Agriculture • Horticulture • Forestry • Environment • Amenity

LANDWARDSAutumn 2006 Innovative Entrepreneurs

Career Reflections www.iagre.org THIN KERF SAWMILLING Volume 61 No.3 61 No.3 Volume IAgrE JOURNAL MACHINERY AWARDS

INNOVATION

The Institution for Agricultural Engineers Award for equipment contributing to sustainability in agriculture and land use & RASE Silver Medal Simba Consolidation Systems - Aqueel Roller

The Aqueel is a roller which effectively is mainly used as a final pass in the crops, and did not have erosion problems. consolidates seedbeds while pressing a cultivation and planting of vegetable crops, They had been looking for an alternative to lattice of indentations into the soil. Water is or behind a range of cultivators and presses steel and tyre-packer systems, and benefited retained in the indentations, leading to in general arable production. from the versatility and low down-time of reduced water erosion, some reduction in the self-cleaning Aqueel. The length of life of wind erosion and more effective use of The majority of users consulted were on the the roller was generally put at about 800 ha irrigation water. lighter lands and growing mainly potato and of use. vegetable crops. They used the Aqueel to The roller, made up of wheel units mounted give good soil firming without the excessive CONTACT on an axle, is formed from micro-cellular action of some steel rollers on fragile soils, polyurethane which flexes in use and has to conserve water (both irrigation and Philip Wright or Peter Mason, Simba excellent self-cleaning properties. Scrapers rainfall) and reduce wind and water erosion. Consolidation Systems, Woodbridge Road, Sleaford, Lincs., NG34 7EW. are not required, so that the downtime and The self-cleaning and reduced draught gave Tel: +44 (0)1529 304654. inconvenience of maintaining, cleaning and quality and uninterrupted work over a wide Fax: +44 (0)1529 413469 replacing scrapers is eliminated and under range of soil conditions. Other users were E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.simba.co.uk most conditions draft is reduced. The roller on heavier land, were growing combinable

RASE GOLD MEDAL AND RHASS GOLD MEDAL

Bryce Post Drivers - Bryce Suma post driver ing double their daily output, had replaced three-man teams. The machine was easy to Bryce Post Drivers of Morebattle, Kelso operate, had excellent safety features, was were the proud recipients of a Gold Medal rugged and was expected to have an indefi- from the Royal Society of England’s (RASE) nite life and good resale value. The routine awards at this year’s Royal Show, Stoneleigh greasing requirement was not a problem for Park,Warwickshire. operators. Tractors used were often in the They were also the recipients of the first range 64 - 75 kW, usually with some extra Gold Medal to be awarded since 2002 by the front-end ballast. Others used a JCB Fastrac Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of and one used a rubber-track carrier vehicle Scotland (RHASS) under its New Implements with three-point linkage so that the supply of Award Scheme at the Royal Highland Show, posts and wire moved with the post driver. Ingliston, Edinburgh. RHASS Director Doug Fowlie, Millhill, The award winning piece of equipment - Longside, Peterhead, convener of the panel the Bryce Suma Profi Post Driver - had pre- of judges for the RHASS awards, said: “We viously won a Silver Medal and a Certificate have observed this machine being developed of Commendation at the Royal Highland over a number of years and agreed that it Show. Independent hydraulic legs give stability had tremendous potential. Modifications and The Bryce Post Drivers combine a range of on sloping ground, raised hammer height and adaptations have brought it to a very high outstanding features which allow one man to easy driving of stakes down the fence line. level of efficiency. This year we were even work on his own safely, quickly and with pre- There is no need to lift and lower the more impressed and it is well worthy of a cision. machine for every stake. rare gold award.” The tractor mounted driver, designed by The design of the driver is deliberately Jock Bryce, features a 376 kg hammer which simple and robust with a minimum of moving CONTACT provides unbeatable hitting power under all parts with a safety cage preventing accidental ground conditions. Combined sideshift and activation of controls. Jock Bryce, Bryce Post Drivers, Linton backshift allows driven posts to be kept in Users, for the RASE awards, in particular, Hill, Morebattle, Kelso, TD5 8AE. Tel: line with the telescopic mast in both direc- reported reduced labour, greater output and +44 (0)1573 440314. Mobile: +44 (0)7970 730567 E-mail: tions at all times without having to move the superb quality of work with the machine. [email protected] tractor. They indicated that a single operator, achiev- Volume 61 No 3, 2006

The Professional Journal for Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Environment LANDWARDS and Amenity CONTENTS Editor Eur Ing Prof Brian D Witney Feature Articles PhD CEng CEnv FIMechE HonFIAgrE MemASABE FFCS LAND TECHNOLOGY LTD 33 South Barnton Ave, 2 TIMBER PROCESSING Edinburgh, EH4 6AN Tel/Fax:+44 (0)131 336 3129 Thin kerf sawmilling – an environmentally friendly harvest E-mail: [email protected] Jack Petree Website: http://www.landtec.co.uk 7 INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS Advertising All enquiries to IAgrE Ag Eng activities still alive at the Park Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 13 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Origination: David King Agricultural Engineering in My Fifty Years Dan Boyce Printing: Barr Printers Ltd

Publisher Landwards is published quarterly by: Membership Matters centrefold IAgrE, Barton Road, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4FH News and Comment Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 Fax: +44(0)1525 861660 5 News scan E-mail: [email protected] 16 Publication reviews Website: http://www.iagre.org 18 Company and product information President 21 RHASS and RASE machinery awards Professor Paul C H Miller BSc PhD CEnv FIAgrE Chief Executive & Secretary Christopher R Whetnall Front cover: Princess Michael of Kent, presenting the IAgrE Sustainability Award (a certificate and engraved crystal bowl) CEnv IEng FIAgrE MemASABE to Peter Mason (Salesman – Simba Consolidation Equipment), with Philip Wright (Technical Director, Simba), Charles Creyke (inventor of the Aqueel) and Professor Paul Miller (President of IAgrE) beside the award winning roller mounted on a Kverneland machine.

The views and opinions expressed in individual contributions are not those necessarily of IAgrE or the Editor. 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 jour- nal. 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 pro- prietary products may be inevitable. No endorsement of the named products or manufacturers is intended and no adverse criti- cism is implied of similar products which are not mentioned. © The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) ISSN 1363-8300 TIMBER PROCESSING

THIN KERF SAWMILLING – AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HARVEST Jack Petree

“The US annual cut of timber for wood products is equivalent to approximately 240 million trees,” Bratkovich writes. “We could save the equivalent of 69 million trees annually if our recovery efficiency improved from 50% to 70% in our primary processing industry.” Those unharvested trees, according to Bratkovich, would continue to absorb about 900,000 t of carbon dioxide and produce about 650,000 t of oxygen each year as they continue to grow (Bratkovich, 2004). Similar studies at sawmills in other Very thin kerf means less sawdust and more timber places, including Russia, have produced like findings.

‘Kerf’ is the thickness of the cut process, make them a significant A relatively new made by a saw blade as it passes asset in achieving: technology through wood fibre when timber • efficient raw material In recent decades, the increased is milled. The ratio of usable utilisation; sawmill efficiency, to which timber to sawdust generated in • effective waste management; Bratkovich points as being sawmill operations has a direct • recycling objectives; and important to the environment, relationship to kerf. • carbon sequestration needed has come to be widely available Thinner kerfs yield more to minimize greenhouse gas through the development of sawn timber and generate less emissions from both rural and portable thin kerf band sawmills, sawdust from a given volume of urban forests. first introduced to the public on BIO NOTE wood fibre. Over the past 25 The environmental advantages a commercial basis about 25 years, portable, ultra thin kerf, of thin kerf sawmilling are years ago. Jack Petree has written more than band sawmills capable of being substantial and demonstrable. As On introduction, the new 2,500 articles published in the world’s operated by one of two people just one example, United States technology drew little attention trade press and dealing with business, have become available. These Forest Service researcher, from the commercial forest environmental and land use issues. have become increasingly Stephen Bratkovich of the industry. In fact, those in the His firm, Public Policy Perspectives, is important tools in the worldwide Service’s Northeastern Area trade who did notice tended to dedicated to ‘translating’ the work of quest to achieve numerous State and Private Forestry view the sawmills as being little academicans into practical approaches environmental objectives division, has reported that typical more than ‘hobby saws’. That businesses and individuals interested in commonly held by both sawmills in the United States perception arose because the environmental enhancement can governments and ordinary operate at about 50% efficiency low cost of the units combined implement in their everyday work citizens of the world alike. in terms of timber recovery. A with their capacity to produce world. Although the contributions of study in a pallet sawmill in fine quality sawn timber, even Jack Petree, Public Policy Perspectives, these thin kerf sawmills have Missouri, Bratkovich continues, when run by novices, led to 2955 Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA gone largely unheralded, the demonstrated 69% efficiency for enthusiastic acceptance of the 98225, USA. Tel: +1 360 733 1303. technology used, and the nature a thin kerf mill with a 1.25 mm new concept by hobbyists, E-mail: [email protected] of the materials they often blade cutting thin planks. farmers, and others wanting to

2 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 for emissions of a forest fire but is also sequestering the carbon it contains for the life of the wood product.

Afforestation of marginal crop land and pasture to forest, reducing conversion of forest land to non- forest use and increased agroforestry Portable band sawmills have become a common sight on farms in recent years. Farmers, especially those with woodland available, use the mills to reduce expenses by sawing timber for their own use as well as milling timber for others and, thus, gain extra income. In making timber a viable crop, capable of providing much Sawmilling timber from a farmer’s woodland needed income in a farm situation, portable sawmills saw relatively small quantities of smaller than conventional wood fibre, in general, requires provide the means to inexpensive timber to support sawmills, cost less than a small less energy and creates less encourage farmers to allow personal needs. tractor, are usually highly pollution in its production than marginal crop land and pasture Today, increasing attention portable (either to tow behind do materials such as steel or to go back to forest as well as to environmental issues and a small vehicle or capable of cement. Much of the timber discourage wholesale clearing of advances in thin kerf technology being easily disassembled, milled on portable, thin kerf already existing farmland to have combined to create a transported and reassembled), sawmills provides a double provide new pasture. flourishing, albeit still mostly and can be operated by a single benefit because so much of the unnoticed, industry producing operator, they are often used to timber is manufactured from Improved forest large quantities of sawn timber mill timber from logs and other material otherwise destined to management from fibre that would have tree parts conventional sawmills be discarded. Forest management to reduce been, in the past, either cannot or will not accept – The timber processed on a catastrophic fire losses, improve completely wasted or material that would otherwise portable mill replaces fibre that habitat and restore altered underutilised, be wasted or underutilised. would otherwise be harvested, forests to their original One manufacturer alone, removed from the living forest, conditions is becoming an Wood-Mizer Products of Environmental transported to a mill and then important focus for both public Indianapolis, Indiana in the enhancements sawn. and private landowners around United States, reports that it Since even small changes in the the earth. has sold more than 30,000 units atmospheric carbon balance are Reducing biomass burning Portable, thin kerf, sawmills over the past 25 years. believed by some to have in wildfires can reach areas not accessible According to the firm, if those significant impacts on the Forest fires pump immense without extensive roadwork, sawmills are processing timber earth’s climate, portable quantities of carbon and other can mill material that at average production levels of sawmills can and do play an pollutants into the atmosphere. conventional mills will not even one quarter of their important role in some of the Thinning is an increasingly accept and can be utilised on capacity, total sawn timber carbon mitigation strategies important way to reduce fuel small quantities of material. As production on them may many believe to be critical in loads in forests. a result, the mills are exceed 5.5 billion board feet reducing atmospheric carbon. Portable sawmills are often increasingly utilised to improve (13 Mm3) per year. (A board used at the harvest site to forest health and habitat in foot is defined as one square Substituting wood process material that is either areas that might not otherwise foot of sawn timber, one inch products for more energy too small or too limited in be treatable. thick.) intensive products and terms of quantity to warrant a From an environmental reducing demand for complete harvest, yet must be Reduced harvest standpoint, the source of much energy in growing timber, removed in the battle to reduce One of the most cost effective, of the timber sawn on thin kerf harvesting timber and catastrophic forest fires. as well as efficient, ways to equipment is more important wood processing The fibre removed not only reduce the timber harvest is the than the quantity. As very thin Many believe, and numerous contributes to reductions in the substitution of timber milled kerf sawmills are typically studies appear to confirm, that severity and thus the potential from wood that would

3 TIMBER PROCESSING

Structures, has recovered more emerged as a tool in reaching than 30 million board feet of the important objective of material (71,000 m3) from an enhancing the earth’s old railroad trestle that once environment. In recent years, spanned a part of the Great Salt sawmill manufacturers have Lake. Removal of the trestle developed advanced not only provided substantial technologies allowing very small environmental advantages for businesses to profitably utilise the lake, but also resulted in the thin kerf sawmilling to process raw material base Cannon has timber from fibre conventional utilised in producing timber mills cannot, or will not, handle. trusses, unique softwood With perhaps 50,000 or flooring, mantelpieces, skirting more very thin kerf units boards, architraves, mouldings, operating worldwide, thin kerf and other products for the sawmilling has taken its place as speciality homebuilding, an important asset to furniture making, and the governments and individuals construction marketplaces of seeking to enhance the earth’s the Trans-Mississippi West. environment. Impressive as the In addition to its base progress made in recent product, marketed under the decades has been, thin kerf trademarked name sawmilling may only be on the A log most sawmills would reject ‘Trestlewood’, Cannon cusp of its importance as the processes material recovered significance of the technology otherwise be burned, left to harvest elsewhere. from demolished factories, comes to be more recognized rot, or otherwise wasted for barns, warehouses, docks, and by farmers, foresters and others timber milled from freshly Increasing the proportion other structures into similar utilising wood fibre in their harvested wood from healthy of retention of carbon in products. Much of that material businesses. forests. durable wood products is processed using the two thin A double benefit is realised Across the planet, in the kerf sawmills which the firm Reference when this substitution takes absence of the thin kerf, band utilises not only to refurbish the Bratkovich, S. (2004). Thin kerf place. First, the sawn timber sawmill, most recycling and wood but also to reduce waste. sawing: a technology worth recovered from wood, which recovery efforts for adopting. Northeastern Area State would otherwise be wasted, construction and demolition Conclusion and Private Forestry, USDA Forest sequesters carbon rather than debris, urban wood, and fibre Thin kerf sawmilling has Service. releasing it when burning or left in the forest after harvests rotting takes place. Second, as consists of chipping and TREASURED LAND Steven Bradkovich has pointed grinding. The products of out, trees that would have chipping and grinding only otherwise been harvested to sequester carbon for a short Metal detecting code provide the needed timber are lifecycle while timber left in the forest to grow and sequestration cycles are of practice sequester additional amounts of measured in decades or even carbon. centuries. A log sawn for planks The National Farmers Union (NFU) has welcomed the launch Thin kerf portable sawmills thus has a value many times of the new Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting are, almost without question, higher than one processed for in England and Wales. The voluntary code of practice is one of the world’s leading tools more temporary use. endorsed by the NFU, one of a number of high profile organi- in reducing harvest through An especially important sations working for the responsible use of the countryside. substitution. Literally, hundreds application for thin kerf, band Easy to understand, the new code offers metal detectorists of thousands of cubic metres of sawmills has come to the fore advice on how to proceed before embarking on a metal detect- boards per year are sawn by in recent decades. The ing expedition and on how to conduct themselves on farmland portable mill owners from recovery and re-milling of whilst indulging their hobby. There is also advice on how to demolition debris, trees timber from old structures, report any finds to landowners and occupiers, and how to removed from rights of way or some hundreds of years old, has abide by the provisions of the Treasure Act and the Treasure other public areas, logs become an area of special Act Code of Practice. discarded in mills or fibre left in interest in recent times with the forest because it is not some sawmilling companies MORE INFORMATION useful to traditional mills. Each achieving impressive results. Copies of the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal cubic metre of this material In the western United Detecting in England and Wales can be found on the sawn on thin kerf sawmills States, for example, a Blackfoot, NFU website, www.nfuonline.com substitutes for additional Idaho company, Cannon

