Making the Connections – With Arable Farming and Mark Griffiths

Back in January Arable Farming magazine spoke to our National Sales Manager, Mark Griffiths to discuss the rise of different precision technology equipment on the farm and how can we make sure it will all work together. In this article Mark breaks down the process of  precision technology across your fleet and provides solutions to common issues when it comes to introducing technology to your machinery and decision making process – take a look at the article in full below.

Credit: written and published by Arable Farming Magazine, January 2021 Issue.

Find out more about our range of products and solutions here.

Competition Time!

So, with everyone’s favourite show, LAMMA, now cancelled until January 2022, we thought we would bring you the competition we had planned in May anyway!

You could win a Trimble GFX-350 & NAV 500 Receiver Worth £1850rrp.

The Trimble® GFX-350™ is the latest Android™ -based, easy-to-use display from Trimble Agriculture. It offers great functionality and a simplified installation process, providing access to autosteering and application control for every farm.

• 8cm high-definition display with android based operating system
• EGNOSS <90cm accuracy as standard with no fees
• Built in Bluetooth and WIFI for internet connectivity.
• Precision IQ guidance for easy recording of vehicles/ implements and fields.
• Remote connectivity/ control using TeamViewer.
• USB ports for downloading coverage/ as applied data reducing record keeping burden.
• Customisable to your business with additions of;
  • Automated steering (motors/ guidance ready)
  • ISOBUS display & control for implement connectivity.
  • Variable rate and section control
  • Farm software synchronisation with multiple displays/ the cloud
  • Increased accuracy to 2.5cm (additional hardware required)

How to enter:

For your chance to win a Trimble GFX-350 & NAV-500, simply sign-up for our Email Newsletter.  By supplying your details, you are agreeing to receive information, promotions and offers from Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications via email.  You can unsubscribe at any time.  For more information see our privacy policy.  All eligible submissions from now until February 28^th will be entered to win.  You will receive an email to confirm your subscription – you must click on the link “Yes, subscribe me to this list” to be entered into the competition.  Good Luck!

Click in the blue Vantage box – scroll down and complete the form!

Competition rules

Please read these competition rules carefully. If you enter one of our competitions, we will assume that you have read these rules and that you agree to them.  No purchase necessary.

• To enter a competition, you must be 18 years old or over at the time of entry.
• Only one entry per person.
• Multiple entries will be disqualified.
• Automated entries, bulk entries or third-party entries will be disqualified.
• Incorrectly completed entries will be disqualified.  Entrants will receive an email to confirm your subscription – you must click on the link “Yes, subscribe me to this list” to be entered into the competition.
• Competition is open to England & Wales residents only.
• Competition is not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd.
• Prizes can only be delivered to a valid address with England & Wales.
• Installation & support is not included as part of the prize.  Vantage E & W / AS Communications provide Trimble 2-year warranty.
• Winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
• Winners will be contacted via email.
• The Judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered in to.
• Closing date for entries is 28^th February 2021.
• Vantage E & W Ltd / by AS Communications UK Ltd is compliant with the data protection act. Click here to view our privacy policy.
• By entering the competition, the winner agrees to participate in such promotional activity and material as Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd may require.
• Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd  will endeavour to notify the winner within a month of the competition end date but cannot guarantee this delivery time.
• By sending a stamp addressed envelope to Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd, 4 Grovemere Court, Bicton Industrial Park, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EY You can find out who has won this competition.
• The prize will not be transferable to another person and no part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.
• Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd. ’s competitions are solely offered by them and are in no way sponsored by any other companies.
• Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. If we do this, we will publish the amended competition rules and/or specific competition rules on the relevant competition page.
• This competition is being run by Vantage E & W Ltd / AS Communications UK Ltd, 4 Grovemere Court, Bicton Industrial Park, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire  PE28 0EY.

Vantage England & Wales teams up with SmartWater to reduce GPS theft & deter rural crime

 Vantage England & Wales will now be applying SmartWater to Trimble equipment, the market leading technology in forensic security and arguably the most powerful deterrent of theft in the UK.

