Page 2. Farming Express

Tractor Machinery

Tractor Machinery

Spectrum Energy Systems, specialists in the supply and installation of solar PV arrays and wind turbines up to 500kW, is expanding their operations in the UK following a period of sustained business growth.The company opened its new headquarters in August, this gave the team a new office, engineering workshop and warehouse facilities. Spectrum last moved its operation in 2011, having grown from an initial two founding members to seven permanent members of staff. Spectrum remain close to their roots however, with their new base remaining in the heart of Nottinghamshire.The expansion mirrors the success of the business. Spectrum’s business grew 300% between March 2012 and March 2013 due to farmers and landowners across the country looking to diversify their income, cut costs and more importantly increase profits through the installation of solar

panels and/or wind turbines.Spectrum’s Financial Director, Charles Fletcher comments “This expansion has taken Spectrum into fantastic new headquarters allowing us to accommodate the growing team. The move has come at a time of sustained growth and we are looking at a further growth of 100% this coming year. It’s all incredibly exciting”.Committed to being green, Spectrum will be installing solar PV panels onto their new office in the coming months to ensure all energy used within the premises is from renewable sources. The solar panels will also showcase the high quality products and workmanship which is provided by Spectrum. If you’d like to visit the new offices or require further information on Spectrum Energy Systems, please visit www.spectrumenergysystems.co.uk or call 0845 47 47 604.

Continued growth drives Spectrum Energy Systems expansion

Plain flailing

Heavy duty, no frills or things to

go wrong, Wessex CountryLine FL flail

mowers have a reputation as very tough

performers. For control of dense vegetation,

long grass and woodland rides, heavy

hammer flails pulverise tough material

while a full width adjustable rear roller

maintains an even cutting height. These

machines can be used in-line or offset,

and are available to suit compact tractors

from 15hp. They feature a heavy, cast-iron

gearbox and drive belts that act as shock

overload protection. They are available in

1.1m, 1.25m, 1.4m and 1.55m working

widths.

For more demanding applications, look to

the Wessex FLS-155 or FLS-185, both with

hydraulic sideshift, in 1.55m and 1.85m

working widths respectively. Carrying the

same features as the FL mowers, the Wessex

CountryLine Heavy Duty Flail range has

a heavier build and extremely durable

mechanics, with the hydraulic sideshift

and 280mm sideways travel allowing for

easy bypassing of obstacles such as trees

and posts, resulting in less effort for the

operator. Wessex International: 01264

345870

www.wessexintl.com

Wessex splits the difference

Anyone looking to just save time on

logsplitting or in a commercial situation

with the need to clear trees, it’s all the same

to the Wessex LS-100 logsplitter. This

powerful British-built logsplitter actually

turns a boring, back-breaking and time-

consuming chore into an enjoyable task

and will handle logs up to 18”/450mm in

height. Strong, simple, quick and easy to fit

to any tractor with a category 1 three-point

linkage, the LS-100 powers effortlessly

through splitting logs with up to 10 tons

of hydraulic force, depending on the

tractor hydraulics. A floor-level bed makes

loading logs onto the splitter safe and easy,

while the two-handed operation satisfies

the health and safety requirements. The

difference the LS-100 makes, compared to

the boring and time-consuming splitting of

logs by hand, can be measured in the time

saved by the large numbers of contractors,

landscapers, farmers, large estates and

smallholders who rely on their machines

year in, year out. Besides, who wants to

run the risk of using a splitting wedge and

a sledgehammer flying through the air and

hitting you on the shin or perhaps worse,

someone else who happens to be nearby?

Wessex International on 01264 345870

www.wessexintl.com

Wessex International

Farming Express. Page 3

Page 4. Farming Express

Bio Gas/Biomass

Farming Express. Page 5

TREBOR JONESAND SON

The Mount, Llanfyllin SY22 5LE

www.farmingmachinerypowys.co.uk

phone: 0845 4989683

Call 07795 484100to find out more now!

