farming scotland magazine (march-april 2013)

BALERS • SPRAYERS • IRRIGATION • FENCINGSELLAR AGRICULTURE

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND THE CHEESERYBEAUTIFUL TRACTORS • DROVERS TALES

READER POLL FOOD TRACEABILITY

ARABLE • POTATOES • LIVESTOCK • MACHINERYGADGETS • FINANCE • FUTURE FARMER • DAIRY

RENEWABLE ENERGY • LIFESTYLE

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com APRIL 2013

PUBLISHER/EDITORAthole Murray FlemingE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

ADVERTISING DIRECTORAthole Murray FlemingTel. 01738 639747

ADVERTISING MANAGERBarry TweedTel. 01738 550090Email: [email protected]

PRODUCTION DIRECTORChristina FlemingEmail: [email protected]

CON

TENTSApril 2013

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PUBLISHER’S NOTES

COPYRIGHTThis publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD.

SUPPLIED MATERIALATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD does not accept any liability for loss or damage to supplied film transparencies, photographs or other such promotional material.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd.

Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive,Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

©ATHOLE DESIGN 2013

ISSN: 2041–918X

WHAT A LOAD OF HORSE!There is a saying, “You are what you eat”. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, this column isn’t long enough for all the “horse’ jokes flying around as I write this little comment. But this current breach in Bio-Security within our food chain is a deadly serious matter, and no UK Government Department is going to convince me otherwise.

Farm shops and local butchers are already seeing more customers through their doors, because all meat produce is 100% traceable, and that is a great marketing platform for all UK farmers.

“Processed food is full of bad and nasty things”, we hear dieticians tell us on TV. Why is this allowed then? This lazy approach wouldn’t be allowed for the farming industry would it?

Another great “processed food” thing is labelling. “Product of the EU”, so that could be how many countries then? Tells you nothing. “Product of more that one country” is another great label that tells you nothing.

Total 100% traceability in all food going into the human food chain should be demanded now, and if not, then banned from entering Scotland and the UK.

If we want to support local food, quality food, and not processed rubbish, then this is the way forward. If producers have something to hide, then don’t buy it.

The time for the public to support their local farmers and farm stores is now. Perhaps some of you will know how this marketing could be achieved?

Anyway, this is only my personal thought on this ‘nagging’ matter.

Athole.

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Main FeaturesIrrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Sprayers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-24Balers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-40Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-44Company ProfileSellars Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-56Beautiful TractorsA new regular series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Drovers TalesThe working diary of Ken Headspeath at Borland Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Flavour of ScotlandFeaturing The Cheesery, Dundee . . . . . . . . . . . . 57-59ColumnsIn my View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Scottish Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9NFU of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Scottish Wine Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Farmers Markets in Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Let’s Cook Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Anything but Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Farming for the Climate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Crofting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Readers Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71The Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75The Money Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Conservation Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81People on the Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98NEWS SECTIONSArable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27Renewable Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60.61 Gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-67Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-75 Future Farmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77-79 Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-93Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94-97

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ARABLE

8

Cutting red tape

By Richard LochheadRural Affairs and Environment Secretary

The Scottish Government

ARABLE



IRRIGATION

New Javelin equipment for the 2013 seasonAfter a rather damp 2012 which benefited neither farmer nor irrigation company alike, we can only look forward to 2013 with greater optimism of fine weather and a productive season for all concerned.

New to the Javelin product range for 2013 are the Irrifrance Optima 1027, 1032 and 1037 irrigators. With increased hose size options of 90 to 135mm in diameter and 350 to 570 metres in length, this gives a larger range of choices for various applications. These machines have the high-specification Irridoseur computer which gives the user full control over water application rates. They are fully hydraulic operated and have a new motorised valve system which replaces the previous type electro-valves. This feature allows the use of dirty water which was not possible with the electro-valves.

Javelin Irrigation Systems has two main machinery dealers in Scotland. RGS Forfar Ltd and Fergusson Systems, based at North Berwick, offer a local point

of contact for sales and after-sales back-up for equipment such as Irrifrance and RM hose reel irrigators, booms, diesel engine pump units, rainguns and Rovatti pumps. Accessories such as Irrifrance, Wright Rain and Bauer type pipework and fittings plus

Controlling the water of lifeWe hear from a couple of companies

specialising in this field

Javelin/Murphy engine monitoring equipment are readily available from stock in order to help reduce down-time during the important summer months.

Greencrop IrrigationAt the beginning of last year growers were facing the worst


IRRIGATION

droughts ever recorded, and also potential crop losses. As the drought continued questions were been asked if there would be sufficient water to irrigate the crops for the full growing season.

However after months of continues rain, this changed all that, but irrigators where out

again in some areas at the end of the growing season to softening the soil ready for lifting crops.

Growers must remember the situation they nearly found themselves in, and must look at the future to be more prepared, not only on water supply, and storage but better efficiency when using the water.

Great savings have been made last season on labour, water, and fuel bills which would have been spent on irrigation, so now would be the time to look at your system, and see where it can be improved by replacing old engine pumps set, and leaking inefficient irrigators with new fuel efficient, low noise pump sets and larger bore computer controlled irrigators with new type hi efficient rain guns etc.

Greencrop Irrigation can offer high-quality Irrimec irrigators with computer control and low-pressure turbines.

Irrimec hose reel irrigators are supplied with painted drum in epoxy anti-corrosive primer with final coat of oven baked polyurethane paint for superb long lasting finish. Chassis, turret and gun trolley are hot galvanized. Turbine drive with patented “ Turbimec” system interchangeable for flows of 10-130mc/hr at low inlet pressure

Complete hydraulic operation of support legs, drawbar jack, turntable rotation and trolley lift. Single or tandem axle, 3-wheel asymmetric trolley c/w Konkord vari-angle gun and spare nozzles, can be set for centre pull or offset.

All our Irrigation reels are driven from one or both sides by a cut gear ring positioned on the outer diameter of the drum, unlike a chain drive; the hose to be driven by a low-torque gear drive, which is positive and low wearing. All machines are supplied with “Dosidis” a simple-to-use computer control system that follows a logical formula for setting rates and delay start/stop times etc. These can also be controlled remotely by GSM systems

An alternator is fitted as standard, which maintains full battery charge on each run, relieving the failures experienced with nighttime operation using solar panels.


IRRIGATION

Forfar Tel: 01307 462281Perth Tel: 01738 583249Blairgowrie Tel: 01250 870952 Laurencekirk Tel: 01561 378888Dundonald Tel: 01563 851900Doune Tel: 01786 842921

www.agricar.co.uk

Greencrop Irrigation are also a leading manufacture in the UK of a full range of high-quality diesel pump sets, easy to use semi electronic control and engine protection panel, start up is a simple operation and diagnostic information is easier to understand and see. High/Low and no flow are controlled by a flow meter, that displays on

the panel the flow rate ,so you can set the pump to the correct flow rate, saving fuel costs. Panel options are full GSM of start run data and stop functions, M3hr record, Auto line fill pressure system this restricts the pump output until a pre set line pressure is reached, on achieving this the engine will throttle to maintain demand pressure. Or monitor

irrigation in real time, either buy using mobile phone SMS text messaging or through a web browser. The acoustic cabinet is rated at 72db at only 1 metre.

We are offering a special deal for customers to upgrade their control panels on old (an make) pump sets, to make the pump more efficient. Standard upgrade manual control, or full line fill with telephone operation options will be available. Information on upgrades is available from Greencrop Irrigation.

Wright Rain pumping systemsTo complement Wright Rain’s full range of Rainmaker hose reel irrigators, the company has been taking advantage of it’s long tradition, and vast experience in the complete irrigation system design for agriculture in both the UK and overseas markets.

This is an area of the irrigation business that has changed over the last few years, where customers were phoning up looking for the keenest price on a specific piece of equipment such as piping or a hose reel irrigator, without too much regard to the suitability of existing pumping and piping system efficiency.

Wright Rain also specialises in designing and assembling complete, automated, electric pumping systems specifically

designed for the individual farm application allowing for future expansions, flexibility and containerised for housing and security, where required.

Many of these Wright Rain pumping systems have been provided over the last few years specific to the agricultural or Industrial applications and using the most efficient computerised control systems to most effectively minimise the power consumption and subsequent running costs.

Total Irrigation SystemsTIS is a family business which started in 1994 to service irrigation needs for sports and agriculture.

TIS has recently been appointed as supplier of John Deere Water irrigation equipment into the Scottish market. Their wide range of innovative products for soft fruit, potatoes and nursery crops are proving ever more popular within the commercial sector. New more accurate drippers with water saving potential and a hugely attractive price are available now alongside T.Tape, Hydrolite, Hydropdrip and many other products.

TIS will design, supply, install and maintain all your component parts if required. As a result we can offer a turn key on stop shop service of high quality.

In addition, borehole prognosis, grey water harvest, rain water harvest, wash bay water recycling system. UV treatment and filtration are all within the TIS group of companies.


BEAUTIFULTRACTORSA new regular feature for all our tractor enthusiasts

OLIVER, MODEL 80 STANDARD

USA,1942

WEEKS-DUNGEY, MODEL NEW SIMPLEX

UK, c.1922In 1930 the Oliver Farm Equipment Co. became an amalgam of several companies, notably the venerable Hart Parr tractor works of Charles City, Iowa. Despite the Great Depression, Oliver quickly introduced new models that incorporated unit frame construction including the popular Model 80 Standard. Oliver was a tractor mainstay until it became part of the White Motor Corporation in the 1960s.

FeaturesThe powerful-looking Model 80 used an Oliver/Waukesha four- cylinder motor and a three-speed transmission. It was available on steel wheels or pneumatic tyres with optional electric starters and lights. Oliver favoured utility over style, but the 80 was pleasing to the eye in its Oliver Green hue and red wheels.

UsesThe 80 was rated as a three-plough tractor and accomplished that with ease. A well-placed belt pulley also made it a fine threshing outfit, especially when belted to one of Oliver’s famous Red River Special threshing machines. An Oliver 80 can still do a good day’s work and then take a break at the local tractor show.

Related ModelsA row crop version was also produced. After 1940 a diesel motor was offered for the standard-tread 80. A larger Model 90 was similar in appearance.

Power & Size40 hp; weight: 1905kg (4200lb) length: 310cm (122in) width 155cm (61in) height: 142cm (56in)

Manufacturing & DistributionSome 12,000 Model 80s were built in Charles City, Iowa. They were sold under the Cockshutt Plow Co. name in Canada and came to Britain under the Lend-Lease programme early in the Second World War. Some were imported into Australia, New Zealand and southern Africa.

The history books do not give his first name, but a Mr Dungey from Kent needed a farm tractor. He talked a local iron founder and engine maker, William Weeks & Son, into making one for him. Called the Simplex, it was built in 1915 and, although rudimentary in appearance, it worked well enough to encourage Weeks to carry on. His more substantial New Simplex made its first appearance in 1919.

FeaturesWeeks was lucky enough to have secured some American-made, four-cylinder Waukesha motors and three-speed transmissions. Differential lock and rack-and-pinion steering were an advance over the competition. The New Simplex had solid wheels, a heavy frame and a hint of styling in the grey tin work and red wheels. A rubber tyre version was available for road hauling.

UsesMr Dungey had a large orchard and hop-growing operation and needed a tractor that wouldn’t damage the tender crops. This led Weeks to give the New Simplex a compact layout.

Related ModelsSadly, although orchard tractors were eventually offered by most of the major tractor builders, this model marked the end of Weeks’s tractor production.

Power & Size30 hp; weight: 1497kg (3300lb) length: 249cm (98in) width: 122cm (48in) height: 137cm (54in)

Manufacturing & DistributionBuilt at the Perseverance Iron Works in Maidstone, Kent, from 1919 to c.1925. It is thought that only around 220 examples were produced. The tractor seems to have been limited mainly to local sales.

