to uncover insights that a single system alone can't provide and with farm-twin, we're enabling exactly that.

A Digital Twin is a virtual representation of the entire farm system from individual animals to infrastructure created using real-time data from sensors, telemetry and other digital tools.

One of the standout features of farm-twin is its ability to integrate multiple streams of data from different vendors and visualise data through intuitive dashboards, giving farmers an at-a-glance view of their entire operation. The platform also supports predictive analytics, allowing early detection of health issues or productivity drops before they escalate. For example, the system can combine milk yield trends with live health data to detect early signs of illness, triggering alerts or automated responses.

In fact, farm-twin can even automate on-farm decision-making. If an animal is flagged as potentially unwell, the system can trigger a shedding gate to isolate the cow, while notifying the farmer and providing context for the action.

By replicating the physical environment in a digital space, it enables farmers to monitor operations in real time, make data-driven decisions, and optimise the use of resources.

"farm-twin addresses this challenge headon by aggregating data from a wide range of technologies into a single, unified platform. Pulling data in near real-time from various sources including animal health records, milk production, feed intake, and environmental conditions."

Dr Matt Broadbent, Agri-tech Scientist at SRUC's Dairy Research and Innovation Centre near Dumfries, said: "We believe open-source is the future of agri-tech. It ensures transparency, fosters innovation, and lowers the barriers for adoption across the industry."

Beyond day-to-day use, the depth and breadth of data within farm-twin support advanced simulations, enabling more precise modelling of farm conditions and animal health status. The platform is built with scalability and performance in mind, suitable for farms of all sizes and tech setups. It also offers backward compatibility with legacy systems, allowing historical data to be imported and used.

Perhaps most importantly, farm-twin is completely open-source. This means anyone can freely download, use, modify, and distribute the code. Developers and researchers are encouraged to build adapters for new technologies and customise the platform to meet their needs.

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: "With innovations like farm-twin, we are transforming dairy production systems and positioning the sector as a global leader in sustainable, data-driven agriculture. This open-source platform will support entrepreneurship, drive new market opportunities, and equip the workforce with vital digital skills all while accelerating our journey toward a more productive, resilient, and sustainable future."

M²ERLIN

Churchill Dairy & Parlour Services

Goddards Farm, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AZ

Tel: 07885371731

office@churchillsdairyandparlour.co.uk

The smart choice for robotic milking

MMT Services Ltd

Lukers Farm, Grittenham Wiltshire, SN15 4JR

FULLWOODJOZ.COM

Office Tel: 01666 511100 Mobile: 07717 781103 www.mmtservicesltd.co.uk

Fernshire Ltd

Chapmans Farm Pristling Lane, Staplehurst, TN12 0HH

Tel: 01580 891199 www.neguschaseltd.co.uk

James Holding Dairy Engineering

Unit 18, The Gardens, Malton Road, York, YO32 9TN

Office Tel: 01904 400449 James: 07807704884 info@jamesholdingengineering.com

Frank McDermott Milking Machines

Latteriff,Shercock, Co. Cavan, 081 VH99

Tel: +353 872 590989

G&A Wallace Engineers Ltd

Unit 17, Stainton Grove industrial estate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8UJ

Office Tel: 01833 625361 Mobile: 07828532868 www.gawengineers.com

SAMSON NIRSCAN - PRECISE NUTRIENTS

APPLICATION WITH ZEISS NIR TECHNOLOGY

AMSON AGRO is proud to present NIRScan, a next-generation NIR sensor system developed in close collaboration with ZEISS, designed to revolutionize the precision and sustainability of liquid manure application. A tractor independent system with a wider usability range directly from the Samson factory.

Precis Nutrient Control with NIRScan

NIRScan integrates advanced Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with real-time data processing to continuously analyze the nutrient content of liquid manure during application. This enables automatic adjustment of the application rate to match the actual nutrient composition, ensuring optimal distribution across the field.

Based on years of experience in agricultural analysis with NIR-sensor technology, ZEISS introduces the newly developed HALOS high-precision mobile

laboratory as the heart of the NIRScan system for the Samson slurry tankers.

The sensor is built on experience from previous sensors, which is why it now delivers more consistent measurements thanks to optimized optics and measurement technology. At the same time, the electronics have been improved to achieve high robustness and simplify sensor maintenance.

Data from the NIRScan can be transferred to the tractor ISOBUS system for creating asapplied documentation based on applied nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in kg/ha. In the Samson SlurryMaster 8000 control system, the driver can choose the parameter by which to regulate the application rate. This can be traditional application by cubic meters, where the nutrient content is simply recorded and documented, application based on the content of either nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium in kg/ha, or the slurry tanker can regulate the application according to a variable rate map through an ISOBUS terminal.

• Data-Driven Precision Farming: Enables documentation and traceability of nutrient application, supporting farm management and regulatory reporting.

Collaboration with ZEISS

The NIRScan system is the result of a strategic partnership with ZEISS Spectroscopy, leveraging their expertise in optical sensor technology. This collaboration has enabled the development of a robust, field-ready NIR solution tailored specifically for the challenges of slurry application.

Market Readiness

For further increased usability HALOS can be mounted on other agricultural machinery such as forage harvester, combine harvesters and stationary use.

Key Benefits

• Environmental Impact: Minimises nutrient runoff and over-application, reducing environmental burden and supporting EU nitrate directive compliance.

• Economic Efficiency: Ensures precise nutrient delivery, reducing the need for supplemental mineral fertilizers and improving crop yield potential.

• Ease of Use: Seamless integration with SAMSON’s ISOBUS-compatible control systems and intuitive user interface.

The sensor is currently in its final validation phase, after which a limited release focused on the German market will be available in spring 2026. During this phase, work will begin to obtain third part certification to document its precision.

Conclusion

NIRScan exemplifies the AGRITECHNICA 2025 theme of “Touch Smart Efficiency” by combining cutting-edge sensor technology with practical, on-farm benefits. It empowers farmers to make smarter, more sustainable decisions – automatically.

We believe NIRScan is a strong candidate for the AGRITECHNICA Innovation Award and look forward to showcasing it in Hall 23 alongside our broader precision farming portfolio.

REASONABLE RESULT DESPITE CONTINUED CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY

espite the continued challenged agricultural machinery sector in Europe, Samson Group A/S has delivered reasonable result for the 2024-25 financial year.

Samson Group recorded a net turnover for the financial year of € 126,2 Mio for the financial year 2024-25, which represents a drop of 0,8% compared to the € 127,2 Mio achieved in the year before. Profit before tax was € 3,3 Mio compared to the € 6,0 Mio last year.

Strategic Investments continued

“Our net turnover stabilized, and we have maintained our investment plans in both product development and manufacturing capacities, finishing our 6.000 m2 new factory building in Viborg. As well as it continues to be our ambition to consolidate Samson Group A/S as Europe’s leading manufacturer of equipment for application of natural fertilizer in the field,” says Lars Henriksen CEO of Samson Group A/S.

ChallengedAgricultural Machinery Sector

The outlook for the agricultural machinery sector is in general challenging for 2025-26. Where the manufacturers of natural fertilizer equipment so far have been less affected by the downturn in the

agricultural machinery sector, we are now also facing a downturn in the contractors and livestock farmers’ investments in equipment for application of natural fertilizer.

“Even though we are facing quite strong cyclical fluctuations across Europe, the long-term direction is clearly pointing towards an increasing need for machines and implements that helps farmers to maximize the utilization of nutrients in the natural fertilizer, while protecting the environment as much as possible. A climate agenda where Samson Group A/S wants to be at the forefront with technical solutions for application of natural fertilizer” says Chairman of Board Christian Junker.

t Agritechnica 2025, STEYR Traktoren is underlining its customer promise to be 'Your Partner To Rely On', and its commitment to products born in Austria, displaying tractors across its product range – including a significant new introduction. STEYR®can be found in Hall 3 on Stand B21 at the exhibition in Hanover, Germany, from November 9-15.

A AGRITECHNICA 2025: EXPERIENCE TOP TECHNOLOGY FROM STEYR TRAKTOREN WITH GAME-CHANGING ADVANCES AND A BOLD NEW DEVELOPMENT

A key highlight will be the 340hp 6340 Terrus CVT, from a range recently refined to further boost convenience, with new technology bundles and a revised joystick option that can now control both front and rear linkages. The latest 302hp (max) 6280 Absolut CVT will also be shown, now including a new armrest, screen and advanced suspension.

Among the developments will be a new 6200 Impuls CVT, top of a three-model line which has undergone a radical restyle that encompasses a

full redesign within. Impuls tractors now benefit from a completely revised operator environment, while a new front axle enhances driveability.

The Plus, winner of the 'Utility' category in the

Tractor of the Year 2025 awards, will also be on show. The largest three models - the 4100, 4110 and 4120 Plus – can now be ordered with an optional 12F/12R transmission, complete with electronic shuttle and S-Stop brake to clutch feature, designed to meet the specific needs of front loader users. Featuring the bold new STEYR styling that was first seen when the Plus was introduced, these latest STEYR Plus models feature the same proven capacity and comfort of the Plus S-Control 2 versions.

Examples of STEYR's commitment to specialist tractor users will include a 6150 Profi CVT in forestry format with log-handling crane, and a municipality 4140 Expert CVT, shown with snow plough and salt spreader.

Peter-Philipp Hampel, Head of STEYR Operations Europe, says that isn't all: "Visitors can learn more about STEYR precision farming technology and about FieldOps™, the new single, simple platform that covers all monitoring, management and recording of data and activities for customers' connected machines, regardless of make or type."

A dedicated #FriendsOfSTEYR corner will allow

STEYR fans to engage with the brand and produce social media contents. There will also be a display illustrating the STEYR Sustainability project in partnership with AGDW. In addition, visitors can expect one more significant item of tractor news to be revealed at the show.

CNH Capital unveils special Agritechnica financing to support farmers

With farmers across Europe facing increasing operational costs, CNH Capital is announcing a special Agritechnica financing package, starting from a competitive 0.00% p.a. Designed to help buyers maximize profitability, it underscores the company's support for customers in challenging economic times. The comprehensive package

includes interest rate protection and the ability to bundle essential services, such as insurance solutions, into a single, convenient financing plan. To further enhance the offering, CNH Capital has expanded its services to include financing options for CNH maintenance contracts, ensuring farmers can protect their equipment and their bottom line with a flexible, integrated solution.

K Kubota appoints G&J Peck for East Anglia

ubota (UK) Ltd is adding to its agricultural dealer network with the appointment of G&J Peck from 01 December 2025, to strengthen its coverage throughout Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and south Lincolnshire.

“We are delighted to welcome G&J Peck into the Kubota dealer network as we seek to build on past success,” said Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and ground care machinery business.

“The appointment of Pecks as a Kubota tractor dealer will provide on-going support to existing customers operating in these areas, in addition to delivering sales, service and aftercare for Kubota’s agricultural product portfolio.”

G&J Peck has been through a period of consolidation, and has recently relocated its headquarters to new premises in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, investing heavily in larger, fully equipped workshops, with extensive parts and service capability. In addition to Chatteris, the business also operates with depots at Dereham in Norfolk, and Rendlesham in Suffolk.

“The addition of Kubota’s tractor range to our business totally complements our existing tractor brand, adding value to what we can already provide for our customers,” said G&J Peck managing director, Jon Wareing.

TheARION600and500range-thenewmid-rangestandard Assistingyou,whereveritisneeded.

Oneofourmostpopulartractorshasjustgotevenbetterthankstoahostofnew functionsdevelopedbyourengineersinconsultationwithARIONdrivers. Afterall,theyworkinthefieldeveryday,sotheyknowexactlywhattheywant. https://www.claas.co.uk

“Kubota’s reputation is second-to-none and is held in high regard when it comes to reliability.”

“It is our goal to further support the area we operate in, with dedicated sales, service and support with a range of Kubota tractors from the 25hp EK1-261 up to the 175hp M7-174 KVT Premium, complementing the higherpowered tractor brand we currently sell.”

“We’re already looking forward to working with new and existing customers, building on the reputation that Pecks has created over the last 179 years with trusted brands, and providing dedicated after-sales service and support,” he said. “As an employee-owned business, every Pecks team member has a vested interest in the continued success and future of the company.”

1096 Hrs, 283 HP, Tyres: 600/70R30 (100%) 710/70R42 (100%), Profi+ Setting 2, Vario Gen 7 Transmission, £214,750 +VAT

Fendt unveils new technology at Agritechnica

Fendt is pushing the boundaries of machinery even further by showing new battery, artificial intelligence and autonomous technology at Agritechnica in its new Fendt Future Zone.

Fendt launched the battery-electric e107 V Vario in 2023, followed by the standard e107 Vario in 2024. Both models offer 50 kW (68 hp) in Eco mode and up to 66 kW (90 hp) for a short time in Dynamic+ mode.

A new Fendt e100 Vario with a battery-electric range extender from GreenIng will be on show for the first time at Agritechnica. The range extender will be mounted on the front linkage with a precision seed drill mounted on the rear linkage which uses relay cropping and a row and lane detection local guidance system.

“This is a ground-breaking system that operates independently of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to use environment sensors which follow land contours precisely and dynamically without tramlines, a swath or a series of plants in advance,” says Fendt’s Ed Dennett.

The recently launched Fendt 800 Vario features a new cab with a new lighting concept and options for installing sensors such as the Tech Rails and numerous smart farming options including the new Fendt Workgroup function, Tramline Control or TIM.

At Agritechnica, visitors will be able to see the 800 Vario with a new OutRun retrofit kit from PTx Trimble which provides autonomous driving.

grain carts to carry out some harvest work autonomously.

“This could be a big breakthrough for areas that struggle to find sufficient labour when it comes to harvest. Obstacle detection sensors on the tractor and intelligent route planning will enable the combine operator to request the tractor via a tablet whilst moving,” says Mr Dennett.

“With this system, the Fendt 800 Vario can act autonomously when harvesting with a trailer, or, with the OutRun Tillage Kit, it can autonomously carry out soil cultivation after harvesting,” adds Mr Dennett.

The OutRun retrofit kit links combine harvesters and

A further Fendt and PTx Trimble development is RowPilot, an AI-based row management system that can be used to manage mechanical hoeing devices with ISOBUS compatibility. The artificial intelligence-driven technology recognises plants at soil level which increases accuracy on slopes and in windy conditions. The drift of the hoe on the slope is additionally compensated for by an additional position sensor.

“In contrast to conventional systems, AI relies not only on the colour of the crops, but also on its geometric properties. This means RowPilot can even operate in areas with dense weed coverage and inhomogeneous crops,” adds Mr Dennett.

Operators using RowPilot can set the position of the camera and the row spacing on the terminal. Information on the height, width or colour of the crop are not needed, enabling the system to quickly change between different crops. The system also facilitates individual row lift which operates automatically using section control or by controlling the lateral-shift frame.

“Fendt has recently launched new tractor ranges but these developments in battery, autonomous and AI driven technologies are a sign of how a new type of machine-driven efficiency is going to help farming save time and money. Agritechnica is the perfect location to show these exciting developments, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the Fendt Future Zone,” concludes Mr Dennett.

