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Agriculture • Horticulture • Forestry • Environment • Amenity
LANDWARDSLate Summer 2003
Midgeater
Calf Feeder www.iagre.org
Volume 58 No.4 58 No.4 Volume Energy management IAgrE JOURNAL LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:19 AM Page 4
IVEL CENTENARY
HOSPICE APPEAL The world’s oldest, working, internal combustion tractor
an Albone, the inventor of the Ivel Dagricultural motor, literally set in motion a revolution in mechanical farming, a decade ahead of Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson. Nominated in 1903, the Ivel was awarded the Silver Medal the following year, and went on to win a further 36 gold and silver awards around the world.
The centenary celebration To mark this special occasion, a 100 mile drive was organised from its birthplace in Biggleswade to the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire in July. On arrival, the Ivel was displayed at the RASE’s Machinery Award Scheme presentations (see separate article in this issue).
Help the Hospices John Moffitt’s special centenary Ivel tractor drive is in aid of an Appeal to raise £100,000 for the hospice movement in the UK. John Moffitt relaxing on the Ivel after the centenary drive to the Royal Show as part of an Appeal to Hospices strive to offer raise funds for the hospice movement dignity, freedom from pain, peace and calm at the end of approximately 200,000 www.hospiceinformation Help the Hospices, c/o John life. Help the Hospices is people. But this care also .info or call Hospice Moffitt CBE,Westside Farm, the national charity for the extends to and affects their Information on tel: 0870 903 Newton, Stocksfield, hospice movement, relatives, colleagues, and 3903. Northumberland, NE43 supporting over 220 friends.This means that the 7TW Tel:01661 843651 hospices in the UK. The hospice movement touches The opportunity Fax 01661 843940 E-mail vast majority of hospices are the lives of literally millions There is still time to help john.moffitt@westsidefarm. local independent charities of people, every year. To reach the target by the end co.uk and they provide their care find out more about hospice of 2003. Kindly make free of charge. Every year care and to locate local cheques payable to Help the UK hospices care for hospices, visit Hospices and send to: LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:19 AM Page 1
Volume 58 No 4, 2003
The Professional Journal for Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Environment LANDWARDS and Amenity
Editor CONTENTS Eur Ing Prof Brian D Witney PhD CEng FIMechE HonFIAgrE MemASAE FFCS Feature Articles LAND TECHNOLOGY LTD 33 South Barnton Ave, 2 ENERGY MANAGEMENT Edinburgh, EH4 6AN Use of process integration technology in greenhouse Tel/Fax:0131 336 3129 E-mail: [email protected] energy systems Website: http://www.landtec.co.uk Andrew Marchant, Frank Ward and Gerry Hayman
Advertising 8 AMENITY All enquiries to IAgrE Tel:01525 861096 New device launched to bite into midge problem Fax: 01525 861660 Melissa K Witney-Hunter
Origination: David King 15 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION Computer-controlled calf rearing Printing: Barr Printers Ltd Frank Seipelt,Arno Bunger, Reinhard Heeren, Dieter Kähler and Martin Lüllmann Publisher Landwards is published bimonthly by: IAgrE, Membership Matters centrefold West End Road, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DU 14 Day in the life of...John Moverley Tel:01525 861096 Fax: 01525 861660 E-mail: [email protected] News and Comment Website: http://www.iagre.org 11 News scan
President 20 Company and product information Dr Dan Mitchell 25 RASE machinery awards CEng FIAgrE FRAgS Front cover: Massey Ferguson 7480 (Courtesy:AGCO) Chief Executive & Secretary Christopher R Whetnall The views and opinions expressed in individual contributions are not those necessarily of IAgrE or the Editor. IEng MIAgrE MemASAE Landwards is compiled from information received by IAgrE but no responsibility can be accepted by the governing Council, the Publishers or the Editor in respect of any errors or omissions. The Editor reserves the right to edit any material sent to the journal. Material from this publication may be quoted or reported on condition that full credit is given to Landwards and to the author, and that the date of publication and volume number are stated. In the interest of factual reporting, reference to trade names and proprietary products may be inevitable. No endorsement of the named products or manufacturers is intended and no adverse criticism is implied of similar products which are not mentioned. © The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) ISSN 1363-8300 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:19 AM Page 2
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
USE OF PROCESS INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY IN GREENHOUSE ENERGY SYSTEMS Andrew Marchant, Frank Ward and Gerry Hayman
Summary (gas, electricity, etc), but include practically achievable one. Description of Process This paper introduces the secondary items such as Suggestions for improvements Integration Technology concept of process integration fertiliser, water and packaging. to energy efficiency are listed Process Integration is a well techniques, as developed by System outputs are mainly in and ranked in order of energy known procedure which has others, for application to the form of product, packaging saving potential, but with no been used successfully for commercial greenhouse and waste materials. Energy linking to economic several years in many industries systems. Process integration streams are considered to be as considerations as yet. These where there are inputs which was originally developed by one of three types - are via the output screen, with are both qualitative and Linnhoff et al (1984) within the conventional Temperature options for graphical quantitative, with the original chemical process industry and Enthalpy (T-H) streams (eg, representations in terms of data example being distillation subsequently successfully heating), quantitative input summaries and reports. processes with heating and applied in many other sectors. streams (eg, water), and energy Data from environmental cooling. The technique involves consumption (process) - computer systems in Process Integration (Pinch) comparing energy streams in a enthalpy - product quantity commercial blocks for both Technology allows the qualitative and quantitative streams (eg, volumetric output). edibles and ornamentals have theoretical minimum energy manner to produce a In addition to these been used to undertake initial input to be determined and the theoretical minimum energy complications, there are several evaluation of this approach, and key heat exchanger to be input value, with options for external restraints, for example results with these test data sets identified for the process - the assessing various changes to limitations on recycling of water are given. ‘Pinch’, and identifies the critical plant functionality for maximum due to pest and disease issues. The need for benchmarking component in the process and energy savings. This has been Some elements, such as thermal and for objective assessment of the theoretical minimum energy extended over the years to buffer tanks, effectively take energy efficiency has recently use, allowing objective permit economic factors to be multiple roles depending on been highlighted within the UK assessment of energy efficiency built in to the whole. state. The software has been by the need for the industry to and subsequent improvements. The system developed is developed using Object demonstrate efficiency The technology has also been designed to be operated as Orientated Programming improvements in order to successfully applied to water either a stand alone item for an (OOP) techniques in C++ using maintain the Climate Change use, considering various audit purpose, or in the future Microsoft Foundation Class Levy (CCL) reduction. This qualities of water, cogeneration to be linked to the (MFC) for the Windows front currently presents obvious systems, mass transfer environmental computer such end and ChartFX for graphing. difficulties in comparing year on networks, multiple refrigeration that an on-going analysis can be Data exchange to year data without taking into plant and even quality assurance maintained showing actual environmental computers is at account meteorological and protocols. The initial performance against the present via Excel sheets, but it cropping variations. The application within multiple theoretical minimum. is proposed that XML be approach outlined permits such distillation columns is the The software described has adopted for this purpose. an objective assessment simplest for illustration been developed as a holistic The programme outputs although is to a certain extent purposes. one, considering all system are in the form of a theoretical dependent on more subjective The various heating and inputs and outputs. The former minimum energy input, the data in terms of yield response cooling processes may be inputs are primarily raw energy current energy input and the to different cropping regimes. considered in graphical form,
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with the temperature at the allow the development of a variables which make them fit be considered both in the start and end of process, and coherent improvement strategy within the definition of batch cogeneration stream and also
the energy used within it with quantifiable goals and processes as opposed to mass transfer (CO2) (Marchant plotted as a series of curves objective comparisons year on continuous fixed ones. Within et al, 2000). (composite curves), one for year and with other sites. the definitions offered by heating and one for cooling. Inputs can be considered as Linnhoff et al (1993), glasshouse Mass transfer The key heat exchanger can the primary energy ones, such production would be Mass Exchange Networks then be determined, and the as gas and electricity, and considered as an amalgam of (MENs) are relevant insofar as
affect on total cooling and secondary in terms of several, having some of the the CO2 enrichment of the heating load predicted for any materials. For example water characteristics of both glasshouse environment is change in temperature has an energy value in terms of designated and multi purpose concerned. The parameters difference for the heat catchment storage, processing production and cyclic and that are relevant are the exchanger. and delivery which is reflected random processes. Of the internal and external in the purchase price, and can authors’ definition of main composition of air, and the
Application to also be defined both parameters, only two are CO2 enrichment system (either commercial qualitatively and quantitatively. pertinent to this scenario: heat exhaust gases or pure CO2). greenhouses Crop residues also have various flow and equipment capacity. The system proposed by The system outlined below values in terms of direct energy Early work by Kemp (1991) Halwagi and considers the inputs/outputs in (locked carbon) and secondary describes three methods for Manousiouthiouthakis (1989) is their component values within energy, for example that handling batch processes:Time difficult to apply to the problem a software package that has required to produce the Average Model;Time Slice considered here, as the streams been developed with output in nutrients locked in them. Model and Time Dependent are limited both in number and the form of theoretical Likewise, fuel burnt for heating Heat Cascades. Only the latter location, and such an approach
minimum energy inputs for a also produces CO2, of which a is likely to be suitable for the would be over complicated for particular site as a comparison proportion is currently used on processes under consideration minimal results. to actual use, achievable many sites to aid plant here. It is interesting to note minimum energy inputs and photosynthetic activity. that Kemp discounts this Water conservation recommendations. The procedure on the basis of heat This can be considered alone justification for this is multiple: Literature review storage costs and recognition (eg,Tripathi,1996) or in for conventional energy savings Basic studies and descriptions that energy costs are minor conjunction with energy use due to economic returns; for of Process Integration and compared to product yield and (eg, Cripps, 2000). The latter satisfying audit protocols; for Pinch Technology are quality. Stoltze et al (1993) did suggests a first step of evidence of true energy numerous, and reviews are consider heat storage systems, considering flow streams and reduction for CCL exemptions; periodically written by Linnhoff and included cost benefit simulation of heat and material for objective rather than and others, and such foundation analysis, with some options balances prior to undertaking subjective comparisons with material is not considered here. claiming a 28% energy saving, pinch analysis. other growers; and for It is interesting to note that as but with optimal savings of 16%. Water consumption and identification of the most far back as 1991 the potential associated energy use can be significant processes for for applying Pinch Technology Cogeneration reduced dramatically in some improvement. This will then and Process Integration to There are some sites with cases, for example a 60% “accomplish multiple process cogeneration plant installed, and reduction on raw water use BIO NOTE improvement objectives” was there is undoubtedly scope for and 65% reduction in effluent realised (Rossiter et al, 1991). such plant in energy terms, discharge was achieved in the This paper was presented at the The list of possible issues although current UK economics Kiwi Dairies plant (Peng et al, IAgrE Annual Conference entitled included reduction of wastes are having an adverse affect 2002). Various processes were ‘Energy and the Land-based and emissions, upon new installations and considered (Rutkowski & Karp, Industries’ and held at Silsoe ‘debottlenecking’, reduction of operation of existing ones [cf, 2001) including steam and Research Institute on 13 May 2003. capital and operating costs, and UK Government consultation direct heating, along with Dr Andy Marchant is Managing improved operating flexibility. over combined heat and power cogeneration, at a paper and Director of Hennock Industries Ltd, With regard to this project, (CHP), 2002]. Sarabchi and pulp mill and also included Church Rd, Hennock, Newton Abbott, there are several components Polley (2002) attempted to marginal costs of utilities. Devon TQ13 9QE, UK Tel: +44 for which further studies of consider full integration of the (0)1626 834059 Fax: +44 literature have been gas turbine cogeneration plant Total site integration (0)1626 832115 E-mail: undertaken, which are detailed with the whole process, also Linnhoff et al (1984) recognised [email protected] His co- below. evaluating individual component early on in the development of author, Frank Ward is also with streams of the turbine unit. this technology that whole site Hennock Industries, and Gerry Batch processes NOx and other emissions systems needed to be Hayman is a Crop Consultant Most glasshouse processes are from gas turbines or scrubbed considered, rather than just specialising in tomatoes and based time variable, and therefore reciprocating units are low single process systems. Total at Trethinnick, Lamorna, Penzance although a continuous process, enough for utilisation in site profiles are one method of TR19 6XW, UK they have many time dependent glasshouses, and can therefore achieving this, linking together
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energy items, with separate aggregate temperature rather high, medium and low than specific target temperature streams temperature, since plants have a designated. As a part of this good averaging and aggregating process, it became clear that ability. This allows the the following aspects of total greenhouse total thermal mass site integration need to be to be considered as further considered in a special manner buffering. within the methodology. Linking Buffer tanks Several component streams These need to be thought of as need to be considered a heat exchanger taking with holistically, ie, their values are primary water temperature not restricted to one energy entering at input temperature activity, for example irrigation and leaving at output water has an energy value due temperature and secondary to its production, due to its water vice versa, with delivery (pumping) and also exchanger efficiency of 100%. associated with the feed. There Fig. 1. Chart of program for commercial greenhouse systems; This method allows for stream is also a mass factor considered basic call routine with interfaces for user input/output (I/O) and flows to be considered in the in the mass exchange network. data inputs normal manner. The time dependent manner and capacity Restraints of the system has been included Certain streams have non- many different processes as a organic compound emissions by splitting the unit into two energy linked constraints which thermodynamic representation and waste utilisation. Although high and low temperature Heat will typically effect quality or of the whole. Another element this is not a likely scenario for Exchanger Networks (HENs), other production matters, for of such an approach is the many UK growers, it is one that with reversal of flow direction example irrigation water possibility of considering global larger ones may consider and considered by means of having recycling can also pass on pests
site CO2 emissions (cf Linnhoff also links in with audit two sets of units, available and diseases, and recirculation et al 1993). Fuel switching was protocols for supermarkets. exclusively. can cause sodium toxicity considered (Axxelson et al, problems after a period.
1999) as part of such a CO2 System methodology System buffering minimisation analysis, a Conventional stream tables Greenhouse systems Electrical efficiency possibility on some glasshouse were developed for main sometimes operate on There needs to be a method of sites.
Low temperature processes Refrigeration shaft power was investigated (Dhole & Linnhoff, 1994) as a means of considering this system as a part of the wider whole. This is a method for avoiding detailed analysis of the actual refrigeration system itself and as such can offer a useful tool for approximating energy flows.
Quality assurance Some larger companies are now seeing the environmental management audit protocol ISO 14001 as being a valuable standard to achieve and, as part of this, have undertaken Pinch Technology analysis of operations (Makino & Asano, 2000). This considers water use, wastewater discharges and Fig. 2. Chart of program to mimic control strategy for an environmental computer; first step is to contaminant levels, volatile check for combined heat and power (CHP)
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number of categories, principally derived from the ornamentals sector model, since this has the greater number of streams.The edibles sector will effectively form a subset of this. The streams categories are as follows.
