Mazzotti will now see its range of self-propelled sprayers available to customers across South Wales & the West Midlands through a partnership with Tallis Amos Group.

Tallis Amos Group will offer their customers the opportunity to purchase the latest technology and advancements in precision spraying equipment, from 2,000 to 6,000 litre capacity, perfectly complementing the existing John Deere trailed and self-propelled sprayer line up.

With Mazzotti’s innovative and reliable self-propelled sprayers, customers can expect exceptional performance and improved efficiency in their crop management operations.

Tallis Amos Group has built its reputation on delivering high-quality, products and services to its customers. The company’s experienced team provides expert advice, exceptional customer service, and after-sales support. The addition of Mazzotti’s self-propelled sprayers to their product line-up will further strengthen Tallis Amos Group’s position as a leading agricultural machinery dealer.

“We are delighted to partner with Mazzotti to offer our customers the latest in self-propelled sprayer technology,” said Simon Amos, sales director of Tallis Amos Group. “Mazzotti have a long history of innovation and are known for their innovation and exceptional performance, and we are excited to be able to offer these products to our customers in our area.”

This partnership is a testament to both Tallis Amos Group and Mazzotti’s commitment to providing the highest-quality products and backup to their customers. Together, they are well-positioned to support the needs of farmers and contractors, delivering the latest technology and advancements in precision spraying equipment.

To explore the range of Mazzotti’s self-propelled sprayers available through Tallis Amos Group, visit their website and find your local TAG depot.

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This 2.05m diameter tyre offers high productivity levels, helps to protect the soil, and offers very good stability to sprayers with large-capacity tanks.

Gordon Brookes, Michelin’s customer engineering support manager, says: “This is the first flotation tyre in the new SprayBib CFO range. It was developed to meet the requirements of equipment users and manufacturers. Their desire was especially warranted as some constructors had already tested prototypes of these tyres on their machines with a view to homologating these as OEM fittings.”

The advantages of these new tyres are…

The MICHELIN SprayBib CFO range increases load capacity by up to 14%** during cyclic operations in the fields, at speeds reaching up to 30 kph. The development of a new casing allows the load per axle to be increased to 1.3 metric tonnes (depending on the tyre dimension).

Developed for use in the fields at even lower inflation pressures, the optimised footprint of the SprayBib CFO tyre allows for up to 20%*** more traction. The speed capacity is also increased, with the introduction of speed index E in some dimensions (up to 70 kph).

Thanks to its new tread pattern, with lugs which are wider, more robust, and more numerous than on a standard tyre, the MICHELIN SprayBib CFO range also boasts a longer lifespan.

An advanced casing design, which combines the VF**** (very high flexion) and CFO* standards, means the inflation pressure for the MICHELIN SprayBib CFO can be lowered to 0.7 bar for cyclic use in the fields, in order to reduce soil compaction. For small sprayers, the minimum inflation pressure is now 0.8 bar, as opposed to the 1.8 bar for the first generation of  MICHELIN  SprayBib  tyres (depending on the dimension).

Thanks to its ability to operate at a low pressure, which is up to 0.7 bar less than its predecessor**, and to the VF**** casing design, the SprayBib CFO also minimises the vibrations passed along to the driver.

This new flotation dimension gives self-propelled sprayers and some other specialised machines a high level of stability; an advantage that is of particular benefit when very large capacity tanks are used or during operations on land that is fragile or difficult to work on.

As self-propelled sprayers have increasingly large tank volumes – up to 10,000 litres – and boom widths that can sometimes exceed 50m, these new tyres must be able to carry very heavy loads. Demands on the tyre are very high, due to the desire to reach road speeds of over 50 kph when permitted by local legislation. The new VF 710/60 R46 dimension allows the rapidly growing user expectations to be met.

The new MICHELIN SprayBib CFO VF 710/60 R46 is already available at Michelin dealers. It will also be an OEM fitting on AGCO, CNH and John Deere machines.

* The CFO (Cyclic Field Operation) standard allows a VF tyre to increase cyclic loads by 13.5% at 30 kph.

** Comparison with a non-CFO tyre.

*** Comparison of the MICHELIN® SPRAYBIB and the MICHELIN® SPRAYBIB CFO, in dimension VF 380/90 R46; field study carried out by Michelin under real life conditions on a tractor, in France in November 2021, at identical dimensions and usage.

