AGI kicks-off fourth annual Safety Week with worldwide call to action

April 23, 2024 - Every year, an estimated 340 million occupational accidents happen in the global workplace, according to the International Labour Organisation. Ag Growth International (AGI) is on a mission to create a zero-harm work environment by making safety a core guiding principle and driving best practice awareness during its fourth annual One AGI Safety Week, April 22-26, 2024.

"Today, I am extremely pleased to kick off our 2024 One AGI Safety Week celebrated globally across our organisation,"says Paul Householder, AGI President & CEO. "The week reinforces the tremendous safety strides we made last year in reaching an all-time low for recordable and lost time injury rates. This year's theme, Safer Acts and Safer Conditions, is a call to action for our team to continue to be vigilant, look out for one another, and never compromise on the high safety standards we have set."

AGI recognises facilities with one of its highest designations - the AGI Safety Standout Award - for earning one, three, five and even 10 years of no lost time incident records. To date 18 AGI sites worldwide have made milestone achievements including those teams specially honoured for earning year-over-year, long-term records: (10 years) Olds, AB and (3 years) Joplin, MO; Nobleford, AB; and Marshall IL.

"Our employees' commitment and diligent adherence to safety procedures have enhanced our work environment and ensures that we all return home safely each day," says Householder. "We aim to make AGI a beacon of safety excellence."

Throughout the week, employees will engage in activities designed to reinforce a strong safety culture and share best practices that further their commitment to a zero-harm workplace. According to Harsha Bhojraj, AGI Vice President of Manufacturing and Safety Lead, the week also begins employee nominations for AGI's annual Safety Awards that acknowledge individuals, teams and locations for exemplary safety best practices and performance. 

"Our employees are AGI's safety champions. The nomination process gives them the opportunity to shine a spotlight on colleagues, who they believe go above-and-beyond to embody a safety priority. We want to tell and reward their stories of excellence," says Bhojraj.

Categories include:

• The Outstanding Performance Award, celebrating an individual, team or location that has demonstrated exceptional safety innovation. 
• The Progress in Safety Award, recognising a location or team that has shown remarkable improvement in safety metrics over the past year.
• The Safety at a Customer Site or Project Award, honouring a project where safety was not just a plan, but a well-executed reality.

Nominations end in October with awards to be announced in the first quarter of 2024. 

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Archbold-Alltech research alliance results confirm environmental benefits of grazing ruminants

April 23, 2024 - Alltech and Archbold formed a strategic research alliance in 2019 to jointly develop beef management approaches, specifically to increase the quality and quantity of beef produced in subtropical regions while maintaining and enhancing the environment. The Archbold-Alltech Alliance brought together scientists from two different disciplines - ecologists from Archbold and ruminant nutritionists from Alltech - to understand the impact that cattle production at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch has on the ecosystem and the ability to sequester carbon.

A research alliance between Archbold and Alltech brings together two scientific disciplines, with ecologists from Archbold and ruminant nutritionists from Alltech, to understand the impact that cattle production can have on an ecosystem.

Over the past five years, the research alliance has created a model for estimating the ranch's carbon footprint - and the results have been astounding. On average, Buck Island Ranch sequesters more carbon each year than it emits. It is a net-carbon sink.

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This research shows that grazing ruminant animals on land benefits the environment and improves carbon cycling. The results confirm that carbon-neutral - and even net-positive - beef production is possible at Buck Island Ranch, a 10,500-acre ranch in Lake Placid, Florida, and that same potential likely extends to environments around the world.

To showcase the work taking place at the Buck Island Ranch, the Archbold-Alltech Alliance have released a six-part Planet of Plenty video series that explores the cattle grazing carbon cycle, the role of carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change and other insights the collaborative research alliance has unveiled.

"This research alliance brings together scientists from several disciplines to collaborate on climate-change solutions and demonstrate agriculture's great potential to positively shape the future of our planet," said Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. "These exciting findings at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch prove that we capture more carbon when cows are grazing the land. That is profoundly powerful."

"Every year, we sequester 1201 tonnes of CO2 equivalent at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch and all of this work is scalable to other parts of the world," said Dr Betsey Boughton, Director of agroecology at Archbold. "The narrative people have heard is that cows are bad for the environment, but grazing animals can actually change the function of grasslands. Cows are eating the grass and not allowing as much decomposition to happen on the ground. Without cows, we actually see more carbon emitted."

