farming scotland magazine (july-august 2011)

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COMBINE HARVESTERS • TELEHANDLERSprofile on

MLM ENGINEERINGFLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND with COCHRANE COTTAGE

HOMEGROWN ‘self sufficiency’ adventureARABLE • POTATOES • DAIRY • RENEWABLE ENERGYLIVESTOCK • GADGETS • FUTURE FARMER • FINANCE

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY • MACHINERY etc

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTORAthole Murray FlemingTel. 01738 639747

ADVERTISING SALESBarry TweedTel. 01738 563025

PRODUCTION DIRECTORChristina FlemingEmail: [email protected]

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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 2011

ISSN: 2041–918X

Growing your own is the new rock n roll

We all know that food prices are getting higher and higher, and that has led to a huge increase in people wanting to grow their own fruits and vegetables from home or on an allotment – if they are lucky enough to get one!

Well that got me thinking about my own little back garden, and as we work from offices based at our home here in Perth…could I perhaps find the time, learn the skills and grow my own food too?

Time is the thing I suppose. Like many people, I have ‘other things’ to do. Yes, there is this magazine that we make a living from, the family takes up time, and as many of you will know, me and my rock band The Windows are very busy with over 30 gigs a year – plus the ‘recovery days’ thrown in for good measure.

But I like a challenge and I must confess that my plan is to make our family ‘self sufficient’ in fruit & veg will be a big learning curve, as I am a complete Urban Grower novice.

In this issue I launch my self sufficient master plan with the arrival of our new potting shed, which will act as my ‘garden office’, and from now on you will be able to see how I get on with my scheme, and all of my plans will become clearer through the next few issues as we head towards next March – which I have been told is the ‘season kick off”…so ladies and gentlemen – I hope you enjoy my new HOMEGROWN column and if Tom and Barbara Good can do it?....let’s rock n roll and get planting!!.....(no mention of Robert Plant, you’ll notice!).

Athole

Main FeaturesCombine harvesters . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11Telehandlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-40

Company ProfileMLM Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-33

Flavour of ScotlandCochrane Cottage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

HomegrownSelf sufficiency in a micro garden . . . 41

Readers Competition & TasterCochrane Cottage’s “Chilli Drizzle”. . . 43

Regular ColumnsFarming for the Climate . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NFU of Scotland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Scottish Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17The Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 People on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

News SectionArable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15 Renewable Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18 Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Gadgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Future Farmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-46 Science & Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-53

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COMBINES

GIANTS IN THE FIELDSA look at the top six harvester manufacturers models

for this coming season

Deutz-Fahr launches 6040 combineDeutz-Fahr’s 60-Series combine harvester range now has a new

member – the five-straw walker, 222hp 6040. The smallest model in the range, the 6040 utilises the well proven threshing

Deutz Fahr 6040 combine

MF 9280 Delta combine

system employed successfully in the other 60-Series models.

Power is provided by a 222hp Deutz turbo-diesel engine with the drive taken from both sides of the engine – an arrangement which results in an efficient and logical distribution of power to the combine harvester’s separate components along with a three-speed transmission. The fuel tank has a capacity of 345 litres.

The threshing, separation and cleaning units are similar to those used in the larger models of the 60 series. The 6040 provides a straw walker area of 5.28 m! and a cleaning area of 4.22 m!. Adjustment for the threshing drum and fan speed is electrical while the concave is adjusted mechanically. The effective and reliable dual returns system was also adopted from the larger models.

Equipped with a modified CommanderCab EVO, the new combine is simple and undemanding to operate and allows long days of harvesting without undue fatigue. Mechanical operation of the threshing unit, cutting unit and

grain bin emptying is standard and, as a result provides a high degree of reliability.

Top technology comes together in MF 9280 Delta combineThe MF 9280 Delta combine harvester merges Massey Ferguson’s unrivalled expertise in conventional drum and concave threshing with its rotary separation experience. Together this technology offers high capacity, an exceptional grain sample and low power requirements.

“Tests show the combine not only provides the performance, but uses 10% less fuel for the same output in equivalent conditions,” says Mark Kitson, Manager – National Sales Harvesting for Massey Ferguson.

“Each of the key elements in the MF 9280 Delta combine has been developed to not only offer leading technology to boost harvesting performance, but to also improve economy,” he continues.

Indeed, at this year’s LAMMA show the harvester scooped top honours winning awards for not only the best

D-K-R AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD.

“We are delighted tointroduce you to our

new combines for 2012.”


COMBINES

new product at the event, but also the prestigious ‘Ivel Award’, for the ‘new product or innovation that has the most positive impact on the environment.’

The seven cylinder AGCO SISU POWER engine with SCR technology (AdBlue) is tuned specifically for use in the

harvester. This high displacement, 9.8 litre engine that generates up to 500hp, has a very flat torque curve to keep it working at optimum efficiency, again further aiding fuel savings.

New John Deere combines for EuropeSpecifically designed for

European crops and conditions, John Deere’s new W, T and S-Series combine range for the 2012 harvest season features models from 260 to 625hp (maximum rating at ECE R120), providing new levels of grain harvesting productivity and operator comfort.

The top of the range S690 features the most powerful engine available in a combine today, and the largest grain tank, at 14,100 litres or 10 tonnes capacity, which can be emptied in just 105 seconds. In addition, W and T-Series models now feature the largest active separation areas in the industry, at up to 3.36m2, and the largest grain tank available on a straw-walker machine, at 11,000 litres.

Key features of the 11-model range available in the UK and Ireland include an

integrated 66cm (26in) wide rubber track design for S-Series models only, suitable for road speeds up to 30kph, with full hydraulic suspension and an overall transport width of 3.42m; newly designed transmissions and Premium cab; a new cleaning shoe with an active returns system plus a new high performance Variable Stream Rotor on the expanded S-Series range of three models; a wider range of cutting platforms up to 10.7m (35ft), including the versatile PremiumFlow header; an enhanced residue management system; and a wider range of flotation tyre options.

CX5000 and CX6000 range from New HollandNew Holland’s CX5000 and CX6000 range of conventional combines are set to significantly

New John Deere combines

Experience the new CX Range......book your demonstration now

Contact your nearest AGRICAR depot for the

latest offers onNew Holland Combines

ForfarTel: 01307 462281

PerthTel: 01738 583249

LaurencekirkTel: 01561 378888

DundonaldTel: 01563 851900

DouneTel: 01786 842921

www.agricar.co.uk


COMBINES

improve efficiency and productivity for farms of between 200 and 600 hectares. Intelligent innovation comes as standard across the entire range, which has been engineered by design to offer ultimate flexibility in all crops, from grain through to maize

and specialist cultivations, including rice with guaranteed optimal grain and straw quality. The maximum grain tank size of 9300 litres is the perfect match for the largest 7.3 metre headers. The entire CX5000 and CX6000 series benefits from New Holland’s

acclaimed ergonomic excellence and distinctive styling cues.

