farming scotland magazine (may-june 2011)

ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW 2011 PREVIEWBALERS • IRRIGATION • SHEARING

Product Focus onMURRAY MACHINERY

SCOTLAND ON A PLATE with TASTE OF BUTE

ARABLE • LIVESTOCK • POTATOES • DAIRY • FINANCEFUTURE FARMER • MACHINERY • SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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]

CON

TENTS

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SUBSCRIPTION. Simply call 01738 639747 to arrange mailing directly to your home or business.(£20 per annum inc p+p) UK.

June 2011

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com 3

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

Here comes the sunOne of my favourite songs from one of my heroes George Harrison always makes me smile and think of the halcyon days that lie ahead when summer beckons.

As the days are getting warmer (at long last), we can all look ahead to many great outdoor events, and there is none greater in Scotland than the Royal Highland Show in June.

Inside this very issue, we have 18 pages dedicated to this wonderful event, both for the farming community and the general public, the Royal Highland is a great day out.

This issue also allows me to welcome Barry Tweed who has joined our little family band (me and the wife!) here at the magazine. Barry will work alongside me on the advertising sales and special features that we are planning for the forthcoming issues.

I am also delighted to announce that Farming Scotland Magazine is now on sale in SPAR STORES and DAVID SANDS STORES, starting with this very edition. Another great step forward in our aims to make Farming Scotland Magazine the BIG READ BRAND TITLE for SCOTLAND.

Oh and of course, this is our biggest ever issue, with 56 pages of news and features. So, all in all, “Here comes the sun”, kind of reflects my mood as I type this column of mine.

I hope you all have a fab summer, maybe see you at the Royal Highland, and yes, we will be on the phones again soon for the next issue!

Athole

Main FeaturesBalers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14Royal Highland Show Preview. . . 20-37Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39Shearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45

Product FocusMurray Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

Scotland on a PlateTaste of Bute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Regular ColumnsCrofting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Farming for the Climate . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41NFU of Scotland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 People on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

News SectionArable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Science & Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-42Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47Future Farmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-54

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ARABLE

ARABLE

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ARABLE

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BALERS

THE TOP TENSome of the latest Balers on the market for 2011

New Holland BR7000New Holland Agriculture’s BR7000 variable chamber round baler will be making an appearance at the Royal Highland Show 2011.

There are two models in the range which can be specified to suit different operations. Both produce a 1.2m wide bale with a maximum bale diameter of up to 1.5m on the BR7060 and up to 1.8m on the BR7070.

New Holland also has a larger 455mm diameter rotor which can increase capacity by up to 32%. The rotor design uses the exclusive “W” tine pattern which guarantees the even distribution of the crop across the entire bale chamber width.

Main Dealers for CLAAS Balers

SALES • SERVICE • BACK-UPDemonstrations available

Haston Industrial Estate,Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1RE

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

For all your KRONE BALER requirementscontact your nearest AGRICAR depot

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

www.agricar.co.uk

New Holland BR7040


BALERS

The 2.0m wide pick-up or the 2.3m wide XtraSweepTM pick up handle the largest swaths with ease improving field efficiency. New Holland is one of the few manufacturers to use a floor roll concept, which ensures both a positive core formation whatever the condition. But once the bale size, and more importantly the weight, has increased it carries the bale. This means the life of the belts is increased because the bale is carried on the floor roll.

New baler-wrapper combination from KuhnThe i-Bio baler-wrapper combination is the latest

addition to Kuhn’s grass harvesting range. With a pick-up width of 2.3 metres, the i-Bio has an integral rotor with the option of a 14-knife or 23-knife cutting unit and hydraulically operated drop-floor.

Eighteen ribbed rollers ensure good bale formation and a fast wrapping cycle (6 layers in 20 seconds) which is facilitated by two pre-stretching systems. The Focus control box on the i-Bio provides a monitoring function and automatic or manual modification of settings. The Intelliwrap system ensures economical use of wrap by allowing the number of layers

applied (3 – 8) to be flexibly managed.

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 theV660 variable chamber round balers operation is kept simple and 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.

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

Kuhn i-Bio baler wrapper combination

McHale V660


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

and the pick up and chopper unit.