Providing a solution to deter theft and reduce the associated risks, Vantage England & Wales are able to;

–          Apply SmartTrace liquid, signage at PDI for new equipment, supplying remaining liquid and signage to the customer

–          Register assets on the SmartWater ISO27001 accredited database, live and accessible to police

–          Register assets with Trimble and notify of theft, flagging equipment globally should upgrades/ usage be attempted

Each Trimble system includes a bottle of liquid with a unique forensic code which is applied to your assets, remaining in place for 5 years. Included are sticker sets for displaying on your item, letting criminals know the items are marked, recorded and likely to end them up in prison.

SmartWater are the only forensic technology used in evidence to jail thousands of criminals to date and retains a 100% conviction rate in Court.

In addition to applying the liquid and recoding at equipment PDI, Vantage will be recording serial numbers in the Trimble asset database. Equipment registered as stolen will be flagged and available to see globally, any items requesting updates or renewals will be identified and the local Trimble re-seller notified to alert the authorities and owner.

Vantage England & Wales value our customers and want to keep assets on farm for longer and this partnership with SmartWater is one step of many.

“We are delighted to be working with and supporting Vantage England and Wales with this industry first venture. Valuable assets will now be forensically marked, making them uniquely identifiable and therefore less attractive to thieves. With hundreds of criminal convictions to date and a 100% conviction rate in court, criminals are aware of the power of SmartWater to categorically link them to their crimes”.

Gary Higgins, COO of SmartWater

 Customers should get in touch with Vantage England & Wales (01480 861824) to discuss reducing theft on their farm and registering assets with us. We are also able to supply;

• Software for cloud based back up of data & wireless data transfer
• Quick release bracketry for easy removal/install of equipment
• Telemetry for powered & non-powered assets

Free webinar to help farmers get started with precision technology

Farmers who want to get started with precision technology and learn how it can improve efficiencies can get the lowdown on May 15 in a free online webinar. Organised by Trimble and its UK and Ireland dealer network, the webinar will explore the basics of precision farming, how to get started, and where to seek big results with little input.

“It’s the first live webinar we’ve ever done; we’re all sitting in home offices rather than being out at shows meeting and greeting people,” explains Lee Clarke, regional sales representative at Trimble. “The only way to reach out to farmers at the moment is using this new technology – perhaps it will be the new norm in future.”

Efficiency is key to farming businesses – whether that’s in the field or in record-keeping – and precision technology can help with all of that, says Mr Clarke. “Farmers are faced with rising input costs and extreme weather events which tighten the window of opportunity to carry out field work. There are also more demands for traceability and detailed record keeping. Precision fieldwork and linking data through apps address every aspect of that.”

The straight-talking webinar – entitled Precision farming solutions for today’s farmer – will cover arable and grassland technology, and conclude with a Q&A with Trimble’s UK-Ireland dealer network; Vantage England & Wales, Soil Essentials and Vantage Ireland.

The technology covered will include GPS tractor guidance systems and autosteer, section and rate control for sprayers, and the use of sensors for weed control and yield monitoring. It will also include the use of in-cab displays and connectivity between the tractor and farm computer or phone.

“The idea is to give real practical advice to farmers who want to get started with precision technology or get more out of the systems they are already using,” says Mr Clarke. “I hope that farmers will find it genuinely beneficial; we plan to hold further free webinars in the future.”

To register for the webinar please visit https://bit.ly/2zJ2VsF

New appointment in a diverse landscape for Vantage England & Wales

Paul Alcock is joining the Vantage England & Wales team as an Area Sales Manager to cover the North Wales and West Midlands region.

Bringing with him a range of experience within the agricultural industry, Paul’s past experiences include working in aftersales, technical support and in contractor instructor roles both in Eastern Europe and West Africa.

Drawing on all this experience gives him a unique view on his customers’ needs. Farmers will be sure to find a customer focused approach with Paul.  You can see he has a passion for the sector and the people within it.

When it comes to finding precision farming solutions, focusing on what is important to customers and their needs is key. For Paul the attraction to this role was being involved in the application of technology in agriculture. “Vantage are an established leader in the UK within the field of precision ag technology.” he says, “working with the Trimble brand gives you the confidence that you are providing your customers with the best solutions which will work for them”. The Trimble product range allows customers to seamlessly join up there operations regardless of manufacturer or brand. With this diversity in product range farmers are guaranteed to find a solution that works for them.

