The Beba family’s John Deere model B, being shown by Gordon Carson, at work in 1949 and featuring farmworker Peter Moules (seated).

A unique exhibit for a one-of-a-kind tractor

Rather than a brand, the specially-themed class focuses on a tractor ‘concept’ originating from the 1930s in the USA, where the machines were traditionally three-wheeled to straddle rows in the field and were often set high off the ground to clear crops like maize or cotton.

The wide range of tractor makes qualifying for this class, like Allis Chalmers, Massey-Harris, Fordson, John Deere and Farmall to name a few, promises to attract entries never exhibited at the show before, says Paul Ducksbury of the show’s organising committee.

“Many of the tractors we’ll see will be classic ‘row crop’ configuration, with two small wheels in front, spaced together to create a tricycle tractor,” he explains.

Paul himself is bringing five exhibits – a 1947 Fordson, two International Harvesters and two John Deeres – and has high hopes of the range of vehicles that will be on display in this class.

All the way from Minnesota, USA

One of the furthest-flung entries for this special class at the Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show is from Larry Roers of Minnesota, USA, who has teamed up with Worcester-based vintage tractor importer Richard Keel to bring over a 1966 Ford 4000 Rowcrop (4200) specially for the event – and will be flying over to attend in person.

According to Richard, the tractor was made for North American market and features a longer wheelbase than UK counterparts, higher clearance for row crop work, and a flat deck operating platform to let the driver sit much higher to give better visibility.

“When new, it would’ve been used in the production and growing of corn – what we call maize – and soybeans,” explains Richard.

“But advances in both machinery and growing techniques meant tractors like this became outdated within a few years, so they ended up on light duties around the yard.”

A proud Peter Moules, who sadly passed away in 2022, back sitting on the restored model B.

The return of a familiar face

Other entries include a 1941 John Deere model B row crop tractor owned by Wisbech farmer Bryan Beba, and shown by fellow enthusiast Gordon Carson. Gordon, who has exhibited at every Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show apart from the first, says this John Deere is special to him, as it was the one that first got him and Bryan into the world of restoring and showing vintage tractors.

“Bryan’s father had it from new. It then sat in the back of the shed until the late ’90s, when I suggested getting it out and seeing if we could get it going. It was the most expensive suggestion of our lives! Now we have quite a prestigious collection,” he adds.

John Deere

With John Deere the predominant tractor brand in the USA over the last 100 years, it’s not surprising they are a strong presence in this category. Henry and Margaret Dixon from Pembrokeshire will be bringing a 1963 John Deere Hi Crop row crop tractor they bought 20 years ago after spotting it in a dealership while on holiday in South Dakota.

The 92hp tractor, of which only 170 were made, was originally built for working with cotton and sugar cane, and has wide front and back axles for row cropping and carrying a cultivator underneath.

Wyn Mathias’ Allis Chalmers model C undergoing its re-restoration in preparation for this year’s show

A shared joy

Also making the journey from Pembrokeshire will be Wyn Mathias with his 1941 Allis Chalmers Model C. He’s been showing tractors since he was a child, but this will be only his fourth year at the Newark event, making him a relative newcomer.

From new, his tractor was on potato harvest duties in Wyn’s local area, mainly fitted with ‘ridgers’ to open drills for planting the potatoes and covering them up.

“It was bought by my grandfather in a poor state. He stripped the engine but it then got left for several years. Aged 14, I started to take interest in the tractor and my grandfather said if I could get it going, I could have it.”

Take advantage of discounted tickets

For a limited time only, discounted tickets are available for the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show, on 4th-5 thNovember at Newark Showground.

The post Celebrating the heritage of Row Crop Tractors at Newark Vintage Tractor Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Rivermead Minx Candy VG89 scooped the prestigious interbreed championship.