VADERSTAD UNVEILS NEW FRONT TOOL FOR CARRIER XT AND CARRIER XL

Väderstad has launched a new front tool option for the disc cultivators Carrier XT 425–625 and Carrier XL 425–725 for ultrashallow tillage and mechanical weed control.

The new third disc axle configuration increases disc density from two rows to three, reducing the disc spacing to just 8.3cm. This results in 50% more tools in the ground, delivering highly intensive mixing, crumbling, and residue management.

“With three rows of CrossCutter Discs, we can improve cultivation performance and significantly improve the versatility of shallow tillage systems,” says Väderstad UK managing director Andy Gamble. “Key benefits include high weed-killing rates, preserve soil moisture, and reduce fuel consumption, making them a good option for both conventional and organic farming systems.”

Field tests have shown that the new front tool is able to create a stronger stale seedbed, promote weed germination and more effective weed knockdown in a second pass. According to Mr Gamble, this approach supports sustainable farming practices by reducing the need for chemical herbicides, such as glyphosate.

“We have designed the third disc axle front tool to deliver higher intensity and better mixing, which in turn encourages stronger emergence of weeds and leftover seeds,” he says.

The third disc axle holds the standard Carrier disc arms, and can be fitted with either the CrossCutter Disc, CrossCutter Disc Aggressive, 450mm disc or 470 TrueCut discs. This significantly improves cultivation versatility and to operate in a wide range of farming conditions.

The new third disc axle will be available as a front tool for Carrier XT 425-625 and Carrier XL 425-725 from October 2025, with deliveries starting in the spring 2026. The machines will premiere at Agritechnica 2025.

A Additional model for KUHN’s four rotor rakes

13.7m model has been added to KUHN’s 10231 series of four rotor rakes, increasing the range to three machines, with working widths from 8.4m up to 14.7m.

The GA 14231 – with working widths from 9-13.7m – fills the gap between the smaller GA 13231, offering widths from 8.4m to 12.5m, and the larger GA 15231 – working from 9.5m to 14.7m. It builds on the popular features of the two existing machines, including using four hydraulically driven rotors from a single transmission to reduce daily greasing.

Rhodri Jenkins, KUHN’s grassland product specialist, says the additional model increases KUHN’s high-output four-rotor rake options.

“Our existing GA four-rotor rakes are popular with large farmers and contractors, but we had requests from some users who said the current models were too far apart in size and they required something in the middle. The GA 14231 retains all the proven features from the existing rakes whilst offering additional versatility for working widths.”

KUHN’s well-known and maintenance-free

MASTERDRIVE GIII gearbox, as fitted to all KUHN 31 series single-, twin-, and four-rotor rakes, includes a double reduction system allowing larger gears to be used for improved power transfer.

Section control, introduced on the GA 10231 series in 2024, is also an option on the new model to preserve forage quality and avoid moving crop multiple times.

Production of the new GA 14231 is already underway. Prices start from £94,885.

Cranworth Farm Services

Cranworth Common, Cranworth, Shipdham, Norfolk, IP25 7SX

Tel: 01362 820391

www.c-f-s.info

Turners Agricultural Engineers Ltd

Clover Meadows, Pencombe, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4RP

Tel: 01885 400683

www.turnersagri.co.uk

THE MOST RADICAL REDEFINITION OF X7.

Beneath the stunning design of the new bonnet, 240 hp and a torque of 983 Nm pulse at 1400 rpm for a robust increase in power and performance.

The Stage V engine, nestled within the tractors rugged chassis, reduces consumption and vibration. The advanced VT-Drive driveline and the front suspension with independent arms ensure traction, manoeuvrability and comfort. The control unit now has 5 programmable MyFunctions buttons, and the spacious semi-active suspension cab is topped by a new roof with 12 LED work lights that ensure 360° visibility even at night.

The new X7.624 VT-Drive wins the toughest challenge: outdoing itself.

The Chapman FM PRO ATV Flail Mower comes fitted with a electric start Honda iGX800, fuel injected engine as standard, boasting a huge 25HP and EFi technology for maximum efficiency.

The most powerful ATV Mower on the marketconquer the most demanding growth with ease.

Cornish Tractors

Timberlake, Week St Mary

Devon. EX22 6XG

Phone: 01288 341326

www.cornishtractors.co.uk

J Bourne Tractors

Valley Farm, Thorncliffe Rd, Leek, ST13 8TG

Phone: 01538 224228

www.jbournetractors.co.uk

Yorkshire ATV

Unit 3, Tong Park Ind Est.

Baildon, BD17 7QD

Phone: 07701 070156

www.yorkshireatv.com

Harvey Waters Engineering

Trefula Farm, Trefula, Redruth, Cornwall, TR165ET

Tel: 07786 861474 www.harveywaters.co.uk

Grange Technology

Grange Farm, 389 Worksop Road, Mastin Moor, Chesterfield, S43 3DH

Tel: 07885 966 006 - Mark

Tel: 07724 059 523 - Millie

Marches Machinery Ltd

Farmore Mills Shrewsbury Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9QG

Tel: 01588 671335 www.marchesmachinery.com

Hall Farm Machinery

Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road

Aldeburgh, IP15 5JD

Tel: 07872 916363 www.hallfarmmachinery.com

Stubbings Bros Ltd. Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 2JN

TRMachinery Ltd

Oak Tree Works, NI Park, Newport, Shropshire

TR Machinery Ltd

Burnside Business Park Market Drayton Shropshire

TF10 9LH

Phone : 01983 551443

www.stubbings-bros.co.uk

Phone: 01952 936900 www.trmachinery.co.uk

TF9 3UX

Phone : 01630 653801 www.trmachinery.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Mellington, Churchstoke,

RVW Pugh, Mellington, Churchstoke, Montgomery Powys.

D.A. Forgie Lisburn BT27 5QB Phone: 02832 677736 www.forgie.com

D.A. Forgie Co Londonderry

BT49 9DW Phone: 02877 722375 www.forgie.com

RVW Pugh, Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

Phone: 01588 620545

SY15 6TQ

Phone : 01588 620545 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

RVW Pugh

Unit 2, Holland Business Park, Montgomery Powys. SY156TQ

Spa Lane, Lathom, Lancashire, L40 6LN

Phone: 01695 816444 www.rvwpugh.co.uk www.rvwpugh.co.uk

CW4 8AX

Phone : 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

CW4 8AX

Phone : 01477533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Unit 2, Holland Business Park, Spa Lane, Lathom Lancashire, L40 6LN

Phone : 01695 816444 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

Unit 10 Horsepool Grange

Elliotts Lane, Markfield LE67 9TW

Phone : 01530 249191 www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

Tel: 07496 734212 www.cambridgetractors.co.uk

Case IH is doubling down on power and productivity with the new Steiger®785 Quadtrac®, increasing the iconic tractor's horsepower by almost 10% over the previous model.

The newest Steiger model offers increased power, 853 peak hp, for farmers who are aiming to get even more done on their operations, without decreasing speed.

The higher horsepower has a purpose and drives productivity, allowing farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements even faster, offering an impressive 40% torque rise. Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.

Two precision Technology Packages are available for the Steiger 785 Quadtrac, with technology features to simplify ordering and ensure

customers are equipped with the tech suite they need for their operation. Farmers can gain access to subscription-free, integrated precision technology that delivers automation-driven features such as AccuTurn™ Pro and AccuSync™, along with clear, actionable data through FieldOps™, all designed to meet the unique needs of their operation.

"Producers today need more from their equipment — more power and peak productivity," said Alexey Savinov, EMEA product marketing manager for Steiger tractors at Case IH. "The new Steiger 785 Quadtrac is built to deliver exactly that, combining increased horsepower and torque with the reliability operators count on to make the most of every day in the field."

Even with the increase in horsepower, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac is nimble enough for single-lane roads with its excellent visibility and

maneuverability for an optimal driving experience. The 42 km/h transport speed gets operators from field to field quicker, enhancing their efficiency. While a fuel capacity of 1,970 liters allows for more time in the field between fueling.

The optional Quadtrac Heavy-Duty Suspension sets the bar in track technology with a fully suspended undercarriage system that combines ground-conforming double axis roller wheels and exclusive load-sharing hydraulic suspension. This durable, agronomically designed system delivers a smoother ride, faster transport speeds up to 26.5 mph, and superior traction and flotation—reducing

soil compaction while maximizing infield performance.

TheSteiger 785 Quadtrac holds strong value thanks to long-term advantages such as Connectivity Included, providing access to machine and agronomic data without subscription fees, and a simplified SCR-only emission system that keeps engine design simple and allows the engine to focus on producing power while emissions is treated after the enginesystem.

Agritechnica 2025 will mark the European debut of the new Steiger 785 Quadtrac — a bold step forward in high-horsepower performance — along with the latest innovations across the Case IH tractor lineup, harvesting and haytools, and precision technology solutions.

To explore the full range of Case IH equipment and advancements, visit the Case IH stand, Hall 3 – Stand B21, at Agritechnica 2025, taking place 9–15 November in Hanover, Germany. For more information, visit caseih.com or contact your local Case IH dealer.

*Connectivity Included is subject to current terms and conditions.

Stocks Ag Unveils Turbo Jet 10 HD to Global Market at Agritechnica 2025

The new Stocks Ag Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic (HD) will be launched to the global market at Agritechnica this November. The Turbo Jet 10 HD provides users with maximum airflow for higher application rates at working widths from 10m up to 15m. It can also be run at faster forward speeds and can be set up to apply full-width, in bands or in rows as required with outlets either blanked-off or doubled up as necessary.

motor, which offers an output to match most drills. This allows the tractor’s oil flow requirement to be kept low (27L/min - 65L/min).

Testing has been carried out on a range of product including slug pellets, wheat, barley, OSR and Avadex. Working at 15m and applying a precise, low-rate of Avadex granules, it produced a Coefficient of Variation of +/- 5%.

Renowned for airflow and output and built with industryleading high-capacity electric fans, the current range of Stocks Turbo Jet’s excel at applying product at up to 10m. However, the appetite to work at wider working widths globally continues, be that with rolls, drills, cultivators, comb harrows etc. This has led Stocks Ag to develop an applicator with even more air flow to apply small to medium sized seeds such as oilseed rape, clover, grass, mustard, etc... at high rates from 10m as well as micro and granular products at low to medium rates, all at up to 15m.

The Turbo Jet 10 HD’s hydraulic fan can be remotely mounted, making it simple to integrate with different host machines. Remote mounting also enables the fan to be sited away from dusty areas. On Cambridge rolls, the hydraulic unit can be fixed to the main drawbar with the hopper positioned above the rollers, reducing the hydraulic pipework required.

Meeting Global Demand

"The global launch of the Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic is driven by clear demand - growers, export customers and OEM partners have all asked for a high-accuracy, high-capacity applicator that can handle wider working widths. With its upgraded fan and performance beyond 10 metres, we believe this will be a real game-changer in the market," says Sean Stanfield, Sales Manager at Stocks Ag.

Product is metered by a rotary feed and delivered pneumatically, however instead of an electrically driven fan, the Turbo Jet 10 HD has a multi-blade, 1400cfm (cubic feet per metre), 4” hydraulic Crary fan. This fan offers a maximum operational RPM of 6,000 and a 4cc

In the field, customers have praised the seeders capabilities. A customer in Nottinghamshire, England commented:

“The Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic has been a fantastic upgrade for us - it is wellbuilt, simply designed and easy to clean. The hydraulic fan provides all the airflow we need - it was a nobrainer to move on from the twin electric fans, which had served us well.

We primarily use the seeder for full reseeding across our 400 acres of grassland, supporting 1,000 continuously housed cattle. It also handles our cover crop, wild bird mixes and herbal ley establishment with ease. Even establishment is critical on a forage-focused farm - if the forage is wrong, it affects the milk we produce and the research we undertake.”, Joe Greenfield, Farm Manager, University of Nottingham, Centre for Dairy Science Innovation.

The Turbo Jet 10 HD has one metering segment per outlet allowing for precision metering and the standard range of 50mm diameter feed block kits are offered for common seed and granule sizes and application rates. A new high-rate, 59mm diameter, large feed block kit has also been developed for the Turbo Jet 10 which will effectively feed product to the wider working widths, high application rates at standard widths or low weight, high volume products up to the 15m working width.

The applicator is supplied with either 10 or 20 outlets and with either a 240L or 400L hopper. Further accessories are available to ensure operators get the most from their machine.

Two different control systems can be specified; the JACKAL or the i-CON, both offering fan speed and function monitoring. ISObus ready machines are also available and can be connected to the tractor’s in-cab terminal as required.

A Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic with Jackal control, large seed block (typically used for grass seed and cover crops) and a 10-outlet spreader kit plus C rails retails at £8,718.

Heming Engineering Ltd

Collin Lane, Willersey, Nr Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7PE 01386 853295 07831 585 476

www.heming-engineering.co.uk

Tunstall Tractors Ltd

Foggy Gill, Fellend

Kirkby Stephen Cumbria, CA17 4LN

David: 07817 832978

Chris: 07929 563907

Richard: 07765 883435

www.tunstalltractors.com

Marrs of Methlick

School Brae Garage, Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, AB41 7DS 01651 806910

www.marrsofmethlick.com

Heming Engineering Ltd

Cooks Lane, Redmarley, Gloucestershire, GL19 3LE 01531 650325 07831 585 476

www.heming-engineering.co.uk

Duncan Brassington Agricultural Sales & Services Ltd

Banbury Farm House, Bridgnorth, WV16 6QN 01746 787983

www.brassingtonagri.co.uk

Chantry Agricultural Engineers

Fieldside Farm, Walkerith, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 3DE

Mark - 07957191392

James - 07915920474

www.chantryjames3.wixsite.com

Case IH Previews New Optum Series Tractors with More Power and Flexible Application Solutions

Case IH is equipping farmers for their most productive and efficient runtime to date with the new Optum®series tractors available in three models: 360, 390, and 440. With an extended range of models, greater year-round productivity and increased comfort, the new Optum delivers exceptional value for a variety of applications.

With the Optum, operators can enjoy faster transport speeds, increased service intervals and fuel autonomy. Integrated precision technology – with Technology Package options to suit individual needs –includes Connectivity Included, a Case IH feature that eliminates subscriptions for machine connectivity, along with telematics and ISOBUS compatibility with Tractor Implement Management (TIM). In addition, FieldOps™ unlocks the power of Connected Services and allows for simple management of the tractor’s machine and agronomic data.

“The Optum’s size and power are ideal for a wide range of applications, from tillage and seeding, to baling or transport,” said Franz Josef Silber, global product marketing medium horsepower tractors at Case IH. “Paired with machinery, the tractor’s automation-driven features and configurable technology deliver great in-seat efficiency and ease of use.”

The Optum offers high horsepower performance –360, 390 and 435 HP – as well as reliable precision and agility. With a 6.1 m (20 ft) turning radius and new Cursor 9 engine, operators can easily maneuver the Optum while covering more ground with the fastest road speeds yet, up to 60 kph (37

mph). It also features an extended 750-hour service interval and a fully integrated Central Tire Inflation System, which allows operators to quickly and easily change tire pressures when going from the road to the field.

