CropTec 2019 - November 27th and 28th

[CropTec]

Welcome to the CropTec Show thread on The Farming Forum. Here we will announce what you can expect at the show and what seminars and hubs will be available. CropTec is the leading technical event in the arable calendar showcasing new technology, innovation and knowledge exchange within farming. If you are looking to expand your horizons, then there is plenty to learn at this free event.

Times may be changing, but some things remain constant: CropTec 2019 will once again set out to help farmers, their advisers and suppliers build a profitable and sustainable sector fit for the future. UK growers looking to future-proof their business will be able to discover unmissable insights into the latest knowledge, services and products for the arable sector when The CropTec Show returns to The East of England Showground, Peterborough on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November 2019.

 

[CropTec]

Biggest line-up yet for CropTec sprayer demonstrations

Ten sprayer manufacturers will be putting some of the latest machines available to UK operators through their paces at The CropTec Show when the event returns to Peterborough at the end of November.

This is the biggest line-up of sprayers to feature in CropTec’s sprayer demonstration area, sponsored by Syngenta, offering an unmissable opportunity for visitors to get up close to the machines to check out all the key features.

Visitors will also able to test drive the sprayers on a one-to-one basis under realistic operating conditions, providing an unrivalled hands-on opportunity at one venue to compare and contrast some of the most up-to-date machines on the market.

During and after the demos, visitors will be able to quiz experts from participating manufacturers to ensure all their questions are answered, rounding off an experience that will enable them to judge for themselves which sprayer looks best suited to their needs.

Andy Carse, managing director of Agrifac, one of the manufacturers taking part, said: “The demonstration area at CropTec adds a fantastic element to the show.

“Instead of visitors taking away leaflets and brochures on the machines, it allows them to discover the differences from inside the cab, and get to grips with the technology and features on offer.”

See the line-up at https://www.croptecshow.com/sprayer-demonstrations/


Sprayer demonstrations

Househam
Househam’s latest generation of self-propelled sprayer, the Harrier, is more than just a new design – it’s been created in response to direct customer feedback, says the company.

Throughout the design and development process, Househam’s design team has been working with customers. The manufacturer says the result speaks for itself; with the Harrier placing performance, efficiency and comfort first.

The machine, which features a 1.1m unobstructed underbody clearance, has a choice of tank capacity (4000, 5000 or 6000 litres) and boom options from 24m, with a triple fold option up t 36m. It comes with a MTU 4R1000 228HP engine as standard and a dry weight of 8500kg.


Lite Trac Systems
Lite Trac will be showing its latest pre-production multi-purpose tool carrier, the LT350. It is fitted with a Tier 4 Volvo 7.7 litre diesel engine that put out 235kw (320hp) and provides high torque at low RPM, says the company.

The demo machine is fitted with a 6500-litre tank, 42m boom and 1200-litre spray pump and features a dual chemical and suspension Omex application system.

The LT350 features automatic Allison automatic powershift transmission and is capable of 50kph on the road.

Suspension is adjustable to suit the load and ride height can be altered. A new cab operating system is said to offer improved driver comfort and ease of operation.


Horsch
The Leeb 5 LT trailed sprayer features 36m boom with BoomControl Pro, an advanced system designed to keep the boom less than 40cm from the crop at up 30kph over hilly terrain, reducing drift and increasing crop penetration.

The top CCS Pro model features an automatic internal Continuous Cleaning System with electronic system at the suction and pressure side, a 5000-litre plastic tank and a 500-litre freshwater tank.

The innovative ISOBUS operating system is an in-house development said to simplify adjustment, operation and control of the machine. Nozzle switching can be easily controlled, says Horsch.


Agrifac UK
The 5000-litre, 36m Condor IV self-propelled sprayer features the Agrifac 'Brilliant Simple' innovations StrictHeightPlus and StrictSprayPlus; technologies that enable the operator to apply the correct amount of spray to each individual plant.

These, combined with the stability of the Agrifac StabiloPlus chassis, gives the driver the smoothest ride and most accurate spraying possible, even on the steepest of slopes, says Agrifac.


Chafer
Built with the highest quality components, the Chafer Interceptor is said to bring new levels of efficiency and usability to the medium-sized self-propelled market.

A powerful 240hp Deutz engine coupled to the advanced Bosch Rexroth CVT transmission keeps fuel use low and ensures traction is maximised on individual wheels in all field conditions.

When on the road the engine uses the minimum revolutions to achieve the chosen forward speed, keeping fuel use low and engine noise down.

Chassis and spray pack layouts offer market-leading stability by keeping the centre of gravity low, says Chafer, whilst retaining excellent accessibility for operation and servicing.


Fendt Rogator 655
The self-propelled Fendt Rogator 600 offers excellent boom position and ground following, according to the manufacturer.

It features a low centre of gravity but can achieve up to 120 cm ground clearance for maximum plant protection, helped by its smooth undercarriage.

Three tank capacity options are available (3800/5000/6000 litres) and 500 litres of clean water. The induction hopper is fitted with OptiFlow control centre.

The machine is fitted with a HydroStar CVT gearbox in combination with engine wheel hubs and a CDS ControlDriveSystem.


Vicon
The iXtrack T series has been developed with focus on a short, low and compact design in combination with intelligent electronics and ease of use.

The iXtrack T series offer tank sizes of 2600 (T3 model), 4600 (T4 model) and 6400 litres (T6 model). The 32 degree steering angle and 3.6m turning radius makes the iXtrack T series very flexible and solid, says the company.

The sprayer is equipped with a smooth, suspended parallelogram, combining optimal stability with soft boom balancing and limited vertical movement to minimise spray height deviations.


Knight Farm Machinery
Knight’s 1800 series self-propelled sprayers are fitted with a semi air-suspended Claas cab with digital climate control and category 4 filtration.

The six-cylinder Perkins engines are 174hp Stage 4 or 225hp Stage 5 and the Poclain hydrostatic transmission provides drive. All-round active air suspension is standard and the electronic steering is two- or four-wheel with automatic rear hillside compensation.

Tank capacities are 3500 and 4000 litres and booms are available from 24m to 40m. Fluid Control Pro simplifies all operations and GPS auto section control and auto steering options are available.


Sands Agricultural Machinery
The latest Horizon 5500 sprayer is fitted with the company’s 36m Variable Geometry & Negative Booms.

This sprayer also features Sands’ new electronic control system with 2in or 3in filling options. Functions such as auto-filling, spraying and washing out are all accessible at the touch of a button either in the cab or outside beside the mixing hopper.

Fuel filters are remotely mounted on the side for easier access and cleaner changeover.


Hardi
Hardi will announce its demonstration machine closer to the event. It will reflect the company’s commitment to the ever-increasing demands for efficient and precise plant protection, reflecting essential continued developments and innovation, says the company

 

[CropTec]

Key arable issues under spotlight in CropTec’s Knowledge Hubs



Some of the most topical subjects in the arable sector will come under the spotlight when the popular Knowledge Hubs return to this year’s CropTec Show.

