AGRI-EPI CENTRE a New Era of Research and Innovation

AGRICULTURE n HORTICULTURE n FORESTRY n ENVIRONMENT n AMENITY

IAgrE Professional Journal www.iagre.org Volume 71 Number 2 Summer 2016

AGRI-EPI CENTRE A new era of research and innovation

In this issue n AGM at JCB n National Landbased College n Meet the President n Young Engineers competition n JCB Academy n 2016 IAgrE Awards The Managing Editor of Biosystems Engineering, Dr Steve Parkin, has kindly summarised some of the papers published in the last Biosystems three issues which he thinks may be of interest to IAgrE members Biosystems Engineering Volume 144, April 2016, Pages 52–60 Engineering A review on the main challenges in automatic plant disease identification based on visible range imagesJayme Garcia Biosystems Engineering, owned by Arnal Barbedo Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Campinas, SP, Brazil IAgrE, and the Official Scientific Journal The problem associated with automatic plant disease identification of EurAgEng, is published monthly with using visible range images has received considerable attention in the last two decades, however the techniques proposed so occasional special issues. far are usually limited in their scope and dependent on ideal capture conditions in order to work properly. This apparent lack of significant advancements may be partially explained by some difficult challenges posed by the subject: presence of complex backgrounds that cannot be easily separated from the region of interest (usually leaf and stem), boundaries of the symptoms often are not well defined, uncontrolled capture conditions may present characteristics that make the image analysis more difficult, certain diseases produce symptoms with a wide range of characteristics, the symptoms produced by different diseases may be very similar, and they may be present simultaneously. This paper provides an analysis of each one of those challenges, emphasizing both the problems that they may cause and how they may have potentially affected the techniques proposed in the past. Some possible solutions capable of overcoming at least some of those challenges are proposed. Biosystems Engineering Volume 143, March 2016, Pages 20–27 Effect of acidification on solid–liquid separation of pig slurry Giorgia Cocolo, Maibritt Hjorth, Agata Zarebska, Giorgio Provolo Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy Aarhus University, Denmark University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark Manure management causes massive nutrient losses to the environment. Acidification can reduce ammonia emissions and solid–liquid separation improves organic nutrient distribution on fields. Because acidification changes slurry composition, it impacts on the subsequent operation of solid–liquid separators Reduced subscriptions are available to and products. The aim was to determine the effects of slurry acidification on separation processes: screw pressing, centrifugal members of IAgrE. decanting, and flocculation with drainage. Separators were To view the full article list of the current operated at full scale, and the electrochemical, physical and chemical properties of raw slurries, solid fractions and liquid edition, visit: fractions were analysed. The rapidity with which acidified slurry www.sciencedirect.com/science/ was separated increased the loss of slurry constituents to the liquid fraction, including particulate matter. In the solid fraction, journal/15375110 acidification reduced the amount and concentration of particulate species, increased the amount and concentration of divalent For further details of the depth and breadth species, and decreased the amount of monovalent species but it did not affect their concentration. Overall, acidification simplified of articles accepted for publication in the operation of separators and increased the flow rate of the Biosystems Engineering, visit: operation. www.journals.elsevier.com/ Biosystems Engineering Volume 142, February 2016, Pages 53–82 biosystems-e engineering/ Image analysis operations applied to hyperspectral images for non-invasive sensing of food quality – A comprehensive review For details of the preferential rates for Gamal M. ElMasry, Shigeki Nakauchia members for subscriptions to both the Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt paper and electronic versions of Biosystems The theoretical and practical issues associated with the Engineering, visit the IAgrE website at: development, analysis, and application of essential image processing algorithms are explored in order to exploit www.iagre.org/publications/bioeng hyperspectral imaging for application to food quality evaluations. The fundamental configurations and working principles of hyperspectral systems, as well as the basic concept and structure of hyperspectral data, were described and explained. Strategies and essential image processing routines necessary for making the appropriate decision during detection, classification, identification, quantification and/or prediction processes are presented. Examples and figures were selected to reinforce the main approach of each analysis algorithm applied in different agro-food products to answer the question “What does the user want to see in the target food samples?” Hyperspectral imaging systems have gained a rapid interest from researchers to display the chemical structure and related physical properties of numerous types of food stuffs and hyperspectral imaging systems are expected to gain more considerably more potential and application in food processing and engineering plants.

2 Landwards Summer 2016

Landwards is published quarterly by: EDITORIAL: IAgrE The Bullock Building, University Way, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0GH Telephone: + 44 (0) 1234 750876 Fax: + 44 (0) 1234 751319 E-mail: LESSONS FROM [email protected] President Dr Robert Merrall MIAgrE, Eng D THE PAST Chief Executive and Secretary Alastair Taylor IEng CEnv MIAgrE IAgrE is a founder member of EurAgEng, a licensed body of the Engineering Council and a founder constituent of the “IT is the practical Society for the Environment application of the useful results of research work that CHRIS BIDDLE Editor matters most” [email protected]

he above is a line taken from the editor’s notes in the Farm IN THIS ISSUE Volume 71, Number 2 2016 TImplement and Machinery Review magazine of November 1965. It was written at a time when the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering (NIAE) at Silsoe was in full swing. The magazine editor, Jim Priest, had also just completed his two year term as the 10th President of IAgrE. I first got to know Jim Priest in 1960 as I was embarking on a career in agricultural engineering. The National Landbased MEET YOUR NEW PRESIDENT College Dr Robert Merrall But, I always had a hankering to be 4 10 a journalist, and Jim Priest helped sow the seed for me, and his guiding advice was invaluable when I started out on a journalistic career in 1988. The spirit of evolution was never more evident than during the past few weeks as we start on the post-NIAE era in the shape of the Agri-EPI Centre for research and innovation – the chrysalis of which is gradually being peeled back. AT THE EPICENTRE: THE EARTH BENEATH: It will be a very different concept to Dave Ross, Interim CEO of Profile of Mastenbroek’s 14 the Agri-EPI Centre 18 Christopher Pett its forerunner. A research model for today, with tentacles that stretch the length and breadth of the nation as OTHER FEATURES we search for the solutions needed for Biosystems Engineering...... 2 sustainable agriculture in the future. Feedback...... 8 CEO View...... 9 We have recently also expressed CPD Reflective Practice...... 12 our warm thanks and gratitude to Mark Kibblewhite Reflections.. 13 outgoing President, Mark Kibblewhite, Young Engineers...... 22 who has been a splendid and effective DBT Page...... 23 ambassador for the Institution over Last Word...... 24 JCB ACADEMY: Membership Matters...... 24-31 the past two years. His successor, Rob Engineers and Business Events...... 34-35 Merrall brings a wealth of academic 20 leaders of the future and business experience to the role. He also credits the advice and LANDWARDS PRODUCTION TEAM mentoring he received from a former EDITOR: Chris Biddle Tel: 44 (0) 7785 295625 [email protected] IAgrE President, David Manby. As we DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Martin Hebditch connect yesterday’s IAgrE stalwarts PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF IAgrE BY: Chris Biddle Media with today, it gives real resonance to The views and opinions expressed in individual contributions are not those necessarily those of IAgrE or the Editor. Geoff Freedman’s phrase, repeated The views and opinions expressed in individual contributions are not those necessarily those of IAgrE or the Editor. at the recent IAGRE awards, “Your 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 does reserve the right to Institution is for life” edit any material sent to the journal for publication. Material from this publication may be quoted or reported on condition that full credit is given to Landwards and to the author together with the date of publication and volume number. In the interest of factual reporting, reference to trade names and proprietry products may be inevitable. Chris Biddle No endorsement of the named products or manufacturers is intended and no adverse criticism is implied of similar Editor products which are not mentioned. © Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) ISSN 1363-8300 Company Registration # 648041 Charity # 257303 [email protected]

3 4 IAgrE News Summer 2016 A chief executiveofficer. LeighMorris experts intheirworkplaces. a newonlineplatformandbyindustry the UK’s specialistlandbasedcolleges, Based Collegecometofruition. delighted toseetheNationalLand Food andMarineEnvironment. ‘Iam George Eustice,MinisterforFarming, entrepreneurs andnewentrants,’said destination forhigh-flyingstudents, to seeitbecomealeadingcareer agricultural sector’s future andwant economy. responsive to,thisvitalpartoftheUK new coursestailored for, and experts tocollaborateondynamic colleges, universitiesandindustry college’ creating ahubforleading College (NLBC)willbea‘virtual of Lords. The J The NLBC has appointed its first The NLBChasappointeditsfirst Courses willbedelivered through “We are veryambitiousforthe Turf Tech apprenticeships leadto Limited’s headquartersatLangar. centre isclosetoJohnDeere training programmes, thenew Ag Tech, PartsTech andTurf Tech on thecompany’s award winning Deere dealerapprentices enrolled agricultural andturfcare industry. to bethefirstdedicatedsolely Trent inNottinghamshire, believed James BusinessPark,Radcliffe-on- apprentice trainingfacility at St JOHN DEEREOPENSAPPRENTICECENTRE NATIONAL LANDBASEDCOLLEGELAUNCHED The company’s three-year Agand Designed specificallyforJohn has opened a purpose-built has openedapurpose-built with trainingprovider ProVQ ohn Deere, inassociation was launched at the House was launchedattheHouse pursuing landbasedcareers new nationalcollegeforthose National Landbased National Landbased has beenprovided byLandex member limited byguarantee.Seedfunding a registered charityandacompany industry leaders,andLord Curry. Itis colleges anduniversities,tenfrom ten principalsfrom UKland based graduates. organisations andaCPDregister for portal, linkingtodiverselandbased platform willalsofunctionasa land basedcareers andItsonline with theskillstheyneedtoflourish’. equip this,andassociatedworkforces, public health.ThegoalofNLBCisto aboutfoodsecurityand to concerns towards environmental sustainability increasing pressures, from thedrive of ourcountrysidefacediverseand of landintheUK.Thesecustodians based industrymaintain75percent Community Conservation. of Scotlandwhere hewasDirector of joins from theRoyalZoologicalSociety Limited in summer 2015 as its new Limited insummer2015asitsnew Radcliffe. weeks oftrainingtakingplaceat at thesponsoringdealer, withfour Competence, ismostlywork-based Level 3DiplomainVehicle Parts apprenticeship, leadingto a propelled forageharvesters. machines suchascombinesandself- Langar whenworkingwithlarger weeks, withsomedaysspentat weeks ayearinfourblocksoftwo group trainsatthecentre foreight Landbased Engineering.Eachyear the IMILevel2and3Diplomasin NLBC hasaboard of21directors, The NLBChubwillactivelypromote He said’Farmersandthoseinland John Deere appointedProVQ The two-yearPartsTech John DeereApprentices customer serviceprogrammes. ontechnical,partsand adult learners apprentices andmanyhundreds of Today thecompanytrainsover600 assessment andqualifications. recruitment, training,vocational services includingapprentice to developafullrangeofnational programmes in2005,and went on started itsapprentice training Irelandin Northern andEire). ProVQ training programmes are provided Scotland andWales (separate on behalfofitsdealersinEngland, apprentice trainingprogrammes business partnertodeliverthe college. based qualificationsendorsedbythe payment forallCityandGuildsland fund. NLBCwillreceive apercentage their NationalProficiency Test Council who contributed£250,000from colleges, “Our new business partnership “Ournewbusinesspartnership Leigh Morris with ProVQ isalready going

dealers.” agricultural and turf programmes forour industry leadingtraining continuing aimtoprovide Centre reinforces our the Apprentice Training company’s investmentin Richard Halsall.“The training centre manager says JohnDeere Limited to ourUKheadquarters,” bespoke facilitysoclose have establishedthisnew and weare delightedto from strength tostrength, , and City and Guilds Landex, andCityGuilds IAgrE News Summer 2016 5 Keenan feeder Farm Broadband ACTION he National Farmers Union (NFU) have urged the Government to prioritise OVER FAST OVER FAST NFU URGES Their report BROADBAND its upgrade of broadband in its upgrade of broadband Withrural areas. only four per cent of farmers having access to the roll-out superfast broadband, of complete mobile networks superfast reliable and affordable must to rural areas broadband stage says the NFU. take centre & Mobile Networks launched picks up on the recently to MP’s a comprehensive from results NFU survey of farmers and It is concernedgrowers. about broadband the Government’s worth delivery programme, £1.7billion, which will leave an estimated 1.2 million premises without superfast broadband. This is the equivalent to 5% of all the majority of which premises, will be farm businesses and rural communities. NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “If our industry is to meet any of the ambitions of the long awaited Government 25 Food & Farming Plan, it will Year be essential for barriers to growth Poor access to to be removed. and mobile networks broadband is one such significant barrier and situation is neither the current sustainable nor acceptable. The Government is asking farmers to run their businesses in conditions that put them at an immediate disadvantage. T Alltech said it and Keenan have Keenan, which was a family- science and Keenan’s manufacturing science and Keenan’s and technological know- strength we have a winning combination how, farm efficiency for delivering greater to our farming direct and profitability founder customers,”said Pearse Lyons, of Alltech, after the deal and president was agreed. possible growth identified already which may opportunities together, include nutritional technologies and focused on feed feeding programmes health as well as efficiency and herd advanced ration formulation. owned business established by a self-taught Keenan, Richard in 1978, will continue to be engineer, in Borris. Co Carlow. headquartered Alltech and Keenan employ Together, and close nearly 300 people in Ireland to 5,000 globally. AT its meeting in May, the IAgrE its meeting in May, AT Membership Committee had the opportunity to thank outgoing chairman, Steve Parkin, who has stepped down after 18 years

S animal nutrition company Alltech has bought Keenan feedSystems, the Irish cattle

“Between Alltech’s primacy in “Between Alltech’s The company, which makes The company, The receivers Kieran Wallace and Kieran Wallace The receivers The company run by executive The purchase of Keenan which The purchase