Rivermead Minx Candy VG89 scoops interbreed championship

Riding on a tide of success, having won her class at UK Dairy Day in 2022, Rivermead Minx Candy VG89 scooped the prestigious interbreed championship. Exhibited by Emily Davis, this home-bred Jersey cow had her third calf just three weeks ago and is already yielding 33 litres/day. Sired by Stonyrun Aus Tbone Minx, she was placed as champion Jersey at Dairy Expo earlier this year too.

“Jerseys are our passion, and to reach the top is amazing,” said Emily Davis. “It’s the first time we’ve won at this show, and it’s just fantastic.” Emily also enjoyed success with the family’s other home-bred entrants, winning the National Jersey Championship, reserve champion and reserve honourable mention.

Based near Tiverton, Devon, the Davis family milk 230 cows, and all share the Jersey passion, including Emily, her brothers, sisters and parents.

Reserve interbreed title bestowed on Thuborough Freda 610

Thuborough Farms’ Holstein senior cow, shown by Roland Ley, took the reserve interbred title. Another home-bred, Thuborough Freda 610 is rated EX95 and is yielding 48 litres after having her fourth calf in March. Roland has never previously won the breed championship at the Dairy Show, despite a string of previous successes. “So to get breed champion and reserve interbreed is a great result.”

Before her success at the Dairy Show, Freda won the breed and interbreed championship at the Devon County Show and was breed champion at the Royal Cornwall Show. “She’s got a really good udder and is very youthful despite being a fourth-calver,” said Roland. “She has a lovely balance and moves really well.”

Hosting the Guernsey National Show

The Dairy Show 2023 played host to the Guernsey National Show, which was won by the Greenslade family’s Greensfield Dandy Dan Butterfly. “It means a lot to us,” said exhibitor Emma Greenslade. “We work quite hard with our breeding, and we bred both her and the sire behind her – Greensfield Dandy Dan. His dam won at UK Dairy Day and here, and now we’ve done the double again.”

UK Dairy Day and the Dairy Show were Butterfly’s first two shows, and she claimed the breed championship at both. “She’d never been shown before – I dragged her out of the shed a week before Dairy Day. She’s just so quiet,” said Emma.

The family milk 100 cows near Cullompton, Devon, and this second-calver; who calved in August, is giving 25 litres/day.

The other breed champions were: Ayrshire Rosehill Madison Jelly VG87, Dairy Shorthorn Churchroyd Bronte Wildeyes 63, and British Friesian Greenway Solo Billie Jo.

Full results from the competitions can be found on The Dairy Show’s website.

The post Home-breeding excellence for winners at Dairy Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

The winning 1970 David Brown 880 exhibited by Neil Reid in 2003 retuning for the show’s 20th anniversary this year.

A British heritage to celebrate

Looking forward to the event is local farm contractor and vintage tractor collector Paul Ducksbury, who has been involved in the show since the start, living just 14 miles north of the Newark showground.

Paul says: “Little did we know what a success the show would become when we were planning the first one in 2003; it’s gone from strength to strength.

“The George Stephenson Hall was added to the facilities in 2006; then tractors from other shows were nominated in a ‘People’s Choice’ class, creating a really diverse range of exhibits. Now, two decades later, the event is seen as the pinnacle of the year – the highlight at the end of the season.”

For Paul, one of the most memorable classes in the event’s history was ‘100 years of Fordson’ in 2017, to which he took 34 tractors. “The first Fordson was built in the US in 1917, and manufacture this side of the Atlantic started just two years later in 1919 in Ireland, before moving to Dagenham in 1923. Having the whole range on display in 2017 was quite a sight,” he says.

Another favourite exhibit of his was a unique adaption of a Minneapolis-Moline tractor which he saw on display in 2004. “It wasn’t the original tractor, but two tractors joined together by the owner John Hayward of Bilsthorpe near Newark, to give it four-wheel drive and 100hp. The Minneapolis-Molines were only manufactured for a short time in the UK between 1946 and 1949, so it was an unforgettable sight.”

(Front L to R) B Hollingworth, x, G Riley, A Johnston, D Green, E Dodds, B Main, J Main, P Clements. Back LtoR R King, M Hart, L Dodds, T King.

