'Must reads' in this issue
One-tonne farm UTV that's stronger, cheaper than any side by side from Deere, Kubota, Polaris. Tows an Ifor livestock trailer with 2 cows; carries a 1 ton pallet of feed. Been at work four years. Project done by local engineer.
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"Am I in the right field?" Many drivers don't know the farm well. It's got too many fields to remember; they work as contractors. They get on the phone. If there's a signal. Our contributor designed this GPS black box which is loaded with field data and made one for each tractor. Could be developed for contractors.
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Pensions are important - farmers put off retirement and see the farm as their pension pot. Our Financial Focus takes a farmer’s look at the long term tax and financial incentives; how it can help in succession planning. Rural accountants don't always provide the best advice.
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Logs drop straight in! Phyllis Patterson does her share of chainsawing and is delighted with the way the log gripper her husband Ernie has made fits to the side of the link box. No picking up, and so more sawing.
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Hungry mice feed on cauli heads. This farmer stops the damage by feeding the mice. he doesn't want to use poison as it kills other species, and possibly pets. Neat home made idea.
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Herringbone parlours retaining bar keeps the last batch of cows in position.
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We all use disc grinders, and experience kick-back. The result is an annual total of 6,000 facial injuries. Wearing a welding helmet with a grinder setting protects your face from injury.
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The Soil+ Cover Cropping International section
✓ visits farmers who have won prizes for their soil conservation;
✓ looks at the role of beetles in slug control;
✓ has a guide to 27 soil enhancing plants which are used for covers, giving details of soil type, planting season, durability, how they work, and more.
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Email me for details editor@farmideas.co.uk
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Best wishes
Mike Donovan, editor & publisher
Subscritions to: PFI Subs, 11 St Mary's St, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0PY T: 01994 240978
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