Latest round balers from Case IHGrassland visitors will see Case IH’s latest RB344, RB454 and RB464 round balers at the brand’s stand, the first UK showing for the newly numbered models following production moving from the US to Plock, Poland. The fixed-chamber RB344 features a 1,700Nm high torque capacity driveline clutch to enable the baler to travel quickly when baling without suffering from blockages and to easily cope with variations in crop density.

The proven RB454 and RB464 variable-chamber

balers offer bale sizes up to 150cm and 180cm in diameter respectively. Available in both stuffer feeder and rotor feeder variants, an optional Serpentine Roller kit helps prevent silage wrapping round the rollers, particularly useful in wet conditions.

Case IH will also demonstrate its broad tractor range including livestock farm favourites, the 76hp to 106hp JXU range and 86hp to 101hp CS Pro range, both featuring the latest Tier III engines, while at the other end of the power scale, an STX Quadtrac will be teamed with a trailed JF-Stoll FCT 1355 forager harvester to provide an impressive forage solution.

John Deere unveils new generation balerJohn Deere’s all-new 900 Series variable chamber round balers feature a revolutionary Fast

Release System (FRS), which can lead to savings of up to an hour a day during harvest. These unique balers will be available in limited quantities this year, before full commercial production begins for the 2012 season.

Designed specifically for use by contractors and large livestock farms, the new 960 and 990 balers employ state-of-the-art technology to significantly improve baler output, bale density and operator comfort. In addition, built-in reliability and durability are provided by the exclusive full-frame design, which relieves the entire bale chamber from external stress.

FRS speeds up the bale ejection process by enabling the operator to unload the completed bale in less than five seconds, which is up to 10 seconds faster than a

New John Deere 960 round baler

Case LB333


BALERS

conventional machine. It employs a unique ‘curtain’ design, which replaces the traditional heavy rear door.

New MF 2140 baler joins legendary large square baler rangeThe new MF 2140, which produces 800mm wide x 700mm high bales joins the Massey Ferguson MF 2100 large square baler range. This new bale size and shape is designed to help hauliers make optimum use of lorry capacity for transport on European roads.

Although the new MF 2140 model makes the smallest bale size in the MF 2100 Series, it inherits many of the outstanding design features from the range and produces heavy, dense bales in straw, silage, hay and haylage.

“These Massey Ferguson balers are designed and built in our Hesston factory in the USA, which pioneered the big square bale concept,” says Mark Grigson, Product Marketing Manager. “In common with other MF 2100 Series balers the MF 2140 produces the heaviest, highest density bales/hr in its sector. This increases productivity and means fewer heavier bales need to be cleared from the field. Fewer bales also reduce handling time and transport costs because the new bale shape makes more effective use of lorry space.”

High output Rollant 400 balersThe Claas latest heavy duty fixed chamber round baler range, the ROLLANT 454 RC, Rollant455RC and the Rollant 455 Uuniwarp are designed to offer optimum bale density with consistently high outputs even in heavy, dense silage crops.

Creating a bale measuring 1.25m x 1.20m, a particular feature of these two new Rollant models is the Roto Cut chopping unit, which is designed to provide a high quality chop in all conditions.

Both Rollant models are controlled using the Claas Communicator control unit which enables the operator to not only quickly and easily set-up or change all aspects of the baler, but also record a wealth of output information.

The new Roto Cut unit is fitted with a total of 25 knives giving a minimum chop length of 4.8cm. This compares to current Rollant 355 Roto Cut units that feature 16 knives.

Lely makes variable bale pressing faster and simplerLely introduced their first variable baler/wrapper combination in 2010: the Lely Welger RPC 445 Tornado, featuring a fully automatic adjustable wrapping system.

This unique concept has proven outstanding in

Massey Ferguson 2140


BALERS

reliability, exceptional quality and unrivalled speed.

The new 800mm cutting rotor adds a new dimension to this baler/wrapper and with 6

tines on each ring features the Xtracut 25 chopping unit. A newly developed 2.25m pick up without cam track steering has a minimum of turning

parts, making this wrapper system even more maintenance friendly and reliable. With wide tyres and a single axle the Tornado is also

exceptionally manoeuvrable and versatile.

The bale diameter is measured and passed on to the wrapping system during net tying and because of the higher position of the pressing chamber, the bale rolls effortlessly to the wrapping table ensuring a fast bale transfer. The tailgate is closed faster and as it does the ring wrapper makes optimal use of the space; hence the Tornado is busy wrapping even before the tailgate is closed!

