Friday May 30, 2014

Day 86...

Soil, Plants and Crops & Grassland
The day began with an identification task - we had a list of pictures and had to decide which crop they were before using another set of product pictures and identifying which of the crops goes into producing them! We then watched a video on harvest timings and by-products - answering a question sheet as the video went on.
We then were split into groups and given hand outs on various topical issues with regards to crops, global growth, markets etc. and had to devise a set of questions that we would then ask the other groups and visa versa - this was a strategic task for those who thoroughly read the articles and devised questions accordingly!

Tutorial
This, for the three of us who turned up, was about whether we needed to come in next week - unfinished assignment work is to be completed in class time during next week. Luckily I will not need to attend (as long as I complete my last assignment in the library this afternoon!), however, I am coming in on Wednesday for a last preparation teleporter session before attending the telescopic handler test on Monday and Tuesday 9th & 10th June.

Extended National Diploma in Agriculture Year One - Complete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its been a roller coaster of a year and a not so pleasant experience being a mature student in a group of mostly young others, I started off learning a great deal of new things whether in theory lessons or practical sessions and gained lots more confidence carrying out machinery tasks and animal procedures (Its a shame some people hindered the learning of its full potential, anyhoo..) Lets see what year two brings...

Thursday May 29, 2014

Day 85..

Machinery
Practical

Our morning practical turned into another teleporter handling session - practice for those soon to be doing the test! And today we had the bucket attached and headed off to the muck heaps for some joystick and boom action! The more compact your muckheap is, the easier it will rot down and the higher the temperature will be so that any parasites, eggs or larvae are killed off before it is spread back onto the fields. A muckheap that has been shaped into different levels or steps makes it far easier for a tractor to come in and remove it one level at a time, but for farmers this is time consuming, so the idea behind 'pushing-up' is to compact the muck and make more space for new muck to be stacked. It is quite difficult to move the teleporter forward whilst grabbing muck with the bucket whilst tipping the bucket the right ways so not to spill anything whilst extending the boom whilst moving the boom up and down!!! But great fun!


Livestock
Theory

This lesson turned into a coursework review lesson with Dom going through all our grades and modules. One assignment to do and I will have completed all the course work for this year! (excluding any resubmission work that I could have to do!) Here's to one more day!!!!!

Wednesday May 28, 2014

Day 84..

Another day out of the office! Today we visited Househam Sprayers at their two sites; Leadenham - head office and site of first assembly, some fabrication work, shot blasting and paint spraying and Woodhall Spa - where the second stage of fit happens (to full build), where second hand/trade in machines are refurbished and where they facilitate a parts, sales and services store!
Househam Sprayers Ltd are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of agricultural sprayers, crop sprayers and amenity sprayers - specialising in self propelled machines.
There are three models of the sprayer, the AR range (Air Ride), the Merlin and the Spirit (the most basic model starting at approximately £90,000). As we walked round both sites we were able to see the whole production process from the steel as it arrives to the boom wiring to the tank and cab installations. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Househam products with hands on experience of working in various department around the company. They have a dedicated engineering team that not only cad designs every model, but who also research and develop and utilise the very latest technology so that it can be incorporated into their sprayer designs.
Housham has developed sprayers to suit any crop or soil type from lightweight models such as the AR2000 litre to the more heavy duty model - the AR6000 litre.  They can also work with specialist machines such as the extra high ground clearance Cotton Boss as well as the Veg Boss, Strawberry Sprayer and other bespoke machines. Househam's most popular machine in the self-propelled range is the AR 3000 litre.
A great look round, a great host and a great lunch! 
 

Friday May 23, 2014

Day 83..

Maths (extra tuition)
A good lesson today working out the fertiliser application rates as per my recent crops assignment! We then moved on to dimensions as per my latest livestock husbandry assignment working out the square metres required for my chosen housing systems!

Plants & Crops
No teacher today so this time was spent in the library doing assignment work for this lesson!

Grassland
Post-assignment feedback session today where we individually got the results for our grass growth and establishment assignment.

Tutorial
Today we had a visit from Pam Ellis (head of FE) to provide us with our course review feedback, following the meeting we had with martin (pam's assistant) to discuss the points of the course we did or did not like! Roll on year 2!!!

