Oliver Wood, Hutchinsons Precision Technology Manager, Believes That Many UK Growers Are Still Not Convinced of the Benefits Of

FieldAGRONOMY NEWS FROMwise

DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017

Goes Live! Oliver Wood, Hutchinsons Precision Technology Manager, believes that many UK growers are still not convinced of the benefits of precision farming and continue to look for a way to connect their data to in-field agronomic decisions that will increase their efficiency and profitability.

“This is because to date precision “Omnia contains crop specific farming crop management decisions algorithims which are based on many Oliver Wood have only been able to use single years of trials and field experience, (Hutchinsons Precision Technology Manager) layers of field data. As a result these so the data being generated is could be of soil condition, and again decisions have not incorporated the real and extremely valuable. This this can be zoned, the next layer may many variables within crops, soils ensures that every part of every field be weed pressure, and so on.” and fields that are routinely integrated accurately receives the appropriate within conventional crop management inputs to maximise productivity, whilst “Once these maps have been decisions“, he says. minimising environmental impact.” created, crop type, variety and anticipated drilling date need to be There are no limits to the number of map However all this is changing following added into the system, and then a layers and different zones that can be the launch this autumn of Hutchinsons variable drilling rate recommendation generated with Omnia, and this makes unique precision farming, cloud is produced by Omnia based on all of its potential limitless, says Mr Wood. based application, Omnia. the factors that have been measured This precision farming tool allows “Being able to calculate seed rates for – soil texture, seed bed condition, growers and agronomists for the a range of crops and situations is one and weed pressure.” first time to make precision crop of the many exciting features of Omnia, “If you want to include additional factors management decisions, based upon but obviously the more information or then maps for slug pressure, black- all of the factors that as a matter of maps for that field, the more accurate grass and nutrients could be added.” routine they would normally consider the recommendation will be.” “This ability to overlay maps of data when managing their crops. He gives an example of generating a means that the recommendations “So what Omnia does is to create variable seed rate recommendation created through Omnia are much layers of data, such as soil type, nutrient using Omnia. “The first map needed is more closely aligned to the agronomic levels, cropping, slug levels, seed bed that of the field geography and size. A requirements of the field, than has conditions, nutrient status etc.This soil texture map of the field can then ever been possible to produce before, information is then over laid to develop be generated, which can be split into and this is a really exciting step variable rate application plans, not only zones illustrating different soil types forward in how precision technology for seed, but also for the application of across the field ie a clay patch in a can make us more productive and fertilisers and crop protection products.” loamy-clay field. The next layer or map efficient as an industry.” Continue overleaf >>> “Manipulating the system is easy; you can go in and change information really easily, and as I become more familiar with the system its clear to see how easy it will be to create maps on seed bed conditions, slug levels, soil types, weed burdens etc.” “I think this is where the real value in the system lies as by building up various layers of information, it is possible to see and understand what is happening in a field at any one time which makes for a much more precise variable nutrient, seed or crop protection recommendation.” “An important attribute of Omnia is George Robson (Hutchinson Agronomist) that it can use data collected through John Chamberlain (Farmacy Agronomist) different systems, so if a client has >>> existing data collected by other Omnia offers a step on from At the other end of the country, companies, the system can use this, so Hutchinsons original precision John Chamberlain, an agronomist previous work does not go to waste.” technology services, and in the with Farmacy, has also started short time since its launch many to introduce Omnia to his clients. Hutchinsons agronomists are Omnia can be used to “My clients all farm in and around seeing the advantages offered by the Cambridgeshire and Essex the new system. create maps for: areas, and almost all of them have “Historically, information on the • Historical field performance potatoes in their rotations.” performance of particular fields or • Yield “There has not been much use of patches within fields has come from precision technology in this sector, the farmer or agronomist, however • Cropping and rotations • Nutrient status some growers will be using GPS for the first time we now have a mapping for