“The award-winning intelligent innovations on our range of CX5000 and CX6000 conventional combines will significantly enhance harvesting quality and productivity for mid-range operators,” said Hedley Cooper, Head of Combine Har ves te r P roduc t Management. “We are renowned for offering productive harvesting solutions, even in the most difficult conditions, The Opti-Fan™ system, the SmartSieve™ and SmartSteer™ systems carry on this tradition while improving the operator experience thanks to increased harvesting automation.”

The CX5000 and CX6000 distinctive styling is reminiscent of the flagship CX8000 and CR9000 Elevation ranges. Key New Holland harvesting styling cues have been integrated into the overall design, including the large, single piece opening side doors which facilitate daily checks and maintenance.

New Claas Avero meets needs of smaller growersFor many smaller arable growers when it comes to harvesting their crops, other than using a contractor, they

are faced with the option of either buying a new combine that it probably too big and expensive for their needs, or trying to find a good quality used smaller machine, which is extremely rare mainly because new machines of this size will be kept for a long time.

To meet the needs of farmers with between 100-500 acres of crops to harvest, CLAAS has introduced a new combine, the AVERO 240, which incorporates many features found on larger models to help boost output.

At the heart of the AVERO is a new design of threshing and separation system with 4 straw walkers working in combination with the well-proven APS (Accelerated Pre-Separation) system to give output levels similar to larger 5-walker machines.

As with the larger models, the new AVERO can be used with either a standard CLAAS cutterbar or the VARIO, on which the distance between the knife and cross auger can be altered from the cab by 30cm for cereals, or further extended by 50cm for oilseed rape, which can help boost throughput by up to 10%.

The Case Axial-Flow 20 series combinesThe Case IH Axial-Flow 20 Series combine harvesters

New Holland CX machine

Claas Avero

or visit our website

www.reekie.co.uk

Demonstration models available for the forthcoming Harvest

Contact your local branch for more details

Branches at Cupar Perth Stirling 01334 652445 01738 622471 01786 477530

CASERamsey & Jackson www.ramjack.co.uk Mauchline : 01290 550329

Rutherford Agricultural www.rutherford.co.uk Earlston : 01896 848404 Coldstream : 01890 840458 East Linton : 01620 860348

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

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

W & A GeddesWick : 01955 602207Brora : 01408 621220

DEUTZ FAHRJA Waugh & Son www.waughtractors.com Stranraer : 01776 706444

John Kerr Farm Equipmentwww.john-kerr.comLinlithgow : 01506 842280

Mearns Tractorswww.mearns-tractors.co.ukLaurencekirk : 01561 377762

JOHN DEEREDKR Agricultural Services www.jd-dealer.co.uk/dkagri Biggar : 01899 220897

HRN Tractorswww.hrntractors.comInsch : 01464 820661Turriff : 01888 562101Kinloss : 01343 850277

MLM Engineeringwww.mlmengineering.co.uk Orphir, Orkney : 01856 811282

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

Hamilton Brotherswww.hamiltonbros.co.ukBishopton : 01505 862010Tarbolton : 01292 541445Campbeltown : 01586 553031

Linklater Engineeringwww.linklaterengineering.co.ukStenness, Orkney : 01856 851000

Reekie Group www.reekie.co.uk Stirling : 01786 477530

Perth : 01738 622471 Cupar : 01334 652445

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

Ravenhillwww.ravenhill.co.uk Aberdeen : 01224 772577 Dingwall : 01349 863555 Elgin : 01343 541121 Maud : 01771 613246 Turriff : 01888 563561

DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in this feature)

COMBINES


are the brand’s new high per formance c lass , comprising three models: 7120 (maximum power 30

kW/422 hp), 8120 (maximum power 345 kW/469 hp) and the 9120 (maximum power 390

kW/530 hp), the flagship model.

The latest 20 Series machines feature the new grain tank configuration, which mirrors that of the mid-range 88 Series with tank capacities of 11,100 litres for the 7120 and 12,300 litres for the 8120 and 9120.

The heart of the Axial-Flow technology on the 20 Series is the Axial-Flow rotor developed by Case IH. This technology has been continuously developed for more than 30 years and designed to meet the requirements of a wider range of crops and changing harvesting conditions.

The latest generation of Small Tube rotors, are more

streamlined and compact than the previous rotor designs offering many advantages in the field. The crop is handled even more carefully than before and the quality of the straw improved without compromising on the previously proven advantages of simplicity, versatility, capacity and grain quality. The Axial-Flow principle of grain-on-grain threshing results in the lowest level of cracked grains making the Axial-Flow combine the industry leader for harvesting seed with the highest germination rates and the ideal combine for seed producers.

Case IH Axial-Flow 20 Series

POTATOES


CLIMATE CHANGE – WHAT ABOUT SOME

BETTER WEATHERBy

Sinclair Simpson, FRBSConsultant in the SAC Perth Office

As I look out upon yet another wet, cold and windy day in June I thought I would bring together a few tips to mitigate against inclement weather and maintain production efficiency even in a difficult growing season.1) Crops sown early into a

seedbed created in a dry friable soil have improved soil drainage and are better able to survive wet spells post sowing. Compacted headlands do not fare well in a season where heavy rain is followed by near drought conditions.

2) Apply the balance of top dressed nitrogen to malting spring barley crops as soon as the tramlines appear, to winter barley before the first node and to most winter wheat when the first node is detectable. This means the crops get sufficient nitrogen to tide them through a dry spell in early May.

3) Grazing grass should get its first nitrogen dressing at T sum 100 with silage grass having all the nitrogen applied at least six weeks before the proposed cutting date. This will get all the nitrogen washed into the soil early to counteract drought conditions in May. Grass/clover swards produce their own nitrogen, always have it

at their roots and are better able to produce vegetative growth during a period of dry weather.

4) Cereal diseases are favoured by extreme weather eg rhynchosporium in barley and septoria in wheat by wet weather and mildew in wheat and barley by hot dry weather when conditions at the bottom of the crop are humid. Varietal resistance is the first weapon in the armoury against cereal disease backed up by a fungicide programme to cover any weakness in varietal resistance. It is important to follow the weather forecast and apply a protective fungicide before a weather event. Where a GS 31 fungicide spray is applied seven to ten days late to a septoria or a rhynchosporium susceptible cereal crop due to a period of cold wet weather you can kiss its protective effects goodbye.

5) These management tools only go a small way towards combating the weather. Man is a very poor champion when it comes to fighting extreme weather. Extremes are best avoided so let’s put on our best foot forward and do everything we can to reduce our impact on climate change. Farming is so much easier when the weather is on our side.

