Grassland and Muck 2017

High yielders can also make more of grass

Producing more milk from forage is often seen as the preserve of extensive, low-yielding herds – but intensive, high-yielding systems can benefit too. Grass is the cheapest form of feed, and although there can be some barriers to maximising usage, they are usually not difficult or expensive to overcome.



According to Richard Simpson, development director at dairy specialist Kingshay, boosting milk produced from forage will benefit the bottom line of almost any dairy business, small or large. “There is a lot of potential for the majority of herds – what is needed is belief and confidence in your system and then training of the appropriate management skills.”

The main obstacles to getting more from forage, particularly from grazing, are insufficient farm tracks, inflexible fencing, and a desire to control the whole ration for management ease. However, as visitors to this year’s Grassland & Muck Event will see, there are plenty of ways around these barriers, with very little expenditure.

Mr Simpson, who will be speaking at the event, says the key is paying attention to detail and adopting a flexible approach. “Most cows are turned out now so the first stage is to look at how to get more from grazing this summer.”

That involves growing good quality grass and clover swards, with the best varieties, and making effective use of manures and fertilisers for optimum performance. To help farmers to balance nutrient requirements, Yara will be holding a Grassland Clinic on stand 308, with the ultimate aim of boosting grazing intakes and promoting animal health.

In a high yielding herd, Mr Simpson suggests targeting grazing at lower yielding cows producing up to 30 litres per day, with appropriate concentrates fed in the parlour. “That’s not to say that higher yielders can’t graze, they just need more supplementation. It’s about achieving milk from grass without losing significant yield – there is a balance to be found.”

On average, Kingshay farmers produced 33% of their milk from forage in the rolling year to February 2017. Yields across the average and top 10% of producers – analysed by their production from forage – were similar, at around 7,800 litres, but the top 10% produced 55% of that milk from forage. As a result, their margin over purchased feed improved to 19.69p/litre against an average of 17.25p/litre, despite similar milk prices. In contrast, the bottom quartile of producers had higher yields – at 8,122 litres, but only produced 16% of that from forage, resulting in a margin of just 15.78p/litre.

“Focussing on the figures really is worthwhile,” says Mr Simpson. “If you benchmark you know where you are and can plan to move forward; it’s all about realising the true value of forage.”

Rotational grazing is a key part of getting the most from grass, which does require weekly monitoring of grass growth and often temporary fencing; which will be on display at the Grassland & Muck Event. “Good farm tracks will extend your grazing season, but at drier times of the year they’re not essential,” he explains. “However, grazing well does require flexibility and more day to day management. It can help to get one person to take responsibility for this – and don’t forget to cut back on concentrate usage to allow the cows to actually achieve more from forage, or supplement where necessary.”

Of course, maximising the use of forage isn’t just about grazing – it’s also about making the best quality silage and feeding it well. “Those producers who always get the best silage do it through having the best management and staying in control of everything they can control,” says Mr Simpson. “It’s about getting all the basics right at every stage: That does take effort but the returns really are worth it.”

Target guidelines

• Most herds should be able to achieve over 3,000 litres of milk from forage per cow.
• Over 4,000 litres is a good target for many, with a few herds achieving over 5,000 litres.
• Herds stocked more heavily may have lower targets. Don’t forget impact on milk quality.

Forage costs

• Well-managed grazed grass and clover sward: 3.5p/litre
• Poorer quality, older grazed pasture: 5.6p/litre
• Good quality 1st cut grass silage: 6.1p/litre
• Maize silage 6.8p/litre
• 3rd cut grass silage 7.5p/litre
• 18% high energy parlour concentrate 9.8p/litre

• Richard Simpson will be speaking on maximising milk from forage at 12.30 each day in the main forum theatre (stand 301) at the Grassland & Muck Event (24-25 May).

New Holland unveils T5 Utility tractors at Grassland and Muck

• New Holland showcases T5 Utility tractor range at Grassland and Muck 2017
• T5 range extended to eight models including five brand new Tier 4A Utility models to compliment Tier 4B Electro Command models
• New RollBaler 125 for fixed round chamber baling for silage or straw on display
• Flagship BigBaler 1290 Plus square baler on display
• Farmers will get their first look at New Holland’s recently launched T5 Utility tractor range alongside its latest round and square baler models at Grassland and Muck on 24 – 25 May 2017.
  
  New Holland has added a further five models to its T5 range of tractors to complete the mid-range tractor line up. The latest Utility models offer between 75 and 114 hp and continue the heritage of New Holland’s well-regarded T5000 series - 24x24 Dual Command transmission, capable performance and compact size, and all at a competitive price.
  
