farming scotland magazine (may-june 2012)

ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW PREVIEWBALERS • SCOTSHEEP 2012 • NESS PLANT PROFILE

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND BOGGS HOGS“DROVERS TALES”

ARABLE • POTATOES • RENEWABLE ENERGYLIVESTOCK • GADGETS • FINANCE • SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FUTURE FARMER • MACHINERY

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com JUNE 2012

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTORAthole Murray FlemingTel. 01738 639747

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

PRODUCTION DIRECTORChristina FlemingEmail: [email protected]

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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 2012

ISSN: 2041–918X

“Getting better all the time”Welcome to our biggest ever edition of Farming Scotland Magazine, with 92 pages packed full of features, news, advice, opinions, a company profile and two event previews.

And all for only £1.95 too!And from now on, we will always be a ‘perfect bound’ title, no

more staples for us!I want Farming Scotland Magazine to be the nations ‘quality

leader’, and on farmers coffee tables throughout the land!The future growth of the magazine is one of this year’s main

priorities for me, and as I type this column, we are in the middle of talking to major supermarkets to get onto their magazine shelves throughout Scotland – this is where we should be of course!

We are getting very positive feedback, so I hope to make a major distribution announcement in the next issue.

In the meantime, we can all hopefully look forward to a better summer than last years wash-out. Especially as the agricultural show season gets under way. This year we return with a stand at our own local Perth Show in August. It will be good to be back, as we have not attended many shows with the magazine so far – we have really concentrated on building the title first before going out and flying the flag.

On the subject of shows, we have a great 36 page preview on The Royal Highland Show in this very edition, and not forgetting Scotsheep 2012 either.

So I hope that your summer plans are all well under way, and we will be back in July with hopefully, more good news on the advancement of Farming Scotland Magazine.

Athole

NEXT ISSUE(2nd JULY till end AUGUST)

COMBINES • TELEHANDLERS • PERTH SHOWBUILDINGS & STORAGE • LIVESTOCK

HANDLING EQUIPMENT4X4’s • RENEWABLE ENERGY

Main FeaturesScotsheep 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19Balers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-28Royal Highland Show Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-70

Company ProfileNess Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Drovers TalesHighland Drovers & Borland Farm Dairy . . . . . . . . . . 9

Flavour of ScotlandBoggs Hogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

HomegrownEditor’s attempts at growing veg! . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.31

ColumnsNFU of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Scottish Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Farming for the Climate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Crofting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71The Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Money Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82People on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

NEWS SECTIONSArable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8Science & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Renewable Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 71-72Future Farmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76-80Fiance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81-82Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83-89

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HANDLING WITH CARE


When Ness Plant became part of the Agricar Group all its operations were based at the Agricar headquarters in Forfar. In fact, as Mike Ritchie, Ness Plant’s Brechin branch manager explained, “Originally Ness Plant was just part of the larger group and operated from a portakabin in Agricar’s yard at Lochside Road, Forfar, and employed a staff of one!

The owners and directors of Agricar are John Milne and Jim Johnston, Wendy Smith is Financial Director and Derek Johnston is after-sales director with Mike Milne as overall director of Ness Plant, Ness Electrical and RDW Bodyshops.

Ness Plant, as part of the group, had held the French company Manitou’s franchise since the 1970s but as the

business grew and progressed with constant developments and improvements in the specifications of Manitou machinery, the Agricar directors decided, in 2004, to create a separate division. The intention was to have Ness Plant concentrate on these specialist machines and the Brechin depot was set up on the Industrial Estate in West Road, Brechin, with Mike Ritchie in charge.

In September 2010 a second Ness Plant depot was opened in Kinross. Then recently the company took on the Case Construction franchise for all that company’s equipment for the construction industry.

Now, eight years after the decision to set up the Brechin depot, Ness Plant operates

totally independently of Agricar and is responsible for its own paperwork, workshops and service vans. It also has two parts depots – one in Brechin and the other in Kinross with both under the direction of Steven Henry as stores manager. Diane MacConnach is office manager at Brechin (although I guess that description doesn’t exactly fit the bill since I had the distinct impression that Diane is accustomed to turning her hand to everything from tea lady to filing clerk!)

The Brechin workshop staff is made up of engineer Alan Butchart, mechanic Graham Bruce and apprentice Lyon Farquharson. Colin Duncan is in charge of sales.

Ronnie Davies and Graham Gauld, based in Kinross

are service manager and sales manager respectively operating for both branches. Also in Kinross are engineers Sandy Pattullo and Ronnie Clark, Kenny Buller is the semi-skilled man in the workshop with Simon Davidson as storeman.

The Brechin depot holds the franchise for Manitou in the Angus and Tayside area, while the Kinross depot hold the same franchise for Perth and Kinross, and Stirlingshire.

Dealing in industry compacts and giantsFor Case Construction, Ness Plant has the franchise for Scotland from Inverness to the Central Belt, supplying construction and ground clearing equipment from mini-excavators for 1.5 tonnes to 80 tonne giant excavators and back hoe loaders.

The Manitou range provide the work horses for the agricultural sector with a range that goes from the smallest MT 625 to the large MT 10120 with up to a 21 tonne lift capacity.

It’s not so long ago in the world of agriculture when the words “fork” and “lift” indicated two separate activities. The farmer took a pitchfork or a graip and lifted a forkful of sheaves or a clump of hay or some neeps or dung, hefted this on to a wagon, got to the stackyard or the midden, took the pitchfork and lifted the whole lot off again. Incredible as it may seem, relief in the form of practical all-in-one forklifts didn’t come on the scene until the 1960s and it’s only just over 20 years since

( L to R) Simon Davidson, Storeman, and Graeme Gauld, Sales Manager at our Kinross Stores counter.

NESS PLANT


the Manitou company applied itself to developing handling equipment for agriculture.

When I met him at the Brechin depot, Mike Ritchie told me, “By concentrating on Manitou equipment for the agricultural sector and Case Construction for the building and civil engineering industries we have gained a tremendous amount by bringing our engineering expertise to a higher level. Our engineers undergo in depth training from both Manitou and Case. Manitou (UK) is based in Verwood, Dorset. Case Construction is a global player, is part of the CNH company, all part of Fiat, and has, at Basildon in Essex a large, shared training facility for engineers. The Ness Plant engineers regularly go for training and upgrading as new

machinery or technical – and technological – improvements are introduced.

“Here, at Ness Plant,” he continued, “we have three very highly trained engineers, two mechanics, and one semi-skilled man plus one apprentice.”