An all-new independent front axle suspension paired with upgraded braking, transmission and hydraulics delivers heightened control and power. Operators will also appreciate the upgraded cab experience, featuring advanced vehicle suspension options and comfort enhancements such as walkin entry steps, integrated toolbox storage, and a built-in water tank for convenient hand washing.

“Today’s operations need equipment to drive productivity more than ever,” added Silber. “The Optum gives operators that needed boost in horsepower and performance to complete any onfarm task in every season.”

With updated power take off (PTO) and new rear 3point linkage with increased lift capacity, operators can seamlessly swap implements between tasks, minimizing downtime. It also features new, easy to install wheel weights and a 1000kg or 2000kg weight block that is available as factory fit. Additionally, the Optum offers a new 4x2 CVXDrive transmission, optimizing power to the ground. Dual hydraulic pumps are available to meet the most demanding requirements efficiently.

To learn more about the Optum as well as Case IH’s additional precision technology and performance solutions, visit Case IH from 9th to 15th November 2025 at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, located in Booth B21, at Hall 3 visit caseih.com or talk with your local Case IH dealer. Further details on pricing and ordering will be released at a later date.

Recognition for CLAAS dealer excellence

The high level of service, support and overall excellence of performance achieved by CLAAS dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland was recognised at the recent CLAAS Dealer Council Meeting held at Saxham.

A total of eight dealerships received recognition, with the overall CLAAS UK ‘Dealer of the Year’ Award being presented to LEINSTER FARM MACHINES, based in Duleek, Co Meath in Ireland.

Three family dealerships, RICKERBY, GORDONS and OLIVERS, were awarded CLAAS UK Platinum ‘Dealer Excellence’ awards, with MANNS, CLAAS WESTERN, ERWIN, KELLYS and LEINSTER FARM MACHINES all awarded Gold ‘Dealer Excellence’ awards.

The award of the overall ‘Dealer of the Year’ award to LEINSTER FARM MACHINES reflects their overall performance and assessment by CLAAS UK in terms of their overall market share, financial benchmarking, ProfitBuilder financial performance and most importantly the assessments from customer surveys.

The Platinum ‘Dealer Excellence’ award recognises the high overall level of performance by a CLAAS dealer in the UK and Ireland in four key areas: market share, customer satisfaction, dealer standards and financial benchmarking.

The award was a major recognition for both GORDONS, who have been named ‘Dealer of the Year’ for the past two years, and RICKERBY who

were the joint ’Dealer of the Year’ last year. In addition, RICKERBY maintained the excellent standards that have seen them being awarded Gold ‘Dealer Excellence’ awards in the last two years and Platinum in 2022.

With nine branches serving an area from Lancashire and Northumberland up to the Firth of Forth in Scotland, RICKERBY is CLAAS UKs largest dealership. Established in 1865, GORDONS is one of the UK’s oldest dealerships and are based at Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway, with five branches covering the South West of Scotland. Likewise, OLIVERS also recently celebrated 200 years of business, and recent years have seen the company expand to five branches having taken on the CLAAS dealerships at Petworth and Winchester.

For all three dealerships, maintaining and achieving this highest level of recognition is a considerable achievement as the Platinum Award assesses not only the dealership’s overall performance, but the performance of each of their individual branches.

In addition to the Platinum level awards, CLAAS also recognised the high level of service and support that two UK dealerships, MANNS and CLAAS WESTERN, and three dealerships from Ireland, ERWIN, KELLYS and LEINSTER FARM MACHINES, provide their customers, presenting them with Gold ‘Dealer Excellence’ Awards. As with the Platinum Awards, the Gold Awards recognise the overall level of service and support across all branches, and is testimony to these businesses, all of which operate multiple branches.

Real-time monitoring of cutting sharpness for JAGUAR 900, GREEN EYE equipment packages for JAGUAR 900 and 800

CLAAS is introducing the new CEMOS AUTO KNIFE CONDITION as a world first in the JAGUAR 900 as the first production-ready operator assistance system for monitoring the wear condition of the knives in the forage harvester. In addition, the new NUTRIMETER is now also available for the JAGUAR 900 series. At the same time, GREEN EYE packages for the JAGUAR 900 and JAGUAR 800 bundle equipment for maximum comfort, top performance and minimum wear at attractive prices. Other new features include an adapter for ROVIO maize pickers and a new tyre pressure control system for the steering axle.

Grinding knives on demand: CEMOS AUTO KNIFE CONDITION for JAGUAR 900

Around a month before Agritechnica, CLAAS is introducing a new assistance system for the JAGUAR 900 and 900 TERRA TRAC forage harvester series. CEMOS AUTO KNIFE CONDITION is the first production-ready operator assistance system for forage harvesters that monitors the wear condition of the knives on the chopping cylinder, enabling on-demand grinding for maximum cutting quality at all times with optimised wear and fuel consumption.

The system works with two reluctance sensors that detect the knife geometry across the entire knife width using a static magnetic field. The

sensors are located above the crop channel and therefore outside the crop flow. In the field, the operator uses the CEBIS terminal in the cab to set the desired degree of sharpening and the grinding strategy. The system then informs the operator via CEBIS as soon as the knives should be ground. In this way, grinding is no longer carried out at fixed intervals, but when it is actually necessary - i.e. earlier in abrasive harvesting conditions and later in normal harvesting conditions with low wear. Cutting and forage quality as well as efficiency remain permanently high, while the service life of the knives is significantly improved. The system also enables area-specific documentation of knife wear in CLAAS connect. This allows contractors to document wear costs to their customers and improve the upstream process chain in a targeted manner.

GREEN EYE packages combine maximum comfort with optimised performance

For model year 2026, CLAAS is offering model series-specific GREEN EYE equipment packages with attractive price benefits for the JAGUAR 900 and JAGUAR 800 model series. GREEN EYE includes full cab equipment in both model series as well as a crop flow equipped with PREMIUM LINE wear parts with optimised service life - with a 5-year and 3,000-hour warranty.

Exclusively for the JAGUAR 900, the GREEN EYE package also includes the innovative V-FLEX chopping cylinder for maximum cutting length variability and a longer service life, as well as the variable, hydrostat front attachment drive. In addition, the two-stage front attachment drive can be ordered as an option to further increase performance in grass applications in conjunction with the PICK UP.

Machines with GREEN EYE equipment can be recognised externally by the distinctive stickers on both side panels and a sticker on the cab door.

ISOBUS-compatible NUTRIMETER also available for JAGUAR 900 and 800

Following its introduction on the new JAGUAR 1000, the latest generation of the NIR sensor

NUTRIMETER is now also available for the JAGUAR 900 and JAGUAR 800. The precise realtime determination of the dry matter content allows for part-area accurate yield recording and yield mapping, as well as automatic chop length adjustment. The goal: Always the best forage quality regardless of the dry matter content and optimum compaction of the silage in the silo.

In addition to dry matter content, the NUTRIMETER also records ingredients such as starch, crude protein, crude fibre and sugar content. The mobile use of the NIR sensor as an ISOBUS device enables easy conversion from machine to machine. The data collected by the NUTRIMETER is stored, analysed and documented together with the machine data from the JAGUAR in CLAAS connect. From 2026, live yield mapping on the CEMIS 1200 will also be possible based on the NUTRIMETER data.

CLAAS connect packages bundle digital solutions

In order to offer digital solutions in CLAAS connect in an even more customer-centred way, they are now bundled into three packages. The basic

connect cloud. AI-supported software quickly determines the grain processing score (CSPS/Corn Silage Processing Score) and sends the value back to the smartphone. This ensures that the corncracker's setting is always optimised immediately during harvesting.

ROVIO adapter for forage harvesting

CLAAS connect package includes a Machine connect licence for the documentation, evaluation and comparison of machine data and the exchange of work orders between the farm and the machine. There are two CLAAS connect Professional packages available. The first includes a steering system and the GPS PILOT CEMIS 1200 terminal for Precision Farming applications. The second more comprehensive CLAAS connect Professional package also includes the NUTRIMETER for NIRbased determination of dry matter, crude fibre and crude ash as well as ingredients such as starch (in the maize harvest) and crude protein, and dry matter-dependent chop length control for the JAGUAR 900.

The chop quality analysis in CLAAS connect can be used independently of the three CLAAS connect packages. Simply use your smartphone to photograph the chopped material on the blue pad supplied and send the photos to the CLAAS

Another new addition to the range for the JAGUAR 900, 900 TERRA TRAC and 800 is an adapter for ROVIO maize pickers from CLAAS, which impresses with its optimised crop flow, impressive throughput capacity and high reliability when harvesting ground ear maize. The robust engineering of the adapter with sturdy gearboxes is designed for permanent power transmission to the maize picker. When in use, the wide conveyor roller with offset paddles adapts to the throughput mass thanks to its floating bearing, thus ensuring an even crop transfer to the JAGUAR.

Attachment to the JAGUAR is simple thanks to the integrated electrics-hydraulics supply package using the multi-coupler with central locking device and an automatic quick release coupler for mechanical power transmission. The integrated lateral levelling guarantees optimum ground contour following thanks to AUTO CONTOUR. Power distribution to the maize picker is handled by robust spur gearboxes, with power transmission to the conveyor roller with a powerful 80-HD chain drive.

New tyre pressure control system for JAGUAR 900 steering axle

A new tyre pressure control system for the steering axle will be available for the JAGUAR 900 and 900 TERRA TRAC from product year 2026. This works with a three-line system and thus enables fast inflation times with maximum reliability. As a result, the JAGUAR 900 and 900 TERRA TRAC are even gentler on the ground and have better traction in both normal and difficult conditions of use. As before, the setting of the tyre pressure from road to field use and vice versa is automatic for the front and steering axle - the desired pressures can be individually set and saved in advance in CEBIS.

New Holland T7.270 Methane Power tractor now available to order

At Agritechnica 2025, New Holland unveils the evolution of its T7 tractor range and reinforces its leadership in alternative fuels with an expanded sustainable product portfolio.

With the launch edition bearing New Holland's Blue Power livery, theT7.270 Methane Power CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

tractor,unveiled at Agritechnica 2023, now officially joins the New Holland range, taking the brand's alternative fuel technology further up the power scale, to benefit a broader range of farmers. Initially the tractor can be ordered in Europe from the end of 2025, with the first deliveries in spring 2026.

"The T7.270 Methane Power isideal for biodigester operatorsrunning haulage tractor fleets," says Darragh Mullin, New Holland T7 Long Wheelbase Global Product Manager.

"It also meets thedemands of largerscale arable farms and contractorsconducting year-round varied applications with heavy-duty implements. The combination of methane power technology with proven New Holland T7 features is designed to offer customers a blend of low operating costs, autonomy, reliability and driver comfort."

The T7 Methane Power tractor can run on biomethane derived from livestock

manure, supporting on-farm sustainability. In partnership with Bennamann, New Holland enables farms to capture, process and refine fugitive methane for use as fuel. This closedloop system reduces emissions, cuts fertilizer use, and can even achieve a negative carbon footprint.

Underneath the hood design is the proven NEF 6.7-litre six-cylinder engine upgraded with a high-performance turbo, new engine dataset, specific fuel system and after-treatment layout. The engine'speak torque is 1,160Nm, and it produces a maximum270hp under all conditions. With new engine mapping, the T7.270 Methane Power matches the performance levels expected by customers in this power sector, with uptime maximized by a 750hr service interval.

The New Holland design team hasoptimized the on-board gas storagethanks to the new T7's larger chassis, with a standard capacity of657 litres (117.9kg)and optional 480-litre (86.2kg) range extender, for a total capacity of 1,106 litres (204.1kg).

When fitted, the range extender delivers up to 11 hours' autonomy in transport applications. Already widely used in road vehicles, an NGV2

refueling valve supports pressures of up to 260 bar for rapid refueling times equivalent to diesel.The tractor also features theNew Holland Auto Command™continuously variable transmission, for a smooth driving experience and highly efficient fuel consumption, particularly when working with high-capacity trailers of 18t and over.

Built on the T7 with PLM Intelligence platform, the T7.270 Methane Power features the award-winningHorizon™ Ultracab – the industry's quietest at just 66 decibels –enhancing operator comfort with increased space and advanced suspension. Tractor management is simplified by the latestIntelliView™ 12interface integrated into theSideWinder™armrest, while full TIM compatibility enables seamless implement integration front and rear.

The T7.270 Methane Power benefits fromNew Holland Intelligence™ solutions, which integrate digital technologies for two-way transfer of machine and field data between the tractor and the FieldOps portal. Data is automatically recorded, owners and managers can monitor machines, and dealers – with permission – can provide remote support.

Massey Ferguson introduces next generation MF 1M series premium compact tractors

Massey Ferguson has launched two new MF 1M series premium specification compact tractor models, improving efficiency, performance and comfort in the sector.

The new MF 1M series replaces MF 1500 models and comes with the latest MF family styling, which first featured on larger MF 8S tractors. Initially there will be two MF 1M series models, both with extra performance over the machines they replace. The 25hp MF 1M.25 replaces the current MF 1525, while the 20hp MF 1M.20 replaces the current MF 1520.

As well as updated styling, which includes the distinctive MF sabre, new features include a factory-fitted cab, enhanced controls, a midPTO, external PTO controls for added convenience, more lighting options and new cutter decks.

“With the MF 1M series, we have combined advanced engineering with innovative design to create tractors that not only meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers,” explains Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “This demanding market sector increasingly requires machinery solutions that boost productivity while also offering improved operator comfort during long working days.”

The

MF 1M series

• Two new MF 1M series models of 20hp and 25hp

• Reliable and efficient 3-cyl engines with extra power and torque

• New nine-speed, three-range transmission increases flexibility in a wide range of applications

• New factory-fitted, air-conditioned cab for MF 1M.25 provides a comfortable working environment

• New joystick hydraulic control for improved operation

• Powerful hydraulics with high flow rates for demanding applications

• Generous hydraulic lift capacity up to 900kg allows use with larger implements

• External PTO controls increase safety and convenience

• New cutter decks offer additional grass discharge options

Significant updates increase productivity and comfort

The new MF 1M series models combine performance with exceptional operator comfort, making them ideal for professional use including within the municipal, equine and ground care industries.

Cab and controls

The optional factory-fitted cab is a comfortable and productive working environment.

A large glass area gives excellent, 360-degree visibility, and LED work lights front and rear are standard. The equipment list also includes air conditioning, heating, a rear wiper with an intermittent setting, and an electric rear window demister.

At the rear of the cab, a cable access point protects and seals around electric cables connecting rear-mounted implements.

A hydraulic control joystick enhances efficiency and reduces fatigue when operating attachments such as a front loader. USB and 12-volt sockets power electronic devices including smartphones.

Both new tractors feature an adjustable steering wheel, ensuring users can achieve a comfortable driving position.

Engine and transmission

The MF 1M.25 engine produces 33 per cent more torque at lower revs than some competitors with similar power, resulting in reduced operating noise levels and excellent fuel efficiency. The stepless hydrostatic transmission provides easily adjustable speeds for every task.

The MF 1M.20 features a new, nine-speed transmission, replacing the previous eight-

speed gearbox, and making it easier to achieve the ideal combination of engine and travel speeds whatever the application.

