The seven G500V models span 6.1-12.5m (20-41ft) working widths, each with a knife that can be moved across a 575mm fore/aft range to ensure consistent crop flow in all crop types and conditions.

Wider models feature new hydraulically operated gauge wheels that can be switched from the cab between transport and field mode, making it unnecessary to manually raise the wheels before loading the header on its trailer. (De)coupling time is minimised thanks to connections grouped on the left-hand side only and a single PTO, the manufacturer said.

New VariCut headers feature inline knife drive with fully linear output shaft motion for smooth operation with minimal vibration. The belt drive has been replaced by gearboxes and a telescopic PTO, reducing overall driveline maintenance requirements and easing the operator workload to maximise comfort.

The 10.5m/35ft and 12.5m/41ft models feature 100% synchronised dual knife drive, where the right-hand knife is driven via the intake auger, an upgrade which helps further minimise vibration. A knife speed increase from 660rpm to 735rpm enables higher forward speeds without compromising cutting performance, maximising capacity.

‘Exploiting full potential of combines’

The auger stripper setting can now be altered from the rear of the header, encouraging operators to regularly check for correct adjustment and to ensure even and consistent crop flow.

The new auger height adjustment assembly provides two pre-set positions: a high one primarily for rapeseed/canola and a low one for small grains. This requires simply loosening four bolts and rotating the over-centre cam system, reducing adjustment time on single-span augers by 25%.

A new click-on side knife with an aluminium cast frame is one-third lighter than the outgoing design. Over-centre locking retains the side knife or divider assemblies, cutting knife removal time by 50%, while lighter knives mean easier handling.

Andreas Saile, Case IH crop harvesting business manager for Europe, explained: “The new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers are designed specifically to help customers and operators of Case IH Axial-Flow 160 and 260 series combines and the new AF series combines to get the best performance from their machines.

“Improvements from the gauge wheels to the couplings, plus the lighter click-on sideknife, mean quicker set-up, enabling operators to get going faster in the field. With the main knife speed increase improving throughput and the new knife drive cutting maintenance time, these upgrades collectively allow users to exploit the full potential of their combines.”

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New for the 2025 season is the HarvestPro range from Profitable Farming Company Ltd (PFC).

With more than 20 years’ experience selling an imported product, PFC has now launched a UK-built system which it says surpasses the previous system.

The newly formulated HarvestPro acid is baler-safe and has the market-leading low application rates per tonne of hay or straw, PFC says.

This is essential to maximise the baler efficiency without having refill stoppages during the day.

HarvestPro acid is also non-ADR (non-hazardous). This makes transport cheaper and safer compared to the previous product, according to PFC.

Top of the company’s priority list after meeting the market-leading criteria for strength and reliability was the cost. HarvestPro is now the most cost-effective acid for hay and straw per tonne, PFC reckons.

To complete the package the HarvestPro applicator will apply a fixed rate or variable rate to meet your requirements.

The application rates are in 0.1-litre/tonne increments to maintain exceptional efficiency and cost savings. Utilising various sensors, the system adapts to moisture and baler output changes.

At the core of the system is the moisture sensor that is “world-leading in precision” with up to 50% more accuracy than the previous star wheel system.

The moisture sensor is zero-to-near contactless depending on the specification. This maximises the reliability and service life which was an issue with the bearing on the old star wheel design.

The moisture sensor has the ability to be calibrated if you feel it is incorrect against other devices, so there are no excuses for bad bales, with the most accurate moisture sensor available anywhere in the world, PFC says.

The cost savings of the applicator are between 30–50%, vastly increasing your profit margins.

PFC concludes: “We are excited to be able to support our current customer base with older technology and welcome a new era of technology, precision and cost savings.”

Cereals stand number: 328a

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Identifiable via new end panels that match the ‘natural flow’ styling of the latest New Holland combines and New Holland Varifeed headers feature multiple updates to enhance intake and minimise losses, the manufacturer said.

All Varifeed models offer 575mm of fore-aft knife travel to allow adjustment for high-volume crops such as rapeseed.

The new inline knife drive on all models means output shaft motion is now fully linear, delivering direct, efficient power for smooth, precise cutting with less vibration, noise, and with greater cutting force — especially in tough materials and at higher ground speeds.

Furthermore, the previous belt drive design has been replaced by gearboxes and a telescopic shaft, reducing driveline maintenance needs, the manufacturer added.

