Machinery

In a bid to reduce black grass pressure in cereals, one Gloucestershire estate has opted for a Horsch Avatar with multi-hopper capability, as it seeks to widen the rotation and introduce cover crops. Geoff Ashcroft reports

Merseyside arable farmer Nick Wright is making the most of increased drill capacity and capability to facilitate changes to his establishment regime. Jane Carley reports.

Scottish firm Munro has showcased its MK_1 electric all-terrain vehicle. But can this start-up firm deliver an off-road vehicle to match its diesel competitors? James Huyton reports.

Improving forage quality and yield of long-term grass leys are proven methods to increase stock performance, but are there more cost-effective ways to regain yield without ploughing and re-establishing? James Huyton takes the Weaving Fenix drill on test to see how it performs.

The UK’s vineyard area continues to climb to meet rising demand as its wines grow in reach and respect, so it is perhaps no surprise the country’s first self-propelled grape harvester has now been bought by an Essex enterprise. Martin Rickatson learned more from maker New Holland, dealer Ernest Doe and buyer New Hall Wine Estate.

With constant improvements in battery technology, James Huyton compares the current market offering of electric utility vehicles.

Seasonal poultry production is a key enterprise for many farms, and with difficulties sourcing skilled labour, utilising advancements in technology could help increase processing rates and ease production pressures. Tom Woolman considers the infrastructure options available.

Keeping dairy cows happy and healthy makes a difference to the bottom line as well as improving their welfare, and a new shed flooring development could help, Jane Carley reports.

Many grain dryers have lain idle this year, but not everyone enjoyed a sub-15% harvest – and the next wet summer may not be far away. With fuel prices looking unlikely to fall far, Martin Rickatson seeks advice from manufacturers on maximising efficiency from mobile units.

Scraping cubicle housing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the day on some dairy farms. James Huyton visits a Lancashire-based dairy which is saving time and labour with a robotic system.