ISSUE 49 | WINTER FOCUS
WHEN FARMING MEANS BUSINESS
uk.kverneland.com
ENDURO PRO BRINGS FLEXIBILITY WITH SEEDBEDS While the majority of seedbeds are ploughed at MP Abbiss’ Pickthorn Farm near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, the farm has recently invested in a 3m Enduro Pro stubble cultivator from Battlefield Machinery, to provide additional flexibility and reduce crop establishment costs.
WELCOME TO ISSUE 49
Agriculture could be viewed as the art of making the most of a vision while being aware of the external influences affecting the bigger picture. Those influences, particularly from weather, are ever present and arguably more extreme, with 2024 being warmer, wetter and colder than records suggest. And last year added inheritance tax to the mix. Artificial Intelligence is helping the modern world in ever more complex situations, and I’m proud that Kverneland is releasing Smart Search technology, to offer easy visual recognition of original parts through my.kverneland.com. This should also minimise downtime in today’s ever more challenging environment. Another new release in our connected world is Sync, which enables real time connectivity to ISOBUS-equipped machines. With remote fault diagnostics and easy optimisation of machine settings, expect to see savings through improvements in efficiency. These are just two innovations created to benefit the arable and grassland sectors.
loams over clay, and the arrival of the Enduro Pro along with a seeder kit to put down Westerwold rygrass short-term leys
has helped to lower establishment costs.
“It’s a flexible, one pass approach when putting grass leys in at a shallow depth,” he says. “The rear levelling tines and packer roller give us the finish we need, and with standard 50mm knock-on points
“Our five-furrow Kverneland plough does a great job, but having a rugged stubble cultivator that can work from 2-6in deep has brought flexibility to our processes,” explains Russell Abbiss. “We have a few steep banks, and if we’re putting slurry on to maize stubbles for example, the ability to incorporate liquid quickly and easily in the top six inches means we can avoid run-off and make the most of nutrients.” The 400-acre family farm runs a 300-cow dairy herd averaging 10,500 litres, alongside 180-acres of maize and 80 acres of cereals. Soil types range from medium to heavy
plus the option of wider wing shares for greater soil movement, we have a flexible solution.” Equipped with 10 Tri-flex tines, the fully- mounted cultivator is operated at 10-12kph with the farm’s MF 7S.180 tractor. “We’ve a few stones around the place, so having auto-reset legs has been a huge benefit,” adds Russell. “Overall, it’s a very useful bit of kit that is a viable alternative to our plough.”
Dan Crowe Managing Director
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TNS CELEBRATES 150 YEARS 2025 marks a significant milestone for Kverneland dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) – the business is celebrating 150 years of trading. The key to its success, said chairman James Farming is where the family-run business’ roots remain, and Mr Thurlow said TNS values the long relationship it has developed with Kverneland, as one of its key suppliers.
SHOW DATES Cereals 11-12 June Roy Ward Farms, Leadenham Royal Highland Show 19-22 June Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh Royal Welsh Show 21-24 July Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Dairy Day 10 Sept Telford International Centre, Telford AgriScot 19 Nov Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
Thurlow, is diversification, along with long-standing relationships, of which Kverneland is one of the latter having notched up 52 years supplying implements and precision farming technology to the East Anglian machinery dealer and its many depots. TNS is part of the Thurlow Nunn Group, which operates across property, construction and automotive sectors in addition to farming. However, agriculture is where the business started in 1875, when George Thurlow began trading as an oil blender and belting manufacturer.
“Kv shares the same core values that we do,” said James Thurlow. “Professional, caring, respect, trust and together. Our 52-year relationship is significant, and we value the commitment from Kverneland to continue to support us and our customers.”
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KVERNELAND HEADLAND NEWS
SMART SEARCH EASES PARTS RECOGNITION
“The Kultistrip is definitely the right tool for the job.”
Kverneland has introduced a spare parts visual identification tool, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of ordering replacement original parts. It’s called Smart Search, and is available through the online portal my. kverneland.com and can
be accessed using a smart phone or tablet. Simply photograph, identify and order your original parts. “Smart Search is all about reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency,” said Kverneland Group UK parts marketing manager Kevin Waddingham. “By taking a photograph of the part or parts you require, Smart Search will enable rapid identification, simplifying the ordering process through your local Kverneland dealer.”