"We're trying to let people know that it is not just this black and white answer," she added. "It is complicated, ad we need to think about the whole story."

Though it is a complex issue, the research has shown that agriculture can be one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against climate change. 

This collaboration has discovered a deeper understanding of the grazing-cattle carbon cycle, one that is not solely focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the animal but also on natural GHG emissions from the land and the sequestration of carbon in the soil. Discussions around GHGs and global warming often centre around agriculture emissions, but it is important to think beyond emissions and look at the full cycle.

The soil's ability to sequester carbon is a critical part of the story. Alltech Crop Science and Ideagro, which joined the Alltech family of companies in 2023, are now studying how microbial populations can enrich soil chemistry and nutrient density, leading to increased carbon sequestration in the soil. The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents a significant opportunity for the agri-food community to embrace its critical role in combatting climate change while simultaneously improving soil health, boosting crop yields and promoting biodiversity.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Concern over supply of UK breadmaking wheat

April 22, 2024 - The second wettest August to February since 1837 has severely limited the planting of wheat in the UK, with official estimates indicating the UK wheat area will be the second smallest since 1980. Additionally, current prospects for yield also look poor, with prolonged wet weather having damaged and stunted the development of wheat that farmers were able to plant.

The prospects for the breadmaking wheat element of the crop are even worse, according to UK Flour Millers head of technical, Joe Brennan.

"The poor outlook for the upcoming UK wheat harvest is going to pose a real challenge. For milling wheat this is exacerbated by the decline in popularity of high quality breadmaking wheat varieties, Group 1, which make up the backbone of UK flour milling demand."

An estimate of breadmaking wheat production for 2024 based off the forecasted area and yields from previous years (Figure A) indicate the upcoming harvest could be the smallest in over ten years and down almost 40 percent on 2023.

Figure A. UK Group 1 (breadmaking) wheat production indicative figures. 2024 is an estimate based on industry data.

The high prices of nitrogen fertiliser, which whilst down from peaks have continued to sit 40 percent higher than before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are also limiting production of-breadmaking wheat that meets quality specifications. This cost as well as weather affected the recent wheat crop, with the AHDB Cereal Quality Survey indicating only 13 percent of Group 1 breadmaking wheat met the typical milling quality specification, compared to 33 percent in 2022.

This is reflected in the wheat market, with the spread between breadmaking and feed wheat prices since 2023 over twice as high as the average of prior years (Figure B).

Figure B. UK delivered breadmaking quotations (nearby, Northamptonshire) and monthly average UK feed wheat future (nearby). Source: AHDB price data3. Accessed: 15/04/2024.

Joe added: "We'll be going into next season very low on homegrown quality breadmaking wheat, which will make next season even tighter."

Wheat planted in prolonged wet conditions tend to generate very shallow roots, making it vulnerable to drought later in the season; weather is set to be a key watchpoint for the coming months. Weather in Germany will also be closely monitored, as farmers there have faced similarly extreme wet conditions over the wheat planting window.

"It's a bit of a perfect storm, as high protein German wheat is normally the substitute for British breadmaking wheat if we cannot get enough at the right quality in a season. Farmers and millers are hoping for kinder weather in the months leading up to harvest," Joe concluded.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

EuroTier 2024 innovations: automation and animal welfare for animal housing of the future

April 22, 2024 - 'We innovate animal farming' - this is the guiding theme of this year's EuroTier trade fair, which takes place from November 12-15 at the exhibition grounds in Hanover Germany. The trade fair is organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), which also organises the professional program for the event. 

The innovation exhibition platform for the global livestock sector offers its visitors an international technical program on the latest developments in cattle, pig and poultry farming. Three companies from the livestock housing sector report on the challenges they are facing today and how the latest technologies - such as AI and robotics - and new housing concepts are making a contribution to improving animal welfare and energy efficiency while reducing emissions. What's more, a farm in Saxony, Germany, is breaking new ground and running its dairy housing entirely on self-generated electricity.