PCN. However, many • Soil analysis technology in Omnia that can help growers don’t really know what the to do this by building up a picture of • Soil type best way of using this data is once they maps of the various characteristics of • Crop biomass have it, or it has been awkward and a field, so it’s easier to see what the • Soil zones slow, so this has switched them off.” issues are and to deal with them,” • Weed pressure “So when introducing a new says George Robson. • Pest density technology onto farm, the challenge George, who is an agronomist with • Seed bed conditions for me was to demonstrate a real Hutchinsons, based out of the step forward in ease of use, and Alnwick depot in Northumberland, useful translation or interpretation of has over 20 farmer clients who have This information is then over the data into valuable information.” started to use Omnia, and sees laid to develop variable rate the real benefits in ease of use and “By using the mapping facility of application plans for: efficiency of the system. Omnia it is possible to basically map any in-field criteria, so I have started “The majority of my farmer clients are • Base fertilisers • Seed rates mapping soil type and black grass running mixed farms with combinable population across many of the more cereals, these farms range from • Herbicides challenged fields.” anything from 100 to 700 ha’s, and I • Nitrogen applications “On their own these maps don’t tell am always interested in using any tools • Crop protection products that will make the work that we do for much more than I already know; our clients smarter and more efficient.” The system is available to however when over laid with a yield map for example, I can start to see “My first experiences with Omnia farmers and agronomists for the first time in autumn 2016. really clearly the links between soil have been for nutrient planning; condition, black grass and yield. this starts with developing maps of For more information on By creating a visible picture it’s easier field boundaries which has been Omnia please view our to understand and react to it.” straightforward to do, using several dedicated website: options for reference within the “The fact that Omnia is also available as system such as ordinance survey omniaprecision.co.uk a mobile app or through an iPad means that I can map fields as I walk through maps or ‘Bing’ for example.” or email: consultancy@ them, which is a huge advantage.” “Cropping is then attributed to each omniaprecision.co.uk field, creating a very visual record of rotations. Once generated, the soil nutrient status is then over laid onto this, creating a very clear picture of the nutrient status of particular fields and crops which can then be used to create an appropriate nutrient recommendation.” NRoSO Training Roadshows ‘Pedestrian, Protection and Pellets’ (This course qualifies for 10 NRoSO CPD and 6 BASIS CPD points)

Hutchinsons is pleased to invite • aware of best practice requirements you to attend a practical farm for the selection, use, maintenance workshop, as a continuation of and disposal of a wide range of the training commenced through personal protective equipment (PPE). the Voluntary Initiative. This year • aware of the requirements of the NSTS Reserving places on courses: NRoSO members can participate slug pellet applicator test and how Courses are charged at £45.00 + VAT in a 3 hour interactive training to prepare application equipment in per delegate place. If you are interested event entitled ‘Pedestrian, readiness for the test. in attending a course, please view further course details and book online using Protection and Pellets’, focusing There will also be time to discuss the your account, or with a credit or debit on hand held applicators, ever popular topic of “current issues” card, via our company website. personal protective equipment that affect the industry. and testing of slug pellet You can book your place(s) online applicators. Our workshops listed Programme by visiting: http://www.hlhltd.co.uk/ below cover topics for broad-acre - Introduction and review events-calendar.html / arable crop production. - Personal Protection Other ways to pay: Operators will have the opportunity to - Slug Pellet Applicator Testing Course fees can be either invoiced via share tips and solutions that work for - Hand Held Applicators your Hutchinsons account or payable them, and learn from their colleagues by cheque before attending the event - Current Issues and others attending the event, best – please phone us for details. Morning practice techniques that they could Delegates will receive:- sessions generally commence at 9.00am adopt in the future. • 3 hours of interactive training and afternoon sessions, after lunch at Following this event “Pedestrian, on the course syllabus 1.00pm (see individual course details Protection and Pellets” operators on our website for local start times). • Delegate Work Book incorporating should be: relevant best practice guides • aware of common types of hand • Certificate of attendance showing held applicators and how they CPD points should be correctly checked, calibrated & operated. • Refreshments and lunch provided.