Our livestock curtains are built according to a system we designedourselves after finding the market’s offering of livestock curtains waseither unsuitable or overpriced. Today we can provide curtains thatopen manually or automatically, made from fully waterproof materialsthat can be translucent or in any one of a range of colours, up to 60metres in length and 2.5 metres in height.

The curtains are top opening, preventing the livestock from beingexposed to excessive draughts but helping you to maintain aconstant temperature and improve the air quality in livestockaccommodation. These pig shed curtains are perfect for newly builtor older sheds.

Page 6. Farming Express

Rural Security

Tractor Machinery

Farming Express. Page 7

Help us protect the UK's rural communities by making sure your property is secure.

Isolated buildings, farms, machinery and livestock are targets for criminals. If you live in rural areas:Remain vigilant and always report suspicious people and vehicles to police Regularly review the security of your buildings and property. Keep boundaries and gates well-maintained and secure to restrict access to unwanted visitors. Fit good quality locks to sheds, garages and outbuildings and consider fitting shutters or grilles to windows,

or blocking them completely. Consider installing security lights, alarms and CCTV to deter intruders and maintain visibility, particularly in dark or sheltered areas of your property. Consider fitting alarms and immobilisers to items of machinery or plant and always store them somewhere secure and out-of-view when not in use. Store fuel tanks in cages or secure buildings away from public view where possible – locks, alarms and anti-siphon devices will also help deter thieves.PoachingOver recent months there have been

numerous reports of poaching in rural areas of Kent. As well as causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to wildlife, poaching often includes offences such as the illegal use of firearms, trespassing on private land and criminal damage, all of which is costly and disruptive to landowners and local communities. Signs to watch out for include: vehicles parked on verges, in lay-bys or on bridleways lines of people walking through fields with dogs, trying to raise hare or game damage to gates and boundaries around land.Plant and machinery theftInsecure building and engineering sites, as well as farms, can advertise rich pickings for thieves who are looking to steal plant (industrial machinery), such as tractors and

combine harvesters, generators, forklifts, diggers, cranes and four-wheel drives. Many of these items are stolen for trade in Europe or used to carry out other crimes such as cash machine theft. To help us reduce incidents of plant theft and to track down and return stolen items, we would encourage plant owners to:register off-road vehicles with the DVLA at www.dft.gov.uk/dvla consider installing tracking systems and immobilisers or removing the vehicle’s battery or fuse when not in use. security-mark parts with a forensic solution to increase the chance of tracing them if they are stolen. consider registering items with the Construction Equipment Security and Registration national plant-marking scheme: www.cesarscheme.org

The appeal, lodged by the Badger Trust on Thursday (9 October), centred on a Defra decision to allow culling trials to go ahead without a review by an independent expert panel (IEP).At the hearing, the trust’s legal team asked three appeal judges to

rule the culling trials in Somerset and Gloucestershire were unlawful because there was a “legitimate expectation” that an IEP would be put in place.But no ruling was made. Instead the appeal judges reserved judgment and a decision is now expected some time

FARMERS are being advised about the advantages of selling straw for renewable energy production.

Experts said farmers should stop viewing straw as a waste product and regard it as something with could gain

a profitable price.William Mitcham, of farm consultancy firm Wilson Wraight, speaking on behalf of straw pelleting company Pelco, said: “There is real ability to add value to combinable crops margins. This is an option to

maximise returns.”The firm is set to begin procuring straw for renewables in 2016 but is looking to secure supply beforehand.Such firms are beginning to offer long-term contracts for straw procurement which Mr Mitcham said can allow farmers to secure a fixed outlet for wheat and oilseed rape by-product.He said contracts were offered for up

to eight years in length.“It is a risk management tool, people know what they are getting,” he added.Pelco is looking to source 660,000 tonnes of oilseed rape and wheat straw for 2016. The firm believes this will make it the largest straw pelleting business in the UK as well as the largest purchaser of straw for renewable energy.