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We innovate animal farming - true to this guiding theme, three companies from the livestock sector continue to develop solutions in order to meet current political and social demands for greater animal welfare and sustainability. Big Dutchman International, Lely Deutschland and Schauer Agrotronic are three companies with different areas of expertise. What they have in common is their continued quest to develop innovations for animal husbandry. Agrarprodukte Kitzen e G, a cooperative farm located in Saxony, is this year breaking new ground by starting to run its dairy housing entirely on self-generated electricity.

Improved animal welfare through artificial intelligence

Daniel Holling, Head of Business Development at Big Dutchman International, sees farmers and animal housing companies caught between animal welfare, sustainability, CO2 reduction and affordable solutions driven by political demands in Germany and parts of Europe. In addition, competitive pressure from Asia, especially China is felt. However, individual measures are not enough to satisfy the demands for increased animal welfare in poultry farming, according to Holling. "Animal welfare in poultry farming requires a holistic management concept. In order to raise animal welfare standards, we focus on improving numerous factors, including climate and environmental control, automation and health monitoring as well as feeding and husbandry management methods," explains Holling.

Holding sees the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in poultry houses as another key factor. For more than 40 years, Big Dutchman has been systematically developing digital technologies for sensors, control and farm management in close liaison with customers. "With BFN Fusion, the current BigFarmNet and AMACS systems have now been merged in the cloud. This means that assistance systems based on artificial intelligence can now be used to automatically monitor, compare, analyse and provide necessary warnings. This improves the health and productivity of the animals while increasing profitability," says Holling. "Even our self-learning, energy-optimised climate management is already supported by AI." This enhances animal welfare and saves energy through economical ventilation principles.

Saving costs and increasing energy efficiency with robotics

Gregor Beckmann, Managing Director of Lely Germany, also. sees a promising future in automation. However, the acceptance of these systems varies depending on the area of activity. While well over 90 percent of new investments are made in milking robots, the acceptance rate for automatic feeding is still in the low double-digit range. "The same applies to automatic barn floor cleaning. Many still rely on simple mechanisation using folding scrapers, even though robot solutions are more economical and works more favourably for animal welfare," says Beckmann. Regardless of modern animal welfare housing concepts, technology must support the animal while reducing the need for human contact with the cow. Lely is a consistent advocate of free movement and the concept of 'management by exception', in which the cow only needs the presence of humans when absolutely necessary.

"Our approach means more space for the cows, resulting in calmer movements and minimised space requirements for working around the animals. In fact, this is an enormous contribution to animal welfare and cost efficiency in animal housing construction," explains Beckmann. The use of robotics can also contribute to making farming operations more energy-efficient. "Our milking robots are among the absolute best in terms of energy and water consumption. The latest generation of robots consumes 35 percent less electricity than its predecessor, which itself consumed 20 percent less than the previous model," adds Beckmann. Robotics is therefore the logical path to greater energy efficiency.

Rethinking animal housing construction concepts and reducing CO2 footprint using regional feedstuffs

Schauer Agrotronic's finishing pig housings are also energy-efficient. This is achieved through a clever construction concept that significantly reduces emissions. The 'NatureLine' animal welfare housing offers functional separation in the lying, feeding and manure removal areas. With a variable lying area supplied with straw, long trough dry feeding and cooling, the housing system also offers enrichment material to keep the pigs occupied. The piglet rearing pens also have a structured pen and a lying area with a fixed surface, explains Karl-Heinz Denk, Marketing and Sales Manager, Schauer Agrotronic.

"We are able to prove the environmental impact of our pen with extensive data," says Denk. The NatureLine finishing pig pen underwent analysis as part of the Austrian project 'SaLu_T - Clean Air in Animal Husbandry' - as a pen that reduces emissions. Compared to conventional housing, this pen does not require exhaust fans. With the exception of the supply of cooled outside air via a horizontal ventilation shaft in the centre of the aisle in the indoor area, ventilation and extraction is achieved via natural convection. The supply air is cooled using proprietary 'Cool Pads'. "The result is sensational and exceeds all expectations. The fully mechanised pen, including feeding, bedding system and supply air cooling, reduces energy requirements by 80 percent," says Denk.