Images from “Beautiful Tractors – Iconic Models” by Rick Mannen

Available in paperback: £12.99. For further information : 0207 284 9314

Your local dealer for all things Vicon. Sprayers, Spreaders, Mowers,

Balers & Bale-wrappers.Also a selection of SH tractors

and machines in stockTHE AIRSTRIP, FORDOUN, LAURENCEKIRK, AB30 1JR

Tel. 01561 320639 Fax. 01561 320690


A MYRIAD OF SPRAYERSWe take a quick look at some of the top brands

available for the season ahead

SPRAYERS

New flagship trailed sprayer from Amazone: the UX 11200AMAZONE Ltd will extend their range of UX trailed sprayers with a new model at LAMMA 2013. With the UX 11200, AMAZONE now offers a 12,000 l sprayer with tandem axle system for large farms and expanding businesses needing to cope with higher yard to field distances.

With an actual volume of 12,000 litres (nominal volume 11,200) the UX 11200 offers a huge capacity for maximising work rates but with subsequently reduced non-productive time.

The vehicle concept is feature-packed with its fill-level regulated hydro-pneumatic axle suspension with roll stabilisation and tall tyres up to a diameter of 1.95 m. With a permissible road speed of up to 40 km/h, as standard with automatic braking force regulator and a support load of up to 3 t on the hitch drawbar coupling, the UX 11200 is as convincing on the road as it is in the field. The full load even with AUS, thanks to the good weight distribution, can be carried on 520 mm wide tyres. The proven Super-L boom, from 24 to 40 m working

width, performs even better on this chassis and is folded in just as compactly as usual into the transport position.

As standard, the chassis features a track-following steering rear axle (SingleTrail) for good ride characteristics and little wheel track damage. As an option, the UX 11200 can also be equipped with the electronically controlled, DoubleTrail axle steering.

Now there are 5 Tenors!Since their launch in 2007 Berthoud ‘Tenor’ trailed sprayers have successfully met both operator and environmental needs in one of the most competitive market sectors in UK agriculture. The range has been extended by a new Tenor 65-70 model.

The major design objective has been to reduce environmental

impact. Berthoud redesigned the trailed sprayer ‘from the ground up’, starting with suspension and a unique, easy rinse tank shape, and finishing with useful storage compartments for the convenience of the operator.

Tenor’s tanks have distinctive curved lines which not only aid stability, mixing and rinsing, they also ensure minimal residues for safe removal. This is assisted by pump’s simplified and shortened pipe work.

The Omega bi-turbine pump ensures spray pressures up to 8 bar. All models are available with a choice of DP Tronic or EC Tronic controls, including the E-Pilot remote control option.


SPRAYERS

Tenors are now available with 2800, 3500, 4300, 5500 and 6500 litre tanks with boom options from 24 to

42m. The latest boom option is Berthoud’s new Ektar B2 boom which features dual action pendulum-axial type

suspension with anti-yaw technology.

The 2 section boom offers a combination of strength, low

maintenance and improved ride. It provides operators with the flexibility to alter suspension to best suit the terrain they are working on, selecting either the pendulum or the axial centre pivot system from inside the cab.

The triangulated aluminium structure integrates pipes and nozzle holders. Nitrogen ball on variable geometry cylinder guarantees improved shock absorption.

Chafer Multidrive FCChafer Machinery have been working closely with Multidrive tractors to develop a new versatile forward control self propelled sprayer based on the well proven Multidrive 6195 tractor. The first of these new self propelled sprayers have now been sold and will be delivered in the autumn of 2012. The new machine has been designed to combine the benefits of a mechanic


SPRAYERS


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transmission with the efficient layout of a forward control sprayer. The Chafer Multidrive FC will be sold exclusively in the UK by Chafer Machinery Ltd through their national dealer network.

The move to a forward control cab allows for a larger centrally located area for the Chafer spray pack which gives

huge improvements in weight distribution and also the ability to fit a larger tank. The longer load space allows for the fitting of longer, lower spray tanks lowering the centre of gravity and improve the weight balance. The overall front to rear weight distribution is close to 50/50 resulting in lower ground pressures and better

traction. The new chassis features a reduced wheelbase of 3.8m wheel base ensuring a tight turning circle and maximum manoeuvrability. The cab gives excellent all round visibility and comes as standard with climate control, tinted curved glass and additional storage for documents and tools.

The Chafer Multidrive FC chassis is based on the underlying chassis, steering, axles and suspension from the 6195 Multidrive which has been in production since 2008.

Latest from ChallengerThe latest Challenger RG600B Series models now incorporate a number of important features that take them even further ahead of the game. Central boom frame and boom suspension provides industry-leading boom stability for extremely accurate spraying. The innovative symmetrical

and asymmetrical suspension eliminates vertical and horizontal movements to maximise spray coverage accuracy.

Unique, single-beam, steel chassis allows outstanding manoeuvrability and easy access to key components. Optimum weight distribution minimises ground compaction.

Three models, all powered by AGCO SISU OWER engines, now benefiting from Selective

Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, reducing both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.

Specifically-designed, fully independent suspension on each wheel for a silky, smooth ride on- or off-road, at the same time minimising vehicle-imposed boom movement.

Unique hydraulic working height control from within the cab, for superb stability of operation and variable crop clearance. Hydraulic track-


SPRAYERS

width adjustment – on the move – from crop to crop, from customer to customer.

Top-of-the-range Applicator cab, providing supreme operator comfort and all-round

visibility, with fingertip control of all machine functions. A special filtration system keeps cab air clean and fresh.

New ISOBus-compliant C3000 terminal developed

by AGCO strategic partner, Topcon, with large, clear screen and a wide range of applications Super-efficient, low maintenance high-flow water management system, with fixed, easy to clean pipework for minimum flow losses.

Easy-access filling station, with high-capacity 60-litre) chemical induction unit, and a range of spray tank sizes to satisfy all requirements.

Farmgem FSE1600 SprayerContinued demand for a mounted sprayer with a 24 metre gull wing boom has led FarmGEM to invest in developing a new mounted sprayer. The new FSE1600 with a 12/24m gull wing boom was launched at LAMMA along with a new front mounted tank range. Although several manufacturers have stopped manufacturing a mounted

sprayer with a gull wing boom and now focus on only a vertical fold boom on their mounted machines. “This is not the answer for everyone, many farmers and contractors do not like the more light weight design of the vertical fold boom along with all its wearing fold joints. But prefer the stronger more robust build of a gull wing boom. “Said Cliff Buck FarmGEM Sales Director. The NEW FSE1600 can be fitted with 20, 21 or 24 metre booms and has a high standard specification including 260lt/min diaphragm pump, 19mm stainless steel spraylines and auto priming and purging circulation system. The operator control station provides a simple and logical control layout with everything the operator needs within easy reach. The NEW 3 point linkage mounted front tank range offers both 1200 litre and 1400 litre tank sizes


SPRAYERS

which have been designed to provide maximum forward visibility. Hydraulically driven transfer/agitation pump, in-

cab electronic control, dry tank contents gauge and road lighting are all included in the standard specification.

New trailed sprayer from John DeereJohn Deere has added the new 5200-litre R952i sprayer to

its trailed range, to meet the demand for a high capacity machine in this tank size. Like its bigger stablemate, the 6200-litre R962i model launched in 2011, the R952i features a low-profile, compact design and a low centre of gravity, to provide optimum stability under all spraying conditions.

This high specification machine is equipped as standard with a number of intelligent and automated features designed to make spraying easier, more accurate, more efficient and more profitable. A wide choice of durable steel spray booms from 24 to 40m is available, fitted with BoomGuard anti-yaw suspension.

The optional BoomTrac system provides perfect boom stability during spraying, by measuring the actual boom height 50 times a second and comparing this with the target


SPRAYERS

height. When a difference occurs, BoomTrac automatically adjusts the spray boom height and boom tilt angle to ensure the optimum boom position, whether spraying in the field or turning at the headland.

John Deere sprayer operators using BoomTrac have reported noticing more effective control of blackgrass during the 2012 spraying season, due to the more consistent application of herbicides that can be achieved using this fast, automatic boom height control system – for more details, see the Spring 2013 edition of GreenPower magazine, which is available from John Deere dealers or can be downloaded from the John Deere website.

New developments from Knight Knight Farm Machinery welcomed 2013 with several new developments on show at LAMMA: an expanded range of high-capacity trailed sprayers, a new cab and tank design for self-propelled machines and a re-designed Raven cultivator.

The company’s Trailblazer sprayers are now available with 5200 and 6000 litre tanks in addition to the original 3600 and 4200 litre sizes. Booms are offered up to 40 metres wide. Fundamental tank design remains unaltered, providing reduced axle loadings and good stability. The main tank design also allows multiple wash tanks to be fitted,

providing flexible washing-out procedures.

The Trailblazers have a rigid drawbar and steering axle, a well-proven design used on previous models, and a Müller GPS-ready controller is also fitted as standard. Other features include well-protected valves, twin washing nozzles in the induction hopper and a hydraulically operated parking stand. Optional features include air brakes and air suspension.

Knight’s SP2040, SP2050 and SP2060 self-propelled sprayers are now being fitted with Claas-designed Vista premium cabs and a new tank design that lowers the centre of gravity and gives better weight distribution and stability,. The cab includes panoramic glazing, automatic air-conditioning, high-performance sound insulation, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and a steering column adjustable for rake and height. The Vista cab is an optional upgrade on 1800-series machines.

The new version of the Raven has a lower intermediate tool-beam than the original models, which allows it to work effectively at sub-soiling depths as well as shallower depths for min-till and secondary cultivations.

The Lemken SiriusA field sprayer has to be able to accu- rately apply a wide


SPRAYERS

range of application volumes according to the requirement of the chemical being applied. Often a high water volume is

required for a successful result. Depending on the size and location of the fields, the use of a trailed field sprayer with a

large tank volume may not be the perfect solution.

The compact mounted field sprayers of the Lemken Sirius series, with a useable tank capacity up to 1,900 litres, guarantee maximum area coverage and high manoeuvrability. The close centre of gravity of the Sirius reduces lift requirement and improves tractor stability even where a large volume is carried on the 3 point linkage.

The tank, which is only 55 centimetres from front to rear, contributes to this optimum centre of gravity and is fitted to all Sirius models. As a result of this, and the integrated tank

baffle, the tractor / machine combination can be driven safely, and is easy to handle in small fields and on slopes.

Other highlights of the Sirius mounted field sprayers are the innovative Quick- Connect system which allows the field sprayer to be coupled and decoupled from the tractor quickly and safely, and the excellent contour following ability of the SectionExtend SE or HorizontalExtend HE boom.

Agribuggy from kellandsWith 360-degree vision through the curved, tinted glass of the ‘buggy’ like sprayer from Kellands the Agribuggy operators have a clear view around them, with easy access to the cab and sprayer functions from within the spacious well-equipped cab.

Powered by a 3 litre, 160-h.p turbo charged intercooled engine and a four speed automatic transmission with two speed transfer box, the Agribuggy has the lowest running costs in its class.

Filled with heavy duty, reduction hub axles with up rated brakes and all round suspension, operators will appreciate the smooth, quiet and safe ride, both on the road and in the field, in both low ground pressure and row crop specifications.

With a demountable 2,700-litre sprayer complete with 12/24 metre fully hydraulic aluminium booms,


SPRAYERS

the Agribuggy is the most versatile and fuel-efficient row crop and low ground pressure self propelled sprayer available.

New trailed sprayer extends Kuhn rangeThe METRIS trailed sprayer, with a 4,100 litre tank capacity and boom width options from 18 to 36 metres, extends the KUHN range, sitting between the established Grand Large and Oceanis models.

Many of the beneficial features on the Metris are consistent with other models in a range that has been developing since the acquisition of Blanchard by the Kuhn Group in November 2008. Key features common to the range

include the injected polyester tank construction, with easily cleanable inner surfaces, and anti-roll tank design for good stability. The 450 litre rinsing tank is positioned centrally and at the rear for optimum load distribution, and Kuhn’s Equilibra boom suspension system is available for this model.