Where currently only the largest 12.5m (41ft) Varifeed header features a dual, unsynchronised knife drive, both the 12.5m (41ft) and the 10.5m (35ft) Varifeed now feature a 100% synchronised dual knife drive, with the right-hand knife driven via the in-feed auger, significantly reducing vibration.

Knife speed has been increased by 11% to 735 rpm to enable higher forward ground speed with the same cutting performance. This is matched by the intake capability of a heavy-duty 660mm reinforced auger.

The new auger height adjustment assembly provides two pre-set positions: high for rapeseed and low for small grains. This new feature reduces adjustment time by 75% – from 20 minutes to just five – on single span augers.

All headers have a single PTO connection on the left-hand side to minimise connection and disconnection time. A two-position auger setting allows quick readjustment when switching between rapeseed and small grains.

There is also a new ‘plug-and-play’ click-on side-knife design which cuts installation and removal to around five minutes, aided by a one-third reduction in weight thanks to aluminium construction.

New hydraulically operated gauge wheels mean transport/trailer mode or field mode can be selected from the cab, alleviating the need to raise the wheels manually before the header is loaded on the trailer.

CX5/6 and CH7 series combine updates

To meet more demanding conditions, the UltraFlow drum, previously only available on CX6 combines, is now optional on CX5 models, New Holland confirmed.

Its staggered profile helps manage uneven loading and improves threshing performance by providing smoother crop flow, quieter operation, reduced fuel consumption and up to a 10% capacity increase.

The CX5 and CX6, and CH7 hybrid combines – which feature drum-and-concave and Twin Rotor technology – now benefit from a revised Smart Sieve option and remote sieve adjustment.

Pre-sieve adjustment is now mechanically linked to upper sieve movement: when the upper sieve is adjusted, the pre-sieve follows accordingly, saving time and ensuring matched performance. The offset between the upper sieve and pre-sieve can still be adjusted mechanically.

For units equipped with the manual sieve adjustment feature and with Smart Sieve levelling to counter sloping terrain, the pre-sieve can now be more easily adjusted from the rear via a new lever.

On Hillside versions of the CX5.90 and CX6.90 combines, an additional sensor now controls the powered rear axle, while another on the rear lift system detects slope changes and automatically disengages the rear axle drive.

For chaff spreaders specified with remote-controlled deflectors, crop build-up on the spreading system and deflector blockages are now prevented as the deflectors automatically move fully to the right and left when threshing is disengaged. Once this movement is complete, the deflectors return to the original position.

All CX5/6 and CH7 combines for Europe now feature a rear camera to enhance visibility and safety as standard.

Smart Sieve and powered rear axle options for TC combines

The manufacturer said that since its debut in 1992, New Holland’s TC combine has achieved remarkable global reach with 75,000 units produced.

Its relevance extends beyond Europe, making significant contributions to agricultural markets in Brazil and Africa. Initially manufactured in Zedelgem (Belgium) until 2002, today’s TC combines are produced in Plock (Poland) and Curitiba (Brazil).

From the four-walker TC4.90 to the five-walker TC5.70, TC5.90 and TC5.90 Hillside, the range receives multiple updates for 2026, complementing recent upgrades including hinged right-hand cab glass, an air-suspended seat, a compressed air line and a Bluetooth DAB+ radio.

New standard features include the rear camera detailed above. The Smart Sieve option detailed in the CX5/6 and CH update will also be available for TC5 models for European markets, as will the powered rear axle update.

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The manufacturer explained that the next generation of fixed and variable chamber round balers has been designed to deliver superior performance, intelligent connectivity and high-quality bales.

The new series offers increased productivity, advanced automation and user-friendly features. These innovations are aimed at providing farmers with highly efficient and reliable solutions for their baling needs.

All models of the new generation of round balers from John Deere are equipped with advanced ISOBUS capabilities, ensuring complete machine integration into the John Deere Operations Centre.

This intelligent connection ensures that farmers can monitor bale quality on the go and thus operate more efficiently in the field. The connectivity feature allows for seamless synchronisation and secure storage of all invoicing-relevant information when leaving the field, John Deere said.

Additionally, an optional moisture monitoring feature measures the average moisture per bale in real-time and alerts the operator on the tractor display if the moisture content deviates from the pre-defined setting.