DAIRY


DAIRY

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Tel/Fax: 01828 670472 Mobile: 07710 199870Email: [email protected]


RENEWABLEENERGY

Meeting thechallenges head-on

By Richard LochheadRural Affairs and Environment Secretary

The Scottish Government


RENEWABLEENERGY


RENEWABLEENERGY

Scottish farms have huge potential for generating renewable energy and contributing to the country’s green credentials. Solar panels and wind turbines have become increasingly popular in the Scottish agricultural sector. Renewable energy on farms doesn’t just create a more sustainable and carbon friendly rural economy, it also provides farms with some very tangible benefits. As energy prices continue to rise, more Scottish farmers are investing in green technology, which enables them to produce their own power and even generate income.

For farmers, the technique of anaerobic digestion (AD) provides three essential services. It disposes of farm waste, generates renewable energy and produces bio-fertiliser. Popular in Europe, AD is gaining momentum in Scotland, where there are currently 17 facilities in operation or under construction.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a completely sustainable process for waste management on farms.

The process involves plant and animal material (biomass) being fed into a digester where, in the absence of oxygen, bacteria in the material breaks it down. A biogas, which is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide,

is produced and can be used to generate electricity and heat to power on-site equipment or the farm’s households. Excess electricity can also be exported to the National Grid.

Producing a portion of its own electricity is a benefit for any farm, but there are additional incentives. Under the Feed in Tariff scheme, renewable energy generators below 5MW are offered a payment per kWh produced each year. From August 2011, smaller AD plants capable of producing up to 250kW of electricity will receive 14p per kWh, while medium-sized plants capable of producing between 250kW and 500kW will receive 13p per kWh.

A further by-product of the process is bio-fertiliser which is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and other elements required for healthy plant growth and fertile soil, and can help farmers save money by reducing their reliance on inorganic fertilisers.

Almost any biomass can be processed via AD, including slurry, food waste, energy crops, manure and crop residues. There is particular interest in using AD to process food wastes as part of Scotland’s drive to meet zero waste targets, where only 5% of all waste will be sent to landfill by 2025.

Creating renewable energy and savings

through AD The 800-acre family-run Gask Farm in Aberdeenshire commissioned its digester in 2006. The Weltec Biopower digestor provides power and hot water for the farm and, since installation, the farm has reduced its inorganic fertiliser costs by 80%.

Andrew commented: “By using a digestor we now produce all of our own electricity, have cut down on our fertiliser costs and have become a more sustainable farm. We’re also supplying electricity to the National Grid.

“It makes sense to make use of a waste product that’s already on-site. After the slurry has gone through the digester (which takes about 50 days) the digestate that comes out is more uniformed and easier to spread. We now have a continuous supply of high-quality fertiliser throughout the year to use on our oil seed rape and cereal crops and we’re constantly looking for more ways to get even more value from the digester.”

Investing in the future As with any addition to a farm’s infrastructure, AD requires an initial investment. Scottish farms are weighing up the financial commitment of investing in renewable energy versus the volatility of energy, food and fertiliser markets.

Rainton’s dairy farm in Galloway has become the latest Scottish farm to install a digester, which will come into operation by early 2012.

David commented: “Finding a small-scale digester that was appropriate for our farm was a bit tricky. They’re more widely available in Europe than in the UK. We wanted to install the whole system for under £200,000, which most people will tell you is impossible.

“We worked with Marches Biogas to find the right system for us, at a price we could afford. Instead of installing a completely new structure we’re converting the existing slurry tower into a digester, which has cut down on costs. For small farms, converting existing structures makes AD much more affordable; it’s definitely the affordable solution.

“Like all farms in Scotland, we’ve faced financial pressures over the past 20 years. We’re doing as much as we can to remain financially independent. AD suits our green credentials, but it also makes financial sense. We’ll save on energy costs and perhaps gain money back from the Feed In Tariff or by selling on Renewables Obligation Certificates. The AD process also turns our slurry from a nasty smelly pollutant into an effective fertiliser, without the smell or the cost! It’s a big initial investment but a wise one.”

The Digester Slurry spreading at Rennie’s Farm

THE

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MLM EngineeringKirbister Garage

Tel 01856 811 282 Parts 01856 811 711

MLM ENGINEERINGForging ahead into the future

By Dave Flanagan

Shock swept through Orkney’s farming community in the winter of 2006 when one of the county’s most respected and longest established agricultural engineering firms, R.B. Flett Ltd, announced it was to close in the face of tough market conditions. The loss of the Orphir based John Deere franchise, which employed over 20 staff, was a major blow to the islands. Many in the local farming industry also felt its closure sounded the death knell for John Deere’s relationship with Orkney.

Fast forward to 2011 and the John Deere presence in the

Northern Isles is now stronger than ever, thanks to the efforts of three former employees of R.B. Flett Ltd who turned a crisis into an opportunity.

And although the trio who created MLM Engineering are modest about their business achievements, there’s no denying that theirs is a genuine Scottish agriculture success story.

It was during the final days of R.B. Flett Ltd that employees Ian Mackay, David Linklater and Alan Muir, began to explore the possibility of running their own operation. The three men had been kept

Alan, Ian and David in front of first new John Deere sold in August 2007


on to help with the winding down of Flett’s and to sell off stock. With decades of experience in agricultural engineering between them and few prospects of new employment on the horizon, going it alone was an obvious, but daunting step to take.

“That was all we’d ever done and all we could really do,” reflects Ian Mackay. “We knew there were tractors and machines out there that Flett’s had sold that would immediately need repairing, so we thought we could build a business based around parts and servicing. We thought we could make it work with just the three of us.”

A business plan was drawn up and, after a visit to the bank, the trio made the leap from redundancy threatened employees, to directors of their The MLM team


own company in February of 2007. They bought the R.B. Flett Ltd premises in Orphir and most of the firm’s remaining parts stock, along with newly acquired John Deere spares and oil.

“We were never out of work,” says Alan Muir. “We were here working for Flett’s one day and working for ourselves the next.”

What MLM Engineering lacked in those early days was a major franchise - John Deere or otherwise - but the three directors felt confident they could survive and thrive as an independent entity. They hit the ground running, working days, nights and weekends to build up their new business and fill the gap left by the closure of Flett’s.

“I think there was a sense of relief within some parts of the farming community,” says Alan. “A lot of people here had John Deere equipment and were worrying about how they were going to get it serviced.”

The positive response they received from the Orkney farming community didn’t go unnoticed further afield.

Only four months after the creation of MLM Engineering, John Deere made an approach, clearly impressed by the trio’s efforts to meet an obvious demand in the islands. Ian signed the official franchise paperwork at the 2007 Royal Highland Show and the firm sold their first John Deere tractor at Orkney’s County Show in August of that year.

“We had been approached by various franchises, but getting the John Deere franchise was quite a big step for us,” recalls Ian. “It gave us

a specific direction to go in. By then John Deere had lost a bit of their market share in Orkney, but we felt we could rebuild that and increase it in the longer term.”