**** The VF (Very High Flexion) standard allows a tyre to carry 40% more load than a standard tyre at the same inflation pressure.

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The optional features comprise SpotSpray, a 25cm nozzle spacing option, and the next generation of Boom Guide ProActive boom height control.

SpotSpray technology uses treatment maps to control application rates and reduce input costs. It is essentially an extension of variable rate application maps, but while such maps have been applied to seed drills and fertiliser spreaders, the same principle can now also be used with Kverneland sprayers.

SpotSpray is compatible with any sprayer that is equipped with the iXspray software, when combined with iXflow Air/iXflow E individual nozzle control. Its treatment maps can work with both a zero application and prescribed application rate.

By loading a treatment map into the control terminal, the sprayer automatically controls individual nozzles through the SpotSpray software and GPS, following only the indicated areas on the treatment map.

The maps can be used to pinpoint weed spots, wet areas, non-germination areas and parts of a field with known soil issues. Therefore, through more precise liquid applications, there is potential for reducing costs and protecting healthy crops from unnecessary blanket applications.

Meanwhile, the 25cm nozzle spacing option allows for lower boom heights to further reduce spray drift. Moreover, the latest generation of Boom Guide ProActive ultrasonic boom control has enabled the reduction of boom height from 50cm to 30cm.

In addition, the advanced sensor technology integrated in this feature is able to provide greater precision and consistent boom control at higher forward speeds.

The Kverneland sprayer range includes the mounted iXter A and iXter B models, the capacity of which can be enhanced from a 1,100-litre iXtra front tank. Whereas, the line-up of iXtrack trailed models includes T3, T4 and T6 versions spanning 2,600-7,400 litres.

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The remaining Swap Your Nozzles workshops will take place in January and February 2023 and will provide farmers with the opportunity to expand their knowledge on reducing spray drift and minimising the risk of pesticides contaminating watercourses.

Dr Alex Cooke, Severn Trent principal catchment scientist, said participants will be offered a choice of fully funded LERAP 3* or 4* nozzles and caps following each training session. The selection of available nozzles includes:

• Billericay Bubblejet/ExRay XC
• Lechler ID3
• Lechler IDTA
• Teejet Turbo Twinjett AITT
• Teejet Turbo Induction TTI
• Syngenta 3D ninety

Dr Cooke said attendants can also register to receive one NRoSO and two BASIS CPD points. Workshop topics will include practical advice for choosing a nozzle and application considerations, as well as taking a closer look at relevant legislation and Local Environment Risk Assessments for Pesticides (LERAP) and buffer zones.

Upcoming workshops will take place on the following dates:

• Friday 13^th January 2023
• Tuesday 24^th January 2023
• Friday 24^th February 2023

Dr Cooke encourages all eligible farmers to sign up and make the most out of the free training sessions: “These events are a fantastic opportunity to provide support and engage with farmers. The aim is for delegates to walk away with tools to not only improve spray efficiency, but also improve farm profitability.”

She added that reducing spray drift is one of the easiest ways for farmers to protect water courses while reducing input costs at the same time.

“Using low drift nozzles can also open up the spray window, meaning applications could be made where conditions may not be appropriate with standard nozzles,” Dr Cooke explained.

Farmers in Severn Trent pesticide priority catchments are being urged to sign up soon as there are limited spaces available. To register for the event, fill out the online booking form where you will need to provide the following information:

•  Name, farm address and phone number
• The Severn Trent water catchment you farm in – visit here to check which catchment you are in
• Maps of the fields you spray
• Area of arable and grassland being sprayed within the catchment
• A copy of a valid NSTS certificate for your sprayer

To learn more or find out whether you are in a priority catchment area, contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/catchment-management

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Results of the Spray Assist trials conducted last autumn showed an average 25% improvement in black-grass control from the same herbicide treatment and application timing, by following the app’s recommendations for nozzle selection, speed and operating pressure in the prevailing weather conditions.

The app ensures operators are always following best practice.

Syngenta application specialist, Harry Fordham (pictured below), explained: “Spray Assist looks at the crop, the growth stage, treatment and weather forecast, to recommend the optimum nozzle selection that the sprayer operator has available, along with the advised water volume, pressure and speed, to achieve the best results possible.