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Kultistrip simplifies maize growing Farming on the west coast of Wales, near Harlech, Alun Jones has battled the elements to establish maize on free running, bottomless sand.
Make the most of zero per cent finance offers to kick-start 2025 with the introduction of a series of structured plans from Kverneland that can also help with cash-flow. Available until 28 February 2025 on all new Kverneland equipment, the schemes available offer finance on up to 50% of the recommended retail price, and are as follows: Three payments upfront followed by 33 monthly payments (3+33) at 0% flat rate pa; One payment upfront followed by one payment a year later, and one payment two years later (1+2) at 0% flat rate pa. In addition, a series of low rate offers are also available, offering longer repayment terms, and are as follows: Six month pause followed by three annual payments (0+3) at 1.75% flat rate pa; six month pause followed by 24 monthly payments (0+24) at 2% flat rate pa; No upfront payment, followed by 60 monthly payments (0+60) at 2.5% flat rate pa; and six month pause followed by 36 monthly payments (0+36) at 2.75% flat rate pa. *Terms and conditions apply, contact your local Kverneland dealer for more information.
“We had been ploughing to create a seedbed,” explains Alun, pictured, of Glan Y Mor, Harlech in Gwynned. “It was expensive through abrasion and wearing metal, and moving all the soil exposed the surface to severe erosion from coastal winds.” He reasoned that a strip tillage machine could leave most of the ground untouched, relying on the previous crop’s root structure - or in extreme cases weeds - as an anchor to hold soils in place. “We tried a strip tillage machine in 2023, which proved the principle, though the machine we used simply lacked enough adjustment,” he says. “We needed greater versatility.” The preferred solution was an eight-row Kultistrip with rubber press wheels, acquired for the 2024 season from Mona Tractors. As a result, his 85-acre maize crop was successfully established, while limiting wind-blown soil losses.
“If we ploughed and power harrowed, the ground would dry so quickly that our sandy soils would blow away before our contractor could get the seed in the ground,” he says. “We had to cover the fields with compost at 30 tonnes/acre to limit erosion. With the Kultistrip, we no longer need to do that, so we can focus on applying digestate to encourage yield.” Alun accepts that the farm sits on an unforgiving coastline, but acknowledges that with the right equipment and thought processes, his soils have become much more manageable for his grass and maize crops needed to feed his 130-cow herd, plus followers, beef and sheep. “The Kultistrip is definitely the right tool for the job,” he says. “We use it to remove deep compaction while creating a precise seedbed in a narrow strip, which safeguards more of our sandy soils.”
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ISSUE 49
PUTTING TRUST IN TECHNOLOGY For James Picken, the move to an Exacta TL GEOSPREAD has brought accuracy and efficiency to fertiliser spreading that he previously thought was barely possible.
spreading on grass, we don’t have the luxury of 24m tramlines, though this is where GEOSPREAD really shines. The control box knows where the spreader has or hasn’t been, and it just won’t overlap.” Mr Picken says that through GPS and mapping, knowing exact field sizes and kilograms needed for each, has improved logistics. “We can take an exact amount in the spreader, as we never run short or need to nip back to open another bag just to finish off,” he says. “It’s usually accurate to within 5kg. And while we’re not using less fertiliser across the farm, we’re getting very even coverage in every field. There’s no flat crops any more from where there would be obvious over-dosing.” Operated on a Valtra T175 tractor with auto-steering and isobus connectivity, the spreader offers plug and play compatibility and loads up on the tractor terminal. “It’s very easy to use, though it’s also important to trust the technology,” he says.
“Having auto start/stop and
section control has been a revelation when it comes to application accuracy.”