next week.Although the outcome of that decision will not affect the ongoing trials, it may have a bearing on the government’s plan to roll out the culling trials across England next summer.Speaking earlier this week, Dominic Dyer, Badger Trust chief executive and policy adviser at Care for the Wild, described Defra’s decision to scrap the IEP after year one of the culls as a “national disgrace”.He added: “It is the view of the Badger Trust that [Defra secretary] Elizabeth Truss is acting unlawfully by stating at the Tory party conference that she will make a decision on the national roll-out of the badger cull prior to the general election without any independent monitoring of the 2014 culling operation.”But Defra said it had learned from

RURAL SECURITY

Farmers urged to consider straw for renewable energy

The Court of Appeal in London has reserved judgment on a legal challenge over the monitoring of the badger culls.

the first year of the culls and made changes to improve the humaneness and effectiveness, including better training and monitoring in this year’s culls.In a statement, Ms Truss said: “The culls will be monitored closely and we have published details of the monitoring procedures the AHVLA and Natural England will follow on the government website. As with last year, these results will be independently audited.”Badger culling is part of a comprehensive 25-year government strategy to eradicate bovine TB in this country. The disease resulted in the slaughter of more than 32,000 cattle in the UK last year.The appeal came after the High Court ruled in August there were “no plausible grounds” to support the trust’s claims.

TO ADVERTISE WITH THE FARMING EXPRESS PLEASE CALL OUR HELPFUL SALES TEAM ON: 01823 251217

Page 8. Farming Express

Polaris is excited to be returning to the RHL Weston Beach race this year, which is also the ideal venue to see some of the latest models available in the comprehensive off road vehicle line-up in the UK.Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 billion and based in Minnesota, USA. Polaris designs,

Polaris Returns to RHL Weston Beach Race on 16th – 18th October 2014engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and small vehicles. The company is the world’s No.1 in All-Terrain Vehicles and has also recently opened a new factory in Poland.

Brand new to the Polaris line up is the Scrambler XP 1000 EPS with the highest horsepower, fastest acceleration, highest ground clearance and longest suspension travel of any big bore ATV. The vehicle’s Polaris-built, single overhead cam 1000 twin engine is based upon the proven 850 twin. The fuel-injected big bore features a 270-degree offset crankshaft

and dual balance shafts for in-your-face power that remains incredibly smooth and vibration free.Putting the Scrambler XP 1000 EPS to the test and racing for Polaris are: John Mitchell and Stephen Williams. On the Polaris stand, visitors will be able to see the RZR XP 1000 EPS which offers more power, superior handling and more comfort than ever, boasting the new ProStar 1000cc

EFI engine and Electronic Power Steering. The revolutionary single-seat Polaris ACE will also be on display: combining all the handling of an ATV with the security and comfort of a side by side. Not forgetting the younger enthusiasts, the Polaris Youth range includes sporty and stylish quads for ages from 6 plus. Gareth Hockey of RHL Activities: “It’s nice to have one of our long term manufacturers returning to support the event. It’s such a positive move for both Polaris and RHL as we all have massive plans for the future”Throughout the event, Polaris is kindly supported by Polaris specialist dealers: Nora SxS and All-4 and thanks are extended to both.

To enter this years event please visit www.rhlactivities.com and complete this years online registration form.http://rhlactivities.com/events/rhl-beach-race-2014/rider-entryFor more information on the 2014 RHL Weston Beach Race please visit http://rhlactivities.com/events/rhl-beach-race-2014Ray ChussPro Photographerwww.raychuss.com Tel 07773609994

Did you know that any ATV or side-by-side used on a public road (even within the bounds of a farm), by law need to be registered for road use?Currently single seat Quad Bikes can be registered as agricultural vehicles, and side-by-sides like Kawasaki Mule / Polaris Ranger /

Road Use of ATVs and Side-by-Sides

Yamaha Viking can be registered for limited use.If the vehicles are to be used to follow the hunt or for other non-agricultural purposes they must be registered as a private vehicle and road tax paid.Once registered they must be taxed (NIL cost for agricultural / limited use), insured and carry a number-plate on the back (and in some cases front).The lighting regulations are the next hurdle to meet. If a vehicle carries lights then it should carry a full compliment. If used after dusk or before dawn on a road then all lights must be fitted to meet the regula-tions.

