New launches, knowledge trails and kit galore are set to feature at the 40th LAMMA Show in 2022. CPM finds out what’s in store for visitors to the NEC next month.
LAMMA’s beginnings are deeply rooted in bringing the best of farm machinery innovation under one roof and looking to the future.
By Charlotte Cunningham
LAMMA 2022 – important information
- 11-12 January 2022 at The NEC, Birmingham.
- Doors open 8:30am – Early Bird breakfast available.
- Entry is free, but visitors must pre-register.
- COVID-safe procedures in place.
After a break last year due to the pandemic, LAMMA is gearing up for a ruby event as the show prepares to mark its 40th birthday.
“To celebrate this important milestone in LAMMA’s history, we’re not only looking at our past, but focussing on the future of our event and the UK farming industry,” says Kate Walsh, event manager. “We’re planning some exciting new features at the show and re-inventing others. LAMMA’s beginnings are deeply rooted in bringing the best of farm machinery innovation under one roof and looking to the future; something we aim to continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Among these new features is the Farming 4.0 Trail – a follow on from the introduction of the Farming 4.0 zone in 2020.
The knowledge trail is centred around the theme of the ‘The Future of Agriculture’ and will highlight how technologies, including data and robotics, will play a role in achieving net zero, adds Kate. “Agriculture is evolving. The role of data, robotics, autonomous machines and advanced devices is becoming more important on-farm, particularly as the UK works towards the net zero goal.
“The smart sensors and devices that produce data to provide accurate decision-making capabilities are being harnessed like never before, and farmers are working with more autonomous machines to implement these decisions.
“As the industry works to be more sustainable, efficient and profitable, the Farming 4.0 Trail will showcase the technology and machinery which will help the sector to achieve these goals.”
Exhibitors already signed up to feature include Airial Robotics, Agrifac, Hutchinsons, Muddy Boots and Yara.
Some long-standing favourites will also return, including The Farm Safety Zone, sponsored by Safety Revolution, which returns to the show for the fourth consecutive year. In this zone, key organisations, charities and industry figures will raise awareness on vital aspects of farm safety and how to minimise risk and accidents on farm.
Also with an eye on the future, LAMMA and the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) have partnered up to launch the 2022 Young Engineer Award, providing a platform for young engineers who are working to help UK farms become more sustainable, profitable and efficient.
“From the very beginning, the LAMMA Show was dedicated to promoting and educating young agricultural engineers,” says Kate. “As we reflect on our past, we also look to the future and what it will bring to the industry. The opportunity to champion the best and brightest agricultural engineers is the perfect way to celebrate that legacy while also supporting the future of British farming.”
The award showcases engineers who have created or made changes to a piece of agricultural machinery, equipment or technology and, by doing so, improved efficiency, profitability or sustainability onfarm.
“We recognise agricultural engineering can reduce the environmental footprint of farming through reducing carbon emissions and better fuel efficiency, and by partnering with LAMMA for this award, IAgrE can recognise and reward practical, environmentally efficient and sustainable agricultural engineering solutions,” says IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin, who is one of the award judges.
“I will be looking for entries that demonstrate creativity and profitability, a finished product, prototype or concept that will help a farm or business’s profitability and how it contributes towards sustainability.”
The winner will be determined by a combination of judges’ scores and a public vote and announced at the show in January.
In terms of exhibitors themselves, over 700 manufacturers, dealers and distributors will fill 11 halls at the NEC, showcasing the latest products, knowledge and services available for farmers and producers in all corners of agriculture.
New Holland
Among those is New Holland, with its NH T7 HD which will take centre stage at the event.
The new flagship tractor was launched earlier in the year and according to New Holland maintains the performance, agility and versatility that are the hallmark of this tractor.
“We asked our customers what they expected from their future tractor and developed the new generation T7 HD based on their demands,” says Sean Lennon, New Holland agriculture vice president Europe. “We designed the brand-new Horizon Ultra cab to give them the best working experience with all the space, comfort, quality finish they asked for, and the quietest cab on the market.
“On top of this, the next-generation PLM Intelligence will make it easier to access our intelligent farming solutions, which deliver substantial added value in terms of better decision making and accurate execution, boosting efficiency and profitability.”
Interestingly, just 2% of parts are carry-overs from the previous model, according to the firm.