“The algorithms used are based on a huge resource of Syngenta trials data and nozzle manufacturers’ information. The app can make recommendations for 17 different crops with over 100 different treatments and timings. It will only make a recommendation from the nozzles and equipment that have been pre-programmed by the operator, so every calculation is specific to that farm and cropping.”

Harry pointed out that Spray Assist can draw on weather information from multiple sources across the UK, Europe and the world to provide accurate predictions of wind and rainfall conditions up to five days in advance of an application. If the weather forecast changes, the app will adapt the advice provided.

In the black-grass trials, for example, Spray Assist advocated the use of a low-drift Lechler ID3 05 nozzle to apply 200 litres/ha operated at 2.2 bar when spraying at 10kph to achieve the best result (81% control), compared to poor farm practice using a flat fan 05 at 3.2 bar to apply the same water volume at 16kph – which achieved just 58% weed control. In other plots sprayed at 100 litres/ha, the Spray Assist recommendation of an ID3 03 at 1.5 bar and 10kph outperformed a 03 flat fan at 2.1 bar at 16kph by over 11% in black-grass control.

“Spray Assist can make the difference in better targeting of sprays in the field and achieving the crucial extra few percent of control with every application. The way it can be tailored to each individual farm means that it is always giving the most up to date bespoke and advice.

“It doesn’t replace the skills and experience of the farm sprayer operator, but it does provide an extremely quick, simple and free resource to support their decisions and help deliver consistently better results.”

Spray Assist is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play.

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To create Polysulphate, polyhalite only needs to be crushed and screened, which is also done at the Boulby mine – making a fertiliser with an extremely low carbon footprint as no industrial or chemical processing is needed to create the final product.

Polysulphate has a unique blend of crop nutrients – 48% sulphur, 17% calcium, 14% potassium, and 6% magnesium. It contains no nitrogen, enabling farmers to devise nutrient programmes that include nitrogen from bought in, or organic sources.

And its high specific gravity makes for a dense product that is easy to stack and store, saving room in your barn when you need it most.

But perhaps its most unique characteristic, and the one that really sets it apart from other fertilisers, is the way it releases nutrients into the soil. Polysulphate breaks down gradually releasing nutrients over a longer period that matches more closely a crop’s uptake.

What is prolonged release?

Prolonged release refers to how Polysulphate dissolves over time and slowly releases nutrients for crop uptake.

Because Polysulphate is a naturally occurring mineral, it takes longer to breakdown than other, manufactured fertilisers, meaning it is available in the soil for longer.

In fact, Polysulphate continues providing nutrients to the soil over a 50–60 day period after application, in effect drip-feeding the crop as it grows to promote optimal nutrient uptake.

However, 60 per cent of the nutrients in the fertiliser are available in the first 12 days after application, providing the right concentration of nourishment at the right time.

Chris Dawson, independent agronomist at Chris Dawson Associates, commented a benefit of Polysulphate is that its release of nutrients is more in line with the needs of the growing plant.

“Some nutrients are available straight away,” explained Chris said. “The rest are released slowly over time as the plant grows and needs them, meaning they are available at the right times and in the right amounts to do the best job.”

This is in stark contrast to many other types of fertiliser, which may have released all their nutrients into the soil just days after being applied.

When this happens, plants are often unable to effectively utilise the sudden surge of nourishment, meaning a considerable proportion of the fertiliser may be wasted.

Not only does the prolonged release nature of Polysulphate avoid this, it also has another significant benefit, and one that has positive implications for a farmer’s pocket and the environment. Financially, Polysulphate products aid nitrogen uptake, improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce loss of expensive inputs.

Reduced leaching

Leaching is a headache for everyone connected with farming. Not only does it mean expensive crop inputs are washed from the root zone where they are needed most, but they can end up in local watercourses where they adversely affect both the chemical make-up and biology.

H and N+S products are particularly susceptible to this as nitrates are highly soluble in water and can be quickly washed away from the root zone, even after moderate rainfall. Sulphate ions are negatively charged, meaning they are repelled by soil particles which also tend to be negatively charged, and so are pushed through the soil profile quickly and out to the margins, where they do no good at all.

But the prolonged release mechanism of Polysulphate minimises the risk of leaching, as it supplies vital nutrients to the plant at a time when it needs it most and keeps the remaining nutrients where they ought to be – in the soil around crop roots. The breakdown of the mineral occurs at a rate that the plant can fully utilise, meaning there is no excess sulphur given up to be leached away.