Mike went on to say that the company have a definite policy of taking on apprentices. So I raised with him the subject of the shortage of engineers and apprentices in this part of Scotland. This is a topic that has cropped up in several interviews with agricultural machinery companies I’ve profiled for Farming Scotland in recent years. I had learned from them that there is a dire lack of training possibilities now for anyone who wants to be an agricultural engineer, but I was surprised to learn

that this was a problem not only in the agricultural sector but affects all aspects of engineering.

Mike agreed that it really was a matter of great concern and he had absolutely no doubt why this state of affairs should exist.

“In this area it is definitely the competition from the oil industry that’s the problem,” he said. “It’s where we’re located that’s the crux of the matter. Here in the east of Scotland the young men who in the past would have been happy to work as engineers

Ronnie Clark (inside the cab) with Kenny Buller.


NESS PLANT

– agricultural or otherwise, now set their sights on the big money that can be made on the rigs a relatively short distance away. You only had to look at the list of men lost on the Piper Alpha to see just how very many of them came from eastern Scotland. Likely

young engineers find the lure of the oil industry and the oil money hard to resist, despite its dangers and the fact that it is not going to go on forever.”

I wondered how a company like Agricar with Ness Plant were meeting this challenge.

Keeping up with developments“As a company,” Mike went on, “we pay fair and good wages. We bring on apprentices and the Agricar Group has always focussed on sound training. All the apprentices undergo intensive apprentice training for three years. And all the time-served men are sent south regularly for product training. That’s very much part and parcel of the employment deal here. Everyone has to be prepared to train and re-train on a regular basis which is an absolute must because of product changes. This applies particular to electronics changes. These have been extraordinary in a comparatively short time. It’s not that long ago since the first computers turned up in tractor cabs – and nowadays

they’re not even considered an accessory but as much a part of a machine as a steering wheel! And there’s little point in selling a bit of equipment when, if anything goes wrong, you haven’t a clue how to fix it. Although having said that machinery today is infinitely more reliable than previously.”

“It is one hundred per cent essential that the engineers and mechanics keep up with all the latest developments – and sometimes these come hard on the heels of each other. But, as I said, all products are getting more and more reliable. Take Manitou for instance. The reliability of their products has taken them to number one place in the world and one of the top two in the United Kingdom.”

With a clientele that ranges from the entire spectrum of

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

and Tractor Loaders - designed to give reliability and durability for handling all materials on farms today.

• Grain Buckets • Muck Forks • Silage Grabs• Stone Forks • Big Bale Handlers for Round Bales,

Square Bales or Wrapped Bales, for vertical or horizontal stacking • Push-off Silage Buckrakes

• Silage Shear grabs • Potato Box Tipplers• Hoppers to fill one tonne Potato Bags• Quick Hitch Attachments and Quick

Hitch conversion adaptors, etc.

We can also design and build individual items to customer specifications.

Dinneswood, Tarves, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7LR

Tel: 01651 851636 Fax: 01651 851880

(Lto R) Steven Henry, Parts Manager with Diane McConnach, in charge of the office, and Colin Duncan in Sales.

www.radiatorservicesscotland.co.uk


NESS PLANTthe farming sector to local authorities, and the very broad range of construction and civil engineering companies, it is a vital part of a supplier’s job to keep customers well served with technical know-how and sound advice.

I asked Mike just how much more in these financially straitened times did clients weigh up the cost of new equipment, improved materiel, in relation to viability and potential labour saving.

He replied, “The actual cost of any machinery has to be equated with the return and efficiency it will bring to the job it is intended to do. But over the past several years an even greater consideration is the running cost. Nobody today uses fuel as they once did. You just have to look at the litre price for petrol and diesel at your local garage. For everyone in business fuel saving is a vital element in any calculation of viability. This has become a big issue for manufacturers and that, and the new stricter legislation on emissions, is driving technology forward.

“All the manufacturers are working hard to find effective solutions to the twin problems of emission control and fuel economy. And, of course, Ness Plant has to play its part by ensuring that our engineers

and mechanics are always fully trained in new developments.”

The Ness Plant workshops have four service vehicles fully kitted out with diagnostic equipment for working on site. The engineers are actively engaged in factory training at least once, and mostly twice a year, with necessary up-dating should some innovation come to the fore. Training normally takes place during the less busy winter months – from November through to April.

On the agricultural side the busiest times for the engineers are during the grain and tattie harvests when the service vehicles are on call 24/7 and forklifts are at a premium.

However, as Mike pointed out, “Even this has changed a great deal in recent years. It used to be that you really needed to be on standby 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Nowadays machines are now so reliable that call-outs are relatively rare even at the busiest times.”

The briefest look at the Case Construction and Manitou catalogues makes it clear that having a fully up-to-speed engineering staff is no mean thing. If I were to quote here the entire Case Construction range I’d take up the remaining pages in this edition! There are literally scores of machines of

varying sizes and capabilities – from their compact line of mini excavators, skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, compact wheel loaders, and telescopic handlers, to their heavy line which includes crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, crawler dozers,

articulated dump trucks…. all appearing at a construction site near you! All of this makes one marvel at how this work had to be done in the days before these marvellous machines!

And there is also the matter of driver comfort. In one of the Case brochures there’s a close-

Ryan Farquharson, Allan Butchart, Ronnie Davies and Graham Bruce


NESS PLANT

up of the driver’s cab in their 580T to 695T range. This has a tailored working position, pilot control columns and wrist rests, easy accessibility, lots of storage space, a seat with lumbar adjustment and adjustable armrests, clear all-round vision, and insulation to keep noise levels at a minimum.

Safety and comfort as standardNo amount of attention to detail has been spared in making the operating of these complex machines as comfortable and as safe as possible.

And the same can be said for the Manitou systems whose design range acknowledges that different kinds of farming have needs that require to be met in different ways with machines that are sturdy and adaptable. There was a time when handling anything on an arable farm required sheer physical force, much sweat, and horsepower that came on four legs. Today, with the availability of compact Manitou workhorses on four wheels and with a range of accessories like bale clamps, silo unloader buckets, grab buckets, booms to reach higher places, heavy work on the farm can be tackled in ways far beyond the wildest

dreams of farmers only two generations back.

Manitou prides itself on the operational safety of its machines. For instance the Manitou MLT 634 has the vital safety device called a presence detector located in the cab seat. This prevents the machine from travelling unless the driver is sitting in the driving seat. In addition the cab designs allow for 360° visibility so that the driver can manoeuvre in safety not only of himself but of anyone around him.