Welcoming familiar faces (and engines!)

While Paul lives close to the show, it also attracts regular competitors from further afield. One such example is the Reid family, who run a hydraulic engineering business in Arbroath, some 350 miles from the site – yet they are keen enthusiasts who have made the journey to Newark every year since the show started.

In 2003, Neil Reid took a 1970 David Brown 880 Selectamatic and won ‘best David Brown’ and the ‘Concours 1965-78 Classic’. The tractor has returned many times over the years, winning the ‘Heritage Machinery Shield’ in 2007 and ‘best David Brown’ again in 2011 – and it’s making a triumphant return this year to feature in the 20th anniversary display.

Another vehicle which is returning to the showground after its first appearance at the very first show is an International Farmall H, owned by Dan Bartle. “This tractor was bought by Joseph Camm Farms, Retford in 1948 and used as their main tractor for specialist row crop work in the springtime,” explains Dan.

“After many years of service, the tractor was loaned out to the local agricultural museum and put on show to the public. After a few years, the museum unfortunately closed, leaving the tractor abandoned. The original owners contacted me and my uncle in 1998 to rescue the tractor, along with a Fordson N tractor which the farm owned too.

“Both tractors were recovered and restoration began,” he notes. “My uncle restored the International Farmall, replacing many parts, as well as importing the correct replacement tyres from the USA. He took this tractor to a lot of local rallies including the first Newark tractor show in 2003. I inherited this tractor back in 2022 and now have both tractors.”

Another show stalwart contributing to the anniversary this year is James Hardstaff, a farmer from just north of Nottingham. He, too, is bringing a tractor that featured in the very first show.

“It was a prize-winner then – a 1954 Fordson Major County Four Drive. I originally bought it from a scrap yard just south of the Dartford Tunnel back in 1998,” he says. “It took me four years to restore, then I showed it during the 2003 season, ending up at the first vintage tractor show at Newark. I’m pleased to be bringing it back this year for the 20^th anniversary display.”

For a limited time only, discounted tickets are available for the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show, held on 4th-5th November at Newark Showground. Visit the show’s website to purchase your tickets and to find more information.

The post 20th anniversary for Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the pickup version of the Grenadier SUV.

Take advantage of new products

The machinery market is ever evolving, as farmers attempt to do more with less and find equipment which has multiple functions. “It’s great that so many exhibitors find the show the best place to launch their new products,” says show organiser, Elizabeth Halsall.

Visitors to Midlands Machinery Show will be able to see the new Valtra Q Series

Chandlers – the Fendt 728 tractor, the Valta Q series and the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster

On the Chandlers stand, there will be three new pieces of kit for visitors to see – the Fendt 728 tractor, the Valta Q series and the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup. The Valta offers improved precision technology and driver comfort, while winner of Tractor of the Year 2023, the Fendt 728 includes a new six-cylinder engine, optional 60in track width and a new generation of the Fendt Cargo front loader.

The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the pickup version of the Grenadier SUV; with its similar boxy looks it has been designed as a double cab to seat five people. Stretched by 305mm compared to the SUV, it has a maximum payload of 760kg.

New VDR 900 VF Technology tyre

VDR 900 VF Technology tyre

BA Bush and Son will be unveiling the new VDR 900 VF Technology tyre, which is designed to handle 40% more load than a conventional radial tyre, or the same load at 40% lower pressure. The VDR 900 also features stronger lugs with a larger contact patch to give better traction, which decreases slippage, reduces fuel consumption and increases overall productivity.

“The VDR 900 benefits from Ascenso’s unique Mudbreaker technology, which consists of a vertical cleat on the lug which breaks down the soil and stops it sticking to the tyre,” notes Matt Smith at BA Bush and Son. “This not only enhances the tyre’s self-cleaning ability but also allows for better grip in the field.”