This provides a multitude of benefits to the farmer and their crops.

Sulphur, as many will know, is essential for the optimal uptake of nitrogen which is needed to make plant proteins and ultimately deliver good plant health. So, not only does the prolonged release of sulphur from Polysulphate enable the crop to maximise the use of nitrogen throughout the growing cycle, by bringing efficiencies to this process, it may even reduce the amount of nitrogen needing to be applied to the crop, which increases returns for the farmer in the long run. It’s a win-winsituation, and one that is easily delivered by introducing Polysulphate into a nutrient programme.

However, although this lack of leaching is highly beneficial, it is intrinsically linked to a question ICL often gets asked, which is: “Why is it I can still see Polysulphate granules in the crop weeks after I applied it?”

Still seeing Polysulphate weeks after application?

Many farmers – especially those who have applied Polysulphate for the first time – remark that they can still see the product lying on their fields long after application. This has even led some to conclude that it isn’t working.

Scott Garnett, ICL’s head of agronomy for the UK & Ireland, said seeing the granules shows Polysulphate is releasing its nutrients over a longer period of time, which is the key to its efficacy.

He said: “Polysulphate is a natural product that releases nutrients over 50–60 days, so it is not unusual to find chips of it still in the field after two or three weeks or even longer.

“Seeing this underlines the fact the product is working as it should, gradually feeding crops over an extended time period rather than applying all the nutrients at once, with the risk of them being leached away.

“So, if you are still seeing it weeks after application, it’s not a cause for concern. It is a sign that the product is doing what it is supposed to do.”

Scott added that due to the prolonged release, there was a belief that Polysulphate can only be applied early in the season – January or February – so that all its stored nutrients can be released.

However, ICL trials proved that later applications, in April or even May, can still deliver the same crop benefits from those made earlier in the year.

“Polysulphate is a particularly versatile fertiliser that will fit into most nutrients programmes,” commented Scott.

“The prolonged release mechanism really works to ensure your crops are continually nourished and that they optimise nitrogen use efficiency, regardless of when you apply it.”

For more information, please email plantnutrition@icl-group.com or visit:

https://lp.polysulphate.com/uk-en/moreyield/?utm_campaign=polysulphate_local_2022_GB&utm_medium=email&utm_source=inspiration&utm_content=email_farmersguide

Socials:

@ICLplantnutriUK

Video – benefits of Polysulphate:

Link You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XINfxTSw528erbn1RV3mA

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Improve nutrient use efficiency with Controlled Release Fertilisers (CRF)

Controlled release fertilisers (CRF) are helping farmers get the most out of their nutrients. Just one single application of controlled release fertilisers, can manage the nutrition during a complete crop cycle. Coated fertilisers make fertilisation plans much easier and reduce environmental impact.

Efficient use of crop nutrients is becoming increasingly important; from feeding a growing world population, to minimising risk of environmental harm and making best use of scarce, and increasingly expensive inputs to crop growth.

Innovation is key

For almost 200 years, agriculture and horticulture has used the addition of fertilisers to enhance crop growth by supplying the key elements that plants need to boost yield and quality. Fertilisers have played an important part in significantly raising the yield of the land, so ensuring that every hectare supports more and more of the world’s population.

Estimates show that between 1960 and 2020, the number of people that can be fed from a hectare of land has more than doubled to 5.6. Innovations such as controlled release fertilisers (CRF), that match nutrient availability to crop need, will play an important role in meeting these future demands.

Increasing productivity

Fertilisers can indeed double or triple farm productivity: for every single kg of nutrients applied, farmers obtain approximately 5-30kg of additional produce (although this will vary per crop). Yet the statistics on average nutrient use efficiency – the proportion of nutrients actually used by crops in the first year after application – are stark.

For fertilisers applied to major cereal crops, nitrogen efficiency is around 40-65%, potassium efficiency in the region of 30-50% and phosphorus efficiency just 15-25%.

The above figures are for plots managed by agronomic researchers. Values for nitrogen use efficiency on fields managed by farmers are even less encouraging. Up to 70-80% of applied N can be lost when fertilisers are improperly managed. (Fertilizer International 474, p32).

The nutrient uptake dilemma

Despite the successful increase in crop production, to which fertilisers have made a significant contribution, there remains the dilemma. Crop nutrients are applied to crops on a few occasions in a growing season; whereas, crops take up nutrients a little at a time hour by hour and day by day.