Since then, MLM Engineering has steadily and thoughtfully built up its business. It’s a more streamlined operation than the previous John Deere franchise, with an eight-strong workforce and each of the three founders directly responsible for one element of the company. Ian looks after sales, David Linklater is the director in charge of the workshop and Alan is responsible for the parts department and website. All three directors are very much hands on - an approach they feel is preferable to more traditional arms length management.

“We can keep a better eye on things with this structure,” explains Ian. “Between the three of us, we’ve got quite a

Reco Strautmann forage wagon on demonstration

David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd

www.ritchie-uk.com


few years of experience in the trade and we’ve known our customers all that time. That

personal relationship and contact with our customers is crucial.”

Those personal relationships aren’t just Orkney based either. Around a third of the

company’s customers are based in Shetland, with staff from MLM Engineering making regular trips north to service and sell machinery.

The market conditions that brought R.B. Flett Ltd to the brink haven’t gone away though and both Shetland and Orkney remain highly competitive markets for agricultural engineering operations. Six manufacturers have depots in Orkney alone, with firms based outwith the islands also competing for business in what is a relatively small geographical area.

So, how does MLM Engineering manage to thrive in such a tough climate?

“I think our personal approach sets us apart,” considers Ian, “but we’re also always on the lookout for new products and services which

Kawasaki KV750

28 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com28

Alo UK LtdYour Scottish contact

Keith Lyall: 07713 787051

www.alo.uk.com

Pleased to supply quality front loaders onto JOHN DEERE tractors together with

a full range of quality implements.

can make a difference to the lives of our customers.”

In that respect, MLM Engineering has been at the forefront of introducing the latest in slurry spreading technology to the islands, running demonstrations with injector units and supplying a number of state-of-the-art umbilical systems to local farmers.

“With fuel prices driving fertiliser costs up, farmers are beginning to think about utilising their slurry a bit more,” says Ian. “Some of these new systems can bring significant cost savings.”

He adds: “In addition to supporting the five John Deere self-propelled foragers in the area, we have also been spearheading the use of forage wagons. These can cut the costs associated with silage

operations, particularly in the outer islands where manpower

and fuel prices are major issues for farmers.”

With farm machinery becoming ever more complex,

Overum ploughs from Kongskilde

5 SERIES TRACTOR

MLM EngineeringKIRBISTER GARAGE

ORPHIR, ORKNEY KW17 2RA Tel 01856 811 282

[email protected]

Made to measure


MLM Engineering has invested heavily in ensuring its workshop is fully equipped with the very latest in computerised diagnostic technology. The firm recently purchased a new dynamometer to measure tractor horsepower and can also test and repair the air conditioning systems that are becoming commonplace on agricultural vehicles.

The four-strong workshop team at MLM Engineering includes an apprentice, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people in Orkney to pursue careers in agricultural engineering. The firm also offers weekend jobs and work experience placements for school pupils.

“It’s very hard to get good agricultural engineers here and it’s a long training too,” says Kilworth cement mixer


Annie Reed Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0LFOffice Tel: 01482 868800

email: [email protected]: www.fostersalescompany.co.uk

New

Ian. “Creating apprenticeships and encouraging young people to take an interest in the industry is therefore vital for us in the longer term.”

Whilst John Deere tractors and machinery will always be at the heart of MLM Engineering, the firm has greatly expanded its range of goods and franchises over the past four years and now stocks equipment from several well-known manufacturers, including Alo, Abbey, Allman, Cat, Foster, Harry West, Kawasaki, Kongskilde (Overum), Opico, Reco, Shelbourne Reynolds, Stewart Trailers, Storth and Twose.

Groundscare is also a growth area for MLM Engineering, with the firm recently expanding its Kirbister headquarters in Orphir to create a special display Superior bruisers and crimpers


area for mowers and other gardening goods. It’s a matter of some pride for the company that Orkney’s main golf courses are maintained using John Deere equipment, with local authority grass cutting contracts also relying on the familiar green machines – all supplied by MLM Engineering.

“Groundscare is quite a tough area to work in as there are a lot of people doing it, but we can get absolutely anything that customers need,” says Ian. “We also stock the Al-KO brand, which is a competitive and high quality alternative to some of the more expensive lines.”

Parts and servicing remains the core element of the business - with two employees dedicated to the parts department - and the firm is linked in to a worldwide John Deere spares Foster Yardcraper


network. This fast and efficient service – which covers

a wide range of

manufacturers - has proved particularly popular with customers who can access the system online and order direct from MLM Engineering. Parts are usually delivered to Orkney within 24 hours, which is a major step forward from the days when farmers in the islands had to wait days, or even weeks, for spares to arrive.

The company’s website also provides a shop window for new and used vehicles and machinery, generating considerable interest from within and outwith Orkney. Ian has recently sold tractors to customers in Ireland, England, and Scotland. The firm has also had enquiries from as far away as Finland and Poland.

“The website helps keep the second hand machinery moving in particular,” explains Ian. “We can put a tractor up on the site one evening and the next morning we’re getting a lot of calls about it.”

John Deere merchandising has always been popular, and MLM Engineering stock a wide range of branded products. Their pedal powered versions of heavy agricultural machinery are a particular hit with youngsters in what is a very strong farming community.

The directors of MLM Engineering haven’t had much time to take stock of their achievements over the short life of their company as they’ve been working flat out since its birth. Winning back the John Deere franchise early on in the life of the firm was a

Ritchie Cattle Crush


key moment, as was the sale of their first new combine last year (they’ve already sold two this year so far) but they’re not given to moments of self-congratulation. Quiet ambition is very much the theme at MLM Engineering.

“We’ve expanded very carefully,” reflects Ian. “We could always have had more, but we’ve tried to remain quite a streamlined operation. We’re now at the stage though where we do need more staff and bigger premises.”

“I think we’ve been quite lucky since we started,” adds Alan, modestly. “The agricultural industry in Orkney has held its own through the recession, but we’re very

proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to continued growth. Our customers are certainly happy with their machines and they seem happy with us too.”

John Deere 6930 and 744 Baler on demonstration

SALES

SERVICE

PARTS

KIRBISTER GARAGE

[email protected] www.mlmengineering.co.uk


CTEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has launched the MXS 10, a new 10A 12V battery charger with an eight-stage charging process.

The CTEK MXS 10.0 smart charger maximises the performance of lead-acid batteries. By determining accurate readings from the battery, the MXS 10 will ensure that an appropriate charging and conditioning cycle is delivered to optimise and maintain the battery for use, thereby prolonging the life of the battery. The patented CTEK eight-stage battery charging system maintains and conditions the battery and can be left attached indefinitely without risk of over, or under charging. Intended for unsupervised use, the MXS 10 is simple to connect, spark

10 Amp, eight-stage battery charger launched to avoid a flat summer

proof and reverse-polarity protected to protect the user and also the battery.