  The larger, three model T5 Tier 4B Electro Command range launched in 2016, offers between 99 and 117hp with a semi powershift ElectroCommand™ transmission, upgraded styling and optional cab and axle suspension.
  
  New T5 Utility tractors can be specified with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive on all Synchro-Shuttle models (four-wheel drive on all others), plus a wide choice of transmissions including Dual Command, Power Shuttle, and Creep-speed to suit individual requirements.
  
  Loader-ready, the T5 can support a maximum lift capacity of up to 2,539kg with a maximum lifting height of 3.7m from New Holland’s 740TL front loader. For added versatility a front linkage is also available, offering a lift capacity of 1,670 kg combined with a 1000-speed PTO.
  
  Rear lift capacity is impressive, with a maximum of 4,400kg with a second assist ram. A three-speed PTO featuring ECO and ground speed increases the number of implements that can be used and reduces fuel consumption.
  
  And New Holland hasn’t forgotten the operator either. In the spacious VisionViewTM cab, drivers benefit from an ergonomic control layout, a choice of seats and air conditioning, along with a full width high visibility roof panel for improved safety, particularly when operating a front loader. The Heavy Duty (class 1.5) front axle, available on the T5.95, 105 and 115, gives greater load carrying capacity, also enhancing these tractors for loader work.
  
  Alongside the first showing of the New Holland T5 Utility tractor, the extensively renewed and upgraded RollBaler 125 and BigBaler 1290 Plus models will be on display at Grassland and Muck.
  
  The RollBaler 125 offers the best choice in fixed round chamber baling for silage or straw - even when working with heavy grass, dense hay or large, dry, brittle straw swaths.
  
  Boasting a new, wider pick-up measuring 2.3m, giving an additional 10 cm on the previous model, the RollBaler 125 delivers best-in-class efficiency. A new, advanced roller reduces crop losses even in dry conditions, ensuring consistent and superior bale density.
  
  The new flagship BigBaler 1290 Plus is New Holland’s largest, square baler yet and has a host of unique features. From IntelliCruiseTM technology for tractor ground speed regulation to its SmartFillTM feed flow indicators for even bale formation, it is worthy of its best-in-class titles.
  
  Nothing is left behind when using the BigBaler 1290 Plus. The new biomass kit makes short work of stiff and stalky biomass material and the MaxiSweepTM pick-up design improves productivity over high tonnage windrows. The BigBaler 1290 Plus raises the bar on durability and reliability, with improved wear resistance and easier maintenance for reduced stoppages.

Unique-to-UK three-strain biological silage inoculant launched by Envirosystems



A biological silage additive with claims of rapid fermentation, high palatability and nutrient preservation, inhibition of clostridia, and a cool, stable clamp face, will be launched at the Grassland and Muck Event, 24-25 May.

A new three-strain combination of Lactobacilli developed and manufactured by Envirosystems is employed in OptiSile Extra. One is the widely used L. plantarum, to support a standard lactic acid fermentation. The combination of the other two strains is not used in any other UK silage additive and target overcoming spoilage by producing acetic acid, a proven inhibitor of moulds, yeasts and Clostridia both during fermentation at feed out.

This three-strain combination makes it effective over a wide range of dry matters, according to Dr David Adimpong of Envirosystems. “The lactic and acetic acid combination creates fast, stable preservation, and maximises palatability and nutrient availability,” he says. “During development, and following extensive in-house testing, a number of farmers used the additive on a full scale and have continued with it.”

To help dairy farmers who are rebuilding their finances, payment by monthly instalments is available.

Oliver Seeds at Grass & Muck 2017

Landmark leys take centre stage at Grass & Muck




Oliver Seeds is showcasing an increasingly popular mixture on their stand at Grass and Muck 2017 at Stoneleigh this year. Landmark Extreme is a highly productive and persistent mixture for cutting or grazing on adverse sites.

“It is important to consider what will grow, perform and persist in less than ideal conditions these days,” says Oliver Seeds general manager Rod Bonshor. “Sometimes ryegrass alone won’t meet the needs of the field and variable climate. Including other species within the mixture helps out when situations get tough.”

Central to Landmark Extreme are the festuloliums Lofa and Fojtan, aided by deep rooting and persistent cultivars of cocksfoot and meadow fescue – which can survive testing conditions, be it drought or waterlogging.

The only perennial ryegrass in the mixture is a late tetraploid called Aspect and Winnetou timothy is also included.

“Landmark Extreme is flexible, forgiving and shows excellent summer potential from all the species,” adds Mr. Bonshor.