Temperature enthalpy defined Streams within this are: •hot water (3); •irrigation feed water; •boiler flue gases; •condenser; •CHP exhaust •buffer tanks (2 off); •system thermal buffering; • conduction/convection/ radiation; •venting.
Quantitatively defined streams Streams defined in this way include: •primary fuel; •water; •compost; •crop yield; •crop waste; •packaging.
Energy consumption defined energy streams These include: •lighting; •shading; •CHP electrical power output.
Mass streams - water base level of efficiency for grid This type of stream includes: supplied electricity has been •irrigation; assumed taking into account •services; generation and distribution •roof water; efficiencies. •run off.
Time variability System structure The system needs to be The structure of the program is considered along the lines of a as outlined in Fig. 1 below, ‘Time Dependent Heat comprising a basic calling Cascade’ within the definitions routine, with interfaces for user discussed previously and this I/O and data inputs from stored time dependency has to be files. Fig. 3. Charts demonstrating the object orientated (OO) extended, beyond the The main calling routine programming approach adopted controlled processes to sets the input values; it runs consider external time through the following sequence: considering electrical efficiency circumstances not only is the dependent variables which in •instantiate and initialise of generation. This is relevant heat and power used at ain holistic energy terms play a key objects; when considering on site excess of 90% efficiency but role. •calculate existing theoretical
cogeneration on greenhouse also part / all of the CO2 is In summary, streams will energy consumptions and log sites where under certain sequestered by the crop. A need to be considered in a results;
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•calculate theoretical minimum production. need for onward development has not been taken beyond a results with various •Stream matching- sources and and compatibility. The OO basic calling routine for Excel optimisation routines; sinks. approach adopted assists .csv format files. •compare theoretical to actual greatly with this, and will also At present, the output is in results. Quantitative streams aid in future developments. the form of dialog boxes and •Calculation of energy streams This can be illustrated in the message windows, all MFC The routine then calculates for inputs and energy streams ‘Log class’, which holds data derived, with graphical output the energy (T-H) and mass for outputs. from all the various runs, and an through ChartFX, and an streams under the following •Stream matching. unlimited number of runs can internally generated report. parameters: be constructed by simple •temperature integration; Mass stream changes which promulgate Long term I/O •time integration; •Calculation of water streams, through the entire program. development –data •plant optimisation - energy CO2 mass streams and energy This will allow an artificial transfer sources; within mass streams. intelligence (AI) approach to be Many horticultural •plant optimisation - energy •Stream matching - sources adopted in the future to these environmental computer sinks. and sinks. areas. Classes relating to other systems offer an output for All data results are logged annual inputs and production general access, often with Excel in a data storage object, and Integration outputs are generally of .csv format files produced. this is analysed as part of the Temperature integration is multiple inheritance as they Whilst this provides one level output routine. Quantitative modelled by specifying relate to quantities and of solution it is not ideal, and it energy streams are calculated aggregate temperature values, site/system inputs. is clear that the industry is in and optimised at the end of the time periods and de-minimus need of a interface protocol, stream program. values, with actual temperature Input/output design and an XML based approach Calculations of the various data from the meteorological The user input can be divided would appear to be a logical energy streams are carried out files used and internal results into two main types. Firstly, and universal one. The in the flowchart function. calculated accordingly. annual data such as crop output advantage of an XML approach figures and secondly, site is that there is a considerable Flow chart Optimisation specific data such as glasshouse weight of commitment to it The code in this section is Optimisation in the dimensions and energy plant from other sectors, plus it is a based on a flow chart which demonstration version is description. The class ‘Site data’ reasonably robust platform mimics the control strategy of limited, and is achieved by is used to hold this, with which can tie in with both an environmental computer, comparing the energy internal objects derived from inputs and outputs, in addition shown in Fig. 2. requirements of the various the associated classes for the to being web based for future The main operations options, and then selecting that specific elements (glasshouse, platforms. undertaken are as below: with the minimum - the pinch crop, boilers, buffer tanks, •initialise streams; in effect. At this stage the reservoir at this stage). Once Results •obtain meteorological data; optimisation routine is at a the software has been set up Benchmarking may be seen to •carry out integration; fairly basic level, but there is far for a specific site the second be subject to variation due to •calculate and set T-H energy greater potential for this than part will not be required, weather, yield and cropping streams; has been utilised so far. subject to infrastructure type, as follows.
•analyse CHP operation, CO2 changes. In terms of future •Meteorological data streams, buffer tank operation Object hierarchy development, this allows for The weather affects not just and boiler operation; The benefits of an object replication of these items with energy inputs but also •balance T-H streams; orientated (OO) programming the benefits of encapsulation, productive output, ie cold •calculate and balance mass style have been known for thus a second glasshouse object weather increases energy streams. many years and are well can be created with associated cost, but if cold and wet then documented. The main class dimensions, heating system, light transmission is down and Description of processes hierarchies employed are cropping, etc. thus yield will also fall. within flow chart outlined in Fig. 3. This this does The front end for manual •Crop yield The following summarises the not include the MFC class inputting of data is designed Energy use may be reduced main functions within each hierarchy employed within the around the conventional but at the expense of yield, section: I/O system which is of a more Windows operating system thus energy use per unit general nature and not specific environment and has been product may actually rise Temperature enthalpy stream to the technical development of programmed using the MFC despite a decrease in site •Calculation of: the project. library. The bulk of the data energy use. A problematic structural thermal transfer Mass and quantitative streams processed by the program issue is that of disease, for stream due to radiation, are implemented on a similar comprises stored data from example pepino virus in conduction and air leakage; basis, as shown in Fig. 3. environmental computers on tomatoes can cause the crop light requirements; Data encapsulation is site, and in the current to be pulled out and re- photosynthetic activity; critical for all applications such development version file planted.
energy stream for CO2 as this one, since there is a handling for accessing such data • Change in cropping
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Different varieties or Preliminary indications, with Journal, 35(8), 1233-1244 technology identifies process production systems (for limited data sets, show that Kemp I C (1991). Some aspects of improvements. Hydrocarbon example organic) will give theoretical minimum energy the practical application of pinch Processing, January, 63-66 different yields per unit area, inputs are substantially lower technology methods. Trans Rutkowski M A; Karp A D with different energy inputs. than current ones, with IChemE, 69 Part A (2001). A systematic approach to Since many growers are achievable levels being 60 -75% Linnhoff B et al (1984). User site wide energy savings at pulp contracted to supermarket of current. Guide on Process Integration and and paper mills. Process Control buyers their cropping the Efficient Use of Energy. News (for the Pulp and Paper pattern may change from References IChemE, London Industries), 21(3), 6 year to year. Axelsson H;Asblad A; Linnhoff, Bodo; Dhole,Vikas R Sarabchi K;Polley G T (2002). Indicative figures on data Berntsson T (1999). New (1993). Targeting for CO2 Gas turbine direct integration in collected are: 6.4 kWh per methodology for greenhouse gas emissions for total sites. the context of pinch technology. standardised 10 cm pot for reduction in industry through Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and ornamentals; and 10.7-14.5 improved heat exchanging and/or Technology, 16(4),252-259 Technology, 25(8), 829-839 kWh/kg for tomatoes. integration of combined heat and Makino, Haruyo;Asano,Yoshito Stoltze S; Lorentzen P; The range (26%), in tomato power. Applied Thermal (2000). Environmental Peterson M; Qvale B (1993). benchmark figures, shows Engineering, 19(7),707-731 preservation technologies A simple technique for analysing clearly that benchmarking Cripps, Harry (2000). Pinch effective for obtaining ISO 14001 waste heat recovery with heat purely on energy per unit yield technology for waste approval. Kami Pa Gikyoshi/Japan storage in batch processes. In: is not sufficiently robust to minimization. Paper Technology, Tappi Journal, 54(4), 60-66 Energy Efficiency in Process demonstrate energy efficiency 41(1), 33-38 Marchant A N; Langan M; Technology (Pilavacchi, ed.), improvements or otherwise Dhole,Vikas R; Linnhoff, Bodo Ogier J (2000). Economic and Elsevier, London and the more sophisticated (1993). Overall design of low technical considerations of small Tripathi P (1996). Pinch approach as offered by process temperature processes. scale micro gas turbines on UK technology reduces waste water. integration will be a valuable Proceedings of the 25th horticulture and their role in Chemical Engineering, 103(11), tool to true benchmarking. European Symposium of the quality management. Acta 87-90 Initial data runs with the first Working Party on Computer Horticultura 536, 285-291 version indicate that total site Aided Process Engineering-3, Jul Peng S-F; Farid M;Wilks T Acknowledgements inputs are running significantly 5-7 1993, Graz,Austria. (2002). Application of water This work has been partly funded above theoretical minimums, Computers and Chemical pinch analysis to a dairy plant. by BRE under the Energy Efficiency although a degree of complexity Engineering, 18(SUPPL) (1994), Intnl Syposium on Application of Best Practice Programme, and remains to be resolved in terms S105-S111 Modelling as an Innovative gratitude is recorded for this and to of feasible operating Halwagi M El; Technology in the Agri-food the grower partners (A Pearson parameters for system Manousiouthiouthakis V Chain. Acta Horticultura, 566 and Sons Ltd, Manchester, and Hill guidance. Realistic achievable (1989). Sythesis of mass Rossiter A P; Rutkowski M A; Bros Ltd, Chichester) for their theoretical minimum energy exchange networks. AICHE McMullan A S (1991). Pinch support and co-operation. requirements are in the order of 60 - 75% of common levels and theoretical minimums may be as low as 25% of current usage depending on boundary conditions.
Conclusions The transfer of technology into the glasshouse sector has been demonstrated to be possible, despite the complexity of inputs and more batch nature of many operations and processes. Conventional benchmark figures are too vulnerable to external inputs to be useful in all but the crudest sense. A solution based on Process Integration Technology, combining certain elements of various approaches and with novel solutions to other problems, has been developed.
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AMENITY
A team of scientists, headed by Dr Alison Blackwell, from the Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine chose Laggan, in the Scottish Highlands, as one of the areas to test the Midgeater; well protected against the ‘Culicodes Impuntatus’ or ‘Highland Midge’
NEW DEVICE LAUNCHED TO BITE INTO MIDGE PROBLEM Collated by: Melissa K. Witney-Hunter
Scotland’s economy the country as near perfect, survey conducted by Dr returning to Scotland at that set to benefit as a apart from the X-factor of Blackwell, among tourists in particular time of year. result course – the midge”. camp-sites, bed and breakfast The Midgeater is the result The scourge of the midge, a Around 14 million tourist accommodation and youth of considerable research and seemingly insurmountable trips are made to Scotland each hostels, indicated that two- development, undertaken jointly problem which for many years year, worth a total of £2.5 thirds of the visitors felt that by Dr Blackwell and Calor has been a major irritation to billion.Visitors to the Highlands midges had put them off Scotland, together with Scottish thousands of people and costs alone spend £400 million per owned engineering company the Scottish economy millions year in the region, providing a INFORMATION Texol and funding from Scottish of pounds every year, has been vital income to Scotland’s For more information, in the first Enterprise. given a major boost.The launch economy. instance, please view the following “If visitors stay just one of a new device called the The device, aimed primarily websites: For Calor’s information on the more day, an extra £286 million ‘Midgeater’ will help reduce at commercial establishments, Midgeater: www.midgeresearch.org.uk and is generated for the country’s local midge populations and has was developed especially to CVTM’s ‘Vector Biology’ pages: economy,” points out Calor the potential to significantly catch midges and was www.vet.ed.ac.uk/ctvm/Research/Vector Scotland Communications boost Scottish tourism. supervised by the world’s Biology/Insect ecology behaviour & Manager Gavin Tomlinson,“so The Midgeater, a 1.5 m tall leading authority on midges, Dr control.htm. Alternatively contact: Dr the launch of this device clearly device, fuelled by Calor Gas, Alison Blackwell of Edinburgh Alison Blackwell, Centre for Tropical has major positive implications.” was launched to a crowd of University. Research undertaken Vetinary Medicine, University of “There is one immediate tourism industry by Dr Blackwell’s team indicates Edinburgh. Tel: +44 (0)131 650 6266 E- opportunity for Scotland’s representatives on Tuesday 27th that over half the tourists mail: [email protected] tourism industry here,” adds of May at the Loch Lomond visiting Scotland for the first For contributions to this article are also Gavin Tomlinson.“With Visitor Centre. It was there, in time are discouraged from gratefully acknowledge BBC News concerns over the spread of summer last year, Her Royal returning because of the midge Scotland and The PR Partnership Severe Acute Respiratory Highness Princess Anne, and 86% would warn friends (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of Calor Syndrome (SARS), fewer than Princess Royal, highlighted how against visiting Scotland in the Scotland and Textol, Bon Accord House, the usual number UK holiday much of a problem the midge is, key summer months of July and Riverside Drive, Aberdeen, AB11 7SL. Tel: makers are likely to travel stating:“Visitors to Scotland see August.Another more recent 01224 588900 Fax: 01224 588200. abroad.With control over the
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and outdoor activity centres frequently have to re-plan their programmes around midge activity. •One leading firm of chartered surveyors is believed to advise clients not to put their property on the market during the midge season. •Midges have been around in Scotland for some 8000 years
Creation and operation Recognising that there would clearly be a market for a product that could reduce the likelihood of midges ruining peoples holidays, Calor enlisted the support of Scottish Enterprise to help fund a study of the potential of a propane device to control local midge populations. A team of Edinburgh University scientists led by Dr The ‘Midgeater’ uses a combination of carbon dioxide and other attractants to draw the midges Alison Blackwell, a world towards it; from where, they are sucked into a disposable bag. leading authority on biting insects and in particular the midge population, Scotland The device is to be •It is estimated that in some Scottish Biting Midge, were could be well placed to attract manufactured in Scotland at parts of Scotland, one single appointed in Spring 2002. It was those very people.” Texol’s facility in Dundee and hectare of land may host up to Alison who had previously led The Midgeater is self- will be sold exclusively through five biting midges for every the independent research on contained, running off a Calor distributors appointed by Calor man, woman and child in the impact of the insects on Gas supply, housed within the and fuelled by Calor’s unique Scotland – a rate of 10 million Scottish tourism. device.A flame-free catalytic ‘Patio Gas’ propane cylinder midges per acre. Stories about a midge process creates a mixture of with a, simple to use, clip-on •Midge attacks can result in the control device quickly started carbon dioxide and naturally regulator.The device also loss of up to one-fifth of all circulating and Calor had occurring chemicals which are benefits from Calor’s forestry working days in enquiries from people emitted by the device to experience of liquid petroleum Scotland. throughout Britain and further emulate human or animal gas (LPG) specification and •Midges are likely to increase afield seeking any way they expelled breath and therefore appliance retailing. their range and length of could to combat midges.These attract the midges. Once season, as Scotland’s climate enquiries included people living attracted, the midges are Background changes due to global in midge-infested environments, sucked inside in a process Information warming tourists, business owners, similar to that of a vacuum •The majority of Scottish yachtsmen and horse owners, cleaner and collected in a bag. Facts and figures midges don’t bite – only the plus celebrities including Sir The chemical mix has been •Independent research among females – and of 34 different Jimmy Saville, who even specially formulated, by Dr tourists visiting Scotland and species only five bite people volunteered his Glen Coe Blackwell, to attract Scottish staying at campsites, bed and with 90% of midge bites retreat as a test site. biting midges. breakfast accommodation and coming from just one species To cope with the number of “The Midgeater is designed youth hostels conducted – Culicodes impunctatus. enquiries, Calor launched a to run continuously throughout during the midge season •Midges cause ‘Sweet-itch’, a website the midge season,” comments indicated that the majority debilitating and incurable www.midgeresearch.org.uk Dr Blackwell.“Every midge would not return to Scotland problem which affects up to which has generated interest caught not only reduces the at that time of the year in one in twenty of the UK’s from throughout Scotland, the current midge population but future, because of the midge. horses and ponies. UK and as far afield as Brazil. also means fewer available to The peak midge season of •Children’s summer camps in The Midgeater will not breed which should result in a June to August directly the Highlands have on eradicate midges in the area in smaller population the following matches the Scottish tourist occasions had to be which it operates and will have year.” season. abandoned because of midges no noticeable impact on the
