Latest News from the farming sector

Skills shortages continue to decline

MORE than 350 employers are struggling to find staff with science and engineering skills according to research by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and the EDI (the vocational qualifications body).

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) has endorsed the findings which also reveal that even more companies expect to experience staff skill shortages in the next three years.

IAgrE’s chief executive Chris Whetnall said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to find people with the right technical or engineering skills and the new Government should look to actively encourage the take up of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects in schools.

“Our members report it is increasingly difficult to recruit people with the right level of science and technology skills and as the economy recovers it is going to become even harder. We are lagging behind other European countries so we need the Government to implement changes before we lose out to our global competitors,” added Chris. 

The survey found young people would definitely improve their job prospects if they studied business studies, maths, English and physics or chemistry at A-level.

Seed specialists visit Wheat Breeding Centre

SEED Specialists who work for Nickerson Direct, which supplies seed directly from breeder to farmers throughout the country, visited Nickerson’s Wheat Breeding Centre in Woolpit, Suffolk recently.

Hosted by Bill Angus, Nickerson’s senior wheat breeder in the UK, the event provided the specialists with an invaluable opportunity to gather vital information from a global wheat breeding expert, which will be passed on to benefit Nickerson Direct customers.

They were able to study Nickerson varieties growing in the field, find out more about these and competitor varieties, hear about developing trends in the global wheat market and how the Nickerson wheat breeding programme is developing to meet the requirements of customers throughout the world.

Farmers can regulate their own industry – NFU Deputy President

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond addressing farmers at the Lincolnshire Show. Photo: Janet Richardson

AGRICULTURE is entering a very challenging period, NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond told farmers at this year’s Lincolnshire Show.

“I think it is going to be quite interesting how we approach lobbying but I do believe that we are going to have a greater understanding of the industry with this new Government.”

He said that he had met the new Defra Minister Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden, who coincidentally had worked for the NFU as Sugar Beet Commodity Secretary in the early 1980s.

Mr Raymond continued: “Following on from the budget, there is no doubt we are going to have some austere measures put in place. We are all delighted that VAT on food has not happened but disappointed that the annual investment allowance will be reduced and increases in capital gains tax may affect some farmers.”

Big debate

There would be a big debate in the next two to three months with government departments set to see their monies reduced by 25 per cent. “There is going to be some serious reorganisation and we have to have some sympathy for people working in Defra at the moment.” He predicted that flood defences and animal health were two areas the Government would be looking at.

Speaking about the need to keep a productive agriculture industry, he said: “We will need to remain competitive and maintain the research and development budget. But out of the new coalition comes some good news. The committee looking at the red tape and regulation strangling the industry will be chaired by former director general of the NFU, Richard Macdonald. He understands the industry.”

On self-regulation, Mr Raymond questioned the need for dozens of people coming onto farms and ticking boxes. “I do believe we are a highly responsible industry and we can deliver some of the regulation that is on the table.” He urged farmers to complete the survey on self-regulation at the show.

He also referred to the debate on CAP reforms from 2013-2020 which would be taking place over the next few months. “We want to see a more uniform policy across Europe.”

In conclusion, Mr Raymond said he was extremely confident for the future of farming and its ability to feed 70-million people in the UK.

Yorkshire Agricultural Society to showcase unique David Hockney adaptation

Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Nigel Pulling, Karen Cowling, a Harrogate farmer and Susan Hibbert of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society launch the project with one of Karen’s Texel ewes and colourful wool. Photo supplied

THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society is to showcase a unique adaptation of one of David Hockney’s most renowned paintings at its headquarters in Harrogate.

A section of Hockney’s vibrant Going up Garrowby Hill will be recreated as a 3m by 6m wall hanging for the entrance hall of the award-winning Regional Agricultural Centre. The Society is best known as the organiser of the annual Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live and its staff are based in the Centre which opened last summer.

The idea came from the Society’s HR manager, Susan Hibbert after she joined a felt-making class. She decided on Hockney because of his strong Yorkshire links, and after gaining the artist’s permission, the work was commissioned by the Society.

The hanging will be made up of 18 separate felt panels, created from specially dyed coloured wool. Susan and her fellow felt makers are each making a panel, recreating the glorious colours used in the original masterpiece to produce the distinctive and unique piece of artwork. Once completed, the panels will be connected and hung as one piece at the Centre.

Wool has played an important part in the building both in its insulation – fleeces from 1500 sheep were used – and all the carpets in the two-storey building are made from wool from Herdwick sheep. The Centre has won numerous awards for its sustainability, including most recently the highly acclaimed ‘Project of the Year’ title as well as the award for Sustainability at the 2010 RICS* Pro-Yorkshire Awards.

Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Nigel Pulling, said: “This unique wall hanging will tie in perfectly with the overall theme of our environmentally friendly building and is just what our Entrance Hall needs. We will certainly be inviting Mr Hockney to see it once it’s complete.”

Hockney was born in 1937 – the year the Yorkshire Agricultural Society celebrated its centenary and Garrowby Hill was originally painted by the famous Yorkshire artist in 1998.
n A blog has also been set up by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to track the progress of the project, which can be viewed at www.yas2010.wordpress.com

Fifth Open Farm Sunday success

FANTASTIC team work from farmers and the food industry contributed to make LEAF’s fifth Open Farm Sunday a great success.

Early indications show that 420 farms opened and that between them they welcomed approximately 150,000 visitors. High profile supporters included Defra ministers Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment and Jim Paice, Food and Farming Minster who attended events.

In light of the E.Coli incident last year and in the preparation of the Griffin report, LEAF worked closely with farmers and relevant authorities in the run up to Open Farm Sunday, to make sure the day was fun, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

LEAF ran a series of workshops up and down the country to prepare farmers for the big day, and one of their priorities was ensuring every farmer was aware of his obligations as far as providing hand-washing facilities, segregating eating areas and other health and safety issues.

Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF, the organisations who sponsored the event for showing how important Open Farm Sunday is to the food and farming industry in the ongoing effort to connect people with their food and the countryside.

“But of course the biggest thanks go to the hundreds of farmers and their families who either opened their farm gates or who supported friends and neighbours who did.

“So much energy and enthusiasm went into putting on events that the public truly enjoyed, according to the feedback we have received,” she added.

New for 2010, was an online video presented by farming champion Jimmy Doherty. LEAF also enlisted the help of ten regional co-ordinators for the first time this year, who each provided support to farmers preparing to open their farms.