The Metris with a ring-axle length of 4.35 metres is compact and manoeuvrable in the field and – with aluminium boom configurations that allow folding within the machine dimensions – it is convenient to transport. A reversible drawbar enables adaptation for various attachments.

Optional equipment as offered on other Kuhn sprayers

includes GPS section control, automated rinsing, a following axle, and boom height control for headlands.

The MEA3 boom folding system introduced by Kuhn on the Metris trailed sprayer is now also available on the mounted Deltis and Altis sprayers.

Tough conditions met by Sands designSands Agricultural Machinery Ltd, the Norfolk based sprayer manufacturer, has found that the severely wet season has had an impact on sprayer design & demand. In recent months there has been a marked increase in orders placed for the smaller capacity Vision 3000 model. Being both lighter and more manoeuvrable than the 4000 or 5500 litre machines, the ‘3’ has come back to prominence for a large number of growers. In some cases it is also being specified as an ‘E’ model. This increases the length of the chassis by 300mm over standard, thus


SPRAYERS

lowering the tank height which improves both stability & infield performance.

Also coming to the fore, and a first for Sands, is the larger 4000 & 5500 litre Visions fitted with the latest Tri fold Pommier aluminium boom. A number of customer requests were received through the very wet season of 2012 for a high capacity sprayer but with the minimum of weight. Having had two ‘customer’ machines working with the Pommier boom for a number of years, Sands were confident in the booms performance to offer it as an option on their larger machines. In working closely with the UK distributor, Landquip, Sands were able to redesign the backframe of the Vision to accept the Pommier boom and anti-yaw system.

The Spray Techniques TrekkerThe Trekker range of de-mountable sprayers from Spray Techniques enjoy a high standard specification but as each machine is individually manufactured different specifications can be catered

for, allowing you to suggest your own machine specification taking into account your requirements and costs.

The basic units are designed to fit the Stretched JCB Fastrac and the Multidrive units

The tanks are specially designed for the sprayer and manufactured in stainless steel. Tank sizes are available from 2700 to 5000 litre and boom widths from 20 to 36 meter, with optional shutoffs to accommodate varying bed widths.

Although there is both suction and pressure filters there are also line filters depending on the number of sections on the spray boom.

Wherever possible the plumbing is kept to a bare minimum reducing the amount of chemical residue left in the system, boom recirculation gives quicker charging of chemical in the lines reducing the amount of time and waste of chemical before commencing spraying. Air operated DCV shut offs can be fitted giving instant control of turning nozzles on and off.

The Ag-Leader Integra is fitted to all our top of the range sprayers having all the controls at the drivers fingertips. The unique Ag-Leader control system has GPS guidance,Liquid rate control, electronic job transfer and also supports the NORAC UC5™ boom height control system – ensuring ideal crop coverage without drift or wasted product.

A new thoroughbred from Team SprayersTeam Sprayers are marking Lamma 2013 with the launch of their new mounted sprayer ‘Arian’.

Replacing the popular Custom Deluxe, Arian is designed for contractors who require a tough, British built sprayer to meet every possible application need from smooth silt to intensive bed work.

“It’s the boom which takes the punishment” explains Sales Director Danny Hubbard. “and we have designed and built a range of robust options up to


SPRAYERS24m in steel tubular sections with a three dimensional structure that guarantees years of strength and durability plus a very good ride on all surfaces”.

Booms can be part folded to give working widths from 9, 11 and 12m. Variable boom geometry is available as an optional extra. Triple nozzle assemblies are also offered. Tank capacities are 1000, 1200 and 1500 litres with the option of front tanks up to 1500L.

Arian is named after a flying horse of ancient mythology.

Vicon extends sprayer range with high-spec systemsVicon used Lamma to introduce two new models at the top end of its trailed sprayer range. Called iXtrack C Pro, the 4,000 and 5,000 litre sprayers are packed with specification, meeting operator requirements

AMAZONEAgricar www.agricar.co.ukForfar : 01307 462281Perth : 01738 583249Laurencekirk : 01561 378888Dundonald : 01563 851900Doune : 01786 842921

Reekie Group www.reekie.co.ukStirling : 01786 477530Perth : 01738 622471Cupar : 01334 652445

W & A GeddesWick : 01955 602207Thurso : 01847 891651Brora : 01408 621220

BERTHOUDAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021Forfar : 01307 474000Fraserburgh : 01346 541351Glenrothes : 01592 775511Huntly : 01466 799222

CHALLENGERAncroft Tractorswww.ancroft-tractors.co.ukBerwick upon Tweed : 01289 331904Kelso : 01573 225213Macmerry : 01875 617323

Ross Agri Serviceswww.rossagri.co.ukMontrose : 01674 850346Turriff : 01888 568444

JOHN DEEREDKR Agricultural Serviceswww.jd-dealer.co.uk/dkagriBiggar : 01899 220897

W.M. Doddswww.wmdodds.co.ukJedburgh : 01835863381

KUHNAlan Mackay Machinerywww.alanmackay.co.ukForfar : 01307 462081

Ravenhillwww.ravenhil.co.ukAberdeen : 01224 772577Dingwall : 01349 863555Elgin : 01343 541121Maud : 01771 613246Turriff : 01888 563561

LEMKENSellar Agriculturewww.sellar.co.ukNewbridge : 0131 333 2970Perth : 01738 620549Cupar : 01334 658210Letham : 01307 818545Huntly : -01466 792165Forres : 01309 676708Old Meldrum : 01651 872891

SPRAY TECHNIQUESAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021Forfar : 01307 474000Fraserburgh : 01346 541351Glenrothes : 01592 775511Huntly : 01466 799222

TEAMAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021Forfar : 01307 474000Fraserburgh : 01346 541351Glenrothes : 01592 775511Huntly : 01466 799222

VICONAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021

D & K Singerwww.dksinger.co.ukLaurencekirk : 01561 320639

Murphy Agriculturalwww.murphyagricultural.co.ukMains of Kinmundy: 01779 821544


DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in this feature)


for high-output, high precision GPS-based spraying systems.

With steel and aluminium booms available from 18-45m, and the option of boom guide automatic slope correction, the iXtrack C Pro is also fully isobus

11783 compatible allowing display of sprayer functions and control from any compatible tractor terminal or using the IM Tellus dual screen display.

Equipped with GEOspray auto boom section control,

operators can create up to 15 boom sections across the working width of the boom. Each section can include any number of nozzles giving total flexibility to the allocation of section control to precisely

suit overlaps in awkward field shapes.

Reflecting the iXtrack C Pro’s status as a flagship machine, the new versions benefit from iXflow boom recirculation with air nozzle shut-off, resulting in faster nozzle switching to give immediate spray pattern formation.

When nozzles are closed, all liquid passing the nozzles is recirculated back to the tank, avoiding any dead-ends in lines and reducing the risk of sediment that can occur in spray lines with some chemical products.

When opening boom sections for spraying, the iXflow system automatically uses the return line as a secondary feed line, effectively filling the boom from both ends. This gives an instant delivery of liquid and pressure at the nozzles.

SPRAYERS

POTATOES


25www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com28

BALERS

John DrysdaleAgricultural Engineers

For McHale BalersPark House Farm

Kinnesswood, Kinross KY13 9HN

Telephone: 01592 840686Fax: 01592 840453

Email: [email protected]

MEET THE TOP TENA brief look at each of the main brands of

balers on the market today

Case IH RB344 BalerCase IH states that the simple, effective and field proven design of the RB 344 incorporates many features that give farmers and contractors the help they need for a successful harvest. Available as a rotor feed or rotor cut version, it has a simple drive design compared with roller bale chambers, and is easy to load, takings rolls of net up to 1.3m without modification.

The wide pick-up, with closely spaced tines and long tine guards, ensures that all the crop is collected, and provides a smooth, positive flow to the feeder/ bale chamber.

The RB 344’s bar elevator design starts to roll the crop as soon as it enters the bale chamber, reducing the area of soft centre, and therefore increasing bale density. Density and wrap can be adjusted and monitored from the tractor seat, and there is clear visibility to the pickup. The wrapping system is unbeatable, rolling a perfect bale whatever the crop type or conditions.

With a superb density control system, RB balers produce a highly nutritious bale of excellent shape and appearance, with a low density centre that will improve feed quality and make rolling out easier.

The RB 344 features electronically controlled wrapping, with wrapping systems to suit a wide range of harvesting operations. The range includes the RB 344 rotor/cutter (2.0 metre pick-


BALERS

up), perfect for the contractor or larger farmer with a high capacity requirement for all crop types, and the RB 344 Silage Pack, a rotor/cutter version with net wrapping and 2.0 metre pick-up, for the larger farmer and contractor requiring film wrapped bales with low labour input.

Case IH believes that whether producing feed, bedding or contract bales, the new RB 344 round baler, will have them cut, rolled, bound,

wrapped and ready to store faster than the competition.

Heavy duty Claas Rollant 300 round balersThe latest additions to the Claas Rollant 300 range have been designed specifically to cope with the kind of crop conditions typically found in the UK and Ireland.

The Rollant 374 and Rollant 375 incorporate many of the best elements of the existing well proven Claas Rollant

300 models, but add to this features such as a heavy duty drive line and a drop floor system on PRO models for optimum reliability and output in the toughest of conditions.

A total of three models are available; the Rollant 374 RF PRO (Roto Feed), Rollant 374 RC Pro and Rollant 375 RC Pro.

Each of the balers has a 2.10m wide pick-up that has an effective gathering width of 1.90m. To ensure that material

from even the largest swaths can be quickly and efficiently gathered, the pick-up is fitted with a double-roller crop press and two side augers ensure a well shaped bale.

Material is initially fed into the baling chamber via a Roto Feed (RF) star rotor, comprising a four star double helix rotor with 8mm thick tines. On Roto Cut (RC) models the chopping system, which is positioned behind the star rotor, features 16 spring loaded, hardened steel blades which are mounted on a rotor that rotates at 125rpm to achieve 8000 chops a minute, giving a theoretical chop length of 70mm to ensure optimum silage quality and density.

To allow the operator to safely push the baler to its maximum capacity without the risk of a blockage, Rollant Pro models incorporate a drop floor below the chamber. Sensors determine when a blockage is starting to form, allowing the operator to ease back, and in the event of a blockage the floor can be lowered via the tractor’s double acting spool valve. The operator can then re-engage the drive to allow the blockage to pass through into the main chamber, before closing the floor and recommencing baling.

28 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com30

BALERS

Ross Agri ServicesRoss Agri ServicesNew John Deere 1400 Series large square balersFollowing a strategic cooperation agreement with the Kuhn Group, announced in May 2011, John Deere has been selling limited quantities of its high capacity 1400 Series large square balers in the UK and Ireland.

There are three basic models in the range, the 1433, 1424 and 1434, respectively producing bales 80cm wide by 90cm high, 120cm by 70cm and 120cm by 90cm. Bale length ranges from 60cm up to 300cm, and can be controlled electrically from the tractor cab as an option.

ISOBUS is standard on 1400 Series balers, to allow the operator to adjust and control various settings from the tractor cab, including bale density and precutter knife selection. The tractor’s existing ISOBUS monitor can be used if available, including John Deere’s GreenStar 2 1800 or

GreenStar 3 2630 touchscreen displays. Tractor power requirement is from 115hp.

The balers feature a heavy duty, high capacity rotor with direct crop intake from the pick-up and fewer wearing parts, for increased performance in all crops and conditions. Depending on the model, 1400 Series balers are available with either 2.1 or 2.3m RotoFlow or precutter pick-ups with pivoting wheels.

Precutter models have 10 knives with individual spring protection on the 1433C, or 23 hydraulically protected knives on the 1424C and 1434C, giving a minimum length of cut of 70mm or 45mm respectively. The balers also feature a single tie knotting system, and hold 24 rolls of twine.