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AMENITY
overall Scottish midge Midgeater they are sucked into midge. disciplines associated with population, but it will however the machine and collected in a veterinary medicine in the reduce local midge populations disposable bag. Centre of academic tropics. Laboratories at the and decrease the likelihood of Once the machine is excellence centre are fully equipped for people getting bitten by them. started, it can be left The Faculty of Veterinary the techniques associated with During the tests Dr unattended until either the bag Medicine, together with the immunological and molecular Blackwell counted more than is full or the 13kg Calor Patio Faculty of Medicine, Division of biological studies in half a million midges emerging Gas cylinder is empty. Biological Sciences and protozoology, entomology, from a two square metre area The midge trap gives off the Department of Chemistry, at helminthology, virology, in just one night at Laggan carbon dioxide output the University of Edinburgh, bacteriology, immunology, around 12 million insects were equivalent of a cow, along with forms a leading European nutrition and research on caught in just 10 days of other associated scents and centre of academic excellence. draught animals. Facilities are available for containment of certain categories of dangerous pathogens and genetically manipulated organisms. Specialist facilities include equipment and accommodation for exercise, physiological and climatological studies on equids and large ruminants, including draught animals, an isolation unit for studying vector borne diseases of ruminants in the tropics, small engineering and electronic workshops and provision for the production of audio-visual aids, including video. On-line and CD-ROM library facilities are used to provide an information service for veterinarians and The ‘Highland Midge’ or ‘Culicodes Impunctatus’;of the 34 different species of midge in existence agriculturalists working in it is largely unknown that only five species bite humans, with 90% of midge bites coming from this tropical countries. species (female only). The CTVM Abroad continuous testing. then sucks up any midges it Edinburgh is one of the largest The Centre also has the remit All other gas fuelled insect attracts.“The machine can and most successful research to provide animal health, wealth traps are designed specifically detect carbon dioxide from universities in the UK, with key and the production in to catch mosquitos, but this is about 100 m away. It draws interests in biology, veterinary developing countries through the first to be purpose built. midges in with these smells and medicine and medicine. In total, research and training, to foster Because the actual size of a once they get close it sucks more than 1,000 postgraduate, sustainable development, mosquito is greater than a them up into a collecting bag postdoctoral and faculty alleviate poverty and improve midge, the volume of midges is where they will eventually die,” researchers are employed quality of life.They maintain a substantially higher, creating said Dr Blackwell. directly on biomedical research portfolio of research projects new challenges for the “Their favourite host is projects at Edinburgh, aimed at improving control and designers. actually a cow or a horse or a generating research income in diagnosis of infectious diseases The Midgeater is deer not, strangely, people. So excess of £45 million per of domestic stock and wild independent, with no external what we’ve done is mimic the annum. animals. Immunological and electrical supply.The device smell of a cow, which is CO2 molecular biological studies are uses a catalytic process to plus some other attractants, so The Centre for Tropical aimed at vaccine development. produce carbon dioxide (as in instead of flying towards you Veterinary Medicine We are involved in research exhaled breath) which is mixed they will fly towards the trap.” Dr Alison Blackwell leads a and training programmes in with a scented bait which Dr Blackwell added that team of scientists at the Centre over 16 countries, mostly in makes midges think there is a “anti-insect devices already on for Tropical Vetinary Medicine Africa, but also in South bovine animal around – the the market have mainly been (CTVM).The CTVM is one of America, India and the Far East. favoured snack of the biting designed for bigger mosquitos.” four departments of the Royal Senior staff are seconded to midge. Midges are then drawn This is the latest successful (Dick) School for Veterinary Bolivia, Kenya and Vietnam on to the source of the CO2 and attempt at finding an effective Studies. Facilities available cover projects to improve delivery of when they arrive at the local control for the Highland all the major scientific veterinary services.
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GLOBAL MARKET FORCES Global farm leaders call “time” on special preferences
olitical corruption, prescribed trading partners. corruption in developing expand, the value of special excessive profits for This ‘lock-in’ shelters them countries, as the right to preferences will decline,” she Ptraders and continuing from market forces – but it export is not freely available said. “Developing countries poverty for farmers in also prevents them taking but must be obtained from the must be encouraged to evolve developing countries are some advantage of new market government. And countries economies which are not of the very good reasons why opportunities and new which have no preferential dependent on a single the time has come to dismantle production technologies. arrangements, even though just commodity and a single market, the system of special “These countries have no as poor, are heavily penalised. by granting them access to a preferential access to incentive to reduce costs of “The IPC believes that the wider marketplace for the developed markets, say farm production, so their time has come to dismantle crops their farmers want to leaders from around the world. competitiveness in real world these ‘special preferences’, grow. As countries move away The system, such as the markets diminishes,” says Ann which have encouraged from special preferences to agreement which grants Tutwiler, president of the developed countries to retain more general preferences and preferential access to the International Food and trade-distorting tariffs and begin to diversify their European sugar market for Agricultural Trade Policy quotas, and replace them with a economies, they should be African, Caribbean and Pacific Council (IPC). “The traders more general system of assisted in their efforts by countries, has locked may benefit from higher profits preferential access for all developed countries that have developing countries into – but there’s no guarantee that commodities and all developing granted these preferences and producing specific commodities the higher prices reach the countries,” she said. by the international lending at protected prices for poor farmers. Preferences feed “As tariffs fall and quotas institutions.”
UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP EMP centre of excellence at Bath he Engineering (ranked for the last seven years a number of academic develop- and internationally. Management by The Times as one of the UK’s ments to the EMP programme. Speaking this week TPartnership and The top five business schools), From September 2003, a new Professor Brian Bayliss, University of Bath School of means that it is well placed to one-year certificate stage will Director of the University of Management have announced take the lead in the EMP and in be introduced replacing the Bath School of Management plans for a new collaboration the development of its manage- existing Stages One and Two. said:“We are delighted that our to establish a centre of excel- ment programmes. From This will comprise six modules association with the EMP will lence in engineering, science September 2003, the Executive and will offer increased flexibili- provide the opportunity to and technology management. Bath MBA programme at ty and a rolling intake. meet the growing demand for The centre will be based at the Swindon, will be offered as an Whilst the new develop- management education from university’s Oakfield campus in option to EMP students on the ments will apply to the new individuals across the range of Swindon and will be the lead postgraduate programme. intake in September, the transi- engineering, science and tech- provider of specialised and flex- As lead partner within the tion for current students will nology professions. The devel- ible management education for EMP,Bath will become respon- be seamless with the existing opment of a programme of individuals within the engineer- sible for the award of the post- Stage One students progressing study supported by so many ing and technology sectors. graduate certificate and will to Stage Two in line with the professional and academic insti- This new collaboration will offer options for MSc and MBA current arrangements, tutions will draw together see The University of Bath take degrees tailored to meet the The Centre of Excellence is Bath’s strengths in an exciting the lead status in the EMP part- growing demand for manage- a very exciting prospect for new development for our nership, and will bring the num- ment education from engi- EMP and will present a wide expanding campus at Swindon.” ber of university partners to neers, scientists and technolo- range of new opportunities. It six. The University of Bath’s gists throughout the UK. The will provide an important focus CONTACT longstanding reputation for new collaboration will enable for the professional institutions Neil Allan. Tel:0117 954 excellence in the field of engi- further academic development and supporting employers and 5260. E-mail: neering, science and technology of the EMP programme. will enable greater participation [email protected] combined with the expertise of The coming academic year from industry and partner Web: www.emp.ac.uk its School of Management will also see the introduction of organisations both in the UK
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NEWS SCAN
PUBLICATIONS
New Book Available from IAgrE Free of Charge*
The Mechanics of Tractor those without fast internet the OECD are presented together and their relevance - Implement access, Ross has kindly graphically and explained in to the selection of a tractor Performance granted permission to IAgrE Chapter 3. This approach to match an implement and Theory and Worked to distribute the book in is shown to confirm (within their efficient operation, in Examples CDROM format. IAgrE has appropriate limits) the analy- terms of performance, are by Ross H Macmillan in turn agreed to charge sis presented in Chapter 2. illustrated. FRMTC (MechEng); BE only for postage, packing and Chapters 4 and 5 treat Chapter 8 (combined (Agr); ME (Agr); MIE CDROM duplication.* both traction theory with Chapter 7) contains a (Aust) CEng (Bekker, Reece, etc) and series of general problems. Abstract empirical analysis (Wismer, Ross, well known in Australia Chapter 1 gives an out- Dwyer, etc) in terms of the Keywords for his work at the line of the subject, a justifica- relevant parameters. Both agricultural tractors, func- University of Melbourne, has tion for its study and an are required for students to tional performance, imple- deposited his book The overview of the main sys- understand the subject and ment performance, traction, Mechanics of Tractor - tems in the power train of to break into the extensive agricultural engineering edu- Implement Performance both the conventional and research literature based on cation, tractor operation with the University of two wheeled tractor. these analyses. For further information, or Melbourne ePrints The analysis of perform- Chapter 6 on chassis to receive a copy of the Repository (UMER). ance starts in Chapter 2 mechanics covers the funda- CDROM, please contact the with the engine performance mentals of the subject Secretariat.You may order The book is only available as a ‘given’ and extends this, appropriate to tractor per- online through the IAgrE electronically and can be via a simple mechanical formance and includes mate- website. downloaded free of charge analysis, to give the ideal rial that has not previously www.iagre.org from UMER at performance of the tractor. been published in a readily http://eprints.unimelb.ed The results of tests that accessible form. *There will be a nominal u.au/archive/00000204/ are performed by the testing In Chapter 7 all of the charge of £5 for postage, stations following proce- factors that determine trac- packing and CDROM dupli- However, as a service to dures such as those used by tor performance are brought cation
ROAD SAFETY New code bids to improve safety of timber lorries
Moves to improve the safety timber transport on fragile rural the driver behind the wheel.” in recognition of the challenges and standards of timber lorries roads, the fact remains that road The Code includes advice and issues that the forestry, tim- took an important step forward haulage will always be the single on a wide range of topics, ber and haulage industries cur- today with the launch of a new most important mode of timber including vehicle specifications, rently face. By adopting the Code of Practice for the Road transport. Some 90 per cent of consideration for communities, industry’s best practice and Haulage of Round Timber all timber arrives at processing loading and unloading lorries, guidance contained in the Code, throughout Great Britain.The plants by lorry.This equates to overloading, load security, road- many of these challenges and Code is the third edition since some 320,000 lorry loads a year side working, vehicle recovery issues can be overcome.This will the first was published in 1996, in Britain. and ways to prevent loads greatly enhance the role of road and incorporates the latest find- “Transport accounts for a spilling or overturning, as well as haulage as a strength in the ings from research into load and substantial part of the industry’s topics such as road design and British timber supply chain.” road safety by the Transport costs, and has a major influence maintenance. It includes sections The Code was drawn up by Research Laboratory. It also on the sector’s competitiveness, on continuous improvement in the Roundwood Haulage encapsulates material from the so developing a safe and efficient the industry, research and devel- Working Party and supported Department of Transport’s timber transport system is cru- opment, training and sources of by the Timber Transport Forum. Safety of Loads on Vehicles report. cial to the industry’s success. further information. Welcoming the launch of “This easily read, well illustrated Roundwood Haulage MORE INFORMATION the new Code, Scottish Forestry new Code of Practice is an Working Party chairman Richard The Code is available on Minister Allan Wilson said, important step forward in this Scott said,“This version of the the Timber Transport “Although sea and rail transport process, and I commend it to all Code of Practice is a significant- Forum website: can provide important opportu- concerned, from the forest ly expanded version in compari- www.forestryscotland.com/t nities to reduce the impact of owner to the fleet manager and son to previous editions.This is imber_transport
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WATER RESOURCES