Husarya stone picker

New to the UK market is the Husarya stone picker, which removes stones with a diameter of 2.5-50cm, has a working depth of 20cm and is up to 5.5m wide. It launched in Poland to address a common problem in both Poland and the UK – to remove stones from fields prior to cultivation.

“It’s exciting to have such a range of new products at the show, once again demonstrating the innovative nature of agriculture,” says Mrs Halsall. “One of the brilliant things about the show is that it brings together the relevant people, businesses, and organisations to create two focused and dynamic days.

The Fendt 728 tractor can be seen at the Midlands Machinery Show.

Fuel management from MeritAgCheck

A vital cog in farming operations is fuel, and a new app from MeritAgCheck aims to help farmers keep a handle on fuel management by tracking and monitoring fuel consumption.

The details

Registration and parking are free but pre-registration is required for the Midlands Machinery Show, which runs from 8th-9th November at the Newark Showground. NRoSO and BASIS points are also available for attendees.

Register your attendance.

The post New products in abundance at Midlands Machinery Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Opening the third NFU Cymru/Wynnstay Sustainable Farming Conference, which took place at Bodwi farm on the Llŷn Peninsula today (28^th September), NFU Cymru President Aled Jones highlighted the deficit between farming support and rising inflation over the past decade, and the destabilising impact this has had on farm business viability.

While Mr Jones commended the Welsh Government for maintaining BPS rates at historic levels in 2023, he stressed the importance of maintaining the current level of farming support for the following year, given the ongoing challenges facing Welsh farmers.

With agri-inflation having risen 40% since 2020, he also warned that future payments that do not take into account the industry’s escalating costs will challenge farming’s ability to meet its food, environment and climate ambitions.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Jones said: “Farmers can only deliver for the environment from a position of farm business viability.

“The entire rural affairs budget, including agriculture, currently makes up just 2% of Welsh Government spending. In 2022, farming delivered a gross output of £2.1 billion pounds. We can say confidently, therefore, there is a nine-to-one return for every BPS pound invested in Welsh farming. By any measure, farming delivers excellent value for money.”

In the context of rising inflation, which suggests the BPS budget would need to increase by £79 million to maintain the level of funding farming was allocated ten years ago, Mr Jones said ‘not a penny less’ funding for farmers is no longer a sustainable position.

“Our current and future governments in both Cardiff Bay and Westminster need to deliver on a long-term funding arrangement that properly reflects the funding required to deliver on our food, environment and climate ambitions,” he stressed.

SFS tree cover target yet to be addressed

While NFU Cymru supports the overarching structure of the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), it emphasized the scheme must work for all farming sectors, locations, land tenures and types.

Moreover, Mr Jones said the union is extremely concerned the government’s controversial 10% tree cover and 10% habitat targets have not yet been addressed.

“We remain in no doubt that Welsh Government’s 10% tree cover targets present a very real barrier to scheme participation for many farmers in Wales.”

“We can integrate more trees into farming systems – but we will not take our productive land out of food production for trees. We need a solution that recognises this and we stand ready to work with government on this issue so that we have a scheme that works for all farmers in Wales.”

Concluding his opening speech, Mr Jones added: “As we will see and hear at today’s conference – there is much to celebrate in terms of farming’s commitment to the environment.

“Welsh Government must deliver the budgetary and policy levers needed to ensure that we meet this ambition and we are committed to continuing these discussions to make our goal a reality.”

The post NFU Cymru calls for a revamp of funding policy at Sustainable Farming Conference appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Logan Doyle-Tyson is looking forward to competing again for Young Shepherd in 2023.

The English Winter Fair has over a dozen classes specially for school-age competitors, as well as playing host to Young Farmers’ stock and carcase judging championships, and the final of the Young Shepherd of the Year.

Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society (SBAS), says investing in competitions for young people keeps both traditional and commercial livestock skills alive.

“We saw a particularly large entry in the Young Farmers’ stock judging events last year, which was very rewarding,” he says.