Lely has characteristically once again made good its reputation with its slogan “smarter, faster, stronger”.

All new electronics from ViconAn all-new electronic control system packed with advanced characteristics is a key feature of our new range of fixed and variable chamber round balers.

Dealers for McHale Balers

www.ramsay.co.uk

Knowehead WorksMauchline, Ayrshire, KA5 6EY

Tel: 01290 550329Fax: 01290 552508

Email: [email protected]

Claas Rollant 455


BALERS

TRADITIONAL VALUESContact your nearest AGRICAR depot for the

latest offers on NEW HOLLAND BALERSForfar Tel: 01307 462281Perth Tel: 01738 583249Laurencekirk Tel: 01561 378888Dundonald Tel: 01563 851900Doune Tel: 01786 842921

www.agricar.co.uk

Developed by in-house department Mechatronics, the industry-leading electronics centre owned by Vicon parent the Kverneland Group, the new control system is packed with functions designed to simplify the monitoring and control processes for round balers.

Focus II’s large LCD screen allows bale diameter and density adjustment, shows clever steering wheel graphic for in-row guidance and offers net quantity adjustment. In addition, it offers a powerful performance monitoring capability that allows full monitoring of the net wrap cycle, 42 bale counters with individual reset, bales/hour,

season bale count and total machine bale count.

All Vicon models will be capable of using the standard Focus II control box, while variable chamber balers will be supplied as standard with full isobus compatibility.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Vicon’s 100 year history,” says David Furber, Vicon sales manager for the Kverneland Group. “We are committed to producing a top-quality baler range that offers many new and improved features which will be welcomed by farmers and contractors.”

Our new range includes two fixed chamber roller balers and a pair of variable chamber

belt balers. The variable chamber RV4216 and RV4220 models are equipped with five endless belts and use a closed

Lely RPC 445 Tornado

chamber system that affords immediate bale rolling. This has been made possible by the integration of two rollers in the front of the bale chamber to create an efficient bale start process.

Maximizing crop flow through Big Pack balers from KroneMaxFlow is the name - an optimized crop flow on the Krone XC big balers is the effect. Thanks to a combination of innovative features, the new system improves the flow of material through the machine: The modified contours of the pick-up scrapers result in an almost linear crop feed to the cut-and-feed rotor, another innovation featuring tines that are hardened by wide 20mm Hardox steel plates to enhance the material feed.

There are three tines arranged around the

Vicon RF3325

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

W & A GeddesWick : 01955 602207Brora : 01408 621220

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

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

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

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

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

LELY WELGERAM Phillipwww.amphillip.co.ukConon Bridge : 01349 866021Forfar : 01307 474000

Fraserburgh : 01346 541351Glenrothes : 01592 775511Huntly : 01466 799222

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

McHALEJA Waugh & Sonwww.waughtractors.comStranraer : 01776 706444

John Drysdale EngineeringKinneswood : 01592 840686

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

NEW HOLLANDAgricar www.agricar.co.ukForfar : 01307 462281Perth : 01738 583249

Laurencekirk : 01561 378888Dundonald : 01563 851900Doune : 01786 842921

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

VICONGeorge Colliar LtdMiddle Balado : 01577 863173

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

DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in the feature)


BALERScircumference of the rotor. These innovations combine to improve the overall crop feed and optimize the quality of cut. Additionally, the cutting system pulls the material much easier through the knives and the knives offer a much longer service life. Another modification to the Big Pack XC series is the new knife drawer that features an enhanced cutting frame contour, another detail that optimizes the crop flow at a low power input.

In addition, the Big Pack XC machines feature new and open auger boxes on the pick-up system, which effectively reduce the risk of blockages. Another new feature is the standard-fit knife selection system on all X-Cut models.Krone Big Pack


Woodpecker Energy UK, a full service provider of domestic and commercial biomass boilers, has welcomed the announcement of the £860 million Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) last week, saying that farmers could effectively benefit from free installation of biomass heating systems and free fuel for 20 years.