Additionally, a CO2 footprint of just 2.4 kilograms per CO2 per kilogram of live weight was determined for the production of finishing pigs in the pen through consistent regional procurement of feed and regional marketing of the pigs. According to Denk, the massive reductions in emissions compared to conventional pen technology with a fully slatted floor, single-phase feeding and a closed pen are mainly due to emission-reducing measures in the pen and feeding technology: Multiphase feeding, outdoor climate or open-front stalls, minimisation of manure areas and manure-urine separation.

Dairy housing fully powered by self-generated electricity

Farmer Tim Poppe's farm provides a practical example of what energy efficiency can look like in a running business. Agrarprodukte Kitzen e G is a mixed farm that consists of two cooperatives and operates south of Leipzig, Germany. Since the beginning of January 2024, the dairy housing has been run entirely on self-generated electricity.

"Energywise, we have had a 500-kilowatt biogas plant since 2011, made flexible to 1.2 megawatts. Within the group of companies, we have covered our roof areas with photovoltaic systems which have a peak output of 8500 kilowatts,"explains Poppe. In Leipzig-Großzschocher, an area close to the farm, a 75-kilowatt small-scale slurry biogas plant in operation since 2020, has this year led to a self-sufficient supply for the company's own 'glass cowshed' thanks to the addition and increase in output of 100 kilowatts and a 600-kilowatt electricity storage unit. Recently, inverters have become available that can form a 'power grid' themselves, ie are black-start and off-grid capable. In combination with the power storage unit to compensate for power peaks, the 100-kilowatt combined heat and power plant at Poppe's farm produces around 2000 kilowatt hours of electricity from biogas.

"So we considered the possibility of generating our own electricity and consuming one hundred percent of it ourselves. In our opinion, this is the only real way to generate electricity sustainably," he concludes.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Martin Engineering celebrates 50 years of air cannon technology

April 19, 2024 - Martin Engineering is marking the 50th anniversary of its invention of the world's first low-pressure air cannon. Air cannons have transformed material flows in bulk processing systems, eliminating problematic internal buildups and blockages. After five decades of continuous innovation, Martin Engineering remains at the forefront of air cannon advancements, enabling industrial plants to run more profitably, efficiently and safely than ever.

Martin Engineering Business Development Manager Mike Masterson and Product Manager Sid Dev working at the Air Cannon test stand at the company’s industry-leading Center for Innovation.

The company launched the world's first low-pressure pneumatic air cannon - its legendary Big Blaster - in 1974. It was devised and developed by Carl Mason, a member of Martin's senior team and cousin of the firm's founder Edwin F Peterson.

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The patented technology was designed to dislodge stubborn material stuck to the inside walls of hoppers and silos by firing precisely timed bursts of compressed air to keep bulk material flowing and preventing the growth of serious build-ups and blockages.

The air cannon was originally aimed at the same quarrying applications as the legendary Vibrolator, the Marin-patented industrial ball vibrator on which the company's success had been built since its inception in 1944.

By the 1980s, as Martin Engineering expanded its global presence, the Big Blaster was already being reimagined for use in high-temperature industrial applications to maintain the flow of sticky materials through the process and minimise unscheduled downtime.

Martin air cannons soon proved to be a game-changer for sectors such as cement, for the first time signalling an end to workers having to access the interior preheater vessels to manually break off hefty material build-ups using a high pressure water jet - one of the most unpleasant and hazardous jobs on a cement plant.

By the 1990s Martin Engineering had developed an extreme heat and velocity version of the Big Blaster, the XHV, with an all-metal construction capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions. In the 2000s Martin became the first to introduce safer positive-pressure firing valve with its Tornado air cannon - technology that prevents unintentional firing if there's a drop in system pressure, and also allows solenoid valves to be positioned up to 60m (200ft) from the air cannon for easier access and maintenance. Designed with safety in mind, the positive firing valve also delivers a more powerful blast.

Soon after that came the introduction of the Hurricane valve, located in the rear of the air cannon tank rather at the tank and nozzle junction, greatly improving safety and ease of maintenance. The exterior-facing design eliminates the need for removal of the tank so maintenance is a simple one-worker operation requiring only minutes for replacement.