The pre-compression chamber and packer design, with a high capacity plunger working at 46 strokes/min, allows the baler to adapt to changing windrow conditions and produce a consistently


BALERShard, dense and well-shaped bale. This helps to improve bale handling, stacking and ease of transportation, and results in a more attractive bale to feed or sell.

Lely Welger RP BalersRound balers with variable chambers are used under varying circumstances and therefore the demands that are made on these machines also differ widely. The Lely Welger RP 415 range features perfect specifications for use in silage hay and straw when there is no need to chop the crop. The feed rotor and wide pick-up have been designed for easy processing of wide swaths while the proven CPS ensures optimum bale density. The best indication for the outstanding quality and sustainability of these balers can be found in the name... Lely Welger!


BALERS

The RP 415 model has a 2.25 m wide camless pick-up with five tine bars. Pick-up capacity is huge; the long 5.60 mm tines have large coils and are therefore ideal to retrieve the crop from high stubble. Due to their great flexibility, the tines can easily adjust to uneven ground contours, thus eliminating contamination. Suspension of the pick-up is adjustable and perfect ground contour following is ensured in combination with the height chains and pick-up wheels.

An even and constant crop flow is of paramount importance to good output and bale shape. Especially with balers with a wide pick-up a good feed system means the difference between a smooth, continued operation and “jerking and jolting” feeding of the crop. Due to the two transport augers, the crop that is collected on the outside of the pick-up is

effortlessly conveyed to the 1.25 m wide entrance of the baler. Thus, the outer layers of the bale are even and compact.

The Welger RP 415 model features a 500 mm diameter feed rotor with large tines. Due to the diameter of the rotor shaft, the opening to the bale chamber is maximal, which ensures a tremendous flow. Power requirements remain low thanks to the low resistance in the feed channel.

For round balers, the start of the bale is crucial in terms of bale shape and output. The mechanical part of the CPS ensures flexibility for the belts, making the starting of a bale smooth and easy. Especially in crops such as hay and straw this ensures a huge increase of output.

Krone V 150 XC balerJames Ireland runs his farm and contracting business


BALERS

INTRODUCING THE NEW McHALE FUSION 3

DEALERS FOR CASE TRACTORSMERLO TELEHANDLERS

McHALE BALERS AND POTTINGER PRODUCTS

R C DALGLIESH

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERSGLASSELFIELD, DALTON ROAD, LOCKERBIE. DG11 1BL

Tel: 01576 202422/203835 Fax: 01576 204100

ROBBIE DALGLIESH – 07714 456516MAX HYSLOP– 07969 222624

www.rcdalgliesh.com [email protected]

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS

from Darvel, which is a few miles south of Glasgow in east Ayrshire. It is an area of rugged beauty where sheep and cattle dominate the farming scene with relatively small areas used for crop production.

“We farm about 800 acres with much of it hill ground and the vast majority down to grass which we use for our 180-head suckler herd and 400 breeding ewes,” he explains. “There is also about 30 acres of spring barley grown each year.”

Mr Ireland’s contracting business offers a diverse range of services including umbilical slurry spreading, silage making using a forage wagon, baling and wrapping.

One of the latest additions to what is already an extensive fleet of implements is a new round baler – a Krone V 150 XC variable chamber round baler which has been designed to handle silage, haylage, hay and straw.

“Krone asked me to use the baler for a season to assess its performance and I have to say that it has done a great job,” he says. “In a season which has not been the easiest of times – we’ve had just so much rain – the baler has been working in conditions which often pushed it to the limit but it didn’t falter and just kept making the bales.”

The V 150 XC produces bales with diameters from 1m to 1.5m and Mr Ireland reports that for silage he set the bales size at 1.2m and for straw at 1.5m. He did, however bale a field or two of haylage for his local stables and, to allow the staff to handle the bales more easily he made them just one metre in diameter.

Kuhn variable chamber balers hit the mark in ScotlandKuhn offers fixed and variable chamber round balers in its range, with both


BALERS

formats available as stand-alone balers or with integral Balepack wrappers.

The current top seller in Scotland is the variable chamber VB 2160. This model has a 2.3m pickup width and produces a 1.2m wide bale with a diameter range from 0.8 – 1.6m.

The VB 2160 features a recently introduced net wrap system that – due to its location at the front of the machine – allows more consistent tension and greater coverage across the bale’s width, when compared with earlier models. Current models also feature an innovative arrangement of belt tensioning arm and twin rams that facilitates increased bale density as bale diameter grows.

Full ISO 11783 compatibility is a feature on some Kuhn baler models, which means the baler will work without a control box if the tractor is fitted to the

ISOBUS standard. If tractors are not fitted to the ISOBUS standard, models can be supplied with either Focus or Tellus control boxes, the latter being a tractor terminal that will run the baler as well as any other implements that are fully ISOBUS compatible.

Massey Ferguson 2170 XD Extra Density baler packs in up to 20% more materialThe new Massey Ferguson 2170 XD, Extra Density, large square baler packs in between 15%-20% more material into bales. Designed specifically to lower transport costs with 1.2m x 0.88m bales, the new machine has a higher output and produces fewer, heavier bales reducing handling time..

A huge new XD flywheel, which weighs more than 0.5t, is designed to create the additional inertia and maintain the momentum needed to produce the extra density during baling operations.

Weighing in at 545kg and, with a width of 250mm, it is both 91% heavier and more than twice the thickness of the standard version. These flywheel dimensions produce greater plunger inertia, which increases the impact force onto the crop and creates the extra bale density.

To handle the extra load and flywheel force Hesston engineers have developed a new, considerably stronger gearbox encased in a much thicker casting than the standard version. Inside, all the gears and bearings have been uprated to manage the transmission of the exceptional power throughput with, for example, a new output shaft that is nearly 20% larger than the standard. PTO input is now via a heavy duty Type 3, 1 !in, 20-spline shaft to match the power requirement.


BALERSThe entire driveline and

structure on the MF 2170 XD has been developed specifically to provide the strength and integrity needed to handle the extra density. New, heavy duty mountings now support the new gearbox within the robust chassis, which has also been designed to accommodate the larger XD flywheel.

McHale V660 Variable Chamber Round BalerAs with all McHale machines, the V6 variable chamber round baler range has been designed with the demands of today’s farmer and contractor in mind.

This common sense approach to design ensures that the V660 variable chamber round balers operation is kept simple and


BALERS

REEKIE GROUP

For more information contact your local branchCupar

01334 652445Stirling

01786 477530Perth

01738 622471

or visit our website www.reekie.co.uk

Vicon Balershardworking machinesfor hardworking people

user friendly. Features like, the three belt variable bale chamber with double drive and the drop floor unblocking system, when combined with high specification components, ensures long life, reliability and a variable chamber round baler that is rugged enough to handle the toughest of crops and ground conditions.

The V660 variable chamber baler features include:1. Split Drive Gearbox

On the V660 Variable Chamber Round Baler the left hand side of the gearbox drives the belts and rollers in the bale chamber, while the pick up and chopper unit are driven from the right hand side of the machine. This system ensures evenly distributed power to both the bale chamber and the pick up and chopper unit.2. Pick Up

The McHale V660 variable chamber round baler is equipped with a 2 metre galvanised pick up lifts even the shortest of crop. Accurate

height control can be achieved through a spring balanced hydraulic lifting system. The V660 variable chamber round baler comes standard with pneumatic guide wheels, which contact the ground on exactly the same line as the tines and guide the pick up perfectly over uneven ground.

The pick up on the V660 variable chamber round baler is fitted with lateral feed augers that smoothly guide the crop into the chopping unit. The pick up features:- five rows of tines, double raced cam bearings, slip clutch protection and cam side inspection port for checking/ changing pick up bearings.

New Holland BigBaler’s outstanding design New Holland’s multi-award winning BigBaler large square baler range has received yet another prestigious accolade: the 2012 GOOD DESIGN™ award. This internationally renowned award was conferred


BALERS

Priced for Quick Sale’ (As New)

INCLUDING: ROLLER CROP GUARD, INDIVIDUAL KNIFE PROTECTION, NOVOGRIP BELT & SLAT ELEVATOR, PTO SHAFT, WIDE ANGLE/SAFETY CLUTCH, DRAWBAR 40/50, HYDRAULIC FLOOR CUTTING DEPTH/ TRAP DOOR, CUTTERBAR PICK-UP 2150mm WORKING WIDTH, 17 KNIVES, NET WRAP ATTACHMENT, TYRES 500/50-17 10PR, AUTOMATIC LUBRICATION, SINGLE AXLE WITHOUT BRAKE, COMFORT CONTROL BOX, WITH BALE KICKER & OPERATING MANUAL.

METER READING OF BALES- 1496 (52 HRS), Y.O.M 2010

SALE PRICE- £17,500.00 + VAT (ex Orkney)LIST PRICE (INC SHIPPING)-£34,450.00 + VAT

Main Dealer for Shetland & OrkneyKrone: Balers, Foragers, Mowers, Tedders, Rakes etc

COMPRIMA F125 XC (DEMONSTRATOR)

Main Office: Unit 30, Gremista Industrial Estate,Lerwick, Shetland Isles ZE1 0PX

Tel: 01595 695969 Fax: 01595 695973

on the BigBaler range by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies in recognition of its outstanding design and cutting-edge styling.

“This award recognises that New Holland’s distinctive design and styling are fundamental for efficient agriculture. From the hallmark sculpted side shields, to the single piece fully opening hood, the BigBaler represents the perfect distillation of New Holland’s harvesting spirit.” Stated Bob Hatz, Product Director of Hay & Forage and Crop Production at New Holland Agriculture. “The BigBaler has not only increased capacity by up to 20% and density by up to 5%, but it has also revolutionised large square baler styling: increasing productivity and enhancing the operator experience as never before.”

The BigBaler is packed with a whole range of productivity enhancing features including the MaxiSweep™ pickup to ensure constant smooth feeding together with the SmartFill™ system, which guarantees uniform flake formation courtesy of a network of precision sensors. Advanced PLM systems, including ActiveWeigh™ on-the-go bale weighing technology will enhance yields and profitability.

The BigBaler range has offered the world’s large scale farmers and professional hay and forage and biomass contractors the ultimate in large square baling technology for over a quarter of a century. Successive generations of New Holland large square balers have pioneered baling firsts which have now become industry standards such as double knot technology, electronic proportional density control and the pre-compression chamber.