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“I was hesitant, because you never really know if this technology really works,” explains James. “But it’s been brilliant. And if the sun is shining on the back of the spreader, you can see the spread pattern and how it adjusts to suit corners or narrow strips.” J & DL Picken of Milton Farm, Kirkudbright in Dumfriesshire bought its first GEOSPREAD
machine in 2016, upgrading in 2024 through RC Dalgliesh, to the very latest model. “We stuck with exactly the same size and specification,” he says. “Having auto start/stop and section control has been a revelation when it comes to application accuracy.” The 2,500-acre mixed farm is mostly grassland to support its
dairy and sheep enterprises, with 300 acres used for cereal crops. Fields are undulating and of a variety of shapes and sizes. “We don’t have any square fields,” he says. “And when we’re
SYNC SIMPLIFIES DATA EXCHANGE
This innovative telematics system is geared towards improving efficiency, and it operates with an ‘always connected’ protocol through ISOBUS and mobile network connectivity. Doing so enables Sync to seamlessly transfer data from the implement to IsoMatch FarmCentre, Kverneland’s integrated farm management platform. Sync also enables real-time tracking of operational behaviour and diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s). Users can also benefit from remote support functionality through the Kverneland ServiceCentre, enabling technicians to analyse data and
resolve issues promptly and remotely. Added functionality includes
synchronisation with Kverneland implement apps, for example to establish precise machine location and tracking, and improving the security of implements stored at remote locations. A further benefit of the system is that all GEOSPREAD fertiliser spreader models can accept spreading chart settings directly from the mobile phone app, bypassing the universal terminal completely and increasing operational simplicity for those using tractor manufacturer terminals.
Sync is a newly developed implement gateway for all Kverneland ISOBUS-equipped implements, to simplify and improve data exchange between the implement and farm office.
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4 KVERNELAND HEADLAND NEWS
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“Drilling output is up by around 10 acres/day, and the scope of on-the- move adjustment for the power harrow is really useful.”
explains George. “In wetter soils, I can raise the clod board from the cab, to let soil flow through. And it’s the same when you hit patches of lighter soil - tweak the power harrow working depth, without affecting the drill. This has the potential to bring more output to combi drilling, along with saving fuel.” “And it’s really useful when levelling a headland that’s been ploughed out, filling in that last furrow,” he says. George adds that drill calibration and set-up has been easy. “Electric seed metering is superb,” he says. “We’ve sown cover crops, turnips, winter wheat, winter barley, grass seed and beans. It’s been very accurate.”
f-drill combination improves efficiency
Monmouthshire contractor MRI Whistance opted for an f-drill front tank with a Rotago F power harrow drill combination for more output.
“We opted for a 4m folding model with a front tank,” says George Whistance, pictured. “I liked the concept of improving balance, compared to putting everything on the rear linkage.” The firm had been using a 3m combination working with a five-furrow plough, but sought more output from a 4m outfit. This
enabled the firm to add a second five-furrow plough for a higher- output weather-proof system. “Drilling output is up by around 10 acres/day, and the scope of on-the-move adjustment for the power harrow is really useful,” he adds. Being equipped with ISOBUS- technology, the Rotago F power
harrow can be tweaked on-the- move for working depth and clod board height, to improve efficiency in response to changes in soil type. “In reality, few people would bother to stop and change their depth settings, but this has been really useful throughout constantly changing conditions,”
2300S IMPROVES SEEDBED QUALITY When Tom Wayne was looking for a replacement for his four-furrow Kverneland plough, local dealer JA Bloor introduced him to a five-furrow 2300S model.
“...the clean, level finish and perfectly matched furrows makes drilling a pleasure.”
“We were looking for a bit more output and a far better finish,” explains Tom who farms with his parents at Fox Fields Farm, Radbourne, Derbyshire. “I really wanted No28 mouldboards, the finish they produce is ace.”
With an MF 7618 shod on 650 tyres, the improved mouldboard design comfortably accommodates the wider tyres running in-furrow, without impacting on the quality of finish. As a mixed farm with 220 dairy
cows, followers and beef cattle, SA Wayne is predominantly grassland with around 100 acres of arable crops providing a supply of cereals for feed rations, plus straw for bedding. “We’ve also invested in a secondhand 3m power harrow drill combination, so we can be in control of crop establishment with a productive, two-pass weather-proof plough and drill system,” adds Tom. “With this process, there’s a good chance we’ll always get drilled-up.” As a popular-build specification, the 2300S has knock-on points, auto-reset bodies and manual vari-width, which Tom says is currently set for 16in furrow widths. Maize skimmers handle
trash, and a set of rear discs leave a clean furrow wall. “We chose the longer point-to- point clearance of 100cm, which is great in trash and also when ploughing in old grass leys, though it does make a five- furrow mounted plough quite long,” he adds. “That said, the clean, level finish and perfectly matched furrows makes drilling a pleasure, ensuring we getting a consistent planting depth.”
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ISSUE 49
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Wider mowers bring more efficiency
When it came to replacing an old pair of mower conditioners, Gareth Roberts and son Aeron looked to Mona Tractors for a pair of Kverneland mounted units.