These co-ordinators also presented a series of 12 videos to form an online workshop, which was accessed through the Open Farm Sunday website and YouTube by farmers unable to attend the regional workshops held in March.

Next year’s Open Farm Sunday will take place on 12 June, anyone who would like to get involved in the event is asked to contact the LEAF office on 02476 413911.

Look behind you – brake test training for John Deere dealers

JOHN Deere has recently completed an extensive programme of dealer training in the UK and Ireland, as part of the current industry wide ‘Look Behind You’ campaign to promote safe tractor and trailer braking.

Over 160 dealer technicians and service managers have undergone in-depth training on the use of industry approved Brake-safe™ test kits, designed to check that the braking systems on trailers and the towing tractor are working safely and efficiently.

“This initiative is part of the continuing investment by John Deere and our dealer network, to ensure that customers’ machines comply with legislation and to help contribute to higher levels of road safety,” said John Deere’s division service manager Stuart Minter.

“Over many years there has been a growing trend towards the use of larger, heavier trailers and higher horsepower, faster tractors to pull them. The industry is now taking a common approach to solve the problems caused by these issues, and promote the safe braking of tractor and trailer combinations on the road.”

The ‘Look Behind You’ campaign was initiated in 2009 by all the main tractor manufacturers, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the HSE, in association with the AEA and with the support of trailer manufacturers. All tractor manufacturers test to the same agreed standard, utilising the same procedures and equipment, and while some have outsourced their brake test training to BAGMA, others including John Deere have chosen to deliver the training through their own in-house resources.

Using the new test kit, overall tractor, trailer or combination brake efficiency can be quantifiably measured, and dealers will be able to demonstrate to customers where potential deficiencies in brake systems may exist. The service will therefore allow farmers and contractors for the first time to satisfy themselves either of their combination’s safe braking capabilities, or the need to maintain or upgrade their braking system as required.

“With tractor and implement sizes and road speeds going up all the time, brake failures have been steadily rising over the last few years, so this new customer training initiative is very welcome,” adds Philip Hannah, service manager of John Deere dealer J E Buckle (Engineers) at Maulden in Bedfordshire. “Customers will happily change the oil in their tractor and pump up the tyres on their trailers and implements, but they won’t think about checking their brakes. Having one standard, industry approved system is a very good idea – the brake testing kit is the same across the whole industry, so customers will get the same message whichever manufacturer they speak to.”

Previous Farming News

New advice point for farmers

Launching the farmers' advice point at Newark Livestock Market are: the Rev Canon Alan Robson, Jackie Colquitt (RCAN), Dr Dee Gallop, the Rev Derek Hollis, Heather Dawes, the Rev David McCoulough (Director: Partnerships, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham), the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Amanda Farr, Rachel Gascoine, Doug Gascoine and Alison Twiddy (LRSN). Photo: Janet Richardson

FARMERS attending Newark Livestock Market can now drop in for advice on a wide range of issues affecting their lives.

A new advice point was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Mrs Amanda Farr, on Wednesday 26 May.

As well as confidential health checks with nurse Heather Dawes, the advice centre will also offer the livestock farmers their own pastoral care.

The project has been initiated by Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) in partnership with Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN) and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham drawing on expertise gained at the successful advice point which has been running since late 2006 at Louth Livestock Market.

The Rev Derek Hollis, Diocesan Rural Advisor, will be coming in to offer a support and signposting service working alongside the nurse and Alison Twiddy, project manager of the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, will oversee this work.

Lincolnshire's agricultural chaplain, the Rev Canon Alan Robson will also add his experience, gained over a decade in this role. He referred to the delays surrounding single farm payments as a major cause of stress in the farming community. “Many Lincolnshire farmers attend Newark which is also an important regional market.”

Alison will also be working with Jackie Colquitt, head of rural services at RCAN, looking to establish a Rural Support Network that will meet the needs of Nottinghamshire farming families.

Mrs Farr, a farmer’s wife who has worked in health services for 25 years, said:
“I know how difficult it is for livestock farmers to find the time to pop into see their GPs.”
Thanks were also expressed to Doug and Rachel Gascoine for allowing use of their office space.

Not too late to protect Single Farm Payments

FARMERS who have chosen to receive their Single Farm Payment in pounds this year can still protect their support from currency movements.

“Farmers who have opted to receive their support in pounds rather than euros can still hedge their payments up until the 30 September, the date on which the SFP is set,” said Gareth Oakley, agriculture director at Lloyds TSB following the passing of the latest SFP application deadline last month.

“Choosing to be paid in euros means you have to have a euro account, while if you have elected to receive payments in pounds then you’ll have to accept the pound/euro exchange rate on the 30 September. You can fix the SFP exchange rate at any time before the 30 September with Lloyds TSB for this year, next year and even the year after that. You’ll then be guaranteed those levels of payment in each year you have fixed for.”

So if you lock the payments at a rate of, say, 85p to the euro and the pound strengthens to 83p when the rate is set on 30 September you’ll receive a payment rate of 83p to the euro, but the bank will credit you the difference in sterling so that you receive 85p overall.

However, if the pound weakens to 87p by the 30 September, you will receive a payment based on that rate, but the bank will debit the difference so that you receive an overall payment based on the 85p rate.

Hedging currency will protect farmers from volatile exchange rates, added Mr Oakley. “Concern about the euro in the wake of the Greek financial crisis has seen the currency weaken against the dollar and the pound. Meanwhile, British political uncertainty is also having an impact.”

Mr Oakley urges farmers to be aware that the overall level of payments is likely to fall over the next few years and they need to understand how this will impact on their businesses.

This year will see another round of modulation – the redistribution of the SFP towards social and environmental schemes – peg back payments.

The current Single Farm Payment system is due to end in 2012 with the next round of Common Agricultural Policy reforms taking effect in 2013.

• Farmers have until 11 June to decide in which currency they wish to receive their payments.

New Holland in action at Glastonbury

THE Glastonbury Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Throughout all the extraordinary changes over those years, there has been a significant constant.

New Holland tractors will, once again, be on site helping to set up the festival which opens on 23 June. They’ll also be there too after it closes on 27 June to help break down the site and return it to its natural state – as Worthy Farm, the working Somerset dairy farm that hosts the world’s most famous music festival.

Working under the festival motto 'Love the Farm, leave no trace', the team of 11 blue tractors will be shifting fencing, staging and rubbish to and from the fields powered by 100 per cent biodiesel.