Quadtech have been making road lighting kits for Quadbikes for over 12 years and their kit is the only kit that meets the requirements of VOSA’s MSVA test – the test that checks quad bikes are road-worthy. The kits are plug-and-play in many installations and designed to give a factory look. Starting at only £200 for most quads they are competitively priced too.

Equine Review

One of the longest established elite DIY and full service livery yards inEast Anglia, with BHS approval every year since 2003. Whiterails is

conveniently located between Wymondham and Norwich.52 stables | all-weather show-jumping + dressage manege’s | horse-walker + solarium +wash-down | professionally managed 365 day

grazing | access 27 miles of private + permissive rides, and much more!Check out www.whiterailslivery.co.uk to preview all Whiterails’

great features. Contact us to ask for a detailed introductory pack, ormake a no-obligation appointment to visit the yard.

email: whiterailslivery@paston.co.ukWhiterails Farm, Great Melton, Norwich NR9 3BX

Tel: 01603 810 261 | 07918 907 553

Farming Express. Page 9

Weston Equestrian CentreMorton Lane, Weston Longville.

Norwich NR9 5JL

Learn to ride on a nice selectionof horses and ponies with fully qualified coaches.

Open 7 days a week.New for 2014, three self catering holiday lodges will be available. Dogs and horses welcome.Intensive 2/3 day couses can also be booked. All types of livery available.

Facilities include:• Indoor School • Small cross country course • 100 acres off road

hacking.Full set of show jumps available to hire.

T: 01603 872 247 M: 07776 137 730W: www.westonequestrian.co.uk

Equine Review

Mud fever is a common winter ailment and is caused by a bacterium that is found in the soil and thrives in wet conditions known as dermatophilus congolensis. The bacterium penetrates chapped, damaged or softened skin in horses resulting in weepy sores, scabs and in severe cases swelling and lameness.Mud fever is more common during the wet winter months and occurs mostly around the coronet, heels and pastern in horses but can also occur higher on the leg or even belly. Horses or ponies with heavy feather on the leg can be particularly prone to mud fever as the hair becomes covered in wet mud and legs remain damp and horses with white legs and pink skin are also more prone to mud fever.The first symptoms of mud fever are a mud rash on the backs of pasterns or fetlocks. This can then develop into sore, crusty skin, matted hair and weepy sores. In serious cases the leg can become hot and swollen and the bacteria may penetrate the skin causing a deeper infection that requires antibiotic treatment.There are number of ways that mud fever can be prevented. Nutritional supplements designed to promote skin and coat health may help in preventing skin from cracking and allowing mud fever infection developing and supplements designed to support the immune system may help the horse to fight any mud fever infection. Clipping feathered legs can help the horse’s wet legs to dry quicker and prevent mud fever developing, whilst equine chaps or leg wraps that cover the lower leg and pasterns can be worn when the horse

is turned out to protect the legs from mud. Bringing a horse in periodically and allowing the legs to dry completely and brushing of all mud and applying barrier creams or mud repellents to clean dry legs, before turning out in wet weather can also help to prevent the occurrence of mud fever. However, barrier creams are best applied before mud fever develops, as if applied after mud fever occurs, they can trap the infection and moisture in, and prevent damp legs from drying out.Should mud fever develop there are a number of mud fever treatments available. However, before applying any mud fever treatment legs should be cleaned thoroughly and scabs softened with an antibacterial solution such as Hibiscrub, then the legs rinsed and dried thoroughly. Ideally the horse should be removed from the muddy conditions. This is best done by keeping the horse in a dry, clean stable during treatment but for horses at grass with no access to a stable it may only be possible to move them to a less muddy field or prevent them accessing the muddiest areas of the field (usually gateways) by fencing the area off with some temporary fencing.Mud fever treatments containing zinc, castor oil, lead acetate and anti-inflammatory ointments can all help to treat mud fever effectively but in severe cases of mud fever where the leg has swollen antibiotic treatment may be needed. Once the mud fever has been treated the skin may remain tender for a while after and applying a soothing cream such as zinc or castor oil can ease this.