Stability is a prime consideration in the designs. Again the cab is designed with a structure that protects the driver from potential hurt from rolling over or falling objects. They also claim that their machines are easy to use and that it’s quick and easy to learn the controls for any aspect of farm handling. It is very clear that all the developments and improvements made by Manitou since they concentrated on agricultural handling 20 years back have been made very much with the user in mind. The compactness of the designs means that even the tightest space in the steading is accessible – and that has to be a boon and a blessing in

some older steadings built in the fork and graip days.

Another factor in Manitou’s success has been a dedicated respect for the environment both in the manufacturing process of these machines in the factory at Ancenis, just inland from Nantes on the River Loire, and in their endeavours to cut down on fuel consumption and emissions.

But the bit that I liked best on reading through their brochures was the claim that having a Manitou about the place gives the farmer time to spare on things that really matter, like sitting back and relaxing and enjoying family time.

So that was my cue to ask Mike Ritchie what he did when he got the chance to sit back and relax when he’s

not overseeing the Brechin depot. He confesses to being an avid rugby fan – so our conversation didn’t dwell too long on this year’s Six Nations! He is also a keen motor cyclist. He is married with a family of three sons and a daughter and values family life above everything.

It was very evident in my conversation with Mike Ritchie that he enjoys great satisfaction in his work simply from the fact that he is dealing with top of the range equipment. And I had the impression, too, looking around the reception and workshop areas at the Brechin Depot, that Ness Plant is very much a no-frills and hands-on business ready at all times to find solutions to taking the strain.

Mike Ritchie, Ness Plant Branch Manager

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

Please contact one of our available salesmen for further details:Branch Manager:Mike Ritchie07595 207355 Sales:Graeme Gauld 07894 612036 Colin Duncan 07912 513109 Parts:Steven Henry 07590 452551Service Manager: Ronnie Davies07886 565164


John DrysdaleAgricultural Engineers

McHale DealersPark House Farm

Kinnesswood, Kinross KY13 9HN

Telephone: 01592 840686Fax: 01592 840453

Email: [email protected]

BALERS

BALERS – THE TOP TENA look at the latest balers for this coming summer

Case IHCase large balers have set the standard for baling straw and forage in previous years thanks to their legendary reliability and bale quality, with the previous LBX Series proving popular with contractors and large farming businesses.

Built on the proven fundamental design of the large baler system to maintain high operating efficiency and low power requirement, the third-generation Case IH LB Series large baler features a robust transmission, automatic stuffer box control system with

three-stage compression and improved knotter reliability for the production of high quality bales.

The new LB Series consists of four models: LB323 (80 x 70 cm bale format), LB333 (80 x 90 cm bale format), LB423 (120 x 70 cm bale format) and LB433 (120 x 90 cm bale format). The new LB323 rounds off the lower end of the series with an extremely cost-effective and flexible large baler.

Following the curved design of Case IH’s harvesting machines, the sweeping lines of the LB Series side panels

give full access to the balers internal working while other components are easily accessible via the wide ladder and service platform to the rear of the baler.

The driveline has been redeveloped, reinforced and integrated into the drawbar. The driveline forms an almost straight line from the power takeoff to the main gear unit: the result is lower power requirement as well as more stable, low-vibration power transmission. The hitch coupling system has been improved as well. The drawbar is now slimmer to provide increased manoeuvrability and a tighter angle on corners.

ClaasClaas has added two new models to the Rollant 300 range, which have been designed specifically to cope with the kind of crop conditions typically found in the UK and Ireland.

The new Rollant 374 and Rollant 375 take many of the best elements of the existing well proven Rollant 300 models, but add to this features such as a heavy duty drive line

and a drop floor system on PRO models for optimum reliability and output in the toughest of conditions.

In the UK, a total of three new models will be available. These are the Rollant 374 RF PRO (Roto Feed), Rollant 374 RC Pro and Rollant 375 RC Pro.

Each of the balers has a 2.10m wide pick-up that has an effective gathering width of 1.90m. To ensure that material from even the largest swaths can be quickly and efficiently gathered, the pick-up is fitted with a double-roller crop press and two side augers ensure a well shaped bale.

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

Case LB 333 Claas Rollant 375


REEKIE GROUP

For more information contact your local branchCupar

01334 652445Stirling

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Vicon Balershardworking machinesfor hardworking people

BALERS

John DeereJohn Deere’s latest award-winning round baler technology will be featured on the company’s stands at this spring’s national grassland events in the UK and Ireland, in May.

The revolutionary Fast Release System (FRS) featured on new 900 Series variable chamber round balers, which employs a unique ‘curtain’

design to replace the traditional heavy rear door, won an innovation award at the FIMA fair in Zaragoza, Spain in February. Now in production for the 2012 season, the 960 and 990 model balers employ this state-of-the-art technology to significantly improve baler output, bale density and operator comfort, which can lead to savings of up to an hour a day during harvest.

Working together with the exclusive full-frame design for reliability and durability, 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 conventional machine.

The 900 Series balers are available with a choice of 2.2m wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13- or 25-knife precutter high capacity pick-ups, and produce bale diameters from 80 to 160cm and 80 to 185cm respectively. Both balers are ISOBUS certified and can be equipped with a GreenStar 1800 display for controlling most of the key machine settings and functions.

The SIMA 2011 Gold Medal award winning Tractor Implement Automation (TIA)

system is also now available as an option on the 900 Series balers.

KroneNew to the Krone UK baler portfolio is a range of higher output machines aimed at large scale farmers and contractors that can boost work rates by an extra 20 percent, but when working in light crops, can also allow operators to reduce the pto speed from 1000rpm to 800rpm to save fuel costs.

Higher output on the BiG Pack HighSpeed baler has been achieved by increasing the throughput capacity of the Variable Feed System (VFS) by 18 percent and also the stroke frequency of the piston plunger on the BiG Pack 1270, 1290 and 1290 HDP models.

John Deere 960

Main Dealers for CLAAS Balers

SALES • SERVICE • BACK-UPDemonstrations available

Haston Industrial Estate,Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1RE

Tel: 01856 873003 Fax: 01856 876133

www.taitorkney.co.uk


BALERS

Also included in the new HighSpeed baler range is the highest output machine – BiG Pack 4x4 – that includes pick-up design technology taken from the BiG X forage harvester, that boosts output up to 80 tonnes/hr of straw into 1.20m x 1.30m bales.