Early in the season as small annual crops establish, or as perennial crops emerge from winter dormancy, uptake is quite small each day. Many fertilisers are soluble and volatile, so applied early in the season large amounts of nutrient are available – far more than the crop’s immediate need.

Nutrient losses

Nitrogen not taken up can be lost, either through leaching – a process whereby the nutrient is washed through the soil and into drainage systems – or through volatilisation. The latter is particularly significant from urea-based fertilisers where the element is converted to ammonia and can be lost to the atmosphere as gas.

For the farmer, or grower, these losses affect crop and economic performance. The crop does not have some nutrients for growth and the grower loses the value of the fertiliser that is lost.

There are also potentially negative consequences for the environment. Fertilisers leached to waterways can, in extreme conditions cause algal blooms that threaten aquatic life; it can also reduce water quality. Losses to the atmosphere can add to the problems of climate change. Ammonia, while not one of the gases normally classed as greenhouse gas, is injurious to the atmosphere and health.

What is nutrient use efficiency?

Having the right nutrients available to match crop needs plays an important part in achieving a high nutrient (or nitrogen) use efficiency (NUE). This is a measure of how well all the nutrients come together for optimum crop performance. The major nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium – as well as calcium, magnesium and sulphur are linked, in as much as a shortage of one can impair the ability of a crop to fully utilise other elements that may be in plentiful supply.

How CRF technology can help

Help is at hand in the form of ‘controlled release fertilisers’ (CRF) that use smart technology to provide nutrition at a rate that matches much more closely the availability of nutrients to the plant’s need.

The principle is simple, the technology complex. The E-Max Release technology developed by ICL is described as an ‘innovation’ in controlled release nutrients. In essence, the fertiliser is covered in a special coating that – once in contact with the soil and associated moisture – begins to take up water. As the moisture content builds up in each granule of fertiliser, so the osmotic pressure increases and nutrients start to ‘escape’ into the soil via micropores in the coating.

Thus the nutrients disperse gradually into the zone around the roots and are available as the plant requires it. This minimises the risk of valuable nutrients being lost from the crop and ending up causing adverse effects to air or water.

ICL Fertilizers produces a range of blends and can tailor the contents of each fertiliser to the needs of specific crops.

Reducing applications – save time and cost

There is also the question of cost. Every time fertiliser is applied there is an application cost. According to the latest John Nix Pocketbook applying granular fertiliser costs around £7.50/ha, while liquid fertiliser application can be as much as £10/ha. Therefore, every application has a significant cost.

Today, the question of cost is exacerbated by the significantly increased cost of fertiliser, especially nitrogen which means nutrients need to be kept in the soil not just for environmental, but also economic reasons.

Eighty-two per cent increase in NUE

In a 2021 seed potato trial executed by Eurofins a 82% increase in Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) was demonstrated.

ICL Agromaster (Controlled Release Fertilizers) showed a 10% increase in yield, 82% increase in nitrogen use efficiency and a positive return on investment.

For the full potato trial report PDF email plantnutrition@icl-group.com

Today, CRF products tend to be used mainly in high value crops including field and root vegetables, fruit and certain amenity sectors. However, as the cost of nutrients increases, it is likely that this technology will find a use in broad-acre crops as growers seek that elusive goal of achieving high nutrient efficiency.

ICL CRF technology is available in three different product ranges:

1. ICL Agroblen gives growers complete control over their nutritional programme. Agroblen contains a 100% coated NPK granule to provide a controlled release of the nutrients over a pre-determined length of time. With Agroblen, growers can apply multiple applications or just once a year depending on the crop’s needs. The ideal combination of efficiency and simplicity..
2. ICL Agromaster combines ICL’s advanced technology with specially selected conventional granules. This powerful combination provides nitrogen control and high-quality performance in one uniform product.
3. ICL Agrocote products are N, P or K coated products based on one of the ICL coating technologies. These technologies provide from 1-6 months release longevity.

The post Are you getting the most out of your fertiliser? appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Gaining the best return from valuable nutrients will require more attention than normal to spreader calibration, says Origin Fertilisers and Spreader & Sprayer Testing Ltd (SCS).

Recent headlines have focused on UK and European nitrogen producers reducing or turning off production facilities after record gas cost increases. Coupled with strong global demand for all fertilisers plus spiralling shipping costs, the whole fertiliser supply chain is under considerable strain.