“We had been using an old 2.8m front/rear combination, but took the opportunity to go a bit wider,” explains Gareth Roberts of Plas Heaton Farm, Denbigh. “Our aim was to cut 100 acres/day.” The family farm opted for a 3332FT for the front, and a 3332MT for the rear, with both units combining to give a 6.2m cut. Having used the combination for two seasons, Aeron Roberts, who
operates the mowers, said the quality of cut and ease of set-up have been beneficial, and the farm can now comfortably hit its 100 acres/day target. “A contractor provides the forager, rake, trailers and clamp, while we mow and ted to get our grass to the dry matter content we prefer,” explains Aeron. “It’s a good system – our contractor chops 100 acres/day, and we can now match
While the working width remains unchanged at 9.8-10.2m, the way it controls that width has been revolutionised with Curve Pilot - automatic side-shift of both rear mowing units. Curve Pilot automatically controls the side-shift on both rear mowers by up to 400mm in response to tractor steering. This innovative feature does not need any GPS input or auto-steering integration to operate. Instead, that to make the most of weather conditions and achieve a satisfactory wilt.” “I really like the QuattroLink suspension on the rear mower,” says Aeron. “It lets the rear mower float, which makes it very easy to pull at forward speeds of around 12kph using my John Deere 6155R.” The Roberts’ cut around 300 acres each season, often in two cuts,
accept a generous overlap on headlands for example, which can restrict the working width and reduce output. The 55100MT Vario retains many of the 53100’s proven features, including QuattroLink bed suspension for contour following. The butterfly outfit uses a pair of nine-disc cutting beds, with conditioning achieved through a semi-swing steel tine conditioner. Conditioning hoods offer dual adjustment at both the front and rear of each hood, to vary the intensity of conditioning to suit crop volume. In addition, the rear part of the hood allows rapid change-over from swathing to spreading. The 55100MT Vario can also be retro-fitted with BX swath groupers which, thanks to quick release couplings, can be fitted and removed in a matter of minutes. with a heavy first cut being split between clamp and bales. While bales are used for dry cows and beef cattle, clamp silage is exclusively for the farm’s 125- cow herd. “We want as much milk as possible from grass, but when the grass quality is no longer there, our silage has to be top notch,” he says. “And that starts with making a clean, tidy cut.”
CURVE PILOT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTS MOWERS
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Curve Pilot uses a simple gyroscope to sense turning movements, which then controls side-shift on the rear mowing units.
Doing so prevents striping that can occur between the front and rear mower units when following headland curves or mowing around obstacles. This feature enables the operator to make full use of the working width, rather than having to
There is a new triple mower for the 2025 season that aims to make the most of productivity and simplify control. It’s called the 55100MT Vario, and it replaces the 53100MT Vario.
6 KVERNELAND HEADLAND NEWS
SELFLINE FEEDERS GET NIR CAPABILITY DryScan is the development of NIR (Near Infra-Red) sensing for Siloking SelfLine self-propelled feeders, enabling real-time processing of dry matter content of silage, during the loading cycle.
Fitted to the milling head and integrated into Siloking’s feed management software, DryScan further improves the consistency of ration quality, by assessing and responding to variations in silage dry matter across the clamp face. “Dry matter variations in silage can have quite an impact on ration stability,” explains Kverneland feeding specialist David Perry. “The ability to sense dry matter values at the milling head and adjust the fresh matter
consistent ration than solely relying on fresh weight. With this technology, there’s far less risk of upsetting a cow’s digestion, which means greater stability with in milk production.” Additional developments can be found on TrailedLine models, and include the introduction of an electro-hydraulic control system called Basic Control, and greater advances in VarioSpeed’s functionality. “Introducing an overlap on speed ranges along with auger speed
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selection and mixing time duration for individual feed components has boosted feeding efficiency,” adds David Perry. “During loading, the augers will automatically start and stop, and
run for a pre-determined time and at different speeds to suit each ingredient’s need for mixing and chopping. This process has been proven to reduce tractor fuel consumption by up to 15%.”
intake to compensate, is producing a much more
EFFICIENT MIXING CREATES TIME With the development of an all-new dairy unit capable of hosting 300 cows and up to six robot milking machines, SP Robinson & Son invested in a twin auger, 20 cubic metre Siloking 4.0 trailed feeder, supplied by Battlefield Machinery.
