Alton and Petersfield NFU branch has given Damian Hinds MP a fascinating insight into modern arable farming at harvest-time.
The MP attended an on-farm briefing on Friday (September 2), hosted by father and son Antony and Giles Porter who farm combinable crops around Bentley and Crondall in Hampshire.
Technology was under the spotlight as Damian Hinds rode in the cab of the Porter family’s Claas combine harvester as it harvested wheat. Mr Hinds witnessed how GPS satellite technology enables the combine to record crop yields for each field on a yield map. He also heard how arable farmers are independently audited and must meet rigorous standards in order to market their crops.
Antony Porter said: “The NFU offered Damian Hinds MP an opportunity to see harvesting in operation and he readily accepted. He spent one-and-a-half hours looking at harvesting, riding in the combine and seeing the grain storage facilities. The MP saw the very latest technology in action on the combine.”
Mr Porter explained that his Claas combine is linked to the manufacturer’s computer when it is operating. The manufacturer gives the farmer a daily report on the combine’s performance, suggesting how adjustments can be made to improve the machine’s performance.
This harvest-time briefing by Alton and Petersfield NFU branch followed its earlier meeting with the MP during the spring.
Notes To Editors:
NFU South East, Unit 8, Rotherbrook Court, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3QG Telephone: 01730 711950 ISDN: 01730 266023 Http://www.nfuonline.com
The NFU is the voice of British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.
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