Capable hydraulics

Designed to handle modern implements, the MF 1M.25 has 900kg rear linkage lift capacity; 300kg more than the previous MF 1525 model. The MF 1M.20 retains the same 600kg lift capacity of the MF 1520, although an upgrade to 900kg is a new option.

The main hydraulic pump provides up to 20.9 litres/min of oil flow, and up to two spool valves can be specified to supply hydraulic-driven attachments. A separate pump produces 12.3 litres/min of oil flow for steering, ensuring that the total supply from the main pump is always available for powering implements.

MF 1M.25 models fitted with the optional cab are equipped with a dedicated joystick for enhanced hydraulic spool control.

For tractors with front loaders and similar attachments, the hydraulic spools can be midmounted, beneath the right-hand cab door.

PTO

The MF 1M.25 has a two-speed rear PTO with selectable 540/750rpm output. Fuel saving 540E is an option. The MF 1M.20 has a single 540rpm drive speed.

A mid PTO with 2,000rpm output is standard on the MF 1M.25, and an option for the MF 1M.20 model.

For increased versatility and ease of use, the MF 1M.25 has three PTO operating modes. These include Independent PTO, Stationary PTO and Auto PTO. In Auto mode, the PTO rotates during forward travel and stops automatically when the tractor stops or reverses. Auto mode also allows users to select the rate of PTO engagement and is recommended for tools such as fertiliser

spreaders. Normal is for applications such as rotary cultivating, with quick, positive activation. Soft is designed for implements such as mowers and grass tedders.

New external controls

The MF 1M.25 specification includes a rear fender mounted PTO switch, increasing convenience and safety for static PTO applications.

Safety with practicality

For operator protection, a ROPS is standard on both new models. The MF 1M.25 comes with a new, rear-mounted adjustable folding frame which maximises forward and side visibility, while the folded height can be matched to the headroom available.

Wide choice of wheels and tyres

The new Massey Ferguson tractors can be

supplied with a choice of agricultural, turf or industrial pattern tyres to suit the working environment.

Unique choice of grass discharge options

A new range of mid-mounted grass cutter decks brings additional options and features. For the MF 1M.25, customers have the choice of a 54inch or 60-inch cutting width, as well as side- or rear-discharge, and mulching options.

The latest drive-over cutter decks are easier to fit and remove for maintenance and save time swapping between tasks.

The MF 1M.25, with 150mm ground clearance, can drive over the decks simplifying the fitting process and allowing quicker preparation for grass cutting and other applications. Once the deck is attached, the cutting height is easily and quickly set by a simple lever.

Our new powerful all-rounder - the T6025

Discover the great advantages of this robust and diverse machine!

• 6 m lifting height = achieve big heights

• 2,5 t load capacity = super strong

• 2 x 2 m class = compact and mavourverable

LVS (Vertical Lift System) = high stability due to the unique driver assistance system

Test drive now at your Weidemann sales partner!

The 2060T lifts more than just material – it takes your everyday working life to a whole new level

From the telescopic arm, compact design to the powerful drive, it gives you reach and power wherever you need it.

This is for everyone who wants to reach up high.

Great working comfort included:

• Easy entry and exit

• Very spacious cabin

• Optimal visibility to the rear with the panoramic rear window

Lowering Assistant - for efficient and safe loading cycles

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 6UW

Tel: 01933 673900

Why settle for standard when you can have Yanmar?

Choose a Yanmar tractor and you choose a machine designed and built by Yanmar from the ground up. Backed by over 100 years of experience.

Technology that delivers infinite speed control, high torque output and cleaner emissions.

More power and a smooth, comfortable ride for the days that go well past sundown.

Arbgear Ltd Unit 5, Priory Piece Business Park Priory Farm Lane, Inkberrow Worcestershire WR7 4HT

Tel: 01789 576008

www.arb-gear.co.uk

Used4Turf

Allens Farm,Tye Road, Colchester,Essex, CO7 7BN

Tel: 07483 869941

www.used4turf.co.uk

hy Accessories Make a Difference

from half cabs to fully enclosed cabs with heaters, keeping you warm and dry in winter.

W Customising Your ATV for Farm Life: Practical Accessories & Attachments

For many farmers, an ATV or UTV is much more than just a way to get from A to B. These machines are workhorses, relied upon for livestock checks, towing, and transporting supplies. By adding the right accessories and attachments, you can turn your ATV or UTV into a multi-purpose machine that saves time, reduces labour, and makes life on the farm easier.

CFMOTO offers a wide range of genuine accessories, available through the authorised UK dealer network, designed to fit seamlessly with models like the CFORCE 450, CFORCE 520, CFORCE 625, UFORCE 600, and the larger U10 PRO.

Genuine CFMOTO Accessories for ATVs

Some of the most popular ATV farm attachments include:

• Front and Rear Bumpers – Extra protection against knocks and scrapes when working around livestock or in woodland. Available for models like the CFORCE 450, 520, 625, 850XC and 1000

• Rack Extenders & Front Baskets – Expand your ATV’s carrying capacity for fencing tools, feed buckets, or supplies.

• Rear Cargo Boxes – Lockable and weatherresistant, ideal for keeping medicines, tools, or smaller items safe and dry.

• Fender Extenders & Skid Plates – Protect your machine from mud, debris, and rough terrain.

• Heated Grips & Seat Covers – Extra comfort during cold, wet, or muddy conditions.

Genuine CFMOTO Accessories for UTVs

UTVs like the UFORCE 600, UFORCE 1000, and U10 PRO also benefit from a wide range of tailored accessories

Heavy-Duty Bumpers & Side Bars – Essential protection when towing or tackling tough terrain.

Cargo Boxes & Modular Bed Storage – Secure storage for tools, animal feed, or fencing kit.

Heated Seats & Roof Liners – Comfort for long working days in all weather.

Windscreens & Full Cab Kits – Options ranging

Snorkel Kits – For working in wet, muddy, or floodprone conditions.

Other Useful Farm Attachments

Beyond genuine CFMOTO accessories, farmers also benefit from a variety of practical ATV/UTV attachments:

• Sprayers – For crop care, weed control, or pasture management.

• Trailers – From tipping trailers for feed and fertiliser to flatbeds for fence posts and logs.

• Feeders & Spreaders – Save time distributing grain or fertiliser evenly across fields.

• Mowers & Toppers – Keep paddocks tidy without needing larger tractors.

• Snow Ploughs & Blades – Essential in winter to keep farm tracks clear.

• And for livestock farmers, the WydaleDog Boxis a practical, secure way of transporting working dogs safely on the back of an ATV.

Protecting Your Investment

While adding accessories unlocks more potential from your ATV or UTV, it’s important to protect both your machine and your warranty:

• Always use genuine CFMOTO accessories where available – they are designed to fit your machine perfectly and withstand farm use.

• Stick to the recommended weight and towing limits to avoid excess wear.

• Book regular servicing with your authorised CFMOTO dealer to maintain peak performance and manufacturer warranty coverage.

Conclusion

With the right mix of genuine CFMOTO accessories and practical farm attachments, your ATV or UTV becomes more than just a vehicle – it becomes an essential partner in everyday farming life. From carrying tools and checking stock to feeding, spraying, or clearing tracks in winter, the possibilities are endless. To explore the full range of CFMOTO ATVs, UTVs, and genuine accessories, please contact your local dealer.

https://www.cfmoto.co.uk/find-a-dealer/

CFMOTO the UK’s New Number 1!

For the first time in UK ATV history, Honda has been knocked off the top spot.

According to official registration data published by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), covering August 2023 to September 2024, CFMOTO is now the best- selling ATV and UTV brand in the country.

This is massive news, not just for CFMOTO, but for every farmer, gamekeeper, landowner and rider who believed in CFMOTO and chose one of their machines to power their work and adventures.

For decades, Honda has been number one in the UK ATV market. But in the past year, things have changed. More people than ever are choosing CFMOTO, and it is because they build machines that work as hard as they do.

The range is built for real life in the field, whether that is tending livestock, managing land or exploring the outdoors.

“This is a landmark moment for us,” says Harry Hinkley, Director of Quadzilla Ltd (the UK & Ireland distributor of CFMOTO), “To see CFMOTO overtake Honda and become the number one choice shows how far we have come in a short space of time. We could not have done it without our dealers, our customers and everyone who put their trust in us. This is just the beginning.”

And what is next? Plenty. There is more exciting news and new models coming, plus a major celebration and demo event planned for next year. Keep an eye out for more details soon!

Credit: CFMOTO - www.cfmoto.co.uk

Yamaha ATV Specialists

s newly appointed Main Dealers for Yamaha ATVs for North Yorkshire, Tom Taylor ATV can offer you a wealth of choice with their extensive range of New ATVs to suit your individual needs. All pre-owned ATVs are fully serviced in our own workshops to the highest standards, we aim to give you, the customer, that all important “peace of mind”. When your machine requires service or repairs, pick-ups and drop-offs can be pre-arranged. It’s just a phone call away. Specialists servicing Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am ATVs. Come and see us to

view new machine in our showroom, deals always available or call Tom Taylor for a demo on 01904 758105

With over 40 years ATV experience, Tom Taylor knows how provide the best possible service and support to the industry. We have a comprehensive selection of ATV Accessories and Equipment available from • C-DAX ATV Equipment • LOGIC ATV Equipment • TFM TRAILERS • Longdog ATV Equipment • Chapman Machinery • Moose ATV Products • Data Tool Tracker Recovery Systems.

RVW Pugh Ltd

Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel Cheshire, CW4 8AX

Tel: 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

TR Machinery

Burnside Business Park, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3UX

Tel: 01630 653801

www.trmachinery.co.uk

Stirling's Powersports

East Fulton House, Darluith Road, Paisley, Linwood, PA3 3TP Tel: 01505 382222 www.stirlingspowersports.com

RVW Pugh Ltd

Mellington, Churchstoke Montgomery, Powys SY15 6TQ

Tel: 01588 620545

Our Hands-On Trial with the HiSun Electric UTV

By Marcus Sutton, Crosby Grange Farm, Northallerton

As working farmers who rely heavily on ATVs and UTVs to get around our land, we recently had the chance to trial a HiSun Electric UTV. We put it through its paces over a typical week of farm duties, doing the same jobs we’d normally carry out on our current 350cc Can-Am quad. Here's how it fared in real-world conditions.

First Impressions

From the outset, the HiSun impressed us with its quiet operation. Being fully electric, it was a pleasant change not having to shout over engine noise, especially when checking livestock or fencing where the quiet matters. The instant torque delivery made it feel responsive and lively, and it didn’t take long to feel confident behind the wheel.

Performance on the Job

The UTV handled the daily routine without issue carrying tools, feed bags, fencing gear, and more. With plenty of room for two people and a generous load bed, it carried full loads with ease and travelled smoothly even when fully laden. The steering was another standout feature: light, positive, and with a good lock, which made manoeuvring around tight field gates and buildings effortless.

We were particularly impressed by how it handled uneven terrain and off-road sections, maintaining stability and traction across rough pasture and wet gateways. Towing light trailers wasn’t a problem either, and it felt well balanced doing so.

What We Liked

• Whisper-quiet running ideal for working near livestock or in early mornings.

• Instant power when you need it great for hill starts or soft ground.

• Comfortable seats and smooth travel over rough ground.

• Easy to drive with light controls and user-friendly layout.

• Good travel speeds no problem keeping up with daily demands.

• Plenty of space for tools, feed, and fencing gear.

• Tows well and feels planted even when fully loaded.

What Could Be Improved

• The doors felt flimsy and sometimes got in the way when jumping in and out frequently.

• The parking brake is awkwardly placed and uncomfortable to use.

• Disappointingly, the front window doesn’t open, which would have helped with ventilation.

• There's no parcel shelf, which is a missed trick for odds and ends.

• The glove box is tiny and not much use for more than a few bits.

• Some of the dash switches felt flimsy and not as rugged as we'd like.

The Verdict

Would we consider buying one? Yes if the price is right. The HiSun Electric UTV delivered strong performance, practical design, and real usability on the farm. With a few tweaks to improve cab ergonomics and storage, it could easily become a valuable part of any farm’s fleet. It won’t be replacing our Can-Am quad just yet, but for jobs that benefit from quiet, clean-running power and load capacity, the HiSun is well worth a look.

SERIOUS ABOUT WORK

Corvus Terrain DX4 and DX2. The first UTVs made in Europe bring together pioneering sustainability and advanced technology. Constructed for the hardest off-road work in agriculture, livestock, forestry, groundscare and construction.

Highly adaptable, the Terrain features a 3-cylinder 24hp Yanmar Diesel engine for excellent fuel efficiency and range.

• St ag e V emission compliant

• Road legal to T1a/T1b tractor regulation with top speed of 40mph/65kph

• Power steering

• Full cab and heater options, including air conditioning

Supported by a specialised dealer network throughout the UK and Ireland.

To find your local dealer, visit www.bossorv.co.uk

Catley Engineering Ltd

ABREY AGRICULTURAL

New Farm, Desford Lane, Peckleton, Leicestershire, LE9 7RB

Pamphillions Farm, Purton End, Debden CB11 3JT 01799 543208

Tel: 01455 698087

www.catleyengineering.co.uk

Redlynch Agricultural Engineering

ACE ATV

Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0NH

Woodgate Road, Stoke Prior, Woodgate, Bromsgrove B60 4HB 01527 578668

Tel: 01749 812628

www.redlynchtractors.co.uk

Highland Leisure Sport Ltd

Unit 20,

Cromarty Firth Business Park, Invergordon, IV18 0LT

Tel: 01349 854620

www.highlandleisuresport.co.uk

Redlynch Agricultural Engineering

DAVID TAYLOR GARAGES

Deverel Farm, Milborne St Andrew, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 0HX

Granada Park Motors, A4077, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1HW 01873 810304

Tel: 01258 837166

www.redlynchtractors.co.uk

Duncan Brassington Agricultural Sales & Services Ltd

Banbury Farm House, Bridgnorth, WV16 6QN

Tel: 01746 787983

www.brassingtonagri.co.uk

Redlynch Agricultural Engineering

TOM TAYLOR ATV

Stoford Hill Buildings, Middle Woodford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4UG

Unit 16/17 Windmill House Ind Est, Sutton Road, York YO32 2RA 01904 758105

Tel: 01722 716377

www.redlynchtractors.co.uk

Anderson Agri

44 Lurganeden Road

Pomeroy, Dungannon Co. Tyrone, BT70 2TS

Tel: 028 8775 8419

www.andersonagri.co.uk

Polaris Off Road Expands 2026 Family Lineup, Including All-New 2-Up ATV Offering

Following the launch of all-new upgrades to the RANGER Nordic Pro platform earlier this year, Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today announced its complete 2026 off-road vehicle lineup with the introduction of allnew 2-up Sportsman models, designed to allow riders to share the journey like never before. Available across both the Sportsman 570 and XP 1000 S platforms, the new 2-up configuration provides comfortable seating for two riders, opening up fresh possibilities for adventure and utility in a single, versatile package.