R&D on conjunctive problems concerned with the Chairman Field of Interest on Soil planning, design, construction and Water use of surface and and management of conjunctive use of surface and subsurface Costantino A. Fasso groundwater water resources, along with its Honorary Vice President of ICID environmental impacts and con- Chairman Permanent Committee straints to sustainable develop- for Technical Activities (PCTA) ment. The importance and role Past Vice President of the A joint ICID-EurAgEng global of research thrust, technology International Association of investigation transfer, institutional strength- Hydraulic Research (IAHR) ening, effective partnerships between governments and MORE INFORMATION ater resource man- ter understanding of the hydro- stakeholders, and sound finan- agement should dynamic and hydrochemical cial frameworks have been also The main findings and Wpreserve or processes involved and enhanc- investigated. Finally, the chal- results of this cooperation enhance the environment’s ing water productivity. This lenges and benchmarks for have been recently pub- buffering capacity to withstand process requires a large variety future actions that the scientific lished by the Authors in the unexpected stress or negative of tools ranging from field tech- community and planners have ICID Journal: Irrigation and long-term trends. As the envi- niques to advanced technology to face and deal with have been Drainage (vol 51.1, 2002, pp ronment’s carrying capacity is for water control and regula- also analysed. 1-15) are available online in put under increasing pressure tion. All these tools have to be Wiley Interscience. Web: due to the growing need of the considered under a broad and Daniele De Wrachien www.interscience.wiley.com population and improper use of integrated approach for President of EurAgEng its resources environmental vul- addressing the use, nerability increases too. Giving planning, conservation proper regard to this unsustain- and protection of both able trend, the Second World surface and subsurface Water Forum acknowledged water resources, that the pivotal role that the con- takes proper account junctive use plays in the process of the environmental of sustainable development. impacts and socio-eco- The term ‘conjunctive use’ nomic effects of devel- embraces the planning and opment. management of both surface In 1999, during the and subsurface water resources, 17th Congress on and of land. It takes account of Irrigation and Drainage social, economic and environ- held in Granada, the mental factors and includes the International ecosystems through which sur- Commission for face and groundwater flow. Irrigation and Drainage Moreover, it recognises the (ICID) and the importance of water quality European Society of issues. Agricultural Engineers Effective conjunctive use of (EurAgEng) committed surface and subsurface water themselves to working resources depends on coopera- together in an endeav- tion at all levels, from individual our to select priority to governmental and non-gov- issues that tackle the ernmental, national and interna- root causes of the tional organisations sharing a major problems common political, scientific and encountered in this ethical commitment to the field of knowledge. The need for water security and for mission was to enhance optimising water resources the standards of planning and management. To research at worldwide this end, research must be level and to examine directed towards gaining a bet- the main aspects and
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
Professor John Moverley Principal of Myerscough College in Lancashire ‘PRINCIPAL first became a College are possible. As Doug Larson is Principal in 1988 and when I credited of saying,‘Some of the Ilook back, much has greatest feats were changed. My life here at RAMBLINGS’ accomplished by people not Myerscough is now very much smart enough to know they that of a Chief Executive through the work-based route, saw no future in such a career were impossible’. It has been running a business with a £16 learning on the job. He then but, after much discussion, a nice rambling to you. million turnover and employing progressed to full-time further patient lecturer eventually put Following this first response to some 700 people. Whilst education and then to higher them right. his initiative, the President invites education and training remain studies. He now has found Well I must finish these and encourages other our core activity, commercial good employment. Yes, ramblings and return to contributions from members who activity and other income now education and training can preparing for the next are committed to, and derive job represents some 40% of the change people’s lives. Ann Frank inspection! I wish all members satisfaction from, their careers total. In my first college, in her diary said ‘‘How wonderful of the Institution well and every within the land-based industries. agricultural and horticultural it is that nobody need wait a single success. Remember all things engineering was just that; now moment before starting to improve here at Myerscough, we have the world’. I like to think that at diversified and built upon that Myerscough we really do make base. Apart from tractors and a difference facing challenges horticultural machinery, we have and grasping opportunities. It ACADEMIC MEMBERS racing and rally cars competing sounds like management speak at national level and are engaged but it is a truly held belief. We Askham Bryan College Pencoed College in innovative near market could all do to celebrate Askham Bryan Pencoed research in our new Incubator success rather more than we York Bridgend Building. Yes,times have do, rather than moan about YO23 3FR CF35 5LG changed but the core reason what we can do nothing. why I am in this game remain I feel privileged to have my Cranfield University at Silsoe Reaseheath College the same; that is giving every opportunity to make a Bedford Reaseheath individual, regardless of age, difference, however small. It is MK45 4DT Nantwich ability or background, the also a great honour to be a Cheshire opportunity to learn and attain Fellow of the Institution of Duchy College CW5 6DF to their potential. When Agricultural Engineers, an Rosewarne battling with funding agencies, association of like-minded Camborne Scottish Agricultural College planners or whoever, it is easy people who also seek to make a Cornwall SAC Ayr Campus to become distracted from that difference and uphold their TR14 0AB Auchincruive Estate core value. Indeed, sometimes I profession. It saddens me that Ayr feel learning is more about more young people do not Harper Adams University KA6 5HW telling people what we do in come forward for courses in College terms of form and paper filling, agricultural engineering and Newport Sparsholt College than actually doing it. However, mechanisation. It is no longer Shropshire Sparsholt it is the true purpose of a glamorous. In modern parlance, TF10 8NB Winchester college such as mine. we need to make it more Hampshire One of the great joys of trendy. We need to increase its Myerscough College SO21 2NF being a teacher is to see the attraction to young people. We Myerscough Hall difference that can take place as all know there is an Bilsborrow Wiltshire College - Lackham a result of education. At a employment demand. At a Preston Lacock recent College Presentation recent Careers event, I Lancashire Chippenham Day, we celebrated the success witnessed a young lady PR3 0RY Wiltshire of one of our Higher Education positively choosing to study a SN15 2NY students. He had studied an mechanisation course despite Oatridge Agricultural College engineering related route with the initial protests of her Ecclesmachan Writtle Agricultural College us having joined us some years parents who wanted her to do Broxburn Chelmsford ago at 16. He had not enjoyed what they saw as a more West Lothian Essex school but revelled in learning suitable course. The parents EH52 6NH CM1 3RR
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Bimonthly LATE SUMMER 2003 MEMBERSHIP
MATTERSTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS
STUDENTS AND NEW PROFESSIONALS: OUR MOST IMPORTANT MEMBERS!
Part of the President’s strategy has been to increase student membership. The support of the Douglas Bomford Trust and major sector manufacturers for subsidising IAgrE membership for students and newly qualified technicians respectively has ensured that IAgrE has a large and thriving younger body of members numbering over 300. These members are the future lifeblood of the Institution and it is vital that IAgrE examines its strategy and provision for this important group.
small group, chaired by good information, and the • Mentoring should be include specific event Peter Redman, IAgrE website could established early, during the targeted at students. Arepresenting students, increasingly be used as a student period, giving closer • National annual event should lecturers and recent graduates, portal to on-line information tie-in with IAgrE. be targeted at young including members of the services from companies, • Establish a database of engineers. Executive, met recently to do academic institutions and members available to just that. The group addressed journals. mentor/give career advice in 2. Supporting Career the needs of young people • Revision of the IAgrE Data declared area of expertise. Development across the sector and their Sheets was suggested for • Establish the availability of • Commission articles for likely career progression posting on the web, with an members to ‘guest lecture’ Landwards by young through to service, design, invitation to go to members as part of a course. engineers ‘A day in the life research or management. for a volunteer to re-write • IAgrE Awards should be set of’ covering range of areas, Whilst there will be variation in these. up at all relevant colleges, to allow insight in to what the form and level of activity, it • The IAgrE technical increasing profile, possibly work is really like. was agreed that information and presentations from both the through branches. • Provide an opportunity to support are the common Branch and Special Interest • Encourage more student talk to potential employers ground required for all career Group networks should be involvement on branch through branch contacts. paths. These are the key better utilised by committees. • Post job opportunities and conclusions. colleges/students. • Branches should make closer profile potential employers • Work experience/placements links with local colleges, on website. 1. Supporting training and and project subjects could possibly through college • Offer networking through education be provided through links governors. the members database, • Students need access to with members. • Branch programmes should especially with reference to
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NEWS for MEMBERS
their employer (not currently shown). LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT • Develop Mentoring Scheme, as established by Dan 3 April 2003 accepted by the Institution as charitable activities of an Mitchell and John Sartain Dear Sir, an Associate. Life was not all ecclesiastical nature worldwide, (list of volunteer mentors work, however, and I was still but particularly in the Middle required at Secretariat). I was both honoured and playing rugby for Northampton East. As a United Nations non- • Promote and explain of the gratified to receive your letter where I remain a member to governmental organisation upgrade and registration of congratulation on my this day. (NGO), we are working in Iraq processes – current attaining 50 years of IAgrE My next move was to at this moment. paperwork seen as obscure. membership. No thought had agricultural merchanting in During this past half- • Promote the Continuing occurred to me that the eagle Lincolnshire where I was century, I have witnessed many Professional Development eyes of Dr Dan Mitchell and involved in the use of aircraft changes in agriculture and (CPD) scheme, especially the Secretariat staff were upon for crop spraying and fertiliser agricultural engineering which the possibility of a ‘licence to this grass-root member! application. This work was for the most part have been practise’. CPD is not As I reach the landmark of state-of-the-art technology at progressive and visionary. currently required in the 50 years membership of IAgrE, the time but was fraught with Sadly, the past decade has not market-place, but its it has been suggested that I hazard for the pilots. By this been such a rewarding one for relevance to competency offer a few words about myself. time I was serving on the the industry but I am happy to must be highlighted. This I do with some hesitation committee of the East Midlands say that IAgrE has moved • Develop the belief that as I am not known for any Branch of IAgrE and performed consistently with the times and IAgrE membership is useful literary talents and modesty is this pleasurable duty for a even kept ahead of the game to career progression. not an attribute of mine! number of years. despite heavy pressures. • Use an electronic Historically, my forbears In due course marriage and May I say that membership newsletter/e-mail were working the land for a growing family caused me to has been a pleasure from which communications targeting generations in Suffolk, the re-think my career (was that I have benefited considerably; young members. earliest recorded being Adam what they now call a mid-life the Institution has grown from (no, not that one!), who paid crisis?) and I moved over to the small organisation which I 3.Action plan tithe in 1327. On leaving food processing and joined, to a highly professional • Many of the suggestions school I decided to follow the distribution, firstly with frozen cutting-edge one, now covering above are already in place, same path and I served as a foods and latterly with this several disciplines. Long may but need further refinement farm pupil for 3 years – I country’s largest meat this continue. and development. One wonder if anyone does that processors and retailers. To conclude, may I add best major problem area, as ever, nowadays. This was followed I am not retired but my wishes to our President, is lack of resources. Key by a very happy time at the interests are very much of a Officers, Staff and all Members points to focus on in the Royal Agricultural College rural nature. In an effort to for a happy and prosperous first instance are: where I was Captain of Rugby keep the mind active, I have future. • further use of web for and graduated in 1952. been studying part-time at information, databases, jobs At this point, it became Leicester University and also Yours sincerely and networking clear that some form of been elected Fellow of the • increased communication specialisation was required in Royal Geographical Society Tony Orbell between colleges and order to progress in (FRGS); my next possible move EngTech MIAgrE branches agriculture, so I joined a is to attempt a Masters in rural • support and commitment of farming and contracting history at Reading. Some years Tony Orbell received his 50 established members to link concern in which ago I was installed as a Knight year certificate on 24 March with younger members mechanisation played a large Templar – the organisation,of 2003. • further development of part; at the same time, I was the same name, is involved in mentoring scheme • promotion of upgrading, registration and CPD. MEMBERSHIP CHANGES • provision of an electronic newsletter for young IAgrE Transfers Member O Ayeni (Nigeria) members. Admissions Hon Fellow Fellow S W R Cox (Hertfordshire) Comments and volunteers very C Biddle (Wiltshire) Fellow Engineering welcome! Member P J Kettlewell (Bedford) Council M J Sidlow (Wiltshire) J R Pedley (Worcestershire) Registrations K H Shelbourne (Suffolk) EngTech Associate W Waddilove (West Midlands) G Hayden (Oxfordshire) B E A Knight (Cambridge) M A Zoebisch (Thailand) C T Lukehurst (Kent) P Whalley (Warwickshire)
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NEWS for MEMBERS
WESTERN BRANCH ACTIVITIES FOR 2002 – 2003
Peter Struck of the Environment tric motors. So it was that measuring to engine blower / teur, our Master cooper gave Agency in Somerset, along with safety implications meant that electric units. good account of apprentice- operational colleagues, showed that part of the visit was cur- All in all, a varied and inter- ships and the vagaries of the Branch members the workings tailed, as there were pumps in esting programme but in agri- folk law and activities of of the water management on bits. cultural engineering there is a Guilds…whilst keeping the the Somerset Moors and Levels By contrast on 26th lighter side – or – was it bitter? right side of his hand tools. A on 12th February. February, the Branch visited TH Both really; as we were taken really full night, that required a At Atheney, near the old White Cranes Division and saw on a tour of Shire dray horse sample duly taken in full (sever- brushwood foundation bunding the practical side of an earlier, stables before following the al times), followed by retreating at East Lyng, the diesel engines well delivered and received process of brewing quality to a local ‘tied’ hotel for a had just finished a session of technical paper given by Nick beers at Wadworth in Devizes. splendid meal. pumping out of the rhymes and Handy. A special feature of the visit Richard Heath into the Tone and thence During Nick’s study time at was a hands-on display of bar- waterways leading to the Lackham he worked at the rel making by one of only five Severn at Burnham-on-Sea via Cranes Division and on leaving beer barrel makers still operat- the River Parrett. Described in college gained employment ing in UK. A splendid racon- detail were the intricacies of leading to stress analysis and storing floodwater on mead- bespoking ‘Palfinger’ cranes, ows and via over-spilling the hook lifts, etc. to lorries and dykes to flood ponds. Included hauliers/carriers various. His in this in some cases is trans- studies and work now involve COMMERCIAL MEMBERS ferring water by linking pipes him in standards setting. under rivers from pond mead- Branch members were able to Autoguide Equipment Ltd Highdown Cottage ow to pond meadow. see the ‘niceties’ of fitting in the Stockley Road Compton Down The party were introduced assembly area, but prior to this, Heddington Winchester to some problems with man- were given an in depth account Calne Hampshire agement, such as decisions of of the vagaries and complexi- Wiltshire SO21 2AP when to pump and when to ties of satisfying customer SN11 0PS store, and when to replace desires and staying in business Law-Denis Engineering Ltd diesel engines with electric with competitive marketing Douglas Bomford Trust Millstream Works units; and also the political conditions. 16 The Oaks Station Road problem faced when trying to Continuing the manufactur- Silsoe Wickwar manage badgers and water ing theme Eddie Phillips gave a Bedford Wotton-under-Edge voles on dykes which in places splendid talk on 12th March on MK45 4EL Gloucestershire form the only dry ground in the integration of electronics GL12 8NB the area. There are occasions and hydraulics to modern vehi- Bomford Turner Limited in the year when water vol- cle manufacture and use. As a Salford Priors umes reach a point where specialist with Sauer-Danfoss, Evesham David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd pumping is pointless as the Eddie treated us to computer Worcestershire Carseview Road waterways into which the simulation, and had various WR11 5SW Suttieside water is pumped overflow and pieces of hardware supporting Forfar complete the loop. his presentation. John Deere Ltd Angus When conditions of this On 9th April, a group set Harby Road DD8 3EE excess water over norm off to Bridgend to see the Langar occurs, as in 2002, and over modern Ford engine plant. The Nottinghamshire Rotomation Ltd pump capacity is reached, extra, complexities of assembly were NG13 9HT Summerwood Lane large pump capacity is revealed as were the fine engi- Halsall employed. Some pump capaci- neering and power: weight con- FEC Services Ormskirk ty, such as at Gold Corner siderations that lead to the NAC Lancashire pumping from the South Drain zetec and other ranges and the Stoneleigh Park L39 8RH into the River Brue, was ultra-light-weight V-8 block Kenilworth installed at the Second World which our slightly built guide, Warwickshire White Horse Contractors Ltd War – with the water facility Tom Philips,had no problem in CV8 2LS Lodge Hill used for wartime industry. The raising, without mirrors, above Abingdon single cylinder engines coming his head. Always entertaining, G C Professional Services Oxfordshire to the end of their economic Tom showed the various tech- for land-based and related indus- OX14 2JD life are being replaced by elec- nical aspects from air tolerance tries