4 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 NEWS SCAN

AWARD Honorary DSc for Dr Alan Reece

he honorary degree of Doctor of to those who maintain that the UK can TScience (Hon DSc) was conferred no longer compete globally in engineering upon Dr Alan Reece, founder of Soil and manufacturing. Alan’s commitment to Machine Dynamics (SMD), by the the region goes far beyond job creation: Chancellor of Newcastle University, Lord substantial charitable donations have been Patten, at a ceremony held in the made to numerous educational and University’s King’s Hall on 5th May 2006. community projects in the region. Alan Reece was Reader in Agricultural Further afield, Pearson have supported Engineering at Newcastle University until humanitarian organisations involved in 1984, when he left to develop his removing land mines in former war zones. engineering companies. His links with the The dedicated engineering and University can be traced back to 1947, technical staff in Pearson draw their when he gained a BSc in Mechanical inspiration from Alan’s enthusiasm, passion Engineering, followed by an MSc in and joie de vivre. His particular charisma Agricultural Engineering in 1950, both as both an engineer and a businessman awarded by the then King’s College of the lies in his ability to rapidly analyse University of Durham. These were problems and explain them, before lucidly followed by a PhD awarded by the newly- outlining how they may best be solved. formed University of Newcastle upon Alan brought the same enthusiasm to Tyne, in 1964. Between his BSc and academic pursuits. Sadly, the culture of his principal recreational activity, as an Doctorate, he worked as a designer for the University at that time was ill- accomplished mountaineer. An excellent seven years with Vickers Armstrong, Ford prepared to accommodate such an rock climber and skier,Alan has long and International Harvester. He served inventive and entrepreneurial talent. maintained as his principal indulgence a the University for 28 years in the Rather than see his inventions gather transporter van known as ‘The Daysack’, Department of Agricultural Engineering, dust,Alan reluctantly resigned his which allows him and his partner proving himself to be both a highly Readership in 1984, and founded a Margaret to escape at short notice to the innovative researcher and a passionate company to bring his seabed plough to Lakes or the Highlands. He got within a and gifted teacher. Alan’s many former market. dozen summits of completing the Munros students recall with gratitude how he Soil Machine Dynamics, the first of the before wear-and-tear on joints placed the enabled them to pursue successful three companies Alan would eventually high ridges beyond his reach; so he took careers in farming and many other own, began life as a three person to a mountain bike instead, which is now sectors. operation,‘camping-out’ in the front room Alan’s principal means of communing with Alan’s engineering brilliance lay in of his house. In Year One, turnover the great outdoors. pioneering the application of soil reached £100,000. In Year Two it was £1.5 Alan’s enthusiasm for the mountains mechanics principles to the design of million. By then employing eight proved infectious at work and his earth-moving equipment. He can now graduates from this University, the companies soon developed a tradition of claim not only to have moved earth, but company went on to sustain an annual evening rock-climbing outings in to have moved the Earth! growth rate of 20%, achieving an annual Northumberland, and ski holidays in In the early 1980s, the foundations for turnover of £60 million by the dawn of Europe and the USA. The notion that today’s Global Economy and ‘Information the new Millennium. business should be fun remains a cardinal Age’ were being laid, quite literally, in the Along the way,Alan established principle of life at Pearson Engineering to form of undersea pipelines and Pearson Engineering Ltd as global leaders this day – to the extent that it has telecommunication cables. As fast as they in the manufacture of specialist equipment sometimes left American clients could be laid on the seabed however, they for the safe removal of land mines and for speechless as their preferred suppliers were being damaged by trawler dragnets. related military ground-clearing took a break from the earnest contract Extrapolating from his agricultural operations. negotiations to keep a prior appointment engineering experience of soil mechanics To date, more than £400 million on the nearest piste! Despite his and tractor three point linkage systems, worth of business has been brought to mountain-biking commitments,Alan Alan Reece designed a highly efficient Tyneside by Alan’s companies. Impressive retains a strong personal interest in the undersea plough, slashing the costs of as they are, these financial figures cannot research and design aspects of Pearson. installing cables and pipelines safely below convey the full extent of Alan’s For instance, he is currently active in the the seabed, beyond the reach of dragnets. achievements in business. The companies development of designs to improve the Alan’s first instinct was to founded by Alan now employ several boat guidance structure beneath the commercialise his invention alongside his hundred people on Tyneside, giving the lie Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

5 NEWS SCAN

TRADE BENEFITS Exporting success

International trade can be a tough nut to crack; there’s a lot to learn and a lot at stake. As part of its programme of support packages for exhibitors, Glee – Europe’s largest annual event for the garden and leisure industry – has teamed up with Christopher Murley, MD of Murley Venture Consultancy to give an overview of how to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of export trading.

press release translated into the • Don’t take financial risks: request a Do local language, supply promotional pro forma on 1st/2nd order and • Use the commercial section of leaflets or offer support through offer extra discount; set a credit British Embassies to: trade shows / incentives. limit; invoice promptly; and highlight • carry out personalised research into • Talk to others in the industry and bank and credit details on invoice. specific markets; carry out specific marketing research • Don’t chase payments early. • be accompanied at meetings by an to obtain intelligence on topics such • Don’t ‘dress down’ on your initial embassy representative to gain as market size and segmentation etc. visit: first appearances can leave a credibility; Successful exporters consider their lasting impression. • hold a presentation or mini- entry into new markets with care. • Don’t skimp on travel or exhibition at the embassy premises. • Plan, get grants, enjoy and above all accommodation expenses until you • Use the shelter of a trade mission or have fun! know more about the area. Your trade show to meet contacts and first visit is crucial and you can save customers face to face. yourself substantial time and money • Make and adapt your products to the Don’t in the long run by making the most export market, but more importantly • Don’t sign on the dotted line and of it. to meet the needs of the accept an order on your first visit. • Don’t try and conquer the world in a international customer. Every important piece of information week! • Get credit information and insurance should be checked and double- on customer and other trade checked. Promises must be in suppliers. Thorough credit checks writing and timetables carefully CONTACT should be made on any agents or assessed. It is essential to have a full intermediaries used; it may be understanding of the details. Glee is Europe’s largest annual possible to be paid all or part in • Don’t do business if you don’t trust event for the garden and leisure advance. Letters of credit and even the buyer. industry and takes place at the bills of exchange are fairly widely • Don’t ignore local customs. NEC, Birmingham on September used in continental Europe and Conduct research into your target 17th-19th. Tel: +44 (0)20 8277 advantage should be taken of this markets to establish local 5813 (Prospective exhibitors); facility. Good banking relations with considerations. Learn a little of the 0845 051 2611 (buyers: register a local bank should be established language to establish mutual for free entry). Website: early. confidence and try to avoid www.gleebirmingham.com • Prepare price lists in local currency colloquialisms and metaphors in and establish a cost for insurance promotional material that could lead and freight (CIF) delivery price. to embarrassing situations. • Go and visit the customer, • Don’t try and sell the UK version of experience the culture without the your product before assessing its pressure of having to achieve sales; suitability for exporting. this gives you time to develop a • Don’t give away exclusivity for life deeper understanding of how the with countries that won’t sell your market works and how to do product elsewhere. business there. • Don’t be ignorant. Set your prices • Be persistent and keep carefully – don’t assume that your communication going. UK pricing policy will work in other • Offer to help agents / distributors to international markets. Consider sell your products. Raise awareness what your potential customers will by issuing a professionally written expect and prefer to pay.

6 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS Ag Eng ACTIVITIES STILL ALIVE AT THE PARK

It is now two months since Silsoe Research physics research group that is now part of Institute (SRI0 closed at Wrest Park, Silsoe, but Rothamsted is still based there but there are also there are still old faces to be seen there, busily seven other activities, five of them start-up pursuing research and development activities that businesses. Here is a short list of what is still have arisen phoenix-like from the ashes. The soil going on.

Silsoe Spray Applications Unit (part of The Arable Group)

Paul Miller is leading a research and development group focussing on pesti- cide spraying technology as part of the agronomic R&D of The Arable Group. The wind tunnel and other facilities from SRI are still there and Paul is working to build a team and portfolio of research work that will maintain and further develop capabilities relating to spray application. The team also includes ex-SRI staff Andy Lane, Geoff Richardson, Christine O’Sullivan and Clive Tuck.

CONTACT Paul Miller. Tel: +44 (0)1525 862583 E-mail: Wind Tunnel facility [email protected]

Silsoe~Birmingham Research Members of the former SRI Atmospheric Flow Laboratory wind, structural and environ- (see mental engineering group have www.silsoeresearch.org.uk/en formed this joint venture with vir-wind-waste/wind.html). the Department of Civil Current research projects Engineering at the University include: building-augmented of Birmingham. The new wind energy generation; natu- organisation, based at Wrest ral ventilation measurements Park, aims to retain and devel- and studies; over-turning of op the unique full-scale wind high-sided vehicles by cross- engineering test site there, winds; ventilation of animal and hopefully also the unique transporters. CONTACT Adam Robertson or Roger Hoxey. Tel: +44 (0)1525 864869. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. Atmospheric Flow Laboratory, with preparatory work for an experiment to simulate thunderstorm downbursts which pro- Andrew Quinn is now based at Birmingham University and duce short-term, extreme, surface winds is the principal. E-mail: [email protected]

7 INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

Solutions for Research Ltd Tillett and Hague Technology Ltd John and Pete Richards have shop’ for all research and established this business to development (R&D) require- Nick Tillett and Tony Hague departments and to license provide what they feel is a ments. established this business in technology to the agricultural design and construction serv- 2005 in order to provide a industry. Their broad range of ice for all your Research and CONTACT service that would otherwise expertise in the field of Development needs. From a have been lost on the closure automation covering mechani- single part to a complete sys- John or Pete Richards. of the Institute. The founders cal design, electronics, real tem, they aim to provide high Tel: +44 (0)1525 860776. both worked on automation time computing and control quality solutions to all your E-mail: technologies at the Institute allows them to offer complete problems. With their mechan- Info@SolutionsForResearch. and have particular expertise in-house solutions, though ical and electronic expertise co.uk in precision guidance (they they normally collaborate they can provide a ‘one-stop- provide the technology behind closely with industrial and aca- Garford Farm Machinery’s demic partners. Robocrop vision guidance sys- tem). Silsoe Odours Ltd CONTACT The business is based on Robert Sneath has established In October and May each conducting research and Nick Tillet. E-mail: Silsoe Odours Ltd to continue year they hold Odour Study development contracts for nick.tillett@thtechnology. co.uk the independent odour meas- Days aimed at increasing industry and government urement and consultancy awareness about the objective service that Silsoe Research measurements of odours and Institute operated for over 10 how measurement and model- years (the first odour labora- ling techniques can be used to tory to gain UKAS accredita- address odour nuisance and tion). Robert and Laurie planning problems. McCartney offer the same high quality rapid service they did before. CONTACT Robert Sneath, Silsoe Odours Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1525 860222. E-mail: Robert.sneath@ Garford built Robocrop hoe, running Tillett and Hague silsoeodours.co.uk Technology Ltd’s vision guidance and tracking software Website: and operated by Intercrop (a large salad producer) in www.silsoeodours.com Kent. Three cameras are used to track and hoe three separately planted beds in one pass.