In 2008, Martin Engineering opened its industry-leading Center for Innovation, which accelerated the company's air cannon technology advancements including:

SMART Series Nozzles with multiple nozzle tips, one of which features a retractable design that extends the 360˚ nozzle head into the material stream only when firing, protecting it from repeated abrasions and extreme temperatures. Its clever Y-shaped assembly means the nozzle can be installed, accessed and serviced without removing the air cannon or further disruption to the vessel structure and refractory.

The Martin Thermo Safety Shield acts as a safety barrier to allow timely and safe maintenance of air cannon systems. It protects workers from exposure to severe temperatures so that maintenance can take place safely and production stays on schedule.

Martin Engineering's current ground-breaking air cannon designs are the result of the research and development in the Center for Innovation, located at the company's headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. The centre will open its doors to visitors in the Summer of 2024 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Brad Pronschinske, Martin Engineering's Global Air Cannon Product Manager, said: "From the very beginning our air cannons were specifically designed to produce a quiet but powerful, high-velocity discharge of plant-compressed air to dislodge buildups and enhance material flow. They were developed to be capable of handling the high temperatures, harsh gases and abrasive, corrosive materials associated with heavy industries, and yet have low maintenance requirements and low costs. Since the launch of the Big Blaster 50 years ago we have continued to innovate, introducing smarter and ever more powerful air cannon systems that improve efficiency, productivity and safety.

"We're especially proud that Martin air cannons have become so important in reducing the health and safety risks associated with clearing blockages manually - such as working in confined spaces, working at height, falling materials and working in hot and dusty environments. Our team is always working on new developments and we're looking forward to bringing the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers all over the world."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Applications now being accepted for the Poultry Industry Safety Recognition Award

April 19, 2024 - The Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program is currently accepting applications from poultry industry facilities with outstanding safety programs. The award program is open to National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members with poultry processing plants, further processing facilities, egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, animal support services and rendering facilities that, through the implementation of innovative and effective programs, have injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years.

Based on the latest data available from the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the slaughter and poultry processing OSHA's total recordable illness and injury rate for 2022 was 5.7 cases per 100 full-time workers. The 2022 rate of 5.7 represents an outstanding 75 percent decrease from 1994.

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"Prioritising the safety and wellbeing of employees is an ongoing commitment for the poultry industry. These dedicated employees play a crucial role in the poultry industry's mission to produce nutritious and affordable food, and the industry is committed to investing in processes and procedures to diminish workplace hazards to protect our people," said Allan Foy, Corporate Safety Director, Farbest Foods, and chair of the joint Industry Safety and Health Council. "Progress is made year-over-year in reducing illness and injury and, over the last few decades, has resulted in significant achievements in protecting worker safety."

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is made up of members from NCC, NTF and USPOULTRY. Collectively, the three organisations represent 95 percent of the nation's poultry products, and their members generate more than 1.3 million total US jobs.

Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available HERE. The application deadline is May 24. The annual awards will be presented during the National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry, August 19-21, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Latest technology on display in Sprays and Sprayers Arena at Cereals 2024

April 18, 2024 - The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena has long been a 'shop window' at the Cereals Event for the latest innovation and technologies - and this year will be no different, with a display of new developments in pioneering precision application practices.

These new developments could herald a step change in approaches to agronomy decisions and sprayer technologies, according to Harry Fordham, Syngenta's new farming technology lead. He believes that precision application and artificial intelligence are opening opportunities to be far more targeted in production application for more specific treatments.

"This will deliver both agronomic advantages and reduced environmental impact," says Mr Fordham. "Ultimately growers can achieve better results, from reduced overall product use, and Sprays and Sprayers is a showcase for these new technologies."

Along with the chance to experience the very latest in current sprayer technology, Mr Fordham says that Syngenta application specialists will also be on hand at the event to offer insight into the future, too. "The immense potential of precision application includes innovative concepts of satellite mapping with variable rate treatment, prescription application, optical sensor spot spraying, and drones - along with other techniques.

"The move towards more precise techniques that allow better targeted application is essential for the efficiency of farm production. And with better targeting comes the chance to meet regulatory objectives that will assure future product availability."

In the demonstration arena, more than 10 manufacturers will be showcasing their kit. So what can visitors expect to see? Here's just a sample of some of this year's demonstrators.