“The introduction of the new Sportsman 2-up models is a major milestone for our ATV lineup, offering riders more choice and more ways to ride,” said Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President Off Road Vehicles Sales, EMEA. “We know our customers want vehicles that adapt to their lifestyles, whether that means working smarter or enjoying the outdoors together. We listen to our riders and give them exactly what they need.”

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Polaris ATVs, the first American-engineered ATVs originally introduced to the off-road market in 1985. To celebrate this milestone, Polaris introduces the Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition, paying homage to the brand’s commitment to innovation and American heritage.

Beyond the Sportsman lineup, Polaris also delivers performance and styling upgrades across its GENERAL and RANGER CREW platforms for 2026. This includes fresh new colourways and confidence-inspiring performance refinements that keep Polaris vehicles at the forefront of off-road capability, style and rider comfort.

2026 SPORTSMAN 570

The Sportsman 570, Polaris’ bestselling ATV, sees two new 2-Up models added to its 2026 lineup, which are designed specifically to meet rider demands in the European market. Available in Sage Green (Sportsman 570 EPS) and Onyx Black (Sportsman 570 EPS Black Edition), the 570 2-Up comes complete with a passenger-first

design, featuring a premium and removable passenger seat with a backrest for ultimate comfort, allowing for passenger riding whilst also quickly and easily being converted to a standard single-passenger unit for unlimited versatility and agility.

The 570 Hunter and Black Editions now come with an increased-capacity 1,588kg winch fitted as standard on both the 1-up and 2-up models offered in the lineup to help riders stay ahead of the unexpected. The Polaris Engineered heavy-duty winch comes with a 15.2m premium synthetic rope that’s lightweight, easy to handle and built with extreme durability to stand up to any job.

Other updates across the Sportsman 570 lineup include the new Ghost Grey colourway introduced to the base Sportsman 570 and EPS model, as well as the introduction of turf mode to the Sportsman 570 EPS Deluxe, Sportsman 570 EPS SP and Sportsman 570 EPS SP Öhlins Edition models. The Sportsman Touring 570 is offered in two new colours for 2026: Ghost Grey (EPS) and Heavy Metal Gloss (EPS SP). All models see quality and performance enhancements, including improved steering rigidity.

New Sportsman 570 models, homologations and colour availability are as follows:

• 2026 Sportsman 570 in Ghost Gray [Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW COLOUR

• 2026 Sportsman 570 EPS in Ghost Gray [L7E /

Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW COLOUR

• 2026 Sportsman 570 EPS 2-Up in Sage Green [Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW MODEL

• 2026 Sportsman 570 EPS Black Edition 2-Up in Onyx Black [Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW MODEL

• 2026 Sportsman Touring 570 in Ghost Gray [L7E / Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW COLOUR

• 2026 Sportsman Touring 570 in Heavy Metal Gloss [L7E / Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW COLOUR

Joining the new additions to the Sportsman 570 lineup are new, premium Polaris Engineered accessories. Polaris' official accessories are engineered to fit and work in sync with the vehicle, undergoing rigorous testing and validation in the field to guarantee real-world durability.

2026 SPORTSMAN XP 1000 S

The Sportsman XP 1000 S platform is Polaris’ topspec ATV, delivering huge off-road capability with its powerful 952cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine and superior stability. For 2026, Polaris unveils the new Sportsman XP 1000 S 2-Up in new Super Graphite colourway with lime accents. This model features the same limitless versatility of the 570 2up, including a quick-release, removable passenger seat that offers next-level comfort for both rider and passenger. From tackling trails to completing tasks together, the Sportsman XP 1000 S 2-up model delivers the freedom to take someone along for the ride without compromising on power, comfort or capability.

The Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Edition is a limited release that embodies the spirit of adventure and excellence. The edition offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern design, with exclusive 90s-inspired graphics that celebrate its heritage, set upon the top-of-the-range 2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S model that features modern technology like multiselect electronic power steering (EPS) for less rider fatigue, turf mode for gentler riding, on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) for extra traction when it is needed most, as well as an engine braking system (EBS) and active descent control (ADC) for a more confident ride.

For 2026, Polaris introduces the all-new ATV Rear Cargo Box - Touring, a hard storage solution that accommodates two helmets and additional gear for Sportsman 570 and Touring 570 models. Ideal for riders that like to share the adventure with others, the new cargo box provides 56kg of sealed storage capacity, mounts effortlessly with Polaris’ Lock & Ride fitment solution, and includes an integrated padlock hole for added security.

In addition to storage, Polaris announces a new rear bumper for 570 models, a high-strength steel rear grab bar to assist in gripping and handling the vehicle safely, new textured poly fender flares that easily install onto to the factory fenders to shield the rider from mud, debris and water, as well as a new plug-and-play heated seat for Sportsman 570 that acts as a direct replacement for a standard single rider seat, with integrated heating elements, wiring harness and control switch.

2026 brings new updates to the Scrambler XP 1000 S model, now featuring LED headlights, Walker Evans three-way adjustable shocks and the striking new Matte Cascades Green colourway.

New Sportsman XP 1000 S models, homologations and colour availability are as follows:

• 2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S 2-Up in Super Graphite with Lime Accent [Tractor T3a / T3b]NEW MODEL

• 2026 Sportsman XP 1000 S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition in Super Graphite [MD / L7E / Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW MODEL

• 2026 Scrambler XP 1000 S in Matte Cascades Green [L7E / Tractor T3a / T3b] - NEW COLOUR

2026 RANGER CREW

Built to bring more people along for the ride— whether that’s the whole work team or the entire family—the RANGER CREW lineup is engineered to combine rugged capability with seating for six, making light work of heavy days.

Featuring the latest 2026 RANGER upgrades seen across the full-size model range, RANGER CREW XP is equipped with new 29-inch Pro Armor X Terrain 8-ply tyres with a variable tread pattern to minimise in-cab noise; available in Stealth Grey. For 2026. RANGER CREW 1000 is now available in Mirage Beige.

Models, homologations and colour availability for the RANGER CREW lineup across EMEA are as follows:

• 2026 RANGER CREW XP 1000 in Stealth Grey [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b] - NEW COLOUR

• 2026 RANGER CREW 1000 in Mirage Beige [MD / Tractor T1a / T1b] - NEW COLOUR

For even more customisation, Polaris now offers exterior door accent panels for RANGER models, replacing the stock gloss black accent panels for a pop of colour - available in Blue Labyrinth, Heavy Metal and Rover Rust painted plastic colour options. Coming as a pair, the door panels easily install with a single screw and are clear-coated for UV protection.

2026 GENERAL

When versatility is the priority, the GENERAL lineup earns its title as the industry’s best-selling crossover side-by-side. Key performance features include FOX® 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks, LED headlights, 14-inch aluminium wheels, and 27-inch

Yorkshire ATV Ltd

Unit 3

Tong Park Industrial Estate

Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD

Tel: 07701 070156 www.yorkshireatv.com

Maxxis Ceros tyres to help deliver an enhanced ride.

For 2026, the GENERAL Deluxe 2-seat model available in Europe comes in refreshed Earth Blue colour and graphics, as well as featuring a factoryinstalled Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 off-road audio system built specifically for the GENERAL platform and tuned to create a class-leading audio experience. The Stage 1 audio kit provides a PMX head unit with full colour display, AM/FM/WB tuner, Pandora Control and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as 50W 16.51cm front coaxial speakers and antenna.

Model, homologations and colour availability for the GENERAL lineup across Europe are as follows:

• 2026 GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe ABS in Earth Blue [Tractor T1b] - NEW COLOUR

2026 RZR

2026 RZR XP Sport is available in Storm Grey colourway with Lifted Lime RZR graphics, front bumper and springs, plus a colour-matched Lifted Lime roll cage on the 2-seat model. The RZR XP’s ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine provides the ultimate in trail agility and responsive acceleration, complemented by stay-out-all-day features like bright LED headlights, full doors, illuminated interior controls and Walker Evans® Velocity shocks for unmatched comfort. The 2026 RZR XP is fitted with 14-inch black alloy wheels and comes fitted with a front bumper as standard.

Model, homologations and colour availability for the RZR XP across Europe are as follows:

• 2026 RZR XP Sport 1000 EPS in Storm Grey [MD / Tractor T1b]

The 2026 Polaris Off Road lineup will be available in dealers across Europe this winter.

Bruce Hopkins Limited

Shenington Airfield Oxon, OX15 6NW Tel 01295 680 711

Argyll Engineers Limited

www.brucehopkins.co.uk

Tel: 0330 041 5141 Polarisbritain.com

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited

Glenshellach Road, Oban PA34 4BH. Tel 01631 565 011 www.argyllengineers.com

Bruce Hopkins Limited

Newton Close , Park farm Wellingborough, Northamtonshire, NN8 6UW Tel 01293 673 900 www. dayandcoles.co.uk

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

Shenington Airfield, Oxon OX15 6NW. Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk

43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley, WD4 8BS Tel 01923 268 355 www.taylorstools.co.uk

Clwyd Agricultural Limited Terfyn Buildings, Caerwys Road Dyserth, Rhyl LL18 6HT. Tel 01745 571 018 www.clwydagri.co.uk

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6UW

Tel 01933 673 900 www.dayandcoles.co.uk

Halls of Bromyard Tenbury Road, Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL Tel 01885 489 199 www.hallsofbromyard.com

LJ & CA Cannings

Challow House Farm, Main Street, East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9SR Tel 01235 763 103 www.ljcannings.co.uk

Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley WD4 8BS Tel 01923 268 355 www.taylorstools.co.uk

PATHCROSS ATVS AND WORKCROSS UTVS

Choose the Pathcross ATV 525/650/800/1000cc

Discover the exceptional from a global leading powersports manufacturer. Unleash the power with V-Twin engines. Tackle the most rugged trails and rough terrain. Enhance your ride with advanced suspension and electronic fuel injection. Enjoy the comfort with a cab, heating and air conditioning.

Satisfy all your expectations with the Workcross 525/650/800/1000cc

GO BEYOND ROADS. GO TO YOUR DEALER

AK Offroad

66 Glenshesk Road

Ballycastle Co Antrim, BT54 6PY

Tel: 07548 788592 or 07764 250425 www.akoffoad.com

Catley Engineering Ltd

New Farm, Desford Lane, Peckleton, Leicestershire, LE9 7RB

Tel: 01455 698087

www.catleyengineering.co.uk

Distributed by:

Conagri

Burston Court, AMIA House, Burston Lane, Crediton EX17 6LB

Tel: 01392 984258

www.conagri.co.uk

Kirkland UK

Griffins Farm Pleasure House Lane Maidstone, ME17 3NW

Tel: 01622 843013

www.kirklanduk.com

AL Agri Ltd

Haughs of Ballinshoe Forfar DD8 3TL

Tel: 01307 496679 www.al-agri.co.uk

Bill Davies ATV

Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QF

Tel: 01568 613104

www.billdaviesatv.co.uk

John Drysdale Agricultural Engineers

Parkhouse Farm, Main Street, Kinross, KY13 9HN

Tel: 01592 840691

Readman Mowers

The Shed, Sand Lane, Wilberfoss, YO41 5PB

Tel: 01759 380 231 www.readmanmowers.co.uk

Workhorse on a Budget: Why the Aodes 650 Punches Above Its Weight

By Marcus Sutton, Farmer – Crosby Grange Farm, Northallerton

The Aodes 650 UTV is possibly the lowest-priced machine on the market, yet it comes packed with features you’d usually expect on far more expensive models. It offers a full cabin with heating, wipers, and lighting, along with switchable 4WD and differential locks. Inside, you get 12v and USB charging sockets, a practical opening windscreen, positiveshutting doors, comfortable seating, a wellpositioned steering wheel, cup holders, and handy lockers. There’s even the option of a touchscreen media centre, which is a nice modern touch.

Powered by a strong 56hp engine, the Aodes 650 delivers more than enough performance for everyday farm use. It’s economical, quick, and nimble, with excellent low-down torque for when you really need pulling power. Whether tackling steep inclines or towing, it copes with ease. Payload capacity and towing capability are both impressive, adding to its versatility.

On the farm, we put the machine to use carrying tools and materials, fencing, and towing tasks. In every case, it handled the work with comfort and confidence.

In essence, I could start looking for things to knock it, but the truth is, for a little over £12,000, it would be unfair. That’s the price tag of many used machines from the well-known brands. This is a winner for the money – it’s brand new and comes with a very good and comprehensive warranty.

For me, it’s difficult to find fault with this machine, especially considering its price tag. It represents outstanding value for money. My only reservation would be around long-term service and dealer support, but that will depend on the local network.

Overall, the Aodes 650 UTV is a well-built, capable, and affordable workhorse that does everything asked of it without complaint.

Mule Pro-FX HD Edition: The Ideal Working Partner

Kawasaki's 2025 lineup has introduced two new standout models to the UK market: the MULE Pro-FX and the Brute Force 450 T-cat. These vehicles cater to a diverse range of users, from agricultural professionals to recreational enthusiasts, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and utility.

Mule Pro-FX HD Edition: The Ideal Working Partner

The MULE Pro-FX's unique features including self-levelling rear suspension, built in bed lift kit, power steering, petrol engine and high ground clearance, make this new addition to the Kawasaki range the perfect companion for work and play.

Powered by a Kawasaki-built 999 cm3 liquidcooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine combined with a highly reliable continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering excellent driveability: throttle response and reassuring engine braking, adding to driver confidence when descending slopes.The layout has been carefully considered with user maintenance in mind, ensuring easy access to oil filter and aircleaner filter, while an easy to reach air intake contributes to longer maintenance intervals.

A ground clearance of 300 mm reduces the chances of the MULE Pro-FX touching down which translates to greater accessibility and increased ride comfort. Additionally, doublewishbone suspension is used both front and rear to enable each of the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis. For an enhanced user experience Kawasaki’s high-grade electric power steering (EPS) system is speed sensitive, offering light steering effort at low speed, while reducing assistance as vehicle speed increases to ensure responsive steering.

Befitting for a high spec machine, electrically “selectable” 2WD/4WD and rear differential lock allow easy changing between drive systems to suit changing terrain and application plus the dual-mode rear differential provides maximum traction when locked and minimises ground disturbance when unlocked.

When go turns to slow front and rear disc brakes ensure strong, sure stopping power. The hydraulic disc system offers predictable performance, delivering brake power that

matches input at the brake pedal. And with a load capacity of 453 kg (1,000 lbs) plus towing ability of 907 kg (2,000 lbs), the MULE Pro-FX is built for work – hard work!

Brute Force 450 T-CAT: Performance Meets Practicality

The Brute Force 450 T-cat is Kawasaki's first ATV to receive European WTVA approval for road-going certification, allowing it to be registered for both on-road and off-road use in applicable countries. This 443 cm³ CVT transmission-equipped machine falls within the T3b category, with a maximum legal road speed of 60 km/h.

Featuring a 24.4 kW (33.4 PS) single-cylinder, four-stroke engine that offers smooth and controllable power delivery, the vehicle's drivetrain includes electrically selectable 2WD/ 4WD and a differential lock for maximum traction, making it versatile for various terrains.