Thursday May 22, 2014

Day 82..

'Back in class'

I started off the day with some actual machinery operating! While Dom set off shearing all day, Andy was providing a JCB refresher lesson - for those who are doing their teleporter handling tests in the next few weeks. We went over the safety checks before operating the machine and then started with some basic handling operations - and safe stop / start procedures etc. For example, every time the machine is put into reverse you must check over each shoulder before travelling. We then practiced some lifting and dropping off! Quite difficult when you cant see the end of the forks but, here what you should do is stop the machine and then get out and check! Enjoyed the session, finally got the gist of the joystick operation - left = up - right = down!!! (fork toe). And, feel better for having had another go in the machine before being faced with a test in two weeks!

The afternoon was spent down at durdham farm shearing sheep - well, those that were not too wet from the heavy rain in the night. I had a go doing a couple of sheep, although it felt really hard to do today! my legs just aren't long enough (or strong enough) for some of the manoeuvres required to keep the sheep in the correct position! The aim was to get those doing their blue seal certification up to standard, and although I enjoy doing the shearing - I'm just not sure I can do one without some assistance - so maybe I'll just keep practicing for now. I did however wrap quite a lot of fleeces up so hopefully I've mastered that technique now!

Wednesday May 21, 2014

Day 81..

'School trip'

Today we went off to the grassland and muck event at stoneleigh park, for live demonstrations of all the latest tech, from tractors and hay rakers to combine harvesters and bale wrappers! All the big name brands were on hand to show off their big and shiny agricultural machinery including jcb, class, massey ferguson and krone, with plenty of stands to walk round too!

There was also a live forum area with various talks throughout the day, and I enjoyed the 'getting more meat from grass talk' presented by an eblex representative and a beef producer from somerset! Basically, the longer you retain the best possible grass the better for the animal and the pocket!!! It's all about grassland management and the importance of it!

No shopping for me I'm afraid, I'm one of those poor farmers ;-) - but did manage to acquire a few new pens!

Friday May 16, 2014

Day 80..

Soil Science and Crop Production
Today we completed a p5 criteria test!!! This was on plant processes. We each selected a crop that we then needed to provide a six month action plan on incorporating planting, growing and cultivation. Within this plan I discussed the plant processes and plant husbandry such as fertilising, irrigation and weed control for my crop of potatoes!

Grassland Management
Today we looked at interpreting a silage analysis, which is carried out to identify any problems in the silage, provide the nutritional qualities and fermentation qualities. We then looked at some samples bought into class and had to work out their order of dry matter content:
Carrot 11% DM
Grass 18% DM
Potato 20% DM
Hay & Straw 87% DM
Grass nuts & Alfalfa 90 % DM

Tutorial
To the computer room for some more assignment work!!!

Thursday May 15, 2014

Day 79..

Machinery Morning
We hitched up the topper and the tipping trailer and went off to sheepwalks for some machinery operations!!! Grass grown for grazing is like no other crop as the swards need to produce as much vegetative growth as possible throughout the season - without heading! And a topper is used to help maximise productivity. Pasture toppers are more widely used by farmers for grassland weed control, especially to control thistles, but can also be done for pasture maintenance and cosmetic measures. We used an agrimaster 280 topper attached by three point linkage and driven by the PTO set to 520 (I think) for operating. We set the topper going to see the results!! Unlike a mower, topping, leaves the grass chopped up and spread out on the ground ready to be utilised as organic matter back in the ground.

Animal Afternoon

the fleece of a sheep's back... we looked at the wool side of shearing today, as this also has a price in sheep production. Dom explained that originally some sheep were bred for their wool, were kept for 6/6 fleeces and then went to the meat market as lamb - whereas these days we breed for the meat and the wool is a by-product! Breeds of sheep are graded according to the type of wool they produce: Fine (Rambouillet, Merino) Crossbred - Fine x Medium (Targhee, Corriedale, Columbia) Medium - Fine x Long (Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorset, Cheviot, Montadale, Southdown, Shropshire, Tunis, Polypay) Long - Course (Romnay, Border Leicester, Lincoln, Cotswold) Carpet - Double Coated (Scottish Blackface, Karakul, Icelandic) Hair - Shedding, not sheared (Katahdin, Dorper, Barbado).
We also had an introduction to BSE - or mad cow disease as it was more commonly known! Although this have virtually died out now, there are a few cases still recorded in Britain over the last few years.
We finished to day with two tests!!! A breeds test - Animal and its purpose (e.g. Dairy or beef) and a written test with regards to understanding and promoting animal health! fingers crossed for some more p grades met!