CLAASGordons Engineeringwww.jgordon.co.ukCastle Douglas : 01556 502338Whauphill : 01988 840201Castle Kennedy : 01776 702160Dumfries : 01387 261024Strathaven : 01357 522234Berryhill : 01560 324400

J&W Taitwww.jandwtaitltd.co.ukKirkwall, Orkney : 01856 873003

Sellar Agriculturewww.sellar.co.ukNewbridge : 0131 333 2970Perth : 01738 620549Cupar : 01334 658210Letham : 01307 818545Huntly : -01466 792165Forres : 01309 676708Old Meldrum : 01651 872891

W & A GeddesWick : 01955 602207Thurso : 01847 891651Brora : 01408 621220

JOHN DEEREDKR Agricultural Serviceswww.jd-dealer.co.uk/dkagriBiggar : 01899 220897

W.M. Doddswww.wmdodds.co.ukJedburgh : 01835863381

KRONEAgricar www.agricar.co.ukForfar : 01307 462281Perth : 01738 583249Laurencekirk : 01561 378888Dundonald : 01563 851900Doune : 01786 842921

Ancroft Tractorswww.ancroft-tractors.co.ukBerwick upon Tweed : 01289 331904Kelso : 01573 225213Macmerry : 01875 617323

Garriock Brotherswww.garriock.co.ukLerwick: 01595 694765

KUHNAlan Mackay Machinerywww.alanmackay.co.ukForfar : 01307 462081

Ravenhillwww.ravenhil.co.ukAberdeen : 01224 772577Dingwall : 01349 863555Elgin : 01343 541121Maud : 01771 613246Turriff : 01888 563561

LELY WELGERAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.uk

Conon Bridge : 01349 866021Forfar : 01307 474000Fraserburgh : 01346 541351Glenrothes : 01592 775511Huntly : 01466 799222

Rutherford Agriculturalwww.rutherford.co.ukEarlston : 01896 848404Coldstream : 01890 840458East Linton : 01620 860348

MASSEY FERGUSONAncroft Tractorswww.ancroft-tractors.co.ukBerwick upon Tweed : 01289 331904Kelso : 01573 225213Macmerry : 01875 617323

Linklater Engineeringwww.linklaterengineering.co.ukStenness : 01856 851000

McHALEJohn Drysdale EngineeringKinneswood : 01592 840686

Ramsey & Jacksonwww.ramjack.co.ukMauchline : 01290 550329

RC Dalglieshwww.rcdalgliesh.comLockerbie : 01576 202422

Ross Agri Serviceswww.rossagri.co.ukMontrose : 01674 850346Turriff : 01888 568444

NEW HOLLANDAgricar www.agricar.co.ukForfar : 01307 462281Perth : 01738 583249Laurencekirk : 01561 378888Dundonald : 01563 851900Doune : 01786 842921

VICONAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021

George Colliar LtdMiddle Balado : 01577 863173

G Marshall Tractorswww.gmarshalltractors.comSt Boswells : 01835 823240

Murphy Agriculturalwww.murphyagricultural.co.ukMains of Kinmundy: 01779 821544


DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in this feature)


BALERS


www.agricar.co.uk

High Performance Fixed Chamber Balers from ViconThe new Vicon RF 3325 full roller fixed chamber baler is designed for intensive professional use through long working days where high efficiency is required. The RF 3325 is developed to perform well in heavy silage conditions. A new bale chamber design with 17 ribbed rollers ensures consistently high density bale formation in all conditions.

The Advantages include: 2.2m pick-up with small diameter pick-up reel with 5 rows of tines.

A SuperFeed rotor intake, 14 or 25 knives cutting device, drop Floor for easy unblocking,

a Fixed chamber with 17 ribbed rollers for high density bales, easy and simple loading of net roll and a simple and Intuitive control with the Focus terminal.

The RV 4216 – 4220 models perform with true multi crop

performance in silage, hay and straw, they incorporate a host of features to make your working day more profitable. Both models offer truly intelligent baling with a clean raking 2.2m 5 tine bar pick-up, choice of intake system, programmable ’multi chamber’ bale density system and user friendly ISOBUS compatible controls The two versions offer bale diameters from 0.60m up to 1.65m and 2.00m respectively. The bale diameter is easily adjusted through the control terminal.

Included in the package: 2.2 m pick-up with small diameter for fast and efficient throughput, SuperCut-14 and 25 knife rotors for efficient cutting and tight bales, DropFloor for easy unblocking, 3 different core densities, pre-selectable from the tractor cab, easy and simple loading of net roll and ISOBUS control

42 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

FENCING

Protecting your livestock and boundaries

The Bryce Powershift Forest Supreme Post Driver Introduced as a lower-cost high performance post driver for use on smaller tractors, the Bryce Powershift Forest Supreme has many of the features of larger side mounted machines, but in a close-coupled, compact design.

The machine is 500kg lighter but still retains the performance of the Bryce Profi models. It is suitable for farmers, contractors and estates who want to erect all types of stock or deer fencing. The machine’s compact dimensions make it ideal for narrow country roads, hill tracks or working among trees, and it comes complete with an impressive list of standard features including 500kg hammer, rockspike, sideshift, backshift and hydraulic legs.

A toolbox, bar holder, chainsaw holder and provision for small hand tools is all part of the kit and hydraulic controls swing round to suit the job of driving posts against dykes and hedges. The design keeps it close-coupled to the tractor and with its compact dimensions and low centre of gravity it helps to contribute towards safety and stability on steep hill ground.

Being lighter in weight also makes it ideal for working on bogs with the additional ability of being able to give high performance on hard hill ground with a 100mm rockspike that will go down 1.2 mts deep.

This post driver is a different format from the norm as it has a unique combination of features in a post driver of this concept. A Patent has been granted.The Forest Special is a basic version of the Forest Supreme. This machine has the same automatic telescopic mast as the Supreme plus a 400kg hammer with a 500kg option.

Sideshift, independent hydraulic legs and a rockspike are standard. This machine is aimed at the farmer or contractor who want a high output post driver on a more limited budget. A Patent has also been granted to Bryce on the Forest Special.

Peter & WE CrambBased by the picturesque village of Gargunnock in the heart of Scotland, Peter & W E Cramb offer an efficient, friendly timber supply service to all business customers and private individuals alike. Their family business has been supplying timber and related products country-wide for three generations, while avoiding over-expanding, meaning they are able to maintain a policy of providing tailor-made product sizing rather than being limited to producing “mass market” products with little flexibility.

Peter & WE Cramb can cut from sizes 0.5 m x 38mm x 19mm to 6.1 m x 300mm x 300mm in various types of timber, and also stock a regular supply of spruce, douglas fir, pine, larch and noble fir.

They also take environmental and social responsibility extremely seriously and are committed to developing a business towards ecological, social and economic sustainability. That commitment to the environment in business operations broadly falls under the following areas:


FENCING

Big stock of fence posts – first & second class.

- square, machine rounds & natural rounds.

All types of fencing wire, gates, timber for landscaping or general use, cut any size to order.

Discounts available for first & second class square posts until 31st March.

All timber can be pressure treated either green or brown.

Gargunnock, Stirling

Tel. 01786 860205www.pwecramb.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR FENCING, DECKING & LANDSCAPE TIMBER NEEDS

* Sourcing Supplies of Sustainably Grown Timber* Making it their business to ensure that the majority of timber is sourced from Agents utilising sustainably grown UK forests.

Their hauliers work closely with the Forestry Commission to comply with all current legislation in regard to working hours and practices.

Recycling is another pivital point. With practically no waste, using the central portion of the log for fencing with the outer portion being chipped and distributed for use in floorboard manufacture, gardening mulch etc.

The sawdust is then collected and distributed for use in wood fuel pellets, animal bedding, etc, a wide ranging product and service orientated business indeed.

JB Corrie & Co LtdBased in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, the Scottish division of J B Corrie & Co Ltd of Petersfield, Hampshire, is geographically well situated to provide the company’s full range of products and services to customers in Scotland and the North.

They have the freedom and independence that enables us to be flexible and adaptable while remaining a fully integral part of J B Corrie & Co, benefiting from all the knowledge, experience and resources available to a larger company formed over 80 years ago.

The Scottish team itself, with well over 100 years of

combined fencing experience, has the knowledge and ability, to carry out a wide variety of fencing projects, gained through undertaking many diverse contracts in often, challenging and logistically demanding locations throughout the Scottish Mainland and Islands.

The Scottish division of J B Corrie are authorised installers of many manufacturers fencing products and systems and are past winners of the national Fence of the Year competition. Through our mature Quality Management System, dynamic approach to Health & Safety and pro-active Environmental commitment, they are at the forefront of the Scottish fencing industry.

Whether you want Deer Fencing on a Highland Estate, Security Fencing for an Electricity Substation or Metal Railings and Timber Palisade for a new Housing Development, JB Corrie will visit the site, discuss your requirements, carry out a comprehensive survey, and prepare a detailed written quotation.

Rutland Electric FencingThe market leaders in electric fencing in the UK. Their products, expertise and distribution network will ensure you obtain the best electric fence for your animal control, whether it is for farm animals, horses, wildlife, vermin or pets.

Electric fencing can provide safe and secure boundaries for permanent, semi-permanent or temporary applications at


FENCINGa cost lower then conventional fences.

Their extensive web site has been designed to assist you in designing your fence and selecting products from our range of Electric Shepherd energisers, posts, insulators, wire, tape and accessories. They also offer several tips and advice for installation and maintenance of your electric fence.

See for yourself at www. r u t l and -e l e c t r i c - f enc i ng .co.uk

PEL® Energizers – Which one is best for you?The PEL® 5B Energizer is the smallest in the range and will operate on 2 x D size batteries for up to 5 weeks. The PEL® 5B has a unique stay-on fence wire clip that allows it to be moved easily for flexible paddock fencing or strip grazing.The PEL® 5B is a popular entry-level product for those new to electric fencing or requiring a small, additional unit. Perfect for smallholders, hobby farmers

and equestrian uses. It is ideally suited for small fence lines up to 1km.

The PEL® 101B offers the professional farmer a versatile, battery-operated energizer ideal for dividing grazing areas for early turnout, lambing, or for fencing off wet areas, ponds and

watercourses. Powerful enough to serve up to 2km of fence line; it uses internal D size batteries or an external 12v battery.

When using a 12v battery to power the PEL® 101B, load it with 4 x D size batteries as these will run the Energizer while the 12v battery is being charged up. The Energizer will then automatically switch between the power sources. (PEL® 101B will run for up to 5 weeks on torch batteries)

The PEL® 101B is also available with a solar panel to run the Energizer during the day, extending the battery life and maximising cost-effectiveness. The unit has 2 speeds (fast & slow) and a pulse indicator light; it can be clipped directly onto the wire alone or supported by a stand (sold separately).

The PEL® 702S Energizer is the ideal low-maintenance solution for smallholdings or strip-grazing. Powering up to 2km of fence line it is fully portable and can operate up to 21 days without sunlight. Easy-to-use and cheap-to-run, simply hook it up to the fenceline and flick the on switch!

The 5watt solar panel is tough, durable and needs minimal sunlight to remain fully charged. The PEL® 702S has a rugged, weatherproof design with a sealed battery to prevent insects or moisture getting inside and is a safe option around children or pets. This energizer is supplied complete with a 12v battery.

The PEL® 415i Unigizer™ is the largest and newest addition to the popular Unigizer™ family. A powerful, mains/ battery/ solar powered unit aimed at larger farms, it is full of safety features such as audible and visual alarms and time delay.

The PEL® 415i puts the farmer firmly in control with features such as indicator lights, earth monitoring, day/night sensor, LCD voltage display and adjustable settings / pulse speeds. The unit can cover around 225 acres (150km of fence line) with the addition of the PEL® Tracker Remote Control (sold separately) the PEL® 415i can be turned on and off at any point on farm.


PARTNERSHIPS PRODUCE PROGRESSHow a well known Scottish machinery company, a German based

multinational and the farmers of the North East work together for the benefit of everyone

ByFiona Sloan

Having managed to avoid the forecast “wintery showers” I finally managed to drive from Dumfries to Edinburgh on a glorious sunny day to meet up with Neil Wattie of Sellars Agriculture Ltd writes Fiona Sloan. Neil is the Managing Director of the well known North East company Sellars Agriculture Ltd and was visiting their Newbridge depot on the outskirts of Edinburgh, near the Highland Showground, one of seven depots the company have throughout the east of the Country. He had already spent the morning in Fife, before heading off to Perth, when our interview concluded, for another visit

on his way home to Alford to the west of Aberdeen. This was just one of his many regular trips around the countryside, while covering operations at the company’s depots.

Neil will be well known to many farmers who deal with Sellars but also to a growing number of Aberdeen Angus breeders as the owner of the Tonley Aberdeen Angus Herd, which has had significant success since it was founded in 1993. The most notable success of the herd to date to date is the sale of Tonely Adrianno for 11,000gns in 2010 when he was reserve overall champion at the Stirling Bull sales. While

Please call SELLARS for a demonstration


Neil’s love of the breed is clear to see, his commitment to Sellars Agriculture Ltd, since joining the company in 2000 leaves him little time for the 100 cow herd and his 17 year old son Mark, who is currently studying at college, is the driving force behind the herd, which will make its appearance for the first time at this year’s Royal Highland Show in June.

