As harvest gets into full swing, CPM highlights some of the machinery news you may have missed this month.
The opportunity is immense.
By Charlotte Cunningham
The NFU has launched its 2020 #YourHarvest campaign and this year arable farmers are being asked to reach out to the public and MPs through social media to highlight the importance of a thriving crops sector in Britain.
According to the NFU, growers can get involved by taking a short video to explain what they do and where their produce goes, showing the public how the cereals sector delivers for both food production and the environment.
Farmers can also ask their MP to back British arable farming through the development of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, the Agriculture Bill and a fit for purpose Environmental Land Management (ELM) policy, which is currently out for consultation.
“This year’s #YourHarvest campaign could not come at a more critical time for British farming. Our government is in the process of developing a number of key policies that will change how our industry works and we need to make sure our voices are heard,” says Matt Culley, NFU combinable crops board chairman.
“While many of our farms remain closed to the public and MPs due to coronavirus, we can still show them what we deliver for the economy, the environment and the nation, and how they can support a thriving crops sector into the future.
“Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen the strength of public feeling on the food standards issue, but the conversation is often focused on chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef. Many people don’t realise that the UK is already importing crops that have been grown using pesticides and other products that are illegal here. And if this is replicated in future trade deals, it could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of British growers.
“We need to show the public and MPs why we deserve their support, and the #YourHarvest campaign is a fantastic opportunity to get out there and tell the story of the British arable sector.”
The NFU has also provided numerous infographics, an animation, a video and other resources that members can use to show the value of British arable farming.
Robot swarms
Small Robot Company and SpaceTime Labs and have announced an agreement to co-develop swarms of fourth generation autonomous aerial and terrestrial robots to transform Latin American Agriculture with Per Plant Farming Solutions.
SpaceTime Labs is a Brazilian artificial intelligence company founded in 2014 that develops and operates automated platforms for planning, optimisation and risk management of resource-intensive sectors exposed to climate and water risk.
The strategic partnership with Small Robot Company will focus on co-developing an on the ground, end-to-end “per plant” planting, weeds, pests and disease management and nutrition management services. These Farming as a Service value propositions will be delivered through an integrated delivery “sense-predict-act” value chain for all key commercial crops in Latin America.
The companies will work with leading Brazilian and Argentinian farmers to prototype, test and scale Per Plant Farming – maximising yields while reducing the impact on the environment.
The first intended outcome of Per Plant farming is a dramatic uplift in yields. Per Plant farming exists today on a small scale in research institutes and in trial farms, where scientists are able to achieve yields which are 235% higher than the in-field commercial average for wheat and 150% higher than the in-field commercial average for corn. In addition to increasing yields, “per plant” farming will increase farmer profitability and dramatically reduce the negative impacts of industrial farming on the environment.
Small Robot Company believes this Per Plant Farming model will become the dominant agricultural system by 2040. “The opportunity is immense,” says Sam Watson-Jones, co-founder of SRC. “Latin America is ahead of the curve for agritech innovation. Our strategic partnership with SpaceTime Labs means that we can now enter this market with confidence.
“Now is the time for us to work together to create a more sustainable farming model in Latin America, starting with Brazil and Argentina. The recent huge advances in agtech finally make this possible and farmers are integral to the environmental solution.”
The UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss also expressed her delight regarding the partnership. “The UK is a world leader in technology and is at the forefront of the Agri-Tech industry. We have pioneering scientists and expert farmers, so it’s fantastic to see British businesses like the Small Robot Company reach international markets and develop new innovative technology for Latin American farmers.
“This is just one great example of the global trading opportunities out there for UK Agri-Tech industry.”
Online assessment
BASIS is offering candidates the option to complete courses and exams online, to ensure standards are maintained in the industry and training can continue.
Having worked with the HSE Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) and accreditation partner Harper Adams University throughout the process, a number of our BASIS exams are now fully digital. Written exams are completed using online exam and invigilation software, followed by viva examinations via video call.
Sue Mason, BASIS exams and training manager, explains that the new invigilation software, QMark, enables BASIS to deliver examinations under stringent conditions, akin to being held in traditional exam format without the need to meet face-to-face or in groups.
“We’re pleased this is now in place,” says Sue. “We know a number of candidates have either completed their training, or were near finishing earlier in the year, so this gives everyone the opportunity to finalise training and undertake the exams to gain the qualification.
“The online exams will mirror the format of a formal written test. We’ve worked closely with Harper Adams to ensure the software is quality assured so we’re delivering exams in the same conditions,” she adds.
Should candidates have halted training mid-way through the course due to lockdown, BASIS is still offering this online alternative, with the new exam format taking place once the course has been completed.
Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO, says this online offering means important training and certification can still go ahead, despite the current restrictions, to maintain industry standards and customer or employer expectations.
“We want to ensure all those looking to complete exams and become accredited members of the Professional Register in 2020 can do so. The process hasn’t altered, we’ve just gone digital.
“I would advise those looking to take their exams to speak to their BASIS approved trainer to discuss the next steps to undertake their exams,” concludes Stephen.
- For all the latest news and developments in the arable sector, go to ww.cpm-magazine.co.uk. It’s free, smartphone-friendly, relevant, and there are no restrictions, logins, or infuriating sign-up procedures to get to all the content you want – Perfect catch-up opportunity while you’re waiting for the combine. You’ll also find downloadable copies of every issue published since 2008.
Case IH forms exclusive distribution alliance with Bednar FMT
Case IH and Bednar FMT have announced a distribution agreement that sees Bednar FMT supply its range of farm machinery exclusively through the Case IH dealer network.
With a strong focus on innovation, Bednar FMT currently exports its wide range of cultivation, drilling and fertilising equipment to 39 countries worldwide from its base in the Czech Republic.
From 1 Aug 2020, in the UK and ROI markets, Bednar FMT will only distribute its range of farm equipment through Case IH dealers.
“We have entered into this relationship with one aim: to secure a well-respected, forward-thinking brand for our Case IH dealer network, enhancing the product offering they are able take to their customers,” says Paul Harrison, business director Case IH UK and ROI. “From a 2m topper to an 18.4m disc cultivator, Bednar offers a full range of agronomic solutions for mixed and arable farmers alike.”
In the UK and ROI division of Bednar, managing director Warren Rivers-Scott and his team will continue to be responsible for the sales, demonstrations, and support of the Bednar equipment.
However, Case IH and Bednar will work together at dealer, regional and national events, supporting the growth of both businesses through the Case IH dealer network.
“Despite being a well-known brand in Europe, Bednar is a new name on the lips of many farmers in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland,” he says. “Bednar is a family business that prides itself on its close relationships with farmers, and we’re sure that with the cooperation of Paul and his Case IH team, Bednar machines will quickly become a favourite in many fields around the countryside. This is a fantastic opportunity for Bednar, Case IH and its dealers. But most of all, it offers a progressive range of products to British and Irish growers.”
Paul adds: “We look forward to working with Bednar FMT and firmly believe this relationship will bring both opportunity and franchise security to the Case IH dealer network.”