“The ryegrass has good rust resistance and high feed quality and Donata cocksfoot is a new soft leaved type that is more palatable to stock than some leading perennial ryegrass varieties. Each species adds something to the resulting ley.”

A dual-purpose white clover bend and 2% birdsfoot trefoil make up the legume part of the mixture, producing a sward that has a higher potential protein output than a sward just made up of ryegrasses.

Landmark Extreme will be growing on the Oliver Seeds plot, as will many of the other mixtures from the company’s portfolio.

Dow AgroSciences Grassland

Two new grassland herbicides at Grass & Muck 2017

Dow AgroSciences will be profiling two new grassland herbicides at Grassland & Muck 2017, and showing farmers how much grass they lose from having broadleaved weeds like docks, thistles and nettles growing in their fields.



Leystar, designed for new sown leys and maize, controls a very wide range of weeds such as chickweed, bindweed, nightshade, charlock and fat hen, and seedling perennial weeds like docks, buttercups and thistles. It is particularly safe to use on young grass and can be sprayed from when three grass leaves have appeared.

Where buttercups and dandelions dominate, Envy is a new solution. It has a very short stock withdrawal period of seven days and will control other weeds such as plantains, daisies, mayweeds and chickweed.

Both new products contain florasulam – the first new active ingredient approved for use on grassland in over 12 years.

“Farmers can use Grassland & Muck to share their weed problems with our experts,” says Dow AgroSciences grassland agronomy manager Brent Gibbon.

“It’s not always easy to appreciate how much grass is lost from weed infestations – but our team can tell you how much grass is not being grown and the best way to tackle the weeds present.

“For example, the Dow Grassland APP calculates how many extra sheep or cattle could be grazing, how many more tonnes of silage could be made, or how many extra litres of milk from grass could be produced, if weed infestations were controlled.

“Setting the sprayer up for optimal performance is also vital. We have new advice on spraying herbicides with lower water volumes, and will be sharing how to do this and providing guidance on best practice.”

Visitors to the Dow AgroSciences stand can also test their weed identification skills, see why translocated products work particularly well and take part in the BASIS Knowledge Trail.

New grassland rejuvenator in action and chance to win 10 acres of new ley



Farmers and contractors who visit the @OPICOLtd stand, [working plot 121], at the Grassland & Muck Event will be able to see in action: the new 6.3m HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator, an OPICO Sward Lifter, and two Strautmann forage wagons. Farmers will also have the chance to win a 10 acre reseed by bringing a sample of fresh grass for analysis. Plus there will be free advice available on soil management, and a Strautmann diet feeder – a 2401 Double Verti-Mix – will be on display.

On the grass plot, the newly launched 6.3m HE-VA Sward Rejuvenator will be shown over-seeding the existing ley to boost its productivity; the Sward-lifter’s ability to remove soil compaction will be demonstrated and advice on soil management given by soil advisory company Sustainable Soil Management (SSM). Two Strautmann forage wagons: the Super Vitesse and Giga Vitesse will also be demonstrated.

Farmers who bring a sample of fresh grass from their best ley will have the opportunity to enter a competition to have 10 acres of ground reseeded for free. A nutritional analysis of the grass sample will be made on-the-spot using Limagrain’s NIRS mobile testing machine. The sample with the highest metabolisable energy (ME) content will win. The prize includes expert soil advice from SSM, seed from Limagrain, and seeding of the 10 acres supplied by OPICO; it is estimated to be worth up to £1,500.

Vicon at Grassland & Muck 2017

Vicon will be demonstrating the first of a new range of mower conditioners for the 2017 season at Grassland & Muck 2017. Called the Extra 700 series, this new range currently comprises two tractor-mounted models offering 3.2m and 3.6m working widths.

Badged Extra 732T and 736T, both units gain an all-new suspension system called QuattroLink. Derived from race car technology, QuattroLink uses four suspension arms located onto a fixed beam from which the mower bed is suspended. This enables the centrally mounted mower bed to float independent of the main frame, so it can respond quickly and accurately to changes in ground contour.

QuattroLink affords 700mm of vertical movement and also 30-degrees of transverse oscillation, while maintaining a constant ground pressure during work. This new system has been designed to provide increased mower bed stability at higher forward speeds, ensuring a clean cut with an even stubble height.

An additional benefit of QuattroLink suspension is a greater level of break-away protection, which also extends across the full width of cut and includes protection of the disc closest to the tractor. Any obstruction will cause the mower bed to lift backwards and upwards.