This series of quickfire presentations has become a firm favourite with showgoers seeking key takeaway messages to help make the most of new techniques and technologies.

Six hubs will feature on both days of CropTec 2019 when it returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough, on 27th and 28th November.

The diverse range of topics includes the role of biosolutions in crop protection, latest advice on blackgrass control, optimising OSR establishment, slug behaviour and control, management strategies to boost soil health and the latest spray application technology.

The hubs will be delivered by a mixture of well-respected farmers with a wealth of practical experience in their particular fields and industry specialists who are leading development with new ideas.

CropTec development director Stephen Howe said: “Together with the event’s extensive seminar programme, the Knowledge Hubs provide an ideal backdrop and catalyst for more detailed discussion throughout the day on the technical stands or in the refreshment areas as delegates seek the latest solutions to remaining profitable during a period of change.”


The CropTec Show 2019 hubs


Biosolutions Hub – sponsored by UPL

As growers face an ever tightening regulatory climate and the loss of further key active ingredients, this hub aims to address the role that biosolutions can play in the future of crop protection.

Sessions include an overview of the requirements for biostimulants within the new Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), and the benefits of biostimulant-based seed treatments in the establishment of arable crops.

Speakers include Murray Smedley and Trevor Smith of the European Biostimulants Industry Council Task Force, Tomas McCabe of University College Dublin and UPL’s Rob Adamson and Gregory Hanna.


Black-grass Hub – sponsored by Bayer

Visitors to the hub will have the opportunity to talk to Bayer experts on their own black-grass control methods, whilst gaining advice and information on ways to effectively deal with grass weeds, focusing on integrated control measures to reduce weed seed return.

Sessions include understanding the black-grass seedbank with NIAB’s John Cussans, one of two experts supporting Bayer’s Black-grass Task Force project that aims to translate trials success commercial black-grass control.

Farm manager Paul Drinkwater, one of two farmers taking part in the above project, will talk about tackling a serious black-grass problem in Cambridgeshire, where he is looking to develop a strategy to make running his farm more economically viable.


OSR Specialist Hub – sponsored by Dekalb

With flea beetles and the climate proving problematic for many again this season, this hub sets out to help growers respond to these challenges.

Variety choice and sowing practice for the best establishment are the key factors distinguishing growers achieving higher-than-average OSR yields.

Speakers include ADAS’ Pete Berry on day one who will share the results of last season’s Oilseeds YEN, identifying the most fruitful areas for sustaining and improving performance to emerge from the first three years of the competition.

McGregor Farms’ arable manager and YEN grower, David Fuller, will take over on the second day, outlining how best to maintain consistent crop performance and profitability.

DEKALB will also have a leading team of breeders and technical specialists on hand to discuss more ways to optimise OSR establishment.

Slug Hub – sponsored by Certis

Understanding slug behaviour and the available cultural and chemical approaches is key to managing slugs this autumn. Utilising over 10 years of experience and technical expertise, the Certis Slug Hub at CropTec 2019 will encompass everything from slug behaviour to pellet application.

In this new hub, Certis’ Neil Beadle and Newcastle University’s Gordon Port will discuss recurring questions revolving around the pest’s ecology and the most effective cultural and chemical means of management in arable rotations.

Keith Walters of Harper Adams University will examine environmentally sustainable and commercially viable control of slugs, including the effectiveness and risk of patch treatment based on slug population density.

In a talk looking at calibration and application, Certis’ Laurence Power will highlight some common issues and difficulties that arise with pellet application and how best to avoid them.


Soil Hub – sponsored by BASE and Direct Driller magazine

For visitors seeking information and discussions on alternative soil management, this new CropTec hub is a must-attend event.

The team at BASE UK (Biodiversity, Agriculture, Soil and Environment) along with @Direct Driller Magazine will be providing advice for visitors and will be discussing key strategies to help improve soil health.

First day topics include the benefits of livestock in the arable rotation, with Cambridgeshire farmer and no-till specialist David White, BASE chairman and Northumberland farmer Edwin Taylor and Northamptonshire grower Stephen Goodwin.

Steve Townsend and James Warne @Warnesworth of Soil First Farming, together with Edwin Taylor, will also examine cover crop strategies.

On the second day, Stephen Goodwin, David White and Suffolk grower Adam Driver will discuss widening the crop rotation.


Spraying technology hub – sponsored by Syngenta

This year’s hub will give growers and sprayer operators an insight into some of the latest advances in application technology, along with advice and tips to get the best out of every treatment.

Presentations will address challenging topics, including how to optimise balancing efficacy, efficiency and environmental impact.

The hub will also focus on research to extend the utilisation of 90% drift-reduction nozzle technology beyond pre-emergence applications, and look at future technology for application, including advice apps and sprayer innovation such as pulse width modulation.


For further information, to book tickets and to sign up to the CropTec newsletter go to www.croptecshow.com

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Technical support goes mobile in new Corteva Arable App

Free app will be one of many innovations on show at CropTec 2019

Specialist technical support for arable farmers and agronomists on the move is the aim of a new app set to launch at CropTec 2019 by Corteva Agriscience.

Free to download, the Corteva Arable App will contain information for users of the company’s crop protection and seed products.

Farmers and advisers can select the crop protection product they want to apply and the app will list the label rate for applications, tank mix compatibility and usage periods.

Users will also be able to read up on the varieties and traits of maize and oilseed rape seeds available from Corteva’s Pioneer brand to enable the best possible management of the crop.

The company’s Kerb Weather Data service – used by scores of farmers in the UK – has been integrated into the app allowing farmers to check whether the soil conditions and weather forecast make for suitable spraying conditions for Kerb® Flo 500 and AstroKerb® products.

Nicola Perry, technical specialist at Corteva, said: “Our grassland app is hugely popular and we are now able to offer our arable customers the same detailed, technical support at their fingertips 24 hours a day.

“Our technical hotline continues to give advice on the phone but with this launch we are giving farmers another way of accessing the information they need, when they need it.”

The app is just one of the exciting developments from Corteva this year with an array of new products hitting the market and nearing launch.

Visitors to CropTec are invited to stand 1.61 for networking and hospitality and to enter a daily competition to win a 2019 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ tablet. The winner’s name will be announced at 3pm on both days.

Corteva’s technical specialists will be available to discuss how to get the best out of every product, from cereal herbicides to oilseed rape including Belkar™ which is new to the market for 2019.
You will also have the chance to hear more about Corteva’s much-anticipated InatreqTM active fungicide, with a unique site of action offering robust control of septoria.

Farmers interested in Pioneer’s latest seed developments can hear about the qualities of high-yielding PT275, and PT279CL – the first Clearfield variety ever to make the Recommended List.