YOU STEVE THANK diet feeders and mixer wagons, succumbed to financial pressure because of the downturn in commodity prices, which has put a squeeze on farmers’ incomes. Cormac O’Connor of KPMG had said confident that all the that they were jobs would be preserved. company’s a spokeswoman for Alltech However, over that it will review said yesterday the next 100 days how it can grow the business and that “we don’t want to speculate on jobs in the meantime.” chairman Gerard Keenan, fell into chairman Gerard earlier this month with receivership of €14 million. debts in the region Some half of that amount was owed the company’s to Bank of Ireland, main lender. employs 222 people, including 176 14th marks Alltech’s in Ireland, acquisition globally since 2011. machinery firm from the receivers, the machinery firm from to beKPMG in a deal understood worth less than €10 million. SAVED SYSTEMS inUS company steps to save Irish feeder manufacturer KEENAN U 6 IAgrE News Summer 2016 I MOBILITY SOCIAL OVER CONCERNS OF LORDS HOUSE reduce unfairness between academic reduce betweenacademic unfairness recommendation statingthe needto am especiallypleasedtoread the IAgrE CEOAlastairTaylor said.“I sixteen. compulsory schoolingattheageof about thatimportanttransitionfrom for youngpeoplemakingdecisions to bedoneimprove circumstances recommendations astowhat needs of factorsandmakessomeclear aboutawiderange raises concerns for themajorityofyoungpeople” transition fromschooltowork and leftbehind:improvingthe mobility. Thereport “Overlooked of theHouseLords onsocial report from theSelectCommittee AgrE haswelcomedarecent Commenting onthereport, Twitter andLinkedIn Don’t forgettovisit iPad3 9:45 AM

their funding ring-fenced while their fundingring-fencedwhile universities andschoolsshouldhave quality vocationallearning. and theequipmenttosupportgood needed tosecure goodquality staff colleges are starvedofthe resources stories ofhowspecialistland-based in oursectorbuttoooftenwehear promote thefantasticcareers available Engineering industry, workhard to partners representing theAgricultural particularly infunding.We andour and vocationalroutes towork, It has always seemed unjust that It hasalwaysseemedunjustthat developments across ourindustry colleagues todiscusstopical News orconnecttolikeminded See themostuptodateIAgrE Communications Officer please contacttheIAgrE Media itemsorPressReleases, information onanyNewsor If yourequireanyfurther routes towork. between academicandvocational transition toworkandinequality involvement withschoolsinthe young people;increasing employment careers guidanceandadvice for remain high-quality;improving including; ensuringapprenticeships makes anumberofrecommendations of technicians” of thisatatimegrowing shortage been subjecttocutsyearonyear. All atcollegeshas vocational learning The Select Committee Report The SelectCommitteeReport

IAgrE News Summer 2016 7 IN BRIEF peers Accountants Being a member of Adding a professional qualification to Adding a professional IAgrE is just part of apart from others. apart from being a professional. being a professional. Chartered Engineer CEng Chartered Incorporated Engineer IEng EngTech Engineering Technician CEnv Environmentalist Chartered Provides you with internationalProvides recognition professional standards, and enhances employability standards, professional REnvTech Technician Environmental Registered

• Establishes proven knowledge, experience and commitment to One or more of these professional qualifications after your name: of these professional One or more Chartered professionals such as Chartered Scientists and Chartered Scientists and Chartered such as Chartered professionals Chartered qualifications to those who are suitably experienced and/or qualified: qualifications to those who are Establishes that your professional credentials are on a par with other are credentials • Establishes that your professional (LTA, Parloursafe & LTA Parts), IAgrE has licences from the Society for the Parts), IAgrE has licences from Parloursafe & LTA (LTA, • Demonstrates that you have been judged as being competent by your your name is a further important statement which sets you In addition to administering the Landbased Technician Accreditation schemes Accreditation In addition to administering the Landbased Technician Environment and the Engineering Council to award the following professional the following professional and the Engineering Council to award Environment To find out more about obtaining professional qualifications through IAgrE, through qualifications about obtaining professional find out more To email us at [email protected], visit our website or call our Membership department on 01234 750876 www.iagre.org Kubota Corporation has acquired Great Plains Manufacturing, Great has acquired Kubota Corporation expands the long-time Kansas. The purchase Inc., based in Salina, Plains Pride and includes all five Great partnership with Land facilities in Kansas and in Lincolnshire, divisions with multiple also adds to the Kubota portfolio which England. The acquisition Kubota since which has been part of included the Kverneland Group 2012. Tiverton, of has merged with its sister company established in 1830 Twose creation which took place 1st May 2016, saw the McConnel. The move, and Arable Machinery Division. All Grasslandof a specialist Grassland company Alamo at the parent will be produced and Arable machinery Priors, whilst the hedge and facility at Salford production Manufacturing’s at Ludlow. be manufactured verge cutting machinery will continue to 2016 than 20% in April fell by more UK tractor registrations to latest according with the same month the year before, compared (AEA). the Agricultural Engineers Association from figures in April 2016. 1,292 in April 2015 to 1,025 sales fell from Tractor in sales. This has been a 13.2% drop Since the start of the year there in the first four registered means 518 fewer tractors over 50hp were in 2015. months of 2016 than the same period launch of the new Sentinel satellites, part of the European The recent Copernicus has the potential to help observation programme, Earth Union’s a host of other to a new level. Along with agriculture farmers take precision a major opportunity for service land monitoring uses, Sentinel will create and can be applied within agricultural technology to provide providers, or prediction farming, disease that can be used for precision data sources warning. drought IN BRIEF BRIEF IN

FOR

The event was attended Professional Professional Registration

all aspiring

through IAgrE through

he Rt Hon John Hayes MP, MP, he Rt Hon John Hayes hosted Minister for Security, ofthe launch at the House SECURITY

GUIDANCE Attention The guidance was developed in

professionals! ENGINEERS Commons of the Engineering Guidance on security new Council’s for engineers and technicians 19 May. consultation with 35 professional engineering institutions. It sets out six key principles to guide engineers and technicians in identifying, assessing, managing and communicating issues The guidance defines about security. security as ‘the state of relative caused or harm threat from freedom by deliberate, unwanted, hostile or malicious acts’. The principles emphasise the importance of taking to both a security-minded approach and personal life, being professional for and taking responsibility of aware issues. all security related by over 100 people from across the across by over 100 people from engineering profession. T CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

n the Spring 2016 issue of Landwards, registration - building on academic Alastair Taylor raises issues surrounding Dr Martin Goodchild, qualifications I therefore felt I Iprofessional registration. These, should become professionally together with the registrant figures in the CPhys, FIET, Principal registered and endeavour to IAgrE Annual Report, made me reflect on be proactive about promoting my own experiences. Scientist and registration to others. I agree with Alastair’s list of challenges Electronic Engineer This brings me onto my own - time, value expectations, market registration as a Chartered Physicist structure, competition and technology. for Delta-T argues which I obtained last year. Initially All of these were considerations during that there are my IET, IOP & IAgrE memberships my recent professional registration provided options of CEng, CPhys & application, obtaining Chartered status underlying reasons CEnv as pathways to professional last year. The reference in IAgrE’s for the decline in registration. Annual Report to the startling decline in n First, CEng was eliminated registered engineers and the registrant CEng registrant as I felt it would not add to my figures are very disappointing. figures FIET. Also there were application Perhaps I should provide some and renewal costs and interview background. In 1987, having recently requirement. The Engineering completed a CEng accredited BSc in Council demands that both Electronic Engineering, supporters are registered CEng. Delta-T does not have a I joined the Institute of CEng so this presented an additional challenge. Colleagues with Electrical Engineers (now n CPhys via the IOP has a £50 application fee, an interview IET) as an AMIEE and have is not usually required and the application process is web- CEng have found been a member ever since, based with the only additional requirement was to provide little value or obtaining Fellowship (FIET) MPhys equivalence. My CPhys supporters could be CEng, in 2012. During this time CPhys or other senior professionals with a supporting recognition in I completed a PhD, had a justification. couple of post-doc positions, I discovered that the professional competencies shared their registration. spent 13 years at a large many similarities for CEng, CEnv & CPhys, so maybe this is Cambridge technology something that could be built upon in future? consultancy and since 2009 enjoyed working at Delta-T So what would I recommend in order to help increase Devices. the registrant numbers on page 5 of the Annual Report? As a result, I have worked in Material Science, Physics Firstly, I should say that the IAgrE, IOP & IET try very hard to & Electronic Engineering University departments, worked promote professional registration and it was good to see on (and lead) a wide variety of technology development the article about the Membership Committee in Landwards. consulting projects in: digital printing, FMCG, drug delivery As a result I feel the registration bodies could do more, systems and medical devices. More recently at Delta-T I can for instance: add aspects of environmental, soil and plant sciences. This

broad range of disciplines has led me to become a Member • Could the respective councils work together to raise of the Institute of Physics (IOP) and an Associate of the the public profile of Chartered status? Institution of Agricultural Engineers. • Given the level of commonality of competencies could This combination of the IET, IOP & IAgrE provides a a CEng apply for CEnv via a fast-track route? great deal of support and many professional development opportunities, not only for me but also for my colleagues at • Whilst the Professional Institutions do a great Delta-T. job of promoting and administrating professional In respect of professional registration with the registrations, the Engineering Council and SocEnv Engineering Council, I am aware that some industries such are rather distant organisations and with little as civil engineering do place great emphasis on CEng. outreach in my experience. Could these bodies do However, during my time in academia, manufacturing and more to proactively engage with corporate members? consultancy I have not seen the need to become a CEng. • With regard to the Engineering Council, the supporter It is a topic rarely been discussed in annual appraisals requirements are appropriate if you are in a university or figured in discussions on consulting projects. Former or large plc but they can place an additional challenge colleagues with CEng have found little value or recognition for those working in smaller organisations? in their registration. The lengthy application forms I received have left me feeling that the value is just not there. The • Some professional bodies offer ‘get chartered’ really disappointing aspect is that the Engineering Council workshops, could the IAgrE collaborate to offer this to has had so little engagement or impact on the career its members? of someone who has experienced such a wide range I hope some of the above will be of interest to IAgrE of working environments and industries leading up to members. I would also stress that these comments are becoming an FIET. based on my own experiences and opinions, and not from On a positive note, I agree with the aims of professional my employer, Delta-T.

Responses to Landwards Feedback to the Editor [email protected]

8 Reflections on a changing world

NINETY YEARS OF PROGRESS Recognising dedication and expertise of our membership Happy Birthday Your Majesty Alastair Taylor IEng CEnv MIAgrE am writing this a few days after Queen Elizabeth celebrated her ninetieth birthday. Ninety years is a Iwonderful achievement by any measure. What is even sensing, smart machines, and a whole world of more remarkable is the change which our Queen has innovation not dreamt of a generation ago, we are seen over those years. about to embark on a new So what was agricultural engineering like in 1926 – journey which only HG some ten years or so before our Institution was formed. Wells could think about Need to make These were pioneering days. Harry Ferguson had – incidentally, more than started to develop the famous Ferguson System in 1916 twenty-five years before the sure our awards but it was another Queen was born. are relevant thirty years before In 1926 wheat the famous TE20 More celebrations started production. It was a real pleasure to host our annual Presentation yields were Our Queen was then of Awards alongside our AGM and Council meeting 20 years old. at JCB in Staffordshire in April. Over the past couple of around 2 tonnes Henry Ford had years we have made this into a special event and it is a hectare started to develop great to receive nominations and to read citations for the famous Standard those who receive awards. I never fail to be impressed by Fordson around the time our queen was born but it the dedication, expertise, and breadth of interests of our was another ten years or so before production took off. members and others who we celebrate. It took Joseph Bamford – Mr JCB until 1945 before he At the same time, we do need to make sure our broke away from the old family firm to start his now awards are relevant and in keeping with the spirit of famous construction equipment business. the Institution. I think they are but we are conducting Of course the other side of the first twenty years a review of awards and competitions over the next few of the Queen’s life were characterised by the great months to make sure we are seizing every opportunity depression of the thirties and the Second World War. So to celebrate success and achievement. As ever, all ideas much of the post war development which the Queen are gratefully received. witnessed in her twenties and thirties was necessitated by these dark times – as the saying goes “necessity is the Watch this space mother of all invention”, or “difficult situations inspire The summer period is (in theory) a relatively quiet ingenious solutions” as someone else put it. period for the Institution. I think this summer may well It would be fair to say that a big part of our Queen’s be the exception. We are mid-way through a project life has seen a steady development in agricultural to update our website and alongside this we are engineering and farm mechanisation – things got introducing a new membership data base. All of this bigger and more powerful and when combined with take time and intense planning but improvements in plant genetics, fertilisers and pesticides, the planned outcome is a much a revolution in crop yields took place. better interface for existing and In 1926 wheat yields were around 2 tonnes a hectare potential members together with with, at best, a fivefold increase over the next 90 years. more future proofing and potential Impressive by any measure. reliability. Please bear with use I would like to think, and genuinely believe that, as we continue to develop your the developments in Agricultural Engineering which Institution. On behalf of the the Queen will witness in the next ten years will make Secretariat, thanks as ever for the progress made over the past ninety pale into your goodwill, ideas, humour and insignificance. With autonomous vehicles, remote continued support.