3 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:19 AM Page 18
NEWS for MEMBERS LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir work particularly well. This was substantial DTI funding, and a SETNET promise in their lit- I have just read the article on because we had an energetic change of our titles to ‘Science erature to make an engineer SETNET in Landwards 58(3), local organiser, a retired electri- and Engineering Ambassador’ available to every school. They written by the SETNET cal engineer, who despite being (SEA), we thought that this must have done nothing to fill our Chairman, Ron Oxburgh. He over eighty spent a great deal of be a good thing, with the three vacancies. mentions that SETNET, through time and energy extracting fund- prospect of more back-up and I’m sure that there must be regional SETPOINTS, has taken ing from learned bodies and more money for student proj- other Institution members work- over responsibility for the estab- training organisations, and making ects. Alas, not so. All the new ing as SEAs who have a view on lished Neighbourhood Engineers sure that it all went straight to money, and all the old money this situation. If enough of us programme. IAgrE members the schools to fund student proj- previously available to us, has make our views heard, we might may be interested in a comment ects. As a result, all the schools gone into funding a professional manage to disband this unneces- from a previous Neighbourhood had one or more engineers bureaucracy which, in my view, sary QUANGO and put the Engineer on how this has working with them, and their achieves nothing at all. We now money to better use. worked out. Engineering Clubs were success- have more rules and regulations, I work with a school in ful in National competitions such but no money. Two of our num- Yours faithfully South Shropshire, an area in as ‘Greenpower’ racing. ber have resigned in disgust, and which the Neighbourhood When the SETPOINT organ- the death of another leaves three J C Jeffery Engineers scheme seemed to isation was announced, backed by schools without an engineer. MA CEng FlMechE FlAgrE
THE SCANTLEBURY TROPHY – 2003 Herts & Essex Branch,Young Engineers Evening
rittle College was handling by fan, of an abrasive Highly Commended honours tor gave him the slight edge once again, the airflow, Matthew Pratt introduc- awarded to Matthew Pratt and over his peers. Wvenue for the annu- ing his investigation into mal- Nkosinathi Manana. The judges’ The thanks of the Herts & al Herts & Essex Branch Young function of conventional baler decision was based on Richard’s Essex committee are conveyed Engineers Evening, presenting twine feed system due to vibra- attempt to follow a complete to the individuals presenting the Scantlebury Trophy to the tion and Nkosinathi Manana, development process, especially their projects, and also to the best Agricultural Engineering relating his work on evaluation of a relatively complex concern, judges for their participation and Final Year student project, from of the modelling of catchment in detail, from root cause analy- assistance. Writtle College. soil erosion. sis, through scale modelling, to Congratulations to Richard Although the course in After much discussion, the identifying a final design resolu- Carter, Matthew Pratt and question is coming to the close Scantlebury Award was present- tion. Despite not being able to Nkosinathi Manana. of its penultimate year, the ed to Richard Carter, with test the final design, this key fac- Jim Holmes judges were again treated to a good number and variety of final year projects. This year’s proj- LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES ects varied widely, in many dif- ferent aspects, from geographical Name Grade Date of anniversary location (Europe to Africa), to 50 years technology (Autonomous vehi- Ronald Bridger Jessop IEng FlAgrE 6 Aug 2003 cles to Savonius rotor). 35 years Projects were voted upon, Graham Joseph Boult MIAgrE 1 Jul 2003 with respect to six aspects, tech- Paul Adrian Crisford IEng MIAgrE 24 Jul 2003 nical thought, relation to indus- Eric Charles Fife Lacey EngTech MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 Patrick Martin Forrest MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 try, breadth and depth of sub- Simon John Holder IEng MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 ject, and presentation, both ver- Roger Gale Beddard Jackson IEng MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 bal and visual. The final con- Bryan William Maw IEng MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 David Thomas Wilkinson IEng MIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 tenders from the 12 individuals, James Robert Poolman EngTech MIAgrE 19 Sep 2003 for the 2003 Scantlebury Award, pushed forward three candi- 25 years Robert John Phillimore EngTech MIAgrE 3 Jul 2003 dates, and three very different Michael Dawes Lea AIAgrE 25 Jul 2003 subjects. Richard Carter pre- Gordon Clare Day EngTech MIAgrE 11 Aug 2003 sented his project on material John Lawrence Defty AMIAgrE 11 Aug 2003
Produced by: Land Technology Ltd, Edinburgh Printed by: Barr Printers, Glenrothes
INSTITUTION of AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS, WEST END ROAD, SILSOE, BEDFORD, MK45 4DU, UNITED KINGDOM. Tel: 01525 861096 Fax: 01525 861660 16 LANDWARDS LATE SUMMER 2003 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:19 AM Page 19
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
COMPUTER CONTROLLED CALF REARING Frank Seipelt, Arno Bunger, Reinhard Heeren, Dieter Kähler and Martin Lüllmann
BIO NOTE Summary The main objective of using Frank Seipelt, Arno Bunger, Reinhard computer controlled calf Heeren, Dieter Kähler and Martin Lüllmann feeders is to save on labour and are at URBAN Feeding Technology, Urban to avoid digestive problems by GmbH, Auf der Striepe 9, 27798 Wusting, giving calves an homogenous Germany. Tel: +49 4484/9380. E-mail: drink several times a day. [email protected] However, there are still major The feeders are supported in the UK by problems connected with this Volac Ltd, Orwell, Royston, Herts. Tel: technique, namely: 01223 208021 • hygiene; • health control; and • accuracy of milk allocation. A newly developed calf feeder is now able to improve hygiene by automatically rinsing with detergents, including all parts which are in contact with milk. Feeders can also be equipped with a flexible teat which can be disinfected after Fig. 1 Dimensions, shown in mm, of the U40 computer each visit of calves. To control controlled calf feeder the individual milk consumption of calves, a float in the mixing automatic calf feeders. This and is identified at the control bowl measures the amount of began with simple ad lib unit. This way it is possible to prepared and consumed milk. feeders for acidified whole milk divide up the daily milk amount The float is a transsonar feeders which then became into several portions. This distance sensor which is also more sophisticated enabling feeding process meets the able to monitor the drinking them to mix milk, from the milk natural behaviour of rearing speed of each calf. All data is replacer, with hot water and calves. Computer controlled sampled and gives detailed supply it to calves on request. calf feeders can be set up feedback about the state of For this purpose each calf gets directly in the barn next to the health of the calves. a collar around its neck, calf pens where cold water and equipped with an identification an electrical supply are Introduction transponder. When a calf required. The feeder mixes For more than 20 years, dairy appears in a feeding station, the milk from the milk replacer and farmers in Europe have made transponder signal is heated water and supplies it to use of various types of transmitted through an antenna the calves on request. It is also
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LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
possible to feed whole milk which is reflected by a using additional equipment. magnet inside the float. The reflection time is Technical structure then measured and The calf feeder has an transformed into filling stainless steel cabinet and level information to an consists of four basic accuracy of 10 ml. The components: amount of water added in •feeding computer 10 seconds depends on •powder hopper and dosing the water pressure of the system water supply. •water/milk heater In many dairy barns, •mixing bowl calf feeders are connected The dimensions of the feeder to the same water supply are shown in Fig 1. as the dispensers for the cattle, so the water Feeding computer pressure varies, in which All calves are registered in case the calibration mode the feeding program by can be changed from time putting in date of birth, sex restriction to continuous and animal number. Calves measurement of incoming can be divided up into water. As a result of this, different groups which could milk preparation takes a be fed with various mix little longer but the milk ratios. The feeding computer composition is more samples animal data, such as accurate. time of stay in the feeding Another benefit of station while drinking, the distance sensor is that number of station visits per the drinking speed of day and average drinking each calf can be recorded. speed, and deviations in these Fig. 2 Calf feeder equipped with powder hopper, water heater and The feeding computer data limits can be defined to medicine dosing unit samples the data and cause an alarm message shows the average of the when exceeded. Calves are fed gives a view into the feeder suction hoses. Figure 3 shows last seven days and the average in accordance with a feeding housing. the structure of the mixing of the previous day. The curve, to allocate milk to the bowl. difference between these two calves depending on the age of Heater The float in the mixing bowl values is calculated and, if an each animal. The feeding The standard feeder is generates information about adjustable limit is exceeded, the computer is positioned on the equipped with a 5 litre heater the filling level. During the calf identity is entered on an top of the calf feeder to (Fig. 2). When the water inlet calibration of the feeder the alarm list which requests the simplify data input and animal valve of the feeder is opened, water inlet valve opens for 10 farmer to examine the calf’s control. water comes in with 1 - 4 bar seconds. The volume of the health. pressure and is then heated up additional water is then If the application of Powder hopper and to the adjusted mixing measured by the float. The medicines is then requested, dosing system temperature. If calves are fed float is a transsonar distance the feeder can be equipped The powder hopper is a tissue- also with whole milk a 10 litre sensor which is sliding on a with a medicine dosing unit. In bag which can hold 35 kg of heater is installed containing an pole. Inside the pole, a the medicine dosing unit for milk replacer. The milk replacer 8 m spiral tube for heating up continuous sound wave is liquid medicines (Fig. 2) is dosed by a dosing spiral into whole milk by guiding it generated on a steel wire powders or drops are dissolved the mixing bowl. The dosing through hot water. The heater weight depends on the turning is via a pump connected to the time of the spiral so the spiral warm water bath surrounding has to be calibrated to know the mixing bowl to keep the how much powder is dosed in mixed milk warm. a specific time. The motor of the spiral is connected to a Mixing bowl moving element which shakes The mixing bowl has a volume the whole powder bag carefully of 1.1 litre. The lower part of to empty the hopper the bowl is sitting in a warm continuously without any water bath to keep milk warm blockages occurring. Figure 2 while circulating through the Fig. 3 Mixing bowl with distance sensor
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circulation of water and detergents to clean the inner side of the teat. In the disinfection bath, nozzles are installed which spray detergents on the teat to disinfect the outside of it. Afterwards, the teat is cleaned with clear water to flush out detergents and to avoid any bad taste for the calves. How the teat is tipped over into the disinfection bath is shown in Fig. 5. Another benefit of the tip over mechanism is that calves like to suck at the teat even if they have got already their entire portion.This behaviour Fig. 4 Schematic plan of milk, water and detergent circulation: (1) whole milk container; (2) avoids reciprocal sucking but it powder hopper; (3) heater with whole milk heating; (4) detergent; (5) mixing bowl; (6) milk valve; causes a quicker attrition of the teat and sucking calves block in water and regularly agitated drinking their complete portion milk in the mixing bowl and the feeding station for others. at intervals of 30 seconds. of dosed milk or leaving suction hoses is then flushed It is up to the farmer whether After one or more calves are contaminated milk in the hoses. out with clear water. After he activates the tip-over- selected for treatment in the In addition to this, the direct that, all parts, which come into function in the program or not. feeding program, dosing period injection of liquid medicines contact with milk, are rinsed and dosage per day are into the suction hoses avoids with detergents several times. Conclusion adjusted. When a selected calf contaminating the prepared Finally, hoses and mixing bowl The aim of development and appears in the feeding station, milk in the mixing bowl. are cleaned with clear water, to improvement of computer the feeder prepares milk which flush out the detergent. controlled calf feeders is to the calf starts drinking. The calf Automatic rinsing Although the automatic make calf rearing for dairy then gets shots of medicine The cleaning of the feeder cleaning causes a high level of easier and to meet the directly into the hose going up starts automatically up to three hygiene, vets have criticised in requirements of healthy calves. to the teat. Therefore, the calf times a day. If only milk the past that there is a risk, for A calf feeder, in good working gets milk, medicine, milk, replacer is used, then one calves, of catching diseases and order, reduces the daily work of medicine and so on, with dosing cleaning per day is sufficient. germs from other calves by a farmer in his calf unit to of the medicine restricted to Figure 4 shows how the suction using the same teat. To solve simple management tasks, such the first 200 ml . When the hoses are installed in a circle so this problem, a mechanism was as checking the animal data in float senses a milk consumption that they can be cleaned right developed which allows a the computer and controlling of 200 ml, medicine dosing is up to the teat automatically. regular disinfection of the teat. the state of health of the calves. stopped immediately. This The feeder starts the During the automatic rinsing The farmer is released from successfully combats the rinsing program while pumping program, the teat is dipped into manual work such as mixing problem of sick and weak out the rest of the milk from a disinfection bath. That way, milk and carrying buckets, calves leaving the station before the mixing bowl. The remaining the teat is included in the enabling him to concentrate on managing his dairy herd. The feeder cleans itself and offers a high level of hygiene which makes it possible to keep calves in groups without problems. It is a 24 hour working system and calves can get milk several times a day. Further developments will combine the milk feeder with computer controlled concentrate feeders and supervised water dispensers so that calves can be weaned individually. The ultimate objective is to find the best way to prepare each calf Fig. 5 Disinfection of the teat to become a high yielding cow.
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NEWS SCAN
APPOINTMENTS New appointments at John Deere
John Deere Limited has inaugural John Deere Team Jonathan Henry announced the appointment of Championship golf tournament David Hart as commercial & finals at The Belfry last year. consumer equipment (C&CE) Jonathan Henry joined John division sales Deere Limited as a manager,responsible for management trainee in 1993, managing the company’s sales following an HND in and marketing operations for mechanisation, planning and golf & turf, commercial and business management at the homeowner products and Scottish Agricultural College, dealerships in the UK and Auchencruive, and a spell in the Ireland. service department of an David Hart David takes over from agricultural dealership. He also Pieter Nel, who has returned company’s agricultural product support (AMPS) in worked as an AMPS in south- to his homeland after 18 management solutions (AMS) south-east England, a territory west England and a territory months in the UK to become product manager. manager in south-west England manager in the north of marketing manager of John After graduating from and then harvesting equipment England and borders of Deere’s agricultural and C&CE Lincolnshire College of product manager. Scotland. Jonathan Henry will divisions in South Africa. Agriculture & Horticulture, David was brought up in be responsible for combine David Hart’s position as David Hart began his career Norfolk, where his father Ernie harvesters while also product manager for harvesting with a John Deere dealership. Hart was a well known and continuing his role as equipment in the agricultural He joined John Deere Limited respected figure in the amenity agricultural management division of John Deere Limited in 1990, becoming an area and grounds-care industry for solutions (AMS) product has been taken over by service manager and many years. A keen golfer, manager. Jonathan is a member Jonathan Henry, previously the subsequently area manager David took part in the of the IAgrE.