The first scheme of its kind, the RHI has been designed to reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. Under the scheme, commercial, agricultural and civic and public sector buildings will be eligible to install renewable energy technologies,

including biomass. The RHI provides a financial incentive, with payments being made for each kWh of renewable heat produced. Tariffs for using renewable energy sources will be paid for 20 years for Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited renewable heat systems commissioned after 29th July 2009.

The RHI holds real financial benefits and is a major opportunity for heating engineers and indeed commercial end users to upgrade their heating installations, particularly in off-grid locations.

RHI means free Biomass Heating Systems

for FarmersJohn Deere has introduced the new Raven SmartBoom, which offers a GPS automatic boom section control option to customers buying or owning basic specification sprayers.

This is designed as a lower cost alternative for those who don’t require all the features of a higher specification i-Series machine, but who would still like to benefit from easier, more accurate spraying and reduced input costs.

SmartBoom is a standalone system that connects between John Deere’s EL4 spray controller and a mounted or trailed sprayer. Once turned on, SmartBoom uses GPS

data from a StarFire satellite receiver to turn the sprayer on or off at previously sprayed areas or mapped no-spray zones.

New auto section control

The robust and reliable Therma Elite digital, hand held, thermometer is ideal for many industries including HVAC professionals and process engineers who need to take accurate temperature measurements. The thermometer features a backlight, a max/min memory function and a mode button that switches the instrument from 0.1 to 1 °C. The Therma Elite indicates temperature over the range of 300 to 1370 °C

with an accuracy of ±0.4 °C. Conveniently located at the top of the unit is the thermocouple probe socket that allows a wide range of thermocouple probes to be connected.

Manufactured and designed in Britain by ETI, the Therma Elite is housed in a robust ABS case with a large LCD display with ‘Err’ (open circuit) and low battery indication. The thermometer is powered by three AAA batteries that give a minimum

Therma Elite versatile thermometerof five year battery life. The instrument will power off automatically after ten minutes, maximising battery life. This feature can be disabled by the user, if required.

Each Therma Elite thermometer is priced at £75 plus carriage and VAT.

For further information or to view the wide range of thermocouple probes available visit www.etiltd.com or contact our sales office on 01903 202151.

POTATOES


POTATOES


Counting carbon can give clear farm benefits

By Robert Logan,SAC Rural Business Consultant

We are all being told that we should be more efficient. Reducing greenhouse gases has been shown to strongly correlate with lower production costs and improved profitability; cutting greenhouse gas emissions therefore represents a challenge with clear opportunities for the farm business.

A ‘carbon footprint’ establishes how much greenhouse gas the farm is producing per kg or litre of produce and allows you to benchmark with other similar businesses. For livestock units, looking at forage quality and the use of livestock manures are two key areas that could increase farm profitability and lower the carbon footprint.

Ensuring suckler cow fertility is not unduly compromised is an essential part in maximising live calf numbers. This includes good husbandry practices such as selecting replacements from fertile stock, use of EBV’s, bull fertility checks, condition scoring cows, good grassland management, biosecurity measures, health planning and many other small but cumulatively significant practices.

Using SAC farm data it was shown that achieving 5% greater calf numbers (reducing barren cows and calf mortality by 5 in 100 cows bred) could improve finisher cattle sales by over 3t liveweight/100

cows and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% per kg carcase weight.

Unimpaired field drainage, modern grass varieties and timely field operations presents an opportunity to increase forage quality without necessarily compromising yield. Improved forage quality will encourage intakes and promote youngstock growth-rates or off-set purchased feed use.

Improving grass silage energy content by 1MJ/kg DM over six month feeding period is equivalent to around 90kg barley in a growing beef ration or 35kg liveweight. Assuming the same total dry matter intake, in this scenario, 2.5% additional carcase weight sold, beef finishing greenhouse gas emissions can be expected to reduce by around 6% per kg carcase weight.

There are many other actions you can take to benefit the farm business which also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your farm. Information at www.farmingforabetterclimate.org could help you take one step at a time towards a more efficient, lower cost system with a reduced carbon footprint. For more information on how carbon footprinting could help your farm or how to establish a step by step plan, contact [email protected] or telephone 0131 535 3440.

Farming for a Better Climate is funded by the Scottish Government under their Climate Change Advisory Activity.


Murray Machinery is a well-established UK manufacturer with 32years of experience in meeting their customers material handling needs.