As mentioned, differences are largely seen in the cab, with New Holland claiming it sets a new record as the quietest in the industry with noise levels of just 66 dBA.
The CentreView display placed in the centre of the steering wheel – which is claimed to be an industry first – provides a clear line of sight.
“It marks the shift from traditional farming practices to agriculture 4.0., where Precision and Interconnected Farming assists farmers to plan all operations in advance, manage in real time the behaviour and performance of each machine, and achieve maximum precision and efficiency,” adds Sean. “These new developments are the result of New Holland’s strategy to be more and more connected to our customers.”
Fendt
The Fendt stand is anticipated to command the attention of visitors, with new and updated models in all Fendt’s product ranges on display, including tractors, combines, balers, green harvest machinery, forage harvesters, forage wagons, telehandlers and sprayers.
Updates to the FendtONE system is set to be a key focus at the event, says the firm’s Richard Miller. “FendtONE is a simple solution to help maximise productivity and working efficiency for machine operators as well as owners and managers.
“The new operator platform encompasses onboard and offboard task management and brings them together as one, linking the operator and his machine with the farm office or any location with an internet connection and a smart device. Job planning, work monitoring and accurate record keeping are all made easier.”
The display appearance and layout is similar whether it’s viewed in the tractor cab or the farm office – simplifying operator training and helping avoid confusion and errors, he adds.
Since its launch two years ago, the FendtONE control concept has been rolled out across the range as series are updated, and new 500 and 900 Vario models, which are the latest to gain FendtONE cabs, will be shown at LAMMA for the first time.
For 2022 all models will share a similar 25.4cm digital dashboard display, and the new FendtONE armrest and multi-function control joystick. Specification levels from Power Plus upwards also have GPS guidance and additional functions available through the armrest-mounted 30.5cm terminal. For complex field tasks and demanding operations, an additional 30.5cm roof-mounted display terminal can be added, notes Richard.
Also on the stand will be Fendt’s Ideal 10 combine. “The Ideal range consists of four models with single or dual Helix rotors and the unique IdealBalance cleaning system.
“High work rates, an excellent grain sample and low losses are achieved, and users can easily switch between chopping and spreading the straw or leaving it in great condition for baling.”
Upgrades for 2022 include lane guidance allowing the farm fleet to follow the same wheel tracks without any need for offsetting, while VarioGuide automatic steering with RTK ensures compatibility with Control Traffic Farming (CTF) regimes.
Fendt’s large square balers and Rotana variable and fixed chamber round balers will also be displayed. New options for the Rotana include onboard film wrapping while users can also quickly switch between net and film when making silage and straw bales in a short time window.
Fendt increased its range of loader wagons in 2021, as the new VR all-in-one loading wagon joined existing PR and XR models, says Richard. “Optimum feed quality, capacity and rapid unloading are achieved by all Tigo models which come in capacities from 31–54m³, and latest versions will be available to view on the stand.”
Opico
Opico is set to launch a new, dealer distributed, brand of replacement metal at LAMMA 2022.
The new brand, Wearing Metal, includes replacement metal parts for Kverneland, Lemken and Kuhn ploughs, as well as Gregoire Besson ploughs and Discordon.
The distributor has recruited Jack Martin to the role of Wearing Metal parts sales representative, who brings a broad range of agricultural experience, having previously been employed within the agricultural parts sector. Importantly, Jack has amassed practical working knowledge from various farming roles over recent years.
Jack’s remit is to represent the new brand and to encourage agricultural dealers to stock Wearing Metal, so that replacement parts are readily available from local dealers.
Wearing Metal replacement parts can also be ordered directly from Opico, through any agricultural dealer, and shipped straight to farm.
Tramspread
For those in the market for a new slurry tech, Suffolk-based firm Tramspread has become the sole UK distributor of Roelama slurry applicators and will be at this year’s event to showcase some of the innovation from the Netherlands manufacturer.
“Roelama manufactures high quality, easy to maintain trailing shoe applicators that can be used with an umbilical system or mounted to a tanker,” says Tramspread managing director, Terry Baker.
The Sleepflex and Sleepflex Farmer models can be specified with trailing shoes or cutting disks and have a vertical, three or five-part, hydraulic folding mechanism. The swinging arm for the drag hose has been neatly designed to prevent the hose from running underneath by angling it away from the machine at all times.