Of the 11 New Holland tractors working at Glastonbury, three are full-time tractors, run by Michael Eavis, the owner of Worthy Farm and founder of the Glastonbury Festival. He owns two T7040s for general farm work and a T3040 which is on full-time yard scraping duties.

Mr Eavis says that New Holland fits in well with the Glastonbury ethos: “Our aim throughout the history of Glastonbury has been to make the festival as green and sustainable as possible. But of course, it’s not just during the festival that we use our New Holland tractors; they’re here working on Worthy Farm all year round carrying out state-of-the-art agricultural duties, helping to produce masses of milk for the liquid milk market."

At festival time, Mr Eavis’s own New Holland machines are joined by a fleet of eight other blue tractors, which he hires from the local New Holland dealership TH White.

The relationship between Glastonbury and New Holland dates back beyond the beginning of the festival. At the first festival, in 1970, festival tickets cost £1 and every one of the 1500 festival goers was offered free milk from the dairy; T Rex was the headlining act and New Holland’s ancestor, the Fordson Major, would have been working in the fields and farmyard.

Throughout the 70s and into the 80s and 90s, as the festival grew in popularity and fame, New Holland tractors were still working at the farm and taking on their special festival role when needed.

So, much has changed over those 40 years – and the machines from New Holland have been transformed in that time too.

New Holland’s area sales manager Mark Farrell points out that in 2010 the tractors are very different to the ones that were working in the 70s.

“Although the concept of the tractor remains – the big wheels are at the back and the small wheels are on the front – they are vastly superior machines. These days they are more adaptable, more powerful, more efficient, more comfortable and safer for the operators. Not only that, but also they’re much more fuel efficient and less polluting than the machines that were being used 40 years ago. Like the festival itself, the tractors have come a long way since 1970.”

An addition to the Nicholson family

SN MACHINERY LTD will open its doors on 1 June 2010 supplying fully refurbished vegetable grading and handling equipment as well as distribution and servicing of new Nicholson Machinery Ltd onion handling equipment.

Located at 1 Westgate Street, Southery, near Downham Market in Norfolk (just off the A10 between Downham Market and Ely), SN Machinery is privately owned by Shaun Nicholson who has 15 years valuable experience with both new and used agricultural farm equipment, servicing and sales.

There is a vast range of used equipment available from conveyors, elevators and weighers to box fillers and graders etc. All main leading makes of onion, potato and vegetable-handling equipment are sourced: Haith, Tong Peal, Grimme, Walthambury and more.

All of the equipment is refurbished and serviced by the staff at SN Machinery Ltd to ensure that items are restored to the best possible standard, this is also backed up by a dedicated parts and service support team.

SN Machinery Ltd also offers a repair service on all makes and models of equipment, call for prompt and professional assistance. They have also been appointed as agents for Jongejans Luchttechniek specialist manufacturers of extractions systems for onion handling operations, one of the most popular and efficient systems on the market.

There is a retail shop on site supplying essential items such as fluorescent wear, wellington boots, forks, shovels, wheelbarrows, brooms and much more.

SN Machinery Ltd supplies a full range of equipment and services to farmers, vegetable pre-packers, storage and the processing industry.

To find out more view the website www.snmachinery.co.uk or contact Shaun Nicholson on 07909 978823

Machinery firms team up to provide new McCormick outlet

TWO independent farm machinery businesses have teamed up to provide a new sales and service outlet for McCormick tractors throughout Staffordshire and parts of Shropshire and Cheshire.

Julian Kearne of Hilton Machinery and Chris Evans Farm Services are already seeing the fruits of their association with orders for three new tractors, increased parts sales, and bookings for workshop services at their Market Drayton premises.

“There hasn’t been a fully fledged agricultural engineering business in the town for a long time – but we’re now changing that,” said Chris Evans. “Instead of just providing maintenance, repairs and light fabrication, we’ll be working with Julian to also supply new and used tractors and equipment.”

With Hilton Machinery now based at the Adderley Road Industrial Estate premises and Matt Bufton taken on to provide a parts delivery service and boost sales coverage across the McCormick territory, the informal partnership is really getting under way.

Former Burgess Nantwich agricultural engineer Robert Peacock has joined Chris Evans and Julian Simpson in the parts department at Market Drayton to help cope with extra demand for the stock of McCormick parts, sundries and merchandise they now have in place.

In the workshop, Wayne Evans has experienced technicians Mark Jones, David Hand and Edward Wellings working alongside him.

“We want to be sure of maintaining our current level of service; it’s been the bedrock of our business,” Chris continued. “I’d guess that maybe 70 per cent of our customers run a McCormick tractor or one of its ‘Doncaster’ predecessors from Case or International Harvester.”

“The biggest tractor we’ve supplied so far is an XTX165 developing 165hp for draft work and up to 171hp for pto and transport work,” said Julian Kearne. “The others are an MC130 four-cylinder tractor at 126hp and a 93hp C100 Max with a McCormick LiftMaster loader.

“It’s a very popular product line with a well-known name that’s competitive on spec and priced right for good value,” he added.

Police use tracker to recover plant equipment

Essex Police temporarily closed the QE2 Bridge in pursuit of a stolen JCB digger, which was recovered thanks to a signal from a TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery unit. The successful operation resulted in Police recovering over £350,000 worth of plant equipment and other items, including the original missing JCB.

The JCB digger was stolen from a construction site near Great Casterton, in Leicestershire. Luckily, the hire company that owned it had fitted a TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery device, which was activated to help police trace the missing JCB.

Officers managed to narrow the signal down to the back of a lorry on the QE2 Bridge, during rush hour. The bridge had to be closed while police stopped the lorry and arrested the driver. Once they checked the lorry, police discovered another stolen tractor and items valued at £350,000.

Sgt Colin Sheard from Essex Roads Policing Unit said: "This was a great result, involving excellent teamwork from Officers from Essex Police's RPU and Air Support Unit as well as the co-operation of staff from Dartford River Crossing and members of the public. Without a TRACKER unit installed in the JCB, this machinery would be well on its way to Europe. The owner of the second stolen tractor is very lucky to have his machinery back."

Adrian Davenport, TRACKER’s Police Relationships Manager said: “The successful recovery of this stolen JCB illustrates the need for plant owners to keep security and the safety of their fleet high on their agenda. Without TRACKER’s GSM, GPS and VHF, jammer-proof technology, that JCB could have been taken abroad and never seen again.”

Watch out for tractor thieves

A John Deere 6930 tractor showing its CESAR registration plate. Photo supplied

TRACTOR and plant theft is costing the agricultural and construction sectors more than £1-million every week according to industry estimates.