Murray Machinery manufacture a wide range of material handling attachments for tractor loaders, telescopic handlers and loading shovels for the agricultural industry, construction industry and the waste handling industry.

Technology is changing all the time and the farming industry is no different. At Murray Machinery they have invested in the latest CNC machinery and CAD design enabling us to improve efficiency, reliability and to manufacture products to a consistently high standard.

Big bale handling is probably the biggest part of their production, with around

ten different bale handling models to choose from, for handling round bales, square bales, wrapped bales and unwrapped bales, from a single bale spike to the bale transporter which takes four bales on the three point linkage of a tractor, to the latest big square bale stacker which can take up to three 4’x4’x8’ straw bales or up to six 4’ round bales.

Front loader and telescopic handler quick hitches and quick hitch adaptors are also a big part of their manufacturing output, these enable customers when purchasing a new loader or telescopic handler of a different make, to fit one of our quick hitch adaptors to the front and use their existing attachments.

Muck forks can be made to suit from the smallest skid steer loader and tractor loader through all the telescopic handler range to the largest loading shovel. All muck forks can be fitted with a top grab which transforms a relatively basic attachment into a versatile multi-purpose machine. Stone forks are fitted with closely spaced tines along the bottom and up the sides to allow stones to be gathered and loaded, they can be fitted to tractor front linkage or telescopic handler.

Push off buckrakes come in two versions, one designed for telescopic handlers, and one designed for the front or rear of any tractor to allow smooth discharge on the silage pit.

Buckets come in a number of different versions ranging from large capacity grain buckets to suit tractor loaders and telescopic handlers, to hi tip grain buckets designed for loading high sided lorries, to suit tractor loaders, telescopic

MURRAY MACHINERY

Highland show stand

Big square bale stacker


handlers and loading shovels. General purpose buckets are designed for more robust work round the farm, building site and waste handling station. 4 in 1 buckets are a multi-purpose attachment used in the construction and agricultural industries and can be fitted to any tractor loader or telescopic handler.

Hydraulic tipping buckets can be fitted to standard masted forklifts where there is no original tipping mechanism fitted. Grain pushers are designed for tractor loaders and telescopic handlers to allow the operator to push grain considerably higher than is possible with a standard grain bucket.

The big bag lifter is designed to suit any tractor loader or telescopic handler to allow extra lift height when loading fertiliser spreaders or sowing machines, the big bag lifter is also ideal for off loading curtain sided lorries. The pallet fork attachment can be fitted to any tractor loader or telescopic handler for the purpose of lifting any palletised material, and comes in various lifting capacities.

The potato box tippler is designed to lift a one ton potato box and turn it through 360 degrees to the left or right, side and top arms are provided to support the box through the tipping cycle, drive is provided through a hydraulic motor/gearbox combination.

Snow blades are manufactured in various sizes and configurations, from the smallest fixed angle blades for mini tractors, to manual slew left and right, and hydraulic slew left and right, for larger tractors and telescopic handlers, they all have heavy duty replaceable rubber edges and can be fitted with castor wheels.

The gravel road grader is a very effective implement and is designed reinstate gravel roads that have fallen into disrepair, by levelling off the high spots on the road and filling in the low spots, the camber of the lower beams can be adjusted to leave the road high in the middle to allow the rain water to run off. The road grader is fitted with three point linkage brackets so that it can be pulled with any medium to high powered tractor.

Murray Machinery supplies dealers throughout the UK. With agricultural shows providing an ideal venue for customers to view their full wide range of machines on offer prior to purchase, Murray Machinery welcomes the opportunity to meet all customers and discuss their requirements and just as importantly, gain valuable feed-back on existing products which allows them as manufacturers to develop new ideas and improvements for the next generation of machines and attachments.

Claas Scorpion with muck fork

Grain bucket


TICKING ALL THE BOXES

Harry West (Prees) LtdLower Heath, Prees, Whitchurch,

Shropshire, SY13 2BTTel: 01948 840 465

www.harrywest.co.uk

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28 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com28


...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


Alo UK LtdYour Scottish contact

Keith Lyall: 07713 787051

Introducing theNEW 200 Series

www.alo.uk.com


3 sizes available:

Office Tel: 01482 868800email: [email protected]: www.fostersalescompany.co.uk


IRRIGATIONPositive start to irrigation season for JavelinThe irrigation season is well underway in the UK and Javelin Irrigation Systems has enjoyed a very positive start to the year. Javelin is the UK importer for Irrifrance and RM hose reel irrigators, with many models from both manufacturers being sold so far in 2011; RM diesel engine pump units and Rovatti pumps.