9 MEET YOUR NEW PRESIDENT: Dr Robert Merrall

OR Rob Merrall, the ‘trigger’ 1994, he was offered the opportunity for his wide and varied career At the IAGRE AGM to take an Engineering Doctorate. Fin agricultural engineering was The EngD scheme had only been simple. “I came from a largely in April, Dr Robert introduced in 1992 by the engineering suburban upbringing, but from the academic, Professor John Parnaby age of 5 through to my teens, I spent Merrall MIAgrE, EngD and Rob was able to complete a four most of my summer holidays staying was elected as the year research programme to improve with family friends on their dairy farm forage maize production in order in Somerset. That’s when I got the Institution’s 38th to gain his Engineering Doctorate, bug, and my love of the rural life and guided by Richard Earl and Dick agriculture really started”. President. CHRIS Godwin. He also worked on a large farm BIDDLE talks to him As part of the programme, he estate in Dorset run by a former studied the MBA syllabus at Cranfield Grenadier Guards officer, which he about his varied University. “Although I did not sit describes as ‘probably one of the last background, hopes the formal degree, I was able to gain truly feudal farming set ups in Britain’! a first-hand appreciation of what After leaving school, and armed and aspirations for effective business administration with the necessary ‘A’ levels, Rob was can do” he says “Looking back, it eager to learn more. Supported by the coming two years was invaluable and instructive. I do a grant, he gained a place at Silsoe feel that too many under-graduates College in 1990 to study agricultural he had visited the NCAE, whilst emerge with scant appreciation of engineering. “What a time that was” the previous year, the Institution of business and commerce” he says. he says “the small village of Silsoe in Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) had Emerging from Silsoe after 8 years, Bedfordshire was the UK’s main centre marked its 40th Anniversary with the Rob started to look around for job for agricultural engineering, learning Silsoe lecture given at the Mansion opportunities. One that caught his and research”. House by the Lord Mayor of London, eye was a marketing opportunity with The National College for Sir Peter Vanneck (an IAgrE member). the French tractor maker, Renault. His Agricultural Engineering (NCAE) had Its title was ‘British Agricultural been established in 1962, initially Engineering – a Service to the World’. operating from Boreham House, Heady days indeed for the industry. near Chelmsford before finding a IAgrE President at the time (1976- more permanent location at Silsoe. 1978) was T C D (David) Manby The college was later to become OBE, someone who was to have a part of the Cranfield Institute of great influence on the young Rob Technology. Just across the road Merrall some years later. “During from the college was the National my time at Silsoe, I lived in one of Institute of Agricultural Engineering David’s properties, and he together (NIAE) located in the magnificent with others like John Fox and Brian surroundings of Wrest House and Finney brought the industry to life Wrest Park, which was bought by the for me. They were in the vanguard Ministry of Works in 1946. of the drive for knowledge, research “I was very fortunate to be amongst and collaboration”. Indeed, David some of the last intakes at Silsoe. Manby’s Presidential Address in 1976 Not only was a full infrastructure for emphasised the need for collaboration progressive agricultural engineering in between researchers in agricultural place, but there were some extremely engineering with other disciplines influential people on hand to give out such as biology and chemistry. advice and guidance”. Four years at Silsoe College saw Rob Merrall gain a BEng HEADY DAYS (Hons) degree in Agricultural For a large part of the latter half Engineering during which time of the 20th century, agricultural he not only studied higher engineering was given a high profile maths, statistics and soil as the rapid advance of mechanisation dynamics but also French gathered pace post war. The annual and German. A useful skill Silsoe lecture in 1979 was attended as he was to discover later. by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh after After graduation in

New President: Dr Robert Merrall

10 Victoria Cooper and Rob Merrall in conversation with Graham Teakle of the Warwick Crop Centre

that was taken very are looking to appoint independent shortly after Rob accepted contractors to monitor our various the role. projects and keep them on track” he Rob continued work said. to help shape a much That was the catalyst that Rob reduced team who would needed. He established his present deliver more specialist company, Merralls Consulting, to events aimed at delivering work principally with Innovate on the Society’s moto dozens and dozens of research “Science into Practice”, projects where funding needed to be whilst simultaneously monitored, but for which there is a balancing the need for tangible economic benefit”. job interview, in the Bath offices of realising revenue from and planning He was joined in the company by the recruitment agency, was different. strategic re-investment in the facilities Victoria Cooper in March 2012. As a It consisted simply of sitting in front of at Stoneleigh Park. “This was a qualified solicitor, and now a Director a computer screen responding to and challenging time for all involved”, of Merralls Consulting her legal answering a series of questions – in reflected Rob, “and after a few background has proved a real asset to French. months it became clear that the the business. Society needed to restructure in a ON THE FRONT LINE much more radical way, and along Over the past six years, Merralls He got the job, and spent a very with many others, my role came to an Consulting has gone from strength to varied 5 years leading the UK Renault end.” strength, and Rob’s recent election as marketing team from its Warwickshire Reflecting on the 12 months he President of IAgrE comes at a hugely base which included organising dealer spent at RASE, Rob says “It was significant time. The relationship and training, road shows, exhibitions and an extraordinary and extreme, yet the influence that significant former liaison visits to France for dealers and strangely compelling year of my life, Presidents such as David Manby and staff. from which I emerged with some Dick Godwin had on Rob Merrall Renault Agriculture was acquired by enduring friendships and some means that he is mindful of the CLAAS in 2004. “After working hard valuable experience. Institution’s heritage. on the project to integrate a largely It was to prove a difficult and He says “Building on that heritage state owned French company with testing time of Rob’s life. Leaving to allow our Institution to grow is a private German manufacturer, it RASE in January 2010, he found what is important now. To ensure was apparent that, in the UK at least, himself without a job. “Having that Agricultural Engineering figures there would be enough front line gained valuable commercial and to large in the aims and objectives of management based at CLAAS’s UK some extent political experience, it Beddington’s Foresight Report (despite Saxham headquarters, so I decided it was time to take control of my own initial omissions), and help ensure that was time to move on”. destiny” commented Rob. the new Government-funded Agri- There followed spells at two leading EPI Innovation Centre will grow and New Holland dealerships. First as CONSULTANCY nurture over the coming two years Marketing and Communications As so often happens, unforeseen of my Presidency”.“We have moved Director at Oakes Bros where he events take on a life of their own. from a situation where agricultural stayed for just over 3 years, during Rob had spotted an advert for a Lead engineering research was more or which time the dealer was expanding Technologist in Sustainable Agriculture less centralised around a few key its territory through acquisition and and Food at the Technology Strategy institutions, to a more collaborative, relocation of branches. “In a smaller Board (TSB), now Innovate UK. He diverse model, as exemplified by company, people are more resistant to applied, but lost out to Calum the Agri-EPI Centre which pools the change – and therefore my role was Murray who was appointed to the academic talents and resources of, trying to ‘glue systems together’ and role. “I have a great deal of respect among others, SRUC, Cranfield and spend time on people management”. for Calum” says Rob “whilst he and Harper Adams as well as a number of From Oakes, Rob moved in 2007 I shared a research background, he significant commercial companies. It to an after-sales and marketing had headed up Bank of Scotland’s might take time to settle down and director role at Midlands-based Murley Agricultural Division, and could bring establish traction, but it is a superb Agricultural Supplies. “That gave me far more in the way of banking combination of talent to support a an opportunity to gain experience in acumen to the job than I could ever vitally important economic activity – construction equipment which was offer” agricultural engineering!” fascinating and quite a challenge”. “I understood In early 2009, Rob was to take on that he was more one of his most challenging roles, that suited to the role, of Business Development Director but we got on well for the Royal Agricultural Society of and I said that I England (RASE) based at Stoneleigh. was passionate The Royal Show had been, alongside about getting Royal Smithfield, the premier farming better technology event in England. Staged first in 1839. used in agriculture, The ‘Royal’ had been a permanent and would relish date in the farming calendar for 170 working with years. TSB should the The more recent history of the Royal opportunity arise”. Show is well-known, but the complex Nothing happened circumstances forced a difficult for three months, Robert and Victoria with former decision by the RASE Trustees to make when Calum President Mark Kibblewhite the 2009 show the last, a decision phoned. “Rob, we

11 CONTINUING REFLECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE

here are a myriad of proverbs Following and sayings around the process 1. As a member of IAgrE which Tof learning: “Tell me and I Code of Conduct are you obliged the feature forget. Teach me and I remember. to follow? If you are registered Involve me and I learn”. (Benjamin with Engineering Council which on Ethical Franklin); “Learn as if you were to live code of Ethics are you signed up forever”. (Mahatma Gandhi); “You to? Engineering in don’t learn to walk by following rules. 2. What is the paramount principle You learn by doing, and by falling governing the Code of Conduct the last issue over. (Richard Branson); or “Your 3. If you feel that you are being most unhappy customers are your asked to go against the code of of Landwards, greatest source of learning”. (Bill conduct what actions can you Gates) take, and what is the law that IAgrE CEO All of these could be summed protects those taking such actions? up under the general heading 4. How can the existence of a Alastair Taylor of Reflective Practice and let’s be Code of Conduct, which you are honest, very few of us would fail to obliged to follow, be used to your invites members recognise the importance of learning advantage in your work? lessons from experience. We all make to engage in a mistakes and the real skill is to learn These are interesting questions so and develop from these. I, for one, on the basis that the IAgrE CEO has spot of ‘navel- can think of many life experiences, a duty to lead by example, I had a go which upon reflection, have made at answering the questions. If I am gazing’ me consider adopting a different honest it wasn’t too difficult but it did approach. As the other saying goes; make me stop and think. “That which does not kill us, makes In a further attempt to be “teacher’s us stronger”, a quote attributed to pet” I decided to use Engineering the German philosopher, Friedrich Council tool mycareerpath to record Nietzsche. the answers. It is not compulsory that you use this, but for those So what has this got to of us who are registered (I am an Incorporated Engineer), or building up do with the IAgrE CPD a portfolio of evidence in advance of Policy? becoming professionally registered, In the Spring edition of Landwards, mycareerpath is a very useful tool for Malcolm Carr-West produced an recording our reflective learning. excellent article called “Ethical It is anticipated that some members Engineer” which went on to pose will need to submit their work for the question: Could the VW scandal feedback. I did the same. Malcolm happen at a British Company, and said some very nice things (I think I what would be the consequences? passed!) but he did add a follow up All of this is a fair question and the point which I had not considered article has generated some useful “by advertising that the individual in debate as well as reinforcing our question is bound by such a code of duties as engineers and what we practice and is subject to censure if should do if we encountered a similar they fail to obey, might be a powerful set of circumstances. My immediate reason for employing them”. reflection was around the complexity of the subject and whether, at Why not have a go at some stage in my career I had been compromised by the need to follow answering the questions C12 Machine the company line. above? Following publication at a meeting A final thought is that we will where we were discussing the IAgrE look at setting a bank of questions approach to CPD, it was suggested following relevant Landwards that a few salient questions on articles so that those of you keen to Malcolm’s article might be set in order demonstrate your expertise can do that members could reflect on their so. We will need to make sure our learning in a more structured way. questions are sufficiently challenging Malcolm suggested the following as well as developing your reflective questions: practice.

12 Past President Professor Mark themselves a piss-up – aka a signing ceremony… in New York. So when Kibblewhite FIAgrE they came together… last month…, how many actually ratified it? The reflects on his two- answer is a deeply unconvincing 16.” I have lost faith in Government and year term of office international governance to deal with climate change. The sense I have is that innovative technologies and the engineers who underpin them are the only AG useful players left on the field. And Agricultural Engineering in all its forms is absolutely centre stage. Food and ENG AT bioenergy crop production represents around a fifth of all emissions and this proportion is increasing as other CENTRE sectors reduce their emissions. How can emissions from nitrogen use be STAGE reduced by a step change in precision Valedictory agriculture? How can emissions from uccessful organisations like animals be captured and does this IAgrE are savvy about both mean that permanent housing is Stheir strategic and tactical musings unavoidable? progress. Here are just a few reflections on our progress and A revealing side comment I heard direction. But first, a comment on while attending a recent workshop my experience of being President. traded across the planet. Innovation organised by the Committee on A key service tasked to the in design and production offers rapid Climate Change was that the best President is to chair Council and international growth in sales for novel option to avoid catastrophic climate Executive, which is where we and cost- competitive products. change would be to end meat discern our longer and shorter The question for existing consumption. This seems impossible term corporate direction, the manufacturers is whether they to me, however desirable or not, but actions needed and whether we can invest adequately in effective the comment underlines the cultural are progressing properly. Without innovation to keep pace. Arguably, difficulty of finding solutions. exception, all of the Council UK firms are challenged because most We desperately need new and Executive meetings in my are relatively small and may lack the technology that supports higher yields two year term were lively and funds to risk developing the most novel and is an economic winner as well informed events reflecting a great products. This is one reason why public as reducing or eliminating emissions. excitement about the central role investment to support UK innovation Meanwhile, the warnings of artic ice IAgrE has through its membership is critical for these companies and our losses, warming oceans, increasing in driving and exploiting the members that work in them. On the storms and droughts are coming thick prospects for agri-technology. other hand, substantial investment and fast. I think they understate the The healthy life of our corporate by companies such as Lockheed problem. We need to be working right bodies is down to the excellence Martin, Toshiba and Google confirms now on radical alternatives to current and hard work of our Chief the strategic opportunity and means agricultural systems to adapt to what Executive and the headquarters there will be an expanding set of is just over the horizon. So, what team and the many members who opportunities for agricultural engineers. are these and how should they be enthusiastically work voluntarily However, other engineering engineered? This is the key challenge for the Institution. Thank you to disciplines’ interest in our sector is of our time. all of them. growing fast and this can be seen as a Turning to matters close to home or Our 2012 report “Agricultural potential threat. It means that we will more exactly close to the office, we are Engineering: A key discipline have to work harder to keep pace with very lucky to have a highly motivated enabling agriculture to deliver new developments across the breadth and effective Head Office team and global food security” made a of engineering and its supporting their support for the President is strategic difference and definitely science. It is important that we excellent. Of the many developments helped to pull our discipline promote strongly our knowledge of the they are pursuing I want to highlight towards the centre stage of context for engineering in agriculture the modernisation of our IT. The new science and food security policies. as this is not easily accessed by other web site will make sure we have the One tangible result is substantial disciplines. all-important strong web presence and funding for the newly established this is a key investment. The new logo agri-technology centres. Climate change was a strategic is an elegant evolution and specifically The report chimed with the challenge when I became President and designed for digital media. growing and continued interest I regret that progress in dealing with Our social media following is and investment in agricultural this has if anything slowed over the growing fast and provides much engineering from outside of our past two years. When reviewing the improved communication opportunities traditional orbit of companies IPCC synthesis report I was seriously with members as well as those we and institutions, especially from disturbed by its clear warning that need. These things and many others global majors. For me this is a human kind is happily approaching make me confident that we are on a highly significant development – a cliff edge without appreciating the good path. not least because it means that fatal height of the drop ahead. The President’s role has been fun and existing players in our sector will It is easy and unhelpful to be cynical rewarding and I want to sign off by be challenged as well as offered but the best summary of the current thanking the Institution for giving me new opportunities. state of play I have read is in the recent the privilege to serve our community Agriculture is the pre-eminent issue of Private Eye: “At the COP21 and wishing our new President, Dr global industry in which climate jamboree in December, 177 Robert Merrall my best wishes in the equipment and supplies as well countries triumphantly came up with certainty that he too will have a great as commodity products are the ‘Paris agreement’ and awarded time.

13 AT THE EPICENTRE

A new series of interviews with those The recently announced Agri-EPI Centre aims to be a at the ‘sharp end’ of world-leading research hub for agricultural engineering agricultural engineering, and science. Chris Biddle talks to Interim CEO, Dave research and education Ross BSc (Hons), PDip, AMIAgrE, AMIMechE, FRAgS in the UK.