An average of 10-12 machines are stolen every day, many destined for the Middle East where there is a huge black market for these vehicles.

Lincolnshire police have been investigating a spate of thefts in the south of the county and have appealed to farmers and general public to be vigilant.

Among tractors stolen were John Deeres from farms in Sutton Bridge and Sutton St James; a JCB fast track, registration AE08LMF taken from Crowland together with a fertiliser spreader; two further John Deere tractors, one from Whaplode Drove, registration FX08LJC and another from Donington, registration FX06 EZW.

To help counter the problem, John Deere has announced that all its Mannheim-built tractors will be fitted with the official CESAR Scheme Datatag security system as standard, starting later this year.

This will cover all 5M and 5R Series, 6030 Standard and Premium Series, 7430 and 7530 models. John Deere dealers will also be trained to install Datatag on other product lines in due course, where it is not available ex-factory.

Tamperproof CESAR registration plates are fitted prominently to deter theft or vandalism, along with additional state of the art ID technology, including miniature transponders, Datadots and a unique forensic DNA solution.

John Deere dealers will keep individual records of Datatagged machines, and details of any stolen CESAR-registered machines can be circulated by Datatag worldwide to 187 countries.

n Essex Police temporarily closed the QE2 Bridge in pursuit of a stolen JCB digger, which was recovered thanks to a signal from a TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery unit. More than £350,000 worth of plant equipment, including the missing JCB, was recovered.

Police picked up a signal from the digger, which had been stolen from a construction site near Great Casterton, in Leicestershire; and, together with support from a helicopter unit, followed the silent signal to the Dartford River Crossing.

Easter Vintage Road Run raises funds for LIVES

DESPITE a heavy shower around the halfway mark, the Easter Saturday Vintage Vehicle Road Run was a great success and raised over £500 for the Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services (LIVES).

Organised by members of the Carrington Rally committee, the road run formed two convoys which set off from East Kirkby air museum. The first, led by Dennis Blanchard in his 1951 Morris van, included an array of beautifully turned out commercial vehicles spanning four decades from the 30s to the 70s, vintage motorcycles and cars, WWII Jeeps and early Land Rovers. The second – and somewhat slower – convoy, which included Fordson, Nuffield, Ferguson, Massey Ferguson, International, Farmall, John Deere and Belarus, was headed by Carrington Rally chairman Malcolm Robinson.

Centrepiece of the run was Robert Crawford’s Robey Steam Wagon. Unfortunately, the Robey completed just part of the route before problems with the water gauge forced early retirement. However, the Robey, and many other vehicles taking part in the road run, will be on display at the Carrington Rally (30-31 May).

The circular route took vehicles through villages in the South Wold foothills with a well-earned halfway halt at Grange Farm, Salmonby, where several tractor drivers took the opportunity to dry off from the downpour that heralded their arrival for lunch.

Returning to East Kirkby, everyone enjoyed a walk round the museum and a display of flying model aircraft.

Beneficiary of the 2010 Road Run, LIVES responds to over 10,000 emergency calls every year. Based in Horncastle with representatives across Lincolnshire, the volunteer medics and First Responders are responsible for saving many lives in the vital early moments after an accident or heart attack.

Training to get the message across

EFFORTS to train the UK’s agronomists in environmentally friendly farming methods as part of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) have made a healthy start.

Five recent awareness raising and training events aimed at agronomists and farming advisors have proved a success. The events were held on farms across the country including the RSPB’s Hope Farm in Cambridgeshire and were attended by 42 advisors.

In a response survey 73 per cent of the attendees said they now have a significant understanding of the objectives of the campaign and 100 per cent said they will be encouraging their clients to take part.

But campaign partners have said there is more work to be done to reach those agronomists and farm advisers who are not yet fully aware of the aims of the campaign. The RSPB has called on agronomy firms and independent agronomist groups to book Hope Farm for a free training day in which experts from key CFE partners will be on hand to guide them through the environmental measures included in the campaign.

Jim Egan, technical director of FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) and chairman of the CFE Delivery Group, said: “We have a had a really positive response from those who attended these events. A lot of them arrived thinking the campaign just meant more paperwork for them to fill in for their clients but they went away with a real understanding of the importance of the campaign.”

The campaign has so far directly reached 800 agronomists and farm advisors. As well as the training events, this has been achieved through speaking at agronomy conferences and briefings and attending company training days. The target is to reach 1500 over three years.

• Any agronomy firms and groups who want to book Hope Farm for a CFE training and awareness day can call Chris Bailey, RSPB Hope Farm Manager, on 01954 267438.

Buying groups unite for dairy farmers

FIRST Milk Direct is joining forces under a strategic alliance with Anglia Farmers for the benefit of its dairy farming members.

As a procurement arm for First Milk – the UK’s largest dairy farmer-owned business handling 1.7-billion litres of milk every year – First Milk Direct already sources dairy inputs and products at competitive prices for many of its 2600 members.

Equally, with a turnover of £175-million, Anglia Farmers is the UK’s largest agricultural purchasing group sourcing a vast range of agricultural inputs, business products and services for its 2400 members.

Under the alliance, Anglia Farmers will administrate and expand a number of the services First Milk Direct currently offers to members.

In addition to mainstream dairy requirements, Anglia Farmers will competitively source a range of products and services including machinery, animal health solutions for dairy hygiene and footcare, insurance, fertiliser, feed, agrochemicals and communications, such as phones and computers; while First Milk Direct will offer Anglia Farmers’ dairy members access to a range of products they don’t currently have, including the cluster exchange scheme, bedding and bulk tanks.

Play your part

NFU regional chairman’s message to farmers

Andrew Brown: farmers' roles have never been more important.
Photo: NFU

FOOD production is top of the political agenda now, according to the new chairman of NFU East Midlands’ regional board.

Caldecott, Rutland farmer, Andrew Brown, said that with a general election in the offing, farmers’ roles as primary food producers and keepers of our beautiful countryside have never been more important.

“The food security debate is now, more than ever before, top of the politicians’ agenda. As food becomes a scarcer commodity, with world population growth and the impact of climate change, government will need to look to British farmers to produce as much home-grown, high-quality food as possible.

“But we need the support of government to ensure that funding for research and development is channelled to meet these challenges. Farmers are willing to embrace new technologies, whether they’re technical or biological, in new breeding techniques, more accurate farm machinery and even genetically modified crops. These are the tools we will need to help feed our growing population.”