The pick-up on the 4x4 is positioned closer to the

packer to provide a smoother flow of crop. Also, its roller crop guard is now top hinged to the direct drive feed roller, allowing the pick-up to stay open on either end so it can always pick up the crop thoroughly, even in extremely wide swaths. The new baler includes ISOBUS and LoadSensing compatibility as

well as 60km/hr axles and tyres as an optional extra.

Throughput rates of the VFS on all models have also been increased with four packers and one feeder operating in five stages to feed the material into the pre-chamber where it is compressed before it is allowed to enter the baling chamber.

KuhnKuhn’s new FB 2130 fixed chamber round baler is the latest model to be introduced to the company’s comprehensive forage harvesting range.

Key developments on from earlier models include a wider 2.3 metre pick-up, an enhanced crop flow and

Krone Big Pack Kuhn FB 2130

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

www.agricar.co.uk

For all your Krone baler requirementscontact your nearest AGRICAR depot


BALERSforage chopping system and a new automated control facility. These advances are designed to contribute to higher work rates from the baler without compromising the consistent shape and density of the 122 cm wide and 125 cm diameter bales.

The wide pick-up roller is designed to ensure a homogenous crop flow across the full width and is suitable for short forages as well as having the capacity for bulky crops. A minimal distance between the pick-up and the intake system limits the opportunity for blockages.

Intake and centring augers are combined on the same rotor to create a simple maintenance-free system that allows high speed operations without crop damage. Hydraulic drop-floor technology and a manually

operated rotor drive disengagement clutch help to avoid stoppages due to blockages.

The FB 2130 is available with non-chopping rotor intake (Optifeed) or with the 14-knife Opticut forage chopping system that allows greater bale density and the flexibility of varying the chop length between 45 and 70mm depending on crop type.

Kuhn has introduced its AutoPlus system on the FB 2130 for improved and easier baler control from the tractor cab. With an easily visible screen and bale counter, this device controls the pick-up and the forage chopping as well as the binding system and number of binding tours.

Lely WelgerThe Lely Welger RP 415 and

RP 445 are models that can produce bales with diameters ranging from 0.90m to 1.60m. The RP 415 model is a simple baler for drier crops; it features a 2.25 m wide pick-up and a rotor that ensures maximum crop throughput. The RP 445 model features a heavier drive

and can be fitted with three different chopping devices making this model exceptionally well suited for operating in heavy silage. The new baler design links up perfectly with both the Lely Welger RP 245 and the RPC 445 Tornado, which once

Lely Welger RP445


BALERSmore underlines the rising trend in Lely’s ever more comprehensive product range.

New baling chamber structure The major difference with the preceding series is the configuration of the pressing chamber allowing the balers to achieve a higher compaction pressure, which can be better controlled as well. An extra roller has been added to the pressing chamber, especially improving the start-up of a new bale Due to the use of upgraded Opticlean rollers, performance of the Lely Welger RP 445 in silage operations has been further improved.

Upgraded Constant Pressure system The Constant Pressure System has been used for 10 years on all variable chamber round balers produced in the Welger factory. The

unique thing about the CPS is the outstanding compaction that remains consistent - even with the largest diameters - up to the outer layers due to the combination of a mechanical system and a hydraulic system. After all, in the outer bale area, bale volume increases

immensely and the effect on the eventual bale weight is maximal. With the new RP 415 and RP 445 models, the hydraulic system is activated sooner so that bale density is maximal right from the core; in addition, it can be controlled better.

McHaleAs 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 h igh spec i f i ca t i on 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

McHale V660

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

Contact your nearest AGRICAR depot for thelatest offers on New Holland balers

www.agricar.co.uk


BALERS

hand side of the gearbox drives the belts and rollers in the bale chamber, while the pick up and chopper unit are driven from the right hand side of the machine. This system ensures evenly distributed power to both the bale chamber and the pick up and chopper unit.

The McHale V660 variable chamber round baler is equipped with a 2 metre galvanised pick up lifts even the shortest of crop. Accurate height control can be achieved through a spring balanced hydraulic lifting system. The V660 variable chamber round baler comes standard with

pneumatic guide wheels, which contact the ground on exactly the same line as the tines and guide the pick up perfectly over uneven ground.

The pick up on the V660 variable chamber round baler is fitted with lateral feed augers that smoothly guide the crop into the chopping unit.

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

Massey Ferguson 2170 XD New Holland BR 7060

POTATOES


Dealers for McHale Balers

www.ramsay.co.ukKnowehead Works

Mauchline, Ayrshire, KA5 6EYTel: 01290 550329Fax: 01290 552508

Email: [email protected]

BALERSfewer, heavier bales reducing handling time.

“For more than a decade Massey Ferguson has offered machines that make this bale size, which offers optimum transport capacity in many situations,” explains Mark Grigson, Product Marketing Manager – Harvesting. “Now the new MF 2170 XD makes much denser and heavier bales, further helping to optimise transport space and cut costs.

“Evaluation trials in the UK this season have shown an increase in bale weight of between 15% to 20% from the MF 2170 XD, compared with the standard model. The machine was regularly making bales with an average weight of 550kg, in wheat straw at at 12.5% moisture.

This offers big benefits for all. Baling productivity

increases and the fewer bales are cleared faster, which also cuts handling time. The higher density also reduces transport costs because the bales make more effective use of the available truck space and the end-user also needs less storage space.”

Trials prove the baler is capable of producing high density bales in a range of crops including hay, haylage, straw as well as oilseed rape haulm. The MF 2170 XD – in common with all MF 2100 Series larger square balers – is designed and built in AGCO’s Hesston factory in the USA, which pioneered the big square bale concept 33 years ago and remains the industry leader.

New HollandNew Holland 7000 Series

round balers with variable chamber design breaks new ground in product features and baling performance. These models offer outstanding features, providing the user with class beating crop feeding and bale appearance.