Tracking each bale’s size, drop location and moisture levels and documenting this data in the John Deere Operations Centre offers, for instance, the number of bales per field and dry-matter maps.

Philippe Steinmann, product marketing manager Europe at John Deere, said: “With this new generation of round balers, we’re delivering more than just power and productivity.

“We’re giving farmers a smarter, more connected baling experience, one that combines automation, precision, and exceptional comfort to help them get the most out of every field and every bale.”

500R sprayer

John Deere has also unveiled its new 500R flagship sprayer, designed to deliver top-tier performance with exceptional precision. This advanced sprayer ensures every drop hits the crop where it counts, thanks to its precise application control and perfect boom positioning, the manufacturer confirmed.

The premium cab prioritises driver comfort with numerous features and enhanced machine control.

John Deere said that the 500R’s design is a direct response to the needs and expectations of today’s farmers. Visibility from the cab to the boom has been maximised, giving operators a clear view of their working environment for safer and more efficient spraying.

The machine’s weight is evenly distributed, enhancing traction both in the field and on the road. Its narrow profile makes road transport easier and safer while still accommodating a large platform between the fluid tank and cabin.

The fully pressurised cab with Cat. 4 filtration protects operators from exposure to chemicals during spraying operations.

The combination of PowrSpray, ExactApply, and BoomTrac Pro 2 delivers up to 98% accuracy in spraying applications. PowrSpray is a dual-circuit pump system developed exclusively by John Deere.

Its key component, the Direct Rate Controller on the spray pump, can change output from minimum to maximum in less than three seconds, maintaining a consistent application rate even when forward speed changes.

ExactApply offers highly precise spray control through individual nozzle management and pulse width modulation, which maintains a constant droplet size across a large ground speed range, thus maximising application quality.

The automatic turn compensation ensures a constant application rate in case the machine follows a curved track, and the new multi-meter feature allows up to 11 different rates across the boom, bringing application to an even higher precision.

Solenne Bourgeois, product marketing manager in Europe for John Deere, emphasises the integrated nature of the 500R: “The new 500R is 100% John Deere made: it features the same premium cab as our combines, trusted suspension from our US self-propelled sprayers, the powerful engine from the 6R 250 tractor, and the proven PowrSpray technology from our successful R900i trailed sprayer.

“It’s a machine built for exceptional comfort, intuitive control, and smart spraying – delivering the performance farmers expect from John Deere.”

F8 and F9 forage harvesters

The manufacturer has also introduced its all-new self-propelled forage harvesters: the F8 and F9 series. These high-performance machines are designed to deliver a significantly improved driving experience, combined with advanced automation and precision farming technology as well as a further enhanced silage quality.

The manufacturer said that the F8 and F9 forage harvesters feature major enhancements to improve the operator’s driving experience. Starting with a new cabin that is wider and more comfortable for the driver up to the optional electric door closer that ensures a perfect seal every time.

Inside the cab, clever storage solutions allow users to find the perfect spot for all their items, from armrest compartments to behind-seat storage. There are dedicated holders for smartphones, keys, or larger items, as well as hot and cold beverages.

The premium infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, radio, streaming, and hands-free calling, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality. Multiple charging options, including 12V and USB ports, are conveniently placed for all power needs, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for seamless access to calls, messages, music, and voice commands.

The ActiveSeat in the F8 and F9 series swivels 16° to the right and to the left for easy access and exceptional visibility. The optional ActiveSeat II also offers fully adjustable electric controls, cooling/heating, a massage function, and active suspension technology that isolates up to 90% of vertical movements for a smooth ride.

John Deere continued that the F8 and F9 forage harvesters are equipped with intuitive controls for machine and harvesting settings to enhance user experience. Machine settings can be stored in different driver profiles, allowing for a quick start of harvesting without the need to adjust settings with every change of driver.

The new ergonomic CommandPRO joystick, featuring up to 11 customisable buttons, is easily programmed via the touchscreen of the G5/G5Plus CommandCenter display. This includes settings for header folding, spout lift, AutoTrac, ProTouch, Machine Sync, 4WD and more.

Philippe Steinmann, product marketing manager Europe at John Deere, said: “The F8 and F9 can be equipped with advanced automation and John Deere Precision Ag Technology, the best we ever offered in forage harvesting.