Andrew, who farms beef, sheep and arable crops in a family partnership at Caldecott, Rutland, is also a chartered environmentalist. The farm has won several national farm environment awards and is just coming to the end of a 10-year Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement.

He added: “We must get the message out to the 60 million UK customers that farming produces good food to high welfare and environmental standards and encourage more people to buy our produce. We can work with great initiatives such as LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday to bring people onto our farms and give them the hands-on experience about food production working hand in hand with the natural environment.

“Although food security is top of the political agenda, there are issues much closer to farmers’ hearts, not least that of bovine TB. The costs to the industry and the taxpayer now top £80-million a year and we must control the disease’s spread before it ravages the whole country and costs us even more.”

Andrew concluded: “NFU will be there for farmers and I want farmers to be there for NFU – play your part and represent your industry.”

Skipton agricultural showcase is a resounding success

Crowds look on at the grand parade at the Skipton show.

SKIPTON’S second bi-annual spring show of agricultural machinery, equipment and animal healthcare products proved a resounding success.

Staged recently at Skipton Auction Mart, the show attracted an attendance in excess of 1500 people from across the North of England – an increase of more than 300 on the launch event in 2008.

Joint organisers Guy Machinery, who are based at the auction mart, and animal health products specialist and agricultural merchants Pearson Farm Supplies, of West Marton, said they were both surprised and delighted with the turnout.

Guy Machinery’s managing director Graham Guy and Pearson Farm Supplies’ owner Chris Pearson commented afterwards: “It once again proved that there is a demand for this type of event in the region. The show created all-round interest for a broad spectrum of individuals and businesses, among them agricultural communities, construction companies and people with equestrian interests.”

A grand parade was co-ordinated by Guy Machinery, with running commentary, of the latest agricultural machinery from Valtra Tractors, Krone grassland equipment, Can-Am quad bikes and Ifor Williams Trailers, for whom Guy has now taken over the regional distributorship.

Pearson Farm Supplies showcased animal health product ranges, along with large stock handling equipment, cattle crushes, sheep races, clipping machines, water storage and diesel tanks and feed blocks.

The latest information on EID sheep tagging was also available, while representatives from some 15 pharmaceutical companies shone the spotlight on the latest wormers, vaccines and drugs. Around 100 trade stands also set up stall, displaying agricultural-related products and parts.

There was again a strong charity element to the show, with all proceeds – once finalised – to be donated to the special care baby unit at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton.

The top prize in a charity raffle was a Can-Am Outlander 400 quad bike worth £5800, won by North Craven sheep farmer Alan Smith, of Cold Cotes, Clapham. In the past, Mr Smith has used the farm’s Land Rover to do the rounds of his Swaledale and Mule sheep. “I’ll now be doing it in style on my brand-new quad bike!” he said.

Snainton Young Farmers ploughing match

THE weather was overcast for the start of Snainton Young Farmers' annual ploughing match but when the sun came out it was glorious.

Club members helped to make the day go smoothly and also sold bacon and sausage sandwiches and cups of tea and coffee as well as holding a raffle on the day to raise money. The event was hosted by North Yorkshire farmers, W Nutt & Son Ltd.

Vintage and modern tractors were at work; drivers I spoke to said they always look forward to the ploughing match as it is a way to show off the skills they have learnt over the years.

Results were as follow: Classic 1 Roger Ingham 2 Pete Gilson 3 James Barnett. Vintage trailed 1 Eric Jones 2 Andrew Pashby 3 Dave Thompson. Vintage mounted 1 Richard Wilson 2 Peter Fidell 3 Ken Suggitt. Conventional 1 A Aconley 2 D Grice 3 David Teesdale. Reversible 1 Josh Hardwick 2 Hannah Pattison 3 Stephen Norman. Junior 1 Jack Howarth 2 Callum Allinson 3 Frankie Beal. Women 1 Hannah Pattison 2 Claire Boynton 3 Holly Nutt.

New agronomy award from BASIS

BASIS has introduced a new Foundation Award in Agronomy providing a good solid introduction to the basics of agronomy.

“The new award has been designed to fill the gap for those who require an understanding of agronomy, including the weeds, pests and diseases affecting UK crops, but who will not be giving advice to growers,” said BASIS managing director Rob Simpson.

For some delegates with limited crop experience and knowledge, it will serve as a preliminary course for the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture or Vegetables) training.

The qualification awarded to those successful in the examination will be of particular value to those who see this as an end point in agronomy training. It will also serve to encourage those considering progression to other courses such as the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection and FACTS.

For the future, it may also be a suitable qualification for shop/distributor/counter/ telephone sales staff who may be selling and/or supplying crop protection products but not giving advice.

Chance of a lifetime for would-be farmers

FOR those who long to try their hands at farming, the BBC is offering the opportunity of a lifetime.

Programme makers are looking for 10 couples to take part in a new series in which over six weeks they will learn how to run and manage their own farm; from animal husbandry and harvesting to coping with the unpredictable British weather.

The series will culminate in the winning pair getting the opportunity to live and work on their own small farm.

To apply, please email your name to farm@splashmediatv.co.uk and an application form will be emailed to you.

Successful candidates may spend up to six weeks away from home in summer 2010.

Norfolk farm comes to market

While the Norfolk land market has recently been dominated by large estates and blocks of bare land, a sizeable residential farm  – complete with historic farmhouse – is being offered for sale by Brown & Co’s Norwich office.

Huntingfield Farm, at Bradenham near Dereham, comprises 458 acres (185 hectares), of which approximately 400 acres are in arable production supporting a rotation including wheat, barley, oilseed rape and beans.

“The Grade III land is in large, easily worked enclosures within a very attractive block, interspersed by mature hedges and spinneys of woodland giving the potential to create an enjoyable shoot,” says Brown & Co land agent Anne Barker.   “This commercial size farm boasts two houses, the principal one - Huntingfield Farmhouse - is Grade II listed and steeped in history.”

Originally the Lodge to Huntingfield Hall, the farmhouse is understood to have 16th century origins and the western elevation has a Royal coat of arms, believed to be those of Elizabeth I. Beautifully situated in around 40 acres of grazing meadows, Huntingfield Farmhouse benefits from a substantial range of traditional farm buildings, including a former granary and coach house.

Huntingfield Hall has long since been demolished although the moat, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, remains at Top Farm – home to the secondary house, Top Farmhouse. Further buildings at Top Farm include a modern grain store with a ventilated drying floor.