A super wide 2.0m pick-up is matched to the two stage

fork feeder model, with the class beating 2.3m wide XtraSweepTM fitted to the rotor feeder & cutter models. Both pick-ups feature the exclusive dual cam system for unbeatable durability. 112 high tensile steel tines on the 2.0m & 128 tines on the 2.3m ensure excellent crop collection

Vicon RV4216

Only 3 balers left in stock.Order yours today

Tel 01779 821544 or Fraser on 07872 348641

www.murphyagricultural.co.uk

Dealers for VICON balers

AgriculturalMachinery Dealers

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

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

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

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

KUHNBryson Tractorswww.brysontractors.co.ukLanark : 01555 660888

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

Alastair Young Engineering www.young-engineering.co.ukForres : 01309 611335

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

Garriock Brotherswww.garriock.co.ukLerwick: 01595 694765

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

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

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

Linklater Engineeringwww.linklaterengineering.co.ukStenness : 01856 851000

McHALEAlastair Young Engineering www.young-engineering.co.ukForres : 01309 611335

John Drysdale EngineeringKinneswood : 01592 840686

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

NEW HOLLANDAgricar www.agricar.co.uk

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

Bryson Tractorswww.brysontractors.co.ukLanark : 01555 660888

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

VICONGeorge Colliar LtdMiddle Balado : 01577 863173

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

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

DEALERS KEY(Participating Dealers in the feature)

28 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com28

BALERSin conjunction with twin side augers. The quick release windguard is ideal for easy access, and the short crop plate windguard fitted to the 2.3m model feeds even the shortest crops both pick-ups collect the widest swaths.

The exclusive Roll-BeltTM bale forming system provides bales of unequalled appearance and shape, with high density and superior weathering characteristics. The Roll-BeltTM system consists of rollers and endless belts providing unrivalled bale formation, with the

EdgewrapTM wrapping system giving over edge net wrapping.

Bale Command offers a total control concept from the tractor seat. Bale size, auto net and twine wrapping, bale fill indication, bale count, CropCutterTM versions knife indicator are just a few of the functions Bale Command Plus offers, plus a manual emergency override. For balers with twine only the Auto-WrapTM system is a simple but effective control offering fully automatic twine wrapping and bale forming indicator.

ViconVicon’s latest range of round balers have been given a series of updates for the 2012 season. Among the changes are tweaks to the netwrap system to improve bale tying speed and efficiency, and boosting output. Revised electronics also deliver advanced functions through the Focus II control box to simplify the monitoring and control processes for fixed and variable chamber round balers. With a large LCD screen, Focus II allows bale

diameter and density adjustment, shows clever steering wheel graphic for in-row guidance and offers net quantity adjustment.

The revised electronics also offer a performance monitoring capability with multiple counters with individual reset, bales/hour, season bale count and total machine bale count. All Vicon models can use the new Focus II control box, and variable chamber RV balers offer added sophistication from being supplied as standard with full isobus compatibility.

Scientists’ at Moredun Research Institute and SAC are appealing to vets and farmers in Scotland for their help to introduce a new sheep scab diagnostic test.

Sheep scab is caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis, is one of the most important ectoparasitic diseases of sheep in the UK and is a notifiable disease in Scotland. During the early stages of sheep scab infections are not obvious and animals often appear clinically normal. This subclinical stage can last for several weeks during which animals can act as a vector of infection. For control or eradication programs to be successful it is crucial that all infected animals are identified, including subclinical cases.

Scientists at Moredun have developed a diagnostic blood test which accurately detects

sheep scab infestation in sheep, providing an important tool to aid in the diagnosis of the disease. The new test detects host antibodies specific to a recombinant antigen found only in the sheep scab mite which means that the test can accurately detect that an infection is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite. Moreover, the test can detect infected animals at a much earlier stage and before the onset of clinical symptoms which will be important in the control of this parasite.

Scientists from Moredun and SAC are now seeking the co-operation of farmers and vets in Scotland in order to integrate the results of this new blood test with skin scrapings taken from animals with suspected sheep scab infection.

Scientists work with vets and farmers to

introduce New Sheep Scab Diagnostic Test


Mobile phones are now an essential tool for all business owners including farmers. Clearly they are essential for communication but new business applications means a mobile phone is much more of a business tool. Recent apps for farmers include one for monitoring location and wellbeing of livestock.

Ellis Partnership can source the UK’s cheapest mobile phone tariffs that cannot be beaten on price. For example, 500 minutes for £10/month, 800 minutes for £15/month or unlimited minutes for £20/

month, all with unlimited texts. SIM only, keep your own phone, keep your own number, no minimum contract and switch in 24 hours.

If you want the UK’s cheapest ‘Pay as you Go Tariff’ you will save around 65% on O2, Orange, Vodaphone, T-mobile and ‘3’. We guarantee you’ll save money on your mobile compared with your current supplier or you will receive Double the Difference.

We also source the UK’s Best gas and electricity prices for SME’s so contact us on 0800 781 3500 for a free quote.

Make more use of your mobile phone

The Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, Professor Iain Gordon, has called for greater support and investment in inter-disciplinary science to tackle rising extinction rates in the plant and animal world.

Speaking at the Planet Under Pressure conference, a major international gathering in London focusing on solutions to global sustainability, he said the world was facing unprecedented change in structure and function of natural ecosystems.Speaking in a session with other senior scientists from around the world, he said humans had increased the species extinction rate by as much as 1,000 times over the established background rates typical over the planet’s history.

Between ten and thirty per cent of mammal, bird, and amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction. Professor Gordon said the global view of how species were faring was based on reliable data from International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

His fellow session convenors were Anne Larigauderie, DIVERSITAS, Mark Lonsdale, CSIRO Australia/ DIVERSITAS, Simon Stuart, (IUCN) and Mark

Stanley Price, IUCN Species Survival Commission.

Professor Gordon said: “We are losing about 40% of the forests, 40% of grasslands and 50% of the wetlands have disappeared over the past 100 years or so.

“I believe we need a change of approach towards biodiversity loss. Too often we have said there are problems, that we are losing species and there’s nothing we can do. Actually, I think there are quite a few opportunities for us to say how can we save species and one them is to move towards looking at the habitats and ecosystems the species inhabit and to make those safer, working with the people that depend on the land. That process could include changes to farm subsidy systems, rural development programmes and tax incentives: so people would have a real interest in protecting endangered species.

“To deliver these changes will require decisive, joined-up thinking and it will have to be backed up by inter-disciplinary science to address these global challenges and inform decision making on managing our ecosystems.”

Time to change the strategy in the battle for biodiversity

Ellis Partnership Limited

It has been a couple of issues since I last wrote this page, the main reason being the winter weather and me not really being willing to step out of a warm house – to tell the truth.

Anyway, as I write this, spring is in the air, the sun is out but is still very cold, so time to get plans started again I suppose.