Like so many boys of his generation, Neil left school at the age of 16, with the intention of working at home. In time however , he decided to look at an alternative career, which would still allow him to retain his farming interests and after studying at College in Aberdeen, he qualified as an accountant in 1994 and went on to work in the city for the next few

year’s finally joining Sellars Agriculture in 2000. While working in the company he made the acquaintance of two of the long standing salesmen Lyle Laird and Sandy McDonald. When the opportunity arose in June 2004 and with the addition of another employee, James Guild, the four staged a management buyout of the original Sellars company, which had been around in various forms since 1823 but had no ties with the Sellars family since 1954. The rest as they say is history.

With the sales and mechanical expertise of Lyle and Sandy, the administrative skills of James and the backing of Claas UK, who took a substantial share in the company, Neil took over the reins as Managing Director


of the new company Sellars Agriculture Ltd, together with their main supplier and in its short 9 year history, the company has almost doubled its turnover to £36,000,000 in 2012 up £7,000,000 on the previous year.

“The markets have been good to us.” reflects Neil “We bought the company at the right time when there was money coming into the industry. We rationalised our operations and reduced our nine original depots to a more manageable and efficient seven and we currently have 80 staff.”

The company now has depots at Forres, Oldmeldrum, Huntly, Letham, Perth, Cupar and Newbridge covering an area from north of Inverness to The Lothians. Neil has responsibility for

the financing and supplying of all of the depots. He also heads the fourteen strong sales team, with support from Lyle and Sandy, while James is responsible for all of the company administration. It’s the combination of experience and trust, which works for this well known dealership that has grown to become the sixth largest of the eleven Claas dealerships in the UK. With the national network which Claas UK operates and dealerships being allocated by the company on a national basis, each dealership pretty much borders on the one adjacent to it so expansion is less of an option and concentration is made on retaining the present customer base and if possible making inroads into attracting new customers.


The company attributes a great deal of its success to a long established and loyal client base who have remained with them throughout the transition to the new company status. Sellars Agriculture Ltd operates on the same basic principal as it has done since its early foundation as a small family business nearly two centuries ago. The management pride themselves in the fact that they do their upmost to help and provide a service to their customers, no matter how small a sale or how big a problem. With combines ranging from £100,000 to £350,000, it is easy to see that it is important for the company to move stock and that a huge investment of capital is required on a day to day basis to ensure there is a cash flow available to maintain the stock. For those

of us who aren’t involved in arable farming it is difficult to see how, when cereal prices fluctuate on a worldwide basis to the extent which they have over the past five years, that investing in such expensive machinery makes sound business sense. This was a question I put to Neil. “The only real difference between the standard and top end of the range in combines,” he explains, “can be described in one word “output”. With the weather in the UK as variable as it is, it is important that crops are harvested as soon as possible and as quickly as possible. This is the only way the farmer has of ensuring an income for that year.”

The effect of weather throughout the world has a huge effect on our production here in the UK, not only in climatic terms but also in financial terms. 2012 was one of the worst years in memory weather wise, as we all know that there were many times all that could be done was to just stop and wait for a dry day. You have to trust that it will come eventually, at which point it is imperative that you are prepared for the short window of opportunity to bring the harvest in as the opportunity may not arise again for some time and by then the quality of the crop and ability to harvest it may not be as opportune. Farmers have to invest in the equipment, which is right for their farm and which ultimately provides them with the tools to enable them to continue in business for another year.

With 20% of the company shares and 70% of company sales Claas is without question the main supplier to


Sellars but with an expertise in combine harvesters, and grass cropping

equipment, the company also work with other well known manufacturers like

Lemkin, who supply their cultivation equipment including ploughs, drills etc . Companies like Teagale, Kramer, Major and BVL and many more are all part and package of a successful business, supplying farmers in the most arable areas of Scotland with everything they need from plough to harvest. The Company are also major suppliers to stock farmers with silage and bailing equipment. “Claas have always concentrated on everything above ground.” explains Neil “Their lime green logo represents the new growth and their harvesting equipment is second to none, however farmers still need to get the crops in the ground first and we also provide the means through our other suppliers for them to do that.”

Working with Claas UK and the main office in Germany, has been of significant value to Sellars over the years and it is reciprocated in their customers’ loyalty to one

of their main shareholders. Claas celebrate their Centenary this year, testament to a company who have become specialists in harvesting. Since August Class founded the company in 1913,in a small town in the Rhine valley in Germany, it has presided over 100 years of development in combine equipment from the early manufacture of straw binders in the 1920’s to the introduction of the first straw balers a decade later. The first combine harvester was produced in Europe in 1936 and since that time, machines have been developed as crops developed for countries all over the world. In the early 1970’s Class launched their Dominator range of combines, which at that time were the most advanced and successful series of combine harvesters the world had ever seen, followed by self propelled forage harvesters, sugar cane harvesters and an extensive range of balers to suit all types and sizes of farms. In 1995 the company launched the Lexion range of combine harvesters, which they still develop to this day and have successfully utilised the technology available to develop machines, which are fully automatic and can alter parameters to take account of a change in conditions more quickly and efficiently than any operator or a cooling system which keeps dust to a minimum, preventing soiling of the radiator and long term maintenance issues.

With an increasing world population to feed, the company have now developed large rice combines, which they have already sold to India and the South American and Chinese


market, as they open up have a huge potential for this world wide company.

Meanwhile, back in Scotland, throughout all of these developments, Sellars and Claas have worked in partnership, which has ultimately benefited not only the both companies but also the customers which they value. Equipment needs to be tailored to the budget as well as acres and having a range of machinery, which allows farmers to look at both of these things in making substantial capital investment is paramount to making the sale.

“The worst think that can happen to any farmer is to have a break down during harvest or silage when you know that there is rain coming. “Says Neil. “We have all been in that situation and understand the urgency to get a part or a repair done as quickly as possible. At Sellars we pride ourselves in making every effort to ensure that any stoppage is minimal regardless of what time of the day or week it occurs. It’s not the first time that, however unusual, if we couldn’t find a replacement part in store anywhere in


the UK at a weekend in the middle of harvest that Claas have sent the part by taxi from Germany!” he smiles.

With little or no opportunity to expand into new areas around the country, it has been important

for Sellars Agriculture Ltd to look at developing the current business, while retaining the mainstay of equipment

and customers which they already have. The most important development for the near future for the Sellars


team is to continue to ensure that service and quality of equipment which their customers need and further try to encourage them to consider looking at using the relatively new Claas tractor lines, which are a good option to those manufactures who have been around for significantly longer in this field.

While Neil freely admits that there isn’t much between the various tractor manufacturers across the board, the comfort of the operator has become much more important over the past few years. “With the variable weather which we have in the UK, as we previously mentioned, it is important that when a good spell comes along, the operator can expect to spend very long hours in the tractor at harvest time and increasingly we see farmers involving their tractormen in making a joint decision on the type

of tractor which would serve them both. Hopefully, we will be able to provide a good and comfortable work horse, which will become as popular and trusted as the combine harvesters and other equipment, which we have been known for over the years. We have no intention of adding products to the range which are not the mainstay of our business.” Neil continues. “You are only as good as your last sale and we have every intention of sticking to what we know best and making a success of developing those products we know well.”

Another development common to most of the industry, whether in the machinery or livestock field is the development of the company website, which Neil agrees is particularly helpful to move second hand equipment as far afield as Europe, allowing farmers to look for parts and equipment from home. “While we are using the website more and more,” he explains, “we find that farmers take much more time to research the type of equipment they need and it is not unusual to have farmers in their 70’s well read up through the internet research, on new developments and the potential benefits of their future purchase.”

In showing their commitment as an employer to the future of the company, Sellars Agriculture Ltd have now teamed up with SRUC Barony Agricultural Campus, formerly Barony Agricultural College, Dumfries, in setting up a training programme for their apprentice mechanics. While the company are still happy to also recruit from outside the


agricultural industry, they appreciate that the success of the company depends not only on the quality of the equipment they sell both new and second hand but on their ability to maintain that equipment effectively and quickly, in order to retain their loyal customer base. In addition to high standard of maintenance, the company makes an effort to try to have some back up equipment available, should the occasion arise, when it is necessary to get another combine in place quickly.

“The most challenging thing for our business in the short term, “says Neil, “is the future of the Single Farm Payment and how the politicians decided it is best dealt with. If farmers have no


income, Sellars Agriculture Ltd has no income. It’s a simple as that!”

As a company which supports 80 employees, who in turn support rural communities around the areas in which they operate, it is clear to see the importance of getting the SFP negotiations, not only right for the direct farming community but also for the businesses which support and gain from its success; businesses like Sellars Agriculture Ltd, which have lived through the boom and bust that is farming and come out the other end. The future viability and sustainability of Scottish agriculture relies on everyone being able to make a living from the land and supply food to an

increasing population at a price they can afford to pay and at which everyone in agriculture can afford to produce. When the current negotiations resume on the future of the Single Farm Payment perhaps the politicians and Scottish Farmers Union would be well advised to look at how farming has developed in partnership with its support industries and networks both in Scotland and around the world, how the change in world politics and world climate puts the industry here in Scotland at an ever increasing risk of future sustainability and remember the old SNFU bumper stickers of the 1970’s......”Don’t criticise farmers with your mouth full.”


WINE


RENEWABLEENERGY

Do you have a phone mast site on your land that has been or might be affected by the consolidation that is taking place in the mobile communications industry?

If so you should think carefully about the possibility of alternative uses for the site – including a wind turbine.

There are a range of providers who are specialising in the conversion of former telephone mast sites for us as possible turbine sites; as with all things you would be best advised to get one of the specialist businesses involved – they know of the challenges and pitfalls and can quickly give you an assessment of your site and the revenues that you can expect if it is suitable for turbine development.

It is worth getting in touch to have your site reviewed – it will cost nothing and could restore an income stream you thought was lost.

The Green Deal!Farm, estate and rural

businesses should look carefully at the Green Deal and whether they can benefit from the domestic or business elements of it – or both!

The Green Deal for domestic premises is up and running and offers financial help to provide a better energy use profile. Particular targets are the older style properties built prior to the 1920’s. Subject to the present

limit of £10,000 for domestic home owners it will be possible to install a range of energy efficient measures but only following a full inspection by a Green Deal accredited advisor to see which measures will return the best results. The Green Deal for homes will enable up to 26 million homes to be upgraded over the next 25 years.

Help is also to be available for businesses in the forthcoming Green Deal. Businesses will be able to apply for funding to help improve the energy efficiency of their current building. After an assessment has been carried out outlining which technologies will be the most effective a business owner can apply for funding to have the installation made. The funding that will be available will be of a higher value than is offered to home owners, although exact details have yet to be finalized.

Businesses of all types and sizes will be offered an individual energy efficiency package that best suits the needs of the building.

[email protected] www.businesslaw.co.uk

Phone Masts and Green Deals

By Andrew Smith, Young & Partners

Redundant or Threatened Mobile Phone Site? … Read on …

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The Mini RayTemp infrared thermometer is a compact, lightweight and low cost non-contact infrared thermometer. Simply aim and pull the trigger to display the temperature of the item being measured.

This infrared thermometer measures temperature over the range of -50 to 330 °C with an assured accuracy of ±2 °C over the range of 0 to 330 °C, outside of this range (-50 to 0 °C) accuracy is ±4 °C.

The Mini RayTemp has a clear, easy to read, LCD display with low battery, backlight indication and an auto-power off facility that turns the instrument off after 10 seconds, maximising battery life. This thermometer is ideal

Mini RayTemp non-contact thermometer

for numerous temperature measurement applications where contact with the item to be measured is an issue.