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

KUHN to showcase next generation KUHN-ISOBUS technology at CropTec


KUHN Farm Machinery will be demonstrating its latest ISOBUS-compatible in-cab control technology at CropTec, with visitors to the KUHN stand (Hall 1, stand no 1.15) able to take part in an interactive demonstration of the new CCI 800 working with the CCI A3 joystick.

The CCI 800 is a more compact alternative to the existing CCI 1200, offering an 8 inch screen with multi-touch functionality significantly enhancing ease of operation.

It can be used to control any ISOBUS-ready machine, enabling operators to select one universal terminal to control multiple implements, thereby reducing in-cab clutter.

The CCI 800 can control functionalities such as section control, variable rate application adjustment, work recording and documentation generation, making the operation of all compatible machines easier, quicker and more efficient.

The CCI 800’s flexible layout display can be configured to suit the individual operator’s preferences or machine’s requirements and has been designed to be easy and intuitive to use.

It has the capability of managing up to 254 sections within section control, or 32 control points within rate control, giving it almost limitless potential within precision farming applications.

Two control points allow separate metering to the left and right when spreading fertiliser. Tramline Control automatically creates tramlines via GPS.

KUHN’s new CCI A3 joystick connects into KUHN’s CCI terminals to provide an enhanced interactive control option over the functionality of ISOBUS compatible machinery. Clear display icons, interchangeable grids and a vibration feedback function make the joystick a highly ergonomic control device for the user.

The CCI 800 terminal and A3 joystick have been developed through KUHN’s participation and membership of the CCI-ISOBUS Association of which KUHN is a founding member and are designed to operate across KUHN’s range of arable and grass harvesting machinery.

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Two innovations from SOYL at this year’s CropTec


Precision crop production leaders, SOYL will use this year’s CropTec show to officially launch two innovations:

• Firstly, the introduction of a MySOYL software upgrade that enables growers to better map the profitability of each field across the complete rotation.
• Secondly, a collaboration with machinery manufacturer Claas to improve compatibility between SOYL software and Claas combine harvesters

Build a picture of field profitability across the rotation with MySOYL
A suite of new analysis tools from SOYL will enable growers to look at a range of financial performance metrics across their land and the complete farm rotation.

The new tools, launched autumn 2019, are part of SOYL’s precision data management application MySOYL which is accessed through Frontier’s MyFarm farm management platform.

Since the late nineties gross margin maps have been used to measure in field profitability but the new MySOYL tools take that analysis to a new level giving farmers with yield map data the ability to easily create ‘margin maps’ showing income, gross margin and net margin for each part of their land.

Simon Parrington, Commercial Director for SOYL says: “This type of analysis is essential for growers seeking to maximise returns from every part of every field. Being able to look at the profitability of each part of the field is useful in terms of informing agronomy decisions but also in identifying areas where an environmental scheme may be a better use of part of the field.

“It’s important to be able to look at multiple layers of yield and profitability data as in some cases parts of fields will look profitable in one year/crop type but deliver much poorer results for other crops.

The MySOYL margin map tool lets farmers select multiple years and build a more complete picture of cumulative gross or net margin, often with surprising results. With growers starting to look forward to a new era of agricultural payments and the rising importance of ‘natural capital’ management it’s easy to see how this tool could be used to earmark areas better suited to environmental schemes.”

SOYL and CLAAS make yield data analysis easy
Growers with yield mapping equipped CLAAS combines can now analyse their yield maps instantly during or after harvest thanks to a link up between MySOYL (part of MyFarm, Frontier’s farm management platform) and CLAAS’s TELEMATICS system.

As each field is harvested yield and position data is uploaded to the CLAAS TELEMATICS website. In order for this data to be analysed in third party precision data management tools traditionally the data had to be downloaded from the TELEMATICS website. Typically this would be done after harvest.

The new link developed together by SOYL and CLAAS allows this data to be instantly synchronised at any time during or after harvest. For the farmer this means simpler and quicker access to their data and allows the interpretation process to start much earlier.

“Often we are drilling oilseed rape crops straight after harvesting the proceeding crop and there is little time to review yield performance. This new link allows a review to take place seconds after harvesting the field,” explains SOYL’s Commercial Director, Simon Parrington
.
MySOYL contains a range of analysis tools to help growers and advisors gain value from yield maps.

Simon continues, “Anything we can do to make the data transfer process simpler makes it easier to access the benefits gained from detailed production data. Customers control the data exchange and the link between MySOYL and CLAAS TELEMATICS can be enabled and disabled at any time using our Connections control panel.”

The MySOYL Connections control panel.
“We want customers who buy a CLAAS combine to have every possible opportunity to use the data our machines produce, this type of link delivers just that,” concludes Claas UK’s EASY Product Manager, Edward Miller.

The new software link is live this autumn and follows development and testing during harvest 2019.

Yield maps in MySOYL

CropTec takes place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on from 08.30am -4.30pm on 27th & 28th November 2019. Meet the SOYL team in hall number 2 on stand number 2.12.

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

HORSCH Hybrid Farming System provides a solution to weed control without glyphosate – find out more at The CropTec Show


HORSCH will be promoting its new Hybrid Farming System at CropTec. Combining the best practices of organic farming and conventional farming, it provides a solution to weed control without glyphosate.

Four new products will start the Hybrid Farming System with more joining later. This inventive and forward-looking system is designed to meet the needs of farmers looking for mechanical weed control yet retaining the high productivity of conventional farming.

The Transformer VF hoeing tool, Finer LT cutting tillage tool, Cura ST harrow and Cultro TC knife roller lead the way for an important product system that is set to expand in the future. Ever-growing pressure on the reduction of chemicals in farming continues to force farmers to meet supply demands using more organic practices and the HORSCH Hybrid Farming System helps meet those demands.

New Transformer VF – the innovative hoeing tool
The new Transformer VF is the basis of a new HORSCH hoeing tool line. The fully integrated lateral sliding frame enables the Transformer VF to be extremely flexible with parallelogram-guided tools.

The Transformer VF (VariableFrame) is available in 6m to 12m working widths. The integrated lateral sliding frame and does not work via the current intermediate coupling frames. It is fully compatibility to the ISOBUS standard and can be combined with many camera systems.

The 6m and 8m models are folded in three sections while 9m to 12m models are folded in five sections. All models have a transport width of 3m and height of 4m. The clearance below the frame is an impressive 660mm, which is particularly useful in row crops like maize and sugar beet.

The clamping profiles for the tools are on the inside of a continuous channel enabling the tools to be arranged in a very wide variety of positions. The Transformer VF can cover row spacings from 25cm to 90cm and adjustment is simple and fast, with working depth adjusted easily without any tools. HORSCH has proven experience building robust parallelogram mounting units that are highly durable and effective even on heavy and stony soils. The units can be hydraulically operated for particularly hard soils.