The Irrifrance Optima series of irrigator are supplied, as standard, with the basic Irricontrol computer or the more sophisticated Irridoseur-4 model which incorporates

many different features for total machine control.

The Italian manufactured RM irrigators are supplied with a high-speed, high-efficiency turbine drive mechanism with the option of connecting a Program Rain 10 computer if required. This is a strong selling feature for this increasingly popular equipment range, as not all customers wish to purchase an irrigator with a computer, therefore opting for a standard machine for simplicity of operation.

The Javelin range of diesel engine pump units has also been very popular this year

Javelin Hose Reel Irrigator

with more orders secured than ever before. Three models are available powered by either JCB or Iveco engines. Two models with JCB engine are available, rated 84 Hp or 125 Hp, and each has a warmth exchanger mounted on the pump suction which increases fuel and energy efficiency as no radiator/fan is required for engine cooling. The Iveco engine is rated 100 Hp and is mounted in an acoustic enclosure for reduced noise operation.

Large stocks of pipe fittings for Irrifrance, Wright Rain and Bauer type equipment arrived in March ready for the season and other common items such as irrigator and pump spare parts, valves, water meters and Rovatti pumps are also

held in stock at our Louth works.

For further details please contact your

local dealer,RGS Forfar Ltd or

Fergusson Systems, or call Javelin (01507)

607175, website www.javelinirrigation.co.uk

New Upgrades for Engine Pump Set from Greencrop Irrigation

Last years growing season reminded us all how important irrigation is, and to have reliable efficient equipment. (Irrigation NOT Irritation)

Water as we all know is becoming a scarcity and we have to make a concerted effort to use water more efficiently.


IRRIGATIONDemand for irrigation

water is already growing at 2-3% each year; climate change suggests that we can expect higher summer temperatures, lower summer rainfall and more evaporation.

Ways to use water more efficiently lead Greencrop irrigation to develop a new range of diesel engine pump sets.

Emission controls on static engines forced us to change from the tire 2 (6clylinder) engines to an Iveco 4 cylinder 125hp turbo unit, this engine unit has proved to be a very good choice with good engine torque and fuel efficiency. We took the opportunity to fit further improvements to our electronic protection, also adding pulse flow control to monitor low, no flow and high flow shut down if a pipe bursts, saving water wastage.

The GSM panel option allows for text starting and stopping, plus added advantage of information on m3hr used per run.

For 2011 further upgrades to the pumps include a new larger information screen on the control panel. This feature allows any time changeable 24 hr timer, water meter monitoring with m3/Hr and totalising volume information. Also improved throttle control giving smoother engine speed increase and decrease.

Upgrades for the GSM controller, includes all the above plus Local and Remote (GSM) Automatic Prime, Start and Stop, GSM Alerts for Running, Stopped and Fault Stops, and Automated “soft line fill” feature. The pump will not rev up until a line pressure of 2-3bar is achieved.

Greencrop engine pump

All new pump sets are fitted with the new complete fully covered “super quiet” acoustic cabinet, rated at 72db at one metre, verified by official sound test procedures. The three side doors open fully to gain total non-restrictive access to the engine and pump from both sides, plus a front storage

compartment for lay-flat hose and couplings. For further information

and to view our full range of pump sets, hosereel irrigators,

linear and pivot irrigators, pipes and

fittings visit our website

www.greencrop.co.uk

LIVESTOCK


LIVESTOCK


THE VET

LIVESTOCK



New from Horner ShearingA new handpiece, from Horner Shearing is set to be a firm favourite with farmers.

Priced at just £170 plus Vat, the SureGrip is available as a spare handpiece, or together with any sheep shearing machine bought from Horner Shearing.

It uses the traditional oil bath, so has no expensive bearings to replace. It uses all the normal sheep shearing combs and cutters, all of which are inter-changeable with any shearing machine. It comes with the normal pin drive, or the “worm” drive version.