The thermometer also incorporates laser dot alignment as standard, to assist in pin-pointing the area of measurement. The unit incorporates a 12:1 optic ratio (target distance/diameter ratio) and a fixed emissivity of 0.95 making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

John Deere has been named a Thomson Reuters 2012 top 100 Global Innovator, joining companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Nike and Sony. This programme honours corporations and institutions that are at the heart of innovation, as measured by a series of proprietary patent-related metrics.

The list is an initiative of the Intellectual Property Solutions business of Thomson Reuters, and represents a diverse range of industries. The full report is available at www.top100innovators.com

“Meaningful innovation at John Deere is creating product and service solutions that solve real problems and create value for our customers and our company,” said Samuel R Allen, Deere & Company chairman and chief executive officer.

The Top 100 methodology rewards companies in four key areas: overall patent volume, patent grant success rate, global reach of the portfolio, and patent influence as evidenced by citations. The

research uses a number of key patent and financial indexes to rank innovative practices in companies around the world.

Thomson Reuters said that the 2012 Top 100 Global Innovator companies created additional jobs, performed better in revenue, and invested more in research and development in the past year when compared to other companies.

“Our company began 175 years ago with the innovation of a self-scouring steel plough by our founder John Deere,” Allen added. “We invest in innovation to help our customers continue to be highly productive. For example, we have grown our capabilities in the past six years from a single North American corporate R&D centre to five Global Technology Innovation Centres.

“John Deere benefits from the competitive strength of enterprise-wide innovation as a key component of fulfilling the company’s business strategy and sustaining profitable growth through differentiation.”

John Deere earns recognition as Top 100

Global Innovator

GPS precision is the keyGPS in precision farming is being used for farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, variable rate applications, and yield mapping. It also allows farmers to work in low visibility such as rain, fog/mist and darkness.


Farming activities, growing crops and rearing animals produce greenhouse gases (GHG), contributing to a warming effect on our climate. The scientific consensus is that this warming is harmful and action should be taken to mitigate this. Fortunately, reducing GHG emissions on the farm is beneficial to the business and many farmers are already making decisions and altering practices to achieve this.

Growing trees is one method of sequestrating or ‘locking up’ carbon dioxide, a major GHG. Planting trees can conjure up images of large conifer plantations, but these are just one of many options. It’s possible to plant just a few acres in trees which, if well managed, will deliver a financial return.

While the benefits of woodland for amenity, shelter and conservation are clear, it can be hard to see an attributed sum of money on the farms bottom line. Often mature farm woodland contains little valuable timber, leading to the erroneous conclusion that trees are worth little or nothing. This is incorrect; selected and managed woodlands can contain trees of considerable value. Like livestock, choosing the wrong breed (species) and then neglecting them is unlikely to produce show winning animals (or quality timber).

If the prospect of woodland does not tempt, other alternatives are available; for example agroforestry. Agroforestry is not simply a case of grazing woodland; a common misconception much practiced. For these systems to work the trees have to be managed as well as the stock. The protection and careful pruning of trees (to produce quality logs) is balanced against the needs of the animals to access quality pasture. In certain circumstances agroforestry systems could prove an effective GHG mitigation measure, lowering the farm carbon footprint.

Traditional farm hedges are often overlooked as a climate change mitigation measure. Hedges are effective stock barriers, providing shelter but also capturing carbon dioxide in woody growth and in the soils and vegetation beneath them. While not as effective as woodland, they still make a solid contribution to carbon capture. For example, 2,500 metres of mature hedging occupies around 1 hectare of ground, the same size as a small woodland. The addition of trees, planted in the hedge can improve the situation further. Broadleaf trees, with a narrow crown and light foliage, are a good choice; this is why poplars are common in France.

A growing contribution to minimising emissions

By Jim Reilly, SRUC Forestry Consultant

Dupont launch new Sulphonyl Urea

Herbicide Aequence App

A new free smartphone app to help guide growers and agronomists through the complicated issues associated with ALS herbicide tank-mixes and sequences, has been launched by DuPont.

The free app is called the DuPont SU Sequencer and can be downloaded via the i-tunes store (Search DuPont SU sequencer). It gives up-to-date information on CRD approved ALS sequences and tank-mix options and access to the complete DuPont ALS tank-mix and sequence database.

The app works via 3G and is updated instantly with the most current recommendations. An android version is expected to be available shortly. In addition, growers can gain access to the DuPont technical hotline at any time, via a simple smart button within the app.

“The backlog in controlling autumn germinating weeds caused by a very wet autumn will increase the need for tank-mixing and sequencing of ALS herbicides for both grass and BLW control this spring,” says herbicide product manager David King. “ALS sequences or tank-mixes must be registered with CRD and it is a legal requirement that growers adhere to the label.“ALS sequences and tank-mixes are product specific, so just because different products might contain the same active ingredients, it cannot be assumed that their ALS tank-mix and sequence options are the same,” he says.

This adds to a level of complexity at a time when growers are under increasing pressure. Fortunately, this smart phone app puts this information at the grower and agronomists fingertips.


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FUTUREfarmerSRUC Oatridge shortlisted for five Lantra Awards

Four students from SRUC’s Oatridge Campus have reached the prestigious final of the Lantra Scotland Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards. The West Lothian Campus of Scotland’s Rural College has also been shortlisted for the rural skills School Award in partnership with Cardinal Newman High School.

The fantastic four from Oatridge are Findlay Ross, Bankfoot, Perth shortlisted for Agriculture Learner of the Year, Jo Robertson, Edinburgh, shortlisted for Equine Learner of the Year, Kevin Sutherland, Elgin, shortlisted for Land-based Service Engineering Learner of the Year, and Scott Mason, Falkirk, short-listed Environmental Conservation Learner of the Year.

They join three students from SRUC’s Barony Campus near

Dumfries who also go forward to the final taking place on the 28th February 2013 at Crieff Hydro. The winner of each category will be put forward for the grand prize of Overall Winner Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year.

Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. Announcing the short list Mary Mitchel, regional partnership manager said:

“The judging panel was very impressed with the standards of entry this year and selecting the winner was not easy. Everyone who entered has really worked hard to make a significant difference and raise the profile of the sector across Scotland.”

Student Finlay Ross’ fascination with the machines he watched in the fields around his home, in rural Perthshire, turned into a passion for farming. Jo Robertson blossomed at a work placement with a well known horse rider. Kevin Sutherland fell in love with land-based engineering after a gap year in Australia and Scott Mason discovered his vocation in the Stirlingshire countryside soon afterwards becoming the only apprentice countryside ranger in Scotland.

“We are extremely proud of our students and we wish them well for the final,” David James, SRUC Assistant Principal of Further Education, said. “Their background and circumstances are very different and inspiring. They are all a testament to the good practice and achievements

in Land-based Further Education.”

The School Award is for a programme which offered pupils a series of practical lessons outside the classroom and opportunities to visit employers in the land-based industries. Through the project pupils developed transferable skills which will be of use throughout their lives.

The Awards, founded in 2003, celebrate the talent of those working in the land based sector. They aim to promote the exciting career opportunities on offer, encourage new people into the sector and demonstrate the benefits skilled staff can bring to businesses.


SAYFC to shine a spotlight on the role youth will play in rural Scotland’s future

The next generation of rural leaders should have more of a say in shaping the farming and food industry’s future. That’s according to SAYFC’s Chief Executive Penny Montgomerie.

Representing over 3,000 members including next generation farmers, food producers and young rural citizens, the SAYFC believes that by empowering young people to become more effective contributors, Scotland’s rural youth will be better placed to take over the reins of this multi-million pound industry.

Launching a new plan to support personal development and networking opportunities, the Association is looking to place youth in the spotlight when it comes to matters affecting rural communities.

A recent poll of members identified three key issues on young peoples’ minds- fuel prices, a scarcity of available farmland and the reluctance of banks to lend finance. But the

research also identified that young people didn’t feel they had the skills or opportunities to influence the future.

Now, the Association is hoping that by providing core skills training combined with networking opportunities - both on a local and national level - Scotland’s young people will become a group of active citizens motivated to make a difference.

Initiatives include a study tour to Brussels to educate members on the wider political picture and how outcomes can be influenced, visits to businesses up and down the supply chain so our members gain an further insight into customer and consumer demands and the development of a farm management programme designed to train members in business planning and budgeting.

Penny Montgomerie commented: “Our members are clearly passionate about Scotland’s rural industries. The role of the SAYFC

is to support this talent and harness the skills and enthusiasm to ensure the next generation is best placed to take the reins.

“In addition to stimulating existing members, we are looking for young people with an interest in rural Scotland and associated industries to join SAYFC and benefit from the excellent training and networking opportunities available. By developing leadership skills in a supportive environment, as well and making the right connections, we can support emerging Scottish talent.”

A recent new member is Lynne Macarthur who was born and grew up on the family farm in Newton of Mudgate, Cawdor, Nairn.

Lynne said: “SAYFC facilitates networking opportunities that would be otherwise difficult to secure. The opportunity to meet like-minded people with a passion for rural Scotland and the chance to influence decisions that impact the local community

is hugely empowering. For example, some SAYFC clubs have been successful in stopping community hall closures, while others have raised significant funds to build new ones. It is knowing what’s possible and then having a common goal which makes the difference.”

Penny added: “There is already a lot of good being done at a grass roots level by SAYFC members. One of the objectives during our anniversary year is to promote what is already being achieved.”

Another big and bold initiative planned by SAYFC is a 75th anniversary exhibition and concert, which will take place in November in Glasgow. Aiming to attract up to 7,000 people, the Association will look to take the opportunity to reinforce the aims of the SAYFC and showcase success across Scotland. Other initiatives include events at the 2013 Royal Highland Show which last year was attended by over 160,000 people.

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ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW PREVIEWSCOTTISH GAME FAIR

ANIMAL HEALTH • MILKING & DAIRY EQUIPMENTSHEARING & HANDLING • POTATO EQUIPMENT

NOW ON SALE inASDA, MORRISONS, TESCO, CO-OP,

SPAR, RS McCOLLS, INDEPENDENT NEWSAGENTS &

PETROL STATIONSAcross all of Scotland

MACHINERY



MACHINERY

We manufacture a range of Material Handling Attachments to fit Telescopic Handlers, Forklifts

and Tractor Loaders - designed to give reliability and durability for handling all materials on farms today.• Grain Buckets • Muck Forks • Silage Grabs

• Stone Forks • Big Bale Handlers for Round Bales, Square Bales or Wrapped Bales, for vertical

or horizontal stacking • Push-off Silage Buckrakes• Silage Shear grabs • Potato Box Tipplers

• Hoppers to fill one tonne Potato Bags• Quick Hitch Attachments and Quick

Hitch conversion adaptors, etc.We can also design and build individual

items to customer specifications.www.murraymachinery.com

Dinneswood, Tarves, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7LR

Tel: 01651 851636 Fax: 01651 851880www.murraymachinery.com

MACHINERY



Mountain method

Newton, Inveraray, PA32 8UH Tel: 01499 302525

www.redshankkilts.co.uk

Well plaid by Redshank

Redshank traditional kiltmakers offer a unique, bespoke and unrivalled service if you want a truly Scottish heirloom kilt. They source 100% wool and silk fabrics from Scotland’s finest weavers and commission kiltpins, belts and sporrans from Scottish craft businesses to make sure that your kilt makes you feel special, knowing that you look good, whether you need to be formal or casual.

Redshank made the outfit Greg Wyse wore when he married Emma Thompson – a handcrafted kilt in Isle of Skye tartan Harris Tweed woven by Donald John MacKay of Luskentyre Harris Tweed. They

also made Greg’s black nappa leather waistcoat, silk shirt, belt and sporran as well as his kilt socks, handknitted in Harris wool.

More recently, Redshank supplied the blue herringbone tweed kilt to be worn by Malcolm McDowell in the film Monster Butler.