RESEARCH REPORT Major developments in forest research
limate and environ- this warming the prospect of research into woodlands and Fomes. mental change are wetter winters, more-severe the natural environment. The The Agency also met its Chighlighted in the latest gales and more-frequent unit also set up three projects financial and other key per- Annual Report of Forest droughts and floods becomes in Forestry Commission formance targets in 2002/03. Research. likely. The report discusses the Districts to trial a decision The 2002 report cites a num- current and future responses of framework for forest planning, MORE INFORMATION ber of projects that were pro- the forestry industry. and the results of this work are gressed or completed during It also highlights the estab- already proving useful to the The Forest Research Annual the year to provide important lishment during the year of Commission when consulting Report can be read on the new information on forestry Forest Research’s new Social on grant applications. Forestry Commission web- practice. Much of this work is Research Unit to increase In-depth articles in the site at included in an authoritative and understanding of the social report look at Forest www.forestry.gov.uk/research comprehensive Bulletin entitled aspects of sustainable forest Research’s achievements on Paper copies, priced £18.50, Climate Change: Impacts on management. The unit is work- topics in which there has been are available from outlets of UK Forests, which collates evi- ing on social aspects of forestry significant recent progress, TSO (The Stationery Office) dence and conclusions on likely such as health, values, participa- including protecting trees from at TSO, P O Box 29, Norwich future climatic conditions and tion, recreation and gover- deer, ecological site classifica- NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 their effects on forest ecosys- nance, and has published Trees tion, the silviculture of upland 5522 or Parliamentary tems. are Company, an account of the native woodlands, the impacts Hotline Lo-Call: 0845 702 Britain’s climate has been proceedings of a major confer- of nitrogen pollution in British 3474. Fax: 08700 600 5533. warming at 0.1 to 0.2 degrees ence at Cardiff University that forests, and stump treatment E-mail: Celsius per decade, and with looked at social science against the tree decay fungus, [email protected]
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COMPUTER LEGISLATION New guidance on using computers and preventing RSI
ew guidance to help costly. Indeed it is likely to be work-related MSDs and on advice for identifying risk fac- reduce musculoskele- far more expensive for average each sufferer took tors such as using force, repet- Ntal disorders (MSD), employers and their insurers 19.4 days off in 2001/02. itive movements, or poor pos- such as backaches or repetitive to ignore RSI, which may lead These figures include upper ture, and gives practical ideas strain injury (RSI) at work, has not only to compensation limb disorders from which and tips for preventing RSI. been published by the Health claims, but also to costs arising approximately 400,000 people and Safety Executive (HSE), from sickness absences and suffered, resulting in a loss of MORE INFORMATION coinciding with International reduced productivity. around four million working RSI Awareness day. “Excessive work pressures, days in the same period. Leaflets are available from Around 1.1 million people such as high job demands, time The law on VDUs:an easy HSE Books, PO Box 1999, in Great Britain suffered from pressures and a lack of con- guide which is aimed at small Sudbury, Suffolk, C010 2WA. MSDs caused or made worse trol, can often act alongside businesses, contains illustrated, Tel: 01787 881165. Fax: by work, in 2001/02. Advice physical risk factors like force, practical advice on avoiding 01787 313995. Priced pub- on using laptops and working posture and repetition, and can risk from using ordinary office lications are also available with a computer mouse is influence both the onset and computers, while Work with dis- from good booksellers. available in The law on VDUs:an duration of RSI. Only an inte- play screen equipment discusses easy guide, and Work with grated management approach the same issues in full technical Work with display screen Display Screen Equipment, while which addresses both the and legal detail and is aimed at equipment L26, ISBN 0- Aching arms (or RSI) in small organisational and the physical large firms and health and safe- 7176-2582-6, price £8.95; businesses offers advice on RSI aspects of a worker’s job and ty professionals. Both guides The law on VDUs: an easy in other work activities. work environment is likely to take account of recent minor guide HSG90, ISBN 0-7176- Health and Safety be successful in preventing RSI. changes to the law that came 2602-4, price £8.50; VDU Commissioner, Owen Tudor, “It is particularly important into effect last September, as a workstation checklist launching the three HSE guid- to identify signs of RSI early, to result of the Health and Safety (which is included in both ance booklets at a conference treat the individual and reme- (Miscellaneous Amendments) the above publications), organised by the RSI dy the causes, including stress Regulations 2002. ISBN 0-7162-2617-2, price Association in Nottingham, and other psychosocial factors Aching arms (or RSI) in small £5.00 for a pack of 5; and said:‘The time for excuses is in the workplace, before the businesses is a new free leaflet Aching arms (or RSI) in over. By following the guid- condition moves into its aimed at reducing RSI due to small businesses available ance, preventative action in chronic phase”. work activities other than in priced packs of 15 or as most workplaces can be taken An estimated 12.3 million those caused by using display individual copies, free. quite easily and need not be working days were lost due to screen equipment. It offers
ELECTION Keith Christian is elected AEA President Keith Christian, Managing Director of Claymore Grass Machinery is located at Claymore Grass Machinery, has been elect- Bidford-on-Avon, being a division of Reekie ed President of the AEA after having served Engineering Ltd (based in Arbroath, as Chairman of the Outdoor Power Scotland) and is a sister company to Allett Equipment Council of the AEA for the last Mowers. It offers a wide range of products two years. from compact tractors through to lawn- Keith is 47 years old and has been with mowers the Claymore company since its start up in In taking on this role Keith has declared 1985, being appointed Managing Director in that his aim is to encourage new blood into 1993. Prior to helping to establish the industry, recalling the opportunity and Claymore, he had started in the gardening training he was given in his early days with machinery industry with H Burlinghams Burlinghams. Garden Machinery near Tewkesbury selling Keith is married with three children and to golf clubs and councils and he then is known for his love of rugby, being moved to Spear and Jackson to sell the Chairman of the Bredon Rugby Club and Stiga line to garden machinery dealers. captaining their second XV.
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PRODUCTS
TRACTORS
CVT is standard on high spec MF 7400 Dyna-VT tractors
ll six models in and reverse speeds can be Massey ‘Dual stage’ cab supension pre-set in each range. The AFerguson’s com- system automatically main- pletely new MF 7400 tains the desired speed and Dyna-VT Series Tractors stores the information even feature constantly vari- when the engine is shut off. able transmissions A ‘Supervisor’ dial sets the (CVT), electronic engine engine speed and CVT for management and a host optimum output to match of high tech features that every working condition. If provide the ultimate per- engine speed falls when formance and operator Supervisor is set to one end comfort. of the scale, marked with a This eagerly antici- PTO logo, it adjusts the CVT pated range of CVT trac- to maintain engine speed by tors is completely new quickly slowing the tractor. At and is an addition to the opposite end (marked Massey Ferguson’s com- with a trailer) the system prehensive range of allows the engine speed to fall equipment.With engine before reducing the forward powers from 90 kW to speed, making the best use of 139 kW, the high specifi- the engine’s superb torque cation range combines and constant power charac- proven AGCO CVT teristics. The dial can be set technology with to anywhere in between for renowned, straightfor- draught work and other tasks. ward MF control. • Fieldstar ready rev/min. This reduces fuel con- Two forward speeds can be sumption and engine noise. memorised in each range at the All tractors feature: Proven CVT transmission On the MF 7400 Dyna-VT touch of a button, allowing • proven CVT technology increases output and con- Series, proven CVT technology operators to quickly flick with straightforward, intu- trol is combined with Massey between speeds when, for itive controls and choice of AGCO’s CVT transmission Ferguson’s renowned straight- example, turning on headlands. operating modes design has proved its reliability forward, intuitive controls. Two rotary knobs on the con- • powerful new electronically and performance in literally Operators used to the left sole adjust the speed memo- controlled engines with thousands of tractors at work hand Dynashift Power Control ries. excellent constant power, today. CVT seamless shifting, lever will be completely at torque-back up and 7.5 kW without any steps or fixed home with the CVT: the fur- Hand levers or pedal set ‘power boost’ ratios, supplies numerous per- ther the lever is pushed for- the working modes • new cab, with unique sus- formance and economy benefits wards or back the faster it There is also a choice of hand pension as standard, offers with its ability to always use the goes. It really is that simple. lever or pedal operating modes. class leading comfort, con- optimum combination of for- There is also a right-hand arm- In lever mode, operation is as trol and noise levels down ward and engine speed. rest-mounted CVT lever that described above; while in pedal to 71 dB(A) – the quietest As well as maximising quali- works in the same way, while a mode, the system automatically in its class ty of the work and output by foot pedal offers numerous controls the engine and trans- • MF QuadLink front axle sus- selecting precisely the right performance enhancing operat- mission to offer three automat- pension is standard speed for the job, the CVT ing modes. ic operating modes: • closed-centre, load-sensing transmission also optimises effi- Two working ranges pro- • Power hydraulics ciency by providing the correct vide speeds from 0-28 km/h • Eco • automatic headland and field combination of power and and 0 up to 50 km/h (where • Forager (PTO) management control torque at the lowest engine legislation permits). Forward Power mode is ideal for
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heavy work such as towing a formance.As well as an elec- numerous cubbyholes and stor- ments. loaded trailer. The transmission tronic throttle for precise con- age boxes. New ‘decompression cou- control allows engine speed to trol, Engine Speed Control Externally, the new rounded plers’ on the electro-hydraulic rise to rated speed and keeps it adjusts pre-set speeds and roof incorporates four front or mechanical external spool there. The system ensures the memorises two rev/min set- and two rear elliptical shaped valves allow easy coupling engine maintains maximum out- tings that are activated and with the option of Xenon front under pressure. The valves are put by changing the transmis- adjusted by two buttons and rear worklights. The 270 also angled outwards to sion speed in response to vary- mounted conveniently on the litre (up to the MF7480) and improve access and ease con- ing engine load. side console.This is useful, for 380 litre (on the nection.There is no chance of ECO sets the tractor for example, when ploughing, hit MF7485/7490/7495) capacity dirt from external oil contami- maximum economy. Ideal for button A to reduce speed for fuel tank are easily filled with nating the CVT transmission light work, such as towing an turning and then back to B for the cap located by the nearside circuit because the units are empty trailer on the road, the full operating speed. steps. Telescopic wing mirrors completely separate. system allows the transmission All engines comply with the come with electric angle adjust to increase speeds at low latest Tier II emissions regula- and demisting as standard. Automatic headland and engine speed - saving fuel and tions. field management control reducing noise. QuadLink front axle sus- Automatic electronic control of Forager (PTO) mode main- Ultimate comfort and con- pension for further comfort various routine functions on tains the set engine speed for trol Ride comfort and traction is headland turns further increas- optimum PTO performance. Massey Ferguson’s unique ‘Dual further enhanced by the stan- es productivity. PTO operation Engine speed remains constant, Stage’ cab suspension is stan- dard QuadLink front axle sus- is linked to the ELC switch, regardless of forward speed. dard on the new cab across the pension. This well proven sys- automatically engaging and dis- This allows operators to vary MF 7400 Series. Even before tem provides a big improve- engaging drive. Four-wheel forward speed with the foot its launch, this advanced system ment in operator comfort, pro- drive and differential locks also pedal to ensure perfect work received awards from both the ductivity and safety as well as engage and disengage automati- quality, without effecting engine French SIMA and Spanish FIMA improving traction by up to cally. Hydralock controls the speed and the power to the shows. 20%. front and rear differentials implement. Similar to units used on The simple compact, four- simultaneously to provide true trucks and buses, the pneumat- link system uses a single four-wheel drive – not three! Electronic control for opti- ic suspension uses two large hydraulic ram, accumulators Further, useful, hydraulic mum engine performance bellows with dampers at the and electronic control to main- functions to boost performance Latest, powerful Perkins and back of the cab. These provide tain a constant suspension and ease operation are available Sisu electronically controlled +/- 50 mm of vertical travel, height regardless of load, axle on tractors fitted with the engines give the MF 7400 isolating operators from oscillation or turning angle. It option of Datatronic II. Spool Dyna-VT Series excellent con- shocks. A switch selects two is also possible to deactivate Valve Management System stant power and torque back- suspension settings – one for the system at the touch of a (SMS),Trailed Implement up, producing high torque at fieldwork and the other for button. Control (TIC) and Dual low engine speeds. All the transport. The control then Control offer unrivalled auto- engines also supply a true 7.5 automatically adjusts the cush- Powerful and precise matic operation of the kW of power boost at ground ioning to suit the work. hydraulics hydraulic functions on front and speeds more than 15 km/h. Noise levels in the new cab A 110 litre/min, closed-centre, rear mounted combinations As well having the power are down to 71 dB(A), one of load-sensing (CCLS) hydraulic and semi-mounted implements. and torque to pull though the the best in its class. A Super system is standard on all MF TIC allows the use of auto- toughest conditions, the elec- Deluxe pneumatic suspended 7400 Dyna-VT Series tractors. matic slip control with trailed tronically controlled engines swivelling seat and standard cli- Providing lift capacities of up to implements, transferring weight are also very fuel-efficient. mate control further enhance 9255 kg, the efficient CCLS from the implement to the Rated at 2,200 rev/min, the operator comfort. pump supplies pressure and depth wheel in response to engines produce maximum Ergonomically designed internal flow only on demand, helping tractor wheels slippage. power at 2,000 rev/min, so as cab layout sees all the controls to improve overall tractor per- Dual Control ensures per- engine speed falls the power now clustered together by formance and reduce losses. fectly timed and sequenced soil output increases to match the function. And standard, auto- Massey Ferguson’s engagement of front mounted demand. Maximum torque is matic climate control for the renowned Electronic Linkage and semi mounted implements. generated at 1,400 rev/min and air-conditioning constantly Control (ELC), with its class- there are huge reserves with maintains the cab temperature. leading accuracy and straight- PTO power for every appli- extra torque back-up from An attractive new automo- forward operation, provides cation rated speed down to 1000 tive-style analogue/digital dash- precise draft, position and MF 7400 Dyna-VT Series trac- rev/min. board displays all operating intermix functions. Further tors come with a choice of Electronic control is not functions of the tractor and sophistication includes rate of either 540 rev/min and 1,000 only responsible for these CVT. Other useful changes drop,‘quick soil engagement’ rev/min or 540/750/1,000 superb characteristics, it also include extra headroom, a 1.5 and Active Transport Control rev/min PTO drive, making it improves accuracy and per- litre capacity coolbox and suspension for mounted imple- possible to select the precise