The Brute Force 450 T-cat is designed with durability and functionality in mind. It offers a front rack capacity of 34 kg and a rear rack capacity of 68 kg. The vehicle also boasts a towing capacity of 476 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of work situations. Its compact body ensures easy manoeuvrability, while the independent suspension provides a comfortable ride. Take on any terrain with the Brute Force 450 – Built for What Drives You.

The launch of the MULE Pro-FX and Brute Force 450 T-cat in the UK reflects Kawasaki's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers. By offering vehicles that cater to both utility and recreational markets, Kawasaki aims to strengthen its presence in the UK and across Europe.

With the Brute Force 450 T-cat's road-going certification, it opens up new possibilities for ATV users in the UK. Its powerful engine and advanced drivetrain systems make it suitable for both work and leisure activities.

With their blend of performance, comfort, and utility, these vehicles are designed to meet the evolving needs of users across various sectors. Whether for work or recreation, Kawasaki's latest models offer reliable and versatile solutions for the modern user. Please contact your local dealer for further information or visit www.kawasaki.co.uk

Now is the right time to get a CAN-AM 2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ATV & SSV !

Great driveability on narrow paths: AGRIMAX PROCROP is the row crop solution by BKT

Row crop tires are essential companions throughout the farming year, supporting a wide range of operations from early soil preparation to late-season harvesting. As the seasons shift, these tires enable precise maneuvering for planting, spraying, and crop care, all while minimizing soil compaction and protecting plant health. October, in particular, is a crucial month for many farmers—marking a transition where soil preparation intensifies ahead of winter, while some crops still require careful handling and harvesting. Across every stage, the demands of row crop systems call for tire solutions that combine stability, traction, and adaptability to varied terrain and conditions.

Attention to the needs of operators in the farming industry is BKT's strong suit. For every challenge, the company researches and develops highly innovative

and technologically advanced solutions for specific applications. In particular, for those who do most of their work between the rows, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), the leading multinational Off-Highway tire manufacturer, has designed a narrow-profile tire that increases stability and offers simultaneously a lower tire pressure, thus protecting the soil without damaging nearby plants. At the same time the tire provides good traction on several different terrains along with the ability to limit soil compaction, which is essential for high yields.

This solution is called AGRIMAX PROCROP, because the tire combines all these features in a single product, aiming at significantly improving agricultural operations and overall productivity. Among the key aspects of this tire is its design, which has been specifically engineered for both optimized field performance and excellent road travel. As a matter of fact, the open shoulder

design has been developed for improved traction on various surfaces, in addition to facilitating self-cleaning by significantly reducing dirt and debris on road surfaces, which turns into increased safety.

"With AGRIMAX PROCROP, we have invested in developing a solution that would meet the needs of modern agriculture in row crop applications that involve even the use of large sprayers, making handling a fundamental requirement. Not only does this tire stand out for its technical qualities but also for the significant economic benefits it offers to farming businesses as well as for the high reliability that has always been a common trait of the entire BKT product range" commentsMr. Dilip

R&D Director, BKT.

Indeed, AGRIMAX PROCROP is synonymous with increased durability and strength, resulting in reduced maintenance and replacement costs. Along with these benefits comes greater efficiency in field-to-road transfers due to the tire's ability to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, leading to considerable time savings, especially during frequent transfers. Also crucial is the large footprint that ensures reduced soil compaction, benefiting better long-term crop yields.

This tire represents a major step forward towards greater operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and profitability for farmers, reflecting BKT's ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive solutions in line with current and future agricultural challenges, with a keen eye on environmental considerations.

Hyundai SANTA FE named Large SUV of the Year at the News UK Motor Awards 2025

The Hyundai SANTA FE has added yet another honour to its growing trophy cabinet after being crowned Large SUV of the Year by the experts at The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times in the 2025 News UK Motor Awards.

The prestigious annual awards, now in their eighth year, are judged by a panel of respected automotive journalists representing all three titles and recognise class-leading cars in a number of key sectors across the market.

The SANTA FE triumphed against some highprofile opposition in the Large SUV category, with the judges impressed by its cutting-edge design, practicality, and enjoyable driving experience.

Will Dron, Digital Driving Editor at The Times and Sunday Times, said: “The SANTA FE is a remarkable vehicle, vast on the inside, yet to drive it feels like a much smaller, nimbler car. On the motorway, it reveals another side, as a luxurious capable cruiser, while inside, there are innumerable practical touches to make family life easier. The bold looks clearly differentiate it from rivals; the SANTA FE is a standout piece of modern automotive design. We’re delighted to name it our Large SUV of the Year.”

Launched in 2024, the SANTA FE continues to pick up plaudits thanks to its blend of quality and practicality, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine

with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Hybrid powertrains, as well as four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid with 34-mile all-electric range.

The package is enhanced by its striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a roomy interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while the variety of high-tech, practical features adds to its nature-meets-city appeal.

SANTA FE’s all-round appeal has been reflected in a string of accolades, with the recognition from News UK following a series of high-profile successes, including being named Best Hybrid 7Seater in the WhatCar? Electric Car Awards, 2024 SUV of the Year by TopGear.com, 2025 Car of the Year by CarWow, and Best 7-Seater in the Auto Trader 2025 Drivers’ Choice Awards.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “It’s extremely satisfying that SANTA FE has been named the best large SUV on sale by the experts at The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times. Buyers are not short of choice in this area of the market, with an array of options at all price points. But the SANTA FE’s comfort, powertrain line-up and distinctive design make it a thoroughly compelling package.”

For more information on all the cars in Hyundai UK’s award-winning range, visit www.hyundai. co.uk

ISUZU D-MAX WINS BEST DIESEL PICK-UP FROM DIESEL & ECO CAR FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

Isuzu UK is proud to announce that the multi-award-winning Isuzu D-Max has secured the title of Best Diesel Pick-up from Diesel & Eco Car Magazine for the second year in a row.

The accolade comes as the fifth award for the DMax in 2025, adding to an impressive tally that already includes Pick-up of the Year from Company Car and Van, Best Range and Best Back-up at the Pick-up of the Year Awards from Overlander 4x4, the Sustainability Award at the 4x4 of the Year Awards from Overlander 4x4, and Best Pick-up Truck from Trade Van Driver.

Editor and Publisher at Diesel & Eco Car Magazine, Ian Robertson, praised the D-Max, saying: “The D-Max blends rugged durability with sophistication. Its 1.9-litre diesel may be modest in size, but it feels punchy and can tow 3500kg, while offering impressive reliability. The most recent update brings smarter interiors, extra kit and strong safety credentials, making it appealing for both work and lifestyle buyers.

Backed by Isuzu’s long five-year warranty, it’s a solid choice for those who need a dependable, hard-working pick-up with a splash of refinement. That’s why we’ve awarded it the title of best double cab pick-up again this year.”

Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, George Wallis, commented: “We’re thrilled to add yet another trophy to the cabinet. Winning the prestigious Best Diesel Pick-up award again underlines the strength, reliability, and all-round capability of the Isuzu D-Max. We have already picked-up loads of 2025 awards, so it’s clear that the D-Max also carries the weight of professional opinion.”

With its proven durability, extensive safety features, practical capabilities, and five-year/ 125,000-mile warranty, the Isuzu D-Max continues to prove itself as the ultimate workhorse with lifestyle appeal. Find out more about Isuzu’s award-winning credentials at www. isuzu.co.uk/reviews-awards

JAECOO 7 NAMED OVERALL CAR OF THE YEAR AT THE LEASING.COM AWARDS 2025

The JAECOO 7 has been named Overall Car of the Year at the Leasing.com Awards 2025, less than a year after the brand’s official launch in the UK.

The Leasing.com Awards recognise the models and brands driving real customer demand in the UK leasing market. Unlike traditional awards, these results are based on data – including enquiry volumes, market share, and overall value – making them a strong reflection of what consumers are choosing.

Launched in January 2025, the JAECOO 7 has quickly gained traction with customers looking for a fresh alternative in the SUV space. Its blend of rugged design, advanced tech and strong value has made it one of the most searched-for vehicles on Leasing.com

Discussing the Overall Car of the Year win, Mike Fazal, CEO, Leasing.com said: "The JAECOO 7 has been a real disruptor in 2025, quickly establishing itself as one of the most in-demand models on our platform. It represents fantastic value and has clearly resonated with leasing customers who are looking for something fresh yet affordable.”

Meanwhile, Chris Clayton, Head of Fleet, JAECOO UK said: “The response to the JAECOO 7 has been strong from day one, and we’ve focused on making sure it delivers where it matters most – design, technology, and value. This award confirms that customers are responding to that.”

The JAECOO 7 is available to lease across the UK now, with the eagerly anticipated JAECOO 5 and E5 available in the coming days.

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF WITH KGM MOTORS UK’S FANTASTIC AUTUMN FINANCE OFFERS

KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is pleased to announce its autumn offers, including attractive rates on finance options across its product lineup. Offers run from 1st October until 31st December 2025 and are available across the KGM dealer network.

0% APR – Pay Half Now, Half in 12 Months

KGM’s 0% APR Advance Payment Plan makes upgrading to a new vehicle straightforward. Customers pay 50% of the price upfront, with the remaining balance due in 12 months. This means no interest, no monthly instalments, and complete peace of mind.

This offer is available across the entire KGM range, including the award-winning Musso, Rexton, Torres, and the all-new Actyon. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is available for a limited time only, subject to status and terms & conditions.

(PCP) contracts, with a £1,000 finance deposit contribution, providing even greater flexibility to suit different needs. These offers are available on vehicles ordered and registered by 31st December 2025.

5.9% APR HP & PCP Finance (min 20% Deposit) available on the KGM Actyon and Korando

The KGM Actyon and Korando are available with 5.9% APR finance over three years on both Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), including up to a £1250 KGM financial deposit contribution, with a minimum customer 20% deposit.

From the bold design of the all-new Actyon to the practical versatility of the Korando, this offer provides an accessible way to drive away in a brand-new KGM. Available through participating dealers, subject to status and terms & conditions.

Flexible Finance Options on the Torres EVX

KGM UK is making electric driving more accessible than ever this autumn with a choice of competitive finance offers on the all-electric Torres EVX. Customers can drive away from just £349 per month on 0% APR PCP over 36 months (with a 25% deposit and optional final payment of £16,053), or choose 0% APR HP over 48 months.

In addition, a low-rate 3.9% APR Representative finance offer is available on longer term Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase

Powered by a 73.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the Torres EVX delivers up to 287 miles (WLTP) of all-electric range and ultra-fast charging – 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes with a 350kW rapid charger. Inside, drivers benefit from a class-leading 1,662 litres of load space, premium comfort, and advanced technology, including dual 12.3-inch digital displays, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a 3D 360˚ surround-view camera.

Built on a versatile SUV platform with a BYD blade battery and 3-in-1 EV motor system, the Torres EVX blends KGM’s 70-year SUV heritage with cutting-edge electric innovation. Every model is backed by a 7-year/90,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 1 million km battery warranty, giving customers total peace of mind.

Motability advanced payment starting from £299 on the KGM Tivoli, Korando and Torres

The KGM Tivoli, Korando, and Torres are now available on the Motability Scheme with advanced payments starting from just £299. Choose the Tivoli from £299 (manual) or £499 (automatic), step up to the Korando K35 Auto from £3,499, or enjoy the Torres range from £1,999. Options include the Torres K30 at £1,999, K40 at £2,499, and all-wheel drive variant from £2,999. Available through participating Motability-accredited KGM retailers, subject to eligibility and scheme terms.

For full terms and conditions, visit: https://www. kgm-motors.co.uk/offers/

Brace yourself, because tax talk is about to get (almost) exciting! Big changes are on the horizon for double cab pick-ups in the UK.

From April 2025, these workhorses of the road will no longer be classed as commercial vehicles for tax purposes.

Instead, they’ll be taxed as cars, significantly increasing Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) liabilities for businesses and employees alike. However, there’s still time to act and lock in the current, lower tax rates.

If you’re considering a new pick-up, there’s no better time to make your move – and the brand-newMAXUS T60 MAXcould be the perfect choice.

The

BIK reclassification: what’s changing?

Historically, double cab pick-ups have been treated as vans for tax purposes, meaning they benefited from a fixed-rate, low BIK tax regime.

However, under the revised rules coming into effect from April 6, 2025, these vehicles will be taxed as cars.

This means that instead of paying a fixed low rate, drivers will be taxed based on CO² emissions and list price – a change that could see costs rise dramatically.

Why act before April 2025?

There is a crucial window of opportunity for businesses and individuals who order, lease, or purchase a double cab pick-up before 31st March 2025.

Vehicles secured before this deadline will continue to be taxed as vans until at least April 2029, or until they are sold or the lease ends.

This meansfour more years of lower tax rates, avoiding the costly hike that will hit post-April 2025 purchases.

How this impacts employers and employees

Employees: Higher Income Tax

For those who drive a company-provided double cab pick-up, the BIK reclassification could lead to thousands of pounds in additional tax liabilities each year.

For higher-rate taxpayers, the difference is substantial, making it essential to secure a vehicle before the deadline.

Employers: increased National Insurance contributions (NICs)

With BIK values increasing, employers will face higher NICs for each double cab pick-up classified as a car.

This will also impact capital allowances, reducing the overall tax efficiency of these vehicles.

Companies that rely on double cab pick-ups for operations should plan ahead to avoid financial strain.

The future of double cab pick-ups

This reclassification is part of the government’s broader push to encourage lower-emission vehicles.

While electric alternatives are on the rise, sometimes you just need a proper pick-up to get the job done. That’s why acting fast is key to locking in the best financial deal while you still can.

Meet the MAXUS T60 MAX: your perfect pre-deadline pick-up

If you’re in the market for a new double cab pick-up before the tax changes kick in, the MAXUS T60 MAX is an outstanding option. Don’t miss out on competitive contract hire and finance lease options available.

This pick-up combines power, practicality, and enough tech to make even your most gadget-obsessed mate jealous.

Key features of the MAXUS T60 MAX:

• 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine – 500Nm of torque, giving you the strength to tackle the toughest jobs.

• 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD – Perfect for handling both off-road adventures and demanding work environments.

• 1,050kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity –Carry more, tow more, and get the job done with ease.

• Comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance –Includes a 5-year/100,000 miles vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK and Europe.

• Fuel efficiency and emissions – 9.1L/100km (WLTP) fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 239g/km.

Order now and beat the tax hike

With deliveries available from Spring 2025, securing a MAXUS T60 MAX now ensures you lock in the lower BIK tax rates and avoid any financial nastiness down the line.

The clock is ticking. If you want to keep more of your hard-earned cash, act now. The new tax regime is coming whether we like it or not, but you can at least beat it at its own game.

The brand’s latest customer offers are the first to include Kia’s recently launched and latest models including the new Sportage, K4, new Stonic, EV4, EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6 GT, EV9 GT, and PV5 Passenger.

Kia’s Q4 2025 offers run until 16 December 2025 and are available across the Kia UK dealer network, online and at PBV Centres for PV5 Passenger orders.

Joining the UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year, the Kia EV3, the Kia EV4 is Kia’s newest addition to the C-segment. Fully electric and initially available in hatchback form, the EV4 offers the longest driving range of any Kia EV produced to-date, up to 391 miles on a single charge*. The EV4 range starts from £34,695.