Silsoe Technology Ltd John Reed and Simon Miles set include automated food handling up STL and harvesting systems, robot (www.silsoetechnology.co.uk) in end-effectors and food grippers, September 2005. The company is field and factory machinery simu- based at Wrest Park and carries lation and video analyses, optimis- out innovative engineering and ing the presentation of products automation for the food, agricul- to improve downstream automa- tural and biotechnology sectors. tion efficiency. Recent projects STL provide a concept through to include simulating and analysing production service including con- tractor-implement interactions, cept initiation and development; dynamic analyses of vehicle design of machines, prototypes rollover impact energies, conceiv- and test rigs; computer aided ing a novel food product singula- design (CAD) based dynamic sim- tion and orientation system, facili- ulation modelling and production tating the development of auto- CONTACT line planning; machine testing in mated bag handling and manipula- the field, laboratory or factory. tion systems. John Reed or Simon Miles. Tel: +44 (0)1525 860686 Website:www.silsoetechnology.co.uk Their specialised areas

8 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 Silsoe FORESTRY Livestock Systems Ltd Potential to develop short- Jeff Lines and Paddy rotation forestry for wood Schofield are continuing their research fields under fuel the company name Silsoe Livestock Systems Ltd. Short-rotation forestry, by looked at 10 species of trees: the economics of SRF, particu- They currently have which fast-growing trees are four native species – alder, ash, larly for the grower; and the research contracts with the cultivated and harvested birch and poplar; one natu- water use of SRF stands. European Commission (EC), between eight and 20 years ralised species – sycamore; and The Forestry the Department for the after planting, appears to have five non-native species – three Commission’s environment Environment, Food and potential as a source of of Eucalyptus and two of and operations advisor, Dr Rural Affairs (Defra), the renewable fuel for heat and southern beech. Helen McKay, said the report Scottish Executive power generation in Great Among the issues that the was a valuable contribution Environment and Rural Britain, according to a study authors recommend should be towards the possible develop- Affairs Department (Seerad) undertaken for the Forestry examined further were: ment of SRF as part of a and the British Pig Executive Commission and Defra. • impacts on biodiversity, wood-fuel industry in Britain, (BPEX), for the development However, the study authors archaeology and the adding,“Because wood is a of a range of humane advise that a number of issues landscape. They renewable, clean, carbon-lean stunning systems for fish, for need to be addressed before recommend that clear fuel, short-rotation forestry a remote fish inspection short-rotation forestry could guidance should be could have a valuable role to system and for the further be widely established. provided through a code of play in Britain’s contribution to development of camera The two departments practice on how growers climate change mitigation as based systems for estimating commissioned the review of could establish and manage part of a wider wood-fuel pig mass and condition. possible environmental their SRF crops in ways that industry. This report has, Current discussions with impacts of short-rotation would minimise the effects importantly, given us a better a commercial Spanish forestry (SRF) as part of ongo- on these aspects; and insight into the potential for organisation may lead to the ing investigations and develop- • the high water use by some SRF, and has clear advice on development of this visual ment of the wider mix of con- species, particularly further research. image analysis (VIA) tributions that forestry can eucalypts, which in certain “We will carefully consider approach still further. Due make to climate change mitiga- parts of Britain could all the recommendations and to the links they still have tion and sustainable energy threaten water supplies. put in hand some of the with other ex-SRI staff, they production. This mix includes Further research is research and development are also seeking to expand energy crops, sawmill residues, recommended to develop work. We recognise that into new areas. A and wood from existing forest clear guidance for potential there are potential problems partnership with ex-SRI staff and woodland. growers and land-use as well as gains from expand- members Paul Berry and Interest in SRF has been authorities on the areas ing this type of woodland, and Dave O’Neill has recently growing as part of the drive to where SRF would and the report confirms this. secured a two year contract develop renewable, carbon- would not be acceptable. Forestry operates within a with Defra to explore ways lean alternatives to non- The study concludes, well developed regulatory of improving the welfare of renewable fossil fuels such as “Overall, SRF appears to have framework that includes safe- poultry at slaughter. oil, gas and coal. The build-up potential .as a source of guards to protect the environ- Links with universities - in the atmosphere of green- renewable fuel. There are ment and landscape, and the particularly Bristol, Oxford, houses gases, such as carbon potential negative impacts report shows where we have Strathclyde,Wageningen, dioxide, as a result of humans from SRF, but these may be to do some work to make Kiel and the Scottish burning non-renewable fossil controlled and minimised by sure that SRF fits into this.” Colleges - also continue to fuels is widely accepted as application of a creative, inte- develop through contributing to climate change. grated code of practice to collaboration. They The study looked at the ensure that SRF operates in an continue to make use of the potential impacts of SRF on optimal way to secure the CONTACT unrivalled electronics and biodiversity, soils, hydrology, positive impacts.” Download the report from engineering services of pests and diseases, archaeology The report recommends the Forestry Commission 'Solutions for Research Ltd' and the landscape. The study, further research on three website at www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/SRF just as in former days when the report of which which has main areas: the growth rates Finalreport27Feb.pdf/$FILE/S all worked under the SRI been published on the and yields that might be RFFinalreport27Feb.pdf banner! Forestry Commission website, achieved in Britain from SRF;

9 NEWS SCAN

HYBRID STONE FRUIT Royal fruit growers introduce children to Pluot Capitalising on children’s fascination with A Pluot is a hybrid of a plum and apri- José Gandia, the company’s President dinosaurs, one of the world’s largest stone cot. The fruit is not genetically modified and fruit enthusiast is passionate about the fruit producers the Seville-based Royal is and has been created by natural cross-fer- new variety of Pluot. He says,“Royal marketing a new weird and wacky tilisation. The outer skin of the Pluot invests in new varieties such as the Brontosaur egg Pluot® stone fruit that looks like a plum with a bright skin and a Brontosaur egg Pluot® which are starting resembles dinosaur eggs and is in season rounded shape. At the same time, it has to be popular in Spain, Germany and for only the first two weeks of August. distinctive characteristics that mark it out France. We are looking forward to seeing The Pluot has a strong apricot flavour, as a different fruit - the skin is finer and what UK fruit lovers will make of the colourful, mottled skin with orange and often the skin and flesh is a mixture of exciting new produce”. pink flesh. The skin is a mixture of yellow colours. and purple with green speckles. The Pluots are a natural source of vitamin MORE INFORMATION sweetness and lusciousness of the Pluot A, essential for healthy skin, vitamin C and means that they are particularly popular high levels of potassium which plays a role For more information on Royal visit with children and are starting to be found in nerve and muscle function. The fruit is www.royal.es in lunchboxes throughout Europe. also a rich source of antioxidants.

ORGANICS Organic farming encourages younger, happier people into agriculture

Results from the most comprehensive additional jobs. These findings for organic world, some 2.5 billion people are still survey comparing employment on organic farming run counter to the trends for UK dependent for their livelihoods on farms to that on non-organic farms shows agriculture generally which have seen the agriculture. If they adopt the model of that organic farming is delivering 32% more number of farm workers drop by nearly industrial farming, as has been the jobs per farm on average across the UK. 80% over the last 50 years. Applications to dominant trend in the developed world, If organic farming, currently practised the Soil Association from existing farmers millions will be forced off the land into the on 4% of UK farmland, was adopted by all and new entrants wishing to convert to shantytowns of Africa,Asia and Latin UK farmers, it would produce an additional organic reinforce the survey’s findings: America. In contrast, organic farming 93,000 on-farm jobs – 16 times more • the average age is 46 years, 10 years offers a truly sustainable development people than were employed by the Rover younger than the national average age path.” car company when it closed in April 2005. and 3 years younger than found in the Chris Kaufman, National Secretary of The independent research also reveals that survey; food and agricultural at the Transport & organic farmers are: • 28% of applicants were female and 72% General Workers Union said,“As the UK’s • younger – the average age of organic male, of those who responded; and leading rural trade union, the Transport & farmers surveyed was 49, seven years • overall enquiries for converting to General Workers Union is happy to younger than their non-organic organic production have more than support the important work of the Soil counterparts, who average 56 years old; doubled over the last year. Association in promoting the organic • more optimistic about the future Peter Melchett, Soil Association Policy farming sector. The development of this of farming – 64% expect their family Director said,“This younger, energetic vital industry is pivotal to helping to take on the farm compared to 51% generation of organic farmers revitalising regenerate agriculture as a major for non-organic farmers; and agriculture and boosting their local employer, with a major role in the rural • more entrepreneurial – three times economies offers a dynamic and viable economy.” as many organic farms are involved in future for UK agriculture. We will be direct or local marketing schemes than asking the new Secretary of State for the MORE INFORMATION non-organic farmers. Department of the Environment, Food and Notwithstanding such beneficial on- Rural Affairs (Defra) to do all he can to Soil Association, Bristol House, 40-56 farm processing and retailing, the survey support the energy and efforts of his Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BY. Tel: confirms that it is the actual system of organic contemporaries. +44 (0)117 929 0661. Fax: +44 husbandry required by organic farming that “The implications of this research are (0)117 925 2504. Website: generates the majority (81%) of the not limited to the UK. In the developing www.soilassociation.org

10 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 FOOD MILES Polytunnels save British strawberry crop

Strawberry farmers are breathing a huge fruit from rain damage and in extending conditions that polytunnels offer the sigh of relief, because the British the season which now lasts from May plants.” strawberry crop has been protected until October. The season used to last Despite the environmental benefits from the unusually heavy rain during the only six weeks but now it can last up to there has been criticism of polytunnels critical fruiting time of May by six months. because of their visual impact on the polytunnels. “British growers are now landscape. In an effort to address the Since the introduction of polytunnels successfully competing with foreign problem some growers are now fitting 13 years ago, British soft fruit growers imports from Egypt and Spain, extending recently developed plastics which have been producing increasingly the growing season has a big impact on reduced glare and shimmer by 70%. successful crops by using polytunnels, the food miles that used to be attached Anthony Snell continued:“The partly because they prevent rain damage to strawberries before June and after advantages of polytunnels far outweigh to the developing fruit – in an average July. the negative aspects of this method of year 40% of the crop will be damaged by “The enclosed nature of polytunnels fruit production for everyone, but it is rainfall and this year most of the early means that growers can reduce their use important that soft fruit growers use crop could have been ruined. of pesticides by 50% and the enclosed their polytunnels sensitively. Anthony Snell, National Farmers environment means they can also “That is why we urge our members Union (NFU) Horticultural Board release natural enemies like lacewings to to work to the code of conduct member, said:“Polytunnels have allowed eat aphids and other pests. The British developed by the NFU and British British fruit growers to make huge soft fruit industry is worth £185m every Summer Fruits, the organisation advances, both in saving the ripening year and that is down to the improved responsible for promoting soft fruit.”

BYWAY PROTECTION Controlling BOATs in the countryside

New provisions regarding the “Some of the worst A new category of right of by pedestrians, horse-riders, use of rights of way by damage is happening in our way – ‘restricted byway’ – to cyclists, and those who wish motorised vehicles have been national parks, which is why make these provisions work to use them with a horse and made in the Natural we have given National Park on the ground is used within cart or carriage. Environment and Rural Authorities the power to the Act. It enables ways However, when these Communities Act 2006. These make traffic regulation orders, where vehicular rights have provisions come into force it provisions significantly curtail to commence later this year. been acquired by non- will be an offence under the the scope for adding further “We must ensure that our motorised vehicles, such as Road Traffic Act 1988 to drive public rights of way for motor green lanes, ancient ways and horse-drawn vehicles, to be a motorised vehicle on a vehicles, known as byways rights of way are protected recorded as restricted byways restricted byway except in open to all traffic (BOATs), to for the enjoyment of rather than BOATs, ensuring certain circumstances. the definitive map and everyone who use these that the future use of these Because some people rely statement (the local highway important parts of our ways will be consistent with on a public right of way for authorities’ legal record of countryside, now and in the their history. motor vehicles to access their public rights of way). future.” Restricted byways were land or property, the Act Rural Affairs Minister, Jim The new provisions will first introduced by the provides for a private right of Knight, said:“The Government extinguish – subject to certain Countryside and Rights of way for such people, wherever is delivering our commitment exceptions – all unrecorded Way Act 2000. The relevant a public right of way for to curtail the inappropriate public rights of way for motor provisions of that Act and motor vehicles is use of green lanes and ancient vehicles, so that they cannot changes to other highways extinguished, and an ways by motor vehicles, by then be claimed as BOATs legislation are also taking exemption from prosecution putting an end to claims for under the fundamental legal effect in order to dovetail in limited cases. motor vehicular use of them principal ‘once a highway, with the commencement of on the basis of historical use, always a highway’. The Act parts of the Natural MORE INFORMATION and evidence of that use, by also prevents use by motor Environment and Rural Defra. Tel: +44 (0)8459 horse-drawn vehicles, as soon vehicles giving rise to any kind Communities Act 2006. 335577. Website: possible. of public right of way. Restricted byways can be used www.defra.gov.uk

11 NEWS SCAN

PESTICIDE CONTROL New code of practice for using pesticides

A new Code of Practice for clearer,more focused and easier Association; and code is the reference to the need, professional users of plant to read and understand.” • those parts of the Code of by law, to keep records of protection products has been The three codes replaced are: Practice for the safe use of pesticide treatments as a result of published. The Statutory Code •athe Code of Practice for the Pesticides for Non-Agricultural two new EC regulations.These replaces and updates three Safe Use of Pesticides on Purposes – The Control of regulations require that everyone previous codes of practice Farms and Small Holdings (‘the Substances Hazardous to who produces or harvests plant including the code for using Green Code’); Health Regulations 1999 (‘the products for people or animals to pesticides in amenity areas, which • the Code of Practice for the Blue Code’) which deal with eat must keep records of any was previously a voluntary code. use of Approved pesticides in forestry. plant protection products Sustainable Farming and Food Amenity Areas and Industrial The new code’s statutory (pesticides) they use. Other Minister,Lord Bach, said:“I am Areas (‘the Orange Code’) a basis means that it can be used in professional users of pesticides delighted to launch this new and voluntary code produced by evidence if people are taken to are advised that they should start up to date code. It is an the National Association of court for offences involving keeping records now since it will important development as it will Agricultural Contractors and pesticides. soon become a legal requirement help all professional users of the British Agrochemical An important feature in the for them also. pesticides, whether they work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry CONTACT or the amenity sector,to better understand and operate within Defra Publications, Admail 6000, London, SW1A 2XX. Tel: +44 (0)88459 55 6000. Website: the legislation. www.pesticides.gov.uk “The latest code provides Download the code for England and Wales from the PSD website free of charge. A free copy on information on the new legal compact disk, or a printed copy for a charge of £15, are also available (quote product code requirement to keep spray PB11090; ISBN: 0855211709). records and advises on the new A Welsh language version of this code will be available on the National Assembly for Wales laws regarding protection of website at www.wales.gov.uk. Printed copies of the Welsh language version will also be ground water and waste available. management.We are delighted The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department plans to issue its own version that our close working with the of the Code of Practice. The Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has its own code at Plain English Campaign has present and are considering issuing an updated edition. resulted in a code which is

FOOD DEVELOPMENT Online Information Centre for Genetically Modified Foods European consumers have controversy and have led to risation status for genetically ects and relevant public institu- access to a comprehensive considerable public debate. modified crops in the EU. The tions. online Information Centre for The European Commission ‘Regulation’ tab provides users Genetically Modified Foods. has launched GMO-Compass with an orientation to the EU’s CONTACT The English language website is to help consumers develop policies on labelling and trace- Dr. Christoph Löwer, Genius the work of independent scien- informed opinions on genetical- ability. A comprehensive glos- GmbH, Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, tists, making it one of its kind in ly modified food. To this end, sary offers explanations clarify- 64293 Darmstadt, Germany. Europe. The project is funded the website offers explanations ing technical jargon often used Tel.: +0049(0) 6151/872- by the European Commission. that are easy to understand to by molecular biologists. 4047. E-mail: The moratorium on new help demystify safety assess- In the future, the Europe- [email protected] genetically modified organism ments. Unbiased, science-based wide scope of GMO-Compass Website: www.gmo-com- (GMO) authorisations in the background information will will be complimented by pass.org EU has come to an end, and in help foster informed debate on national reports from individual Experts and consumers may the future consumers will likely current issues in genetic engi- Member States. Local corre- use www.gmo-compass.org face more genetically modified neering. spondents will communicate to interact and contribute (GM) products in supermar- In addition, GMO-Compass aspects of the GMO debates in to the public debate on kets. GMO authorisations in offers users information about specific countries and connect current issues in genetic the EU have been a source of breeding aims, uses, and autho- users with local research proj- engineering.