List of forthcoming NRoSO arable training events and venues in date order: Date 2016/17 Local Depot / Area Venue Address THE NORTH & SCOTLAND 16/12/2016 Selby (AM Only) Boothferry Golf Club Spaldington Lane, Howden Road, Howden, Goole DN14 7NG 12/01/2017 Dundonald (AM Only) Dundonald Depot Unit 2a, Olympic Business Park, Drybridge Road, Dundonald KA2 9BE 16/01/2017 Easingwold The Galtres Centre Market Place,Easingwold,York YO61 3AD 17/01/2017 Darrington (AM Only) Kyte Hotel Chestnut House, Great North Road, Darrington, West Yorkshire, WF8 3HR 23/01/2017 Forfar (AM Only) Finavon Hotel Finavon, Forfar, Angus DD8 3QD 24/01/2017 Fife (AM Only) The Lomond Hills Hotel High Street, Freuchie, Fife KY15 7EY 25/01/2017 Alnwick Alnwick Rugby Club Greensfield Avenue, Alnwick, NE66 1BE 25/01/2017 Wetherby The Bridge Walshford, Wetherby, North Yorkshire. LS22 5HS 26/01/2017 Carlisle (AM Only) The Auctioneer Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria. CA1 2RR EAST ANGLIA 13/12/2016 Harling Harling Depot Barkers Buildings, Middle Harling, East Harling, Norfolk, NR16 2SQ 14/12/2016 Swaffham The George Hotel Station Street, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7LJ 15/12/2016 Oundle area (AM Only) Hutchinsons Oundle Depot 5 Nene Valley Business Park, The Old Quarry, Oundle, PE8 4HN 06/01/2017 D Market/Soham (AM Only) Southery Village Hall Southery Village Hall, Southery, Norfolk, PE38 0NB 09/01/2017 Whittlesey Flegcroft Farm 121 Aliwal Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 2LA 10/01/2017 Soham No Hurry Inn Old School Lane, Upware, nr Ely, Cambs, CB7 5ZR 11/01/2017 Tendring Brook Farm Meeting Room Brook Farm, Thorrington Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, CO7 8QP 16/01/2017 Stowmarket Cedars Hotel Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2AJ 23/01/2017 Beccles Ilketshall St Andrew Village Hall School Road, Ilketshall St Andrew, Beccles NR34 8HX 23/01/2017 Harling Harling Depot Barkers Buildings, Middle Harling, East Harling, Norfolk, NR16 2SQ >>> >>> 25/01/2017 Cambridge Burgh Hall Burgh Hall, Park End, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambs, CB25 0NA 25/01/2017 Soham No Hurry Inn Old School Lane, Upware, nr Ely, Cambs, CB7 5ZR 31/01/2017 Stowmarket (AM Only) Cedars Hotel Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2AJ 10/02/2017 D Market/Soham (AM Only) Southery Village Hall Southery Village Hall, Southery, Norfolk, PE38 0NB 15/02/2017 Tendring Brook Fm Meeting Room Brook Farm, Thorrington Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, CO7 8QP 20/02/2017 Royston area Bayer Cropscience Chishill Trials Farm, Great Chishill, Royston, Cambs SG8 8SS LEICESTERSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE 11/01/2017 Boston Boston West Golf Club Hubbert’s Bridge, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3QX 11/01/2017 Leicester (Hinckley) Farol UK– John Deere Wharf Farm, Coventry Rd, Hinckley, Leics, LE10 0NB 12/01/2017 Leics/West Lincs Park Hill Golf Club Park Hill, Seagrave, Leicestershire, LE12 7NG 12/01/2017 Melton Mowbray RES Tractors Limited Waltham Lane, Harby, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 4DB 18/01/2017 Dorrington Lodge Farm Meeting Room Lodge Farm, Asgarby Rd, Burton Pedwardine, Lincs, NG34 0DF 25/01/2017 Boston Boston West Golf Club Hubbert’s Bridge, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3QX 26/01/2017 Notts/Mid Lincs The Wyndam Garden Hotel Toll Bar Road, Marston, Grantham NG32 2HT 30/01/2017 North West Lincs Uncle Henry’s Grayingham Grange Farm, Grayingham, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 4JD 08/02/2017 Notts/West Lincs Dunham Village Hall Low Street, Dunham on Trent, Notts, NG22 0UE 09/02/2017 South Lincs/Northants/Leics Grange Farm Equestrian Centre Wittering Grange Farm, Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6NR 16/02/2017 North East Lincs (AM Only) The Oaklands Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby, DN37 7LF CENTRAL & SOUTH EAST 20/12/2016 Westbury (AM Only) Fullingbridge Farm Heywood, Westbury, WILTSHIRE, BA13 4NB 21/12/2016 Banbury Bloxham Mill Business Park Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 4FF 12/01/2017 Cirencester Somerford Keynes Village Hall Water Lane, Somerford Keynes, Near Cirencester, Glos GL7 6DS 