T was fitting that on the very day with senior colleagues on the project a new revolution in information that I caught up with Dave Ross such as chairman Willie Thompson technologies and engineering I(the Interim CEO) of the Agri-EPI at Harbro, Peter Mills and Liz Furey science” Centre and his colleague, Richard at Harper Adams and Leon Terry at “We have to accept that agriculture Dewhurst (Agri-EPI Director), at their Cranfield – and many others”. is rarely seen as a key political issue. Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) base, “At the moment, what we have is The phrase ‘food security’ is hardly the first sod was cut for the start of an evolving blueprint. There are no ever mentioned. Our Scottish Rural the building work on the new Agri-EPI permanent staff, no buildings and Affairs Minister, Richard Lochead funded high-tech dairy unit at Harper only a couple of confirmed research told the Oxford Farming Conference Adams University. projects, both worth £1 million overall last year, that he hardly heard it The Agricultural Engineering incidentally. The dairy unit at Harper mentioned in Brussels either”. Precision and Innovation (AgriEPI) Adams is just the start of the Centre’s A recent Defra report put the programme is still in its embryonic physical presence”. availability of agricultural land in the stages. Much has been said and done, “However, our aim is clear. We are UK as 78% of the total land mass, of hundreds of meetings, thousands embarking on a hugely important which around 30% is in production. (probably millions) of words, countless and significant collaborative research Despite this, there had been a decline presentations, many late nights and programme to support an industry in self-sufficiency to just over 60% gallons of coffee consumed in order estimated to grow to £2.3 billion in - compared with almost 80% in the to prepare for the emergence of a five years. Agri-EPI intends to drive mid-1980s. new era of research into agricultural that growth, supporting innovative Yet, according to Dave Ross, engineering and precision farming. ideas which will help farmers research at the Agri-EPI centres will To date, much of it coordinated by a and business owners across the not be parochial but will have global group of industry figures, researchers world become sustainable in these reach. “With the impact of climate and academics as an add-on to challenging times” change across the world, we will their normal day-to-day roles. “Both “We have to be looking long-term. address the variability of production Richard and I have often finished Current market conditions such as the - and export our findings to markets our main day jobs at SRUC, before glut of cheap milk in the UK are driven around the world”. turning our attention to the detail by geo-political issues over which we and planning of the new global hub. have no real control. The objective is ORIGINS I know that has also been the case to drive increased production through First, we should perhaps remind

14 ourselves of the origins of Agri- The Agri-EPI Centre the UK engineering sector, from EPI. The Institute of Agricultural education and research through Engineering began life in 1924, is also unique in to business and practical application undertaking trials and research into · the development of education and areas such as subsoiling, hay and that, unlike the training in agricultural engineering silage making, crop drying, tyre other specialist · the establishment of an active pressures and the generation of research programme in engineering electricity by wind power. In 1932 centres, it will cover for agriculture the Institute was renamed the every sector of agri- · a partnership approach to Institute for Research in Agricultural translating research and innovation Engineering, but after war broke out tech research into practice it became a branch of the Ministry of Agriculture and moved to temporary The report was accepted as an headquarters at Askham Bryan in AGRI-TECH STRATEGY addendum to the original report Yorkshire, where it was renamed In 2011, the Government’s chief by Sir John Beddington who said “I the National Institute of Agricultural scientific officer, Sir John Beddington welcome this report, which highlights Engineering (NIAE). published his long-awaited report, the role and importance of agricultural In 1948, the Institute staff The Future of Food and Farming and biosystems engineering in numbered 150, and a new home was which addressed the challenges of contributing to new and existing found at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. how to feed a global population of 9 technologies to make farming more Tractor and machine testing was billion people by 2050 in the face of sustainable” its major role initially but long term climate change, growing competition In July 2013, the Government investigation and research was for resources and changing dietary launched the Agri-Tech strategy along gradually being introduced. In 1986 habits. However, it made scant with a funding commitment of £160 the Institute became the Agriculture reference to the role that agricultural million to help the UK become a world and Food Research Council, Institute engineering could play in meeting leader in agricultural technology, of Engineering Research (AFRC IER) these challenges. innovation and sustainability. This but in 1991 changed its name to the This omission dismayed IAgrE, would be achieved by funding more manageable “Silsoe Research together with other stakeholders projects to help bring researchers’ Institute”. such as the Agricultural Engineers ideas to market and by the creation In 1994 the Biotechnology and Association (AEA) and Harper Adams of Centres for Agricultural Innovation. Biological Sciences Research Council University who commissioned Government funding would be (BBSRC) was established and SRI their own response in a report matched by funding from industry, became one of its 8 grant supported “Agricultural Engineering – a key and industry would be encouraged to institutes. Research during the 1980s discipline enabling agriculture to form partnerships with scientists and and 90s expanded to cover physical, deliver global food security” which researchers. engineering and mathematical was presented just over 12 months The Government’s Technology applications to agricultural and later to Sir John Beddington. Strategy Board (TSB), renamed biological processes and systems. The It said “Sustainable intensification Innovate UK, invited bids from across Silsoe Research Institute closed in of agriculture is needed and this the agri-tech sector and in December 2006 with many of its staff moving report emphasises the important role 2014, had received 28 formal to universities, consultancies or set agricultural engineering will play in bidders to run Centres, all of whom up their own businesses. Ongoing delivering this goal – and highlights were invited to present their case research thus became fragmented and the opportunities that engineering, at a meeting. “It was a fascinating largely uncoordinated. allied with other disciplines, is already exercise” says Dave Ross “the criteria The Scottish Institute of Agricultural offering as part of a vision for future was made plain to all. Bidders had to Engineering” was based in Edinburgh global food security” fully justify the commercial benefits (Bush Estate) and eventually became The report’s recommendations accruing from their research projects – part of the Scottish Agricultural included: along with the export opportunities”. College in 1987 - becoming the · A new approach to encourage “Innovate UK and BIS facilitated the Scottish Centre of Agricultural strategic engagement of public merging of bids down to 10 leaving Engineering before closing in the and private sector stakeholders for the way clear to whittle down the 1990’s. agriculture and the food chain with final number to just four Centres

15 Work starts on dairy unit at Harper Adams

focussing on specific focus areas” Initial areas of interest will include the move to more technologically The process was underway, and cutting edge technologies such as advanced agriculture. It will confirmed in the Autumn Statement automated vehicles, unmanned aerial introduce new and unique facilities of November 2015 when Chancellor vehicles (UAVs or “drones”), new based at Cranfield including a George Osborne formally announced instrumentation to monitor both sensor development laboratory the investment of £68 million in operations and in-field performance and associated diagnostic capabilities. three new agri innovation centres to of cropping systems, as well as We will also be a hub for five supplement a new Agrimetrics Centre sensing and imaging technologies to instrumented satellite farms – which had been launched in October monitor livestock production in areas developing effective technologies for 2015 with funding of £11.8 million. such as product quality and health. the whole sector.” The three centres (see panel) are Core to the operation of the Agri- Running alongside the designed as stand-alone units but will EPI Centre will be a series of farms establishment of physical buildings collaborate on a range of projects and and technology facilities equipped and equipment at the three Hubs, will link into the Agrimetrics Centre with advanced bioengineering, recruiting staff and the setting up of with the use of big data and analytical robotics and artificial intelligence the satellite farms, will be the essential tools to understand the needs of systems. “We have 33 satellite farm harvesting of ideas and research farmers, food manufacturers, retailers, locations targeted so far” says Dave programmes. “To this end” says Dave consumers and the environment. Ross “and plan to have 6 of these up Ross “we will be starting to establish and running by the end of this year” “Think Tanks’ to develop project ideas, PARTNERS “These ‘future farms’ will provide largely based on the data emerging Each of the Centres will operate ‘show and tell’ locations to develop from the satellite technology sites. as limited companies limited by and demonstrate technologies to But in the meantime we are eager to guarantee, and be backed by partners UK producers, and will in addition hear from anyone with their thoughts, from across industry. have meeting rooms and internet ideas or suggestions on potential The partners represent expertise connected audio visual equipment to technologies that will offer solutions”. across a wide spectrum of enable us to educate and inform on “In short, we be matching up the engineering, science and technology. current projects across the Agri-EPI Problem Givers with the Problem They include a number of leading Centre network”. Solvers” agricultural machinery manufacturers, “The Agri-EPI Centre is also unique Neither Dave Ross nor his also food producers, leading in that, unlike the other specialist colleagues are under any illusion that supermarket chains and even input centres, it will cover every sector of there will be tricky issues to address from the world of aviation and agri-tech research, arable, livestock, on their journey. “There will be Formula One. These companies will horticulture and include such areas partners who are competitors. We complement the work of the core such aquaculture, urban farming and will have to be acutely aware of the members of the Agri-EPI Centre, vertical farming” sensitivities surrounding intellectual Cranfield University, Harper Adams Commenting on behalf of properties and the need to maintain University and Scotland’s Rural College Cranfield, Professor Leon Terry, confidentiality in specialist areas of (SRUC) along with industry partners Director of Environment and research”. Harbro Ltd, AgSpace Agriculture Ltd Agrifood and Interim Agri-EPI board The initial government funding will and Kingshay Farming & Conservation member, says: “Agri-EPI is an exciting have kick-started the agri-innovation Ltd. opportunity for Cranfield to lead network, and co-funding has enabled

16 AGRI INNOVATION CENTRES Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre (Agri-EPI) - £17.7 million government investment in the new, fast-moving market of precision agriculture to help the UK’s agrifood sector develop advanced technologies that will increase productivity and sustainability in UK agriculture. The Centre will have hubs in Edinburgh, Harper Adams University and Cranfield University.

Centre for Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) - £21.3 million government investment to evolutionise how farmers manage crop threats including pests and disease, both in the UK and overseas. The Centre will have its headquarters in York at the National Agri-food Innovation Campus in Sand Hutton.

Centre for Innovation Excel- lence in Livestock (CIEL) - £29.1 million government investment to create new livestock technology and products to boost the profitability and productivity of livestock farming. The Centre will have its headquarters in York at the National Agri-food Innovation Campus in Sand Hutton.

Dave Ross (right) and Agrimetrics Centre - £11.8m Richard Dewhurst government investment in the use and application of big data to give the agricultural sector an the centres to get up and running. ranging – and can only be successfully evidence-based edge. Agrimetrics In the future however, the approach addressed through collaborative will be based at the Lawes Open will be to use research as a means to approaches between engineers, Innovation hub at Rothamsted. provide commercially-viable solutions scientists, biologists, analysts and Reading University will host the “. . by the emergence of CE-marked others that extend far beyond its data science infrastructure. products or commercial services at the traditional fields. end of the research chain” says Dave These are indeed exciting times. Ross. The Agri-EPI Centre will not be to the vision and progress achieved by Agricultural engineering can no fully operational until 2018, so any the Agri-EPI team barely 18 months longer be regarded in isolation. The assessment now is based on plans, later speaks volumes for both the challenges faced by the agri-food hopes and aspirations. But to come urgency of the task - and dedication industry are complex and wide- from a virtual standing start in 2014 to the cause.

AGRIEPICENTRE Engineering • Precision • Innovation

CONTACTS AND REFERENCES WEBSITE: www.agri-epicentre.com GENERAL: [email protected] CHAIRMAN: WILLIE THOMSON [email protected] DAVE ROSS: [email protected] INNOVATE UK: www.innovateuk.gov.uk

17 THE EARTH BENEATH Agricultural engineering . . . it’s in the blood

hristopher Pett, general allowing the operator to concentrate manager of Mastenbroek, Profile of Christopher on steering and supervising the whole Cthe Boston based engineering Pett, general manager operation, plus cutting technology and manufacturing business, has for sub-sea trenching, ground grown up in the world of agricultural of Mastenbroek and stabilisation and ground water control engineering. His father was a 2016 IAGRE Award using in-situ mixing of soil and binder farmer and engineer, and he became winner. to create below ground structures immersed in the world of agricultural Report by Marion King and water course maintenance and engineering from an early age. Born in dredging. Boston, Lincolnshire he attended the “The company has been export Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, The Mastenbroek story is one of focussed from the beginning. In the Horncastle and studied for an HND in pioneering innovation. It was founded 1980’s the government took away Business Studies at what was Sheffield in 1965 by John Mastenbroek who grant subsidies which forced the Polytechnic. came over from Holland to South business to develop into new markets His early career was spent in the Holland, to import and eventually such as, off-shore sea bed trenching UK irrigation industry and in 2002 he manufacture machines for water for oil and gas pipes and electric felt it was time for a career move and management. The company’s first cables today for renewable wind he joined Mastenbroek as their sales trencher was built in 1977 and it’s turbines,” said Christopher. manager. still in use. “Mastenbroek’s story is a “We also reached out into world history of innovation. To be based in markets with oil, gas and water South Holland is the ideal location for sanitation. With five decades of water and soil management and if experience of designing machines you can make a machine work in UK for all types of soil and conditions conditions it can work anywhere in Mastenbroek has made major the world,” said Christopher. steps forward in positional and Christopher Today the company employs 35 grade-control accuracy of trenching Pett people and the Boston headquarters applications and developed houses sales and administration, sophisticated GPS-controlled design, manufacturing and systems,” added Christopher. fabrication. As well as manufacturing a range of trenchers the company NEXT GENERATION also engineers solutions for a variety Christopher is passionate about of other equipment for example; British engineering, “We are extremely auxiliary kit for trenching, machine good at bespoke engineering in the automation using in-cab Trimble UK and Mastenbroek is a company precision laser technology which that illustrates this ability. We are looks after depth and gradient, good at engineering solutions, we do a lot of concept engineering which leads on to build and finally manufacture. We are able to build a 3D model and then create a machine that no one else has built in the world, which is really exciting” he added. This passion for British engineering has also led the