The Extra 736T is also available in Vario specification, which includes 400mm of hydraulic side-shift that creates an adjustable overlap to compensate for changing field conditions. Specification across the Extra 700 series includes Vicon’s three-bladed disc, a rear hood with spreading and swathing plates, semi-swing steel tine conditioner with conditioner plates that are adjustable at the front and rear, plus vertical folding for transport.

Vicon’s FastBale non-stop fixed chamber baler/wrapper will also be working, along with a new triple mo-co called the Extra 687N, equipped with nylon conditioning tines. A BW2600 round bale wrapper, equipped with the very latest Twin Film wrapping system will also be on display.

For more information @Kverneland_UK

Bridgestone set to make big impression at Grassland & Muck 2017


Bridgestone are set to make a big impression at Grassland and Muck 2017, launching its largest agricultural tyre to date at this national event.

Bridgestone will showcase the IF1050/50 R32 CFO at the Stoneleigh event, with the tyre joining a selection of premium products already within the brand’s portfolio.

Farmers and Contractors will be the very first in the United Kingdom, to see the new tyre as it is officially introduced into the marketplace.

This latest introduction to Bridgestone’s range of tyres is manufactured to the higher Increased Flexion specification standards, giving the tyre 20% greater load carrying capabilities, or a 20% reduction in operating pressure, to that of a conventional tire.

Developed with large scale, high-output muckspreading operations in mind, the IF1050/50 R32 CFO meets all Cyclical Field Operation specification.

Prior to the unveiling, Steve Hewitt, Agricultural Product Manager for Bridgestone UK said: “We are looking forward to presenting the latest tyre in the Bridgestone portfolio to visitors at Grassland and Muck 2017.

“The tyre is our largest to date and we are proud of the huge benefits that it can bring to any large muckspreading operation.

“We look forward to speaking to Farmers and Contractors at the event, and hope they’ll be able to visit the Bridgestone stand to see the IF1050/50 R32 CFO firsthand.”



Members of the Bridgestone Agricultural Tyres team will be available on the day to discuss the product, its benefits & application, at Stand 816 from 8.30am on 24-25 May.

To find out more information about the IF1050/50 R32 CFO and all other products in Bridgestone’s agricultural portfolio, visit www.bridgestone.co.uk/agricultural/

Air-Seal Products Ltd

Air-Seal Products Ltd is a family business in Somerset established over seventeen year ago and now working all over the world.

Having worked within the Agricultural sector for many years and with a customer base that includes amongst others, farmers, agricultural contractors and trade users, we have a proven track record in dealing with a wide range of tyre sizes and types, from wheelbarrows, ATVs to combines and other large farming equipment. Our products can be used in both on and off road tyres.

One treatment of our product per tyre costs no more than one tyre repair and stops most rim and bead leaks and seals punctures permanently. Up to 95% of punctures can be protected with the capability to seal punctures up to 30mm with one application lasting the useable life of the tyre and beyond.

Our eco-friendly products are based on water washable components with no glue, gums or chemical reaction, meaning they are easy to install and quickly removed using water. All our tyre sealants have an indefinite shelf life, will not separate and can be re used. Conventional tyre repairs and re-treading remain unaffected.

Why is our technology so successful? It is the combination of fillers and liquids and the strongest fibres, as used in bullet proof vests, which provide instant protection to the integrity of the tyre. This formula meets the specifications for all types of pneumatic tyres in all working conditions. Added anti-corrosive inhibitors prevent any damage to the rim or tyre.

If you’re looking to reduce your tyre costs and downtime, choose Air-Seal Products Tyre Sealant. – It just works!

Come and see us at Grassland & Muck – stand number 511

Graham Heath construction announce unmissable offer for Grassland & Muck 2017

@Graham Heath Construction (GHC) are all set for a successful Grassland & Muck 2017 with an exclusive offer on a livestock building for orders placed at the show.

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to purchase a 140 x 45 x 15 multi-functional livestock building with cantilever for £30,100 (ex. works). The deal includes; steelwork, purlins, roof cladding, roof lights, rainwater goods, doors and concrete panels.

With sufficient space for 70 cubicles, the building is suitable for cubicle or loose housed cows, robotic milking systems and those considering installing robots in the future.

Business Manager, Paul Hanson comments: “This is our first time attending Grassland & Muck and we hope to see many old and new customers on our stand. Livestock buildings are one of our most requested products, so we wanted to ensure that we had a great offer available for both new and existing customers.”

In a further development, GHC will also be launching their new ‘Eco-Building’ initiative at the show, in which they will be working in partnership with commercial energy consultants, The Mikhno Group, to manufacture steel framed sustainable buildings.