12 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 Quarterly AUTUMN 61(3) MEMBERSHIP

MATTERSTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS Human powered off-road vehicle exercise at Harper Adams

Teams of young engineers at Harper Adams the first hill before suffering University College have been battling it out to a similar fate. Their second complete the Human Powered Off-Road run was little better as their Vehicle Design and Build Exercise. single gear ratio made the Last month, seven teams completed nearly climb almost impossible 23 weeks of work to design, build and develop before they escaped down human powered, off-road vehicles capable of the side of the hill. ‘KISS’ traversing the ‘long hill’ on the Harper Adams failed as a design principle. off-road test track. The tracked ‘Blind The task was for each team to drive their Deere’ was the tortoise of vehicles over the hill, carry the vehicle round the race but quickly sank the base of the hill and then, with a new driver, into a mud hole due to its cross the hill again. determination to stick to a The vehicles ranged from a simple three straight line. On its second wheeler with a single drive ratio to a tracked run with assistance at the vehicle with questionable steering edge of disaster and liquid characteristics. One machine sported 147 refreshment, they managed The winning team - Peter Nicholas Brown, Llion Wyn Davies, Gwion Tydu Hughes,and Jonathan Andrew Sykes - possible drive ratios and another 105, even if a to get over the hill but ran who made up ‘No Name’, with their vehicle. spanner was required to select any one of five out of time after five ranges. minutes of furious peddling. Geoff Wakeham, Consultant to the ‘Dirt Track Riders’ then showed that it was The ‘Tour de Mound’ team managed a Engineering Group, said:“In spite of a series of possible to complete the trial in style with a flying start but gear change failure dashed their failures to the commercial components, the time of one minute and twenty eight seconds. hopes. A second run clocked up a time of 122 students seemed to find the whole exercise A later second run produced a time of two seconds with excessive external assistance. great fun. The aim of taking a simple product minutes and eighteen seconds. The drive was Mr Wakeham added:“The winners of the specification through to a prototype machine close to its design limits but survived the trophy were the team with No Name, and demonstrated that a pirouetting 3D model on ordeal. members Peter Nicholas Brown, Llion Wyn the computer is a long way from a working ‘Landy Rovers’, fitted with a roll cage, Davies, Gwion Tydu Hughes, and Jonathan and robust product. suffered early disaster when they slipped Andrew Sykes. The students had an aggregate “The students did however get the sideways into a deep pit and demonstrated time of 202 seconds, 12% faster than the next opportunity to go through the whole process that bicycle wheels are not designed to take team. and get both their technical and practical skills high side loads. The wheels were realigned by “However,the overall winners were all the stretched.” foot but on a second run quickly failed again. students who took part with so much The trial started with the team ‘AEMM for ‘No Name’ managed a creditable run of 1 enthusiasm.” the stars’ going like a rocket until drive failure minute 45 seconds in spite of a jumping drive produced an early withdrawal. A second run chain. Their second run showed an improved Harper Adams University College is the UK’s produced a creditable 2 minutes 26 seconds time of eighty eight seconds, one of the best of leading university institution serving the rural and time. ‘Belle Ends’ managed to get further up the day. land-based industries.

1 NEWS for MEMBERS

SECONDMENT Adam’s Antarctic adventure

member of staff at £48,000 to send someone in AMyerscough College will to the Antarctic, so I have had soon be off on a chance of a to pass full medical and dental lifetime expedition to the checks and it would only be in Antarctic. extreme circumstances that I Adam Eckersley, aged 24, would be allowed to come from Much Hoole near Preston home. Christmas day will be works as a Mechanisation strange as it will be the first Instructor at Myerscough time I have spent Christmas College and is on a six month away from home but, generally, secondment starting in I am excited about the new September until March next experiences I will get.” year. He has managed to Those working for the secure one of only four sought British Antarctic Survey usually after Plant Maintenance posts stay on the two main bases of which are available each year. Rothera Point,Adelaide Island, This involves repairing fixed which is situated on rock or plant machinery such as Halley on the Brunt Ice Shelf, generators and mobile Coats Land, which is built on a machinery such as skidoos, floating ice shelf. The station which are snowmobiles used to at Halley is the most isolated travel around. UK base and has to be moved Adam said:“I first got back every few years due to interested in going to Antarctica global warming melting the ice. after a talk by the British The harsh weather Antarctic Survey at the conditions in Antarctica mean Lancashire Farm Machinery that the temperature is never Club of which I am a member. above freezing with Some of my friends have temperatures of -20?C in travelled to Australia and New summer and -40?C in winter. Zealand and I have always It will be summer when Adam Adam Eckersley checking whether he’s likely to fall off from wanted to travel but never had where he’s going unless he keeps a firm hold on the globe is there which means there the chance to go. When I found will be daylight 24 hours a day. out that I had got the job, I was Adam will be flying the flag thrilled. It is such a great suit’ which he will wear when penguins, seals, whales and for Myerscough and has opportunity that was too good repairing machines in the other Antarctica wildlife. promised to plant the College to miss.” freezing outdoor temperatures When asked if he was flag on the Antarctic! He will He will be flying to the but most of the work will be in nervous about his trip,Adam be keeping in touch regularly Falkland Islands in early a workshop. said:“My main concern is the with his colleagues at September and from there will In his spare time,Adam is food I will be eating! Boats Myerscough to let us know travel by boat to the Antarctic looking forward to getting bringing food supplies only how he is getting on. One of as the conditions are too involved in some of the arrive about twice a year so I the benefits of his excursion dangerous to fly. On the activities including will be on a high sugar diet to will be the money earned journey home, he may have to snowboarding, rock climbing conserve my energy with no whilst he is out there, which travel back all the way by boat, and skiing and seeing the fresh food. Also, it costs he is saving for a deposit to which will take eight weeks! buy a house on his return. There will generally be a “When I found out that I had got Adam will be coming back normal working week for Adam to work at Myerscough after with 8.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday the job, I was thrilled. It is such a Easter next year and will be to Friday and most weekends great opportunity that was too giving talks about his trip to off. He has already been staff, students and external measured up for his ‘survival good to miss.” parties.

2 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS AUTUMN 2006 National Land-based and Environmental Diploma From September 2009, a qualification and Lantra is urging employers working in knowledge required to work in land-based designed by land-based engineering employ- land-based engineering to have their say. To engineering in the UK and help provide a ers will be available to 14 to 19 year olds get involved, all you have to do is visit the steady flow of young recruits with the skills across England. new Land-based and Environmental and attitude for work in the sector.” The Land-based and Environmental Diploma website – Lantra is also working closely with five Diploma offers employers a rare opportu- www.diplomalbe.co.uk – and complete a partner Sector Skills Councils to ensure nity to influence the content and structure short questionnaire. You can also sign up complete coverage of the industry sector. of a national qualification. It will ensure for the latest news on developments and These are Improve (food), People 1st (hos- that young people have the essential knowl- be kept informed on new areas of consulta- pitality), Skills Active (sport and leisure), edge, capabilities and personal skills that tion. Energy and Utility Skills and Construction employers need, giving them a fast track Peter Martin, Lantra Chief Executive, Skills Ltd. into their chosen career. said: “The exciting thing about this new For further information and to pass on The development of the Land-based diploma is that it is designed by industry, your views please call 0845 707 8007 or e- and Environmental Specialised Diploma is ensuring that it is in line with employers’ mail [email protected]. Further being led by Lantra, the Sector Skills needs. It will give young people a real information about the specialised diploma Council. A consultation is now underway understanding of the practical skills and is available on www.diplomalbe.co.uk

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3 NEWS for MEMBERS

Oxford Bus Museum

“We’ve found a tractor!” went school quite few years ago. up the cry, although this was John Bradfield with his bus Our pre-arranged guided slightly unfair as we had not tour included their restoration come to look for tractors. This workshop which will hold six was the summer outing, on vehicles. The oldest undergoing Saturday 10th June, of the West restoration was a sleeve valved Midlands Branch and the Daimler engine bus with solid Pioneering Technology Specialist tyres and the Morris Motors Interest Group to a small and band two level coach. dynamic motor museum, the Within the museum is a Oxford Bus Museum. separate museum dedicated to It holds a well earned posi- Morris motors, their founder tion as being a flagship trans- Lord Nuffield and vehicles pro- port museum. Its collection duced by and connected to the policy limits itself to buses and Morris Cowley plant. The transport used within thirty frame of building used for this miles of Oxford. This is not as museum had been built from a restricting as it might seem. salvaged part of the original fac- They have sixty or so vehicles. tory building. This is the only Many of their exhibits are in museum dedicated to Morris running order and part of the cars and it was here that we visit included a ride around the found the Nuffield tractor Oxfordshire countryside in a which, for two years, had been double decker bus. We all built at Cowley. crowded onto the top deck of William Waddilove the bus. John Bradfield had last Chairman, Pioneering Technology travelled in the same seat on Group the same bus when attending

Up North – getting a head of steam Long service Yorkshire Branch members enjoyed an informal evening visit to the premises of the Great certificates Northern Steam Company in Darlington. This small engineering company is involved Name Grade Date of Anniversary in all facets of steam engineering from model 35 years locomotives and traction engines, through to Peter Worland Woodliffe IEng MIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 steam launch engines and building full size trac- Jeffrey George Beck FIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 tion/showman’s engines from scratch. Richard David John Lacey CEng FIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 Members were able to see a range of work William Thomas Roadnight Lock IEng MIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 in progress through to completion, including half Michael Douglas Parry Matthews IEng MIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 and full scale traction engines, and they heard of Leonard Bryan Ollier MIAgrE 22 Jul 2006 proposals to build a full scale steam locomotive. The Great Northern Steam Company offers 25 years general machining and engineering services to Christopher William Plackett CEng MIAgrE 1 Jul 2006 any potential client - not just steam enthusiasts Richard Charles Osborne CEng FIAgrE 9 Jul 2006 and can be contacted on +44 (0)1325 464616. Steve Peirson Chairman,Yorkshire Branch

4 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS AUTUMN 2006 News of Members

Professor Simon Blackmore left the forwarders for one year and has now Royal Veterinary and Agricultural been converted into an attractive foot- University in Denmark in 2005 after five bridge. years spent developing a range of small smart machines and robots for the out- During this intensive final academic door sector. These included an year, while writing up the final thesis, autonomous tractor, an autonomous Geoff worked full time for Forestry Civil weeder for small trees, and a smart seed- Engineering and one of his many designs er and weeder combination. Since then was an exciting treetop walkway in Salcey Arduous prototype testing with 36 t for- he has been setting up a spin-off company Forest. This starts at ground level, finish- warder meets safety requirements for the next generation of heavier hikers travers- called Unibots Ltd to commercialise their es at 20 m in the high canopy and pro- ing the conversion to provide an attractive results (www.unibots.com). vides all-ability access. This structure footbridge (bottom)! In addition to being managing director demonstrates all the aspects of timber of Unibots Ltd, he has taken up a visiting engineering which Geoff has been with co-author A Kermani, from the Chair at the University of Thessaly in involved in – including a stress-laminated Institution of Civil Engineers for the ‘the Greece. Simon says that he can recom- timber arch roof. In June, this structure best paper presented to the Institution of mend the business arrangements there, as was short-listed in the final four (out of Civil Engineers describing innovative when they want a group meeting, they two hundred designs) for the British design in civil engineering’. This is a sig- drive a short distance up into the moun- Construction Industry Awards (Small nificant breakthrough for timber as an tains and discuss their issues under the Civil Engineering). In July, it was short- engineering material and stress lamination shade of an ancient plane tree, drinking listed in the final fourteen for the Prime as a form of construction. coffee, overlooking the bay of Volos! Minister’s ‘Better Public Building’ Awards. Although he has reached retirement Organisation of the next (6th) As Architect, Quantity Surveyor, age, Geoff has no intentions of hanging up European Conference on Precision Structural Designer and Engineer for the his theodolite just yet. He intends to Agriculture which will be held on the works, and as a Chartered continue with the development of stress- island of Skiathos in Greece from the 3rd Environmentalist, Geoff is rightfully very lamination until he produces a long span to 6th June next year. The web site pleased with this achievement, which all-timber bridge for 44 t lorries – and (www.6ecpa.gr) is now up and running demonstrates the Forestry Commission’s then he can concentrate on his golf! and he looks forward to seeing Members commitment in encouraging the Public to in Greece next year. enjoy the forest environment – the facili- Write to Tony with your news! His ty being free of charge. address is: 32 Beverley Crescent, Bedford This has been an extremely successful In May, at the AGM, Geoff received MK40 4BY year for Geoff Freedman. Having won two Honours from the Institution of Tony Chestney the ‘Best PhD Poster’ award at Napier Agricultural Engineers, of which he is a University, School of the Built Past President. Firstly, he received the Obituary Environment, he went on to successfully Bomford Trust Award for an outstanding His son regrets to advise that Ronald B. complete his Doctorate in June. Paper, co-written with Professor Abdy Jessop passed away on 20th July, 2006 at His PhD research study title is ‘The Kermani, on Timber Recreation Fairseat Home for the Elderly, in Nairobi, Development of Stress-laminated Timber Structures (published in ‘Landwards’). Kenya. His father was always very proud Arch Bridges for Pedestrian and Minor This paper dealt with the design of of his membership and long association Vehicle Use’ and has resulted in the con- mountain bike ‘north shore’ structures, with the Institution. struction of some of the most innovative children’s adventure playground equip- His participation in the field of timber bridges, which will be of particular ment and stress-laminated bridges. He Agricultural Engineering commenced value to the forest industry and the rural was later pleasantly surprised to find he immediately after the war with a leading environment. These bridges use short was also to receive the ‘Award of Merit’ role on the Ground Nut Scheme in lengths of plantation size sawn timber to – the highest award the Institution can Tanzania (then Tanganyika), then the Gal produce up to 24 m spans. They are confer – for an ‘outstanding contribution Oya Development Scheme in Sri Lanka material-efficient structures which will to the forest industry’. This Award is (then Ceylon) followed by more than 25 eventually be built for very low cost and, rarely given, previous recipients including years with the Food and Agricultural through modular construction, could have Anthony Bamford (Mr JCB), and Helmut Organisation of the UN, covering land an impact in developing countries. One Claas. development and reclamation spanning particular forest example is a 9 m span On the 1st of November 2006 Geoff South America, Saudi Arabia, the arch – 175 mm deep – which took 36 t will receive the Bill Curtin medal, along Emirates, through to Indonesia and Fiji.