Huntingfield Farm is offered for sale as a whole or in 4 Lots with a guide price of £3.4m.  For further information contact Brown & Co’s Norwich office, telephone 01603 629871 or visit www.brown-co.com

Strong demand for agricultural property

An agricultural property comprising a bungalow, farm shop, farm buildings and 22 acres of pastureland sold for £488,000 at auction in Kidderminster.

The well located property, known as Grove Farm, Stanmore, Bridgnorth, attracted very competitive bidding before being sold to a local farmer at the auction held by auctioneers Halls at the Gainsborough House Hotel.

A 6.7-acre pasture field at Summerfield, near Kidderminster also went under the hammer, selling for an excellent figure of £77,000 – £11,494 per acre – after spirited bidding.

Auctioneer Roger Sadler, a director of Halls, said the auction attracted keen interest and a full saleroom, which reflected a strong demand for agricultural property.

For more information about Halls' next auction tel: 01562 820990.

BBC looking for farmers in the making

THE BBC is looking for 10 couples to take part in a new series which will offer the winners the chance to live and work on their own small farm.

Over six weeks, participants will learn how to run and manage their own farm; from animal husbandry and harvesting to coping with the unpredictable British weather.
For an application form, please email your name to farm@splashmediatv.co.uk.
Successful candidates may spend up to six weeks away from home in summer 2010.

Farmers offered new 'green' funding deal

THE Carbon Trust has extended its interest-free energy saving loans to the agricultural sector.
English farmers are eligible for unsecured, interest-free loans for between £3000 and £20,000 to help them upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. The loans are designed to pay for themselves through direct energy savings provided over one to four years – and after the loan is repaid, farmers will make direct savings on their energy costs, as well as cutting the carbon footprint of what they produce.

Environment Minister Hilary Benn said: "These interest-free loans will help farmers to upgrade their equipment to become more energy efficient – saving money in the long run, as well as helping the agricultural sector to cut emissions right at the start of the food chain."

As part of the Carbon Trust's Big Business Refit, the money has been made available from the Carbon Trust's existing loans fund, which was bolstered by further funding from the Treasury in the 2009 Budget. The loans will be available on a first come, first served basis.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: "Improving energy efficiency is a win-win situation because it helps cut agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions as well as saving money for farmers and growers. There are already examples of businesses that have taken simple but effective steps to reduce their environmental impact in this way and I hope these loans will enable others to follow suit."

The new funding has been provided to help the farming sector to meet the carbon reduction aims laid out in the Government’s Low Carbon Transition Plan.

• More information at: www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans >>

Big demand for farm holidays

THE first month of 2010 has seen a record number of enquiries to Farm Stay UK, which represents over 1200 different types of farm accommodation ranging from luxurious five-star farm cottages to ultra cool converted pig sties!

“It seems that farm holidays are top of the list for families and couples as new year holiday research begins and visits to our website have been at the highest levels we have ever seen,” said Andy Woodward, Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK.

Farm Stay members cover the whole of the UK and its new website, which was built and developed by Warwickshire-based NET Visibility, is tailor-made so guests can select and search from a number of criteria in order to create their perfect holiday.

For more information about Farm Stay UK please visit www.farmstay.co.uk or to become a member please contact Andy Woodward on tel 02476 696909 or email andy@farmstay.co.uk

• More information at: www.farmstay.co.uk >>

Rural funding event attracts 200 regional businesses

A RURAL conference held by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) attracted more than 200 business representatives to Newark Showground.

The 'Funding opportunities available to land-based businesses' event focused on the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) – which is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and managed in the region by emda, the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

The conference offered delegates the opportunity to attend specialist workshops covering a wide range of RDPE topics such as livestock; woodfuel and forestry; diversification and new opportunities; and renewable energy and water
resource efficiency.

Speaking at the event, Jeff Moore, emda's chief executive, said: "It's a little-known fact that the East Midlands is the third most rural region in England, so the rural economy does in fact play a much more important role in our economic vitality than it does in other regions. This is why emda and its partners have supported a range of rural projects in recent years.”

Examples of projects that RDPE in the East Midlands has already supported included Woldgrain in Lincolnshire, creating over 26,000 tonnes of additional crop storage to maximise returns for growers; and Branston Ltd, who assisted in the resource efficiency workshop at the event to showcase how they extract water and energy from waste potatoes.

Throughout the day, businesses who had already delivered successful RDPE projects, also talked about their experiences of seeking funding; and the RDPE team was on hand to give one to one advice and guidance on potential project ideas that could be eligible for a grant.
Launched in January 2008, emda's RDPE programme is delivered directly to farmers, foresters, growers and the food sector.

The agency's priority is to allocate grants to support businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity and sustainability.

Funded by the European Union (EU) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (Defra), emda delivers the business development element of RDPE in the region, with a budget of £61-million available to land-based businesses until 2013.

Michael Stubbs, rural development programme manager at emda, said: "This event has been a real success and we have had positive feedback from the many farmers and rural business representatives that attended. We hope it will generate many new expressions of interest in RDPE grants."

To contact the rural team call: 0115 947 1797, email: rdpe@emd.org.uk or visit www.emda.org.uk/rdpe

• For more information: www.emda.org.uk/rdpe >>

Major award for Cornwall Farmers' apprentice

Cornwall Farmers’ James Marks, winner of the City & Guilds Gold Medal and the John Deere Year Two Student of the Year Award.
Photo: Cornwall Farmers/Rob Jewell

ONE of Cornwall Farmers’ young engineering apprentices has scooped a major national student award in his second year at agricultural college.

James Marks has won the City & Guilds Gold Medal for his NVQ folder. The award is made to just one student each year from all of Britain’s agricultural colleges. James also claimed the Outstanding Achievement Award for Second Year at Brooksby College, Melton Mowbray, and the John Deere Year Two Student of the Year Award.

“Last year I won the John Deere Year One AgTech Student of The Year Award and this year I’ve managed to go even better so I’m delighted and very grateful for the support that I’ve been given throughout my apprenticeship, especially by the management team here at Cornwall Farmers,” says James.

With Cornwall Farmers being the main distributor for John Deere tractors and equipment in the South West, John Deere’s sponsorship of the AgTech Engineering Course provides each Cornwall Farmers student with a very thorough and essential knowledge of all the firm’s machines.