“There are two competitions: A one-day event specially for the English Winter Fair, organised by Staffordshire Young Farmers on behalf of our committee; and a two-day competition organised by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). Together, they attracted well over 200 entrants throughout England and Wales last year, and we hope there will be even more in 2023.”

Over 200 Young Farmers took part in the stock and carcase judging events at last year’s English Winter Fair; it’s hoped even more will take part this year.

While competitors no longer judge the same animals live then dead, as they did when the Young Farmers’ championship was held at Smithfield, the English Winter Fair still offers the chance to evaluate both live animals and carcases because of its purpose-built refrigerated hall.

“Winners will be presented with the original Smithfield trophies during the NFYFC’s presentation of awards for its competition,” says Mr Williams.

Young Shepherd of the Year competition

Another competition which holds its grand final at the English Winter Fair is the Young Shepherd of the Year, organised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Last year’s junior champion Logan Doyle-Tyson, aged 12, started his showing career by helping his sister show Hebridean sheep.

“I started learning at home, then doing young handler competitions at shows,” says Logan, whose family farm in Cumbria. “Our family are members of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and it’s good to keep people aware of rare sheep by showing them..

“People like our sheep because they’re black and have horns, and I enjoy it when they come to our pens and ask questions because we’re helping to educate them. Lots of people think they’re goats because of their horns and how they look when they’ve just been sheared.”

Winning last year was a real surprise in Logan’s first year competing. “I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t speak and my mum was crying – happy tears of course,” he says.

“I was really pleased to qualify again for this year’s final at my first show of the season. I’m looking forward to competing – we make a weekend of it and have lots of fun. I think everyone should try the Young Shepherd competition. Even if you don’t have sheep, get into it by asking friends and other competitors if you can help with theirs.”

Archie Holmes and Owen Good (both 15) from Thomas Alleyne’s High School in Uttoxeter were winners in the Fair’s schools livestock handling competition last year; they’re hoping to repeat their success at this year’s event.

English Winter Fair’s special schools competition

The English Winter Fair’s special schools competition, introduced in 2017 is also going from strength to strength. Students at the Thomas Alleyne School in Uttoxeter compete each year, honing their animal stockmanship and presentation skills.

Justine North, the teacher with responsibility for farm activities at the school, says many of those who take part aspire to have careers in positions like vets, farmers, zookeepers or dog groomers.

As only 10-15% of children who get involved are from a farming background, the livestock handling skills they learn are invaluable in giving them confidence around all sorts of animals, she notes.

“The school actually has its own farm with an array of sheep, goats, cows and poultry, run by farm manager Rosie Deakin-Gallimore, who is instrumental in preparing the students and animals for the English Winter Fair each year,” says Mrs North.

“More than 20 students competed last year in a range of classes. We used to enter the stock classes but it’s hard to win against people who are breeding champion animals for a living. So we focus on the schools’ class, and compete on handling and showing skills, as well as the sausage-making championship.”

Mrs North’s students Archie Holmes and Owen Good, both 15, won the sheep handling class last year. Archie says they first halter trained the sheep, then learned to clip and brush them, which they got confident enough to do at the show in front of other people.

Owen adds: “It was a great day, particularly because we won first prize. We’ll definitely be going again this year to defend our title, and we’ll even try taking part in other classes now we know what’s involved.”

Entries for the English Winter Fair are now open, with entry forms available on the Staffordshire County Showground website and in hard copy from the organisers. Advance discounted tickets for spectators are also available on the website.

The post English Winter Fair shines spotlight on next generation appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Megant 602R

Watch Kuhn machinery at work

Working machines on the day will include the Venta 3030 drill combined with the CD 3020 disc cultivator, the Espro 6000R drill, Striger 600R strip till machine, Prolander 6000 with TF 1512 distribution head, Optimer L12000 stubble cultivator, Performer 4000 Select cultivator and the VML Smart Plough.