The hydraulic system is also used when individual rows are lifted via section control.

Covering discs for the hoeing tools are available as an option to protect crops in the early stage. An additional attachment space can be used for finger rolls or other tools that work in the row.

Finer LT for an all-over cutting tillage
As part of HORSCH’s hybrid and organic farming range, the Finer LT enables shallow cutting of weeds, volunteer crops or catch crops. It can be an alternative to glyphosate with regard to fighting weeds.

The ability to set the tine angle so the tines cut shallow and parallel to the ground is completely new. The available in 6m to 12m working widths, the 4-bar Finer LT range is available with a 3-point attachment. The tine spacing of the spring tines is 15cm with a frame height of 55cm. The tine section is followed by a 2-bar harrow that removes even more of the plant material from the soil.

The adjustable angle of the spring tines enables the Finer LT to achieve a perfect, shallow cut that is parallel to the ground. This fine adjustment is very important for adaption to the soil resistance and to achieve a complete cut. Light soils require less upward deflection while heavy soils need considerably more. Support wheels control the precise working depth of the Finer.

Despite the high stability, the horsepower requirement of the machine is low with a 12m version only requiring a 200hp tractor.

Cura ST is HORSCH’s new harrow
The new Cura ST harrow is one of the central solutions for HORSCH’s Hybrid Farming systems and for organic farming. It will be launched as a 3-point version with working widths ranging from 6m to 15m and features an extremely solid design and precise operation.

The 6-bar design allows for a tine spacing of 2.8cm for working intensely on clean soils or soils with a lot of weeds. The support pressure of the harrow tines is continuously, hydraulically adjustable. Every harrow tine has a pressure ranging from 500g to 5kg and maintains almost the same force for the whole spring deflexion. Every tine is fastened individually and prevented from moving laterally.

The Cura ST is ideal for all types of soil and conditions. The tine’s large load range lets the machine work conservatively or very aggressively depending on the objective. Contours, such as potato ridges, can be cultivated without any problems.

Cultro TC double knife roller
The Cultro TC is a double knife roller with low horsepower requirement, available in 3m and 12m working widths. Used in combination with other machines, the highly flexible Cultro TC provides excellent cutting in rape or silage maize stubble and in catch crops.

The compact diameter of the roller body allows for a high number of revolutions and cuts. This guarantees an intensive crushing of organic material. Six knifes are arranged in a crosscut configuration for maximum effect.

The 3m Cultro 3 TC will be available for a 3-point linkage. A front-attached version without a packer can be ideally matched with a Joker CT cultivator, for example. A rear attachment version can be specified with any packer available for the Joker CT.

The trailed 12m Cultro 12 TC has some very special features including a new frame concept that transfers the complete weight of the machine on to the roller. The individual roller segments are divided in 3m wide sections that are suspended individually. This provides optimum contour following even for this large working width. Each segment is overload-protected and can move upwards individually.

The machine can be equipped with a packer or a grass type harrow, ideal if a lot of organic material is to be distributed on the surface. The Cultro TC can also be equipped with a Crossbar in front of the knives enabling it to be used for seedbed preparation.

The high efficiency of the machine allows operational speeds up to 20kph while maintaining a low horsepower requirement. The Cultro 12 TC can be easily operated with a 200-hp tractor.

 

[CropTec]

The CropTec Show – Innovations in crop management technology

Field data management is evolving at a rapid pace, and there is no better place than CropTec to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Several exhibitors will use the UK’s leading technical cropping and knowledge exchange event to launch new products and significant upgrades, helping growers to optimise their rotational and cropping management decisions from sowing to harvest.

We highlight some examples of what visitors can expect to see when the show opens its doors on the 27th and 28th November at the East of England Showground.

Crop management systems
xarvio is a first time exhibitor at CropTec. The company offers digital products, based on a global-leading crop model platform, that deliver independent field-zone-specific agronomic advice.

xarvio will show its SCOUTING app and discuss two new upcoming functionalities, Multiweed Identification and Emergence Analysis. This free app helps growers and agronomists to detect in-field problems by taking a photo with their mobiles.

It currently identifies weeds and plant diseases, counts and identifies insects, and analyses leaf damage and nitrogen status. ‘Radar’ functionality also provides growers with an overview of what is happening in their surrounding area.

Also on show is FIELD MANAGER, a crop production optimisation system new to the UK, which is due for launch in spring next year. The system provides field-specific insights into current status of crops by providing growth stage predictions, disease/pest risk, biomass maps, and crop protection management.

Key features include ‘spray timer’, which recommends optimum timing for crop protection applications, and ‘zone spray’, which gives field-zone specific dosage recommendations.

Visitors will be able to preview of the latest version of Geofolia, the data management system from Landmark Systems, which will be available next year.

The intuitive software with integrated app makes updating field records and monitoring performance straightforward. When field walking, the ability to click on a field from the Geofolia App to pull up historical activities saves having to search for history back in the office. The same App allows operators to add and complete field records from the tractor cab so all information is in real time.

Also on show will be the recently released Greenscan crop satellite image analysis feature, included as standard within the Geofolia package, which monitors vegetation density. This allows users to spot potential problem areas in the field, perhaps earlier than by field walking.

Hutchinsons’ recently launched TerraMap soil scanning system makes its CropTec debut. Said to set a new standard for accuracy in precision agriculture, the system is not affected by soil moisture, compaction, crop cover or cultivation state.

Results are used to create maps within the Omnia system which can be overlaid with additional field information such as blackgrass, yields and so on, to create accurate, consistent and detailed variable rate plans.

SOYL is also launching a suite of new analysis tools that supply growers with a range of financial performance metrics across their land and the farm rotation.

The new tools are part of SOYL’s precision data management application MySOYL, accessed through Frontier’s MyFarm farm management platform.

They take financial analysis to a new level, giving farmers with yield map data the ability to easily create margin maps showing income, gross margin and net margin for each part of their land. This helps inform agronomy decisions and also identifies areas where an environmental scheme may be a better use of part of the field.

Data transfer
Streamlined data systems that aim to smooth information transfer are sure to attract plenty of attention.

DataConnect is a new cloud-to-cloud system created by Claas, field mapping specialist 365FarmNet and John Deere, enabling customers to exchange data via a common interface as well as control and monitor their entire machinery fleet.

Users can choose their preferred data platform while being able to transmit data in real time from other machines via the new interface.

DataConnect enables the exchange of all important machinery data, including current and historical machine location, fuel tank level, current working status and forward speed. Transmission of agronomic data is also being planned.

Hutchinsons has been collaborating with leading machinery and data management systems such as Claas, Väderstad and Muddy Boots, resulting in much improved streamlined data connection using cloud computer systems.