C12 Trawler truck

18 Concept machine

farm and then take that information and correlate it with your drainage design. THE EARTH BENEATH You can survey your topography in such detail, correlate it with a yield map and see where the poor areas of your field are then design in a matter of hours what would have taken days. You are basically taking control of the operation of the company to build a close relationship is the unexpected which machine and you are with Boston College where creates fresh challenges. “There can not having to rely so much on the Christopher is a governor. “We need be a lot of frustration and I need to individuals’ operator skills because you to source the next generation of be aware of what might go wrong are virtually automating the process engineers from the local community but I think I’m not bad at seeing the so you can give the customer a much and it is important for us to build diversity and opportunities that are better guarantee of quality. very close links with the college. We around us. For British agriculture to compete plan to take one apprentice a year My role is also as an ambassador against the world market we have and one of our engineers is a STEM for the company and I think the to maximise our efficiency because ambassador. We are also having UK too. I’m a great believer in UK your margins is not the first 3 or 3.5 on-going discussions with the College manufacturing and at Mastenbroek tonnes, but comes from that extra about the importance of maths and we come up with opportunities and 300 kilos to the acre. That’s where how we can demonstrate to students solutions that other countries can’t.” I see the profit margin coming from the significance of maths in the One of the greatest challenges and the whole GPS and the software workplace. Christopher faces is bringing on that goes with precision farming has I’ve always found the best engineers the next generation of engineers to be the biggest development yet.” are the ones that have developed in- and technicians and being able to Not that Christopher has a lot of house,” said Christopher. differentiate between long and time, but any of his spare time is When asked what skills are needed short term goals. “I think we can given to skiing and hill walking. “I in his role Christopher laughs and says sometimes be a little ‘short termist’ used to do a lot of coastal sailing perseverance and a sense of humour. in the UK with our business attitude. but I just don’t have the time at the “It’s a given that you need commercial My focus is developing people moment. Fortunately I enjoy what and financial skills and have to be au- and the technologies and sparking I do, I enjoy travel, meeting people fait with employment, environmental interest locally that engineering is a and communicating and I am very rewarding career. fortunate as my role is a good vehicle My ambition is to for just that,” he concludes. build up South Christopher’s engineering Lincolnshire achievements have also been as leader of recognised recently by the Institution engineering of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) and excellence” he has been awarded the Michael Another Dwyer memorial prize, which is challenge is presented to a mid-career engineer staying with your who has made outstanding progress long term vision, in the agricultural engineering managing your industry. risks and avoiding “Chris has a breadth of engineering distractions such as talent,” said Alastair Taylor, CEO of the new pension IAgrE. “He has responsibility for all scheme, Brexit etc. aspects of Mastenbroek’s business My advice to which includes a complex product Model 2015 with total CPS machine automation anyone wanting to portfolio, legislation changes both at enter agricultural home and overseas and introducing and engineering issues but you need engineering is – give it a go. It truly ground breaking products to be able to see what can’t be encompasses such a wide variety that have extended the company’s seen, be open minded, looking for of skills but don’t go into it with reputation for reliability and performance. He truly deserves this opportunities and solutions. Being preconceived ideas and get involved Mastenbroek part of a team is also important where your skill set lies.” award.” Design team to me, collectively you are much stronger as a team. A great team PRECISION AGRICULTURE with individual skills are the most Looking towards the future significant benefit to an organisation. Christopher sees precision agriculture It’s also important to listen, be as one of the most interesting open minded and understand what technological developments. “The the market needs. Looking and industry is very familiar with the listening to what people want is what technology now in the landbased makes British manufacturing great. sector, the development of machine We are a technology driven company control systems, using GPS to impassioned about bringing on new integrate your drainage as part of technology.” the entire farm operation, you can The most enjoyable part of his job increase yields, micro analyse your EMERGING ENGINEERS ENGINEERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

through increased coverage of major Government was Sir Anthony engineering projects such as Crossrail Bamford (now Lord Bamford). He was The JCB Academy and new vehicle technology, and asked whether he would be interested by engaging the interest of young in setting up a UTC in a deprived area. was the first through events such as the Big Bang “Not really” was his answer “but University Technical Fairs. I would be interested in setting up But it was not always thus. an Academy for a deprived sector, College (UTC) In 2000, Tony Blair’s Labour engineering!” to open its door. Government announced the His company, JCB was interesting in establishment of Academies with the unearthing many more young people Six years on, it is aim of “improving pupil performance of the right calibre and attitude who and breaking the cycle of low would be interested in careers with oversubscribed and a expectations.” JCB and other successful engineering flagship for specialist Initially they were known as City and manufacturing concerns. Here Academies, a term that was changed was an opportunity for ‘home-grown’ academies. CHRIS to simply Academies in 2002. new talent, nurtured through an BIDDLE meets the Included in the plans were Sponsored establishment which could reflect the Academies which were intended to JCB ethos. Principal, Jim Wade encourage the participation of private True to his word, Bamford wasted sponsors or industrial concerns who, no time in setting the wheels in it was hoped, would bring to them motion, with the result that the ngineering has always had its “private-sector best practice and JCB Academy became the first in a work cut out to attract young innovative management”. national network of some 30 UTCs Erecruits in an age when the From the Academy programme that currently span the country. media, IT, fashion, travel, sports, retail emerged University Technical Colleges Some serve the interests of their local and financial services were seemingly (UTC), typically secondary schools catchment areas, others serve specific presented as more exciting career taking pupils from 14-19 wishing industry sectors such motor-racing options. to further their education in the (Silverstone UTC), Heathrow Aviation But gradually the penny is dropping STEM subjects (science, technology, Engineering UTC and the Health that engineering underpins all engineering and manufacturing) Futures UTC. these sectors – and more. Interest One of the industrialists approached Each UTC has a University as a has been building in recent years in the early stages by the Blair lead sponsor, in the case of the JCB Academy, it is Harper Adams University which gives a flavour of its specialisation. Yes, there is close association with the nearby JCB plant at Rocester, but also with the likes of Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Network Rail and Bosch Rexroth.

JCB Academy 20 JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade

OPENING THE DOORS they being given. Yunnus Bozkurt is Populating the fledgling Academy head boy this year. Together with his with its first raft of students was an twin brother Ozan, he moved to the interesting challenge according to JCB Academy when the Black Country Principal Jim Wade. Jim was appointed UTC at Walsall closed due to lack of to head up the Academy in 2009, numbers. a year before the formal opening, Both are studying physics with an having previously been Principal eye to a future career in the aerospace at the highly-rated South Molton industry. They recently spent time Community College in Devon with engineers from Bosch Rexroth, “There was a great deal of initial who designed the hydraulics system leg-work” he says “we ran a series for the London Eye. “We were given of road-shows to drum up interest. a trip behind the scenes to see the The Academy draws from an 18- hydraulic system in action at the Eye, mile radius, but that is over 1000 and given access to Bosch Rexroth’s square miles and does include major headquarters in St Neots. It was conurbations such as Derby, Stoke a unique access to manufacturing and Stafford” facilities and iconic landmarks to help The work on converting the historic “Permeating through the us think practically about hydraulics Arkwright Mill on the outskirts of Academy is a central ethos of and complex engineering systems” Rocester (parts of which date to 1781) developing employable young “We are often being challenged to house the JCB Academy had begun people with a positive attitude, to come out of our comfort zone” in 2006 when new teaching units emotional intelligence, intellectual added Yunnus, who recently had to and over £1 million worth of modern horsepower, combined with academic make a formal presentation of his engineering equipment had been achievement”. work to the JCB executives in the installed. The emphasis is on ensuring that company’s lecture theatre. In the event, 170 students enrolled students not only have the requisite The creation of UTC’s has not for the first term, a number that engineering qualifications but that been a universal success. Some would increase over subsequent years they combine these with a clear and have struggled to recruit viable to the Academy’s total capacity of positive knowledge and appreciation student numbers. Four have closed, 540. The £22 million facility gained of business and business practice. Hackney, Black Country, Bedford Royal approval with an official “It is no good having the highest and Lancashire. However, the JCB opening by the Prince of Wales and engineering qualifications without Academy goes from strength to the Duchess of Cornwall early in the necessary interpersonal and strength – and according to education 2011. communication skills to put them in magazine, FE Week is the only UTC For those pupils used to traditional practice” says Jim Wade. running at, or above full capacity school hours, the JCB Academy might Results from the Academy are According to Jim Wade, the most have come as a bit of a culture shock. consistently good. Of the 16-years old recent intake of 198 students were “Our aim” says Jim Wade “is to not going on the sixth form, a third selected from 275 applicants. That prepare students for life in the real found appropriate apprenticeships must tell you two things. The original JCB Students world from the time they join. In whilst two-thirds addition to the pursuit of technical went into full-time and academic excellence, we help employment. In the most them develop life skills essential for recent Ofsted report, the success in work and in society”. first since the Academy School hours are more like business opened, inspectors graded hours at the JCB Academy. The day is it as outstanding or good normally 8.30 to 5.00pm (4.00pm on in all areas and said two days of the week) and the school “All sixth form students year lasts 41 weeks. Student dress leaving The JCB Academy is important, business-like for study, went to university, found practical and protective for hands-on employment or entered learning. into an apprenticeship”. Because the working day is longer, A succession of business homework for students is a rarity. “It leaders and politicians all about time management” says Jim visiting the JCB Academy Wade “The curriculum is structured to have experienced encourage effective use of time, and for themselves the out of school hours we encourage aspirational qualities participation in a wide range of embedded in the interests outside the classroom such students. “The JCB as Air Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh Academy is outstandingly good, the planning and support of JCB was Awards and sports” students are highly motivated and influential and crucial to its long-term Students joining the Academy their results are astonishingly good” prospects – and that engineering has initially spend two days at school, then commented the CEO of the Royal become a much sought after career a week at Harper Adams working on Academy of Engineering. option for young people. an engineering project such as helping And perhaps more than that. design a remote controlled vehicle. Success breed success. And the “It does throw them in at the deep- AN EYE ON former boys and girls (the alumni) end, but we like to see the ‘cut of ENGINEERING of the JCB Academy are the best their gib’ right from the outset” says And the students themselves are a ambassadors for both the school itself Jim Wade. very well aware of the opportunities and the engineering sector in general.

21 EMERGING ENGINEERS YOUNG ENGINEERS COMPETE AT KNIGHT MACHINERY Win for the Green Monster reasons) had to withdraw at the very Sean Kilgallen; the Douglas Bomford last minute, some on the day of the Trust and IAgrE; Richard Robinson, the competition. This meant that only very enthusiastic prime mover; Peter two teams competed on the day, one Leech for keeping track of the scores; from Hartpury College and one from the IAgrE secretariat and in particular ProVQ (the John Deere apprentice Sarah McLeod for all their hard work training provider). behind the scenes. ON THE DAY SUMMARY On arrival everyone signed in whilst This year the lack of enthusiasm enjoying light refreshments and for the competition has been Brian Knight extended a very warm very disappointing. Following the welcome to all and wished the teams competition a brief survey suggests good luck. that the timing of the event, i.e. just Next came the scrutineering before Easter is right. However, if which unfortunately reduced further the competition element John Deere team with as it deemed that the the Green Luke his year the annual Young “Green Monster” Monster Crowhurst Engineers’ Competition took from the John Deere and Toby place on Tuesday 8 March and apprentice team Cutler of the T John Deere was held at Knight Farm Machinery passed whilst the team Ltd, South Luffenham, Rutland. The Hartbury “GH&S” competition continues to be run on Machine being similar lines to those first envisaged outside the set by Richard Robinson (Autoguide dimensions had Equipment). It is open to all UK failed. This meant landbased universities and colleges. that we had just one Teams of two students are given a machine in each class. set of wheels, a battery and maximum Richard Robinson dimensions and their task is to then explained produce a remote or radio controlled the format of the vehicle to power up a curved ramp competition and the with the one going the highest necessary strategy to George declared the winner. beat the opposition. Leighton, In spite of much effort from the The overall result was Stewart IAgrE secretariat, entries to the that the Green Monster machine just any university/college staff have any Truman and competition were at an all-time low, pipped the Hartbury GH&S Machine suggestions of how to improve the Harry Bridle of Hartpury which was extremely disappointing. on each of the three runs but as there entry, please let the IAgrE secretariat College This low entry was exacerbated when was only one team in each class, know. We would welcome your team some teams (for genuine legitimate both teams were declared winners suggestions/ideas. Provisional date for and were presented with power the 2017 competition is Tuesday April tools courtesy of our sponsors Bosch 4th. Rexroth and cash prizes from the Douglas Bomford Trust. Following a delicious lunch we all listened to an excellent illustrated talk by the inspirational Brian Knight who then took us for a very informative (and mind- blowing) tour of the works. All this ensured that those who attended, as always, enjoyed a great day. Special thanks go to Brian Knight, who made us so welcome; our sponsors Autoguide Equipment, Bosh Rexroth and their very supportive representative 22 The Douglas Bomford Trust, The Bullock Building, University Way, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0GH Telephone: +44 (0)1234 750876 www.dbt.org.uk [email protected] Secretary: Paul Miller DOUGLAS BOMFORD TRUST Administrator: Elizabeth Stephens

General Management Board meeting held in April

A meeting of the Board of Trustees and made recommendations as to • A novel EM sensor for measuring was hosted by AGCO at Stoneleigh which of the submitted proposals fish at the University of Liverpool. Park in early April and was attended should be funded: The Trust agreed by all but one of the Trustees. At this to support activities relating to: It was also agreed to extend The meeting the Trustees: • The monitoring of grazing livestock Trusts involvement with the Arkwright at Liverpool John Moore’s University Engineering Scholarship Scheme that • Reviewed the administration and subject to a positive response from aims to promote engineering to those financial position relevant to an invited referee. studying for A-levels at school and to The Trust. • Approaches to educating learners seek cooperation with the Agricultural • Reviewed the progress of research in how software development can Engineers Association to broaden projects and other activities that are assist in fuel economy and emissions the possibilities for providing work refunded by The Trust. reduction at Hereford and Ludlow experience for sponsored students. • Examined new proposals for funding College, and

Studentships Undergraduate students from Harper Adams University who had successfully applied for Douglas Bomford studentships had their awards presented to them at a special scholarships presentation held at the University on 17th February 2016. Awards were made to William Ashton, John Nixon, James Charnley, Binbin Dong and Thomas Sutton and The Trust was represented Dr David White, trustee (centre) and recipients of Douglas Bomford at the presentation event by Dr David studentships at Harper Adams University (left to right John Nixon, James White in his role as a trustee. Charnley, Tom Sutton and William Ashton)

Travel and Small Trials with the pedal-powered Project Awards pump in Malawi The Trust contributed to an “Engineers without Borders - Sheffield” project concerned with the development of a pedal-powered water pump for irrigation use. The objectives of the project included: • To develop pedal-powered water pump technology so that it can be used as a viable, small scale, off-grid method of irrigating low-acreage farmland in Northern Malawi during the dry season; • To provide EWB-Sheffield members with invaluable experience working on engineering development projects abroad thereby developing their skills in designing engineering solutions and implementing complex agricultural projects. comfortable pedalling the bicycle flow rate in proportion to the Sam Stedman and Andrew Merson than the men. The reasons were: amount of work they had to put in. visited a collaborating organisation they did not usually ride bicycles • The pump had to be re-primed in Malawi during August to October so the wobbling made them feel many times during pumping 2015 and provided The Trust with unsafe, they did not want to • Users preferred using the mountain a comprehensive report of their show their legs to the men when bike we supplied as opposed to activities and findings on their pedalling, and the seat was very their own local bike as the higher return. Copies of this report are firm which was uncomfortable. gear ratio allowed them to pedal available from the secretary to The • Initially men had to be encouraged more slowly Trust on request. It was interesting to sit on the bike and pedal with • Users could not put the pump into to note that observations relating to their legs instead of using their arms transportation mode on their local their initial testing of a pump design to turn the cranks. (They did this bicycle because the rear mudguard included: with one person on each crank arm) was too wide to fit inside the pump • That women were much less • Users were disappointed with the casing.