20/01/2017 Kent Canterbury Depot Canterbury Business Park, Highland Court Farm, Coldharbour Lane, Bridge CT4 5HW 06/02/2017 Daventry Staverton Park Hotel Daventry Road , Staverton, Daventry , Northamptonshire, NN11 6JT 07/02/2017 Banbury (AM Only) Bloxham Mill Business Park Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 4FF 08/02/2017 Milton Keynes Brogborough Manor Farm The Granary, Manor Farm, Brogborough, Milton Keynes, MK43 0YD 09/02/2017 Burnham (AM Only) T Rayner & Son Hicknaham Farm, Littleworth Road, Burnham, Bucks. SL1 8PG WEST MIDLANDS 13/12/2016 Hereford (AM Only) Three Counties Hotel Belmont Road, Hereford HR2 7BP 10/01/2017 Tewkesbury (AM Only) The Beckford Inn [Bredon Room] Cheltenham Rd, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 7AN 18/01/2017 Ledbury Ledbury Rugby Club Ross Road Playing Fields, Ross Road, Ledbury, Hereford, HR8 2LP 19/01/2017 Worcester (AM Only) The Holt Fleet Holt Heath, Worcester, Worcs WR6 6NL 14/02/2017 Leominster (AM Only) Luctonians Sports Club Mortimer Park, Kingsland, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9SB 15/02/2017 Shrewsbury Four Crosses Inn Holyhead Road, Bicton, Shrewsbury, SY3 8EF 16/02/2017 Bridgnorth Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn Ludlow Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5NQ CORNWALL 28/11/2016 Hayle (AM Only) The Old Quay House Griggs Quay, Hayle Cornwall TR27 6JG 05/12/2016 Truro (Eve meeting 6pm) Truro Livestock Market Newquay Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1RH 13/12/2016 Truro (AM Only) Truro Livestock Market Newquay Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1RH 16/12/2016 Liskeard (AM Only) Eliot House Hotel Castle Street, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3AU 20/01/2017 Launceston (AM Only) Trethorne Leisure Park (Dartmoor Suite), Kenards House, Launceston PL15 8QE 24/01/2017 Truro (AM Only) Truro Livestock Market Newquay Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1RH

2016 Maize trials update Carlisle Hutchinsons Sales Development Manager Dominic Bovis presents a short round-up of our experience across some of the Hutchinsons maize trial sites at Great Livermere, Carlisle and Truro this year. 2016 proved to be a very different average by more than 3°C. The map growing year for maize at the overleaf, (figure 1) courtesy of the Met Hutchinsons Regional Technology Office, shows how mean temperatures Centres when compared to 2015. A for the first two weeks of September cold spring and variable conditions differed across the country. throughout the rest of the growing Great Livermere period have resulted in crops maturing Great Livermere site at vastly different timings – sometimes At the Hutchinsons Energy trials on the same site - causing obvious site near Great Livermere in Suffolk, difficulties at harvest time. admittedly on very light land, Hutchinsons Business Development The unusually warm weather in Manager observed Truro September accelerated the speed Kiryon Skippen that the plots had senesced to such of maturity of many crops, as temperatures exceeded the 20 year Continue overleaf >>> >>> a degree by mid-September that Movanna (FAO 220), which is also In addition, sampling of the cobs they were fit for harvest some 3 new to the UK for 2016, showed showed that the N-Lock treated plants weeks earlier than in 2015. similar performance to Indexx in the produced a bigger cob with less commercial crops on the same site. ‘nosing’ where the grain sites at the tip of the cob have not fully formed. Row spacing trials RAGT Indexx and Pioneer P7326 were planted at two different row spacings – the more conventional 750mm (which some may find interesting to know stems back to the days when a row needed to be wide enough for a horse to manoeuvre machinery, rather than any other agronomic reason) and at 500mm. Dick Neale, Hutchinsons Technical Manager, observed that the roots of Comparison of cobs showing the effect of N-Lock treatments plants in the 500mm rows developed In additional nutrition trials at a greater mass and effectively aerated Longtown, Efficie-N-t 28 was applied the soil. When a at the 7-8 leaf stage in a separate Figure 1. Temperature water infiltration field scale trial which resulted in anomalies from the mean test was conducted an increase in fresh weight yield 1st- 14th September 2016. this reduced the Source Met Office over the control. However, Jim infiltration time by urges that care is needed where 90% - indicating nutritional supplements are applied The Great Livermere trials were that the plants had in conjunction with slurries and extended in 2016 to investigate a greater access to conventional fertilisers, in order not broad range of factors. 