Agricultural chaplain is Rural Hero of 2009

Agricultural chaplain, Canon Rev Alan Robson: winner of the Countryside Alliance Rural Heroes awards.
Photo: Janet Richardson

Lincolnshire's Agricultural Chaplain, the Rev Canon Alan Robson, was named as Rural Hero of 2009 at the Countryside Alliance's 'Rural Oscars' at a Parliamentary reception on Wednesday 3 February. British titles also went to businesses from Cumbria, Yorkshire, Worcestershire and Dumfries with political awards going to Sir Alan Beith MP and Philip Dunne MP.

Launched in September, the fifth annual Countryside Alliance Awards attracted a record 2500 nominations from across Britain.

Regional winners were declared in December and those winners went forward to the grand final, judged by Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Simon Hart along with Clarissa Dickson Wright, Farmers Guardian Editor Emma Penny, Daily Telegraph commentator Charlie Brooks and British Food Fortnight Director Alexia Robinson.

The 2009 winners are:
Local Food Award: Beadlam Grange Farm Shop and Tea Room, Pockley, Yorkshire; highly commended: White Haywood Farm, Herefordshire.

Village Shop/Post Office Award: Feckenham Community Shop, Worcestershire; highly commended: Otley Village Store, Suffolk.

Rural Enterprise Award: Machars Movies, Isle of Whithorn, Dumfries; highly commended: Seasalter Lamb, Kent.

Daily Telegraph Traditional Business Award: The Greyhound Inn, Grizebeck, Cumbria; highly commended: SW Doughty Butcher, Doddington, Kent.

Rural Hero of 2009: Canon Rev Alan Robson, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire; highly commended: Tim Rollings, owner of Fishers Farm Park in West Sussex.

Political Awards: Grassroots Award: Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed; Westminster Award: Philip Dunne, Conservative MP for Ludlow.

LAMMA goes from strength to strength

Jack Dale with John Dale Drills' triple award-winning Eco-Drill, which was launched at LAMMA. As well as being named the best new product or innovation in LAMMA 2010, it also won the section for best product with a retail price greater than £5000 and best from a Lincolnshire or Nottinghamshire-based company. A director in the company run by his father Edward at Howsham near Brigg, Jack said it was a great honour to win the award. www.daledrills.com
Photo: Janet Richardson

THE prominence of LAMMA as one of the UK's major machinery showcases – and the first one of the year – was highlighted by the number of companies who launched new products onto the market.

And it wasn't just products; new companies including Challenger Agri (UK) Ltd and FarmGEM Sprayers used the show to introduce themselves to the visitors who travel from all over the UK and beyond – including a group from Africa.

The usual suspects of weather and traffic congestion failed to spoil the party. The closure of the A1 due to an incident involving gas cylinders may have deterred some people from travelling on the first day, but this probably made for a more even flow of visitors between the two days.

Organisers had already pulled out all the stops to prepare the showground following the big freeze.

Director Robert Willey spoke of the work that LAMMA has done, including drainage, which made a noticeable difference to conditions underfoot, and a new entrance.

“This year it has gone very well. The weather has been tremendous and it has kept everybody moving nicely through.”

Challenger Agri (UK) Ltd managing director Tom Croft said: “We have used LAMMA to launch our company and have had a lot of interest.”

• More from LAMMA, turn to page 20 of the February issue >>

Rural Hero to be revealed

Agricultural chaplain, Canon Rev Alan Robson: shortlisted for the Countryside Alliance Rural Heroes awards.
Photo: Janet Richardson

THE Countryside Alliance's Rural Hero 2009 will soon be revealed, five contenders having been shortlisted for the award.

They are: Canon Rev Alan Robson of Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, who has been the county's agricultural chaplain for the past 10 years and set up the Lincolnshire Farmer Support Group to help isolated farmers. Alan also conceived and launched the Epic Project, a Lincolnshire centre for environmental innovation to explore new responses to global warming.

Mick Leivers, Newstead Village, Nottinghamshire, dedicates a lot of his time to improving the quality of living for the rural community in Newstead village and across the county; part of this through his job at Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire, which delivers alternative education and training to young people who are struggling with mainstream education.

Tim Rollings, Fishers Farm Park, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, has been nominated mainly by the youngsters he employs at Fishers Farm Park, an educational farm to teach the next generation about the countryside.

John Trapmore, Emsworth, Hampshire, volunteered his Transit van and his driving services to breast cancer fly fishing charity Casting for Recovery and is now an indispensable member of
the team.

Eric Norgbey, pharmacist, Kings Worthy, Hampshire, and his wife have, through their pharmacy, brought a breath of fresh air to the community and this has inspired many of the residents.

The Rural Hero awards celebrate the skills, produce, traditions and enterprise of the countryside through the characters who work so hard to make it tick. Rural Heroes are nominated by public vote having done something inspirational for rural life. The winner will was due to be announced at a Parliamentary reception on 3 February.

BASIS appoints technical manager

KARL Bahn has been appointed technical manager for the standard setting organisation, BASIS.

He had previously spent 10 years as an agronomist with Masstock Arable, providing advice to farmer customers in East Yorkshire.

BASIS qualified since 1998, Karl’s appointment to this new position will strengthen the technical capability of the management team.

His responsibilities will include overseeing the technical content of events qualifying for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, checking and updating BASIS syllabuses and keeping up to date with regulatory changes.

Karl is married to Debbie and they each have two children. He is a keen Hull City supporter and follows the England national team at home and abroad.

East Anglia diversification schemes rewarded

Judges, sponsors, winners and members of the Suffolk Agricultural Association pictured at the 2009 BALE awards held at Trinity Park.

SUCCESSFUL diversification enterprises by farmers in East Anglia have been recognised in an awards ceremony organised by Suffolk Agricultural Association at Trinity Park, Ipswich.
The annual Best Alternative Land Enterprise (BALE) awards for diversification are held annually by the Suffolk Agricultural Association and in partnership with Ashton Graham Solicitors since they began in 1992.

First prize went to Robert and Oliver Paul for their innovative Suffolk Food Hall that brings together local suppliers in the Suffolk equivalent of a stylish food market and supports other rural businesses.

Presenting the winners with the Ashton Graham Challenge Cup and cheque for £1000, Jonathan Long, agricultural partner at sponsors Ashton Graham solicitors, commented: “Oliver and Robert Paul have won the competition because of the careful conversion of a substantial but redundant farm building making perfect use of its rural location; and for their contribution to the local economy evidenced by the number of employees at Suffolk Food Hall; and for their marketing of locally sourced produce in an inspired and attractive way.”