My first job was to buy a little wooded growhouse, as my two taller polythene ones were ripped apart during the winter high winds, leaving them scattered all over the garden and beach hedge. So I have assembled (despite the instructions) my little growhouse and we will see how it gets on

throughout the coming year. As you can see, I have put in into immediate action.

I also purchased a propagator box when buying my seeds – technical stuff eh?

My seeds list for this year so far include red onions, carrots, a variety of runner beans, peas, sweet peppers and radishes for the moment. I will be buying more seed to properly sow once I dig out my two ‘pea beds’ and my main raised bed within the next few weeks – you will have to wait till July to see how I get on with these great expansion plans!

I also got my hand on some large pots, despite last

Planned raised bed area


year being a rubbish year for vegetables grown in planters because of the never ending rain – maybe this year will be better.

I have put in some red onions bulbs and a couple of seed potatoes just to see


what happens to them!...poor souls!

I have more seed potatoes waiting to get into the ground this year, so that will be another new challenge for the worst gardener in the world I suppose.

Salad crops and some fruit will also be attempted this year…no fear me!

My lovely potting shed is getting all dirty though as I am not the tidiest of people, but it was good to finally get the seeds out of their packets

Established in 1989, Gillies and Mackay is a second generation business specialising in the manufacture and assembly of sectional timber buildings. With all items being made in our purpose built workshop, our range stretches from garden sheds through garages, summerhouses, playhouses and animal housing to bespoke cabins and garden buildings. All timber used is FSC certified, tongue and groove redwood which is hand sorted prior to construction.

Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing our customers smile when we complete their build. The gallery on our website www.g i l l i e s a n d m a c k a y. c o m /gallery.html shows a number of our bespoke garden buildings as well as our general range.

Based in Errol, in the lovely Carse of Gowrie, we

have instant access to the A90 giving us freedom to deliver throughout Scotland. Previous projects have taken us to Caithness, Northumberland and Skye.

Last year we completed a live-in cabin for the poet, Margaret Gillies-Brown, who was keen to downsize from her farmhouse accommodation. As the 2012 season rolls in to action we’re keen to take on new challenges.

You can view one of our cabins by visiting our stand at Scotland’s Ideal Home Show, SECC, Glasgow from 2-5 June 2012. Why not go to our website for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the event?

If you need extra living, working or party space - or simply some additional storage – remember us - Gillies and Mackay – Glorious Garden Buildings – Giving You Room To Grow!

“If you don’t like getting up early, having mud on every item of clothing your own, lying awake at night worrying whether or not the ram you’ve borrowed fancies your ewes then smallholding – and this book - isn’t for you.” Kate Humble.

The Author: Liz Shankland runs a successful smallholding which has been home to everything from poultry and pigs to sheep and goats. She breeds pedigree pigs and has twice won the prestigious Tamworth Champion of Champions competition. A journalist and broadcaster by profession, Liz is the author of

the Haynes Pig Manual and The Practical Guide to Buying and Running a Smallholding in Wales. She writes for numerous publications about farming and countryside matters, including Country Smallholding magazine. She has recently started working with TV presenter Kate Humble, running courses for smallholders at Kate’s farm in Monmouthshire.

and into little pots for my growhouse at last.

Made a complete mess of my nimble guitar playing fingers though…yuck!!!

Anyway, soldiering on, I have just bought a blackboard for my potting shed which I will use as an ‘idiots timetable guide’ for all my years plans. Christina (who does the cosmetic gardening) thinks I am mad, but she knew

that when we met at Art College all those years ago, so tough!

Well, that’s about it for April going into May. I will be hard at the digging of my new planting beds and putting in some new crops for the next issue, so we will se what the next few months bring. Till then, I hope to meet some of you at The Royal Highland Show in June.

Cheers for now.


RENEWABLEENERGY

RENEWABLEENERGY


Many farmers see climate change, carbon management and practical economic farming as separate subjects. Can we help the environment and be profitable at the same time? Running a technically efficient farm has a positive effect with regards to carbon management and climate change.

Farmers are often told to be more efficient – but what does that mean? Improved forage quality, feed efficiency, herd health and fertility plus young stock management can all help us to improve farm efficiency.

Forage QualityImproving forage quality by 1 MJ increase per kg DM (11.5 ME compared to 10.5ME) has a significant effect on feed efficiency. This could save up to 1kg concentrate per cow per day. For a 200 days winter this equates to 200kg. At £250 per tonne this is a saving of £50 per cow or £5000 per 100 cows. For growing beef, the same increase in forage quality for growing cattle could achieve 45kg extra weight gain over winter period or sell 6 weeks early.

Forage quality can be improved by• Cutting date – forage quality

reduces by 0.5D per day or 0.5MJ per week

• Pit Management – spreading grass in the clamp, rolling well and excluding all the air

• Ensuring a good fermentation using an additive if necessary

Grassland ManagementIncreasing grass quality or grass utilisation can have a similar effect on profit and efficiency of utilisation can improve carbon management.

Maintaining sward quality, maximising grass intake and supplementing grass rather than substituting grass can achieve efficient milk production.

Home Grown Energy and ProteinGrowing energy and protein crops can reduce purchased

feed inputs and costs. Grass silage can be high quality and a good source of protein. Protein levels in grass silage can range from 10% to 17%. Achieving the upper range can have a significant contribution to dietary protein.

Efficiency of ProductionHow efficient are your cows – how efficient are you?

Feed efficiency is calculated by comparing the amount of feed fed compared to the amount of milk produced. The following factors affect feed efficiency: feed quality, genetics, fertility, mastitis, lameness and disease.

Stale cows are not cost effective! If your herd has an extended calving interval, feed efficiency and milk production is not cost effective. A 440 day calving interval could cost £16,000 per annum over a 400 day calving interval.

Dairy Heifers and Young stockCalving heifers at 2 years old reduces the rearing cost and reduces the time for a heifer to start earning money.What is the cost of rearing a dairy heifer? Assume £1.30 per head per day

80 heifers for 2 years cost £850100 heifers for 2 years 6 months cost £1186120 heifers for 3 years cost £1423

Calving Rate?100 cows should yield 40 heifer calves per annum! If 25% replacement rate, you should have 15 surplus heifers to sell. At £1500 per head, this is £22,500. Why do many farms not have 15 heifers surplus per 100 cows? • Expanding?• More to beef Bull?• Higher replacement rate? –

Why?• Fertility problems?• High levels of loss in calves?

Review your farm system and efficiency and set targets to achieve efficient and profitable production.