“It’ll go into every building we need, but without compromising on tub capacity,” says James. Having tried several different models, the Robinsons – brothers James and Henry, along with dad Richard – settled on a Siloking 4.0 for its robust build quality and the ability to create a consistent, fluffy ration in a quick and efficient manner. “We’ve now halved the number of mixes needed every day and are saving a lot of time while keeping the cows well fed,” explains James. “Rations are of consistent quality and emptying is quick through the use of an HD door.” He says that choosing Silonox for the auger edges has created a high-calibre mixer wagon that should stand the test of time. And his brother Henry reckons the Siloking is also very good at pre-chopping straw - an essential
component for use in dry cow mixes.
“It’s a very impressive feeder, and has easily handled all that we’ve thrown at it,” explains Henry. “With its weight carried on two axles, we also don’t need to tie-up a big tractor every day - 115hp is enough to power the augers.” With plans to increase the Phildor herd from 250 up to 300 cows in-milk, and add a sixth robot to the unit, having some spare feeding capacity was also an essential part of the buying process. “We’re nowhere near maxed out preparing four different mixes in the morning, and one in the afternoon,” adds Henry. “Feeding up to 16 tonnes every day, it’s comfortably on top of the job, and saves us a lot of time every day of the year.”
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machine size was also a key consideration.” Battlefield’s ability to precisely specify the feeder to suit the farm’s requirements saw the tub height reduced by 50cm, and smaller wheels and tyres were fitted.
“We needed to boost capacity and improve efficiency when feeding our cows and followers,” explains James Robinson, pictured with his brother Henry from the family-run 850-acre Petsey Farm. “But with some traditional buildings still in use, physical
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ISSUE 49
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“...the tractor doesn’t use a lot of diesel and traction is guaranteed.”
Drilling flexibility from the tine seeder
Looking for a more versatile drilling solution to cope with changing weather patterns, Spilsby, Lincs-based RH-J (Farms) opted for a 6m ts-drill, from Irelands Farm Machinery. “We had a couple of seasons
says. “Then the ts-drill can go straight in. It’s a very simple and straightforward process that has reduced establishment costs while gaining output.” Mark says that the Kverneland tine seeder has been something of a saviour for the Lincs family farming business, but adds that you have to look beyond the finish that the drill leaves behind. “It only has a following harrow behind the tines, though the open finish can help drainage,” he says. “We’ll roll behind, where conditions allow.” “Where we’ve been unable to get some winter sown crops in, the ts-drill has been the perfect solution for spring-sown crops,” he says. “There’s plenty of stagger in the frame to deal with trash, and it seems to cope with
anything we’ve thrown at it. We’ve also started drilling our own spring beans with it, where previously, we had to rely on a contractor.” Handled by an MT765C rubber- tracked tractor, Mark says that output is averaging out at a modest 100 acres/day, with the Challenger favoured for its low ground pressure, not its power output. “The Challenger and ts-drill make a great combination that can travel well in most conditions,” he adds. “The drill is close coupled, so front end ballast isn’t an issue, and running on part throttle, the tractor doesn’t use a lot of diesel and traction is guaranteed.” Mark adds that the ISOBUS- equipped drill has simplified the process of seed roller changes
where we had little option but to reach for our 4m power harrow drill combination to get crops in, instead of our 6m drill of choice,” explains farm manager Mark Blows, pictured with farm owner Alistair Hall-Jones. “Failing to drill our crops is not an option, so we decided to find a flexible
and calibration, while emptying the hopper is equally as easy to achieve. Recognising the way conditions are changing year-on-year, and with soil types ranging from clay on the wolds to peat on the fens, RH-J (Farms) says that having options available for cultivations and drilling is essential. “We’re almost going back to where we used to be,” adds Mark. “Direct drilling won’t work for us - we need land turned over, or at least sub-soiled, ready for drilling. And the ts-drill is proving an ideal solution for our business.”
and versatile solution that could operate in less than ideal conditions.”
RH-J (Farms) grows winter and spring wheat, winter and spring barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, spring beans and forage maize across 1,600 acres. An on-farm AD plant consumes forage maize in exchange for digestate. “We plough for sugar beet and forage maize, but use a flat lift and either a carrier or NZ-type cultivator for everything else,” he
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HEADLAND NEWS JANUARY 2025 Headland News is published by Kverneland Group UK Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means electronic, photographic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
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