“From Ground Speed Automation to intelligent crop tracking or ProTouch Harvest, these features help operators to focus on the harvesting job, boosting both efficiency and forage quality.”

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The decision was made following the imminent retirement of the managing director Mike Stokes and the ongoing health issues of the finance director Libby Moore, along with the downward trend of the agricultural industry, the company confirmed.

The workshop will continue to carry out repairs through to the end of May 2025 but will not take on and accept any further repair jobs after that date.

The parts department will continue trading through to May 31st 2025 and for a short period after.

Items can be purchased from their existing stock, however, the dealership will not be accepting orders for non-stock items.

Johnson Bros added that details of a full sale will be advertised in due course.

‘Decision was not taken lightly’

The directors of Johnson Bros said: “We confirm that the company is solvent, and all the staff will be supported during this time.

“Mike stated that after 60 years in the industry this decision was not taken lightly.

“He would like to express on behalf of the company his sincere thanks to all the staff, past and present, customers and distributors that have supported the company over the past years, allowing the company to develop into a well respected business.”

Any queries regarding the closure should be directed to mike@johnson-bros.co.uk

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The milestone will be celebrated globally with special displays at shows and exhibitions, New Holland confirmed.

The manufacturer said that over 70,000 TR and CR Twin Rotor combines have been produced globally to date.

New Holland’s Centre of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium, has recently undergone significant investment and upgrading for production of the latest CR10 and CR11 models.

READ MORE: New Holland announces top dealers of 2024

READ MORE: New Holland returns to World FIRA 2025

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New Holland enters combine market

Well-known for its expertise in grassland farming products such as balers and forage harvesting equipment, New Holland, then primarily a US-based manufacturer, entered the combine market in 1964 when it acquired Belgian company Claeys, which had introduced its first self-propelled combine in 1952.

Over the decade that followed the acquisition, New Holland continued to develop the conventional straw-walker combine line it had acquired but, during the 1960s, began to investigate new ways of threshing and separating grain to boost output, increase cleanliness and reduce losses.

The first Twin Rotor combine

To do this, New Holland engineers studied centrifugal force and its potential for separating grain from plant matter, an innovative concept distinctly different from the drum/concave and straw-walker traditional method of threshing and separation.

The first development machine, adapted from a 985 straw-walker model from the Claeys factory in Belgium, was trialled in corn in 1968 and wheat the following year.

The trials showed benefits from splitting the incoming crop flow from the elevator/feeder house into two streams, feeding it into two counter-rotating longitudinal rotors working against longitudinal concaves that consisted of threshing sections followed by separation sections.

The high speed of the rotors meant centrifugal force ejected much of the grain through the concaves, minimising grain damage when compared to conventional drum and concave threshing and minimising losses when set against straw-walker separation.

By 1969, a totally new combine design with these internal elements was under test, and in 1975 the first production model, the TR70 with a 145hp engine and 5,550-litre/158-bushel grain tank, was launched – the first New Holland combine built in the USA. For 1979 it was replaced by the upgraded TR75, and joined by a larger companion, the TR85.

Over the next two decades the range evolved, with the 25,000th TR combine produced in 1997.

European high-capacity combine development had taken a separate path with the development of the Twin-Flow combines introduced in 1983. These used a conventional drum and concave followed by a large beater and rotary separator and then a lateral Twin Flow rotor that split the crop into two streams to separate the final grains.

However, by the late 1990s, New Holland engineers in Europe and North America began work on a totally new Twin Rotor design that would meet the needs of farmers around the world in all types of combinable crop.

Introduced in 2002 and blending key features from the TR and TF machines with new developments and styling, the new 333hp CR960 and 428hp CR980 were initially built in the USA, before production was transferred in 2005 to the Zedelgem plant in Belgium.

The CR960 featured twin rotors of 432mm/17in diameter, with larger 560mm/22in diameter units on the CR980, which had a 12,500-litre/355-bushel grain tank. Operators benefitted from a completely new cab design.

The range was gradually expanded and introduced features including IntelliSense combine automation, Dynamic Flow Control remotely-adjustable rotor vanes, Dynamic Feed Roll technology and Opti-Spread Plus residue management.

Development of the Elevation models in 2007 introduced IntelliCruise feed rate control for maximum output, and Opti-Clean cleaning technology to further enhance grain cleanliness. These and other innovations have earned the TR and CR combines multiple industry awards throughout the world.