Farm efficiency, carbon management and

economics?By Jimmy Goldie, SAC Senior Dairy Consultant

POTATOES

PACKAGEDPOTATO &VEGETABLECOOLINGSYSTEMS

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Bring on the summer

It will soon be upon us…summer that is!

Already, here at the magazine, we can feel the excitement as the warmer months come closer to view and the agricultural shows begin to take place all around the country.

The biggest and best of them all is of course The Royal Highland Show in July, when what seems like most of Scotland comes together in one place.

Again this year, families will enjoy the many exhibits, the animals, displays and the whole shopping extravaganza that is the Highland Show. And of course, it is hoped that good business will be done with farmers and exhibiting suppliers.

We are making plans to have the magazine represented on some trade stands this year, and I certainly look forward to meeting many of our friends and clients when we visit.

I always bring my family with me for this one. Yes business is the prime mover, but the whole social dynamic of The Royal Highland Show makes it a truly unique event, and one that Scotland, the organisers, and the sponsors should be very proud of.

Hope to see some of you at Ingliston in July.

Slàinte.

Athole Murray FlemingPublisher/EditorFarming Scotland Magazine

“Welcome to the greatest show on Earth”

By Stephen Hutt, Chief Executive,The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

The Royal Highland Show, as Scotland’s most popular summer event, works to a successful, set formula. Although recently awarded the Best Scottish Event accolade by the National Outdoor Events Association and also voted the Best Agricultural Show in the UK by readers of a national farming magazine, the gauntlet has been thrown down to maintain our usual high standards. But that is nothing new. This will be our 52nd show at Ingliston and each year our show management team is set the somewhat daunting challenge to keep things fresh to please all of our 180,000 visitors. The brief is straightforward – adhere to our agricultural roots while simultaneously presenting a programme that can appeal to a wider audience. We are now in the final stages of planning an event that aims to deliver the best showcase of farming excellence, whether this be machinery, livestock or produce. This year we are playing host to the World Charolais Congress which will bring breed enthusiasts from all over the world. There’s also an extra focus on renewable energy and in our lifestyle and shopping areas we have some wonderful new offerings. The Royal Highland Education Trust will be satisfying the curiosity of some 25,000 youngsters and the President’s Initiative from Dumfries & Galloway will highlight the food, activities and events of the region. All in all, 2012 is shaping up to be another “Highland” worthy of its marketing title “The Greatest Show on Earth!”

STEPHEN HUTT


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POTATOES

FUTUREfarmer

Scotland’s employers and learners can now benefit from a newly developed level 2 and a fully revised level 3 Aquacultural Modern Apprenticeship framework, created by Lantra Sector Skills Council.

Over the past few years, Lantra has undertaken an extensive consultation with Scotland’s aquaculture businesses, industry professionals and training providers to review industry’s requirements

New aquaculture modern apprenticeship

frameworksfor Modern Apprenticeships and ensure they are kept relevant and up-to-date to meet the changing needs of industry professionals.

Jo-Anne Bryan, Lantra’s Project Manager for Apprenticeships and Frameworks, said “Lantra is proud to announce that the framework is now available for immediate use by training providers in Scotland. The newly developed level 2 (SCQF level 5) Modern Apprenticeship framework coupled with the revised level 3 (SCQF level 6)


framework, provides learners and employers alike with the progression opportunities needed by industry.”

A Modern Apprenticeship is not a qualification in itself but a package of learning and qualifications combined with work-based learning specific to the needs of the industry. It can be delivered entirely in the workplace or through a combination of workplace and learning at an approved college or training provider.

The benefit is that the Modern Apprenticeship framework includes relevant industry skills combined with skills required by employers, such as communication, working with

others, problem solving, ICT and numeracy. Many businesses offer apprentice places across Scotland because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring.

Youngsters with an interest in working with sheep will have the opportunity of qualifying for the finals of the NSA Scotsheep 2012 Shepherd of the Year award at a series of regional eliminations in May.

Four finalists will be selected at each of three qualifying events to take part in the finals at NSA Scotsheep 2012 to be held at The Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire, on Wednesday, June 6.

“We want to encourage more youngsters in their ‘teens and early ‘twenties to take part in the competition which is designed to help those seeking to pursue a career in the sheep industry to hone their skills in sheep husbandry and management,” said former Oatridge College head of agriculture, Dave Turner, who is organising the competition as a member of the NSA Scotsheep organising committee.

Opportunity for youngsters to take part in regional qualifying events for NSA

Scotsheep 2012 Young Shepherd of the YearThe regional qualifying

events will take place at Oatridge College, Broxburn, on Thursday, May 17, Barony College, Dumfries, on May 23, and Dunecht Estate, Aberdeen, on Tuesday, May 29.

The competition will encompass a variety of practical tasks including sheep shearing, prime lamb judging (with reason giving) and ATV trailer loading, maintenance and safety. Competitors will be required to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of hoof care, sheep handling, sheep health (vaccination and dozing) and flock management and nutrition.

The competition is open to all young people in the industry (not only shepherds), who must be aged 26 or under on July 4, and entry is free. The support of young farmers’ clubs, sheep breed societies and agricultural colleges is being enlisted to

encourage potential competitors to participate.

The final at NSA Scotsheep will be sponsored by United Auctions, Stirling, and the NSA Scotsheep Trophy and cash prize of £300 will be awarded to the winner, with £200 going to the runner-up and £100 for third place. The highest placed competitor under the age of 21 will also receive a prize of £100.

Travelling and overnight expenses will be paid to the winner and runner-up to compete the national finals at NSA Sheep 2012 with a top prize of £1000 and the possibility of taking part in the world finals.

SAC to deliver programme helping new

entrantsSAC is to deliver a new programme of activities, funded by the Scottish Government, addressing concerns over the lack of new entrants to farming. The new programme will be available to new entrants from April this year. In autumn 2012 the potential new entrants will be invited to a Starter Workshop delivered in four locations across Scotland.

In January and February 2013 the Starter Workshops will be followed by five Topic Specific workshops where key topics will be covered in more detail. They will be supported by a series of new entrant Guidance Notes and a dedicated new entrants’ website. Throughout the life of the project a number of case studies will also be developed to illustrate the range of entrant opportunities and how barriers were overcome and identifying key success factors.


FertiliserService from Amazone is a very useful App, especially for farming practice, enabling owners of Amazone fertiliser spreaders to directly access the correct settings for their machine in the field. After the initial success of this App with more than 5.000 users of iPhones and iPads, it is now also available in German, English and French language via the Google operating system and it can be downloaded, free of charge, via the Android marketplace (http://market.android.com/).