The working machines will be joined by further products on the Kuhn stand including the Megant 602R drill, Maxima RXE maize drill, Cultimer L300T stubble tine cultivator, and the Aero 32.1 pneumatic fertiliser spreader.

The product selection represents Kuhn’s breadth of machinery featuring both min-till and conventional tillage machinery choices. Product specialist Edd Fanshawe suggests that the popularity of shallow cultivators reflects the desire to reduce soil disturbance. However, he says many systems still rely heavily on conventional ploughing methods.

“Kuhn has expanded the min-till range in recent years, with wider widths for the Optimer and Prolander. However, we are also focused on providing new solutions for those seeking to plough more efficiently. The VML Smart Plough is an example of how ploughing precision can be enhanced using GPS and Isobus to adjust working width, offset, working depth and levelling.”

The drills on show include the lightweight Megant 602R that can be operated by tractors with as little as 150hp. The latest Maxima RXE has electric drive and offers precision maize sowing at 10km/h. The 6m Espro 6000R will be working at the event to demonstrate how the versatile drill can work after the plough, min-till or directly in residues.

“The Kuhn drill range is one of the most comprehensive available, offering diversity for varying farming systems. We will also be demonstrating the 6m Prolander with a TF 1512 distribution head, which is suitable for the shallow incorporation of stubble and mixing in a break crop whilst also seeding the following crop in the same pass,” he adds.

Megant 602R

Kuhn’s lightweight Megant drill features new tine coulters, an updated terminal, and the option to add a second hopper. The Megant 602R shares functionality with the previous 600 model, but features half width shut off and can be specified with an additional SH 1120, 110-litre hopper to drill two crops in the same pass.

Due to its lightweight design, the Megant can be operated by tractors with as little as 150hp. Three types of tines can be specified on the Megant, including reversible forward action, straight, and a new narrow 12mm straight tine coulter which reduces soil displacement through improved penetration and also reduces wear on the tine thanks to the addition of carbide plated points.

The 602R has inherited some features from the larger Espro drill, including spring loaded nonstop track eradicators and side markers that are better suited to dry conditions. A new welded 1,800-litre hopper capable of holding 1,200kg of wheat and drilling 60ha a day replaces a riveted hopper on the previous model. The new hopper also includes internal steps to improve access to the distribution head.

The Megant has been fitted with Kuhn’s Vistaflow valves which can be configured and controlled from the terminal. This enables operators to program the flow of seed with the option to save settings for future use. Vistaflow also records tramlining configurations such as the working width and wheel track to enable more accurate use of sprayers and fertiliser spreaders which will help to reduce input costs.

Aero 32.1.

Aero 32.1

The Kuhn Aero 32.1 pneumatic fertiliser spreader is equipped with a 24-nozzle boom and is available in working widths of 27, 28 or 30m. The mounted machine application rate is precise and modular over four sections, and it has an integrated weighing system.

The 3,200-litre hopper (1,900 litres without the extension) and working width of up to 30m make the Aero suitable for heavy use operators. It is also easy to operate, with hydraulic booms that are easy to control from the tractor cab and fold to the rear for safety on the road, Kuhn says.

Each metering unit is connected to six nozzles which can be switched on or off and be adjusted individually. It is therefore possible to modulate up to four spreading rates and to shut off individual sections, in a single pass.

The Aero 32.1 provides precision application up to the field border. This includes fine, light, or compound fertilisers, such as urea, and bulk mixtures that are usually more difficult to spread over large widths with centrifugal spreaders.

Prolander

Prolander

Kuhn’s Prolander has the versatility to perform multiple cultivation operations, working at speeds of 12kph and with a power requirement of just 25–35hp per working width metre. It features five rows of staggered vibrating S tines with progressively increasing spacings to ensure unimpeded trash flow. The robust frame strength allows work in stubble or seedbed and tines can be fitted with 60mm shares (seedbed preparation) or 180mm duck-foot shares (shallow cultivation).