23 Random thoughts by The Engineer

WHAT IS THE POINT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING?

he Institution is currently there are a number of you out there) And there is more to come, I am considering whether its with a good idea, say, to half the sure. But not with the current funding TMemorandum and Articles environmental impact of some aspect regime. Altruism is of no interest. of Association need updating, and of agricultural production by changing Of the three pillars of sustainability, of course that document defines practice? Unless there is some only one matters now, the others we the purpose of the Institution of ‘product’ that can be sold to farmers, pay lip service to. Yes, agricultural Agricultural Engineers. In a nutshell, forget it, no one will fund this. engineering employs many people it exists to promote and support I did a brief survey of scientists, and contributes to the UK GDP. But agricultural engineering, which then including one agricultural engineer, that isn’t the most important thing. begs the question about why they Yes, the treasury needs income, and ‘What is the point chose such a career we need entrepreneurs to ensure it of agricultural Unless there is path. Ok, actually I gets it, but we don’t all have to make engineering?’ just asked my family. piles of money. Some of us can just I think a visitor some ‘product’ None of them said try to make the world a better place to the UK could be their motivation was and at the end of the day feel quietly forgiven for thinking that can be to improve the UK satisfied that we at least haven’t made that all science, sold to farmers, economy, nor to make it worse. technology and lots of money for engineering exists forget it, no one themselves (although Agricultural solely to put as much one would do almost money as possible will fund this. anything for an engineering has into the hands of iPhone 6). In some the Chancellor of the Exchequer. vague, fluffy way, we all want to do changed peoples’ Innovate UK, a major funder of some good in the worId. I feel very applied R&D, makes no secret of that: dispirited by the relentless, ugly focus lives. all proposals for grants have to score on money-making. highly in terms of economic benefits, The point of agricultural NEW FEATURE be led by industry and have a route engineering is clear if you look at Contributions are invited for this to commercialisation. Even research what it has achieved over the last new feature in Landwards. The council support for science – which century: arguably the most crucial aim is to present original, perhaps we would have traditionally seen as component of a secure supply of contentious or provocative ‘blue skies’ and far removed from quality food. But just as important opinion by IAgrE members on an filthy industry – now has a very clear are the immense improvements in industry related topic. Authorship steer towards commercialisation and the quality of life. Just think how will be credited if requested or economic benefits. crops were sown and harvested appear under the nom-de-plume For agricultural engineering, before mechanisation –back-breaking of The Engineer. Copy for opportunities for public funding work, often done by women and consideration should be around for anything other than industry children. These benefits are priceless. 750 words and be sent to the collaborations are almost nil, and Agricultural engineering has changed Editor those that do exist are open to only peoples’ lives in ways that are so ([email protected]) a few select institutions. So what fundamental we have forgotten about would an inventor do (and I am sure it.

24 MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES IAgrE The Bullock Building, University Way, Cranfield, Membership Bedford MK43 0GH Telephone 44 (0) 1234 750876 Fax: 44 (0) 1234 751319 Matters e-mail: [email protected] www.iagre.org

IAgrE Annual General Meeting and Awards 28 April 2016 JCB HOSTS IAGRE AGM AND AWARDS Rob Merrall elected as President for 2016/17

John Smith, JCB Agriculture General Manager welcomes delegates

Meeting of IAgrE CEOs

he 2016 IAgrE Annual General that the Institution was in a strong Presenting the Accounts, Alastair Meeting combining the Council condition especially in terms of Taylor confirmed that the Institution TMeeting and presentation of energy, direction and financial stability was financially secure, but added that Awards was held at the impressive and praised the officers employed there would be greater expenditure in headquarters of JCB Landpower at by IAgrE and the leadership of CEO 2016 due to the redevelopment of the Rocester on 28 April. Alastair Taylor. website and other initiatives aimed at Over 30 members and guests were He said “It has been a privilege and investing in the future of IAgrE in the welcomed officially in the JCB Theatre delight to serve IAgrE as its President. future. with an overview of the company My term has been convivial and The meeting then saw the election before the official proceedings enjoyable, and I really appreciate the of Dr Robert Merrall as President for commenced. support and friendship extended by 2016-17 with Professor Jane Rickson In his final task, outgoing President the whole team at Cranfield and by as President-Elect. Professor Mark Kibblewhite said Alastair Taylor in particular”. Robert Merrall runs Merralls

IAgrE AGM

25 Consulting and is an independent Management. hope to harness in further growing consultant with Innovate UK, the Commenting on the appointments the reputation of, and respect for Government’s Innovation Agency. IAgrE’s CEO Alastair Taylor said, “The our profession. It is important that I Well-known in the agricultural IAgrE team are looking forward express my thanks to the outgoing sector, Rob spent his early career in to working with Rob as the new President for his wisdom and good agricultural engineering research at President, together with all newly humour during his term of office.” Cranfield University before working appointed council members, to Following lunch, guests were taken in roles with the Renault Group, as develop the Institution over the next on a conducted tour of the Story a director of two major UK farm few years. Rob brings an amazing of JCB exhibition and of the Loadall equipment distributors and as a array of contacts and ideas which we production facility. director of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. “I am honoured to be appointed to this important role and look forward to helping the Institution raise its profile, continue its work post the Government’s 2011 Foresight Report ‘Future of food and farming’, build new ‘Agri-Tech’ networks and encourage profitable innovation amongst agricultural engineers,” said Rob. President Elect is Professor Jane Rickson, IAgrE Fellow and Chartered Environmentalist. Jane is a soil and water engineer, involved in research for Government and private sector clients at Cranfield University. She is also involved in training and teaching on Masters and continuing Mark Kibblewhite professional development courses in (left) hands over to Land Reclamation and Restoration, Rob Merrall Environmental Engineering and Soil

The story of Tour

The beginnings

IAgrE’s Elizabeth Stephens in the Introduction to Story of JCB seat

Flying the flag JCB light show

26 2016 AWARDS The new format IAgrE Awards were presented along with supporting citations following the AGM and Council Meeting.

HONORARY FELLOWSHIP AWARD I would like to thank the into 25 years ago. Institution sincerely for this award Congratulations to the but not so much for the award as for management of the Institution (a what it means. Although I was and group of people who seem to have always will be member of Institution been bred for the job). In particular, of Civil Engineers (ICE), my work in for making such an impact on the rural areas always felt on the fringe recruitment of the young, whilst of pure Civils and when I joined maintaining respect for older IAgrE I immediately felt I had arrived members. As I look around, I am somewhere. struck by the fact that there are When I became President I wrote so many faces I don’t recognise a piece in Landwards which was my – for it means that there are lots considered opinion about why we of new members and that the have Institutions and why people in Institution is evolving. You are the Industry should support them. indeed demonstrating that ‘YOUR During it, I coined the phrase ‘your INSTITUTION IS FOR LIFE’. Institution is for life’. It is what I still honestly believe and was very pleased that Chris Whetnall saw fit to repeat it at his retirement dinner. If you check my CV on my One of the Institution’s most website, you will note my Presidency important award of an Honorary of this Institution is at the top. I may Fellowship was presented to have 22 major awards - including a Geoffrey Freedman, IAgrE Past gold medal from ICE for Innovative President and of the Forestry Design - but my association with Engineering Group. IAgrE tops everything. I am not fully In his response, Geoff Freedman retired yet and continue to work said “Over the last 20 years, I know with FEG and am still designing I made the right choice in becoming bridges while also recruiting for part of the IAgrE ‘family’. IAgrE - the family I was welcomed

DOUGLAS BOMFORD David Tinker FIAgrE: Nick Tillett, MIagrE: Tillett AWARD OF MERIT PAPER AWARD: South East Midlands and Hague Technology Ian Duff, MIAgrE, Dr James D Browne Branch Northern Ireland Branch AIAgrE and D J Peter Frost MIAgrE for their paper “The effects of storage time and temperature on biogas production from dairy cow slurry” published in Biosystems Engineering, January 2015. MICHAEL DWYER This award had been MEMORIAL AWARDS: presented at the Northern Andrew Kneen: Director Ireland Branch AGM in SPECIAL IAgrE AWARD of Househam Sprayers March by President, Mark FOR FORESTRY: OTHER AWARDS Kibblewhite. John Scott (Award to The IVEL AWARD for a be presented at the FEG new product was won BRANCH MERITORIOUS Symposium in September) by Poclain Hydraulics SERVICE AWARDS: and presented at LAMMA Hugh McIlvenna MIAgrE: IAgrE AWARD FOR in January, as was the Northern Ireland Branch CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDENT PROJECT (presented earlier in LAND-BASED SECTOR: AWARD won by Cennydd Northern Ireland) Ronald Knight: for his Christopher Pett: General Hughes, formerly of Coleg David Yates MIAgrE: East work in restoring combine Manager, Mastenbroek Sir Gar for his “Multi- Midlands Branch harvesters Purpose Log Splitter”. Two other Awards, the JOHNSON NEW HOLLAND TROPHY and the IVEL SAFETY AWARD were not won during the past 12 months.

27 Branch Reports Summer 2016

WEST MIDLANDS In reality nobody is quite sure how long Mike has been a member of the Branch AGM committee and it is more likely 35 years At the recent West Midlands Branch AGM plus. During his time on the committee retiring Branch Secretary Mike Sheldon Mike has served in several roles including Euro annual turnover. Alex then expanded was presented with a certificate ‘In Chairman, Treasurer and latterly, for at more on the company’s product range recognition of 35 years of service to the least the fifteen years I’ve been a member and the technology behind it, with a brief West Midlands Branch of the Institution’ of the Branch, as Honorary Secretary. On overview of some of the topics covered by Dr Mark Cooper, IAgrE Vice President. behalf of all the West Midlands members I during the evening’s presentation below. would like to say thank you to Mike for his Kawasaki produce both two stroke and work as secretary and wish him all the best four stroke engines for use in a wide for his well-earned retirement. Ian Moore variety of applications, with the biggest – Branch Chairman being turfcare equipment. The smaller two stroke engines are traditionally used TURFCARE ENGINE EVOLUTION for brush cutters, leaf blowers and hedge In February the West Midlands branch cutters. The four stroke engines are either members were given a very interesting and single cylinder or V twin, 603cc. If the informative presentation on the ‘Evolution engines are any larger than 1000cc or of the Turfcare Engine’ by IAgrE member produce any more than 30kW they fall Alex Brawn, Engineering and Regulations in to a different and more demanding Manager for Kawasaki Motors Europe. EU emissions category when the new Alex started his presentation with an non-road mobile machinery’ emissions overview of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd regulations come into force in 2019 All which was established in 1896 and now the V twin engines are manufactured employs around 35,500 people worldwide. in the US which is the world’s biggest He explained how the general purpose market for professional gasoline turfcare engine business is part of the Motorcycle equipment. and Engine Company and accounts for The turfcare market uses the V twin around 25% of Kawasaki’s 11.4 billion engines for larger ride on mowers, both professional and domestic, and the single cylinder engines for walk behind mowers OBITUARY: and smaller ride on mowers. Big OEM PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER WATHES OBE FIAgrE customers for these engines include John Deere, Husqvarna, Countax (Ariens), 19 May 1952 - 6 May 2016 Viking and Hustler. Other niche customers include for example Czech company, hristopher Michael Wathes OBE died Dvorák who manufacture a range of radio on the 6th May 2016 after 5 years remote control ‘Spider’ slope mowers Chard and difficult battle against for grass cutting in extreme and difficult Parkinson’s disease. environments. Alex’s presentation was Christopher was born in Birmingham in supported by a superb ‘exploded’ single 1952 and graduated from the University of cylinder engine, see photo, and lots of Birmingham with a BSc degree in Physics engine components for members to look in 1974. He graduated from the University at and handle. of Nottingham in 1978 with a PhD in Environmental Physics. His involvement with the agricultural engineering OBITUARY: community increased substantially when, in 1990, he moved from Bristol University PETER STEARNE MIAgrE to Silsoe Research Institute and became 20 August 1960 - 23 April 2016 head of the Welfare Science Division – one of the eight divisions of the Institute at that time. In the mid-1990’s the Institute was interface between environmental physics eter Stearne grew up on a small farm re-structured to give two main research and animal welfare, and the research in Cambridgeshire which housed a divisions with Christopher becoming students and teams he developed through Pcollection of 28 full size steam traction the head of the Bio-Engineering Division his career have demonstrated the value engines. Since graduation from the and in 2003 he was appointed Director of such research for both agriculture and National College of Engineering in 1981, of Science at the Institute. In 2005 he animals Peter had been working in horticulture and transferred, with his research team, to the From 2005 to 2013, Christopher was agriculture as a consultant, both for ADAS Royal Veterinary College where he became Chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare and latterly running his own international Professor of Animal Welfare and director of Council, which advised the Department consultancy business with his wife, Kathy. the Centre for Animal Welfare. He joined for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Clients included Kew Gardens and RHS the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (Defra) on the welfare of farmed animals. Wisley as well as commercial growers. in 1991 as a Fellow and contributed to He was a member of Defra’s Review of Peter was an avid model engineer building many activities including being a member Avian Quarantine in 2005 and the co- from scratch a working quarter- scale of Council between 2002 and 2005 and founder of the European Forum of Animal fairground with 3 live steam traction convened IAgrE’s “Integrated management Welfare Councils (EuroFawc). engines. He was also an expert on the Systems for Livestock” Conference held at Christopher Wathes was awarded the history of fairgrounds and presented talks Selwyn College in September 2001. Research Medal of the Royal Agricultural and lectures aboard cruise liners. Christopher was a research scientist who Society of England for research on worked for all his career in agricultural and environmental management for livestock veterinary science. His research interests in 2002. In 2013 he was appointed an were broad, ranging from animal welfare Officer of the Order of the British Empire in to environmental physics while taking in the Birthday Honours for services to animal agricultural engineering, environmental welfare. Christopher received the 2016 biology and veterinary ethics. Among Universities Federation for Animal Welfare many things that he will be remembered (UFAW) medal that was to be presented at for was the EU Air Pollution Project relating a ceremony in June but he died knowing to the pollution in and from farm animal that he had received this award. houses – this project established base data Christopher was a strong character who on the emissions associated with animal made a tremendous contribution to production systems, and the environments agricultural engineering and issues relating in which animals lived. His strong scientific to the science of animal welfare. He will drive established a programme at the be sadly missed by many of us.