Second prize went to John Carrick for Castle Farm, Swanton Morley, near Dereham, Norfolk, who was presented with a cheque for £250 and certificate by Suffolk Show president Mike Hollingsworth for his conversion of a derelict Victorian barn and outbuildings to wedding, conference, banqueting and events venue, supported by 11 bed and breakfast rooms, as well as the conversion of two derelict farm cottages to a freehouse and restaurant.

The award for the best newcomer was presented to Mark Black for Portable Space Limited at Bacton, near Stowmarket. David Black & Son Limited is a fourth generation family business involved in pig and arable farming. Portable Space was set up as a subsidiary in 2002 and is involved in the hire, sale and transport of portable cabins and shipping containers for accommodation and storage use.

Lady Euston, her son Viscount Ipswich and estate manager Jim Broatch from the Euston Estate were presented with a cheque for £100 and certificate for the Best 'Green' Practice Award for Euston Firewood, a firewood business created to make use of the surplus wood from the 1500 acres of woodland on the estate.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to:

• Husband and wife team, Jason and Katharine Salisbury, who established Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses in July 2004. Cheeses are hand-made from the milk from the 32-cow herd of Guernseys, and cheese, milk, eggs and home-reared beef and pork (whey fed) are sold from the newly opened farm shop.

• David and Sarah Robertson for Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure in Wickham Market, that offers a holiday let, weddings venue, camping and caravan site, dog agility, residential children’s holidays, Camargue stud, pony club, NVQ outreach, adult education and school visits.

• Graham Downing for Bridge Farm, Chediston, near Halesworth, for the conversion of a redundant timber-framed barn using traditional materials into an independent living centre providing equipment and services to disabled and elderly people. A therapy suite offers a base for local therapists and the building is heated with a wood-fired boiler using locally sourced woodchip.

NH brings a buzz to LAMMA

Customers who use orchard machinery also rely on honeybees for their livelihoods Photo supplied

MACHINERY manufacturer New Holland has joined forces with the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) in the fight to save Britain’s honeybees.

As well as providing essential funding, the company will raise awareness of the work of the BBKA among farmers, landowners and contractors at key agricultural shows and events, with LAMMA 2010 marking the official launch.

New Holland will also use its extensive dealer network and customer base to support the aims of the BBKA and to help educate the public on the importance of bees in the environment and the impact they have on food security.

Honeybees are an essential element of agricultural production in the UK. It is estimated that their pollination activities contribute at least £200-million to the agricultural economy every year. Not only are they vital for horticulture, they are also necessary for the successful harvest of oilseed rape, borage and other crops. And their contribution to British wildlife pollinating wild berries and seeds is impossible to quantify.

Without pollination, harvests could fail, which in turn could trigger food shortages. In short, the crisis in the honeybee population could easily become another crisis for UK farming and have a serious impact on the livelihoods of Britain’s farmers.

New Holland’s marketing manager Richard Spencer says: “This is a problem that New Holland is taking very seriously. It’s clear that the customers who use our machines also rely on honeybees.”
www.britishbee.org.uk

Claas announce engineering scholarship winner

Congratulating Jonathan is Alastair Tulloch (head of after sales, Claas UK) with Richard Langley (far right, industrial liaison manager at HAUC); Jane Broomhall (near right, Claas UK group personnel manager) and Beate Kral (left, human resources/management development, Claas Group, Germany).

THE Claas Group has announced that Harper Adams student Jonathan Bradbeer is the winner of its fourth Scholarship for Agricultural Engineering.

Jonathan, who originates from Stroud in Gloucestershire, is in his second year at Harper Adams University College (HAUC) where he is studying MEng (Hons) Agricultural Engineering.

As the winner of the Claas Scholarship, Jonathan’s fees for the second and fourth years of his studies will be covered, while in year three he will complete a one-year sandwich placement at the Claas Group headquarters at Harsewinkel, Germany. As part of the scholarship, Jonathan will also be offered a summer placement with Claas UK.

In selecting Jonathan as its latest Scholar, Claas not only took into consideration his academic background, but also his character, skills and enthusiasm for agricultural engineering.

Launched in 2005 at the personal instigation of Helmut Claas, the Claas Scholarship is open to one second-year student per year who is studying on either the MEng/BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Agricultural Engineering, or the BSc (Hons) Agricultural Engineering Marketing and Management courses at Harper Adams.

New varieties join PGRO list

Theo Labuda: new varieties are good news for pulse growers. photo supplied

THE 2010 PGRO Pulse Recommended Lists include four varieties – two combining peas plus a spring bean and a winter bean – from LS Plant Breeding Ltd who are now establishing a firm presence in the UK pulse market.

"We believe the new varieties joining the PGRO Recommended Lists are good news for UK pulse growers as they show the results of the renewed investment going into pulse breeding," said LSPB managing director Theo Labuda. "This investment is already bringing these new, improved varieties to the market and will bring further advances over the next few years."

On the combining pea Recommended List, white pea Gregor has progressed from P1 to P2 recommendation, while large blue pea, Bluestar has been added with a provisional (P1) recommendation. On the spring bean list, pale hilum spring bean, Fury, has been added with a provisional (P1) recommendation.

"Our fourth success was to see the winter bean Husky from our breeding programme progress to provisional (P1) recommendation. Husky has a pale hilum and skin, so we believe it should be suitable for export markets," added Mr Labuda.

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New dealer joins Landini network

Paul (left) and Brian Beddoes with Landini Powerfarm tractors at their Pentrhyling dealership premises near Churchstoke, Montgomery. Photo supplied

LANDINI tractor owners in mid-Wales and Shropshire are being supported by the appointment of a new dealer to the Italian marque’s sales and service network.

Beddoes Machinery Sales is run by Brian and Paul Beddoes, who come from a farming family and have 20 years’ experience supplying machinery having set up their business in 1989 as a diversification from farming and contracting. They have added Landini tractor sales and service to complement a successful plant sales business, which supplies mini excavators, skid-steer and wheeled loaders, wood chippers, small telehandlers and dumpers.

Brian Beddoes said: “Apart from having an agricultural background, we know the farm equipment market from the fact that around 80 per cent of the skid-steer loaders we sell go to farmers.”

Beddoes Machinery Sales is based at Pentrhyling near Churchstoke, Montgomery, from where the business is well-placed to serve farmers in a Landini territory covering mid-Wales eastwards to the A49 in Shropshire that extends from north of Builth Wells, east and south of Dolgellau to west of Shrewsbury.

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