The new connectivity agreements mean users of the Omnia Precision Agronomy system will be able to generate a seamless flow of data from the Class Telematics system straight into Omnia. Field boundaries can be shared between the two systems and yield maps will be automatically sent to and processed by the OmniaHub system. This will allow users to make management decisions as soon as the crop is harvested.

It will also be possible to use the Omnia Connect app with Väderstad E Services drills. Variable rate drilling plans that have been generated in Omnia, or in any other third party system, can be transferred to the Connect app which is connected to a Väderstad drill.

Muddy Boots users will be able to transfer field and cropping information and field maps between GLGM and Omnia. Information changed in one system will automatically pass to the other, removing the need for double data entry.

SOYL is launching an innovative link up between MySOYL and CLAAS’s Telematics system, enabling growers with yield mapping-equipped Claas combines to analyse yield maps instantly during or after harvest.

As each field is harvested, yield and position data are uploaded to the Claas telematics website, and the new link allows this data to be instantly synchronised at any time during or after harvest. For the farmer this means simpler and quicker access to their data and allows the interpretation process to start much earlier.

New apps
Rothamsted Research is launching a new improved version of its Croprotect app at the event. With an enhanced search function, social media sign in and the very latest information on pests, weeds, diseases and crops, the app is aimed at arable farmers seeking to optimise their pest management.

Croprotect is a web-based knowledge exchange system to providing guidance on pest, weed and disease management, especially where effective pesticides are not available and alternative approaches are required.

Specialist technical support for arable farmers and agronomists on the move is offered by a new app being launched at CropTec by Corteva Agriscience.

Free to download, the Corteva Arable App contains information for users of the company’s crop protection and seed products. The app lists label rates for applications, tank mix compatibility and usage periods, and supplies information on varieties and traits of maize and oilseed rape seeds to optimise crop management.

For further information please go to www.croptecshow.com

 

[CropTec]

CropTec to host cutting edge agronomic developments

The CropTec Show’s trade stands, manned by some of the most progressive companies and organisations in the agricultural sector, will host a fascinating array of novel agronomic developments when the event returns to the East of England Showground on 27th and 28th November.

This release highlights some leading research that aims to help growers eke out the best performance from increasingly expensive inputs as well as valuable pointers to help preserve the most valuable of farm resources, soil. Both are sure to stimulate plenty of worthwhile discussion.


Variable rate research

Visitors to Cranfield University’s stand can find out more about a project designed to improve understanding of variable rate application of fungicide in winter wheat and potential financial benefits.

Variable Rate Application (VRA) systems exist but these lack a full understanding of the fundamental relationship between the spray, how it is sprayed, plant physiology and the degree of spatial variation.

The aim of the project, co-funded by AHDB, Douglas Bomford Trust and Frontier Agriculture is to develop the basis for a VRA system. Phase 1 involved a detailed review of the technology, dose adjustment and application. Phase 2 focused on spray deposition and the potential for reducing application rates.

The current focus of the project (Phase 3) is to increase understanding of spatial variation in crops and to assess whether NDVI is a suitable basis for a VRA system. The final phase of the project is to perform a cost benefit analysis for Variable Rate Plant Protection Products.

Efficient fertiliser use

Nitrogen Fertiliser Use Efficiency and the critical role of accurate soil testing in optimising N applications will be the main focus on the CF stand.

In 2019 farm trials, the combined approach has delivered increases in margin over fertiliser costs of £280/ha in some crops, whilst in others 10% higher yields have been seen from 15% less N.

In simple terms, Nitrogen Fertiliser Use Efficiency (NfUE) is a measure of nitrogen fertiliser recovered by the crop. This gives growers a valuable picture of how much nitrogen fertiliser is actually used by the crop and an insight into the impact their fertiliser choices are having on their production efficiency. It can also highlight where potential environmental concerns might lie.

Recent trials showing the value of ammonium nitrate over straight urea in wheat production in terms of NfUE will be highlighted, as will understanding the contribution that soil N makes to crops.


Soil health

CropTec provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to catch up on the latest information about the Big Soil Community on the Fera stand.

The aim is to provide farmers with the right knowledge to help maintain or improve soil health and grow healthier crops while adapting to climate change and other environmental variables.

Participating in Fera’s BSC provides an understanding of how microbial action is impacting carbon sequestration, changes to physio-chemical properties and ultimately its fertility, empowering informed decisions which could increase crop yield, reduce costs and improve environmental health.

Increasingly it is realised that farming practices are not always aligned with the underpinning biological systems, says Fera, adding that it is time to allow modern agricultural to tap into data-driven science to deliver better results all round.

Cranfield is highlighting a BBSRC-funded study, Using roots to bio-engineer soil. The main aim is to develop a framework to select and combine complementary root traits in cover crops that prevent soil resource losses and improve crop growth conditions.

Cover crops provide a way for UK growers to address soil health and provide benefits for the environment, but the practice isn’t widely adopted because robust science that provides evidence of the multiple benefits of cover crops is lacking, say researchers.

Key highlights to date include:

Cover crop roots act like ‘bio-drills’, improving soil structure and reducing compaction

Earthworm numbers tripled in a recent field trial using cover crops to protect soil and introduce organic matter

Crops with large tap roots are not necessarily best at reducing compaction

UKSO will demonstrate updated information that helps growers identify the risk of bare-soil water erosion. This free to view dataset is an example of information provided on the UKSO Map Viewer. The British Geological Survey (BGS) derived this dataset from the soil texture data of the BGS Parent Materials v6 and a calculation of slope from the Ordnance Survey Terrain 50.

The layer can be found under the Agronomy section of the UKSO Layers and the resulting classification is based on the Countryside Stewardship Guidance and highlights part of the land where soil runoff is more likely to occur.

It indicates where to focus efforts to reduce runoff potential on the fields when no other solutions have been put in place. The bare-soil water erosion dataset is available on the UKSO Map Viewer (http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/ukso/home.html).

New products

Top chemists and technical experts will be on hand to share how Life Scientific’s ability to reverse engineer a product from the reference product is bringing more quality off-patent crop protection products to market, increasing product choice to UK growers and agronomists.

The company has several new projects underway looking at a range of seed treatments and adjuvants that it hope sto launch in the near future. This step change in the pace in which off-patent products come to market is increasingly significant in the current highly unpredictable regulatory environment, says Life Scientific.

Sipcam has added Ferrex, a ferric phosphate slug killer, to its UK range of crop protection and fertiliser products. Ferric phosphate is a compound of natural elements and presents minimal risk for water courses, plants and wildlife compared to metaldehyde, which has an uncertain future.

Ferrex is a palatable and dust-free lentil-shaped bait containing 2.5% w/w of anhydrous ferric phosphate (3.1% w/w hydrous ferric phosphate). Application rate is 6 kg/ha, which provides a large number of baiting points at around 60-66 baits/m2. The slim biting edge of the lentil bait has been proven to encourage rapid bait uptake, even by juvenile slugs, ensuring control across the population, says Sipcam.