The SureGrip is despatched anywhere throughout Scotland, either by Next day Carrier or Parcelforce to the Highlands and Islands service. It is sold direct throughout Scotland, by Horner Shearing, well known for their reliability. Willie Horner and his team provide an excellent after-sales service, as well as extremely competitive prices.

Their new SureGrip handpiece, is the latest addition to the Horner Shearing range of machines that caters for the largest commercial flocks, down to the hobby farmer, both for shearing and dagging/crutching, and cattle clipping

They also have two dual purpose complete hand-held machines, fit for both shearing smaller flocks and dagging large numbers. It is also ideal for cattle clipping prior to slaughter, and at in-wintering

Handcrafted in the UKQuality Assured products from two great names

in the farming fraternity

etc. The Duo comes in a strong aluminium storage case.

As it is extremely economical-- cheap to buy, takes ordinary shearing combs and cutters, which are less than half the price of clipper blades, and are much cheaper to sharpen. A 20 tooth cattle comb is available for finer cattle work at £12. It joins the “Smallholder” machine which has sold well this winter,

Horner Shearing’s own machine, the Longhorn 12 volt shearing machine won the Innovation Award at the Royal Highland Show 20 years ago, and is still as popular as ever-- almost 7,000 are now in use in the UK alone. The Longhorn Transformer allows the Longhorn 12 volt machine to be run from mains, 240 volt, electricity, without need for a battery when around buildings.

Combs and cutters are sold in bulk packs-- eg. 10 wide combs for just £79, 10 standard combs for £75: or Farmers Packs-- 4 combs and 8 cutters from £45 All + Vat.

Other own label shearing products include Double Ended Grinders. They can also make up spare flexible drives etc for most other shearing machines, such as Lister 2 speeds etc.

Accessories include heavy duty tally counters, shearers screwdrivers etc. They also stock hard wearing clothing which is made to stand up to shearing use, such as extra long cotton shearing singlets, either plain, or with the

SHEARING

Horner hand piece

£130

£490

£169

£79

£22

£29

£7

£39

£499

Tel. 01200 427 419www.hornershearing.com

Next day delivery in UK

All prices plus VAT


SHEARINGLonghorn bull’s head logo, shearing jeans, belts, etc and Hoodie sweatshirts,

Horner Shearing specialise solely in sheep shearing machines and cattle clipping equipment, Horner Shearing is a family firm, with Willie and Mary Horner, now joined by both their son and daughter in the business.

With this background, the future of the new SureGrip handpiece looks good.

The craftsmanship of Burgon & BallBurgon & Ball are passionate about quality – most important to a farmer or shepherd are many of the hidden qualities that only emerge when a tool is used. Qualities such as ensuring an edge tool cuts months and years down the

line, not just when it’s brought home from the store. Their craftsmen forge, harden and temper, grind and set their shears to ensure they give their maximum performance.

Burgon & Ball use only high-carbon Sheffield steel, made especially for them. The bow is hot rolled – increasing natural spring and adding strength at the same time.

The Blade and shanks are forged from a single piece of steel (not riveted) – this improves cutting performance and blade life. They are then hand set by eye, for ‘minimum impingement’, i.e. set virtually parallel to each other – giving almost no wear from one blade on the other and hence dramatically prolonging the

life of the edge. The blades are precision heat-treated – both matched at Rockwell 56-58 – the only guarantee of long-term edge retention. Patented double hollow grinding of blades gives a finer edge and proved ability to resharpen.

Burgon & Ball shears come in a range of patterns, choose from Double, Single, Regulator or Incurved Bow – depending on the fleece you are cutting.

Burgon & Ball tools are designed to exceed both British standards and performance expectations.

Not only are they the largest sheep shear manufacturer in the world but they also produce the most effective Hoof Shears on the market and a range of superb Combs and Cutters.

DAIRY


FUTUREfarmer

A new agreement between Barony College, Elmwood College, Oatridge College and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) marks the next stage in coordinating the delivery of education, skills and business support to Scotland’s land-based industries.

Under the new arrangements the latest SAC Research and expertise in knowledge exchange will be more readily available to students and staff in the partner colleges. The closer working arrangement also offers potential students, across a range of ages and abilities, a variety of opportunities to progress more smoothly from certificate-level courses to degree or even PhD.