Mark Griffiths, National Sales Manager  says “Paul brings a lot of experience to the sales team having worked for equipment manufacturers in the past managing aftermarket and distribution channels. The area of North Wales and West Midlands is diverse in farm type and due to its geography, our support of the dealer networks will be key in getting more of our solutions to the end users”.

In terms of value to the farmer, Paul wishes to focus on a more rounded approach  “Not only do I want to support my customers, but also the dealer network in my area, OEM’s and users alike” Supporting all business networks provides a stable and consistent product offering to all customers and end users. Paul will bring experience of business to business sales and knowledge of how dealers support customers,  important  for this sales region.

Although generally considered the industrial centre of the country the West Midlands plays an important role in our country’s agricultural industry too, with a diverse range of farming applications taking place within the counties that make up this region. Put that together with the northern regions of Wales and you have an exciting area of the country to be working within.

Traditionally we think of precision ag technology solely for the arable farmer however as Mark goes on to say “Often we underestimate the advantages our products can bring to areas associated with livestock, this is something we would like to improve and Paul plays a large part in helping customers realise the full potential of their farms.”

There are great opportunities to develop the future of farming. With access to the Trimble product portfolio Paul will be able to deliver a connected farm and assist customers in making the most of their technology. Together growing and developing to build a stable farming future utilising technology which facilitates the industry to thrive.

Contact us today to find the precision ag solution for you, from Vantage.

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A statement from Vantage England & Wales Ltd

As the Coronavirus pandemic evolves, we are endeavouring to manage the situation as best we can and understand these are extraordinary and very difficult times for us all.

Our team & customers health and safety are of paramount importance to us, so we, like many other responsible companies, will be minimising our personal contact and working remotely where possible.

We would like to reassure you that we are still very much open for business.  We will continue to deliver the best possible service within the social distancing guidelines to all our customers.

This situation is ever changing as you will all appreciate and with that in mind, we will update you as soon as we can.  Please continue to contact us in the usual ways, by phone, email or social media.

We appreciate your patience and on-going support.

Stress-free precision with new Vantage manager

Precision farming can make a difficult job far quicker and less stressful – and the latest addition to the Vantage support team can certainly testify to that.

Paul Knights – who has a long and varied career in electrical and mechanical communications – has been appointed the new area sales manager for Norfolk and Suffolk, acting as the first point of contact for farmers using Trimble precision farming technology.

“After I got the job I had a test drive using Trimble GPS on my friend’s farm in Kent,” says Mr Knights. “I hadn’t sat in a tractor for some time, but within minutes I was able to use a 9.3m roller with pinpoint precision. I rolled a 50ha field, and it looked like perfectly corrugated cardboard – and I still felt as fresh as a daisy afterwards. If I hadn’t had the precision kit I would have been a gibbering mess trying to achieve that level of accuracy by myself. It’s just phenomenal.”

Mr Knights started his career in the Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers corps, before later moving into telecommunications engineering. “I also worked on sheep stations in Australia and cattle farms in New Zealand – I love their ‘can-do’ attitude.”

As a project field engineer with Nokia, he was piloted in to manage the most complex and remote mobile installations in Europe. “About 70% of the sites were very rural, so I was dealing with farmers and landowners and helping to solve their problems. The countryside is my passion and I think it’s vital to communicate effectively and treat the land with respect – and I bring that professionalism with me to my new role.”

A father of three boys, living in rural Norfolk, Mr Knights knows how important it is to fit in around farmers’ busy lifestyles. “I passionately believe in building a good rapport and maintaining a high level of support for the customer. Good communication is just common courtesy.”

Having trialled the Trimble technology himself, Mr Knights is more convinced than ever about the benefits it can bring to farmers. “Farmers are wanting to save time and effort, and become more profit orientated. I’m looking forward to making a positive impact, marketing and assisting with something which I know works and is the Rolls Royce of guidance systems. That makes the job so much easier and allows your conscience to say: ‘I’ve done something good today’.”