Seminars and knowledge hubs – topical agronomy under the spotlight

Some of the most important agronomy topics in the arable sector will come under the spotlight in the one of the most comprehensive knowledge exchange events in the UK agricultural calendar.

CropTec’s highly informative seminar programmes involve 16 speakers covering four key areas –crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection and crop breeding. Each session will examine how the application of science, research, new technology and knowledge exchange can help the UK crop production industry remain profitable.

In addition, CropTec’s popular Knowledge Hubs, a series of quickfire presentations delivered by leading farmers and industry specialists, will provide key takeaway messages to help make the most of new techniques and technologies.

Topics include the role of biosolutions in crop protection, blackgrass control, optimising OSR establishment, slug behaviour and control, management strategies to boost soil health and the latest spray application technology.

For further information please go to www.croptecshow.com

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Resilience of oilseed rape should not be underestimated

From BASF

It has been a turbulent 18 months for oilseed rape, but despite its rollercoaster growing season last year, many growers were left pleasantly surprised by the resilience of the crop when it passed through the combine this harvest.

Despite heavy cabbage stem flea beetle infestations causing concern early on, Andrew Blazey, agronomist at Prime Agriculture, covering Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, says last year’s crop performed better than expected, leading to some of his growers to increase their OSR area this year.

He says: “In our area, 3.5 tonnes/hectare is good and a lot of crops this harvest averaged 3.5-4t/ha.

“With flea beetle, where establishment was okay and growing conditions were good the crop tended to compensate.”

Mr Blazey says that crops with bigger biomass last year kept flea beetle in the leaf petioles rather than the stem.

“If you can get a variety with good autumn vigour, like InV1035, you do increase your chance of having a decent biomass hopefully lessening the effect of the larvae.

“Last year I had InV1035 on two farms in three blocks – one drilled early August, one block drilled mid-late August and one drilled early September. The yield was consistent across all three blocks.”

For growers uncertain about the future of the crop within their rotation, Mr Blazey recommends focusing it on fields that are kind for establishment, before giving up.

He says: “The price of rape is good if you can get a good crop in the ground and it stands on its own two feet. If you can get it in and away it does spread workload at a busy time of year.”

For South Wales and Pembrokeshire Agrii agronomist, Dai Llewellyn oilseed rape was the highest gross margin crop on the bulk of his crops this year, averaging over 5t/ha on some farms
However, despite escaping flea beetle attack, this season, crop drilled in late September has suffered in the wet weather.

He says: “In the wet conditions it was very noticeable that the hybrid varieties are considerably faster growing and more resilient than some of the conventional varieties. Even the HOLL varieties, which are hybrid, were very slow this year.

“Last year Nikita did well but InV1035 was the highest yielding over three or four farms.”

Mr Llewellyn puts this down to autumn vigour allowing for later plantings, and a kind autumn.

“A lot was drilled in the last two weeks of September and we even had some was drilled in October.

“We are quite fortunate that it is mild here, so rape will generally keep growing well into December. If the winter is kind and you have got a crop that is not too thick and you can get some nutrients in it and get it to 2-3 leaf stage, you have got the potential for a good crop.”

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Rothamsted Research at CropTec 2019


Rothamsted Research will be launching a new improved version of its CROPROTECT app at CropTec this year
.
With an enhanced search function, social media sign in and the very latest information on pests, weeds, diseases and crops, the app is an indispensable tool for all arable farmers seeking to optimise their pest management.

CROPROTECT is a web-based knowledge exchange system to provide farmers and agronomists with guidance on pest, weed and disease management, especially in situations where effective pesticides are not available and alternative approaches are required.

Why use CROPROTECT?

• Information is tailored to the crops you grow. CROPROTECT can group together the pest-weed-disease complex for each crop you select and targets are tailored from feedback from pioneer users
• Content is selected to aid integrated pest management. No faffing about – CROPROTECT tells you about the biology and impact of the target and then goes straight to management recommendations
• Interactive functions allow for two-way discussion. We’re not just talking at you; you can have your say too! We know that you’re the expert for your local field and are only giving decision support not decision making

You can download CROPROTECT free from your preferred app store or visit the website at https://croprotect.com/

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Using roots to bio-engineer soil - Cranfield University


Roots can bio-engineer soil, because they improve infiltration and soil structure amongst lots of other benefits such as erosion control and nutrient management. Cover crops are a way for UK growers to address soil health and provide benefits for the environment, but the practice isn`t widely adopted because robust science that provides evidence of the multiple benefits of cover crops is lacking.
No study has looked at the effects of root properties of cover crops to enhance multiple soil functions and no study has provided a robust methodology how to combine multiple cover crop species to address multiple soil functions.

The main aim of the BBSRC funded study `Using roots to bio-engineer soil` (https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research-projects/using-roots-to-bio-engineer-soil) is therefore to develop a novel framework to select and combine complementary root traits in cover crops that prevent soil resource losses and improve crop growth conditions.
Key highlights to date include

• Cover crop roots act like ‘bio-drills’, improving soil structure and reducing compaction
• Earthworm numbers tripled in our recent field trial using cover crops to protect soil and introduce organic matter
• Crops with large tap roots are not necessarily best at reducing compaction

For more information on the benefits cover crops can bring come to the seminar on ‘Rooting for profit provided by cover crops’ during the Crop Establishment Sessions (Wednesday 27th November – 3.20pm – 4.30pm and Thursday 28th of November 9.30 – 10.40am). Results will also be displayed on the Cranfield University Stand. For further details contact Dr Sarah De Baets [email protected]

 

[Rebecca Fearon]

Vicon high-tech iXtrack sprayer range makes CropTec debut


Vicon’s latest trailed sprayer range, the iXtrack T-series, will be making its CropTec show debut. The range includes the iXtrack T3 with tank capacities of 2,600-litres and 3,200-litres, the larger iXtrack T4 with 3,400, 4,000 and 4,600-litre tank sizes, and the range-topping iXtrack T6 model, boasting 7,200-litres.

Vicon’s iXtrack T series represents the first of an all-new generation of high-tech trailed sprayers from the firm. Its design is one that has been engineered to deliver a low, short and highly manoeuvrable trailed sprayer.

Key to the design is a central frame produced from high strength, low alloyed heavy-duty steel. This affords a low centre of gravity with higher flexibility and durability than previous designs, making it more suited to the stresses of field work, and high-speed road transport.

Specification includes a suspended parallelogram rear frame that also remains active on the road, in addition to the field. This innovative design combines stability with soft boom balancing to minimise spray height deviation above the crop canopy and improve application accuracy.

Boom performance comes primarily from a suspended parallelogram rear frame. Working height is managed by the dual, ultrasonic sensor-controlled Boom Guide Comfort, or the more advanced three-sensor Boom Guide Pro offering positive and negative lateral movement on each side of the boom.