5 NEWS for MEMBERS

Leckford Estate Membership Changes tour

Admissions Incorporated Engineer and A warm welcome to the follow- Engineering Technician, entitling ing new members them to use the designatory Member letters CEng, IEng and EngTech, N R Macer (Perth) respectively, after their names A H Mosley (North Yorkshire) Registrations R S Ruddell (Co CEng Londonderry) I H J Cromie (Leicestershire) P R Thomas (Gwynedd) IEng Associate Member P N Leech (Lincolnshire) M J Mulligan (Staffordshire) N R Macer (Perth)

Associate EngTech M Ansell (Dumfries) A J Franklin (Lincolnshire) A J Ellis (Cornwall) M R Stagg (North Devon) A J Haycocks (West M Willner (Shropshire) The famous Water Gardens on Leckford Estate Midlands) I Riyah (Surrey) Transfer IEng Members in the south had a summer day visit to the 1600 Student G Hayden (Oxfordshire) ha Leckford Estate, part of Waitrose, the food store for Cranfield University: the John Lewis partnership. Farm director Malcolm T Garcia-Suarez Crabtree gave us an excellent presentation as we rode A M Szczypinska Society for the around the estate on the tour trailer. E G J Vitsitsi Environment We had a superb visit to this excellent working farm, Congratulations to the following with modern milk processing plant, free range poultry, member who has met the crite- cereals, poppies (for morphine production) and orchards. Readmission A 600 cow, £3 million, milking and dairy cow housing unit Associate ria for Chartered Environmentalist, entitling him was nearing completion. It has a 48 cow rotary milking I N Scrafton to use the designatory letters parlour. We also had a most interesting tour of the (Cambridgeshire) CEnv after his name mushroom production unit. Transfers The estate has four river keepers maintaining the five Congratulations to members Registration miles of the River Test flowing through the middle of the CEnv achieving a further phase of estate, the river is famous for fishing and, looking into the M Dresser (Bedford) their professional development clear water, we could see trout and other fish in abun- Member dance. R T Borland (West Midlands) We took lunch in the open at the beautifully located A T Cragg (Kent) European ‘Mayfly’ situated on the banks of the Test. I H J Cromie (Leicestershire) Federation of In the afternoon, the tour continued to the famous B Hamilton (Peebles) Water Gardens only open to the public on a few days of T C Lansdell (Suffolk) National the year. The lilies, lakes and streams were a joy to see. J I Turnbull (Dumfries) Engineering Far more impressive than the water gardens in France Associations made famous by Monet, claimed those who had seen Associate Member Congratulations to the following both. R R Georgison (Canada) member who has met the crite- We took tea at the plant nursery and visited the farm ria for European Engineer, enti- Death tling him to use the designatory shop. J H Roberts (Hertfordshire) prenomial Eur Ing We were only allowed 34 people on the visit because this was the tour trailer’s capacity. So, apologies to all Engineering Registration those who were on the waiting list for whom a place was Council Eur Ing not available. Congratulations to the following S R Hunt (Somerset) Denis Welstead members who have qualified as Visit Organiser Chartered Engineer,

6 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS AUTUMN 2006 The Trantor

The final technical meeting of the Wrekin Branch for the 2005/6 season took place on the 8th May at Harper Adams University College. This took the form of an informal presentation by Mr Graham Edwards of Trantor International Ltd that included on going debate throughout the evening. Mr Edwards presented a history of both the Trantor tractor and the British tractor industry over the past 30+ years. The realisation in the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, that the traditional agricultural tractor spent 70% or more of its time in ‘transport’ mode led to the development of a light, low cost, high speed rural transport vehicle able to perform many of the functions of the heavy draught tractor. The ability to plough, seen by many as one of the prime requirements of a tractor, was reduced to a secondary function. “Do all fighting vehicles need heavy armour?” was a question posed by the audience by way of a comparison. As a result, the Trantor tractor was put The Trantor in use in India into production but failed to get the support of a major producer so the based on a first class education and UK technology, seek to take market share from numbers built were limited. In retrospect, based research and development. Trantor traditional large scale suppliers and be the marketing strategy was possibly aimed International Ltd. has taken this approach pleased to pay UK tax on its profits. He did at the wrong market. Though UK farmers, and now focuses it’s technical and research not consider that production needed to be who bought the early machines, were aware effort to: based in the UK. of the advantages of such a tractor it might • improve tractors and factories already The evening closed with a discussion on have been better to concentrate on in tractor manufacturing; the problems for the UK industry posed by overseas markets with poor rural transport • extend market research to a better and the significantly reduced higher education systems. These markets demand a low cost, wider product range; and provision, the closure of Silsoe Research versatile machine such as the Trantor, used • help develop an acceptable export Institute and the loss of industry-specific for both business and social transport and model range for its clients, partners and government support. If the UK is to not primarily aimed at heavy draught work. licensees around the world. strengthen the professional agricultural During this period, the UK tractor To this end they are working with a engineering base working nationally and industry declined from a major exporter number of overseas partners and internationally, then a coherent plan of with sales of 150,000 per year to some developing new designs based round the action is required. This needs to find ways 25,000 per year projected for 2006. Mr original concept for both developing to attract good engineers to the industry, Edwards put this decline in part to the loss countries and advanced specialist users. Mr provide extended Higher and Further of local control of the manufacturing plants. Edwards analysed a number of overseas Education opportunities and facilities, This prompted some discussion from the markets and outlined specifications for instigate and finance industry wide research audience. Currently, India produces some transport-first tractors that would find a and coordinate overseas activity. 285,000 tractors a year while in 1978 the market large enough to justify the Mr Edwards provided a stimulating end level of production was nearer 58,000. investment needed to enter that market. to the Wrekin branches 2005/6 This transfer of engineering production Mr Edwards summarised his views on programme. This harked back to lost is not confined to agricultural tractors and what was required for success of a British- industrial empires but challenged current is evident throughout the UK’s owned firm. It needed to have a long term UK agricultural engineers, including the manufacturing industries. To survive in this business plan aimed at international IAgrE, to fight for an exciting future around changed environment, UK engineers need markets, be based in the UK with access to the world. to adjust their expectations and sell their highly professional engineers and a sound Geoffrey Wakeham expertise rather than hardware to these market research and product development Press Officer,Wrechin Branch new centres of manufacture. This should be capability, continuously update its

7 NEWS for MEMBERS

Oatridge Agricultural College Scottish Agricultural College Academic Members Ecclesmachan SAC Ayr Campus Broxburn Auchincruive Estate West Lothian Ayr EH52 6NH KA6 5HW Askham Bryan College Greenmount Campus Askham Bryan CAFRE Pallaskenry Agricultural College Sparsholt College York 22 Greenmount Road Co Limerick Sparsholt YO23 3FR Co Antrim Ireland Winchester Northern Ireland Hampshire Barony College BT41 4PU Pencoed College SO21 2NF Parkgate Pencoed Dumfries Harper Adams University Bridgend Willowdene Training Ltd DG1 3NE College CF35 5LG Chorley Newport Bridgnorth Bicton College Shropshire Plumpton College Shropshire Budleigh TF10 8NB Ditchling Road Budleigh Salterton Lewes WV16 6PP Devon Institute of Technology,Tralee East Sussex EX9 7BY Clash BN73AE Wiltshire College - Lackham Tralee Lacock Coleg Sir Gar Co Kerry Reaseheath College Chippenham Pibwrlwyd Campus Ireland Reaseheath Wiltshire Pibwrlwyd Nantwich SN15 2NY Carmarthen Myerscough College Cheshire SA31 2NH Myerscough Hall CW5 6DF Writtle College Bilsborrow Chelmsford Cranfield University Silsoe Preston Royal Agricultural College Essex Bedford Lancashire Cirencester CM1 3RR MK45 4DT PR7 0RY Gloucester GL7 6JS Mill Meece Water Pumping Station

On Sunday the 16th July 2006, sixteen friends, family and members of the Wrekin Branch of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers visit- ed Mill Meece Water Pumping Station in Staffordshire. The steam driven pumps were fired up for the occasion. The station was built just before the First World War and pumped water to the Pottery Towns using steam until 1979. The use of steam was justified on the basis of reliability and an expected life of 25 years. Until 1966, the 70 t of coal required to pump the 2 million gallons of water a day, Members watching the start up of one of the main pumping engines against a 530 head, was stoked manually. The 90 ft long engines and ram pumps neering, as they grow older. and location can be found on www.millmee- were impressive in how quietly they ran. The interests of the day included a rally cepumpingstation.co.uk. This was in contrast to modern free standing of vintage motorbikes and a number of small Thanks go to Simon Cooper for suggest- power plants. Some of the younger visitors stationary engines parked in the station ing the visit and getting us together for a fas- were frightened by the massive size of the yards. cinating few hours on a glorious summer day. moving parts and the heat of the boilers For those interested in early 20th century when the furnace doors were opened. engineering, a visit to Mill Meece is well Geoffrey Wakeham Maybe this will turn into a passion for engi- worth while and details for opening times Press Officer,Wrechin Branch

Produced by: Land Technology Ltd, Edinburgh Printed by: Barr Printers, Glenrothes

INSTITUTION of AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS, BARTON ROAD, SILSOE, BEDFORD, MK45 4FH, UNITED KINGDOM. Tel: +44 (0)1525 861096 Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 14 LANDWARDS SUMMER 2006 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING OVER MY FIFTY YEARS Dan Boyce

Early years Study reality but early independence I was born and brought up in a I went on to attend Macdonald was expected. I was responsible small town in the South West of College, McGill University (1947 for Workshop & Pool at Serdang, Quebec, Canada. My father was –51). The first two years there Selangor. Initially, there was a a farm machinery dealer and my was a science curriculum, staff of about forty made up uncle farmed near by. At an early common to all degree students. craftsmen and mechanics. There age I helped with both In my third year I enrolled in a was a responsibility for the enterprises. In the late 1930’ new option,Agricultural equipment being used on rubber tyred tractors began to Engineering. While there was a Agricultural Research Stations replace steel lugged wheel general awareness of technology throughout Malaya and tractors and pto drives and in transit, staff were reported to principally to develop and hydraulic mounted implements have seriously discussed whether investigate equipment suitable were becoming available. Before horse shoeing should be a part for padi mechanisation. leaving for college I undertook of our practical work! Farm I carried out investigations high tech jobs, such as servicing building and land drainage were into drying padi and coffee beans milking machine pulsators and important parts of the using wasted heat from an binder knotters. curriculum. On graduating from intemal combustion engine My Uncle’s farm had around Macdonald College I accepted a driving a fan. This approach thirty cows, all milked by hand. Colonial Probationership for an worked well but the There was no electricity and the MSc in Agricultural Engineering management requirements of only mechanical power, a at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Here, I such systems made them gasoline (petrol) engine driving a acquired a taste for Newcastle impractical. The principal water pump. The milk was Brown Ale. agricultural engineering activity cooled during the summer using There was the Great was an attempt to mechanise ice which was cut from the river Expectations that Newcastle wet land padi cultivation with in winter and stored insulated by would become a serious centre tractors and equipment sawdust. of Agricultural Engineering. Early developed for UK dry land Side-delivery rake and hay soil mechanic work by Peter conditions. Padi growing was loaders where great innovations Payne and Bill Willets provided carried out in very small fields, BIO NOTE in the 1930’s, replacing the the basis for subsequent often only a fraction of an acre, Dr Dan Boyce CEng FIAgrE was simple dumping rake, hay coils academic studies and the evolved for traditional manual founder of the Systems Department and then the very hard work of commercial development by Alan and animal husbandry with (later, Operational Research) at what forking the hay on to a wagon. Reece in undersea cable laying technically unsophisticated was then the National Institute of Rubber tyres were replacing ploughs. labour. The fields were either Agricultural Engineering and later wooden steel rimmed wheels on I spent six weeks during the extremely wet or under water Silsoe Research Institute. He was farm wagons and carts. With this early summer of 1953 at and consequently traction was awarded his 50 year long service machinery and two horses over National Institute of Agricultural very poor. There were also deep certificate of membership of IAgrE in a period of six weeks, my uncle Engineering (NIAE). We students holes and very frequently water 2004 by the Immediate Past President and I managed to harvest and slept in army bunk beds, in huts entered the tractor engine or Peter Redman and, by way of store – in the loft above the north of the Chinese Bridge. transmission. Such an approach acknowledgement, offers this insight to cattle stable – over one hundred The emphasis of work at Wrest could not succeed though it was relevant aspects of his career and loads of hay. I suppose a load Park was machinery testing. not apparently obvious to important reflections which remain hardly exceeded a ton. When anyone at the time, let alone a equally relevant to the management of the weather was favourable, we Career development newly graduated agricultural current research and development began work in the stable at 6 Newly married and employed by engineer. In 1956, I saw no long activities, despite the closure of his a.m. and didn’t finish work until the Department of Agriculture, term future in the Colonial former workplace. He is currently around 9 p.m. Federation of Malay Malaya 1953. Service but had a continuing enjoying his retirement in Cumbria. The Emergency was then a interest in tropical agriculture.