12 different water and other to inadvertently overload crops. varieties with a range of maturity were valuable nutrients In future work, Jim will be compared ranging from Pioneer’s in the 500mm row The water infiltration test investigating whether the fertiliser P7326 which is termed ‘Extra Early’ configuration. in a 500mm row spacing and with an FAO of loading affects the maturity of crops KWS Severus The picture above shows the degree 170, to at FAO 240. and their subsequent harvest dates. RAGT Indexx to which water was able to move quickly, vertically through the soil in Truro, Cornwall RAGT Indexx performed the 500mm row spacing, using the In the South West trials near well at Great Livermere pathways created by roots. A short Truro, the value of Efficie-N-t 28 video explaining this and some of was again evident when used the other findings at the Hutchinsons in conjunction with a fungicide Energy Great Livermere maize trials containing pyraclostrobin and site can be found on the Hutchinsons epoxiconazole. Two Pioneer varieties web site at www.hlhltd.co.uk showed significant fresh weight yield differences over a control at Longtown, Carlisle 6mt/ha and 8mt/ha for P7326 and Hutchinsons Seeds Manager At the maize field trials near Longtown, P7892 respectively. Additionally, Colin Button notes that for the Carlisle managed by Hutchinsons’ treatments resulted in an increase second successive year RAGT Indexx Cropwise agronomist Jim Clark, the in starch in the plots of Limagrain performed very well, indicating a high cold spring was mitigated by planting Glory and Ambition by 9% and 8% degree of consistency which growers the crop under plastic. At these trials, respectively over the control. will find useful. At this site, Indexx Jim observed that Hutchinsons’ agronomist recorded a Metabolisable Energy (ME) where Nitrapyrin observed value of 105% of the mean. Both was applied as a Ryan Came-Johnson that the treatments kept the plots Pioneer varieties (Very Early) nitrogen stabiliser in P7378 greener for longer, resulting in more and (Very Early) also exceeded Dow’s N-Lock, with P7892 time for sugars to be converted in to the mean ME across the site. P7378 a pre-emergence starch. The highest yielding variety is a new variety from Pioneer which is herbicide, there in the trial was Pioneer (very being described as one for favourable was a noticeable P7892 early) at 52.9mt fresh weight. Closely sites and avoiding heavy ground, difference in behind this was Pioneer which echoes our experience this the vigour of P7326 N-Lock treated plants (Extra Early) which has performed year at Great Livermere, which is a treated crops. showing remaining well in field trials in Cornwall and light sandy soil. green leaf material There was a Devon too. A promising newcomer called noticeable difference where the Mallory Across the country, Hutchinsons from Limagrain also performed well in plots at Great Livermere had been will be conducting further variety the trial plots. This is a proven variety treated with N-Lock too. Although and agronomy trials in 2017, aimed for anaerobic digestion in Germany at the time this photograph of the at helping maize growers achieve and is termed an intermediate plots was taken, nearly all the plants more from their crop. For more maturing variety. This promises to had reached maturity, Hutchinsons’ information, please speak to your provide another option for UK growers Commercial Fertiliser Specialist Rob local agronomist or contact us at needing to spread harvest workload Jewers notes that N-Lock treated with a range of maturity dates. plants were greener for longer. www.hlhltd.co.uk. Spring Seed David Bouch Choices for 2017

With spring fast approaching, David Bouch (Hutchinsons Seeds Manager – Designate) considers the best options for spring sowing. Will spring 2017 be comparable with that of 2016?