The use of the App is very simple: after downloading the

FertiliserService App now also for Android Smartphones

setting charts for all spreaders, the settings are then available offline on the Smartphone with it being possible to regularly synchronise with the database. To adjust the fertiliser spreader, the user selects the actual brand of fertiliser from a list, enters the application rate, the forward speed and the working width and will then immediately be able to read off all the necessary setting values for his spreader. In case of a simultaneous online connection, a picture of the relevant fertiliser is also displayed.

On their stand at this year’s Precision Farming Event, Claas UK will be profiling their new Telematics on Implement (TONI) system, which is set to revolutionise field and output data collecting and management.

The unique Claas Telematics output monitoring and information system, which is currently available on Claas tractors, combine harvesters and forage harvesters, is unprecedented in the amount of management data it is able to provide. Farmers and managers can then analyse and

use this data to make informed decisions on how to further improve efficiency from their combine, forage harvester or tractor.

UK farmers have been quick to realise the operational benefits that Telematics provides and they account for a large proportion of the 1500-plus users in the world.

Until now the system has only been able to provide operational information on the individual tractor, but Claas has now taken Telematics a stage further with the development of Telematics on Implement (TONI)

which is able to also gather data from the implement being used behind the tractor.

Currently undergoing final pre-series trials, TONI will be fully available late this year, but has already been awarded a Silver Medal at last year’s Agritechnica show.

In an era where farming businesses are having to record and store an increasing amount of agronomic and field data for regulatory purposes, TONI will be invaluable in helping gather all the field data necessary. In addition, it will also help simplify invoicing and provide greater real time information.

This will enable complete work processes to be analysed, compared and stored for future reference. In addition it also will enable additional operational information, such as fuel per bale to be analysed.

However, for the UK one of the most useful features will be the ease with which information such as spray, fertiliser or slurry application data can be

gathered, stored and retrieved in order to meet regulatory requirements.

Until now, in order to meet these requirements or for a contractor to assemble information for invoicing, this has required the operator to keep accurate daily records, for instance what has been applied to which field and at what rate. All this data to then has to be uploaded onto the office computer, which is both time consuming and open to error.

Using TONI, all this manual record keeping is eliminated. As the tractor enters the field, if the field is already recorded on the Telematics system, for instance from yield mapping, then the system will automatically recognise the field from its location and will start to upload the latest application data to that field file. If there is no previous field record, the field boundary and application data will still be gathered, and this can then be subsequently allocated a field name or identity for future use.

Telematics for Implements


According to Ofcom, 15% of adults in Scotland cannot connect to broadband at home for ‘involuntary’ reasons. 15% of adults means about 600,000 people, or something like 200,000 homes. That generally means they’re too far from an exchange to be reached and that is only four kilometres away – less than two and a half miles. Most of these people live in rural areas and are in danger of being left behind by the digital revolution. No web browsing, no online shopping, no email, no catching up on last night’s TV and no You Tube. On top of that, more and more Government services are being delivered over the internet to cut costs.

Satellite Broadband for everyone

There are also thousands of people who receive broadband but at very low speeds due to the fact that they are connected to their exchange by copper cables. Those furthest from the exchange receive the worst service.

The Government is planning to give everyone access to fibre optic broadband but it’s still not clear where the money will come from and it will take years to roll out. The cost involved in getting fibre optic cables to remote houses isn’t any better than that for copper cables so many people could still be left behind.

Help is at hand however, from the next generation of

satellite broadband. Satellite broadband has been about for years but Ka-Sat from Tooway Scotland transmits at a much higher frequency than previous systems, and that means faster speeds. It also provides much more capacity meaning that the cost per user has fallen significantly. Download speeds of 6, 8 0r 10 Mbps are available.

Farmers now have to do more business on line for many organisations including HMRC, so it makes sense to be online now to keep ahead of the times.

Tooway Scotland is an ideal solution not just for the consumer, but also for small businesses to. With packages starting from around £1.00/

day for a new service that is almost 180 times faster than dial up, nearly 3 times faster than our old service, and in some cases faster than good ASDL connection.

The Tooway Scotland system also offers telephony, CCTV etc. It is also very quick to install – usually within a week from placing an order.

From a business point of view, a mobile demonstration unit of the product can be seen at your premises and you can try the system live to see how fast the service is.


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VE Rebecca IngramThe Harbro Group has announced the appointment of Rebecca Ingram to the position of Group Marketing Manager. Rebecca who holds an MBA and Chartered Institute of Marketing diploma, brings 20 years of marketing experience to the Harbro Group, the last 15 years having been spent as marketing manager for Dodson & Horrell, marketing equine, pet and traditional farm feeds. Speaking about her new position, Rebecca says “I am looking forward to the diversity of the role, looking after the Harbro Group, developing digital marketing, building on the company’s existing strong reputation and working with the current team to further strengthen the company’s marketing function”.

Caroline StephensThe British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) has announced the appointment of Caroline Stephens as the Young Limousin Breeders’ Club (YLBC) Co-ordinator. This newly created part-time position will see Caroline work out of the Society’s Stoneleigh-based offices to manage and help develop the activities of the YLBC. With a focus on modernising and growing the YLBC as a dynamic young person’s organisation, the new Co-ordinator will organise events on a national and regional basis which are fun, educational, inclusive and Limousin based.

Jo JonesJo Jones has joined the Galloway Country Fair organisational team, taking over as Trade Manager for the annual show at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate.Jo will take responsibility for all trade management and lead the charge in ensuring the Galloway Country Fair 2012 sees more visitors, exhibitors and events than ever before. “The Drumlanrig Castle team are very pleased to have Jo on board to lead preparations for this year’s Galloway Country Fair. She will provide a very experienced pair of hands to engage with traders and I am sure she will soon establish a strong working relationship with local people in and around Dumfries and Galloway.”

Sam KeirAC students have elected Sam Keir as their new President.Sam, 21, who was raised in Stirling but is studying at SAC’s Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen, will take up the one year sabbatical post on 1 July. He replaces SAC’s inaugural Student President, Margaret Burns. Sam’s aim during his year as Student President is to ‘make sure SAC students have their voices heard”. He has already shown a commitment to student issues, having been involved in SAC’s Student Representative Committee and, through this, the cross-institutional Aberdeen Students’ Forum (ASF).


farming scotland magazine (may-june 2012)

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