Furthermore, there is no need to disconnect the battery before use as it regulates mains voltage to protect any sensitive electrical equipment. Due to their seasonal and sometimes irregular usage, agricultural vehicle batteries are particularly prone to deep discharge, effective battery protection and maintenance is therefore essential. The unique multi-stage charging characteristics of the MXS 10 ensure that any battery will be charged to its maximum potential without risk of drying out or damaging the battery.

The first six months of this year have been the driest for 80 years in the UK. There were reports of livestock being kept indoors, poor forage production, and farmers using fodder stored for winter to keep things going. With increasingly variable weather on the horizon because of climate change, producing good quality forage when it’s needed is going to be crucial.

One solution that we’ve come up with at H2O Farm Ltd is a hydroponic fodder production system. Hydroponics is a way of growing sprouting barley in a nutrient solution instead of soil – it’s efficient because the water is re-circulated and the nutrition levels reaching the plant can be precisely controlled. What you get are stable and higher yields, greater control over pests and diseases because of the controlled environment, no pesticides are used at all, and a reliable source of fresh green feed every day of the year.

The quality of the forage is also consistently good, as the sprouting barley is highly digestible and will provide

Fresh spring grass grown in the dark in only 7 days!

the microbes in the rumen or gut with exactly what they require in order to keep the ph at the optimum and so increase overall dry matter intake, mineral absorption and enzyme production.

The protein levels of the feed are approximately 25% with NDF above 50% and with a range of trace elements the fodder has been proven to be beneficial to livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, deer, goats, hens and rabbits.

Climate change means hotter, drier summers in the UK. A rising population means greater pressure on water resources (many water catchments are already over-abstracted) and means as farmers you’ll need to be producing more food with less water. The rise of biofuels may also mean you might want to turn over some of your land to other crops. Our hydroponic sprouting barley system could be the answer.

For more information contact Howard Campion on 01753 573940,


New additions to the SCORPION handler rangeThe addition of new SCORPION 6030 CP compact sized telescopic handler means that CLAAS now offers a total of seven Kramer-built SCORPION models, ranging from the SCORPION 6030 VP, which can lift 3.3 tonnes to 6.25 metres to the top of the range SCORPION 9040 VP+ capable of lifting 4.0 tonnes to 8.95 metres.

Three version of the new SCORPION 6030CP are available and measuring just 2.26m wide and 2.20m high when on 20 inch tyres, this makes the new SCORPION 6030 CP one of the smallest telescopic handlers of this capacity on the market.

However these compact dimensions do not take away from the SCORPION’s ability to handle heavy loads, and with a maximum lift capacity of 3.00 tonnes and a reach of up to 6.00 metres, it has the highest capacity of any machine in this class. As on all SCORPION models, the new SCORPION

TELEHANDLERS

REACHING THE HEIGHTS OF VERSATILITY

Seven of the top telehandlers on the market today6030 CP features a side-mounted, Deutz 3.6 litre engine, with clean air-flow in which the air-intake is mounted on the top of the engine cover to keep dust contamination to a minimum.

Where overall height is a particular consideration, the SCORPION 6030 CP on 20in wheels offers the lowest profile, with an overall height of just 2.20 metres, making it ideal for use in low livestock and poultry buildings.

The SCORPION 6030 CP (20in) is powered by a side-mounted 78hp engine, driving through a 30km/h hydrostatic transmission and is fitted with an 84 litre/minute hydraulic circuit.

Comprehensive range from DieciDieci are a well-established brand. The company was formed in 1962. Dieci produced their first Telescopic Handler in 1983. The company invested heavily in a new purpose built factory 4 years ago, their expansion plans have continued with additional manufacturing

Dieci telehandler

Claas Scorpion 6030 CP

Dealer forMANITOU Telehandlers

SALES • SERVICE • BACK-UPDemonstrations available

Haston Industrial Estate,Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1RE

Tel: 01856 873003 Fax: 01856 876133www.taitorkney.co.uk

units built for the production of their booms. Robotic welders are employed in the factory,

ensuring that Dieci achieves the highest standard of quality control.


www.marrsofmethlick.com

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS SCHOOLBRAE GARAGE, METHLICK, ELLON, AB41 7DS

TELEHANDLERS

Top grade Swedish steel is utilised in the manufacturer throughout.

Dieci use top quality components in their manufacturer, engines are sourced from Yanmah, Cummins Iveco, and Perkins dependent on the model and application. The axles are manufactured by

Spicer which include planetary reduction gears, limited slip differentials, and wet inboard brakes for reliability.

Dieci are very customer focussed, as a result they offer a number of transmission options from leading suppliers, Bosch Rexroth for their Hydrostatic transmissions, Sauer Bibas

Cat reaching out

for the vario transmission, and Clarke for the powershift transmission.

Currently Dieci produce 24 models for Agricultural, 28 for construction, 9 roto machines, and 3 heavy duty telescopic handlers up to 21tons.For the Agricultural market, Dieci now offer a vario transmission with cruise control, if you require your Telehandler for feeding, bedding, brush work, long distance hauling, this is a feature that will make your life easier.

For 2011, Dieci Telehandlers will feature the all new purpose built cab with increased visibility, electric window, new instrumentation, integrated air conditioning with a recirculation option.

24 hours a day with a CatDay or night, from the depths of winter to the height of summer, you can rely on

your Cat® Telehandler. The TH336, TH337, TH406 and TH407 Telehandlers are highly productive machines designed specifically for effective operation on farms and in agricultural applications.

Caterpillar Telehandlers are designed with you in mind. The cab is comfortable, visibility is improved, and the single joystick controls are smoother and well positioned, so you stay fresh, focused and effective.

A powerful engine, load-sensing hydraulics and high levels of manoeuvrability help you get jobs done quickly. Cat quick change Work Tools ensure impressive performance across a wide range of applications. From haymaking to mucking out, from loading to digging, your Cat Telehandler will do it all.

Proven Cat engines deliver the power and speed you need

NEW SALES USED SALES SELF-DRIVE HIRE SPARES SERVICING


TELEHANDLERS

for all applications around the farm. TH-Series machines have excellent towing capabilities and a top roading speed of 40 km/h.

A high ground clearance and excellent flotation effect from the 609 mm wheels make the TH-Series ideal for off-road applications.

The Telehandlers limited slip differential improves traction in all ground conditions and the machines have the manoeuvrability you need when moving around the farm. The turning circle is tight and there is a choice of three steering modes with automatic wheel self-alignment.

Merlo P25.6

Merlo’s Panoramic P 25.6 with every feature you needMerlo’s newest machine is also its smallest - the diminutive P25.6. And, it offers the ideal solution for working in narrow or confined spaces, where conventional telescopic handlers cannot get the job done.

The concept of a very compact telehandler was actually first invented by Merlo back in 1991, with the revolutionary P 20.6. The introduction of the new P 25.6 once again confirms Merlo as the technological leader in the sector of compact telehandlers.