The Prolander comes with a choice of rollers, with the double-U being suited to stubble and general tillage work whilst the tube roller (with the option of levelling harrows) is ideal for fine tilth work on light soils for root crops.

Coupled with Kuhn’s TF 1512 distribution head, the Prolander can also plant crops, cover crops and apply fertiliser. The front mounted hopper is available with 1,500 or 2,000-litre capacities and can be controlled with Kuhn’s Isobus CCI terminal or a tractor Isobus terminal.

The post Kuhn unveils product line-up for Tillage-Live 2023 appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Event organiser Helen Browning from the Soil Association talking to the audience on a farm walk. Image credit: Pete Williams

Held on the organic farm of Helen Browning from the Soil Association amid unseasonably high temperatures, the inaugural Agroforestry Show saw “the beginning of change” with consensus across 1,200 delegates that trees are key to ensuring food production while tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

The show, organised by the Soil Association and Woodland Trust charities, saw farmers, foresters, researchers, environmentalists, and policymakers sharing insights and advice on how to help farm businesses benefit from trees.

The two days of workshops and talks took place on Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire and covered how agroforestry – combining trees with livestock or crops – can help both arable and pastoral farms to protect livestock, crops, soils, rivers, biodiversity, and climate.

Organic livestock farmer George Young from Essex, who started planting trees in an agroforestry system 2.5 years ago, said of the event: “The show has been fantastic. The big thing for me was just how many practical opportunities there were for planting trees and so many different ideas.

“I think we’re going to see a big upsurge of different planting styles in the next few years when people see what agroforestry can mean and realise that it can fit into their style of farming. It genuinely feels like the beginning of proper change,” he added.

After a recap on current, limited funding options in a session with policymakers, many attendants also called for the investment and policy changes needed to help farmers make this long-term commitment. There were particular concerns for tenant farmers.

Although none were able to give details of any new schemes to boost uptake, representatives from all four UK governments were positive about supporting agroforestry to help deliver benefits for both food production and the environment.

Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning, who has been running an agroforestry project on her farm for seven years, said: “The extraordinary number of people here have shown there’s a real thirst for knowledge on agroforestry from both the traditional forestry and farming sectors.

“If our farms are going to be resilient to face the future with happy and healthy animals and crops that grow well then trees are going to be a big part of that, as well as being very useful for reaching our environmental goals. It’s a win-win.”

Closing the show, Woodland Trust chief executive Darren Moorcroft said he hoped all attendants leave “inspired and energised” by the fact that agroforestry is the future and that “the UK now needs to reach the tipping point to take us from a really powerful set of early adopters into a mainstream conversation”.

The post Over a thousand delegates unite at UK’s first Agroforestry Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

‘Reduce what you can. Offset what you can’t’ represents the carbon theme for The Dairy Show and its seminars. The show takes place on Wednesday 4th October at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset.

Chairman of The Dairy Show David Cotton, chose the carbon theme in light of growing pressure on the industry to lower its environmental impact and improve sustainability. “We wanted to go with carbon because very often, if you lower your carbon footprint, it helps overall business performance,” he explains.

The seminars will highlight ways farmers can tackle specific areas within their business to help reach the industry’s target of net zero by 2040. Mr Cotton says it’s important not to get hung up on the small stuff.

“It’s the things you can do over time that will make a difference to carbon footprint, whether that’s breeding, soil management, or efficiency through energy use,” he adds.

What you can expect at The Dairy show

As usual, there will be a wide array of trade stands at the event. Many will offer support on all aspects of dairy farming from grass management to financial planning, milk testing, animal health, and machinery.

Farmers looking for practical solutions to lower methane emissions and energy costs might find the answer during Bennamann’s presentation in the seminar area. The company’s Grant Crawford will showcase their innovative system. It enables farmers to cover their slurry lagoons and convert the captured fugitive methane into fuel. You can use this to power farm vehicles or a farm generator.