13 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Change of location Doctoral studies beckon as founder of the Systems importance of timeliness in In 1958 I joined the In 1963, I had study leave from Department, later renamed agricultural field work. While Department of Agricultural the University of Puerto Rico Operational Research. Initially, the importance of timeliness in Engineering, College of for PhD studies in the there was general doubt, myself this type of fieldwork was being Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Agricultural Engineering included, as to what the gradually intuitively appreciated, an American Land Grant Department, Newcastle-Upon- Systems Department was the OR studies did a great deal College and part of the Tyne. At that time the about. It is, however, gratifying to confirm and quantify the University of Puerto Rico at department was probably at its that Operational Research value of timely field operations. Mayguez. I taught farm highest point. There were well continues and that the first two The economic importance of mechanisation to agricultural supported undergraduate qualified maths/operational the need to carry out students and carried out degree courses in agricultural research (OR) graduates who I postharvest cultivations and the development work, initially in engineering and farm initially appointed, Eric Audsley establishment of cereal crops coffee processing and then mechanisation. The two year and David Parsons are still in was quantified. At that time, sugar cane harvesting MSc in Agricultural Engineering post and the OR has had a consideration was being given mechanisation. The approach to was well subscribed to and serious and, I believe, to the development of tillage introducing mechanical there were several Ph.D. worthwhile role. equipment to work under the harvesting of sugar cane, with students. The principal area of The initial role of the unfavourable field conditions of machinery developed for very research was soil dynamics, Systems Department was to late autumn and winter different sugar cane crops either aspects of traction or the evaluate the feasibility of regardless of the agronomic and grown in very different interaction of the soil with an proposed and ongoing research economic consequences. conditions in the USA and implement under Alan Reece. and development projects During my last few years at Australia, to Puerto Rico, where I had a very enjoyable three especially in economic terms. Wrest Park, I was also the crop and field conditions years at Newcastle. I was This created quite a lot of responsible for Crop Drying had been developed around fortunate that for the first time hand harvesting, were serious, reasonably simple to One of the first difficulties to unsuccessful. programme computers were My experience with available. As a consequence, I overcome was for the management unsuccessful attempts to was able to be, to the best of to accept that professional staff mechanise tropical crops by my knowledge, the first person should use a computer keyboard importing machinery and to demonstrate the feasibility of equipment developed for providing an understanding of rather than to delegate such work to temperate agriculture, with the interaction of heat and support staff. different field systems and soil moisture transfer in a deep bed conditions and with a relatively of drying grain by means of a problems as to begin with there and Spraying. I found it very technical labour force and rural computer simulation. While was no general acceptance of gratifying to see how Martin infrastructure, was a common within ten years computer any analytical approach to Nellist had developed the initial feature of attempts post World simulation of the drying process agricultural systems, let alone an computer heat and mass War II, to increase agricultural was an accepted part of crop acceptance of computer based transfer models, extending them production in underdeveloped drying studies and management, operational research. There to dynamic beds with either areas. The long forgotten it is worth noting that, at the was a general feeling that only mixed, counter or concurrent Ground Nut Scheme was one time, it was generally derided as valid conclusions could be flow dryers. These models not of the earliest of many such being utterly without any obtained from field experiments only provided a better attempts. I hope that by now relevance to actual crop drying. with little consideration being understanding of these drying the lessons from these failures I supervised a number of given to whether or not they processes but also enhanced have been learned. To be MSc students’ dissertations were either repeatable, or of and extended the results from successful, all the parts of an which provided experimental statistical significance. tests of actual dryers. Martin agricultural cropping system – understanding of air flow in Nellist’s contribution to grain field layout, land tenure, deep beds of grain being dried Difficulties surmounted drying achieved international machinery and available with ambient air and another One of the first difficulties to recognition. technical know how subjected which suggested that the overcome was for the When Martin Nellist retired to the restraints of climate and exhaust air temperature from a management to accept that from Wrest Park, work on crop soil – must all either have high temperature drier would professional staff should use a drying was terminated. While evolved or been designed to provide the basis of a control computer keyboard rather than this may have been justified on work as an integrated system system. This is now the basis to delegate such work to many grounds, as far as I know that yield a positive economic for most drier controls. support staff. While the no provision was made to return. Now, there is the operational research studies did maintain the computer models, additional mandatory Onwards and upwards not result in any single keeping them up to date. This requirement that the system During 1969, I joined the outstanding result, I do think would have meant that they must be sustainable and not National Institute of Agricultural that over the years this work could be used with computers degrade the environment. Engineering, later known as the contributed to a much better with up to date operating Silsoe Research Institute (SRI), understanding of the systems, or could have been

14 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 made widely available for a great deal of technological advances, economic and marketing general use. I believe that this is misunderstanding by senior however, have historically been considerations. Unfortunately, something of a general problem management, be it executive carried out by individuals this contrast between staff with current research and and non executive and the despite the active opposition of background and the different development projects, when interested public, in what the current establishment, for cultures of public and based on a computer model research and development is example tractors and jet commercial organisations are which may have taken many and its limitations. These engines. While with finite frequently not conducive to man/woman years to develop misunderstanding have the resources decisions must be successful joint ventures. On and represents valuable consequences of greatly made between different occasions, commercial intellectual property, with reducing the effectiveness of proposals, it should be organisations have thought that perhaps applications in many these activities and have, on appreciated that if there is no if they obtained an interest in a parts of the world. occasions, been very frustrating risk in achieving a specific publicly funded development, it for the personnel concerned. result, there in no point in would be financially rewarding Survival and prosperity There has been frequent devoting resources to it. It’s with little technical input on I am pleased to see that the confusion as to the difference only the difficult and risky their part to further develop a spray work, now Chemical between research and endeavours that have the marketable product. They Applications, under Paul Miller development. I believe that the potential to be worthwhile. were usually disappointed but has achieved such a worldwide purpose of research is to Related to a misconceived were unwilling to recognise reputation for this group. produce original information ideal that research and their technical deficiencies Initially when I became which provides a better development can be carried out were, at least in part, concerned with this work, it understanding of a physical without the risk of not contributory. was very development phenomena. On the other achieving the specified result, is There are many other orientated with the main hand, development is directed the tendency to ‘spin’ such aspects of research and emphasis being on sprayer at producing some device or unfavourable results to create a development management boom suspension. This work process. While research favourable impression. This can which are of great importance. had prospered during the frequently provides the basis for have the unfortunate I feel, however, that the three I previous decade when the improved devices and consequence that no have raised, namely: the width of spray booms had processes, these require a appreciation is given to the attitude to the risk of an significantly increased and the specific development stage. actual results achieved and unsuccessful result; the candid need for more sophisticated Without this understanding, whether the work was carried and constructive reporting of suspensions was indicated. potentially useful research can out competently. On occasions, such a result; and the During this period there is no be discarded as being of no at a later date due to the lack of difficulties of public and doubt that a very worthwhile interest. This is unfair to the a clear statement, similar work commercial organisations to contribution to the solution of staff concerned. may be repeated with the same carry out joint developments, this problem had been made A ‘sometimes’ attitude of unfavourable result. are of considerable national but it was also apparent that senior management and the Another aspect of publicly importance and have not been further work on this aspect of interested public, that has a funded research and given the consideration they spraying would be subjected to serious consequence on the development is that while require. diminishing returns. The work choice of research and satisfactory functionality is a of the Chemical Application development work, is their necessary precursor, it is not Retirement Group was subsequently attitude to the risk of possible the only requirement for a Now I am comfortably retired redirected to provide an eventual failure. A great deal of successful commercial in north Cumbria. I cycle most understanding of spray droplet research, by its very nature, development. Publicly funded days along the Hadrian’s Wall. formation and the movement of does not produce the developments are usually This is an upland area with spray droplets. I understand anticipated result. While there carried out by technically sheep and suckler beef. Forage that over the last decade this must, on initiation, always be sophisticated personnel, not is conserved as silage is rolled work has provided a much great expectations of success, overtly subjected to financial in plastic wrapped bales by high better understanding of spray much research and and market restraints. In capacity contractor machines. drift and consequently ways to development does not achieve contrast, if such developments The most used machines are control and reduce it. at least initially the anticipated are to be commercially viable quad bikes whose origin was a result. One approach to they must be manufactured and recreational machine! Medium In retrospect minimise the risk of an marketed by a commercial sized tractors with front end I can look back on a varied and unsuccessful result is not to organisation with probably less hydraulic loaders handle the satisfying career in interesting undertake work which would technically sophisticated bales and load and spread the parts of the world. It is my significantly depart from the personnel who are much more slurry and manure from the experience that there has been status quo. Most serious aware of, and are restrained by, cattle sheds. Even thirty years ago quad bikes and plastic I believe that the purpose of research is to produce wrapped round bailed silage were unheard of. I wonder original information which provides a better understanding what farm machinery will be of a physical phenomena. used thirty years from now?

15 JUST PUBLISHED PUBLICATION REVIEWS

FARM BUILDINGS Making the Most of your Farm Buildings

Author: Richard Langley reconstruction or jargon of a different trade and Publisher: The Crowood Press, diversification. who want direct access to Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, The book is well-illustrated information or specific Wiltshire SN8 2HR E-mail: with some 57 monochrome solutions without reading a [email protected] photographs and 50 line text from cover to cover. ISBN: 1861268467 diagrams, visually demonstrating The son of a dairy farmer, Price: £19.95 hardback 192pp the ‘rights and wrongs’ of Richard Langley is a graduate in designs and practices. Topics agricultural engineering and It only needs a quick scan to examined include: legal aspects holds an MSc degree in Building realise the skill of the author relating to the construction and Conservation. Richard was a not only in logically structuring environmental impact of farm Senior Lecturer in Agricultural the text but also in imparting buildings; traditional and new Engineering at Writtle College, practical guidance on building farm structures; constructional Chelmsford, for nearly twenty planning and construction from materials; foundations, walls, years and dealt with both the a background of personal floors, roofs and frames; water theoretical and practical experience honed by and electricity supply, lighting structures with new uses; and aspects of the subject. He has instructing students on his and drainage; heating and heat health and safety. written numerous technical lecture courses. This practical loss from buildings; natural and The book includes a articles on building design and book presents a wealth of forced ventilation systems; comprehensive glossary and is now a self-employed useful information in a concise measurement of the building index, essential refinements for agricultural engineering style to all those with farm environment; conversion of readers who may be unfamiliar consultant. buildings in need of renovation, existing farm buildings into with all the modern acronymic BDW

AIR QUALITY Mosses indicate air quality

Guideline VDI 3957 Part 12: indication that specifies the use as bio-indicators of air Biological measurement tech- diversity of epiphytic mosses. quality for decades. While CONTACT niques for the determination and Therefore the frequency with concentration measurements The Guideline VDI 3957 evaluation of the effects of air which moss species are found provide solely data on the Part 12 is available at the pollutants (bioindication) – on a defined part of the tree amounts of individual air price of 62,20 from Mapping of diversity of epiphytic bark is determined. The pollutants present in ambient Beuth Verlag, Germany. Tel: bryophytes as indicators of air observed frequency of air at the time of +49(0) 30 26 01-27 59. quality occurrence of moss species is measurement, mosses yield The VDI guideline is combined with the sensitivity insight into the combined released in German and The revised Guideline VDI data of the respective species. effects of all biologically English language. For 3957 Part 12 ‘Mapping of The procedure described in relevant environmental factors. online orders and further diversity of epiphytic bryophytes the Guideline is a quick, cost- In addition, they have the information please refer to as indicators of air quality’ has efficient method to outline advantage that each species www.vdi-richtlinien.de or been published by the zones of different air pollution. reacts with a different degree www.beuth.de Commission of Air Pollution Due to their anatomy and of sensitivity so that from the Prevention of VDI and DIN – physiology epiphytic mosses presence of certain species Standards Committee KRdL. It react particularly sensitive to conclusions on ambient air describes a method of bio- air pollutants and have been in quality can be drawn.

16 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY Revised forest mensuration handbook

Forest mensuration - the assessment of the Research, and is entitled ‘Forest Mensuration:A Another important revision deals with sizes, shapes, volumes and biomass of trees, Handbook for Practitioners’. Robert Matthews assessment of wood quantity by weight, where forests and felled timber - is a key skill vital to noted,“We have tried to preserve what was the procedure for assessment of volume from sustainable forest management. best about the original classic text, while weight has been expanded and now gives Now the Forestry Commission has pub- introducing new material to address the needs more prescriptive guidance. A new procedure lished a new edition of the ‘forest mensuration of modern forestry. Overall, we have aimed for assessment of dry weight - which is partic- bible’ to update the advice and guidance on to cut through some of the complexities of ularly relevant to the growing wood fibre and forest mensuration procedures. The first edi- forest mensuration by making the text easy to energy sectors - has also been included. tion of the book, first published in 1975, has read, providing a logical format, and giving served as an industry standard manual for additional advice to help readers find the MORE INFORMATION more than 30 years and is still in regular use information they need as easily as possible”. ‘Forest Mensuration: A Handbook for by the forestry and timber industries, scien- A major change is made in the discussion Practitioners’ is priced £24 and can be tists and researchers. It has also influenced of procedures for assessing standing volume, ordered from Forestry Commission thinking on the presentation of mensuration where low-cost abbreviated tariffing proce- Publications, PO Box 25, Wetherby, procedures in other countries. dures have been incorporated alongside a sim- West Yorkshire, LS23 7EW. Tel: +44 The new book is written by Robert plified set of the methods published in the (0)870 121 4180. Quote stock code Matthews and Ewan Mackie of Forest first edition. FCBK039.

GREENSPACE

Website promotes ‘best practice’ land regeneration

A new website launched this month marks an alone. missioning of phased investigation to ensure important step forward in efforts to convert “The presence of damaged and disturbed that developers capture a site’s opportunities the United Kingdom’s legacy of derelict, con- land is also frequently linked to areas of social and constraints, including such factors as taminated and brownfield land back to usable deprivation, where unemployment levels are archaeology and biodiversity. woodland and green space. high and environments are poor. Woodland Industries that can leave a legacy of con- The Forestry Commission, which has and other greenspace can vastly improve the taminated land include collieries, gas factories, developed considerable expertise in regener- appearance and perception of an area, which welding workshops, foundries, wood treat- ating land to woodland and green space over is a key factor in encouraging investment to a ment plants, mines, building sites, refineries, the past 40 years, launched the website to region. petrol stations, paper mills, textile laundering bring together advice on current best practice “So this is a huge untapped resource that plants, waste incinerators, ammunition facto- into a convenient, one-stop-shop package. could be used to establish high-quality green ries and landfills. Commissioned by Forestry Commission spaces and improve the lives of millions of The site also promotes the new ‘roots’ England and drawing on research and devel- people. Although commissioned by Forestry decision-support software that was commis- opment by Forest Research, the Commission’s Commission England, the website has been sioned by Forestry Commission England, with research and development agency includes developed for a UK audience, because support from a range of other organisations, eleven ‘Best Practice’ guidance notes. These Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland have a to provide bespoke specifications for land cover various aspects of land regeneration similar need for the expertise that it brings remediation projects. It is designed to apply and the ‘greening’ of urban spaces.Topics together. We believe it will also be relevant to best practice to the specification, scheme range from soil sampling and testing to weed other countries that face similar issues.” design and tendering processes involved in control and the use of fertilisers, composts, Formerly developed land, especially for- the creation of attractive, sustainable and sewage sludge and native and non-native mer industrial land, can be contaminated with multi-functional greenspace. trees. More Guidance Notes will be added to chemicals such as heavy metals, arsenic, the suite over the next two to three years. cyanide, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls The Head of Forestry Commission (PCBs)/dioxins, herbicides, pesticides, solvents MORE INFORMATION England’s Land Regeneration Unit, Chris and explosives. Such land needs phased inves- Robinson, said,“The United Kingdom has an tigation and appropriate remedial treatment Jenny Claridge, Forest Research. Tel: +44 estimated 300,000 ha of contaminated land. to make it safe for use, to protect local rivers, (0)1420 22255. E-mail: Hundreds of thousands of hectares are also streams, ponds, lakes and water supplies from [email protected] lying derelict and unused because of the lega- pollution, and also, often, to make it fertile Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/landregen- cy of previous development on it. For exam- enough to grow trees and other vegetation eration The Guidance Notes are avail- ple, it is estimated there are 66,000 ha of on it. able from the website and also as paper unused, previously developed land in England The site includes protocols for the com- packs.