Safety and a compactness were the main focus for Merlo designers, leading to a machine which is tiny (only 1.80 metres wide and less than 2 metres tall), reliable and quick, but will lift as much as 2.5 tons

and to operate at a six-metre height. But, even with this small footprint, the new model has exactly the same 995mm wide cab as other Merlo telehandlers cab – which offers plenty of space, lots of handy storage compartments, and incredible panoramic visibility.

Permanent four-wheel drive, all-wheel steer, extraordinary ground clearance with generous approach and departure angles, together with travel speeds up to 36 kph, guarantee a superb driving experience in all conditions. A low centre of gravity and good weight balance assure safe travelling performance and stability on all surfaces.

The first response from UK users has been enthusiastic about its performance, and drivers love the big cab and absolutely exceptional visibility!


Tractors • Parts • Accessories

TELEHANDLERS

Manitou’s new ‘Super Compact’ telehandler Manitou is pleased to announce the latest addition to their farm handling product range with the new MLT625T telescopic loader. Designed specifically for working in restricted areas the critical dimensions of the MLT625T with an overall height

of less than 2 metre and a width of only 1m82 ensures the machine can easily operate in areas which are inaccessible to other machinery.

The capability of the machine is further enhanced by a ground clearance of 38 cm and the MLT625T is equipped with 18” agricultural profile

Manitou MLT625

tyres providing excellent traction and grip on all types of terrain.

Comfort is an important part of the MLT625T concept and the interior is ergonomically designed with the operator in mind. Exclusive to Manitou the JSM (Joystick Switch and Move) allows full control of all movements with one hand in total safety and with reduced fatigue: raising and lowering the boom, telescoping and retracting the boom, tilting and tipping, plus an auxiliary service attachment and forward/reverse travel direction. The driver always keeps one hand on the steering wheel to maintain full control of the MLT625T.

All drive line components of the MLT625T (engine, transmission, axles, hydraulics and tyres) are combined to optimise the power produced by the engine. The Kubota 4

cylinder Turbo 75 hp is ideally suited for maximum engine efficiency. The MLT625T is perfectly adapted with a power/weight ratio giving exceptional performance and fuel consumption from the fully flexible hydrostatic transmission.

In travel mode, the precision of the 2 speed mechanical gearbox allows travel speeds up to 25 km/h.

New Holland LM5000 TelehandlersNew Holland’s range of telehandlers has been designed specifically for agricultural use. The entire development of the LM5000 is in-house to ensure an uncompromised design that meets the requirements of New Holland’s agricultural customers.

Three models make up the series offering a range of lifting


TELEHANDLERS

capacities and reaches: the LM5040 has a 6.1m boom and 3.5 tonne capacity; the LM5060 has a 7.1m boom and 4.0 tonne capacity; and the high-reaching

9.6m boom of the LM5080 has a 3.3 tonne capacity, making the model offering extremely competitive in the all important 6-10 metre product segment.

New Holland LM5000

Each LM5000 telehandler is powered by a 120hp Tier III engine mounted in a new in-line side-engine concept, which results in outstanding operator visibility, enables a larger cab to be fitted and offers excellent accessibility for routine maintenance.

Situated opposite the cab, on the right-hand side of the boom, the engine is configured in-line with the central drive shafts. The industry unique power transfer to the drive line is both simple and efficient, reducing power loss through the drive line and putting more power at the control of the operator. In keeping with New Holland’s bio-diesel

commitment, the LM5000 can operate on B100 pure bio-diesel following New Holland’s recommendations.

The LM5000 is offered in Delta and Plus versions to reflect differing customer requirements.

The Delta package includes a 4x4 Synchro / Power Shuttle 40kph transmission, a multifunction joystick and a high capacity gear pump that provides 130lpm oil flow and a mechanical locking carrier.

JCB unveils two compact telescopic boom wheeled loadersThe TM180 and TM220 will further expand JCB’s market leading range of wheeled

CATDKR Agricultural Services www.jd-dealer.co.uk/dkagri Biggar : 01899 220897

MLM Engineeringwww.mlmengineering.co.ukOrphir, Orkney : 01856 811282

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

DIECIJohn T CormackHuna, Wick : 01955 611498

JMS Equipmentwww.jmsequipment.co.ukTurriff : 01888 563188

Marrs of Methlickwww.marrsofmethlick.comEllon : 01651 806910

JCBJohn Kerr Farm Eqptwww.john-kerr.comLinlithgow : 01506 842280

Hamilton Brotherswww.hamiltonbros.co.ukTarbolton : 01292 541445Bishopton : 01505 862010Campbeltown : 01586 553031

MANITOUAT Best Handlerswww.atbesthalndlers.co.ukAirdrie : 01236 607077

Groundwater Lift Truckswww.groundwater.uk.com

Stonehaven : 01569 763247

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

W & A GeddesWick : 01955 602207Brora : 01408 621220

Wm Rose & Sonwww.wmrose.co.ukWest Linton : 01968 660777

MERLOAncroft Tractorswww.ancroft-tractors.co.uk Berwick upon Tweed : 01289 331904 Kelso : 01573 225213 Macmerry : 01875 617323

Reekie Group www.reekie.co.uk Stirling : 01786 477530

Perth : 01738 622471 Cupar : 01334 652445

Ramsey & Jackson www.ramjack.co.uk Mauchline : 01290 550329

Ravenhill www.ravenhill.co.uk Aberdeen : 01224 772577 Dingwall : 01349 863555 Elgin : 01343 541121 Maud : 01771 613246 Turriff : 01888 563561

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

DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in this feature)


TELEHANDLERS

loading shovels and telescopic boom materials handling solutions. The two loaders

will provide an ideal machine choice for waste and recycling industries, and for livestock

JCB TM2020

and dairy farmers in the agricultural sector.

The TM180 and TM220 build on the success of the existing TM310, making use of the control levers and other functions from this popular machine. Based on the rear chassis sections of the 406 and 409 articulated wheeled loading shovels respectively, the TM180 and TM220 have a dedicated front chassis section with a shared telescopic boom design.

The TM180 has a lift capacity of 1,800 kg with pallet forks, while the larger TM220 has a capacity of 2,200kg. The boom tower is mounted as low as possible to maintain excellent visibility

from the cab to the working area.

This results in a maximum pallet loading height of 4,534mm for the TM180 and 4,562mm for the TM220. Maximum forward reach is 3,674mm and 3,608mm respectively.

Tipping the scales at 5.6 tonnes and 6 tonnes, the two loaders are powered by a Tier IIIB compliant Deutz D2011 engine, naturally aspirated in the TM180 and turbocharged in the TM220. In the smaller model this offers 62hp (46kW) of power and 190Nm of torque. For the more powerful TM220 the engine produces 75hp (56kW) and 250Nm of torque.


Let’s start at the very beginning. Like many men (I suspect), I have a garden which I look at and enjoy, mostly because my wife (Christina) maintains it, while daughter Helen helps to choose the flowers. I maybe do a little ‘carrying’ work but till now, that’s been about it. The garden has been for sitting in with the occasional BBQ.

