Machinery

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.

A number of farmers are ‘combining' their talents in a bid to raise awareness and funds for two national charities.

An independent cider maker has invested in a Kubota compact half-track to preserve its orchards and improve harvesting efficiency across multiple locations. Farmers Guardian reports

ATVs are an integral part of many upland farms. To find out if variations in engine size offer any real benefits in versatility, comfort and performance, Farmers Guardian speaks to husband and wife, Aled and Emily Roberts, who run two Yamahas at opposing ends of the power scale.