Origin Fertilisers has focused on securing new supplies of both calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate for its 12 UK sites to secure adequate supplies for UK farmers and growers with as much choice as possible.

Each year, British farmers typically use 4 million tonnes of which about 25% is manufactured in GB, 60% imported from Europe and 15% from the rest of the world. Even if farmers reduce their nitrogen application in line with RB209’s economic optimum, more imported product is likely to be needed compared to a normal year.

“Normally, Origin purchases nitrogen from suppliers where we have existing long-term partnerships and supply our customers with tried and tested products,” explained Michael Pater, Origin Fertilisers’ managing director. “However, with many curtailing production and strong demand from their home and emerging fertiliser markets, we have had to secure supplies from further afield to ensure a continued supply of nitrates for our customers.”

Importing from a wider geography and range of companies may lead to increased variability in granule colour, size, density and crush strength and farmers are advised to check and calibrate their spreader for each delivery, especially if deliveries span several weeks.

Origin Fertilisers is working alongside calibration experts SCS to help gain a better understanding of the characteristics of different sources of imported nitrogen. While an ‘off the shelf’ spreader setting may not be possible for the analysis delivered to farm, understanding the characteristics of the raw material will help SCS give more informed advice.

Explained SCS’ Rob Foxall: “Farmers spend thousands of pounds buying essential nutrients for their crops, and then don’t necessarily spend a comparatively small amount to find the optimum application settings.

“With the high value of fertiliser this year, and potentially more variable in size and characteristics than previous years, setting the spreader correctly will give farmers the best return on an expensive investment.”

SCS is part of the National Fertiliser Spreader Testing Scheme and offers a range of services to help farmers set their spreaders correctly – covering one of their team visiting the farm to set up the spreader to kits to help you do it yourself.

SCS offers four parts to every tray test:

1. An MOT-style test involving a thorough examination of the machine and all its working parts to make sure it is working correctly before the tray test.
2. A check of the fertiliser characteristics – including bulk density, crush strength and size – which determine how the product spreads and can identify variation between batches
3. A full-width tray test with material being collected and a Coefficient of Variation calculated, tray testing until an acceptable spread pattern is achieved ensuring the application is as even as possible across the crop.
4. A detailed report of the findings

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Pictured with the new sprayer (l-r): Manns field sales manager based at Halesworth Ben Marsh; Manns general sales manager and brand manager for Horsch and Stewart Trailers Chris Chilvers; machine operator Dan Marshall; Manns Horsch product specialist based at Halesworth Dan Sherwood; machine operator George Barnby, and Gawdy Hall Estates managing director David Green.

Carrying special decals identifying it as the 100th sprayer sold by the dealer, the Horsch Leeb 6.300 PT was delivered to Gawdy Hall Estates Ltd in early August. A Horsch Sprinter 6m drill was also delivered to the customer at the same time by the team at Mann’s Halesworth depot.

Gawdy Hall Estates farms approximately 800ha of ring-fenced land near Harleston in Norfolk. Some of the land is forest, sheep are grazed on parkland and there is a poultry breeding unit rented out to a local producer. Most of the land is arable cropping including winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley, oilseed rape, spring beans and forage maize. “Our typical rotation is two wheats then two barleys followed by oilseed rape or beans, or forage maize on the lighter land – but a lot depends on the black-grass situation,” explained managing director David Green.

More flexible drilling

A plough is still used when needed, although inversion tillage is avoided where possible and the policy in recent years has been to drill later in the autumn, allowing extra time between crops to tackle black-grass. A 5m Vaderstad TopDown primary cultivator is followed by a Vaderstad NZ spring-tine cultivator, or a RexiusTwin press if conditions are dry and cloddy. Until this year an 8m pneumatic drill was used, but this has been replaced by the new Horsch Sprinter for this autumn. “Our previous drill was excellent when conditions were good, but it struggled with drilling later in the autumn when soils were wetter, so we had to have something more versatile,” continued David. “With more spring cropping there is less autumn drilling so a 6m drill is adequate and it also fits in with our change to 36m tramlines.”

Features which attracted David to the Sprinter drill include its wide tine spacing allowing plenty of space for trash to flow through. “All of our straw is baled currently but we don’t know what will happen in the future and if we move to chopping rather than baling behind the combine then we know the Sprinter will cope. It can direct drill when conditions are favourable or work on ploughed or sub-soiled land, so whatever establishment techniques we change to in the next few years the drill will be suitable.