21 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:20 AM Page 26
PRODUCTS
speed for maximum output RECYCLING and optimum efficiency. All the controls are clustered togeth- er in a convenient position on Applications pile up for the new side console in the cab. There is also an external compost accreditation on/off switch mounted on the rear fender. Eight composting companies, • aggregates seconded two full-time representing around one third and three generic areas: members of staff to work Fieldstar ready of the UK’s total • procurement alongside organisations All the MF 7400 come ready manufacturing capacity for • financial mechanisms looking to become wired for Fieldstar – AGCO’s higher value applications, are • standards and accredited. Another key industry-leading precision now seeking accreditation specifications. aspect of the programme’s farming system. As well as under the Composting The Standards and activities is the development offering further automation Association’s national Specifications Programme of a British Standards and field performance, standard. identified the development of Institution (BSI) publicly Fieldstar helps maximise prof- The companies, which robust national standards for available specification for its by providing automatic together process more than a the UK composting industry composted materials that record keeping and the con- quarter of a million tonnes of as a priority. builds on the existing industry trol of variable rate application compost a year, aim to follow Since January 2002,WRAP standard. equipment. in the footsteps of has been helping the Among the eight Wolverhampton based Jack Composting Association to companies applying for Product range Moody Ltd which earlier this strengthen and promote its accreditation, a process that AGCO Corporation, head- month became the first Certification Scheme, and is can take up to 12 months, is quartered in Duluth, Georgia, company to be certified by delighted by the surge in the Waste Recycling Group is a global manufacturer of the association. Accreditation interest in the standard. whose processing capacity of agricultural equipment and allows companies to Anne Riding, special 118,000 tonnes a year across related replacement parts, with demonstrate, through use of projects manager at WRAP, six sites makes it the largest distribution to 140 countries the Composting Association’s said:“An important part of of the present crop of and net sales of $2.9 billion. Standards for Composts logo, ensuring that the market for applicants. Others include AGCO offers a full product that their compost has been composted products Eco Composting,TEG line including tractors, com- produced according to a flourishes is the development Environmental, Cleanaway and bines, hay tools, sprayers, for- rigorous approved procedure and promotion of industry Premier Waste Management. age, tillage equipment and and is of consistently high standards which WRAP is “I am delighted that the implements through more than quality. facilitating. To see so many industry is moving to adopt 8,450 independent dealers and The Waste and Resources firms applying for the the association’s standard,” distributors around the world. Action Programme (WRAP) association’s accreditation is said Jane Gilbert, chief AGCO products are distrib- is a ‘not for profit’ company extremely promising and executive of the Composting uted under the brand names limited by guarantee, which is should spur other companies Association. “While most AGCO Tractors,Ag-Chem, supported by the Department into action.” already have rigorous quality Challenger, Farmhand, FENDT, for the Environment, Fisheries The Composting control procedures in place, Fieldstar, GLEANER, Glencoe, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Association launched its accreditation will enable them Hesston, LOR*AL, Massey Department of Trade and voluntary standards for the to use the logo to Ferguson, New Idea, SOILTEQ, Industry (DTI) and the composting industry in May demonstrate a consistent Spra-Coupe, Sunflower,Tye, devolved administrations of 2000. Details of the standards quality product. White Planters and Willmar. Scotland,Wales and Northern can be found at Ireland. It has been www.compost.org.uk. CONTACT CONTACT established to promote The Composting sustainable waste Association’s Certification Anne Riding, Special AGCO Limited, PO Box 62, management and to create Scheme, which is key to the Projects Manager at Banner Lane, Coventry CV4 stable and efficient markets operation of the standards, WRAP. Tel: +44 (0)1295 9GF Tel: +44 (0)2476 for recycled materials and comprises of three phases: 819914 Fax: +44 851209 Fax: +44 (0)2476 products. WRAP has laid • application (0)1295 819911 E-mail: 851182 Websites at down targets across eight • initial intensively [email protected] www.agcocorp.com and programmes, comprising five monitored qualification Website: www.wrap.org.uk www.masseyferguson.com material streams: • maintenance monitoring. • paper WRAP,which is • glass supporting the scheme • plastics through its Compost • wood Standards programme, has
22 LANDWARDS LATE SUMMER 2003 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:20 AM Page 27
DATA CAPTURE Omnistar-HP accuracy
Positioning Resources Ltd is data to decimetre level. organisations for various appli- pleased to announce the intro- Combined with an integral cations. PocketGIS software duction of the Omnistar -HP OSTN02 datum shift, UK users was one of the first of its kind (high performance) system to have never before had such an to run on handheld PC’s when their extensive range of data accurate link from GPS to the introduced back in 1997. For capture products. real world mapping in their more information on Omnistar Omnistar-HP uses dual fre- hand. PocketGIS is a fully cus- HP,PocketGIS software and quency global positioning sys- tomisable GIS field data cap- other products available, visit tem (GPS) technology com- ture product which enables www.posres.co.uk bined with Fugro’s set of refer- users to build forms specific to ence stations, to produce a their needs for the collection CONTACT robust and reliable decimetre of feature and attribute data. For further information on level GPS solution, without the The recent release of version Omnistar-HP, PocketGIS need for base station set-up. 1.7. has ensure that PocketGIS software and other prod- With these satellite derived dif- stays at the forefront on this ucts available contact: ferential corrections, field users technology. George Ritchie, Postioning can now locate themselves to Now in its twentieth year, Resources Ltd, 64 the decimetre level in real-time. data capture specialists, Commerce Street, Aberdeen, Pocket GIS has been Positioning Resources Ltd, suc- AB11 5FP. Tel: +44 (0)1224 enhanced to work with the The new Omnistar-HP system; cessfully provides positioning 581502 E-mail: sales@pos- Omnistar-HP system providing high performance data capture in and mapping solutions to both res.co.uk Website: the capability to capture filed the field public and private sector www.posres.co.uk
TIMBER PROCESSING Wood-Mizer responds to small and industrial timber processing A virtual, small boards.The set-up age at an affordable price. timber processing aims to get the At the other extreme, on operation set the most production on the indoor stand,Wood- theme of Wood- the main break Mizer◊s new LT300 represents Mizer◊s outdoor down saw this way. the Company◊s most produc- exhibit at Ligna. An edger/multi-rip tive mill ever. Using Thin-kerf A second is demonstrated in narrow band technology, it is stand, indoors, line, while the part of a system designed to featured more MultiHead is shown cut labour while increasing industrial timber set up for conver- yields and profits. It too is processing. The sion of pallet blocks linked to a MultiHead and also mills and equip- into pallet boards. a new five spindle moulder √ ment operating Additionally, a reflecting Wood-Mizer◊s ‘From outdoors repre- new sawmill range forest to final form’ slogan. sent a semi-indus- New sawmill range at Ligna will feature this enhanced unveiled at Ligna trial timber set- version of Wood-Mizer◊s small LT15 with the addition of features an up which could standard powerfeed up and down and optional manual enhanced version of CONTACT saw up to 25 m3 hydraulic log loading. the widely used For more information per working day LT15 cutting head contact: Chris Burn, Wood- or 6000 m3 a year. the boards or cants to an which permits addition of stan- Mizer UK, High Oak Farm, The arrangement links an edger and/or MultiHead. The dard power feed up and down. Oswaldkirk, York,Y062 5YF. LT70 electric remote band edger or multi-rip, edges Standard manual beds have also Tel: +44 (0)1439 788030 sawmill with an incline convey- boards or rips them into small been augmented by the option- Fax: +44 (0)1439 788031 or to take boards from the elements, while cants pass al addition of manual hydraulic E-mail: [email protected] sawmill and then to a cross- through the MultiHead to log loading and clamping, mak- Website: transfer conveyor which brings resaw them into battens or ing this an attractive mill pack- www.woodmizer.com
23 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:20 AM Page 28
PRODUCTS
HARVESTING Weedfree harvest An effective trial shoulder height to ease hectare.” using MyPex harvesting. On the The MyPex was supplied groundcover is ground under the struc- from the Boston depot of transforming fruit tures we laid MyPex to wholesale distributor Avoncrop. production and har- suppress weed growth. It is marketed by Sue Spencer vesting under “The groundcover at Growing Technologies who ‘Spanish Tunnels’ at has performed excel- said:“MyPex is the original Wood Farm near lently. We said goodbye polypropylene groundcover Norwich. to the willow bay, dock which leads the field in terms Eight years ago and nettles and hand- of quality and performance. Its production on the weeded occasionally specially woven construction farm focussed on around the edges of the combines outstanding weed blackcurrants. Each MyPex. It not only sup- suppression with excellent year a considerable pressed the weeds but water permeability.” amount of effort reduced the drift of was spent pulveris- seeds. It was very foot MORE INFORMATION ing and spraying Weedfree harvest; MyPex ground cover transforms friendly, allowing run off For more information con- between the rows fruit production at Wood Farm near Norwich; owner rain to soak into the tact: Growing Technologies of fruit to deal with Joan Dickie (above) inspects the harvest (Photo: ground, yet avoiding Ltd, 23 Willow Road, Trent a major weed prob- Growing Technologies) puddling and the har- Lane Industrial Estate, lem. However, this vesting trolleys moved Castle Donington, battle is a thing of the past fol- aside an initial half hectare for smoothly over the surface. We Derbyshire, DE74 2NP. Tel: lowing the decision to intro- the construction of a series of recently laid some MyPex out +44 (0)1332 853888 Fax: duce strawberry production. seven open sided one hundred on open ground to stand next +44 (0)1332 853151 E- Joan Dickie of Wood Farm metre long tunnels. Five rows year’s plants out on it. We’re mail: enquiries@grow- explains:“We decided to diver- of metal structures were erect- now considering whether to ingtechnologies.co.uk sify into strawberries, setting ed to elevate the plants to increase production to one Website: www.growingtech-
MOWERS
New centre pivot mower cutterbar. This is hood changes the distance made of cast iron between the hood and the John Deere’s new centre pivot for extra strength impeller from 10 mm to 120 mower conditioner was seen and high cut quali- mm and rotor speed can also working in public for the first ty, with a low pro- be changed to match the crop. time at Grassland UK. The 730 file that operates A completely new advanced and 735 models have been pro- close to the suspension design incorporates duced in limited numbers for ground, down to two long adjustable springs to 2003, and will be fully available only 20 mm, and at ensure constant ground pres- for the 2004 season. a flatter angle for sure and enable the mower to The 730 and 735 mower improved cutting return to the working position conditioners feature six and performance and quickly after striking an obsta- seven disc cutterbars with cut- John Deere’s new 730 centre forage quality. This cle. The machine also features ting widths of 3 m and 3.5 m pivot mower in the field design also reduces large, wide 13/75-16 tyres to and pto power requirements of wear and limits reduce soil damage and com- 67 and 75 kW respectively. saves time by allowing the stone damage, and the mower’s paction. Transport widths are Windrow widths are easily operator to work straight retractable knives are easily 2.98 m on the 730 and 3.45 m adjustable from 0.9 m to 2 m across the field from one side reversed or replaced. on the 735. on the 730 model, and from 1 to the other. Options include a John Deere’s proven m to 2.4 m on the 735. windrow grouper to produce impeller conditioning system is MORE INFORMATION Centre pivot design allows double windrows up to 3 m easily adjusted to suit different For more information con- the operator to work to either wide for pickup by high capaci- field conditions, employing free tact: David Hart, John Deere side of the tractor. Together ty foragers such as John swinging V-shaped steel tines Limited. Tel: +44 (0)1949 with the standard swivel hitch, Deere’s new 7000 Series. for a more positive pickup and 860491 Fax: +44 (0)1949 this increases manoeuvrability, Both the 730 and 735 fea- faster operating speeds. A sim- 860490 Website: www.john particularly at headlands, and ture a fully enclosed modular ple crank on the conditioning deere.co.uk
24 LANDWARDS LATE SUMMER 2003 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:20 AM Page 29
RASE MACHINERY AWARD WINNERS 2003
The two Gold Medal awards are presented on the inside back cover of Landwards and the Silver Medal awards are presented below. It is also worthy of mention that two of the awards endorse the innovative funding support provided by the Douglas Bomford Trust. The Trust Silver Jubilee Innovation Award was pre- sented to ATL in 1997 for their prototype in-stall identification system, the company now receiving a Gold Medal for a machine which is fully proven and of outstanding innovation and importance to the industry. As a result of a research project funded by the Douglas Bomford Trust at Silsoe Research Institute, the vision guided hoe was commercially exploited by Garford Ltd and the company has now received the Silver Medal and Grower Award.