“We do all the processing on farm and we sell the energy back to the farmer at a really competitive rate compared to what they’re currently paying and we aim to fix that for five years,” Mr Crawford explains. On one Cornish dairy, such a system has reduced emissions by 87% while the energy produced has provided an additional income stream.

Becky Wilson at Farm Carbon Toolkit will explain how management changes can influence emissions and business performance. She will also highlight recent trial work on soil carbon sequestration. “I’ll be sharing our experiences of our work over the last three years on the Farm Net Zero project, alongside the work that we have been doing with Yeo Valley to bring data that shows how farmers can reduce emissions and improve carbon storage on dairy farms,” she says.

More showcases on getting to net zero

Vet Andy Adler at MoleCare Vets will be taking a philosophical approach to how farmers can reach net zero. He’ll be introducing the business concept of ‘weed, seed and feed’, focusing on giving up what’s not needed, nurturing what is, and monitoring results.

“If you continue with your system as is, which was set up in an era focused on chemically driven food production, you could struggle to get to net zero,” he says. “You need to ensure people and stock are healthy and stress-free by investing in leadership and values to create a clear plan for your farm and animals.”

The carbon theme fits well with the ethos of headline sponsor, Mole Valley Farmers. Its Climate Positive Agriculture initiative is aimed at helping farmers lower their farm’s environmental impact. This includes detailing the carbon footprint on the label of all of their own compounds and blends.

Competitions Executive Naomi Guiver says as always dairy cattle remain at the heart of The Dairy Show. “We have 57 showing classes taking place on the day, including showmanship and calf classes.

“Five breeds will be showcased, plus the Any Other Dairy Breed class. And we’ll also be hosting the Jersey and Guernsey National Shows. Entries close on 19 September, so get those entries in now!”

All you need to attend

The Dairy Show takes place on Wednesday 4th October 2023 at The Bath & West Showground – The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN. Gates open at 8.30am and parking at the event is free.

You can book tickets online at www.bathandwest.yourticketbooking.com/p/thedairyshow

If you are looking to enter any of the competitions, go to www.bathandwest.com/entry-registration/. Remember, competition entries close on 19 September.

The post Carbon emissions take centre stage at Bath & West Dairy Show appeared first on Farmers Guide.

The conference, held at the Sixways Stadium in Worcester on 29th November, is the brainchild of Kingshay veterinary consultant Sarah Tomlinson and organised via the TB Advisory Service (TBAS).

The event brings together speakers and organisations from all walks of the industry, including the Defra minister of state Lord Benyon, FCN’s CEO Dr McCann, representatives from the bTB Partnership and the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

Mrs Tomlinson explained why it is important for the industry to work together when it comes to achieving a bTB-free future.

“There’s more to be gained from collaborating as we’re going to be able to better support farmers at every opportunity to reduce and ultimately put an end to bTB outbreaks.”

Dr Jude McCann, who is among the line-up of speakers confirmed for the conference, said the event offers an invaluable opportunity to have all stakeholders who are affected by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) together under one roof.

“The implications of the disease are wide ranging with huge knock-on effects on communities, farm businesses and industries, especially so when a bTB breakdown occurs,” he explained.

“This event is a true one-off in that its panel of representatives and the discussions will offer advice, insight and the chance to discuss the challenges, and make important decisions in an open forum with a representative cross section of the industry’s stakeholders.”

He said FCN has been working to better understand the impact of bTB on the farming community.

“FCN is undertaking research to explore the emotional, financial and physical impacts of bTB and the long-term ramifications these may have had on the farmer, farm family or farm business to gain a snapshot of the realities facing them currently,” Dr McCann remarked.

“The hope is that the findings from this research will also offer insights into farmers’ experiences of government policies to control and eradicate bTB, so we can work together across the industry to help improve support to those at risk or affected by a bTB breakdown.”

Tickets are now available for the conference, which is taking place on Wednesday 29^th November from 9am to 4.30pm Tickets cost £75 per person and can be booked here.

The post TB conference to promote collaboration across industry appeared first on Farmers Guide.