FARMART EXPERTS


JON COTTRELL Agricultural Tyre Specialist


Jon is an expert with Apollo Vredestein on all aspects of agricultural tyres


Advances in agricultural tyre technology can be confusing, and information in the public domain may be misleading at times. Here are some basic considerations when deciding to invest in VF technology agricultural tyres.


VF = (Very High Flexion)


The word 'flexion' doesn't mean wobbly thin side walls, but a casing designed to absorb and deliver the power of the tractor whilst keeping the best possible footprint. VF also delivers the bonus of increased weight-carrying capacity at low pressure – bringing the extra benefit of low-ground pressure and soil protection.


The technology isn't so much about the tread pattern but more about the compounds and casing structure, delivering the tread's capabilities in the most efficient way.


Independent results testing Kappa/Slip ratio, Area Output per ha and fuel savings can be found by searching DLG 6800 on your internet browser. Or go to www.vredestein.co.uk/agricultural to find supporting technical data, full product range, testimonials and promotional videos.


Should you make the extra investment in VF tech on your next set of replacement tyres


Not necessarily. It all depends on whether you can get the return from the investment within your operation. High arable crop farming with large high HP tractors subject to high road use (Contractors) justify the investment. However, if your operation relies more on livestock, lower or high HP tractors, smaller crop yields, and where soil protection is not a prerequisite, then the standard range of agricultural tyres is perfectly capable of meeting your demands. Vredestein invests heavily in the development and supply of both standard profile and VF ranges.


Premium manufacturers like Vredestein offer support on site, with weigh cell, pressure advice etc., to ensure the best return on your purchase. Contact me through your local retailer or Vredestein website if you need further advice on VF options.


T: 0330 333 1294 e: jon.cottrell@apollovredestein.com www.vredestein.co.uk/agricultural


CHRIS WOODWARD Vector Specialist Engineer


Chris, a specialist automated feeding engineer at Lely Center Midlands


What Is The Vector Automated Feeding System?


Automatic feeding with a Vector means that cows are fed with precision. You can define exactly the right ingredients needed to feed each group of animals, including dairy and beef cattle. The system is completely adaptable to any farm and feeding program. Feed types, rations, feed groups and feeding routes can be adjusted at any time.


Can The Vector System Save Me Money?


Feeding wi th the Vector provides more understanding into the efficiency and profitability of your feed strategy. The T4C management system indicates average feed ingestion per cow and per group. You can measure the effects of changes to rations by linking the system to the Lely Astronaut. This allows you to gain an insight into whether the cost of a change produces not only a higher yield but also a higher return.


How Can Automated Feeding Benefit My Herd?


Data from 17 Lely Vector farms was collected between 2011 and 2013. The following results were found when comparing farms one year before feeding with the Vector and one year after:


· Average milk production increased by almost 4 lbs/cow (1.9 kg) with the same feed


· Reduced labour by at least 78% on all farms, 43% saved 300-500 hours of labour per year, 35% saved more than 500 hours per year


· Farm savings of 970-1,530 gallons of diesel per year by eliminating the need for a tractor and TMR mixer


· Feeding 24 hours per day increased rumination and in turn, improved feed efficiency


Case Study - Vanvalley Farm


In 2015, after renting a TMR mixer the previous winter and doing the sums on fuel consumption, labour and capital cost of a tractor with TMR mixer, the family decided to purchase a Lely Vector.


“In July of 2015, we started feeding with the Vector and, to this day, we have not seen an increase in our electric bill. We also saw an increase in milk production to 40 litres (83 lbs.) per day,” Margie said.


T: 01785 281 250 e: info@sta.lelycenter.com www.lely.com/midlands


JOHN HOOD Agronomist


John Hood is an independent consultant and owner of John Hood Agronomy.


Why would I use an independent agronomist?


Using an independent agronomist enables farmers to separate the technical issues of growing crops from the commercial buying decisions, enabling reduced growing costs. True agronomy includes farm management, crop choice, rotations, varieties, soils, nutrition, environmental care and crop assurance, not just the sales of chemicals.


What's the benefit of separating technical advice from product supply?


Combining the two may be convenient but it comes at a price. With an independent agronomist you are free to buy from wherever you choose - getting the right products at the right price. That's why an increasing number of arable and dairy farmers recognise the benefits of independent agronomic advice.


Which cereal varieties should I be buying this Autumn?


Make use of the great free trials work offered up by the AHDB, this work is funded by your levy fee so use it to help you make your choices. First of all, decide which market you want to grow for, we have some fantastic opportunities on our doorstep with Mornflake for Oats at Crewe, Numerous flour mills in Manchester and Liverpool for milling wheats, and a short trip to Burton on Trent for malting barley along with a big demand for feed grains throughout Cheshire and Manchester. After deciding which market you want to aim for don't get drawn in solely by yield of a particular variety as a mere 1% difference in yield could hide an opportunity to reduce fungicide spend or at least reduce the risk in a high disease pressure year. Remember that this one decision now, can affect how your crops perform for the entire season and indeed can affect your entire rotation. Give me a call if you want help making this important decision.


Potato Storage!


If you are storing potatoes and are unsure of what to do going forward with the loss of CIPC or if you just want a review of your current storage arrangements then book your free inspection on the AHDB Storage Network number 01406 359419.


If you are struggling to get the yields you should, or are spending more than you need, then why not give me a call and we can see if we can work together to make your business more profitable even in the difficult years!


T: 07879 685 296 e: johnhood@jhagronomy.co.uk www. jhagronomy.co.uk


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A FARMART EXPERT CALL US ON 01625 529 900 September 2019 Keep The Farmart coming free..... Tell’em where you saw’em Page 21


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