“The Sleepflex Farmer is a professional machine. It has adjustable wheels and 20cm row distance spacing to maximise precision nutrient application,” says Terry.
The Sleepflex is a 12m unit that is suitable for larger farms and contractors. It features an integrated lift, fully electrical hydraulic steering, and two turning points on the swinging arm which enables the operator to reverse without crossing the drag hose. “This helps to manoeuvre the wider width machine in tight spaces,” he adds.
“There are also some optional extras, such as section control and flow meters, that will appeal to those looking for a precision-led approach to nutrient application.”
Tramspread now offers the Sleepflex Farmer in working widths of 6.4, 7.2, 8 and 8.8m and the Sleepflex at a working width of 12m. The 12m model will be available to view on the Tramspread stand at LAMMA in January.
JC Machinery
As arable farmers continue to realise the value of including grass in the rotation, JC Machinery will be bringing grassland into focus at LAMMA 2022 with a range of machines from Vredo, Imants, Evers and Weed Control.
Preparing the soil for seeding is a crucial aspect of successful grassland and harvests, and for that, the Imants range of spaders are ideally suited, says the firm. “Currently, in use on farms and at plant breeding companies in a range of glasshouses and other outdoor areas, the Imants Spaders make soil rejuvenation more efficient.”
Using the Imants machines removes the need to handpick debris out of the soil after harvest and takes out the need for subsoiling. “This is because the Spader reaches depths similar to a subsoiler whilst bringing fresh earth to the surface and incorporating it,” said a spokesperson. “The working depth also means it can operate in dry conditions and will break up dry slaps of soil.”
Even with a healthy establishment of grass, compaction through grazing and heavy machinery use can lead to flooding and ultimately weak and poor grass growth. JC Machinery offers Evers grassland maintenance products to combat this, including the GPG range of spring tine harrows. “These harrows activate the soil, break up and disperse lumps of soil and muck, and stimulate new grass growth.”
Also on the stand will be the Flame WeedControl Greenhouse weed burner. This environmentally conscious method of weed control prevents the ingress of undesirable vegetation, crop residues, teases, and moulds in large glasshouses or for burning crop rotations. The tractor-mounted unit is also perfect for thermal disinfection on concrete floors and the removal of large weed areas around outbuildings and car parks.
Intelligent seed breeding
And it’s not just all about kit, with members of the seed trade at the event too – including RAGT, who’s focus will be on intelligent seed breeding.
The stand will include a range of indoor crop plots featuring varieties designed to meet the needs of today’s farmers, says Lee Bennett, managing director.
“Our experience in this area brings many advantages in developing and breeding the varieties we sell and the advice we provide.
The development of genetic markers and advances in technology have greatly increased the accuracy and speed at which the presence or absence of desired characteristics can be detected, he adds.
“This is invaluable in helping breeders tackle the many challenges that crop production faces.
“Some of the more obvious examples include helping to improve pest and disease resistance as the chemical armoury dwindles, boosting crop resilience in the face of climate change and improving nitrogen use efficiency to help growers drive down input costs and carbon footprints.
“All this must be combined with improved yields and quality, while ensuring rigorous end user specifications and changing consumer habits are met to help growers make the most of an increasingly volatile market.”
A raft of new material is coming along RAGT’s breeding pipeline, including several high yielding wheats with excellent disease resistance, some promising spring barleys and oats with improved yields of top quality grain and new hybrid oilseed rapes, adds Lee.
“One of the most exciting developments is BYDV resistance in wheat. RAGT is the first company to introduce this trait in Europe, through the presence of the Bdv2 gene that originates from a wild goat grass.
“This offers protection from the day the wheat is planted to the day it is harvested for less than the cost of a single pyrethroid spray. Plant resistance greatly simplifies crop management, removing the need to monitor and control aphid populations with foliar-applied insecticide sprays while benefiting the environment.”
Commercially introduced in 2019, BYDV resistance is now present in a range of milling and feed wheat varieties nearing the market. Some of these also feature orange wheat blossom midge resistance, raising the prospect of insecticide-free wheat for many growers.
“It’s our intention at RAGT to provide growers with as much information as possible about our varieties, above and beyond what appears in the official lists, to help ensure growers get the best from their crops,” adds Lee.
“LAMMA provides an excellent opportunity to do just that, and we look forward to showing existing and new customers some of the exciting developments that RAGT has to offer, helping them make the best choices for their own farms.”