Silver Medal and Grower Award
Robocrop vision guidance hoe the hoe covered several thousand hectares work was not available. of crops. The main purpose of using the The Robocrop views images of the crop The Robocrop essentially ‘sees’ the crop in Robocrop was to reduce dependence on ahead of the tractor and translates this into the row and accordingly adjusts the position chemicals for cost, environmental and very precise positioning of the hoes by of the implement, usually a hoe, to give pre- organic farming reasons. The economics of means of a hydraulic sideshift. It is colour- cision operation at speeds that could not be the vision guidance hoe were very clear. intelligent, finding the higher concentrations approached by the best of green and minimising the human operator. The major- effects of shadows or very ity of machines seen by the strong sunlight. The machine Awards judges were hoeing copes perfectly with curved cereal or vegetable crops headlands, and compensates for but the system was also windy conditions when the being used for precision roots of the crop may not be spraying and fertiliser place- directly under the foliage. ment. Forward speeds of up Drivers find using it a low- to 12 km/h were seen, with stress operation, and this, com- daily coverage more than 32 bined with the high forward hectares. Crops included speeds and 6 or 9 metre width cereals, rape, peas, beans, of the implement, produces leeks, sugar beet, sunflowers, high daily and seasonal outputs. onions, carrots, parsnips and Royal Agricultural Society of England silver medal winner: Support from the manufacturer, parsley and the precision Garford inter-row cultivator for cereals utilising the Robocrop and especially the instruction claimed by the users was vision guidance system given to operators, was rated down to 12 mm on either as outstanding by all users. side of the crop. Some of these crops present a minute target for the Where it was compared with traditional CONTACT vision system in the early stages of growth tractor hoeing, the time required was halved Contact: Philip Garford, Garford Farm and successful modifications have been and driver fatigue was much reduced. Machinery, Frognall, Deeping St James, made by Garford Farm Machinery, as new Where it reduced chemical use it was said, Peterborough, PE6 8RR. Tel: +44 problems have arisen. in one case, to have paid for itself in one (0)1778 342642 Fax: +44 (0)1778 Most of the users interviewed were year. In some cases, the alternative was 348949 E-mail: [email protected] very large-scale growers and their use of hand pulling of weeds, and labour for this Website: www.garford.com
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PRODUCT NEWS
Silver Medal
CATROS stubble disc used had exceeded 1600 hectares of work. CONTACT cultivator The CATROS, on the farms visited, was Contact: Kevin Ridley, Amazone Limited, The CATROS stubble disc cultivator con- a less expensive and very effective alterna- Blyth Road, Harworth, Doncaster, South sists of two rows of discs followed by the tive to some of the large combination Yorkshire, DN11 8NE. Tel: +44 (0)1302 well tried Amazone wedge ring roller. The tillage implements. Users accepted that 751200 Fax: +44 (0)1302 751202 E- implement is fully mounted, and the 6 m there would be some conditions where the mail: [email protected] Website: working width is hydraulically folded from CATROS would not be suitable, and heavier www.amazone.co.uk the tractor seat to a transport width of less equipment would have to be used. It is than 3 m. There are a total of 48 discs of worth noting that on all the farms visited 460 mm diameter in a staggered arrange- the cultivator-drill needed a higher ment which provides intensive mixing of power tractor than the CATROS of the straw and trash. The spaced consolidation same width. by the wedge ring roller provides ideal con- ditions for the germination of volunteer Royal Agricultural grain and weed seeds and a high degree of Society of England silver medal winner:Amazone ‘weatherproofing’ in a difficult season. Catros 4000 Compact Forward speeds of up to 15 km/h are rec- Disc Cultivator (4 m version) ommended and tractor size required is around 120 kW. Users interviewed had bought the implement mainly for reasons of economy of effort put into cultivation. They were covering more than 40 hectares a day, using tractors of around 110 kW. Mixing of crop residues was excel- lent, and drilling with the cultivator drill was possible after one, or at most two, passes. Construction of the implement was good, with no replacement parts needed on those seen. The most-
Silver Medal
John Deere 9780CTS combine minimal grain damage, good straw quality, conditions. The main reasons given for harvester medium power requirement, the ability to buying the CTS were the need to replace The John Deere 9780CTS combine harvester work effectively early and late in the day and two existing combines, the need to extend uses an eccentric twin rotor tine separator to work in moist conditions and where there the working day and the need for a machine system which threshes and separates the is ‘green’ in the straw. Servicing is easy, with that was narrow enough for easy road crop in a unique ‘pull and release’ of the no daily grease nipples and with the tine movement, especially on the west side of the material passing through. It offers high separator module quick to remove. The country. One user made the point that the output with very low threshing losses, combine harvester is only 3.3 m wide for CTS was the width of a 5-walker machine road movement. Straw but offered at least 50% greater output. chopping and chaff Users thought that the resale value of the spreading is of an CTS could only be helped by its compact exceptionally high dimensions. All users praised the ergonomics standard. of the controls and the support from John Users were Deere Ltd was, in all cases, outstanding. generally harvesting CONTACT 600 to 800 hectares a season with the CTS, Contact: David Hart, John Deere Ltd, at about 35 tonnes an Harby Road, Langar, Nottingham, NG13 hour output in wheat. 9HT. Tel: +44 (0)1949 860491 Fax: +44 The machine (0)1949 860490 E-mail: The new 9780 CTS combine harvester, one of ten all-new John performed well in a [email protected] Website: Deere models, is designed to handle conditions that can paralyse a conventional rotary machine variety of crops and www.johndeere.com under a variety of
26 LANDWARDS LATE SUMMER 2003 LANDWARDS AUG 2003 5/8/03 9:20 AM Page 31
Silver Medal
Kverneland model LO Daily output was 20 - 30 on-land/in-furrow Silver medal winner: hectares depending on field Kverneland Model LO- plough 85/300 7 furrow reversible size, soil and depth of work. The LO is a fully mounted plough for ‘on-land’ or ‘in- The plough bodies used were furrow’ operation reversible plough with a parallel popular, especially the ‘No 8’. linkage system which, prior to With the ‘No 9’ digger body turning, moves the plough into one user was ploughing at 30 a balanced position to allow a to 35 cm deep for root crops. smooth and low stress All users commented on the turnover of the 7-furrow con- simplicity and elegance of the figuration. For on-land plough- design and the extra output ing the offset can be up to 1.42 provide by the special features m, and conversion from on-land of this plough. Service from to in-furrow mode is by simple Kverneland dealers was out- hydraulic control. The lift standing. requirement, because of the design used, is well within the CONTACT range of any tractor likely to be Alan Jones, Kverneland Group used with the plough. The Vari- tions is provided. The two together were said by UK Ltd, Walkers Lane, Lea Width hydraulic furrow width The judges met users one user to be ‘worth their Green, St Helens, Merseyside, adjustment facility is standard ploughing up to 1200 hectares weight in gold’. The skimmers WA9 4AF. Tel: +44 (0)1744 and gives infinite adjustment in a season with the 7-furrow were said to be easy to set and 853200 Fax: +44 (0)1744 between 300 and 500 mm. LO plough. The features most use. Road movement, an 853400 E-mail: Auto-reset or shear bolt pro- praised were Vari-Width and important aspect with most [email protected] tection against hitting obstruc- the on-land/in-furrow option. users, was very satisfactory. Website: www.kverneland.com
Silver Medal
Agritrac rubber track which engage 12 notches of the daily work output improved, reduced marking of the land systems belt at any one time. The drive and noticeably very little sink- and an improved start for mini- Agritracs are a rubber track is therefore extremely positive age on cultivated land as, for mal tillage. conversion that replaces the and has been proved up to 35 example, when drilling. Drivers drive wheels of conventional kW. Extensive warranties are said they had the advantages of CONTACT rigid tractors, all four wheels of given on the Goodyear belts tracks while retaining the con- Rick Parker, StocksAG, articulated tractors, or the and the drive gear, and John venience of conventional trac- Cromwell Road, Wisbech, drive wheels of combine har- Deere maintain the tractor tor steering. The tracks also Cambridgeshire, PE14. Tel: vesters. They use proven warranty when Agritrac is fit- functioned very successfully on +44 (0)1945 464909 Fax: ‘Goodyear’ rubber belts, are ted. Fitting the tracks effective- the combine harvester, giving +44 (0)1945 464985 within 3 m vehicle width and ly gears the tractor down by 10 can be used on roads at up to - 12%, and the front wheels 32 km/h. Agritracs can be normally have to be changed to Silver medal quickly fitted or removed and provide the right drive ratios. winner: John therefore offer versatility of use The advantages of the Deere 8520 model illustrating within and between seasons. A tracks are low slip, low ground the use of the pair of tracks runs on a total of pressure, reduced sinkage and Agritrac rubber track system 16 rubber tyred idlers, provid- soil damage, reduced fuel con- ing total area support of more sumption and improved ride in than 1.2 m2 each side and a the field. The initial cost is ground pressure of less than much less than that of a dedi- 35 kPa from a 10 tonne tractor. cated track machine, and the The tracks pivot and therefore Agritracs can be retained and remain ‘flat’ on the ground fitted to the next tractor when under all traction conditions to machines are sold on. Users give uniform ground pressure found slippage under heavy across the contact area. There traction very much reduced (15 are 32 teeth on the drive wheel - 20% down to 2 - 3% quoted),
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PRODUCT NEWS
Silver Medal
Power Arm 52 and Silver medal winner: McConnel Power other models, very accurate 59 Hy-Reach hedge Arm 52 Hy-Reach mower cutting, easy to drive which and verge mowers made for longer revenue earn- The Power Arm 52 and 59 ing hours, superb performance Hy-Reach mowers are from the McConnel flails, and designed to meet the excellent support from dealers needs of contractors and and the manufacturer. The municipal authorities. They machine stands up to the heavi- are either front or rear est contractor use without three-point linkage mount- problems and was rated as ed on tractors of 50 kW ‘outstanding’ by all those inter- or over. Both the reach viewed. The only regret regis- and dipper arms are tered was that they had not tapered for additional accepted some of the advanced strength and use the options offered by McConnel - McConnel parallel arm but would do so in future. geometry for easy control in the horizontal plane as CONTACT well as good over-fence Christian Davies, McConnel clearance. For transport the hydraulics may be semi or total- dard control is cable operated, Limited, Temeside Works, arms and flailhead are slewed ly independent. The outstand- with electric switchbox, mono Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1LJ. to a position within the width ing Easy Drive System (EDS), lever and digital armrest con- Tel: +44 (0)1584 873131 of the tractor. There are a total which gives automatic head trols as options. Fax: +44 (0)1584 876463 of five flailhead options for the control at high forward speeds Users subjecting the E-mail: two models, with the new light- and attracted an earlier silver machines to very heavy usage [email protected] weight ‘Tuffcut’ head available medal award, is available as an reported up to 20% increase in Website: on the PA59. The 50 kW option on the PA52. The stan- work output compared with www.mcconnel.com Silver Medal
Tinemaster hard-facing, did up to 240 Royal Agricultural Society of England The Tinemaster is a silver medal winner: Quivogne hectares. Maintenance substantial tillage Tinemaster shown with rear mounted costs were thought to be press combination of two modest and after the sev- rows of discs with eral thousand hectares of intermediate winged use, represented by those tines. It is offered in interviewed, there was widths between 3.2 clear evidence that the m and 6 m and folds machine is very robust hydraulically to within and reliable. Technical 3 m for road move- support from Quivogne ment. Gas suspen- was immediate, as was sion with totally safe support from the dealers and positive locking, and the manufacturer. in the transport posi- tion, give safe and sta- ble movement. Tine depth adjustment is manual. The discs are closely aimed to drill after one pass weather resistant tilth pro- CONTACT spaced and this combined with with the Tinemaster and the duced and the ease of folding, Tony Clowes, Quivogne UK, the even lift from the winged daily coverage with the 6 m locking and transport. Disc Fen Farm, Washbrook, tines gives a remarkably level model was from 20 to as much replacement was at around Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3HE. finish for drilling. as 40 hectares with tractors of 1600 hectares at the front, with Tel: +44 (0)1473 730576 Most users had bought the 225 - 300 kW. Users stated up to 3200 hectares at the rear, Fax: +44 (0)1473 730681 Tinemaster to speed up and that the design of the machine obviously with variation E-mail: quivogne@farm- reduce the cost of cultivations was excellent, commenting par- according to soil conditions. line.com Website: for combinable crops. Most ticularly on the level and Sets of points maintained with www.farmline.com
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Royal Agricultural Society of England gold medal winner: John GOLD Medal Deere’s GreenStar AutoTrac assisted steering system for tracked tractors, in action; image also includes a close-up of the Autotrac unit GreenStar guidance poor. systems Users, without The John Deere Parallel exception, said that the Tracking and Autotrac are cost of the system based on a differential global would be quickly positioning system (DGPS), recovered through with the additional refinement accurate bout matching of StarFire correction, to give and elimination of automatic steering accuracy overlap in the field. of better than 100 mm. A They found the standard global positioning equipment easy to system (GPS) receives a signal operate, precision of from three different satellites steering was better and in conventional form bring the accuracy to better than ‘return to marker’, for example, than manual work by a skilled achieves an accuracy of around 3 100 mm. This is available on the returning to a point to resume operator and support from John m horizontally and 5 m in the ‘T’ rubber track tractors to give spraying,‘row finder’ to get to Deere was superb. The potential vertical direction. With the assisted or fully automatic the next tramline and a facility for night-time and poor visibility addition of a reference station (in steering. for resuming at the correct point work was recognised by all users. this case sited in Cornwall and Parallel track gives an audible the next day. John Deere owned and signal guide for manual steering. The advantages of the CONTACT operated) this accuracy is raised Autotrac provides total hands-off guidance system are increased Jonathan Henry, John Deere to less than 1 m horizontally and automatic steering in the field. efficiency in the field through Ltd, GreenStar Guidance is known as DGPS. The John This is almost universally used in accurate matching of bouts, less Systems, Harby Road, Langar, Deere receiver takes in a further straight-line mode in this stressful and therefore potentially Nottingham, NG13 9HT signal from one of two levels of country, although there is a longer working days and precise Tel: +44 (0)1949 860491 the StarFire correction signal contour-following facility steering where there are no Fax: +44 (0)1949 860490 (again a John Deere facility) to available.The system includes tramlines or where visibility is
GOLD Medal
Electronic animal iden- movement of last, and had not been tification - parlour, in- the cow’s affected by pressure and stall and sort-gate head, from steam cleaning. Judges The centre of Agricultural normal stand- reported one herdsman Technology Limited’s (ATL) par- ing to eating looking after 300 cows lour in-stall identification tech- from a with only occasional help, nology is their ‘high power’ in- manger, is with the automatic sorting stall antenna. This can be added accommodated by the large size for relief milkers; of cattle for artificial insemina- to virtually any parlour without of the antenna. reduced milker stress without tion (AI) or other reasons being structural alteration and does The other elements of the the need to leave the pit to of prime importance. One not need any special equipment system are the TIRIS ear tag, a direct cows for veterinary atten- owner said:“It allows 200 plus to install or test. Parlours with disc of 18 mm diameter costing tion; cows to be managed as individu- wide passages pose no problem about £3 and the powerful TIRIS use of warning flags against par- als”. Support from ATL was said as they might for portal-type S2000 reader. The system is ticular cows which could be set to be immediate and technically antennas. The cows do not designed for linkage to in-par- up ‘at leisure’ on the computer excellent by all users. need to be ‘streamed’ in through lour feeding, milk recording, in the farm office; CONTACT a long entry race to prevent sorting or segregation gates and production-based out-of-parlour them backing off after they have out of parlour forage or con- feeding. Contact: Robin Sadler, been identified. The wide range centrate feeding as required. Use of this equipment had Agricultural Technology Ltd, of tuning tolerance means that, The advantages of the ATL revolutionised herd management Place Farm, Kirtling, once the antennas are installed, equipment reported by the in several cases, reducing labour Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 re-tuning is virtually unneces- users were: costs and raising the profitability 9PA. Tel: +44 (0)1638 sary. The in-stall antenna does totally reliable cow identifica- of the enterprise. There were 731212 Fax: +44 (0)1638 not rely on a correct sequence tion; further advantages for the safety 731174 E-mail: info@agri- of cows entering the parlour shorter milking times; of operators working alone with cultural-technology.co.uk and is remarkably insensitive to consistently accurate feeding; large herds. All the equipment Website: www.agricultural- animal behaviour. A full range of elimination of paper instructions was robust and clearly built to technology.co.uk
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