Mud Fever - A Common Winter Ailment In HorsesPage 10. Farming Express

Equine Review

Need morehorse power in

your stableyard?

Then how about aHonda Quad or

Polaris Ranger withsome Logic

Equipment to makelife easier in your

yard and paddocks.

New Honda TRX420in stock now

Call into our showroom to view our range of Quadsand Polaris Rangers and equipment - new and used.

Heath Farm, Great Massingham, Kings Lynn,Norfolk PE32 2HJ

Tel:01485 520828 www.mortonatv.com

Restores essentialminerals lost throughdehydration

Balanced sourceof supplementalenergy, calcium,sodium, potassiumand magnesium

Can help replace essentialminerals lost following hard

work and exertion

Find us on

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Revive products on the

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EQL14www.animal-health.co.ukTel: 01787 476400

Farming Express. Page 11

Pets & Vets

Plexidor Pet Doorsare professionally engineered and manufactured from quality materials to be the very best: quiet, energy-efficient, completely secure, long-lasting and most importantly safe and easy for pets to use. Not cat or dog flaps, but doors which open sideways.Delivered to you from here in the UK to ensure reliable delivery and replacement parts service. Made in the USA.

Training tips for a new puppy Teaching your puppyThere’s no doubting puppies are cute! They are cuddly! They love to play! There is also no doubting that your puppy will run rings around you if you don’t invest time and energy into training in the early days. It needn’t be ‘boot-camp’ but we are going to share some top tips to teach your four legged friend some manners!

Early days Puppies learn very quickly and the first few days of having him home with you are vital. You must set the ground-rules now and ensure your whole family knows the rules.

For example: Your puppy is very likely to cry the first night he is alone. If you give in

and take him into your bed, that’s where he is likely to stay. Ensuring he has a warm, safe and secure bed (crate training is an option) in a room that is closed off from the rest of the house with toys and a papered area to toilet is a good idea from day one!Puppies are excitable and ‘jumpie!’ Did you say ‘not on the furniture?’ But isn’t he bouncing around on the sofa? Stick to the rules

Toilet training Your puppy won’t be toilet trained overnight. Be patient and consistent. Good tips include: Take your puppy out to the garden regularly – ever 30 minutes or so if possible – to allow him the chance to go to the toilet. Give lots of praise when he pee’s or poops! NEVER punish your puppy if he has

an accident in the houseSet up a regular feeding routine – this will help you to anticipate when he’ll need the loo!

MouthingThis is the act of ‘biting’ something that very young puppies do frequently. NEVER punish a puppy for mouthing – it is a natural state of play for puppies and also occurs when they are teethingSocializing your puppy with other dogs will help to curb biting as other dogs will ‘show him the way.’Your local vet may run puppy parties!If your puppy is playing and biting – stop the play session. Give him a ‘raggy’ to chew on rather than your trousers!

Obedience Once your puppy has had all of his vaccinations you can enroll in puppy classes. Your local vet may run these or will be able to recommend local trainers Basic sit, down, stay and recall are relatively easy to teach most

Teaching your puppy puppies.Find out what motivates your dog Food! (although don’t over-feed with treats) Toys

FussTraining should always be fun and don’t overdo it – a bit like a child a puppy will only have a short attention span!Your veterinary team are a great source of information and experience when it comes to puppy training – if you are at all concerned speak to your vet and ask for help and advice.

Page 12. Farming Express