28 WREKIN

LATEST ENGINE DEVELOPMENTS 90% to 4B. Reduction in Nitrous Oxide truly informed engineer with continuous The concerns of the world for emission similarly had followed 65 % and 95% references to operators in some parts control on engine exhausts opened up reductions respectively. Hydrocarbon of the world ‘avoiding or restricting’ the way for an intense meeting where reduction of 98% was cited with Carbon use of DEF – basically as it costs money, the delivery of post diesel combustion Monoxide suggested as next for scrutiny. and how engine management systems acronyms and associated treatments Outlining the functions and efficiencies are set to counter such deliberate acts. outlined by Malcolm Yearsley of CNH of the main systems of emission control, Faced with vehicles (HGV’s particularly) Industrial hushed and focused the Selective Catalytic Reduction and being restricted to a creep mode can be audience at the meeting on 9 March. Exhaust Gas Recirculation he linked these challenging to operators who pay no Initially contrasting North American with separately with CNH products to engine regard to emission by not refilling DEF European standards he reminded the power levels currently but suggested tanks, or filling them with fluids other audience of litigation propensities across combined use with certain products soon than DEF of the right grade! the Atlantic whilst he guided thoughts particularly with cooling on EGR. So as with many IAgrE meetings the of development from Tier 3 through Tier The meeting was reminded of the audience was left fully appreciative of 4 A and 4B (Euro 6) in various emission immense pressures now in use (2200 such complex developments, where outputs, e.g. Carbon Monoxide, Nitrous bar) within diesel injection systems as issues may be raised to in the future, the Oxide, Hydrocarbons and particulate combustion efficiencies are ever increased. ingenuity of both designer and users in Matter. Massive improvements were noted Practical use and management of Ad Blue practical operation alongside the need to between the stages, e.g. Particulates injection (Diesel Engine Fluid to be more demonstrate responsible operation. down by 90% to 4A and then a further correct) were covered in the style of a

WESTERN

MONITORING FLEET EFFICIENCY fuel accounting for 45% of operator inefficient. We’re all aware of the current impact of annual costs. The MAN truck fleet Another performance indicator is braking. lower fuel costs on our travel costs and it telematics systems, developed through We all seen a tractor unit cab test the would be easy to forget about efficiency, their technology partnership with the full range of suspension as it comes to a however at the Western branch meeting German engineered system Microlise, uses stop – MAN therefore includes this in their 9 March we were reminded of the role of monitoring sensors located throughout the monitored parameters. monitoring and reporting plays in vehicle engine, transmission and braking system to David explained how small consistent operation. David Lester, Head of Fleet record the trucks performance. Ultimately savings per vehicle could result in Manager at MAN trucks presented to us these KPIs are a direct result of the driver’s significant saving of up to £100,000 a “Vehicle and Plant telemetry systems”. action and response to traffic conditions. month for vehicle fleets of over 900 units. MAN Truck and Bus of one of the Although this might be interpreted as The Microlise system also uses an on- leading suppliers of commercial vehicles the ‘big brother’ in the cab, businesses board camera to record what the driver and transport solutions. It is therefore operating on a just in time principle rely on sees from the cab to defend inaccurate committed to having the necessary the professionalism of their drivers. The old incident claims from drivers. Overall an management systems in place to support adage “if you can’t measure it, you can’t enlightening evening presentation of their products and drive down logistics manage it” applies. current engineering technology used for costs. Even idling can consume anything up logistics management The capital investment of a tractor lorry to 2.4 litres of fuel and hour and MAN unit is approximately £70,000 with identifies anything over 2 minutes idling as

1929 EAST MIDLANDS VISIT TO BAILEY TRAILERS A trailer is just a trailer - or so you may The question asked near the end of the products customers wanted and were think until you pay a visit to Bailey Trailers meeting was “How have you been able passionate about what they produced. at Sleaford. Founded by Tom Bailey in to achieve continuous growth”? The It was a privilege to visit such a success 1982, the company has seen continuous replies from Tom and Michael included story from our industry and our thanks growth. Today it’s not just Tom but also product support, their ability to tailor go to Tom and Michael as well as the his four children involved in the business. products for customers and a bit of ladies who supplied copious quantities of For the visit we were hosted by both Tom luck. In addition to these it was quite cakes, tea and coffee. and his eldest son Michael Bailey and was obvious from attended by around 30 members. the visit that The visit was something of an eye they exhibited opener much driven by the passion and some other enthusiasm for the business shown by traits - they both Tom and Michael. Surprising to were innovative some was the equipment employed by and were Bailey Trailers like their new laser cutter always trying to that had just replaced the previous one improve their after five years to increase capacity. products, they Growth has been somewhat rapid in the demonstrated last few years, so despite moving to new they were premises in 2010, in 2015 they extended prepared to again giving a total of 60,000 sq ft of invest in the production area. In addition they have business, had already purchased additional land so a keen eye for further expansion is possible. detail, they built

NORTHERN IRELAND

REMOTE SENSING IN AGRICULTURE Dr Toby Waine, a Lecturer in Applied Remote Sensing at Cranfield University was the guest speaker at the meeting of the Northern Ireland branch on 10 March when he discussed Applied Remote Sensing in Agriculture. Which was also attended by IAgrE President Mark Kibblewhite. Since the start of manned flights, pictures taken from a height have been used to view farm land. The images have proved useful in viewing crops, monitoring crop establishment and identifying problem areas. The development of digital cameras and the range of aerial vehicles to carry them (satellites, aircraft and now unmanned “drones”) is now advanced and a new dimension in agricultural science now exists to exploit the available data. Remote sensing for vegetation monitoring is now a sophisticated tool and the subject IAgrE President Mark of Dr. Waine’s research and teaching at Kibblewhite (centre left) Cranfield. and Dr Toby Waine (centre The aim is to select the correct spatial resolution (pixel size) for the application. right) There is a trade-off between greater pixel size and coverage (the area on the turnaround of data to guide management ground). For some purposes, such as decisions. Such a system can detect when regional crop monitoring, images taken individual lettuce plants are ready for over field sized areas (250 metre pixels) harvest. from satellites are sufficient to monitor Cranfield University, working with G’s whole countries, provided that there is Growers, carried out a comparative test minimal interruption due to cloud or of agricultural data collected during 2014 weather. from various commercial UAV services. High definition work takes a lot of Affordable user-friendly “drones” to carry time due to the large number of image cameras are a convenient way to provide frames to be recorded and analysed. local control of frequent fly-over coverage Individual frames can be stitched of, for example, trial plots or small fields. together automatically, using specialist Ongoing technology developments will (photogrammetric) software, to provide ensure that these limitations will be high definition field-size images. overcome in the near future. The quality Automation software is also available to of data available now helps growers to guide aircraft flying within a grid pattern. monitor crop growth and the effects of However there are current aviation limiting factors like impeded soil drainage, restrictions in terms of altitude (currently soil type and fertility, compaction or pest 110 metres) and control range has to be damage. within line-of-sight for UAVs which may The technology is now good enough to limit the quality of the images obtained. monitor harvest maturity of individual The fast growth and development of plants like lettuce and, as such, will be an certain crops, especially salad vegetables, increasingly used management tool for require frequent observation and fast intensive crop enterprises of all sizes.

1830 LOW ENERGY DWELLING IN CO DOWN Northern Ireland Branch members kitchen. It also brings in filtered fresh recently went to see a new low energy air that is preheated via an inbuilt heat dwelling on the farm of Mr Bob exchanger with a claimed efficiency of Armitage near Ballynahinch, Co. Down. more than 90%. Mr P. Gallagher from Dr John Mawhinney Bob is a retired Chief Engineer, who Condensation Solutions was present worked in industry from 1949 to 1993, and demonstrated the operation of a RURAL ELECTRICITY NETWORK and is a regular Branch Associate wide range of their axial and centrifugal A recent meeting of the Northern Ireland attendee at our Branch meetings. He is fans. branch of IAgrE centred on a presentation a keen advocate of renewable energy The evening meeting finished with a by one of our own members, Mr John sources and this major project has discussion around the technical aspects, Mawhinney, on the subject of “Rural taken a lot of his time during the last 2 the planning process and the practical Electrification – The success and future years. He first discussed his ideas with issues in all the stages of the build. Bob challenges”. Mr Mawhinney has spent his his grand-daughter who is an architect, also provided us with an interesting career in the electrical supply industry and based in Scotland. She drew up the summary of his own career experience in is Head of Operations at Energia. Energia plans and, after planning permission was electrical / general engineering. is part of the Viridian Group and supplies obtained, tenders were sought for the energy to businesses throughout the island basic structure. The building is designed of Ireland from both conventional and with a high standard of insulation and renewable sources. to use a mechanical extract ventilation The presentation began with reference system with heat recovery. The contract to the innovative first steps in electrical was awarded to Tyrone based Leadon technology such as that by Benjamin Timberframe who manufacture and Franklin in the mid 1700s with his famous erect timber frame building kits to ISO kite experiment, to capture electrical 9001 standard. The associated site discharge from storm clouds. preparation and building work was The first generation systems in Northern carried out by a local contractor. Because Ireland were small and set up locally of the close proximity to 2 local quarries for specific purposes such as charging the reinforced concrete foundation batteries or steel galvanising. In 1934 and reinforced sub-floor are isolated there were 16,000 connected customers from the rock base by a 75mm layer of and 2400 electric cookers. The next year consolidated stone dust. there were 26,200 customers across 93 The building is constructed with a towns and villages. Expansion gradually high standard of insulation for heat resumed after the war years and 3 retention and, at the time of our visit, separate new power stations were in was almost ready for occupation. A operation by 1951. There were 17,000 9kW Dimplex Air Source heat pump is farms connected at this stage, 23,000 by installed although the design indicated 1960 and 36,000 by 1970. a total space and domestic requirement High-capacity power stations are capital of 5.7kW . Dimplex SmartRads are intensive and need to be kept busy to used throughout the building for space cover their fixed costs. Because the heating. demand for power can vary so much the The building is mains connected and supply network has to be able to respond there is a bank of South facing 6.5kW quickly to changing needs. Security of photo voltaic panels on an adjacent Supply and reduced costs are now centre livestock shelter roof. Surplus power is stage again with plans for a new 400 kV fed back to the grid. During the day this Interconnector between Tyrone and Cavan. generation capacity is often used to top Recent years have brought a huge up the batteries in Bob’s plug-in hybrid increase in supply from renewable vehicle. sources, especially wind turbines. But Condensation Solutions supplied the this is weather dependent and often not main ventilation and heat recovery unit available at the correct times to match which extracts from the bathrooms and peak demand. The ESB Turlough Hill Bob pumped-storage generation station in Co Armitage Wicklow is a good example of how surplus electrical power can pump water up to a reservoir from which it can be released at short notice to the turbines for power generation. It was a major construction project and significant development in the early 1970s. Energia has a significant windfarm portfolio throughout Ireland and the presentation included an impressive aerial overview of the newest 95MW wind farm in Co Donegal which is due to open in January 2017. Underground bulk gas storage is proposed for sites in Co Antrim to provide buffer capacity and take advantage of times when fuel prices are attractive. Recently, a 10MW battery storage facility was opened at Kilroot with potential to grow to 100MW if the market conditions permit. Such new and emerging technologies will play an increasing role in the generation Low energy dwelling mix in years to come.

192731 MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

ADMISSIONS Bennigsen JG University of Portsmouth TRANSFERS Fellow Bickford S Chapman T P Member Prof David W Hopkins Bonser G Dr Seamus D Murphy (Western) Brindley M West Anglia Training Brown P Association Associate Member Member Burton J W Graham C A Harrison LA (from PreProf) Day J (East Midlands) Clewley C O’Leary A – (from PreProf Williams MG (Wrekin) Coombe A DEATHS Wyatt A (Southern) Craddock J We have recently learned Associate Davies D J of the death of the Greenwood O (from Associate Member Fox S following members and we PreProf) Adams NV (SE Midlands) Galley J send our condolences to Jones E W (from PreProf) McVittie G (Yorkshire) Hamer T their family and friends: Rickwood D (SE Midlands) Hartshorne B SOCIETY FOR THE Herward N Mr T D Angier MIAgrE ENVIRONMENT Associate Hollingworth J (West Midlands) REGISTRATIONS CEnv Manson R S (Scottish) Horler M a member since 1963 Gumbe L O M Hughes G R Mr W J Edwards AIAgrE STUDENT Hughes S (Wrekin) a member since ENGINEERING University of Aberdeen Jones E 1984 COUNCIL Roberston CJ Kelsall I REGISTRATIONS CEng Mr G L Taylor-Hunt Knight A Carter RJD MIAgrE (South Western) – Harper Adams University Leyland J P a member since 1964 Peters M Maddox B EngTech Mashall L Mr W J McClement IEng Adams NV (SE Midlands) Hartpury College Mosford C MIAgrE (Scottish) – a Day J (E Midlands) Ashwin C McLintock E member since 1958 McVittie G (Yorkshire) Bowen J Mottershead W Mr P M Stearne CEng Rickwood D (SE Midlands) Bridle H O’Hagan C MIAgrE (Western) - a Greenfield E Osman J member since 1989 Leighton G Raven M B T Professor C Wathes, Plant J Salter C FIAgre – a fellow since Price A Scott R H 1991 Sealey F Thomas J Truman S Timmis J Tizzard J Reaseheath College Torr J Allard J Williams J Armstrong D Wilson J C Bailey A Ball J D

LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES (JANUARY – MARCH 2016) LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES (APRIL – JUNE 2016)

Name Grade Date of Anniversary Name Grade Date of Anniversary 50 Years 60 Years Anthony Arthur Wiliam Chestney MIAgrE CEng 13/01/2016 Abdullah Arar FIAgrE CEng 24/04/2016 Edward Stuart Estcourt Southcombe FIAgrE CEng 13/01/2016 Peter Alfred Cowell FIAgrE CEng 24/04/2016 Brian Terence Webb MIAgrE IEng 13/01/2016 Neville John Hubert HonFIAgrE CEng 24/04/2016