A further development is Boom Guide Pro Active which uses three levelling sensors on the central boom section allowing faster reaction to changes in ground terrain, via the central slope correction cylinder.

Wider booms, typically on 36/24m systems can now be equipped with five ultrasonic sensors, which uses two outer sensors at the wider working width, and one outer sensor when operating at 24m.
A revised tank design, new chassis and rear frame all combine to deliver an overall width of 2.55m, and an overall height of 3.2m for the iXtrack T3 and 3.3m for the T4. The steering axle provides adjustable track width in 5cm increments from 1.5-2.25m. Tyre choices extend up to 1.9m in diameter, giving a longer footprint for reduced compaction.

Developed with operator-friendliness in mind, iXtrack range is fully ISOBUS compatible and with new iXspray hardware and software, operators can take advantage of an intuitive touchscreen with smart electronics. IsoMatch Grip adds further control, with up to 44 fully customisable functions available from a single joystick.

ErgoDrive headland management is part of the standard specification, and allows boom raise/lower and axle steering to be managed by a single button press.

Nozzle control includes pneumatic or electric operation, suiting those using GPS for automatic section control and auto start/stop at headlands. The introduction of iXspray software enables the standard seven section control to be extended to 15 sections in combination with the iXflow air circulation system

Individual nozzle control is available with iXflow E, which also offers a remote App control of nozzles when outside the cab, to simplify nozzle flow checks and pattern testing.

Boom options for the iXtrack T3 include the HSS steel boom from 18-30m, and the HSA aluminium boom from 21-24m. The iXtrack T4 is available with HSS steel boom from 21-40m, and the HSA aluminium boom from 21-33m.

 

[CropTec]

CropTec 2019 – new machines to tackle problem weeds

A range of fascinating new machinery developments will be on show at the CropTec show this year, including several new bits of kit designed to help improve control of troublesome weeds.

We take a peek at some of the latest machines that help underpin a herbicide armoury that is coming under pressure from regulators and resistant weeds, and also review some new gadgetry designed to make the operator’s life that bit easier.

Horsch is promoting its new Hybrid Farming System at CropTec. It aims to provide a solution to weed control without glyphosate, by combining the best practices of organic farming and conventional farming.

Experts will be available to talk about four new products that have been developed to meet the needs of farmers looking for mechanical weed control, while retaining the high productivity of conventional farming.

The new Transformer VF is the basis of a new Horsch hoeing tool line. The fully integrated lateral sliding frame enables the Transformer VF to be extremely flexible with parallelogram-guided tools.

It is available in 6m to 12m working widths and is fully compatibility to the ISOBUS standard and can be combined with many camera systems. Below-frame clearance is 660mm, particularly useful in row crops like maize and sugar beet. The machine can cover row spacings from 25cm to 90cm.

The Finer LT enables shallow cutting of weeds, volunteer crops or catch crops. It can be an alternative to glyphosate with regard to fighting weeds. The ability to set the tine angle so the tines cut shallow and parallel to the ground is completely new. Available in 6m to 12m working widths, spring tines are spaced at 15cm with a frame height of 55cm. Horsepower requirement is low, with a 12m version only requiring a 200hp tractor.

The new Cura ST harrow will be launched as a three-point version with working widths ranging from 6m to 15m and features an extremely solid design and precise operation.

The six-bar design allows for a tine spacing of 2.8cm for working intensely on clean soils or soils with a lot of weeds. The support pressure of the harrow tines is continuously, hydraulically adjustable.

The Cultro TC is a double-knife roller with low horsepower requirement, available in 3m and 12m working widths. Used in combination with other machines, the highly flexible Cultro TC provides excellent cutting in rape or silage maize stubble and in catch crops.

The compact diameter of the roller body allows for a high number of revolutions and cuts, guaranteeing an intensive crush of organic material.

The high efficiency of the machine allows operational speeds up to 20kph while maintaining a low horsepower requirement – the Cultro 12 TC can be easily operated with a 200hp tractor.

Garford Farm Machinery will be highlighting through videos and literature the latest development of its guided hoe at CropTec. The multi-bed, multi-section inter-row hoe caters for growers using on single bed drilling practices, using the company’s Robocrop guidance system with high accuracy and high output per day.

The machine uses cameras to guide side shifts of 30 cm or 50 cm across each tool bar, allowing flexibility to match the drill’s movement and crop establishment. Machine stability is 8–10 mm accuracy and it has adjustable tine frames for crop establishment or altering crop configurations.

Claydon has developed two new heavy-duty models of its TerraBlade inter-row hoe designed to provide low-cost, mechanical weeding in combinable, band-sown crops.

The 6m/20-tine and 8m/26-tine units are designed to work effectively in even the heaviest soils. They incorporate Claydon’s unique contour following tines which can be infinitely adjusted to suit any row width. This enables them to be used in any band sowing system, the pressure on the blades being adjustable to suit variations in soil types and conditions.

The thin, sharp blades work at up to 30mm deep. Requiring 80hp to operate it, the largest 8m TerraBlade has an optimum working speed of 6km/h and provides an average work output of four hectares per hour.

Vaderstad’s CrossCutter Disc will be available for the new Carrier XL 425-625 from November 2019, allowing this versatile cultivator to work at ultra-shallow depths of only 3cm as well as down to 5cm across the full working width of the machine.

Carrier XL plus new 510mm CrossCutter Disc is said to be ideal for conserving moisture in the seedbed, while efficiently mixing crop residues within the topsoil. The shallow stale seedbed increases the number of seeds germinating, and encourages earlier emergence and encouraging an early weed chit.

Claydon Drills will also use CropTec 2019 to highlight the benefits of its Opti-Till System for profitable, sustainable crop establishment. The Claydon Hybrid drill’s patented leading tines remove surface compaction as part of the drilling process, levelling the surface and ensuring that the seeding zone provides just the right conditions for the new crop to germinate quickly and grow away unhindered. In turn, this means less competition from volunteers and weeds, so inputs are used more efficiently and fully benefit the crop.


Terminal technology

Pottinger's new 12" CCI 1200 ISOBUS terminal, which makes its UK show debut at CropTec, offers a comprehensive function package, via a touchscreen, making it intuitive to use and extremely convenient, says the company.

The menu system is very straightforward and only a few taps of the screen are needed. The screen can be split flexibly, so that several applications can be displayed simultaneously in different sized windows. This enables a seed drill with several metering units to be monitored easily and conveniently in a large format.

The CCI 1200 terminal also supports many functions that are needed for SEED COMPLETE, Pottinger's complete precision farming package. These include variable seed ate control, section control supported by GPS, and site specific recording of all field data during operation.