Wednesday May 14, 2014

Day seventy eight..

principles of land based machinery
we began the lesson with an introduction to the milking parlour - as this does form part of farming machinery! we looked at the different types of parlour / milking systems including herringbone (the most common), rotary, robot, abreast, auto tandem, milking bale and the traditional bucket and stool!!! we then entered into individual tutorials to discuss our pass criteria achievements for our machinery and land based machinery operation modules!

livestock practical
An afternoon of sheep shearing! After our introduction at the show at the weekend, we now have to attack the rest of the college herd! We worked in pairs with one on the power string at all times and in turns had a go at shearing a whole sheep! Dom was on hand to guide us round the sheep, telling us what lines to take with each blow. Luckily I had a really quiet sheep this time, with only a little wool on her brisket (chest and belly area). As she was young too, care needed to be taken around her teat area, as these were quite small! Once the fleece is shawn, it needs wrapping up by pulling in the sides alternatively then rolling up as tight as possible. It is then bagged ready for selling to the wool board or privately. Money is knocked off though if the fleece is not held together very well or is dirty (so remove any poops before wrapping up!)

Nottinghamshire County Show

Sheep Shearing

First sheep shearing demonstration of the day by me!

Dom carried out a demo first (to the small but enthusiastic audience) with a live sheep shearing explanatory show, then it was my go. The belly and first few neck blows were started off by dom then I stepped in to hold the sheep up with my knees and using the hand shears to carry out some long blows (cutting the wool away in continuous moves following the contours of the body).
half way through the sheep started wriggling and I lost grip, so we ended up laying her down and holding her there for me to finish the side and reach the back bone. I completed the shear and got the fleece off in one piece, so I am really pleased with my first attempt!!! blue seal here I come....

Friday May 9, 2014

Day 77..

plant, soil and agricultural crop production
first we were split in to groups to go off and research a specific harvester (combine etc) and my group were given a maize harvester. once back in class we gave a talk to the rest of the groups on our findings. we then watched one of the BBC's harvesting programmes from 2013 in which they followed a number of vegetable growers throughout their season - and we had to answer a question sheet along the way! we then had an introduction to good grain storage followed by selling grain on the different market places (yep, we have been given another assignment to do!!!)

grassland management
good trip today to sharmans dairy farm to have a 'field' walk to discuss grazing and field management. ian had a measuring tool and took field readings as we walked around and compared them to the analysis sheet for the previous week. The grass is measured on a weekly basis and the details entered into a computer program that works out where the cows need to be turned out after every milking. tracks have been put into reach almost every paddock as this enhances the welfare of the animals (less chance of slipping over) as well as better maintained fields (less poaching).

tutorial
access to computer facilities to carry on with assignment work!

Thursday May 8, 2014

Day 76..

Machinery practical..
today we carried out a maintenance/pre-season service check on the grass mower. this involved greasing, checking the blades and changing any that were worn out or chipped (in pairs so that one isn't weaker than another), checking the belts and referring to the manufacturers guide to ensure the right tension was applied (we had to slacken them off slightly), checking the frame and PTO shaft were in good working order (there was a snap in the frame that would just need to be welded back on - but should not affect immediate use), and we then had to check the oil in the gearbox - this overflowed when the drain plug was removed so we ran off the excess to the fill level. the curtain was in good condition so with that we stored it back in the barn for later use.

Livestock theory..
this afternoon we helped Dom take the sheep fencing and supplies to Newark showground ahead of the agricultural show at the weekend. there are a number of us having a go at sheep shearing as part of a demonstration display at the show and there will be a shearing trailer set up where the sheep are herded onto and the shearing can take place and be watched by the public.

Wednesday May 7, 2014

Day 75..