As well as the livestock building deal, GHC will be offering fully-funded solar PV installations to every customer who places a building order before the end of May 2017.

You will find Graham Heath Construction on stand 519.

Further information about Graham Heath Construction can be found at www.gh-construction.co.uk or by calling: 01270 781158.

First working demonstrations for Kubota implements and tractors at Grassland & Muck 2017

Farmers and contractors visiting Grassland and Muck between the 24th and 25th May at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire will have the opportunity to see Kubota’s agricultural tractors working with the company’s recently launched range of implements for the first time at a UK working event.

Kubota’s Agricultural range of grassland implements, manufactured and distributed by Kverneland Group, have been chosen specifically to compliment the size and power rating of the MGX-III, M5001 and M7001 tractors. The range includes a selection of disc mowers, rakes, tedders, flail choppers, fertiliser spreaders, round balers and wrappers.

Rob Edwards, Business Development Manager for Kubota Agriculture, commented: “Kubota branded implements were introduced to our product line up earlier this year to strengthen our farm machinery portfolio and add even more value to the service we provide the agricultural industry.

“Grassland and Muck 2017 therefore provides us with the ideal platform to showcase our tractors and implements working together for the first time at a public event. The implements compliment our tractors perfectly, so this show enables us to demonstrate the value that Kubota Agriculture can offer.

“Backing up the demonstration plot will be a static display of the full line up of agricultural products on Stand 105, including implements and the M5001, MGX-III and M7001 Tractor Series, with Kubota experts on hand for advice and support. We look forward to seeing farmers and contractors at the event.”

12 new varieties added to the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists

Eleven new varieties of ryegrass and one red clover variety have been added to the 2017/2018 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL). The publication will be launched at the Grassland & Muck event at Stoneleigh on 24 May.

The lists are an invaluable resource for grassland farmers, enabling them to select varieties that will perform well in a particular system. Only grasses and clovers that have undergone at least four years of independent testing are included in the lists.

When thinking about reseeding, the RGCL should be used to check that the varieties being selected are on the lists and are the best available. Dr Liz Genever, AHDB senior scientist, said: “The lists give details on the performance and characteristics of each variety, helping farmers make informed decisions alongside their seed merchants about the ones that best meet their needs.

“Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as total and seasonal yield, feed quality, disease and persistence before making the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists.”

In addition to providing information on the varieties, the RGCL also includes a range of technical information for farmers on how they can manage their reseed and maximise the productivity of their grassland.

The 2017/2018 RGCL handbook and the full lists for merchants will be available to download from beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns and britishgrassland.com/rgcl from 24 May 2017. The online interactive version for perennial ryegrasses has been updated and will be available at dairy.ahdb.org.uk. Hard copies of the handbook will be available from the AHDB stand at Grassland & Muck on the 24 and 25 May (stand number 323).

Brand new grasses among plots sown at Stoneleigh by Barenbrug

Experts from Barenbrug will be at Grassland & Muck this May, offering UK farmers advice on how to get more from their grass, and which species and varieties to pick – depending on enterprise requirements.

In preparation for the triennial show, Barenbrug has sown 28 demonstration plots at Stoneleigh – including three areas devoted to brand new products.

• Bar Finisher – a mix ofchicory, white clover, red clover and plantain, which produces a leafy, high quality feed from spring to autumn, and offers excellent animal performancepotential
• Artemis – a highly nutritious lucerne that combines good digestibility with high proteins to support excellent milk yields or daily live weight gains.
• Hybrid 4×4 – a highly productive hybrid ryegrass cutting ley designed for a three or four year rotation system.

Highlighting the vast array of grass varieties and mixtures available to UK farmers, the Barenbrug team has also sown areas dedicated to numerous perennial ryegrass species including Fintona, the highest yielding ryegrass variety ever developed. There are also plots allocated to Comer – a highly palatable Timothy grass which grows well in very wet conditions; Bartyle – a Cocksfoot that is ideal for dry areas thanks to its drought tolerance; plus tall fescues; silage crops; and clovers.

David Johnston, a top grass seed breeder from AFBI – the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute – will join Barenbrug’s grass experts at Grassland & Muck. Together they’ll dispense advice on getting a grip on grass growth. They’ll also be discussing Barenbrug’s Good Grass Guide. This free handy toolkit is designed to help farms gauge grass quality and work out what to do with fields in different states of repair to ensure maximum return on investment.

Visit the Barenbrug team at Grassland & Muck at outdoor stand number 310.