“Manns provided a demonstration establishing a crop of spring barley and we were all impressed by its performance and the build quality, and the ease of setting it up.”

Modifications to the drill by the dealer have further increased its versatility. A rear mounting platform was installed allowing an additional hopper to be carried, so seeding, fertiliser placement and slug pellet application can all be achieved in one pass.

The Horsch Leeb 6.300 PT self-propelled sprayer has a 6,000-litre tank, 36m booms with Boom Control ProPlus boom height control, TopCon guidance and a 350hp engine. It replaces the farm’s previous 32m sprayer. Dan Marshall (in the seat) will be its main operator and he describes the boom performance of the demonstration machine trialled last year as ”fantastic”. George Barnby, pictured with Dan, will also operate the new sprayer.

First Horsch sprayer

Many brands of self-propelled sprayer have been used by the farm, but the new machine is the first Horsch. “The back-up we knew we would get from Manns was the major factor in choosing the Horsch sprayer and the drill,” continued David.

“We had three very impressive demonstrations of the Leeb 6.300 PT by Manns field sales manager Ben Marsh and the Halesworth depot team. The technology behind its design and the build quality are fantastic, and we don’t believe that any other sprayer offers better boom control and suspension. We have increased our spraying width from 32m to 36m and also changed from granular to liquid fertilisers so the new sprayer will be busy and reliability is essential as opportunities to carry out applications are often limited by weather.”

The new sprayer has Boom Control ProPlus height control, allowing boom operation down to just 40cm, and it also has 25cm nozzle spacing. “The boom suspension is fantastic and the 25cm nozzle spacing will be used to optimise coverage while applying pre-emergence chemicals,” explained the farm’s main sprayer operator Dan Marshall. “It has a TopCon control terminal which is easy to use and similar to what we have used in the past in other machines.”

Unbeatable service

Other machinery purchased from Manns in recent years includes a Claas Lexion 7700TT combine with a 35ft header, a Xerion 5000 tractor, a Claas Scorpion telehandler and two Stewart trailers. “Our first Claas product was a Scorpion handler in 2012, which was upgraded to a larger 5t model a few years ago,” said David. “We then bought the two trailers followed by the Lexion combine, although until we had a demonstration I wouldn’t have believed we would ever change from our previous brand.

“Having struggled to harvest crops at the optimum time due to adverse weather during several harvests, we tried the Claas combine three years ago. Its twin rotors achieved much higher work rates, the sample was cleaner and it used significantly less fuel. We continue to be delighted with its performance.”

Versatile tractor

The Xerion 5000 replaced a large articulated tractor used for primary cultivations. “It was on dual wheels so moving it around on the narrow lanes was always a problem, and it spent most of the year in a shed as it was only suitable for a few tasks. The Xerion 5000 is a lot more versatile and with its 900mm tyres and operating in crab steering mode, the weight is distributed over a large area to reduce compaction. It’s very flexible in terms of ballasting too, and we can add weight over the rear axle to increase traction for heavy draft work and it handles our mole plough and Rexius press with ease,” said operator George Barnby.

Applying combine service to sprayers

Manns Horsch brand manager Chris Chilvers said that taking on the Horsch franchise has proved very successful for all the depots in the dealer’s network. “We expected the whole range of products to be popular with professional users in our trading area, but we never expected to sell this number of sprayers,” he explained. “Within the first 18 months, sprayer sales were mounting up and we realised that we would have to adapt the way we handled them to ensure we could provide the back-up customers needed. Put simply – we had to look after sprayer users for 10 months of the year in the same way that we were used to looking after combine users for two months during harvest. Every depot has a fully trained Horsch specialist with a service van dedicated to Horsch machinery.”

Chris said similarities between the Horsch and Claas businesses have helped. “Both are family owned and share a similar ethos and values. The Horsch UK team is always available to assist, including out of the usual working hours and customers value that.”

Brilliant back-up

David describes the back-up from Manns’ Halesworth depot and particularly the Horsch service specialist Dan Sherwood as “brilliant”. “Dan lives locally which helps, but he is always willing to provide advice and support with any of the Claas or Horsch products. When we depend so much on the reliability of machines such as our combine, drill and sprayer, good after sales support is essential, and we have that from the Manns Halesworth depot.”

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