Fully electric offers

The new Kia Sportage

Kia’s recently updated and most popular model, the new Sportage, can now be financed with 5.9% APR on PCP deals, with a generous Finance Deposit Contribution (FDC). New Sportage customers looking at either the Hybrid or ICE powered variants get a £1,500 FDC towards their car, while Sportage PHEV customers benefit from a £500 FDC.

In addition, existing Sportage customers* looking to get into a new one can benefit from a £500 finance renewal.

The Kia Electric Car Allowance

The Kia EV3 and EV4 are available with Kia’s Electric Car Allowance, which brings together 3.9% APR finance options and generous FDCs. Customers choosing either EV3 or EV4 ‘Air’ models benefit from a £3,750 FDC, while those choosing the ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ grades benefit from a £1,500 FDC. These tantalising offers are further enhanced by the addition of 1-Year Free Kia Charge ‘Plus’ across all retail-sold Kia electric cars.

Kia’s growing stable of fully electric models continue with attractive 3.9% APR finance offers, no minimum customer deposit, and a £1,000 FDC. This includes the EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6, EV6 GT, EV9, EV9 GT, and Niro EV.

The Kia EV5 – the latest vehicle to join Kia’s lineup – is similarly sized to the ever-popular Sportage, but featuring a fully electric powertrain. Pricing starts from £39,295 for the entry-grade ‘Air’. Range is up to 329 miles from a single charge of its 81.4kWh battery.

The Kia EV4 Fastback adds a striking and exciting saloon-type body option for customers in place of the standard EV4’s hatchback design. Prices start from £40,895 for the EV4 Fastback ‘Air’ grade.

The Kia EV6 GT and EV9 GT are Kia’s latest and most powerful machines, offering a compelling blend of performance, design and comfort – all thanks to phenomenal electric power.

Kia EV Finance Upgrade

For customers who already have a Kia but want to go electric, existing Kia Finance customers of any Kia model can save £1,000 with the ‘Kia EV Finance Upgrade’ when switching to one of Kia’s award-winning fully electric cars. This covers every

EV in Kia’s line-up – EV3, EV4, EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6, EV6 GT, EV9, EV9 GT, or Niro EV.

Kia PV5 Passenger offer

The Kia PV5 Passenger is available with 3.9% APR on retail finance offers up to 36 months, and no minimum customer deposit. The PV5 is Kia’s first PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) to launch in the UK, with all versions benefiting from Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. The PV5 Passenger is priced from £32,995 on-theroad and is initially available with five seats, two trim grades, and two battery size options. The ‘Essential’ grade can be equipped with either battery size, while the ‘Plus’ grade is exclusively available with the Long Range battery. The Long Range 71.2kWh battery can deliver up to 256 miles* on a charge, while the Standard Range battery provides up to 183 miles* per charge.The PV5 Passenger is exclusively available to order from Kia PBV Centres: https://www.kia.com/uk/ about/news/kia-announces-pbv-centre-locations/

Kia EV: 1-Year Free Kia Charge ‘Plus’

Retail customers buying a new Kia fully electric model can benefit from a 1-Year Free Kia Charge ‘Plus’ subscription [1]. This includes the EV3, EV4, EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6, EV6 GT, EV9, EV9 GT, Niro EV and PV5 Passenger. Voucher codes are provided directly to new customers of these fully electric models shortly after their vehicle is registered.

Exclusive to Kia customers, Kia Charge is designed to simplify public EV charging and offers seamless access to more than one million connectors across Europe, including over 60,000 charge points in the UK. Kia Charge ‘Plus’ provides a 15% discount versus the standard Kia Charge ‘Easy’ tariff across most networks (excludes bp pulse, Pod Point and Ionity). Kia Charge ‘Plus’ also waives the session fee, making electric motoring even more attractive.

EV6 Loyalty Saving

For customers looking to trade in their current Kia

EV6, there is a £2,000 loyalty saving discount available off the price of a new Kia EV6 [4]. The EV6 Loyalty Saving offer is available in addition to the Kia EV Finance Upgrade offer.

5.9% APR on SUVs

Customers looking to get behind the wheel of Kia’s popular compact SUV models can benefit from 5.9% APR finance offers [5]. This includes the recently unveiled new Stonic, XCeed, and Niro HEV. Each of these cars further benefits from substantial FDCs for customers choosing a threeyear PCP offer: new Stonic £1,250 FDC; XCeed £2,000 FDC, and Niro HEV £2,000 FDC.

7.9% APR on Kia’s best-selling cars

Customers looking to get into a K4, the latest addition to Kia’s petrol-powered line-up, can choose finance options with 7.9% APR with a £1,000 FDC towards the deposit.

Additional models available with 7.9% APR [6] on finance offers include the Picanto, Niro PHEV or Sorento.

Small Car Finance Upgrade

Existing Picanto finance customers looking to upgrade to the latest Picanto model, or Stonic customers looking to get into a new Stonic, can each benefit from a £500 finance renewal offer. Similarly, existing Rio customers can either choose to jump into a new Picanto or new Stonic and benefit from the same £500 finance renewal offer.

Generous Finance Deposit Contributions

Kia’s FDCs add money towards your deposit contribution, ensuring both new and returning customers can get an even better offer. Savings include: £2,000 towards the deposit for a Niro HEV or XCeed; £1,250 towards a Stonic; £1,000 towards an EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9, Niro EV, PV5, new Sportage petrol, Sportage HEV, Ceed, ProCeed, or Ceed Sportswagon. Finally, £500 is available towards the deposit of a Picanto, Niro PHEV, Sportage PHEV, or Sorento.

Nissan has won prestigious double honours at The Motor Awards 2025, organised by News UK: the just-launched AllNew Nissan LEAF has been named The Sun’s overall Car of the Year; while Qashqai with New e-POWER has been recognised as Hybrid Car of the Year for a second consecutive year – and both are engineered and manufactured in the UK, before being exported around the world.

The Motor Awards 2026 combines the collective expertise of News UK’s motoring journalists Rob Gill, Motors Editor at The Sun, Nick Rufford, Assistant Editor at The Sunday Times, and Will Dron, Digital Driving Editor at The Times, who together judge the automotive industry’s latest new models.

Rob Gill said: “Let’s all raise a pint of Hawkstone Lager in appreciation of the radically improved, British-built Nissan Leaf. It looks fresh. It’ll do 380 miles in one go. Families will love the bigger cabin and Google tech. Hands-down The Sun’s favourite car of 2025.”

commented; “We’re absolutely thrilled the All-New Nissan LEAF has been recognised as The Sun’s Car of the Year. As the brand’s newest 100% electric model and most aerodynamic production car to date, it showcases the latest Nissan technology and engineering know-how and, of course, follows in the footsteps of the groundbreaking original LEAF, the world’s first mainstream electric car.

Commenting on the Qashqai’s award, Gill said: “Qashqai is the OG family SUV and it just keeps getting better and better. The latest version of Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid technology is smoother, quieter and more efficient, returning up to 62mpg. Super easy to drive like an EV but there’s no plug. Another home-grown hit.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Nissan GB

“We’re also tremendously proud that Qashqai with New e-POWER has been named Hybrid Car of the Year for a second consecutive year. It’s recently been updated with an all-new, third-generation e-POWER system and delivers the best of all worlds: the responsive refinement of an EV, the convenience of petrol and the range of a diesel car. Even better, both Qashqai and the LEAF represent the best of British: engineered and built right here in the UK.”

The updated, award-winning Qashqai with New e-POWER is available now from Nissan dealerships across the UK, while the All-New LEAF will be available to order very soon, before arriving in showrooms in February 2026 – however, from next Monday, 6th October, British car buyers have an opportunity to enjoy an exclusive preview of the LEAF at their local Nissan dealership as part of Electric Encounters Live, a tour of more than 130 Nissan dealers nationwide, where it’ll be displayed alongside the All-New MICRA.

For more information, please visit https://www. nissan.co.uk/

CHERY UK’s SUV range continues to set new benchmarks for safety and performance, with the TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 achieving five stars under Euro NCAP’s 2025 safety protocols. Both models combine robust crash protection with advanced driver assistance technologies, reinforcing CHERY’s growing reputation in the UK as a brand that delivers comfortable, stylish, and safe vehicles.

Tested under Euro NCAP’s latest protocols, the TIGGO 7 achieved 82% for Adult Occupant protection, 85% for Child Occupant, 80% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 78% for Safety Assist. Its larger sibling, the TIGGO 8, recorded equally impressive results, reflecting strong structural integrity, effective airbags, and responsive occupant protection in multiple impact scenarios.

Standard across both models is a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keeping, Front Collision Warning, Integrated Cruise Assist, and a 540-degree transparent-view camera system. These features ensure proactive safety, complementing the vehicles’ crash protection to deliver peace of mind for UK drivers and families.

Gary Lan, CEO of CHERY UK, said: “The Euro NCAP scores for the CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8 highlight the strength of our global engineering efforts and our commitment to UK drivers. As our dealer network grows and more customers experience the versatility of these SUVs, safety, comfort, and innovation remain crucial to ensure UK drivers find their happy with a CHERY.”

Both models combine practicality with performance. The TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 are designed with spacious interiors, advanced infotainment systems, and efficient powertrains that balance performance with low emissions –perfectly suited for urban and long-distance driving.

Available through CHERY UK’s expanding network of 25+ dealers, the TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 deliver accessible luxury and family-friendly versatility.

The CHERY TIGGO 7 and CHERY TIGGO 8 are available to buy now, with prices starting from £24,995 OTR* and £28,545 OTR* respectively. Alongside the comprehensive warranty support, every CHERY UK vehicle also includes RAC roadside assistance as standard for the first 7 years, subject to annual servicing.

* All prices correct at time of writing, October 2025.

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, makes extensive hardware upgrades to its flagship SUV, Polestar 3, for the 2026 model year. Overall performance improves significantly thanks to a new 800 Volt electrical architecture with substantial increase in power, faster charging, and greater core computer processing power.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar’s CEO, says: “The upgrades to Polestar 3 are so extensive, it’s like an entirely new car. With this upgrade we continue to deliver on our commitment to add value for our customers through over-the-air software and hardware updates. The already amazing Polestar 3 is now better than ever.”

New 800 Volt electrical architecture

The 2026 model year marks a major technological leap for Polestar 3 and its SPA2 platform with the introduction of an 800 Volt electrical architecture. This upgrade enables significantly faster DC charging with a peak rate of up to 350 kW, meaning that the 10–80% battery charge benchmark can take as little as 22 minutes, which is more than 25% faster than before.

The new architecture also brings enhanced efficiency, up to 6% according to the WLTP cycle, and supports the integration of new lithium-ion batteries from supplier CATL: a 92 kWh battery pack for the Rear motor version and a 106 kWh battery pack for the Dual motor and Performance variants. Combined, the faster DC charging and increased efficiency further improve the already capable long-distance driving abilities of the Polestar 3.

Upgraded powertrain with increased performance

All versions of Polestar 3 now benefit from a new in-house developed permanent magnet synchronous rear motor that delivers higher output. Paired with an asynchronous front motor, the new configuration delivers up to 670bhp (500 kW) of total power in the Performance variant.

The front motor now features automatic disconnect functionality when not needed, just as on Dual motor versions of Polestar 2, improving efficiency and range during everyday driving. The new rear motor also means the power balance has shifted to a greater rear bias than before. Combined with updated anti-roll bars and extensive software refinement for the steering, the result is an even

more direct and engaging driving experience across all model variants.

Greater computing power

Polestar 3 continues to lead the way as the first European software-defined vehicle, now with a major upgrade to its core computing system that is the foundation. The NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor replaces the previous Xavier unit, increasing processing power from 30 to 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This leap with more than eight times increase in computing power enables faster, more intelligent management of active safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.

In line with Polestar’s commitment to continuous improvement, this hardware upgrade will also be offered as a complimentary retrofit to all existing Polestar 3 customers[1], with upgrades of customer cars planned to start in the beginning of 2026.

Options and pack structure

The 2026 model year introduces a new trim level structure: Polestar 3 Rear motor, Dual motor, and Performance—replacing the previous naming convention and making a clearer distinction between versions. Part of the set-up is an optimised battery size for the entry level Rear motor and air suspension remains standard on Dual motor and Performance versions. These trim levels will also be expressed through the seatbelt design, with solid black for Rear motor, black with Swedish gold stripe for Dual motor, and belts in full Swedish gold for the Performance version, reinforcing its position as the most powerful expression of Polestar 3.

A revised pack and options strategy make it easier for customers to tailor their car. The new Climate pack includes heated rear seats, steering wheel, and front wiper blades. The new Prime pack option bundles together Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs in combination with rear privacy glass. Prime pack is included as standard on Polestar 3 Performance and is optional on Rear motor and Dual motor. Audio system Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar, with headrest speakers and active road noise cancellation, is now offered both as a single option and as part of the Plus pack.

Design is updated with the new exterior colour option Storm, a dark grey metallic that replaces Thunder, and the door text graphics are updated to now include model variant and a larger font for the Polestar 3 name. Inside, the standard upholstery is upgraded to Bio-attributed MicroTech in Charcoal with repurposed aluminium deco that previously was an optional extra.

Matt Galvin, Managing Director, Polestar UK, says: "We’re thrilled to introduce the upgraded Polestar 3 to our UK customers. With its upgraded core computer capable of 254 trillion operations per second, 800 Volt architecture with faster charging capabilities and enhanced driving dynamics there's a lot to be excited about! The response to Polestar 3 has been phenomenal here – so much so that we’ve already sold out of our 2025 model year. This strong demand reflects the growing appetite for premium electric performance in the UK, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum with the latest iteration of our flagship SUV when it arrives early next year."

Available to order now, upgraded Polestar 3 is priced from £69,990 for the Rear motor version. Find more information and configure your Polestar 3 at: https://www.polestar.com/uk/polestar-3/

Volvo Cars’ distinctive Black Edition variant is now available on the new XC90 plug-in and mild hybrid SUV and includes four striking exterior colours.

Each Black Edition car comes with unique exterior details, with the iron mark, grille, rear badges and wheels finished in high gloss black. Inside, customers can choose between two all-black interior rooms, both with charcoal headlining and chequered aluminum decors, and two options of material for the charcoal-coloured seats.

While the Black Edition models have traditionally only been available in Onyx Black, the company has recently added three more exterior colour options: Crystal White, Denim Blue and Vapour Grey. Regardless of which colour a customer picks, the result is a striking car, grounded in our Scandinavian design ethos with an even more confident appearance.

The addition of the XC90 means five Volvo models are now offered in Black Edition trim, with the large hybrid SUV joining the Black Edition variants of the XC60, the fully electric EX40 and EC40, and the XC40 mild hybrid. An EX30 Black Edition variant is also in the works, with more information on timing coming soon.

"Following clear demand from our customers, we are expanding our line-up of Black Edition cars, adding the XC90," says Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. "There’s now a timeless and confident-looking Black Edition for our customers in all sizes."

The new Volvo XC90 was renewed extensively and received a wide range of technology and design updates in 2024. This makes the current XC90 the best version Volvo Cars has ever made of its award-winning flagship hybrid SUV.