However, there has always been a part of me that has wanted to grow my own fruit and vegetables, and not having an allotment or a huge space has meant that this thought has come and gone through my head rather quickly on it’s ‘flight of fancy’ way.

So what has changed? Well for one thing, I am a big supporter of local produce and a frequent visitor to our

local farm shops where I enjoy eating fantastic quality food. And the other thing is this financial recession has really hit hard and made us all take notice of what we are spending our money on.

So could I grow my own food in a micro setting like my back garden? (Wife won’t let me plough up the front lawn for some reason!), Yeah let’s go for it.

Now I have to say that I did have one or two things growing already in some pots and bags. I have a herb–step at the back of our kitchen area, raspberries, rhubarb, pear tree, apple tree, grow bags with potatoes, onions, carrot, tomatoes, peas and peppers in little plastic greenhouses – just one of each! Very much the novice!!

Okay, so lets gat started more seriously here!

First thing was to get in a quality potting shed to act as my ‘garden office’. We visited Gillies & Mackay based at the famous Cairn O’Mhor Winery situated on the Perth to Dundee Road, and found the very shed that we were looking for.

Quality is very important, and when our new potting shed arrived we were all totally delighted. Gillies & Mackay has met our design brief exactly to fit the space that I had broken my back clearing!!

This however, is only the beginning of my journey, so the last few days have been spent setting things up in the ‘garden office’, with an eye to making a full plan for what produce we want to grow and where it will be located.

A mission chosen by Athole Murray FlemingPublisher of Farming Scotland Magazine

In pots, in bags, in troughs, hanging, planted in corners, on walls etc – every space that we can think of will be utilised over the coming months, and in our next issue I will unveil my plans for step two.

In the meantime my next meeting is with the Bonhard Nursery based by Scone, who have very kindly agreed to support and advise me on all the things I need to do and learn about.

I also hope to expand my “Homegrown” adventure, maybe planting some exotic seeds, rare varieties and perhaps sharing some stories with readers.

You can always get in touch with me through the magazine contact information on page 3. See you in September.

Our back garden before the changes to come The potting shed arrives!

Our herb step Getting started Before the shed

FUTUREfarmer


The inaugural meeting of NFU Scotland’s New Generation initiative, attended by many of Scotland’s brightest farming talents, has started mapping out the policy priorities for new entrants and young farmers in the industry.

The group has been established to ensure that the views of the younger generation of Scottish farmers can be put at the centre of important industry discussions, helping to shape the big decisions that the food and farming industries face in the coming months and years.

Once developed, it is hoped the new group will be keen to have a platform within the

New generation initative maps out farming future

Union to develop its views and make itself central to NFUS work.

NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller said:

“There is a wealth of energy and talent in the new generation of farmers in Scotland, many of whom I come across everyday. These people may not be currently involved in the day to day work of the Union but we would undoubtedly benefit from their enthusiasm and outlook.

“The decisions that will be taken in the future – whether on the Single Farm Payment, rural development funding, supply chain development, new entrants or anything else –

will affect the whole operating environment for both existing farmers and, importantly, the new generation.

“We need this group’s input into the crucial policy debate that will take place over the coming months and years. Their role is to “future-proof” policy direction but also to map out links with those building their future in farming and ensure the Union is both relevant and accessible to them.

“The initiative has been set up with the goal of engaging with a bank of new talent and build the new structures that will provide a direct root to policy development and

the NFUS board. This must fit around the time pressures of a generation already investing considerable energy in business development.

“Whether they are young farmers developing their business or new entrants coming into our sector, we need to examine how the established system can better support them. I don’t believe it has done a good enough job so far. Involving the younger generation in this new initiative and having them feed in directly to NFUS work going forward is a meaningful way of engaging with the future of our food and farming industries.”

It will be even easier for individuals to start a career in beekeeping as Lantra Awards has created, in partnership with the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), a Level 1 Qualification in Beekeeping and is urging colleges and training providers to help deliver this new qualification.

Learners who are entering the industry or seeking to formalise existing experience will find the Level 1 Award in

Cultivating the next generation of Beekeepers

Introduction to Beekeeping Qualification beneficial. The Qualification gives learners the skills and knowledge they need to make the craft of beekeeping a sustainable activity and improve the quality of beekeeping.

Chris Deaves (Chair of Education & Husbandry for the BBKA) said, “One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination at a time when a crisis is threatening

the world’s honey bees. This new qualification is a huge step forward in the vocational training of beekeepers and will support the UK’s food production in the future.”

Lesley Barr, Head of Product Development with Lantra Awards, said, “This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with honey bees. Finally there will be a way into the industry providing real skills with a

recognised qualification at the end. The BBKA has been instrumental in the development of this qualification and we are pleased to be working with them.”

FUTUREfarmer

Thirty-one newly trained apprentices are about to return to their New Holland dealerships as qualified land based technicians after completing a bespoke technician training scheme at Reaseheath College in Cheshire.

The apprentices were presented with certificates at a ceremony at the college by New Holland’s After Sales Commercial Manager Rob Alker.

This specialist course is partly funded and run by New Holland and involves five courses specific to New Holland machines and equipment. At the end of the course, every graduate is sufficiently qualified to apply for LTA accreditation (Land based Technician Accreditation) at grade two. This is a professionally recognised Scheme run by the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) in conjunction with major Agricultural equipment manufacturers.

Chris Coppenhall, One of New Holland’s product technical trainer, is involved in the specialist training courses throughout the three year programme:

“During the course, each apprentice does three separate months a year at Reaseheath

New Holland apprentices graduate and get out in

the field

College. Within this time, in addition to the theory and practical training delivered by the college’s lecturers, they’ll receive five specialist training courses based on New Holland machines and technology. So they’ll go through electronics, hydraulics, transmission, engines and diagnostics. All this training is done on our latest machines using specialist test equipment and it is run by New Holland training specialists.

“James Fermor, New Holland’s Technical Training Manager, praised the apprentices, whose ages range from 17 to 21, and commented that they have been particularly committed. By completing the course, they are essentially building a foundation for the New Holland dealerships of the future. They have all left college with good skills and product knowledge so they can begin their careers with a running start. We are working very hard to ensure that all New Holland Technicians are highly skilled and effective in their job. This will raise customer satisfaction and ensure profitability for the dealership network.”

For more information on the New Holland apprentice training scheme, contact your local New Holland dealership.


“Flavour of Scotland”TASTER & COMPETITION

FINANCE


FINANCE


10 Newmiln Road, Perth, PH1 1QY.Tel: 01738 444970


Until now, there has been no voice in Brussels for an emerging class of agricultural inputs known as “biostimulants.” Arysta LifeScience is working to change this and has joined a consortium of like-minded companies and trade associations for the purpose.