The next development was the CR7.90, CR8.90, CR9.90 and CR10.90 models, with the latter machine in 2014 taking the Guinness World Record for the most wheat harvested in eight hours, at 797.656 tonnes (29,308 bushels). The record still stands today.

The New Holland CR combine range is now topped by the recently introduced CR11 (775hp, 20,000-litre/567-bushel tank capacity) and CR10 (634hp, 16,000-litre/454-bushel grain tank) models.

Like their forebears, they continue to incorporate proven Twin Rotor technology but have more capacity than ever, with greater power and tank volume matched by rotors with a diameter of 600mm/24in and a length of 3,600mm/142in, to maximise crop handling capacity, ensure thorough threshing and separation, and protect grain quality.

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Imported by Norfolk-based J Riley Beet Harvesters, Vervaet models account for the lion’s share of the 15–20 new machine UK beet harvester market. The Dutch manufacturer offers four-wheel 18 and 21t, and six-wheel 21t models, but the Q616 with four wheels and an 18t capacity hopper is by far the most popular here, being well matched with 20t trailers when unloading on the move.

“Vervaet beet harvesters are known for their high residual values, which is an important consideration for farmers and contractors investing in this sort of machinery,” explained managing director, Matt Carse. “At J Riley, we pride ourselves in the back-up we offer our customers, and that extends just as much to older models dating back to the 1990s as for the latest machines.”

Most popular model updated

The most visible upgrades for the 2025/26 harvesting season are refreshed livery, and a completely new cab. Vervaet’s traditional red continues to dominate, but there is also metallic grey, and the wheels are black – replacing the previous creamy white. As before, the cab is from Claas.

The updated beet harvester has the latest X11 version from the Trion combine with more space, narrower windscreen pillars, a larger door and a bigger glass area for increased visibility. Hidden from view is a completely new electric system, new shock protection for the lifting shares and significantly quicker hopper emptying.

Improved topping and lifting

Vervaet’s Gen 3 lifter and topper are now standard, incorporating new potentiometers bringing extra reliability and accuracy to the auto-steer system. Complementing the automatic steering, improved automatic machine levelling to 8 degrees left and right makes it easier for the guide wheels to maintain a central position between the rows for optimum row following.

A combi-topper with an integral mulcher offers users the choice of discharging tops out of the side or chopping and dropping them between the beet rows.

One of the main topper upgrades is hydraulic stone protection for the lifting shares. Each pair of shares is held in its working position by a pressurised hydraulic ram. If the lifting assemblies strike large stones or other solid objects, then they can move back and upwards avoiding damage.

As soon as the obstruction has been passed then the shares automatically return to the working position. Matt commented that although impact damage to shares is rare, the protection system provides additional benefits including reduced wear and tear.

This is because the hydraulic rams permit a small amount of controlled movement when operating on hard, dry or stony ground, reducing chipping and damage to the tungsten leading edges and extending the working life.

The new header also benefits from a streamlined hydraulic circuit with reduced oil flow resistance, reducing operating temperature and saving fuel.

Extra reliability with more features

The new full Can-bus electrical circuit increases reliability, while also allowing new features to improve the operator experience. This includes the ability to select almost any combination of individual work and road lights to suit any situation. The camera monitoring system is also more versatile with extra automation, and a 360-degree ‘overhead view’ is now standard.

Hopper emptying management is new. Previously hydraulic pressure sensors monitored the unloading elevator working load and the main bunker floor chain switched on and off as required to supply more beet. This worked well, but the basic on/off action meant the unloading rate varied.

The new system is proportionate, simply adjusting the floor chain speed to maintain a constant supply to the elevator. Keeping it full without running the bed chain excessively saves fuel while reducing wear and tear, and it also reduces damage to the beet.

Although the unloading elevator is the same as before, the new proportional feed system means it unloads some 30% faster. During the Farmers Guide test drive, the 21t tank of the Dutch demonstration machine emptied in approximately 56 seconds.

More space, extra visibility

The latest Claas cab is more spacious, but it also feels much larger due to the narrower corner pillars. Vents previously within the pillars are now in the roof in two rows – one at the front against the windscreen that keeps the screen clear and warms the operator’s feet, while a second row nearer the driver allows a more targeted flow of warm or cold air.