The XC90 is one of the safest cars on the road, with an advanced safety cage and a wide array of active safety technology built in.

The plug-in hybrid XC90 also leads a broad line-up of Volvo hybrids with a cord. Volvo Cars’ plug-in hybrids are a bridge towards an all-electric future and provide electric cars with a back-up plan for those customers for whom going fully electric is not yet a viable option.

As such, they are a key part of Volvo Cars’ electrification strategy for the coming years, as the company works toward becoming fully electric with a broad and exciting line-up of tailpipe-free, premium cars.

The small print

• The Black Edition is available on Plus, Plus Pro and Ultra trim levels in the UK market.

• On the XC90 and XC60, both plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid variants are available as Black Edition.

• Detailed specifications of the forthcoming EX30 Black Edition are yet to be confirmed and may differ from other, existing Black Edition models.

KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is proud to introduce the all-new Torres Hybrid, a landmark addition to the brand’s award-winning SUV lineup. Completing the Torres family alongside the petrol and electric models, it combines authentic SUV styling with advanced hybrid technology for you to go further, live freer, and explore without limits.

Developed in collaboration with BYD, a global leader in eco-friendly vehicles, the Dual Tech Hybrid System is a full hybrid that maximises the efficiency and advantages of both electric and internal combustion engines. The system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (149.6PS, 220Nm) with in-series dual motors (176.8PS, 300Nm) for a total output of 177hp through a 6-speed automatic e-DHT transmission, which significantly improves real-world fuel economy. This hybrid-specific dual-motor transmission also supports nine different driving modes, including EV mode, HEV mode (seriesparallel), and engine drive mode to deliver smooth, versatile, and quiet performance.

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of KGM Motors UK, said: “The Torres Hybrid is the brand’s first hybrid vehicle and has been developed to meet customer demand for greater efficiency without compromise. It combines the economic benefits of hybrid technology with the practicality and strength expected of the award-winning SUVs in our range. This model marks the beginning of KGM’s continued expansion into eco-friendly vehicles, supported by new products and advanced powertrain options in the near future.”

In the city, the Torres Hybrid runs in EV mode up to 95% of the time for smooth and silent performance. On the motorway, the system blends engine and motor power for confident acceleration and efficiency, with all-electric driving possible up to 62mph, supported by a three-level regenerative braking system with smart traffic-adaptive control.

Rooted in the brand’s rugged heritage, the design projects strength and confidence with bold proportions, muscular lines, and a wide stance. At the front, a vertical grille, integrated skid-plate bumper, and distinctive LED headlights with big dipperinspired DRLs give it an unmistakable identity. Cultural details such as Li-pattern brake lights and a side-mounted tailgate latch underscore its authentic

Korean SUV character. From the side, straight character lines and angular wheel arches create a robust profile, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while at the rear, a hexagonal design inspired by classic spare wheel covers reinforces its tough nature.

Inside, the “slim and wide” design philosophy delivers a spacious, ergonomic cabin. A panoramic widescreen display integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, supported by KGM’s Athena 2.0 UX platform for seamless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TomTom Navigation, and Bluetooth. Heated and ventilated leather front seats, dual-zone climate control, and 32-colour ambient lighting create a premium atmosphere.

The driver and passenger’s seats offer eight-way power adjustment with lumbar support, while heated, reclining rear seats maximise passenger comfort. Clever touches such as a floating centre console, headrest hanger, and USB Type-C ports throughout ensure everyday practicality. Plus, with best-in-class luggage capacity of up to 1,662 litres, the Torres Hybrid adapts effortlessly to both daily life and weekend adventures.

Efficiency is matched by durability and versatility, with the Torres Hybrid achieving 46.1mpg (WLTP) with CO₂ emissions of just 139g/km, while towing capacity of 1.3 tonnes is supported by Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). A waterproof chassis allows safe submersion up to 300mm, ensuring confidence in all conditions.

Safety remains a priority, with 78% high-tensile steel – the highest in its class – and eight airbags as standard. Advanced driver-assistance systems include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Front Vehicle Start Alert, Safety Distance Alert, Rear Blind Spot-detection, Lane Change-Collision Warning and Rear Cross, Traffic Warning.

The all-new KGM Torres Hybrid is priced at £35,995 and is available in five striking colours: Space Black (Metallic), Dandy Blue (Metallic), Iron Silver (Metallic), Grand White (Solid), and Forest Green (Metallic).

Customers can find more information or book a test drive, here: www.kgm-motors.co.uk

The Kia EV5 introduces exceptional versatility to Kia Corporation’s SUV lineup, delivering a fully electric solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s buyers. Its launch marks a strategic milestone in Kia’s mission to broaden access to dedicated electric vehicles (EVs) and reinforce its presence in key global markets.

“We have built the EV5 to appeal to a broad range of potential needs, with a particular focus on the diverse lifestyles of millennial customers,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia Corporation.“The EV5 delivers the comfort of a ‘home away from home’ combined with advanced connectivity and a dynamic driving experience, offering young families an ideal solution tailored to their lifestyles. By expanding the EV customer base in this way, the model will play a key role in accelerating the shift toward electrified mobility.”

How does the EV5 deliver sustainable mobility without compromise?

Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP EV platform, the EV5 is designed to meet the exacting requirements of today’s EV drivers. Equipped with an 81.4 kWh battery and 160 kW motor, it delivers a maximum WLTP range of up to 530 km, providing the confidence and convenience required for both daily use and long-distance journeys.

At the front, a wide nose and muscular bonnet project strength and stability, while the three-dimensional ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights and precision detailing introduce a new interpretation of Kia’s digital tiger face— clean, high-tech and distinctive. Rugged bumpers and a broad skid plate emphasize its assertive stance, while subtle design cues such as the diagonal-pattern lower intake and body-colored trim add a sporty, premium feel.

Viewed from the side, the EV5 presents a boxy yet dynamic silhouettethat embodies a traditional SUV profile, reinterpreted for the electric era. Geometric surfacing and bold vertical lines createstrong visualvolume, whilesquare fenders, aprominentshoulder line, andsculptedwheel arches reinforce its futuristic SUV character.A rearwardshiftedD-pillar maximizes rear-seat visibility anddraws attention tothe generouscargo area.Unique 18 and 19-inch wheels showcasethe ‘Opposites United’design languagethrough the interplay of rich volume and sharp, geometric patterns.

Key technologies such as regenerative braking, Kia’s advanced heat pump system, and fast-charging capability (10–80% in just 30 minutes) further enhance efficiency and usability in real-world conditions.

Additional variants, including the Standard and Long Range AWD will be introduced at a later stage, expanding the EV5 line-up and reinforcing Kia’s commitment to delivering a diverse range of electric mobility solutions.

How is Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy reflected in the design of the EV5?

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy bestows the EV5witha confident,robust presence.Pairingassertive style with well-balanced proportions, its 4,610 mm length and 1,875 mm width deliver the spaciousness and practicality demanded by buyers without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

At the rear, a wide tailgate with clean surfacing and vertically extended rear lamps anchor the design, balancing sophistication with strength. Asolid,technical rear bumper visually grounds thedesign, completing its authentic SUVstance, ready for everyday life and outdoor adventure alike.

How does the versatility of the EV5’s interior promote practicality and comfort?

The EV5 is as versatile inside as it is beneath the skin, enabling occupants to make full use of its spacious interior through an array of premium comfort features, flexible storage solutions, intelligent conveniences and adaptable design.

A three-zone climate control system with an odorreducing after-blow function ensures a pleasant environment for all passengers, allowing even second-row occupants to adjust and enjoy personalized temperature settings. This focus on comfort is complemented by thoughtfully designed amenities, including a wide center console that is accessible to both front and rear passengers, featuring a sliding tray that extends into the second row to provide an additional surface when needed.

When not in use, the second-row seats can be folded nearly flat to zero degrees, seamlessly connecting

with the luggage area to create a continuous, versatile space — ideal for everyday needs, outdoor activities, or evenovernight stays.

How does Kia’s connected software deliver convenience and safety in the EV5?

The EV5 introduces a suite of family friendly digital features that make every journey more enjoyable, engaging and reassuring.

The spacious, light and well-ventilated interior is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features designed to enhanced convenience and efficiency on every journey. At its heart is the Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5-inch climate control display.

Kia’s new Unified Graphical User Interface (GUI) is integrated throughout the EV5’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, ensuring a consistent look and feel across audiovisual, navigation, and telematics (AVNT) screens. Simple-to-navigate, intuitive menus improve access to EV-specific functions, enabling drivers to easily monitor range and charging status at a glance. An optional Head-Up Display (HUD) further supports safe, distraction-free driving.

All of the EV5’s state-of-the-art technology is kept current through Over The Air (OTA) updates, while the Kia Connect Store enables additional personalization with downloadable features and services.

friendly environment. This feature reflects Kia’s commitment to offering thoughtful, family-friendly innovations that provide both convenience and peace of mind.

What are the key driving features of the Kia EV5?

The seamless application of technology is not limited to infotainment alone, with the EV5 also boasting Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a suite of active safety tools. Features such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2.0) and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2.0) help reduce driver workload in everyday situations, from lane changes to parking.

From behind the wheel, the EV5 delivers a responsive and confident driving experience. The battery is mounted low within the floor, contributing to a reduced center of gravity that enhances stability and agility compared to traditional SUVs. Complementing this is Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking and enjoy smooth, intuitive onepedal driving for greater control and comfort in daily use.

Adding to the sensory experience, Kia Sound 2.0 (Bold Motion Symphony) defines Kia’s distinctive and future-oriented sound identity, providing customers with a consistent and harmonious acoustic environment that complements the brand’s unique exterior design and underscores its vision for future mobility.

The EV5 also introduces a Disney-themed display package — a first for any Kia vehicle. Available through the Kia Connect Store, the theme incorporates beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse into the instrument cluster, infotainment home card, user profiles, and navigation screen, with unique animations appearing when the vehicle is started or shut down. The collaboration with The Walt Disney Company will expand to include future themes inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.

Further enhancing everyday convenience, the EV5 introduces Pet Mode, which maintains an optimum interior temperature to ensure a comfortable, pet

How does the EV5 fit into Kia’s EV strategy?

Asan important addition toKia’s electrification strategy, the EV5 is designed to accelerate theglobal transitionto zero-emission mobility. Its launch marks a key milestone in expandingaccess todedicated EVs, while strengtheningKia’spresence in core international markets.

Kia has made public its plan to develop a wide-ranging EV line-up. Led by pioneering, award-winning models such as the EV6, EV9 and EV3, the brand’s approach will see the introduction of strategically positioned vehicles like the EV4 and EV5, to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs.

While each model is created uniquely to meet specific and diverse customer needs, they share common elements such as the brand’s innovative electric platform technology, ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, and sustainable color, material, and finish (CMF) strategy. The latter incorporates sustainability at scale through the development and application of 10 material solutions in the construction of each model, including bio plastic, bio paint and recycled carpet.

When and where will the Kia EV5 be available to purchase?

The global rollout of the Kia EV5 will begin in the second half of this year, starting inKorea andEurope, with sales in Canada to follow inearly 2026.

THE NEW ISUZU D-MAX V-CROSS COMMERCIAL: READY FOR DUTY

Isuzu UK is proud to announce the launch of The New Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Commercial, a premium pick-up specifically engineered for the commercial sector. Designed for SMEs, farmers, tradespeople, and construction professionals, this new model offers the comfort and specification of the flagship V-Cross combined with full commercial compliance and long-term tax efficiency.

Designed for Business Use

Purpose-built for business, the VCross Commercial is based on the awardwinning V-Cross Double Cab and has been professionally converted into a two-seater model to meet the needs of commercial operators. The rear passenger space has been permanently adapted into a secure load zone, ensuring the vehicle cannot be returned to a passenger configuration.

passenger seat covers. To further underline its identity as a serious business tool, the vehicle is registered exclusively as a commercial model and carries distinctive “Commercial” badging.

Capability and Performance

The V-Cross Commercial comes equipped with a comprehensive commercial-ready specification as standard. This includes a lightweight commercial canopy, tow bar with towing electrics, load bed liner, rear passenger door window tints, and protective driver and

This new model retains the proven strengths of the award-winning D-Max range. With a 1tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and full four-wheel drive, the V-Cross Commercial is ready for tough jobs across farms, worksites, and rural landscapes. For even greater control in challenging conditions, it also comes with Rough Terrain Mode and a rear differential lock, delivering ultimate confidence when tackling demanding off-road environments.

The Perfect Business Model

Designed to help businesses maximise value, the D-Max V-Cross Commercial retains its full commercial vehicle tax status. VAT is reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses making fully taxable supplies, while road tax is kept at a fixed rate of £345. It also continues to qualify for Plant & Machinery Allowance under Capital Allowances, retaining 100% writing down status. For company drivers,

the model keeps its flat-rate £4,020 Benefit in Kind for the 2025/26 tax year. These benefits are particularly significant for SMEs and selfemployed professionals looking to reduce the potential costs introduced under the new April 2025 legislation changes affecting double and extended cab pick-ups.

Premium Features for Everyday Driving

Built on Isuzu’s highest trim level, the V-Cross Commercial ensures that long days behind the wheel remain comfortable. Drivers benefit from leather upholstery trim*, dual-zone climate control, a fully wireless 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and a new 7-inch MultiInformation Display. USB-C ports and an upgraded ADAS suite, including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Assist, provide modern convenience and safety for business owners who spend significant time on the road.

Ownership Package

Alongside its tax and financial advantages, the V-Cross Commercial offers the reassurance of Isuzu’s marketleading ownership package. Every model comes with a fiveyear/125,000-mile warranty, plus five years of UK and European roadside assistance. With a kerb weight under 2,040kg, it also qualifies for passenger car speed limits on dual carriageways and motorways, helping business users get where they need to be

quickly and efficiently.

Managing Director at Isuzu UK, Alan Able, commented on the new model launch:

“The New Isuzu D-Max VCross Commercial is the perfect solution for SMEs, trades, farmers and construction professionals who need a tax-efficient pickup that works as hard as they do. We’ve listened closely to feedback from our loyal customer base, who told us they wanted all the key attributes of a rugged 4x4 pick-up combined with the premium features of our flagship model. The V-Cross Commercial delivers exactly that, while also ensuring it is built as a serious, permanent commercial vehicle that businesses can rely on with confidence and make use of the commercial vehicle benefits.”

Availability

The New Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Commercial is priced at £41,995 CVOTR and is available to order now with automatic transmission. Customer deliveries will begin in November 2025 through Isuzu dealers across the UK and Northern Ireland.

For more information, visit: www.isuzu.co.uk/ isuzu-d-max-v-cross-commercial

Find your local dealer at: www.isuzu.co.uk/finda-dealer

Work ready. Life ready. On or off-road ready. Isuzu’s awardwinning pick-up is equipped with even smarter styling, stronger performance and safer technology. Delivering the reassuring capability and durability you expect from Isuzu, our tough workhorse takes comfort and refinement to the next level.

Wherever, whenever, The New Isuzu D-Max is ready at our dealership. WWW.BANDBTRUCKS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01283 521522

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