Farming Theory - today we were split into two groups the first investigated mowers and my group investigated toppers. We created a cross sectional drawing on the board and labelled the main parts before talking through the functions etc. We were then set the task of discussing the current legislation and codes of practice that influence the agriculture sector, for example, the health and safety at work act 1974 - affecting employers and employees, LOLER - lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations, PUWER - provision and use of work equipment regulations and COSHH - the control of substances hazardous to health. (Forms part of the D assessment criteria). Finally, in small groups we had to draw and label the main parts and components of a tractor and discuss the materials each were made out of and why, for example the cylinder block is made out of cast iron as this is durable, has a low melting point, good fluidity, castability, exceptional machinability and is ware resistant!

Farming Practical - this afternoon we had to relocate the set of later lambing ewes and their lambs to middle meadow but first we had to worm and ear tag the lambs! We herded the sheep into one of the lambing yards at home farm (eventually - after some of the ewes went one way and their lambs went another) so that we could separate them into two groups (one to keep one to go to market). The lambs received two oral solutions today: zermex - for the control of internal parasites such as gastro-intestinal round worms and lungworm and helps to prevent and treat external parasite psoroptic manage (scab). provides persistent action against scab mites for - 4 weeks, preventing infection or reinfection. Persistent action against stomach worms for up to 5 weeks. And, vecoxan - to treat and help prevent coccidial infections in lambs caused in particular, by the more pathogenic (infectious organisms) Eimeria species: E. crandallis & E. ovinoidalis. All the galway lambs were also ear tagged and recorded as this will remain on the farm or form part of lamb packs later!

Friday April 2, 2014

Day 74..

Plant & soil science and agricultural crop production
With a whole load of printed material and reference books and help from charlotte we worked our way through the remaining questions on our plant structure and function assignment. Part of this was handed in last week however there were still a few questions outstanding so we set about completing these. Various tasks included the processes of plant water uptake, water movement and loss, respiration and photosynthesis. I'm afraid this is my weakest subject so far!!!


Grassland management
Gill today discussed how to make good grass silage.. the key processes to making silage are cutting, spreading, wilting, picking up, filling the clamp (or baling) and sealing the clamp. Get all these right and the following stages are more likely to result in the best possible silage:- 1) the Aerobic stage - this takes hours and oxygen levels are reduced. 2) the Fermentation stage - occurs over a few weeks where the pH level drops to between 3.7 and 5.0. 3) the Stable stage - happens over 2-3 days where the pH stabilises at around 3.8 to 4.3. 4) the Storage stage - keeping the silage airtight until it is to be used during winter feeding. Clamps may benefit from additives being introduced to help the above processes and include inoculants, enzymes, acid based additives and sugar sources (including sugar beet pulp). Additives help to preserve the silage so that it maintains as many of the nutrients as possible for winter feeding.



  

Thursday May 1, 2014

Day 73..

Machinery - Outdoors
Today we hitched up two tractors and very different trailers, 1 passenger trailer and 1 dumper trailer, and went off to Durdham farm to practice manoeuvring around a farm yard! We had to drive through and around gates and entrances and then reverse through gates, entrances and in to barns and up hill in to parking bays (made by straw bales). This was a really fun task and driving the two tractors really made you think about your driving skills as there was a very different turning ability to each. My instruction was to go in the lowest possible gear when reversing in to more tricky places in order for me to stop 'riding the clutch' - controlling the speed of a vehicle with a manual transmission (gear box) by partially engaging the clutch plate, using the clutch pedal instead of (or as well as) the accelerator pedal! Its a habit but I was able to drive the tractor just as well not doing it!


Livestock - Classroom
We started the session with an introduction to pig production - the second largest meat consumption in the UK (chicken being the first). Bacon occupies 41% of the market, followed by Sausages and Pies 37% and Pork 22%. However, pig production is significantly influenced by market forces - people enter the market and the price goes down, people leave the market and the price goes back up and so on. A pig averages 2.4 litters based on a gestation period of 3m 3w 3d, weaning 1m and on heat (oestrous) for 1w - rolling in to 5 months from service to service and the number of piglets born can range from 8 to 18!
We then watched some dvds on sheep shearing - as we will be required to carry this out as a demonstration at the upcoming Newark and Notts agricultural show! Electrically powered hand shears were used and the idea is that blade glides across the surface of the sheep's skin removing the wool in one go! We will have to see how well we get on with that!