As an independent kiltmaker, Redshank can buy from all the Scottish weavers and have access to a wide range of tartans or they can have a rare tartan woven or can design a tartan or tweed specially for you. Recent customers include the Clan Claus Society (world headquarters in Ohio) with their Claus of the North Pole tartan. It’s red, green, white and gold and Clan Claus members wore kilts in the tartan at this year’s convention in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Redshank have also designed tweeds and tartans for a wide range of customers ranging from The Isle of Eriska Hotel in Argyll to the Big Sur Vineyard in California.

With an extensive stock of tweeds including Harris Tweed, they also make field coats, shooting jackets, breeks, plus 4s, coats, skirts.

In South Cumbria Mountain Method is a company that has been making waterproofs for nearly 30 years. It rains a lot of the time so they have plenty of opportunity to get out there and make sure their products do the job they were designed to do. Being dry means being happy!

Used for years by gamekeepers, tree surgeons and other Outside Working Folk,

Mountain Method waterproofs have been tried and tested for the last two years among local farmers for dryness and durability, and the word is spreading into Scotland– they are the best!

Mountain Method use quality British made fabric and they know how to sew and tape the seams properly, so you don’t get wet. Mountain Method also

offer a bespoke service if you find normal sizing is just not right for you.

Mountain Method are justly proud of their UK manufacturing

heritage and their personal approach to service.


@home

Country Kiln Stoves is a family business run by Eco Engineers Tom and Susan Bagan who design and manufacture Country Kiln Woodburning and Multifuel Stoves Specialising in the online discount distribution of Affordable Country Kiln Stoves Tom, Sue and the Country Kiln Team are based in Stewarton, Ayrshire, and can deliver Country Kiln stoves anywhere in the UK within one week.

Buying direct from the Country Kiln Team means trade prices direct to their customers. Country Kiln Stoves are affordable because savings they make at Country Kiln Stoves

A great way to keep the cold away this winter

are passed to all customers, overheads are kept low, they are careful with their spending and overheads, that financial prudence is then passed to country Kiln customers as lower prices.

With Country Kiln Stoves you can beat the fuel bills in an environmentally positive way without a huge outlay. The cost of a Country Kiln woodburning stove should be returned to you in your first year of use through enhanced fuel efficiency, savings and extra warmth in your home.

Good things come in big packages and that is especially true when it comes to cooking. And now – for the first time ever – there’s an AGA cooker with five ovens.

And as if that weren’t enough, the addition of a module can take this new AGA model up to a whopping seven ovens.

The new launch follows hot on the heels of the runaway success of the AGA Total Control (the first ever on/off AGA cooker) and the AGA iTotal Control (which can be controlled via a smartphone). The addition of 5-oven models means there truly is an AGA cooker for everyone.

e development of the 5-oven AGA Total Control and iTotal Control completes a key

Announcing the largest AGA cooker ever

phase in the development of the electrification of the AGA range and significantly opens up international markets, while also considerably growing the appeal of AGA in the UK.

These new models are the result of many years’ research and simple-to-use controls allow the user to choose which part of the cooker is on, ensuring no energy is used unnecessarily and that delicious AGA food is available at the touch of a button.

The 5-oven models are ideal for owners of 4-oven AGA cookers who wish to replace their existing cooker as they occupy the same footprint, for those with a large kitchen, for passionate cooks or anyone who loves the and versatility of a larger AGA cooker.

The delight of daffodils in bloom and fresh buds on foliage prompts us to think about a spring clean outside! The renowned Farrow & Ball colour palette is available in 132 exterior colours, allowing you to continue the distinctive Farrow & Ball look outside your home.

Beautify Exteriors this Spring with Farrow & Ball

Whether you’re surrounded by rolling countryside or intimate city brickwork, there are many ways to create interest outside. Suitable for use on brick, wood and metalwork, adorn your exterior surroundings in the calm serenity of Mizzle or inviting


@homepops of colour with Babouche or Pelt. With a range of finishes available, our exterior paints give you the Farrow & Ball look you desire. Classic Exterior Eggshell is durable and a flexible water based paint with a high resistance to flaking and peeling.

Useon exterior wood and metal surfaces including doors, railings and garden furniture from bird boxes to balconies! For a tough and hard-wearing finish, Exterior Masonry is available in 100 colours and can be used on all masonry surfaces outside. Providing protection against extreme weather conditions, mould and algae contamination and

resistant to dirt pick-up, this finish is perfect for exterior walls and colourful painted pots.

Try our full Gloss, suitable for interior and exterior wood and metalwork and provides a traditional high shine 95% sheen level gloss finish. Versatile and available in all 132 colours, this finish can be used to add striking accents of colour and is perfect for front doors that dare to make a statement! To achieve the desired finish, we recommend using our Primers & Undercoats, formulated using the same fine ingredients as our topcoats ensuring you achieve a long-lasting, even finish when decorating outside.

The Charnwood 5kW Stove from Bonk & Co

The C Five is a new 5kW wood burning stove from British manufacturers Charnwood. The stove features one single air control for exceptional clean burning and outstanding efficiency. It is available in a choice of 8 colours (Black, Blue, Green, Brown, Bronze, Pewter, Almond and Gunmetal) and has the option of a store stand and a drop in multi-fuel grate.

The stove is DEFRA exempted allowing wood to be burnt in smoke control areas. It also features an outlet for drawing air in externally. This improves performance and efficiency.

Based on the Isle of Wight Charnwood are a family company that have been designing and manufacturing stoves for nearly 40 years.

For 65 years the Rayburn has been at the heart of rural life, offering beautiful cast-iron looks, convenience and the most delicious food.

There’s a Rayburn for everyone and now – for the first time – there’s an electric model, offering ease of use and real flexibility as it can be sited virtually anywhere in the kitchen.

With a powerful electric fan oven, a conventional oven, a grill and either an induction or a ceramic hob, the Rayburn Electric really is a Rayburn for the 21st century. The new model also features either square or dome hinged lids.

The induction hob has excellent response times, automatically adjusts to the pan size and is highly efficient. The ceramic hob uses the latest infra-red technology to offer rapid heating and cooling, as well as enhanced controllability. For ease of use and cleaning, both styles have touch-sensitive controls and a single ceramic glass cooking surface.

Rayburn launches first electric model

For those who love the cosy warmth a Rayburn provides in the kitchen, there’s patented Warmfront technology that allows you to heat the outside of the cooker at the flick of a switch, providing the warmth the Rayburn is famous for while using minimal energy.

Available in six gorgeous colours, including classic Cream and Black, chic Pewter and deliciously retro Aqua, this beautiful cooker is perfect for every style of kitchen.


carArnold Clark Toyota Hilux

- more than just a workhorse!

Special edition Range Rover Evoque

Arnold Clark Toyota has excitingly taken delivery of the best selling pick-up in 2012. The Toyota Hilux aims to re-shape the pick-up and 4x4 market with its design which combines easily handling and power when working, with a comfortable and stylish exterior appropriate for family travelling.

Toyota has managed to combine robustness and excellent load-carrying capacity with extensive upgrades on comfort, safety and equipment features to make the vehicle suitable for both work and leisure.

Working tirelessly to lower the emissions, Toyota has improved the fuel efficiency of the Hilux whilst still ensuring that it delivers a strong performance with BBC One’s

Top Gear selecting the car to be the first to drive across the Arctic ice exemplifying the power and reliability that this model can emit.

If you are looking for a work-horse that can easily translate into a stylish and comfortable family car out of work hours, then the Toyota Hilux is perfect for this. It has great handling off-road with an impressive grumble from beneath the bonnet, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient power on the road to make it a viable option for a family car.

Test-drive the Toyota Hilux at Arnold Clark Toyota dealerships up and down the country and experience for yourself the marriage of the work-horse prowess and family car characteristics that make it unique within its class.

The Range Rover Evoque is gearing up for spring with this Sicilian Yellow Special Edition model. Based on the 2013 Evoque Dynamic derivative, the Special Edition sports a number of unique features giving it a truly striking appearance.

The Range Rover Evoque has asserted itself as Land Rover’s most desirable model, selling in excess of 100,000 vehicles in its first full year with sales continuing to show rapid growth worldwide. The new Sicilian Yellow Special Edition offers customers highly desirable styling features which will build on the Evoque’s success and reinforce its global appeal.

Available in coupé and 5-door, customers can choose from two exterior colour schemes, each one unique to the Special Edition model and based on a new Black Design

Pack. Choices include a Sicilian Yellow exterior body finish with a Santorini Black contrast roof, or a Santorini Black exterior body finish with a Sicilian Yellow contrast roof and door mirrors. Unique interior finishes include yellow contrast stitching on seats, central storage area, door trims and fascia mid-section, plus an anodised yellow horizontal finisher.

This special edition model debuts the Black Design Pack which will be available independently of the Special Edition from April 2013. The Black Design Pack will be available exclusively on Dynamic models and includes rear sport spoiler, darkened front headlights and fog lamps, black Range Rover lettering, clear rear lamps, 20-inch Gloss Black forged wheels, Santorini Black painted bumper sections and dark exhaust finishers.

The all-new Subaru Forester will go on sale in the UK from summer 2013 with competitive pricing, and improved fuel economy.

The fourth-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin. Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of

the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road.

Confirming the UK launch of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include 150ps 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280ps.

The new Subaru Forester

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VE Rebecca ElvinThe Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced the appointment of Rebecca Elvin as Show Manager for The Royal Highland Show.

Rebecca, a graduate from Leeds University, joins from The Royal County of Berkshire Show and brings with her a wealth of experience in event management, financial and IT competence as well as stakeholder engagement.

Rebecca will have responsibility for planning and managing Scotland’s largest outdoor event, which attracts in excess of 160,000 showgoers each year. She replaces David Dunsmuir who retires in March following fifteen years at the Society.

Speaking about her appointment, RHASS’ Chief Executive, Stephen Hutt said: “Rebecca impressed us with her knowledge of the industry as well as her proven track record in implementing new initiatives which we believe could benefit the show. She joins at an time of increased investment in the showground and we very much look forward to her contribution in maintaining our position as Scotland’s best outdoor event and the UK’s best agricultural show.”

With a keen interest in horse riding, Rebecca has worked within the press team of international equestrian events such as Badminton and The Royal Windsor Horse Show. She was also a “gamesmaker” volunteer for the London 2012 equestrian events.

Rebecca, 42, commented on her appointment: “I am very excited to be given the opportunity to spearhead what is already a hugely successful event. There are clearly opportunities to develop the show further and I look forward to working with the experienced show team to deliver the Society’s ambitions.”

Christine TaconA HARPER Adams University Governor has been appointed by the Government as the UK’s first Groceries Code Adjudicator.

The creation of the post was first recommended by the Competition Commission in 2008 to resolve disputes between supermarkets and suppliers.

Christine Tacon, who was awarded a CBE for services to agriculture in 2004, will be responsible for enforcing the Groceries

Supply Code of Practice, which regulates interactions between the 10 largest supermarkets with an annual turnover of £1 billion and their direct suppliers.

Ms Tacon was appointed as a Governor of Harper Adams last year. Congratulating Ms Tacon, Dr David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “Christine has a wealth of expertise and experience that she will be able to bring to the role. We are delighted that someone with a background in retail, and in farming, has been appointed to this important post.”

The Groceries Code Adjudicator will have the power to launch investigations into suspected breaches of the Code, including those arising from confidential complaints from any source. Welcoming the appointment, Jo Swinson, Consumer and Competition Minister, said: “I congratulate Christine Tacon on her appointment as Groceries Code Adjudicator. This is an incredibly important position in the retail groceries sector making sure that large supermarkets treat their suppliers fairly and lawfully. Ms Tacon has a wide range of experience in the food, retail and farming industry and her appointment is a real milestone.

“Her knowledge of the sector will be of huge benefit, and I’m sure will be crucial in making the Groceries Code Adjudicator a positive and powerful contributor to the groceries industry.”


farming scotland magazine (march-april 2013)

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