New Colleges Agreement Heralds National Strategy

to Deliver Research Education and Training for

Rural ScotlandThe Concordat marks a

significant milestone in a project funded by the Scottish Funding Council. It encapsulates an exciting, shared, vision of land-based research, education and skills. Members of the Boards of each institution formed a Joint Board Working Group which worked with the Principals of each college, assisted by a Project Manager and officers of the Funding Council. The project commissioned research to assess the future demand for land-based education, training and skills in Scotland, against the present provision.

For further information contact Barony College 01387 860251, Elmwood College 01334 658800, Oatridge College 01506 866800.


The scheme is aimed at 17-19 year olds, and has been designed to help The Co-operative Farms find and train the farming talent of the future. No previous agricultural experience is required so it is a good way of allowing new entrants into the industry too.

Eight apprenticeships have been established at participating Co-operative farms. Once on the scheme, students will get the chance to complete an agricultural NVQ up to level three, which they will be given two to three years to complete depending on their level of previous experience. Reaseheath College, in Cheshire, will be the training providers for the scheme.

The Co-operative Farms is launching a national

agricultural apprenticeship scheme on six farms across

Scotland and EnglandIn addition to the skills

training, the apprentices will also benefit from mentoring. Christine Tacon, Managing Director of The Co-operative Farms, says this experience is immeasurable: ”The Co-operative Farms has always attracted a very high calibre of employee, so there is an established wealth of knowledge that people working on our farms can pass onto the people who will step into their shoes.

Anyone interested in taking up a place on The Co-operative Farms apprenticeship scheme, should visit The Co-operative Farms website for an application form: http://www.co-operative.coop/farms/careers

The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has announced the commencement of a new course in livestock market operations and management for 2011 and beyond, designed to nurture talent within the livestock industry and offering an excellent professional development opportunity.

New course designed to nurture livestock talentThe course and its modules

are specifically designed for aspiring auctioneers. Run in conjunction with the LAA (Livestock Auctioneers Association) and in collaboration with Harper Adams University College, the course also offers a new route to membership of the IAAS.The courses available are:

The University College Foundation Certificate in Professional Studies: Livestock Market Operations and Management – leading to Associate Status

The Certificate of Higher Education in Professional Studies: Livestock Market Operations and Management – leading to Fellowship Status

The IAAS can be contacted on: [email protected] or 0131 472 4067.

For full details on the new course, please contact Rita Wilkinson on [email protected] or 01952 820280.

The Co-operative Farms launches new apprentice scheme to train the farmers of the future


FINANCE

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

www.marrsofmethlick.com

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

ZETOR Proxima

MACHINERY


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

TheNew Agrotron

TTV Range

MACHINERYPEO

PLE ON

THE MO

VEDr Andrew MidgleyTHE Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) has confirmed Dr Andrew Midgley as its new Senior Policy Officer for land use.

Andrew has previously worked at SNH and most recently at SAC, where he played a vital role in establishing the Rural Policy Centre. In doing so he worked regularly with a wide range of policy stakeholders to provide the evidence needed in the debates surrounding CAP Reform and declining livestock numbers.

Richard BullCeva Animal Health has appointed a new swine manager for the UK. Richard Bull brings to the company extensive knowledge of all aspects of the UK pig industry.

Richard was previously a key account manager for a leading company within the animal feed industry. Prior to this, he was a knowledge transfer manager for the British Pig Executive (BPEX), having worked before that as a pig production technical support manager.

Mark TownsendMark Townsend has been promoted to UK sales manager by animal feed specialists, Newmarket-based Ufac-UK.

Mark, who gained his agricultural qualifications at Somerset College of Agriculture, joined Ufac in 2009 as technical adviser for the South West of England and Wales. Following practical experience on dairy farms in the UK and United States, he moved into management and consultancy, gaining the prestigious Consultant’s Consultant Award while at Promar International.

Ian HendersonIan Henderson, Technical Director of Scotmin Nutrition, has been appointed chairman of AIC Scotland and a Board Member of the Agricultural Industries Association succeeding Ralph MacLeod.

Mr Henderson, a qualified nutritionist, has spent his career in the animal feed sector, especially supplements. He was a founding member of the national AIC supplements and premix committee and until this year chaired the AIC Scotland Feed Sector.


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

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