35 Years 50 Years Michael Willian von Kaufman MIAgrE IEng 07/01/2016 Andrew Barber MIAgrE 05/04/2016 Richard Gladstone Brooke FIAgrE CEng 08/01/2016 Michael John Hann FIAgrE CEng CEnv 05/04/2016 Paul Ashley Hill MIAgrE 14/01/2016 Roy Streatfield MIAgrE CEng 05/04/2016 Arthur George Bellerby AIAgrE 19/01/2016 David Richard White FIAgrE CEng CEnv 21/01/2016 35 Years Fergus Robertson Mitchell AMIAgrE 12/02/2016 Kenneth James Gordon MIAgrE CEng 17/05/2016 Timothy Philip Reynolds MIAgrE CEng CEnv 12/02/2016 Stephen John Temple FIAgrE CEng 03/06/2016 Rupert Colin Hennah MIAgrE EngTech 19/02/2016 Andrew Roycroft AMIAgrE 04/06/2016 Jeremy Paul White AMIAgrE 05/03/2016 Jonathan Alan Charles Whiteley MIAgrE IEng CEnv 11/06/2016 John Colin Taylor MIAgrE CEng 12/03/2016 Christopher Gower Brown MIAgrE CEng 21/06/2016 Murray Anthony Eaglesome AIAgrE 12/03/2016 Mark John Cooper FIAgrE CEng CEnv 29/06/2016 Adrian Guy Snow MIAgrE EngTech 14/03/2016 David Adam Scotchmer AMIAgrE 19/03/2016 25 Years Walter John Golden AIAgrE 30/04/2016 25 Years Brian Hagan AMIAgrE 29/05/2016 Christopher Michael Wathes FIAgrE 10/01/2016 Jonathan Henry AIAgrE 01/02/2016 John Richard Sivil AMIAgrE 20/02/2016 Malcolm McGechan FIAgrE CEng 25/03/2016

1832 Academic and Commercial Members

ACADEMIC MEMBERS

Bishop Burton College Greenmount Campus Plumpton College York Road CAFRE Ditchling Road Bishop Burton 22 Greenmount Road Lewes Beverley HU17 8QG Antrim, East Sussex, BN7 3AE Northern Ireland BT41 4PU Brooksby Melton College Reaseheath College Asfordby Road Harper Adams University Reaseheath, Melton Mowbray Newport Nantwich Leics LE13 0HJ Shropshire TF10 8NB Cheshire, CW5 6DF

Coleg sir Gar Institute of Technology Royal Agricultural University Gelli Aur Campus Tralee Cirencester Llandeilo Clash, Gloucester, GL7 6JS Carmarthenshire SA32 8NJ Tralee Co Kerry, Ireland Sparsholt College Cranfield University Sparsholt, Cranfield Myerscough College, Winchester SO21 2NF Bedfordshire MK43 0AL Bilsbarrow Preston SRUC – Auchincruive Duchy College Lancashire PR3 0RY Auchincruive Estate Stoke Climsland Ayr, KA6 5HW Callington Newcastle University Cornwall King’s Gate Wiltshire College Lackham PL17 8PB Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU Lacock Chippenham Easton & Otley College Pallaskenry Agricultural College Wiltshire SN15 2NY Easton Co Limerick Norwich Ireland Norfolk, NR9 5DX

COMMERCIAL MEMBERS

Agricultural Engineers Bomford Turner Limited Huntaway Consulting Association (AEA) Salford Priors Ivy Cottage Samuelson House, Evesham, Torlundy 62 Forder Way, Worcestershire WR11 5SW Fort William Hampton, Inverness-shire PH33 6SW Peterborough, PE7 8JB City & Guilds 1 Giltspur Street John Deere Ltd AGCO Ltd London EC1A 9DD Harby Road Stoneleigh, Langar Abbey Park, City Farm Systems Ltd Nottinghamshire NG13 9HT Kenilworth, Paragon Studios, East Burnham Park Warwickshire, CV8 2TQ Crwone Lane, Farnham Royal Mastenbroek Limited SL2 3SF 83 Swineshead Road Alvan Blanch Development Co, Boston, Lincs, PE21 7JG Chelworth, David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd Malmesbury, Carseview Road, Suttieside, Shelbourne Reynolds Wiltshire SN16 9SG Forfar, Angus, DD8 3EE Shepherds Grove Ind. Est. Stanton Autoguide Equipment Ltd Douglas Bomford Trust Bury St Edmunds Stockley Road The Bullock Building Suffolk, IP31 2AR Heddington University Way, Cranfield Calne, Bedford, MK43 0GH SSAB Swedish Steel Ltd Wiltshire, SN11 0PS Narrowboat Way FEC Services Hurst Business Park BAGMA Stoneleigh Park Brierley Hill Middleton House, Kenilworth West Midlands DY5 1UF 2 Main Road, Warwickshire CV8 2LS Middleton Cheney, TeeJet London Ltd Banbury, Fullwood Headley House, Oxon, OX17 2TN Grange Road Headley Road, Ellesmere Hindhead, Cheshire SY12 9DF Surrey, GU26 6UK

1933 FORTHCOMING EVENTS

14-16 June 2016 they add value to their milk in the Cost to be set at £100 plus VAT £120. Field Robot Event 2016 marketplace. Meet at the Farm Shop Student £25 plus VAT £30 Venue: Gut Mariaburghausen in Haß- at 5.30pm. Please let Mike Whiting, Our main focus this year will be the furt, Germany Branch Secretary know if you plan to hot topic of Flooding, and looking The Field Robot Event 2016 will have attend at how Forestry and Engineering can a new and improved set of tasks. Tel: 07751 315580 contribute to reducing impacts down- Some tasks will remain similar to Email: [email protected] stream. Summing up for us at the end previous years, but we have come up Web: www.woodlandsfarmltd.co.uk/ of the day will be Alastair Taylor CEO with some exciting new ones for you. IAgrE For all details of the event/tasks/spon- Tuesday 12 July - Friday 15 July Booking details to follow shortly. sorship opportunities please visit their 12th European IFSA Symposium Further info: 0131 464 0500 website The theme of the Symposium will be: Email: [email protected]. Web: www.fieldrobot.com/event/ Social and technological transforma- gov.uk tion of farming systems: Diverging 21 & 22 June 2016 and converging pathways Tuesday 11 October 7pm N8 Universities Full details and how to book may be East Midlands N8 AgriFood Launch 2016: One found via the website listed below “Engineering Solutions for Trench- Network, Many Solutions Web: www.harper-adams.ac.uk/ ing” visit to Mastenbroek Ltd Speaker: Various events/ifsa-conference Venue: Mastenbroek Ltd, 83 Swines- Venue: University of Manchester, head Rd, Wyberton Fen, Boston, Lincs University Place Thursday 14 July 2016 PE21 7JG A unique opportunity to explore new Harper Adams University/IFSA The meeting consists of a talk entitled projects and solutions to the major Robots in Farming: Good or Bad? “Engineering Solutions for Trench- food security, agritech and consumer Speaker: Keynote: Professor Simon ing”, followed by a tour of the works. health issues across the supply chain. Blackmore This is one occasion where the start Keynote presentations, collaborative Venue: Harper Adams University time is 7.00pm sharp, and numbers workshops, drinks reception at the This IFSA workshop will consider have been limited, so please let me Manchester Museum and optional social and environmental risks of RAS know if you plan to attend. First dinner in the neo gothic Whitworth in major farming systems and the come....first served Hall. morning session will give delegates Book your place with Richard Trevar- Free event (optional dinner which an opportunity to learn about some then. is not free). To book follow the link of the current and possible future Tel: 01509 215109 below or download more details. developments in RAS for farming. In Email: [email protected] Web: n8agrifood.ac.uk/events/n8- the afternoon session there will be agrifood-launch-2016-one-network- a chance to hear about the relevant 24 & 25 October 2016 many-solutions/ risk governance issues in other recent South Bank Consulting technology advances, and to contrib- CropWorld Global 2016 25-30 June 2016 ute to discussion of the wider impacts Venue: Amsterdam RAI, Netherlands EurAgEng and risks of RAS in different farming Includes Exhibition, Congress & 4 CIGR AgEng Conference 2016 systems. Briefings across 2 days Speaker: Various Part of the 12th European IFSA Sym- Web: http://www.cropworld.com/ Venue: Aarhus, Denmark posium 2016 Full details and registration etc may be More info and Registration via the found on the website below links below Wednesday 16 November 2016 Please contact Dave Tinker, Secretary Web: www.harper.ac.uk/ifsa4robots IAgrE Secretariat General EurAgEng for additional Web2: www.harper-adams.ac.uk/ IAgrE Conference 2016 - AgEng information events/ifsa-conference Innovation - Concept to Cash Email: [email protected] Speaker: Various Web: http://conferences.au.dk/cigr- 24 - 28 July 2016 Venue: Harper Adams University 2016/ Association of Lecturers in Agricultural This conference seeks to equip you Machinery (ALAM) with the information and knowledge Thursday 30 June 2016 ALAM Conference Study Week you need to answer these questions. Groundswell Ag Venue: Yorkshire As well as hearing from experts in The No-Till Show & Conference Based in Yorkshire there will be a research and development, copyright- Venue: Lannock Manor, Weston, full programme of visits to colleges, ing, intellectual property, and patents; Hitchin, Herts SG4 7EE manufacturers and farms. established and respected technolo- Speaker sessions and demonstra- Members £230.00, Non Members gists who have dealt with these issues tions will be throughout the day from £245.00. For more information and to will tell you how they managed the 9.30am until 5.30pm. reserve your place please contact John challenge and give insight to the vari- Ticket numbers are limited and avail- Gough details below. ous questions you need to consider. able on a first come, first serve basis Tel: 01630 685942 For full details see our Conference Web: www.groundswellag.com/tick- Email: [email protected] page web address below. ets/thenotillshow Tel: 01234 750876 Thursday 8 September 2016 Email: [email protected] Wednesday 6 July, 5.30pm IAgrE Forestry Engineering Group Web: iagre.org/resources/confer- Western Branch FEG Symposium 2016 ence2016 Visit to Woodlands Farm Ltd Venue: Newton Rigg College, Penrith Venue: Woodlands Farm, GL54 4NT, CA11 0AH Chedworth just off the A429 Fosse Dates from Newton Rigg have been Way between Cirencester and North- confirmed and we will be holding this UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON leach year’s FEG Symposium on Thursday FORTHCOMING EVENTS CAN BE To view the yogurt making facilities at 8th September starting at 0930hrs FOUND AT WWW.IAGRE.ORG/ the Woodlands farm and hear how registration from 0900hrs. EVENTS

34 2016 FEG SYMPOSIUM ENGINEERING TO STEM THE FLOW Thursday 8th September 2016 Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith CA11 0AH 9.30am – 4.00pm

In response to the recent dramatic change in SPEAKER PROGRAMME rain-fall intensity this year’s FEG Symposium Rory Stewart MP - Parliamentary Under will focus on a subject that is urgent, not Secretary of State for Environment and only for the Land-based industries, but for Rural Affairs has agreed to open the the community as a whole. To ensure that Symposium by giving an overview of all aspects of the recent problems can be the Ministerial Approach to address the authoritatively covered, a range of expert problem. speakers has been selected so that a base- Since two major and untypical storms have been experienced recently in Europe mitigation measures have already been tried line of knowledge on the flooding problem and tested in France. To take advantage of this experience can be established. Morgan Vuillermoz from the Forêt, Bois, Construction et Ameublement will give an overview of the organisational and operational aspects of the procedures put in place. Rory Stewart MP Tom Nisbet from Forest Research will report on a project that implemented changes in land use and management interventions in the catchments area to reduce the flood risk. His presentation will give details of the scheme and, now that there has been time to evaluate how well it has been performing, he will also comment on its effectiveness. Alan Eves the Forestry Commission’s FDM in Yorkshire will explain how his approach to Flood mitigation that required the cooperation of a number of agencies. Alan’s presentation will cover his experiences working in co-operation with the Public Forest Estate using timber debris dams, planting and natural land management strategies. Since Flooding is not the only impact of intense rainfall, Jock McKie of John Deere Forestry will outline the adaptations that machine manufacturers are incorporating in their harvesting equipment to improve wet-ground working. A machine will be onsite so that the latest features can be examined Andrew Black from Dundee University will outline how historical changes in land use and forestry practices have impacted on downstream flooding in Scotland. Heather Forbes from SEPA will spotlight forestry’s role within flood management and explain how Climate change, population growth, economics, and environmental issues all necessitate a move towards a more integrated, catchment based approach to the management of land and water as explained in the SEPA NFM Handbook released in 2015. Hugh Chalmers, from the Tweed Forum will focus on the work of the Eddleston Water Project in the Scottish Borders. The project has been set up to measure the effectiveness of natural flood management methods to improve water body status. This involved working with private forestry companies on restructured coupes in upland forest blocks. Conor Price from Scottish Borders Council will report on a case study of the delivery of the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme. This is a multi-faceted approach to Flood Relief Management. It will focus on how the St. Mary’s Loch and other Natural Flood Management schemes have helped in protecting the town of Selkirk from floods similar to the 2003 event.

The Cost including lunch and coffee etc. will be £120.00. Student and Retired Members Rate is £30 all rates shown are VAT inclusive. For bookings and further information contact - [email protected] The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and the UK Forest Products Association (UKFPA) are lending support to the symposium. They have endorsed the event and are promoting it to their members 6 CPD hours will be awarded.

2735 IAgrE Landwards Conference 2016 Ag-Eng Innovation: Concepts to Cash Wednesday 16 November 2016 Harper Adams University Turning ideas into profit: The Engineers Survival Guide Business start-ups, new partnerships, re-engineering of existing applications all provide new challenges including: • Intellectual Property: Retaining and protecting your ideas • Collaboration: Working with others whilst retaining intellectual property • Funding: Business challenges and accessible funding Experts in research and development, copyright, intellectual property, patents and established technologists will provide an insight into these and other issues

It has never been so exciting to be an Agricultural Engineer “The government’s Agri-tech strategy and new Agri-EPI Innovation Centre has put the spotlight on engineering and technological solutions. But developing novel approaches and fresh technologies creates new challenges. The conference will address many of these key issues”

Dr Robert Merrall, IAgrE President & Conference Convenor

BOOKING DETAILS When: Wednesday 16 November 2016 Where: Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire Cost: Standard delegate: £120 + VAT Early Bird delegate: £100 + VAT Retired delegate: £75 + VAT Student delegate: £20 + VAT Booking and information: Tel: 01234 750876 www.iagre/resources/conference2016