Richard Larke, the current sales manager for East Anglia, is becoming Vantage’s Trimble Agricultural Business Software sales manager with a focus on connecting farm information to help deliver more informed decisions. He will remain the sales manager for Cambridgeshire.

Mark Griffiths, national sales manager at Vantage England and Wales, says the addition of Mr Knight to the team will help the firm to become the best in the country for providing joined-up solutions for British agriculture. “Paul comes from a strong background in telecommunications; with all equipment becoming more connected it is important for us to have expertise in this area. Paul’s roots in the rural community and his experience of coordinating projects across challenging terrain will strengthen Vantage, where delivering solutions for our customers is our number one priority.”

Data-Driven Decisions With New Vantage Area Manager

Data-driven decisions can improve farm efficiencies significantly, and a new team member at Vantage England and Wales is set to show farmers the full benefits of precision technology.

Lily Nuttall, the firm’s new area sales manager for the South East, has considerable experience in helping farmers to benefit from data rather than simply recording it – and is looking forward to linking up her knowledge of software with evolving precision farming techniques.

“Precision farming is more cost effective – there’s reduced waste – and with the uncertainty of Brexit it is a logical move,” she says. “I’m really excited about getting to grips with different Trimble devices and how they can help individual farmers.”

Miss Nuttall grew up on a farm and studied agriculture at Plumpton College, Sussex, spending her middle year working with pedigree beef cattle, followed by a summer precision soil sampling with ACS Farm Image. Upon graduating, she secured a job at Farmplan, training and supporting farmers and agronomists using the data recording software.

“I saw the Vantage job advertised, and wanted to bring my practical knowledge and enthusiasm to the role. Trimble equipment and software is so flexible – even if you’ve got lots of different brands of machinery on your farm you can fit the Trimble system to it. Then if you sell a tractor, you can just take the hardware out and put it into the new one, it’s just so adaptable. And with complete record keeping of what you’ve done and where it makes everything so easy.”

Mark Griffiths, national sales manager at Vantage England and Wales, says Lily’s appointment will bring an important presence in a key region for the firm. “Around 10% of UK farms are found in this area, with strong potential for most crop types,” he explains.

“Lily will bring experience of data collection and analysis from a variety of equipment. Having the expertise to supply equipment correctly based on farmers’ requirements is important, and understanding how this equipment and data can be used to make informed decisions is of great value in this area of the UK.”

IMPORTANT – FREQUENCY UPDATE

Trimble are updating their RTX™ real-time correction streams to AES Encryption and changing to new satellite beams to provide you with the most advanced technology available, ensuring network coverage expansion for years to come.

These changes will provide you with additional data security, technology enhancements, and greater access to Trimble’s ever-expanding CenterPoint® RTX Fast network, with increased reliability and access to faster convergence times in more areas.

This means it is essential to update your firmware, unless it is the minimum version or above, and configure all Trimble RTX and Trimble xFill® compatible devices to frequency: 1545.4900 MHz / Baud Rate: 2400 bps thus ensuring no loss of Trimble RTX and Trimble xFill positioning services.

Firmware should be as indicated in the chart below or higher.  If your firmware is a lower version, please contact info@vantage-ag.uk.

For instructions on how to check your firmware version and selecting the right frequency, please select your product from the following links.

Trimble RTX EA Frequency Update on TMX-2050 Precision-IQ Display – https://youtu.be/UmQZO_9dXG0

Trimble RTX EA Frequency Update on TMX-2050 FmX+ or FmX Display –  https://youtu.be/yXwiw2taAWo

Trimble RTX EA Frequency Update on CFX-750 Display  –  https://youtu.be/QuVYX7w_0C8

Trimble Establishes Global Vantage Distribution Network

Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced today that it is extending its distribution channel by establishing a new global network of independent distribution partners to serve the needs of the rapidly evolving precision agriculture industry. The new Vantage™ distribution network will provide growers, advisors, retailers, co-ops and local OEM dealers with precision agriculture expertise for the entire farm. Vantage partners will provide the complete Trimble precision agriculture portfolio.  As well as advise growers and their advisors on the right combination of technology-based solutions for their operation to improve farm efficiency and productivity.