17 PRODUCTS

CROP PROTECTION Direct chemical injection speeds Amistar application

The Direct Chemical Injection (DCI) sys- litre capacity Amistar applicators and can be tem from Techneat Engineering will speed simply retro-fitted to all existing Techneat up Amistar in-furrow application during Amistar application machines. The DCI sys- potato planting operations, improve accu- tem costs £690. racy, avoid waste and reduce the risk of Mr Neat added that Techneat Amistar nozzle blockages. The DCI unit fits neatly application equipment gives growers the flex- onto the potato planter and precisely ibility to build a machine bespoke to their meters Amistar into the spray line at the specific requirements. The 90 litre machine point of application. starts from around £1100, including a fixing The system’s designer,Tom Neat,said: kit individually designed for the different “To avoid the risk of nozzle blockages makes of planter available. Growers can then operators have previously had to flush specify options including additional rows, through applicator spray lines with clean New Techneat Direct Chemical Injection automatic on/off switching, remote pressure units will improve accuracy, speed up water and drain the tank of any pre-mixed operations and avoid waste with Amistar gauge and flow indicator. Amistar overnight – or even during lunch application during potato planting Techneat is also the only manufacturer to breaks and rain hold-ups. Now, with the offer a physical flow indicator, which will DCI system, chemical is precisely metered end of the day.” instantly alert operators to any change in and mixed only as the machine is working, so The Techneat DCI unit is fitted with a application rate, long before simple blockage the spray tank and spray lines always remain high capacity 20 litre tank, to treat over six indicators come into effect. clean. hectares during potato planting. Operators CONTACT “DCI saves time and reduces the risks of can use conventional Amistar packs, or mixing spray in the field, as well as the need returnable LinkPak® containers through the Tom Neat, Techneat Engineering. Tel: to repeatedly drain out and rigorously clean coupling fitted as standard. +44 (0)1353 862044. Mobile: +44 equipment. There is no unused pre-mixed The Techneat DCI system is an optional (0)7801 152545 E-mail: info@tech- spray to handle, store or dispose of at the extra to both the company’s 90 litre and 250 neat.co.uk

VEHICLE CARRIER Novel use of Morooka tracked carrier

Cautrac of Colchester in carrying 4300 kg but, in this Essex, the sole UK importer of case, the main attraction to the Morooka range of the 2.5 - Jones Engineering was its ultra- 17 t payload tracked carriers, low ground bearing pressure of has supplied a model just 14 kPa, made possible by MST800VD to Jones the machine’s 600 mm wide Engineering for use as the rubber tracks. prime mover for one of its The machine is powered by ‘Positive Selection’ parsnip a Mitsubishi diesel engine harvesters. developing 86 kW at 2800 rpm Doncaster based Jones and features an hydrostatic Engineering designs and steering system that allows the manufactures specialised driver to perform super agricultural machinery and was smooth changes in both looking for a suitable vehicle to direction and speed, again to which it could mount one of minimise ground damage. the harvesters for use on a Model MST800VD in use as a ‘Positive Selection’ parsnip har- farm in Southern Ireland where vester ground conditions make it virtually impossible to use the customer is now able to lift minutes to accomplish the MORE INFORMATION conventional wheeled tractors. approximately 1 t of parsnips same production rate. The marriage of the two every 10 minutes compared The Morooka MST800VD Mark Dutton, Cautrac, The Causeway, Great Horkesley, pieces of equipment has with the previous manual is normally equipped with a Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EJ. proved highly successful and system which took up to 40 tipping body capable of Tel: 44 (0)1206 273111

18 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 AWARD Queen’s Award to Industry for International Trade: Micron Sprayers Ltd

Micron Sprayers Limited is delighted to have ments and aid agencies, with their sprayers this area. In particular, low commodity won the Queen’s Award to Industry for in the forefront of the recent battle to halt prices - caused at least in part by subsidies International Trade to add to an earlier the last desert locust plague in Africa in in developed country agriculture - and Queen’s Award for technological innovation. 2004-5. This equipment is also supplied enforced liberalisation of input supply, lead- Micron is a small family owned company widely to the Middle and Near East. ing to huge problems in ensuring timely pro- that has been located in the Bromyard town Micron has won numerous awards for vision of good quality sprayers to smallhold- of Herefordshire for over 35 years. its international activities including recogni- er farmers in many countries. Micron’s However, it sells worldwide - with over 90% tion of its long-term commitment to sus- Chairman Tom Bals said:“Micron is delighted of production exported (regular sales to tainable development stemming from the to have won this award. We are proud to over 60 countries). dedication of its founder, Edward Bals. have been able to help Third World agricul- Micron was founded to improve crop After more than 50 years, Micron contin- ture, particularly smallholder farmers in sub- protection techniques and equipment, with ues to be at the forefront of innovation in Saharan Africa, overcome some of the particular emphasis on the Third World. The equipment for crop protection. potentially devastating pest challenges they majority of Micron’s production is of hand- Developments in the last few years include: face in protecting their crops and thereby held sprayers for smallholder farmers, par- • sprayers for public health; help to protect agricultural production and ticularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the • shielded sprayers for weed control; incomes.” introduction of Micron’s low volume • a range of weed wipers; ‘Controlled Droplet Application’ equipment • sprayers for variable rate application of CONTACT is viewed by many, including the World Bank, agrochemicals using GPS systems; as one of the rare success stories in agricul- novel spray nozzles and atomizers; and Micron Sprayers Limited, Bromyard ture in this region in the last 40 years. sprayers for poultry vaccination. Industrial Estate, Bromyard, Micron sprayers are widely used by some of However, Micron’s core business Herefordshire, HR7 4HS. United the world’s poorest countries and people. remains hand-held sprayers for smallholder Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)1885 482397 They are also now the world’s leading sup- farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Micron has Fax: +44 (0)1885 483043 E-mail: plier of application equipment for control of increased sales in sub-Saharan Africa despite [email protected] Website: migrant pests, primarily supplied to govern- the huge problems faced by agriculture in www.micron.co.uk

SPEED CONTROL

pedal progressively and the tractor slows Same Deutz-Fahr accordingly.A creep speed can be maintained UK introduces or, should it be required, the tractor can be brought to a halt. Stop-Go Releasing the brake pedal allows the tractor to gradually return to normal speed, Same Deutz-Fahr’s Stop-Go system has been once more. designed to allow easier and more precise The advantages of the system are obvi- tractor control for a wide range of opera- Stop-Go system from Same Deutz- ous - it allows the tractor when loading a tions. Fahr allows easier, more precise tractor trailer, for example, to be inched forwards – control for a wide range of operations Tasks such as loader work, vegetable or backwards - so that the loader arms are planting, potato harvesting and even round correctly positioned.Where precise speed baling could all benefit from its use. iarisation is required to fully exploit its control is needed for operations such as veg- Stop-Go, which is now available as an potential. etable harvesting, speed can be adjusted option on Dorado, Lamborghini R2 and Stop-Go works like this:The driver without affecting engine or pto speed. Hurliman XA tractors, uses an electronic selects his choice of gear ratio - on the The Stop-Go system puts about another management system which allows the brake Dorado there is no need to declutch, there £2800 onto the list price of the tractor. pedal to be used to provide precise speed is a button on the gear stick to do this - and control. It becomes, in effect, an inching pedal then the shuttle lever is put in, say forward CONTACT with speed control. position. Graham Barnwell, Product Manager, A button on the dashboard activates the The tractor then moves off conventional- Same Deutz-Fahr, Barby, Warks., CV23 system and, its operation is relatively simple, ly but should it be required to slow down or 8TD. Tel: +44 (0)1788 892113. E-mail: although most drivers say a few hours famil- stop the driver merely presses the brake [email protected]

19 PRODUCTS

RAKING SYSTEMS PowerRakeTM makes short shift of concrete

Somero enterprises have invented depths and different slumps of the solution for freshly poured con- concrete. A combination of power crete. Its called the PowerRakeTM , and hydraulics allows the machine a time and labour saving device. to move a lot of mud around. It PowerRake takes the back- can perform equally well when breaking work out of raking freshly driving in either direction and it poured concrete. It is a one-man pushes and pulls concrete around laser controlled, four wheel drive with ease - no matter what the ride-on-raking system designed and slump. It has a tight turning radius build to deliver better and faster meaning that the workman can results. It significantly reduces the work in close proximity to the time needed to set up floors for screed as well as in a smaller space screeding. The workers will get and in tight spots. closer to a finished grade using the The PowerRake - an essential PowerRake, delivering more accu- PowerRake is a one-man laser controlled four-wheel part of everyday concreting - drive ride-on raking system which delivers better results rate results than ever before. in less time works faster, delivers better results The PowerRake has a unique and reduces overall physical design that allows a single operator efforts. to ride the machine and rake the dumped ing screeds on up to the CopperheadTM concrete down to grade in less time, with Laser Screeder and even the large Laser CONTACT no manual labour. It can grade material Screeds. By reducing the time it takes to Somero Enterprises Ltd, Broombank to +/- 0.5 cm accuracy using a laser refer- place a floor, the PowerRake reduces Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, enced plough blade. It rakes and main- workers fatigue, leaving them fresher for Chesterfield, Derbyshire England 541 tains an even height of concrete across the finishing touches to the floor. 9QJ. Tel: +44 (0)1246 454455 Fax: the entire placement area and is designed It has a four wheel drive system and +44 (0)1246 261673 E-Mail: somero- to work with all screeding equipment: rugged power train with plenty of trac- [email protected] Website: from the 2” x 4” to the handheld vibrat- tion means that it can work in varied www.somero.com

LOAD CARRIER

Ditch that barrow – Muck-TruckTM it

The Muck-Truck is the world’s empty gullies, litter bins and is number one micro dumper. magic for leaves and manure. Powered by a super reliable The Muck-Truck™ is very and durable 4 kW Honda reasonably priced and is held in engine and capable of carrying stock together with all acces- a quarter of a tonne, it is the sories and spare parts. effortless way to move top- soil, concrete, sand, manure, rocks, peat, turf, paving slabs or any load that you require it to move. MORE INFORMATION With four forward gears and with one reverse and with Chris Hardy, MuckTruckScotland, PO four-wheel-drive, the Muck- Box 19570, Johnstone, PA9 Truck will take that load 1AD. Tel: +44 (0)1505 almost anywhere. It is quick, 702600 Fax: +44 (0)1505 safe and easy to handle and is quick-fit accessories that fit loading ramp which make this 703783 E-mail: light and simple to steer and, at to the Muck-Truck™ in less machine the perfect load car- sales@mucktruckscotland. com Website: 70 cm wide, it will go through than a minute including a flat rier whatever you are doing. www.mucktruckscotland. a standard doorway. bed, tow bar, snow/yard blade There is even an engine pow- com There are a range of as well as a foldaway skip ered vacuum unit that will

20 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 MACHINERY AWARDS ROYAL HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND AWARDS 2006

Judges for the Royal Highland and Crawford;Tom Arnott,Haymount, Kelso; from the Royal Agricultural Society of Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and James Muir, Finch Cottage, Blairhoyle, England (RASE), presented at this year’s awards 2006 were: John Gordon, Port of Menteith. Royal Show in Stoneleigh Park, Wellheads, Huntly; Robert Maitland,West The Gold Medal award winner, the Warwickshire and so a joint review of both Balhalgardy, Inverurie; Martin Mackay, Easter Bryce Suma Post Driver from Bryce Post their awards can be viewed on the inside Suddie, Munlochy; John Wight, Midlock, Drivers, also won a Gold Medal award front cover.

SILVER MEDAL SILVER MEDAL Quickfencer Ltd – Quickfencer J.G. Middleton – Drive through Quickfencer is a new concept for the unrolling and tensioning of wire fencing. It is now also quad gate available with a built on post driver. This machine saves time and money when erecting new fencing, making the job both easier and safer. It is versatile and can be mounted on a tractor via a three-point linkage, a front mount- ing or on a telescopic arm. To save even more CONTACT time the machine can carry up to three 100 m John Brewer, QuickFencer Ltd, Moorgate Farm, rolls of netting or two 350 m rolls and a roll of Kenyon Lane, Dinkley, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 barbed wire. 8AN. Tel : +44 (0)1254 248858 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.quick- fencer.co.uk

SILVER MEDAL

A Silver Medal was award- Manitou UK Ltd – Manihoe MLB625T ed for the ‘Drive Through Quad Gate’ to J.G. The Manihoe MLB625T is a patented Middleton. concept machine, the first of its kind The gate consists of an in the world, which draws on outer frame in which an Manitou’s considerable expertise. This inner gate, hinged on the latest product helps create a family of bottom, allows the gate to machines that can cope with both open either way when handling and excavating. The name is driven through by a quad a contraction of the brand Manitou bike. It is automatically and Backhoe, a tractor shovel. closed to a vertical posi- For handling, by using its front tel- tion by a weight and pulley escopic arm, it can reach forward at heights far construction site, passing over obstacles such as system. exceeding traditional machines. The simple hitch- trenches and low walls or hedges, loading skips, ing system makes it quick and easy to change laying pipes or cables in the middle of trenches CONTACT attachments without wasting time. Almost all and loading trucks from above. J G Middleton, Manitou accessories (forks, buckets and 4 in 1) Helmside Farm, Dent, Sedbergh, can be used. CONTACT Cumbria LA10 5SY. For earthmoving and excavation, the Manihoe Tel: +44 (0)1539 can carry out all the operations normally done Manitou UK Ltd, Ebblake Industrial Estate, 625328 Verwood, Wimbourne, Dorset, BH31 6BB. Tel: by a tractor shovel such as digging trenches, +44 (0)1202 825331 Fax: +44 (0)1202 excavation work and drains. The front-mounted 813027 E-mail: [email protected] telescopic arm makes light of everyday jobs on a Website: www.manitou.co.uk

21 MACHINERY AWARDS

SILVER MEDAL Ecorider – Ecorider 230 diesel Ecorider 230 Diesel – winner of this is a truly remarkable an RHASS Silver Medal - is the workhorse. latest in all terrain vehicle (ATV) It has low fuel consumption innovation with extra wide and is available in diesel, tyres offering stability, gentle biodiesel or petrol. The footprint and access to difficult Ecorider is sensibly priced and areas. It can run on bio fuel to environmentally friendly (low achieve 36 km/litre, giving low ground pressure and minimal operating costs. CO2 emissions). It is automat- The Ecorider is the first of ic and easy to operate. It tack- its kind; a diesel, high perform- les side slopes and negotiates ance, low ground pressure all narrow gaps superbly. It can terrain vehicle. Its unique fea- also pull trailers in high, low tures and environmentally and reverse gears and is safe CONTACT friendly attributes make it the stable and robust. ideal vehicle for numerous The Ecorider requires low Ecorider Ltd, Balmakeith Business Park, Nairn, IV12 5QR. Tel: +44 (0)1667 459988 Fax: +44 (0)1667 459977. E-mail: applications. Over-engineered, maintenance and is trans- [email protected] Website: www.ecorider.com with high quality components portable without a trailer.