Amazone

Amazone will be sticking with its usual trio of the UX 01 Super - a top of the range UX 4201 with 36, 24 and 12m Super-L3 boom options - a UF 1602/24m with FT1502 front tank, and a Pantera 4504 with the 36, 24 and 12m Super-L3 boom, plus all the latest gadgets.

On the stand will be the new Pantera 7004 with its variable front and back track adjustment and self-levelling suspension, along with an 8000-litre UX 7601 - which will be used to demonstrate the functionality of AmaSelect individual nozzle control technology, alongside AmaSelect Spot and CurveControl.

"Our aim at Amazone is to provide responsible and sustainable spraying technology which maximises chemical efficacy and minimises input costs," says the firm's Simon Brown.

"Using our hi-tech features like the DirectInject, ConourControl and AmaSelect Spot, the complete wet system and boom technology is designed to have the correct nozzle size and type, applying the most appropriate tank mix at the right rate, to the selected plants, with minimum drift and overlap."

Fendt

Fendt will also be returning to the arena with a much-loved favourite - the Fendt Rotator 600 self-propelled sprayer.

"The Fendt Rogator 600 continues to be popular amongst farmers and contractors alike, with various boom widths, axle configurations and two ride heights available across the range," says Ed Bennett, Fendt Marketing Manager, UK and Ireland.

"The MY24 model features recent developments, including improved nozzles, plumbing and easier options for tank cleaning, which are all aimed at maximising uptime and output without compromising on the job.

"We look forward to demonstrating this machine once again, and welcoming customers to our stand throughout the show."

John Deere

A trio of sprayers from the John Deere household will be making their way around the arena at this year's Cereals Event, including the R740i 24m trailed sprayer, the R9620 36m trailed sprayer and the 340M self-propelled sprayer.

The event will be the first large outing for the 340M and its Cereals debut, says the firm's Mark James. "All three of the machines we are showing have our unique PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system, with benefits including fast filling for a quick turnaround and more hectares sprayed per day.

"They also all feature our in-house developed individual nozzle control system, reducing overlaps and misses to the minimum, helping to reduce input costs."

In terms of their connectivity, the trio also boasts John Deere's ISOBUS control systems capable of variable rate applications, spot-spraying, documentation and work planning with synchronisation to the John Deere Operations Centre.

Kuhn

Kuhn will be showing the benefits of its Metris 4102 trailed sprayer in the Sprays and Sprayers arena, which is claimed to offer users increased output and technology to improve application uniformity.

The sprayer has a 4100-litre polyester tank featuring a deep sump, offering a low centre of gravity. Application is controlled via Kuhn's Diluset+ system which gives users the benefits of semi-automated filling with a pause mode, in-cab display and partial rinsing of the sprayer from the tractor.

Continuous Circulation - Electric circulation (CCE) offers electronic continuous circulation to increase spraying quality and ensure each nozzle is primed to apply the correct amount of liquid, while the RHPA 24m tri-fold booms give operators a lightweight boom option. The sprayer also includes Kuhn's Boom Assistant Slant, which features two ultrasonic sensors for height and tilt boom control, combined with a CCI A3 joystick. This gives users up to 30 controls via one joystick, for quick and simple operation and folding.

"Cereals also provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our Metris 2 sprayer range," adds Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn's arable and connected services product specialist. "With a 4100-litre capacity, it has wide appeal to many users looking to increase output and maximise spray quality via the latest technology."

Visitors can expect to see the below list of manufacturers demoing in this year's Sprays and Sprayers Arena - but more demonstrations are soon to be announced, so keep an eye on the website:

• Amazone
• Bargam Agriculture
• Bateman
• Berthoud
• Chafer
• DroneAg (robotic demos)
• Fendt
• Hardi
• Househam
• John Deere
• Knight
• Kuhn
• SAM crop sprayers

FSOOTY 2024

The winner of this year's Syngenta Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) will once again be crowned in the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers arena on the first day of the event (11 June).

"This prestigious award recognises the professionalism of sprayer operators across UK farms," says Iain Lindsay, Syngenta application specialist. "Past winners have demonstrated their skills and expertise in every area of crop spraying, from the initial agronomy decisions through to the storage and handling of products, and to the final point of accurate and, above all, safe application."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.