For documentation purposes, this data can be imported into field indexing software as standardised ISO-XML files. There is also an agrirouter connection - wireless manufacturer-independent data transmission from the terminal directly to field indexing software in the office and vice-versa

Kuhn Farm Machinery will be demonstrating its latest ISOBUS-compatible in-cab control technology at CropTec, with visitors able to take part in an interactive demonstration of the new CCI 800 working with the CCI A3 joystick.

The CCI 800 is a more compact alternative to the existing CCI 1200, offering an 8 inch screen with multi-touch functionality significantly enhancing ease of operation. It can be used to control any ISOBUS-ready machine, enabling operators to select one universal terminal to control multiple implements, thereby reducing in-cab clutter.

The CCI 800 can control functionalities such as section control, variable rate application adjustment, work recording and documentation generation, making the operation of all compatible machines easier, quicker and more efficient.

KUHN’s new CCI A3 joystick connects into KUHN’s CCI terminals to provide an enhanced interactive control option over the functionality of ISOBUS compatible machinery.


Crop sprayers

Two larger sprayers models in Vicon’s latest trailed range, the iXtrack T-series, will be making their CropTec debut. The iXtrack T4 comes with 3,400, 4,000 and 4,600-litre tank sizes, and the range-topping iXtrack T6 model boasts 7,200-litres.

These low, short and highly manoeuvrable trailed sprayers come with a suspended parallelogram rear frame that combines stability with soft boom balancing to minimise spray height deviation above the crop canopy and improve application accuracy.

Boom working height is managed by the dual, ultrasonic sensor-controlled Boom Guide Comfort or the more advanced three-sensor Boom Guide Pro offering positive and negative lateral movement on each side of the boom. A further development is Boom Guide Pro Active which uses three levelling sensors on the central boom section allowing faster reaction to changes in ground terrain.

The iXtrack range is fully ISOBUS compatible and with new iXspray hardware and software, operators can take advantage of an intuitive touchscreen with smart electronics.

Biggest line-up yet for CropTec sprayer demonstrations

Vicon is one of 10 sprayer manufacturers that will be putting some of the latest machines available to UK operators through their paces at the event.

Other manufacturers showing their wares are Househam, Lite-Trac, Horsch, Agrifac, Chafer, Fendt, Knight, Sands and Hardi. This is the biggest line-up of sprayers to feature in CropTec’s sprayer demonstration area, sponsored by Syngenta.

Visitors will be able to test drive the sprayers on a one-to-one basis under realistic operating conditions, providing an unrivalled hands-on opportunity at one venue to compare and contrast some of the most up-to-date machines on the market.

Other innovations

A prototype trace gas sensor has been developed by the QCAP project partners and is about to be installed at Cranfield University’s cold storage facilities for further testing.

The sensor offers real-time monitoring of gasses emitted by fresh agricultural products, warning when spoilage is imminent. This will help reduce waste and quality losses in crops such as potatoes, onions and apples that tend to spend several months in storage.

APV’s Liquid Fertilizer LF 600 M1 applicator is making its CropTec debut. The front-mounted machine enables liquid fertiliser to be applied during operations such as sowing harrowing or other tillage operation, saving a pass.

Solid stream or flat fan nozzles can be used, for liquid and inoculant fertiliser. Key elements include accurate dose control at up to 20 litres/min and maximum precision of application. The implement will enter series production in 2020.


For further information please go to www.croptecshow.com

 

[CropTec]

Plenty of CPD points on offer at The CropTec Show

Members of BASIS and NRoSO will be able to collect up to six points when they visit CropTec, reflecting the high quality of content at the event which returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough on 27th and 28th November.

Visitors will be able to collect two points for each scheme for attending the event and can obtain further points by taking part in the appropriate knowledge trails. BASIS members can also earn points by attending seminars.

CropTec 2019 features the biggest BASIS trail to date, involving 27 exhibitors. Six exhibitors are taking part in the NRoSO knowledge trail.


BASIS

To gain two attendance points members should register at the BASIS stand (hall 2, stand 13) and present their membership ID card. Stamp cards can also be collected here.

Members can choose from 27 exhibitors taking part in the BASIS knowledge trail to obtain up to four additional points. Each exhibitor will have an activity on the stand which offers one point if completed correctly.

Members can also choose to earn some or all of their additional points by attending the seminars. Attendance at each seminar earns one point. Cards will be stamped at the entrance to each seminar.

The following exhibitors are taking part in the BASIS knowledge trail:

BASIS knowledge trail participants	Stand
ADAS	2.33
Anglian Water	1.89
BASF	1.55
Bayer	1.18
Belchim	1.84
Billericay Farm Services	1.124
CF Fertilisers	1.10
Clayton Plant Protection	1.1
Corteva	1.61
CXCS	1.50
DSV UK	2.27
Fibrophos	3.18
FMC Agro	1.2
Gowan	1.132
ICL	1.45
Ilex EnviroSciences	1.51
Nufarm	1.22
Omex	1.71
PGRO	1.87
Premium Crops	1.62A
Rothamsted	1.25
SOYL	2.12
Strutt & Parker	1.11
Syngenta	1.116
UPL	1.34
Voluntary Initiative	3.28
Yara UK	1.62

NRoSO

Members should register to earn their attendance points and collect their stamp card from the NRoSO stand (hall 3, stand 28). Six organisations are taking part in the knowledge trail, each offering the chance for members to collect one point (up to the maximum of four additional points).

NRoSO knowledge trail participants
Anglian Water	1.89
Corteva	1.61
Gowan	1.132
NRoSO	3.28
Syngenta	1.116
Voluntary Initiative	3.28

 

[Princess Pooper]

Went to Croptec today as I have done last three years. Good show and lots to see and had some good conversations. However... the catering at the Arena is appalling!! Straight out of the 1970s and would not be allowed in a school canteen. Yes there was a reasonable choice of sandwiches but I fancied something hot on a cold wet day as did many others, some of whom would have travelled a long way. The hot food counter was ..... brown. Hot dogs. Onions. Burgers, Chips. Baked beans. Jacket potatoes (with a choice of fillings! ..... baked beans or cheese). (Probably something breaded as well like fish or chicken nuggets, but didn't notice in the brown-ness). Packs of biscuits, cake. No proper veg at all, no salad, not even pieces of fruit to buy, unless I missed something. A pretty poor set up for a food industry trade show. I spoke to a few other people there and they thought the same. I realise this is a Peterborough Arena issue not a Croptec issue but please pass back the feedback!

 

[Clive]

Thank god fir Corteva coffee ! The only decent drink on the showground !

a great show though, reckon this is the thinking farmers show - less about shiny metal and more about business improvement

It’s been a very enjoyable and useful couple of days

 

[snarling bee]

Less about shiny metal, more about expensive software.
Not sure I saw anything that would actually improve my bottom line apart from some direct/strip till drills (shiny metal). Need a farm machinery sale to do the job properly though.
Had some nice conversations with some old friends.