SILVER MEDAL Landmec Pottinger – Pottinger Novacat 306 ‘alpha motion’ Winner of a Silver Medal, the adapts to ground contours, Pottinger Novacat 306 ‘Alpha on slopes, the angle of incli- Motion’ marketed as a nation changing automatically mower conditioner that her- to prevent either scalping or alds a new era in disc mow- leaving long stubble. Even ers. cutting equals faster re- The mower can be growth and less chance of mounted on any size tractor soil contamination. between 60 - 225 kW The Novacat offers drive- regardless of make or size. It line protection where vertical is compatible with any front movement of the mower sec- linkage and mows at high for- tion protects the pto shaft CONTACT ward speeds. from excessive telescoping The ‘alpha-motion’ head- and reduces dynamic load Landmec Pottinger, Cantrell Works, Bittaford, Ivybridge, Devon. Tel: +44 (0)1752 891291 Fax: +44 (0)1752 891283. stock is the latest ‘clever factor. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.land- farming’ development from Visibility to the mowing mecpottinger.co.uk Pottinger where the key fea- area is greater than with tures on these groundbreak- other mowers. This is due to CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION ing new concept front mow- the headstock’s wedge- ers makes for an impressive shaped profile which provides read. an excellent view to the front Scot Seat Direct – Scot Horse Shuttle It provides a greater free- edge, particularly on tractors o MORE INFORMATION dom of movement (16 side- with forward sloping bonnets. Scot Seat Direct, Gainford Business Centre, Stewarton Road, ways movement). The Included in this new Fenwick, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, KA3 6AR. Novacat also has slim 3 m model is all the well-proven transportation and working technology from Novacat B. D. Supplies – Dura-Bull mineral feeder widths - in either plain 7 disc Extra Dry – including ultra MORE INFORMATION format (Novacat 306F) or clean cutting Pottinger built B.D. Supplies Ltd, 4 Muirend Grove, Oakbank, Perth, PH1 1JW. with Extra Dry quick detach disc cutter bars with quick-fit Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1738 447677. Mobile: +44 (0)7979 814231. E-mail: [email protected] conditioner. Four drum ver- knives and the ‘Y’ tine rapid sions are also available. wilting and spreading near Headstock automatically full-width conditioner.

22 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 RASE MACHINERY AWARDS 2006 Royal Show awards highlight engineering excellence

Overview Consolidation Systems’ Aqueel close attention to the needs of users. Machine users across the Reduced labour, greater output Roller. This roller consolidates the industry. country are visited and and superb quality of work have seedbeds but conserves water “Visitors to the show were interviewed to assess the earned the Bryce Suma post and reduces wind and soil able to view a truly prestigious performance of the equipment in driver from Bryce Post Drivers erosion on more fragile soils, line-up of the very best of a variety of working situations. (inside front cover) and CHK earning it the ‘Institution of agricultural machinery,” While efficiency and PLC’s Spread-a-bale (inside back Agricultural Engineers award for comments Royal Show event effectiveness are of paramount cover) the top machinery award equipment contributing to presenter Jimmy Birchmore. importance, judges also report at this year’s Royal Show. The sustainability in agriculture and “The awards stand has become a on the economic value of the prestigious Royal Agricultural land use’ in addition to a Silver central attraction in the equipment, durability, availability Society of England’s (RASE) Gold Medal. machinery area and the stand and cost of spares, the support Medal meant pride of place for Three other manufacturers was staffed by well-qualified provided by the supplier and the two manufacturers in the have been awarded Silver Medals engineers, throughout the Show safety aspects. machinery area at the show for innovations that have period. Award of Merit – signifies which took place at Stoneleigh outstanding advantages for the “A RASE Gold or Silver that a machine or item of Park,Warwickshire from 2nd - user. Claas UK Ltd’s Scorpion Medal brings a manufacturer equipment has been found to be 5th July. Telehandler is a “delight to use”, well-earned esteem throughout effective and reliable by users in with high performance and the industry, since it is the only terms of its performance and Rigorous judging trouble-free loading work from a set of awards based on the function and that it should be procedures compact and fuel-thrifty experiences of those that use included by a potential buyer in a The RASE Machinery Awards are machine. the machines.” list of possible purchases. unique in that they are based on Knight Farm Machinery Ltd’s Silver Medal – implies similar a rigorous examination of the “outstanding” service and Awards Scheme assurances but additionally that performance of the machines in support helped win a Silver Collectively, the Machinery the product has important new the hands of commercial users. Award for the 1830 self- Awards Scheme, the New features, outstanding advantages These judges, primarily farmers propelled sprayer, with excellent and contractors, noted how the boom-suspension and high “A RASE Gold or Silver Medal brings a Bryce Suma post driver, allowed forwards speeds, delivering one man to safely replace a superb coverage and significant manufacturer well-earned esteem three man team, yet still drive in time savings. Quick to install and throughout the industry, since it is the posts quickly and accurately. A switch between machines, the similar saving of labour has been Trimble EZ Steer from AS only set of awards based on the found with the Spread-a-bale. Communications (UK) Ltd is a experiences of those that use the Even spreading from this one- low-cost, reliable and accurate man operated, self-loading way to bring global positioning machines.” device, designed for use with a system (GPS) steering assistance material handler, means less to a tractor, sprayer or other Equipment Awards and the Sir for the user and is a major item straw is used and dust levels are farm vehicle. Roland Burke Perpetual of equipment. lower. The Sir Roland Burke Challenge Machinery Trophy Gold Medal – may be “The Spread-a-bale is robust, Perpetual Challenge Machinery demonstrate the Society’s awarded at the discretion of the easy and quick to attach and use Trophy 2006 (inside back cover), support for innovation, technical Society to replace a Silver award and self-loading is entirely for sustained and substantial excellence, proven reliability and for an item that is clearly reliable,” was the verdict from contribution in a particular its long-standing commitment to outstanding in terms of the judging panel. “Similarly the sector of the machinery industry the machinery and equipment innovation, technical Bryce Suma post driver is easy was awarded to Harry West sector. achievement and potential to operate, has excellent safety (Prees) Ltd. The judges Innovative and reliable service to the industry. features and should have an considered that the long term machinery is essential to farm Entries meeting the criteria indefinite life and therefore a record of the Shropshire profitability. The Machinery for a Silver Medal may also be good resale value.” company to the grassland-based Award Scheme is unique, being awarded the Grower Award for A Silver Medal, and a new livestock industry was based on a rigorous examination a machine of particular sustainability award (inside front outstanding, spanning 40 years of of the performance of machines significance for the horticultural cover) goes to Simba innovation, quality, service and in the hands of commercial industry.

23 MACHINERY AWARDS

SILVER MEDAL Claas UK Ltd – Scorpion telehandler The Scorpion is a compact, high performance, Users found the machine a delight to use. In fuel thrifty, highly manoeuvrable telehandler, addition to trouble-free loading work (in one offered in four versions with engines of 74 case between 150,000 and 200,000 t in 5 kW,90 kW and 105 kW,lift height of 6.10 or months) and general farmstead use, it per- 7.10 m, and lift capacity of 3.0 to 4.1 t. formed exceptionally well as a towing The cab has full all-round visibility, control is machine, delivering plenty of pull even at the by joystick, and manoeuvrability, through the full 40 km/h. all-wheel drive and tight turning radius, is Fuel consumption was put at 25% lower than excellent. 45o wide-angle technology and the corre- similar machines. The Scorpion ‘Varipower’ transmission deliv- sponding control elements. Speed and power ers a very high level of efficiency, which is are constantly and automatically matched, giv- CONTACT reflected in low fuel consumption, maximum ing torque on demand. On two of the mod- Tom Jewers, Claas UK Ltd, Saxham, Bury power delivery to the wheels and the ability els (7040 and 6040) there is ‘Varipower Plus’, St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6QZ. Tel: +44 to accelerate continuously from 0 to 40 an additional fixed displacement motor to (0)1284 763100. Fax: +44 (0)1284 769839 E-mail: [email protected] km/h. It is based on a hydrostatic motor with further boost performance. Website: www.claas.com

SILVER MEDAL SILVER MEDAL Knight Farm Machinery Ltd – 1830 AS Communications (UK) Ltd – self-propelled sprayer Trimble EZ Steer The EZ Steer is a low-cost, retrofit, global positioning system (GPS) The 1830 self-propelled sprayer is a state- steering assistance device that works through a motor and friction of-the art machine that incorporates the wheel fitted to the steering wheel of the tractor, sprayer, or any latest technology with well proven, and pre- other approved vehicle. viously award-winning, Knight features. Installation takes less than 30 min, requires no special tools, and does A 130 kW Perkins engine provides power, not involve hydraulic connections. It can be removed from the vehi- transmission is full hydrostatic all-wheel cle in a matter of minutes, allowing full flexibility of use between drive, the air-suspension is self-levelling, and machines. 150 - 200 mm pass-to-pass accuracy is claimed, making it track is adjustable between 170 - 200 cm. suitable for spraying, spreading, tillage and harvest applications. Steering is two or four-wheel, with ‘crab’ An inexpensive upgrade is available to improve accuracy on rough or steering when required. sloping ground. Further upgrades are available to give a drilling level There is platform access to the cab and spray tank, and a hydraulically of accuracy (100 mm or better). operated step. The cab is superbly fitted and has wide-angle visibility The basic Trimble unit is the EZ Guide, a GPS lightbar unit which through a curved screen. Vehicle control is by multi-function joystick, provides the driver with a visual guide for manual steering. Adding and sprayer control is by RDS application controller. There are remote the EZ Steer provides hands-off operation. throttle and pto controls for use when filling. Users found the equipment extremely reliable and easy to The standard spray tank is 3000 l, with an optional 3500 l tank also avail- understand and use. Accuracy was well within the manufacturer’s able. The spray tank is wrap-round to lower the centre of gravity, while claims, and use reduced driver stress and allowed them to concen- under-clearance is 1 m. Knight Laser agitation is standard and there is a trate on the operation rather than steering the machine. The advan- nozzle body choice of single, triple, quad or quin jet. Booms can be up tage of having the machine automatically turn into the correct (and to 36 m. possibly obscured) tramline was quoted as a typical assistance. In Users interviewed first mentioned the level of personal attention every case users saw the EZ Steer as a low cost entry to automatic given to them by Mr Brian Knight when particular requirements and the guidance, with the option of specification of their machine were being decided. The machines in use taking up further modules as did a superb job, often covering 200 ha/day and giving a 30% time saving the need arose. Easy fitting and over previous equipment. Boom suspension was excellent, allowing for- switching between machines ward speeds of up to 18 km/h. Cab comfort and controls were praised, was a key feature. with younger drivers being more enthusiastic about the joystick control than their older colleagues. Service and support from Knight Farm Machinery was at all times outstanding.

CONTACT CONTACT Brian Knight, Knight Farm Machinery Ltd, Wireless Hill, South Paul Rose, AS Communications (UK) Ltd, Agden Farm, The Luffenham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8NF. Tel: +44 (0)1780 Green, Great Staughton, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 5DQ. Tel: +44 722200. Fax: +44 (0)1780 722201 E-mail: (0)1480 861824. Fax: +44 (0)1480 869453 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.Knight-Ltd.com [email protected] Website: www.ascomms.co.uk

24 LANDWARDS AUTUMN 2006 RASE GOLD MEDAL CHK PLC - Spread-a-bale

Spread-a-bale is a one-man and the reversing bed takes in making intensive, often everyday, levels were low. Operators operated, self-loading, straw the bale.Then the rotor head is use of the spreader. One using found the spreader robust, easy spreading device. It is specifical- lowered, rotor speed is about 16 t of straw a week esti- and quick to attach and use, and ly designed for use with a mate- increased to 450 - 650 rpm and mated a 30% reduction in straw the self-loading was entirely reli- rial handler. the forward moving conveyor use due to the even spreading able. It performed particularly Four models are offered to takes the bale into the spread- and the ‘little and often’ well on articulated loaders. suit two sizes of rectangular and ing rotors. The straw is not approach, with another user two sizes of round bales. chopped which minimises dust estimating a 50% reduction. CONTACT The machine consists of a bale levels, to the benefit of the ani- Time to spread one large chamber with a bed conveyor mals and the operator. Spread square bale was of the order of Michael Hughes, CHK PLC, Pyms Lane, Crewe, Cheshire, and a pair of spreading rotors. distance from the head is up to 20 to 40 s, giving a very large CW1 3PJ. Tel: +44 (0)1270 The system is controlled and 8 m. The operator, except for advantage in labour use. A typi- 252894. powered from a single double pulling out the twine from the cal quotation was one man tak- Fax: +44 (0)1270 211263 acting auxiliary hydraulic point. bale, does not need to leave his ing 30 to 40 min to do what E-mail: When loading, the spreader cab or enter the yards with the previously took two men two [email protected] head is raised, the chamber is stock. hours. The spreading process Website: www.chkplc.co.uk presented end-on to the bale, The users who visited were did not disturb cattle and dust

CHALLENGE TROPHY Sir Roland Burke Perpetual Challenge Machinery Trophy 2006 Harry West (Prees) Limited for livestock equipment

The Burke Trophy is the senior machinery is for a sustained and substantial contribu- machinery industry. award of the Royal Agricultural Society, and tion in a particular sector of the farm The judges considered that the long term record of Harry West (Prees) Limited of service to the grassland-based livestock industry was outstanding, spanning 40 years of innovation, quality, service and close attention to the needs of the industry. The family firm was started in 1966 as a fabrication unit to meet the needs of local farmers. One of their early products was safety roll-over bars for tractors, of which 18,000 were made. Today they manufacture a range of manure spreaders, trailers, bed- ders and feeders. Harry West, the founder, is now Chairman, Julie West is Managing Director and Alan West is General Manager and Technical Director. The company has in the past won RASE Gold and Silver medals for machinery.

CONTACT

Tony Soan, Harry West (Prees) Limited, Lower Heath, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 2BT. Tel: +44 (0)1948 Princess Michael of Kent beside Harry West (Company Chairman) holding the Sir 641055. Fax: +44 (0)1948 841055 E- Roland Burke trophy, together with (L to R) John Taylor (Field Sales Manager), Jeff Auton (Sales and Marketing Manager) and Alan West (General Manager) of Harry mail: [email protected] Website: West Prees Ltd in front of the West 1600 Dual Spreader. www.harrywest.co.uk

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