Biostimulants are demonstrated to enhance plant nutrition,

improve plant health, improve soil fertility and generally create favourable growing conditions and plant resistance to stress, but do not easily fit into traditional definitions of fertilizers or crop protection products. Biostimulants are referred to by various terms – including “plant growth enhancers”, “yield enhancers”,

Arysta LifeScience is Among Industry Leaders Shaping European Market for “Biostimulants”

“plant strengtheners” and others. Fundamentally, they help improve crop efficiency and resilience. However, existing national and European regulations on agricultural inputs are ill-adapted to their defining characteristics. As a result, the market is fragmented, with registration procedures and market entry conditions

varying significantly from one European Union country to another

For inquiries regardingArysta LifeScience’s participation

in the consortium, please contact Benoit Genot,

Global Marketing Manager, Plant Nutrients at benoit.

[email protected].

The UK will be better protected against animal diseases like avian flu and foot and mouth thanks to a global network of scientific research launched by Defra.

Increasingly globalised movements of animals, people and food have raised the risk of animal diseases spreading to the UK, which could have serious economic, environmental and health consequences.

Defra is leading an international network, funded by the EU, linking thousands of scientists across the world. It will allow them to exchange research, establish common goals and collaborate on developing future controls. It will also underpin early warning systems by identifying what emerging diseases are being picked up abroad.

Ahead of the network’s launch, Agriculture and Food Minister Jim Paice said:

“In this modern age of globalised trade and travel the risk of animal disease entering the UK is greater than ever.

“We already have comprehensive international surveillance and outbreak plans, but we must prepare for the challenges in 5, 10 and 15 years’ time.

“Countries acting on their own just don’t have the resources to research every disease, all of the time, so sharing resources like this will get us maximum protection and value for money.”

The 1million EU-funded network will include Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Japan,

Obal science network to protect againstanimal diseases

Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and the UK. It will be divided into three regions – the Americas, Asia and Australasia, and Europe – and surrounding countries are expected to feed in. It is hoped an Africa region will follow.

Examples of major diseases of concern are: Avian Influenza; new strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) which are circulating in China; and African Swine Fever, which has spread from Africa to Russia.

The network, which also involves the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), will also help to develop control measures for current

problems such as TB- or drug resistant parasites.

It is estimated that 75 per cent of emerging animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, often from wildlife via livestock. The network will allow information to be shared more quickly on conditions that affect humans such as nipah virus infection. An outbreak of this disease in people in Malaysia has been traced back to pigs catching the virus from the droppings of bats in palm trees.

The global network will also help improve the health and productivity of animals through hastening the development of improved control methods for existing diseases in the UK. This is crucial to meet the challenges of increasing food production and reducing the impact of livestock on the climate.

MACHINERY


Ness Plant, Forfar Road, Brechin DD9 6RJTel 01356 626113 Fax 01356 625577

Unit D, Kinross Business ParkTel 01577 862543 Fax 01577 865183

Email: [email protected] us online today at www.nessplant.co.uk

MACHINERY


WILKS BROTHERSMain dealers in Perthshirefor DEUTZ FAHR Tractors

Sales • Service • PartsRepairs for a wide rangeof Agricultural Machinery

Murthly, Perthshire, PH1 4HGTel: 01738 710381 Fax: 01738 710581

The All NewTTV Tractor

MACHINERY


...More than just rollers!

Dal-Bo UK, Unit 12A Shepherds Close, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6SZTel: 01263 732683 Fax: 01263 732632 e-mail: [email protected]

www.dal-bo.com

MACHINERY


D & A FACTORS (DUNDEE) LTD.

email: [email protected]

Suppliers ofAGRICULTURAL

andTRACTOR COMPONENTS

ALL PLOUGH METALS AVAILABLEHours of Business:

2 West Hendersons Wynd, Dundee DD1 5BT

Tel. (01382) 228202/5 Fax. (01382) 223322

MACHINERY


PEOPLE O

N THE M

OVE

John Ross CBEJohn Ross CBE is the new Chairman of Care Farming Scotland, the charity promoting the role working farms and holdings can play in the rehabilitation of people recovering from illness, following long term unemployment, homelessness or release from prison. A former President of NFU Scotland, John Ross also Chaired NHS Dumfries and Galloway and, amongst several other roles, is currently Chairman ofthe Programme Board for Prisoner Health Care.

Care Farming uses commercial farms, woodlands and market gardens, to offer people worthwhile activity, within a supportive environment. It can benefit people with learning difficulties or patients recovering from long term illness, including depression, stress or drug related issues. Routine activity like livestock keeping also benefits those returning to work after a long absence. There have been Care Farms in England for a number of years and in parts of Europe they are part of the health or social services.

Alan MundieAlan Mundie has been recruited as head miller by specialist feed supplement manufacturer, Ufac-UK.

Based at the company’s Woolfox Lodge production site near Oakham, Rutland, his job will be to ensure that production targets are achieved, quality of products is maintained and goods are despatched on time.

A vital part of this is ensuring the smooth operation of the mill through the servicing, maintenance and repair of mill equipment. Alan is well equipped with the practical know-how for this having spent 18 years as an electrical and mechanical engineer with a generator company.

He lives in Oakham where his spare-time hobbies include wildlife photography.

Ufac-UK is the leading specialist UK manufacturer of energy, protein and omega 3 supplements. The company has been supplying nutritional supplements to the animal feed industry for over 35 years.

Chas RoyChas Roy, Operations Director of David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd the Forfar fabricator, has been appointed Managing Director. He will succeed Tony Walker, who will continue as a part time executive Director focusing on various projects including Industrial Sales, China, and Forfar Galvanisers Ltd.

Chas joined the company as Production Manager some 20 years ago from James Howden, the west coast power and tunnelling equipment manufacturer. He has been a Director of Ritchie for 14 years.

Alison ShackladyNew Holland’s first dealer saleswoman joins J&S Lewis. When Alison Shacklady joined New Holland’s nationwide dealership network this year, she became the company’s first dealer saleswoman. Alison began her role in February when she joined J & S Lewis in Leigh, Lancashire. It didn’t take her long to realise that she was unique – there were no other women doing the same role as her.

Before joining J & S Lewis, Alison was originally in wholesale horticulture, dealing with the sales of trees, shrubs, plants and seeds. Before that Alison, the daughter of a farmer, had worked for an agricultural company. Alison admits however, that it was a very big leap from working in the Horticulture Industry, to selling New Holland agricultural machinery at J & S Lewis:

“It was a big change; I hadn’t sold machinery before, but I’ve done lots of training and I love it. It’s a man’s world, there’s no doubt about that and I’m seriously outnumbered – but I’ve dealt with farmers all my life and I think I’ve been well received in the area – already knowing several of the customers anyway.”


farming scotland magazine (july-august 2011)

Documents

scotland ph2

nfu of scotland

new rock n rollwe

family self sufficient

rock band

micro garden

garden office

self sufficient master