The main control terminal features new navigation – making it quicker and easier to identify and select menus and settings for any aspect of operation. As before, all the main functions are operated through the main joystick, but the new electrical system gives a more precise feel.

Vervaet has also improved maintenance access. Diesel and AdBlue fillers are side by side and easily reached through the rear door.

First test drive

The Farmers Guide test drive was on a Norfolk farm in early February. The demonstration machine spent harvest in Holland and Germany before arriving in the UK for the final few weeks of harvest. Although in all other respects it was like the 18t Q616, the prototype was a Q621 version with a 21t hopper.

The Vervaet is very easy to drive. Controls are intuitive and the main joystick provides ultra-precise travel speed control. The view from the seat is excellent, including of the lifters and the cleaning table. The test machine was set up so that when reverse is selected, the in-cab screen display switches to show the view to the rear.

The new, standard, 360-degree ‘overhead view’ was a big help when manoeuvring in tight field corners. The DAF engine at the rear operates at a low, 1,200rpm for most of the time and there is little noise from the hydraulic drives. The demonstration machine had the standard seat which was comfortable, but buyers can also upgrade to a seat with electric heating and ventilation.

Recent Vervaet convert

Farmers Guide visited a farming and contracting operation which recently changed from a competitor brand machine to a second-hand Vervaet from J Riley.

Trading as CJC Lee and operating from a base at Saxthorpe in north Norfolk, the business sold its previous tracked harvester and bought the Q616 last year. “I really like it,” commented operator, Ben Baker. “It’s simple and easy to work on and if issues occur then we can often fix them ourselves, with advice over the phone from the knowledgeable J Riley team if needed.

“The dealer holds huge stocks of parts, so we are never stopped for long. From Matt Carse to the parts counter and workshop engineers, it’s brilliant service.”

When Farmers Guide visited in early February, the Q616 had almost completed its third harvest, and recorded approximately 3,300 engine working hours. “We knew the reputation of Vervaet and J Riley, so when our previous harvester was due for updating and there wasn’t a modern equivalent, then moving to Vervaet was the obvious choice.

“I worried moving from a tracked machine to wheels and thought we might struggle in the wet, but these large tyres perform well and when conditions are tricky then engaging the diff locks makes a huge difference. I far prefer tyres now – there is less vibration, it’s better on the road at 40kph and the header seems to float so it’s a more comfortable ride.”

Ben said that the Vervaet is easy to set up, and the lifting shares provide advantages compared to the Oppel wheels he used previously, adding: “The automatic steering system works well, the cab is comfortable and with the engine at only 1,200rpm most of the time, it never seems to work hard and seems economical.”

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Having previously used a conventional header for grain maize harvesting, James Forrest decided to invest in a C7508 CF Corn Header from MacDon for the 2024 harvest. Unlike a conventional header, which takes on the whole crop including stalks, with the MacDon C Series, only the cob goes through to the combine, while rollers push the stalk out of the bottom to be chopped up.

Commenting on the benefits, Rob Hale, farm foreman for RH Forrest & Co said: “It’s a lot easier to feed the crop through, it speeds up harvest considerably, there’s less wear and tear on the combine compared to a conventional header – which has to take in the whole crop including stalking, and the MacDon header will pick up lodged crop better.” 

He estimates the harvest took half the time with the new header. Asked if there were any improvements he would make, he said he was very happy with its operation and wouldn’t change anything.

Made in Hungary, the header is fairly new to the UK and although MacDon has been making maize headers for many years, 2024 was the first year they operated in the UK. With this in mind, MacDon area sales and product support, Simon Kirk, visited RH Forrest on the day of our visit to find out how they were getting on with the header and to get feedback on any improvements needed. But the only suggestion was to move one of the indicators to a more visible location.

Competitively priced maize header

Maize is grown as a break crop at RH Forrest, in outlying fields that are unsuitable for sugar beet. 2024 was the 4,000-acre farm’s third grain maize harvest over the past four years and completed a couple of days after our visit in mid-November.

James opted for an eight-row 75cm chopping header from MacDon, which folds up for transport, to be used with his Claas Lexion 8900 combine. The header includes the OctiRoll system, which means rollers pull the stalk down and complete the chopping and crimping all in one system, Simon explained.

The MacDon header is only the second one sold by dealer Ernest Doe’s local branch, so much of the support came directly from MacDon itself and Rob said they were very helpful – and Ernest Doe was also just down the road if they needed anything.