The area sown in spring 2017 markets and again demonstrates is perhaps now less likely to be good untreated yield, coupled with significantly bigger than that of very stiff straw. There will still be a spring 2016, as the open autumn place for Concerto and Odyssey growers who are looking to plant has allowed some growers to which both have malting and distilling after failed OSR crops, there may be plant later drilled winter wheat potential. Finally, in the west where a need for early decision making to where they have been able to feed barley and a need for straw are acquire varieties of choice. Beans will control early flushes of black more pressing, then Kelim has been undoubtedly be Fuego, Fanfare and grass; although in drier areas, the a consistent performer. Vertigo as the standard bearers, but grass weeds have been very slow Spring wheats are very individual there will be some interest in the new to show and this will certainly choices and if milling is the variety Lynx that has the best downy need monitoring. requirement there is little need to mildew resistance of any variety currently available. The choice in peas Challenging OSR look further than Mulika - whilst out yielded by all the other spring - Prophet and Campus - offer both There will be challenges for OSR varieties, it is the only variety to offer yield and quality as large blues, with growers where winter OSR crops group one milling qualities. It also Campus in particular having excellent have been lost. The total area lost is possesses OWBM resistance along standing ability to enhance its claims somewhat difficult to ascertain (some with . offers the for consideration. estimates say in excess of 70,000 ha), Belvoir KWS Kilburn greatest yield potential for growers but it is safe to say that the hectares The supplies of seed for several looking to keep things simple in terms entered have seen a significant decline, popular varieties are likely to of storage, if hard wheats are already due to both lack of moisture at the time run short, so we recommend in the farm rotation. of establishment and also to flea beetle growers to promptly discuss seed damage where crops did survive. Spring Oilseeds requirements with their agronomist, or the Hutchinsons seed sales There is the potential to see a growth Spring Cereals team, in order to secure their most in on the are the preferred Spring Oilseed Rape preferred options. Spring barleys back of high market values for the option for those growers with black crop at harvest 2017. Varieties; grass concerns, and there are many , and can be varieties that can be considered as Builder Dodger Doktrin For more information on any of our products considered as options. Hybrid has to be or services please contact your local viable options for this sector. Propino the choice, with the necessary vigour Hutchinsons agronomist or contact us at: will undoubtedly be the most widely needed for successful establishment. grown and in turn could find seed supplies tight. Of the newer varieties, Linseed could also see some there will be increased interest in interest, as contract prices currently look more attractive than they have in both RGT Planet and also Laureate H L Hutchinson Limited • Weasenham Lane where higher yield potential, coupled recent seasons. Wisbech • Cambridgeshire PE13 2RN with initial support from the malting Legumes industry, offers encouragement. and are likely to be Tel: 01945 461177 Agronomically they both also offer Peas Beans in reasonably tight supply with Fax: 01945 474837 the possibility for cleaner crops. KWS yields from harvest 2016 being Email: [email protected] offers opportunity in different Irina disappointing and therefore, for those www.hlhltd.co.uk