The header ranges from 6–16 rows and there is currently a 12-row and 16-row in the UK, Simon said. MacDon C Series Headers are designed to fit most major brand combines with an easy to install completion package, and little adjustment is needed.

Big yield potential

RH Forrest has moved to grain maize over the past four years as it’s a crop that can cope more easily with difficult weather, and there are “big yield potentials”, Rob explained. It’s a far more reliable crop now than OSR or beans, the latter of which is a ‘feast or famine’ crop, only reaping a profit in one in every five years. “This year was a good year, but the five previous years were pretty average to poor, whereas maize is a fairly durable crop. It will stick the weather well, particularly in seasons like this one,” he added.

The maize was drilled in early- to mid-May, a little late as they had to finish drilling the sugar beet first – and when they finally started on maize, they had 60mm of rain within 24 hours of drilling the first block, which not only impacted the emergence of the crop, it also delayed the drilling of the next 30ha by a fortnight. In a more average season than last year they would have been able to start harvesting in late October, which would have put them in a better position for getting a crop in behind it, Rob said.

This aside, they were lucky with the weather in the first couple of weeks of November. The crop was harvested with a moisture content of 33% and dried to 15% with first a floor dryer then a batch dryer.

Around 45ha was drilled in 2024, at a seed rate of 80,000 due to the shorter growing period, but they are looking to increase the acreage going forward on some of the contract farms further afield, Rob said. It’s hoped they will achieve 8.5–9 tonnes/ha but there is potential for 11–13t/ha if maize is drilled in good time and the weather is favourable. It had 150kg N per hectare and target margins are £1,000/ha.

Currently, James is only growing maize on his own farm, but there are plans to drill maize on contract farms next year.

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A spokesperson for Farmstar said that while the heads of terms have been agreed, the finalisation of the deal is ongoing.

“Plans are firmly in place to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for customers and staff, with uninterrupted service guaranteed throughout the process.

“This acquisition not only preserves the excellent service already provided by Farmstar Newark, but also introduces new product ranges to the region,” they added.

The company confirmed that the Newark depot will remain fully operational throughout the transition, with all current staff being retained by Henton and Chattell.

‘Best outcome for all parties involved’

Sam Davies of Farmstar Ltd, said: “This deal represents the best outcome for all parties involved. The key aspect for us is that our loyal staff will transfer over and we are confident that Henton and Chattell will continue to provide excellent service within the area.”

The company said that further updates will be provided upon completion of the deal.

Farmstar was founded in 1988 as an agricultural machinery hire and lease business. The company operates from four depots, including the Newark one that has recently been sold.

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Fendt has won the gold award for its new 600 Series Vario tractor. The machine redefines the mid-range tractor market with its combination of advanced technology, operator comfort, and efficiency. 

Offering four models (164–224hp), it incorporates innovations from larger Fendt tractors, tailored for UK and Irish farmers, where 62% of Fendt sales in 2023 were in the 130–220hp range. 

At its core is the newly developed AGCO CORE50 engine, a 5L, 4-cylinder powerhouse delivering higher torque (+30Nm) than the larger 720 model, thanks to Fendt’s reduced RPM strategy. Designed for future fuels, it integrates seamlessly with the tractor’s engineering for maximum efficiency.  

The Dynamic Performance feature provides an extra 15hp for auxiliary tasks, ensuring operators can fully utilise the stated horsepower, the manufacturer confirmed. 

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Silver and bronze winners 

The silver prize went to JCB Agriculture for its TM280 compact telescopic wheel loader. The manufacturer said that the wheel loader brings the dependable power of the company’s other models, only in a more compact package.  

It is ideal for smaller farms. The TM280 is built for comfort, productivity, strength and durability, all underpinned by the quality the company is renowned for, JCB Agriculture added.

The bronze award has gone to CaseIH for its high-output AF10 Combine, completing a new series for the company and offering grain tank capacity of 20,000 litres and a new 762mm diameter AFXL rotor, the longest in the industry at 3.67m. 

Powered by a 775 HP C16 engine, the single-rotor AF10 raises the bar for Class 10+ combines. It comes standard with powerful technology to improve efficiency and productivity, the manufacturer confirmed.

Read more LAMMA news in our LAMMA 2025 hub. 

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