Farming Monthly National August 2017 | Page 11

| News Gibbons recruiting official resellers for its grain store fans Following the recent launch of its new Agricultural Fans division, Essex- based Gibbons Engineering Group has been delighted with the widespread demand for its high-performance grain store fans. or many years, Gibbons produced its agricultural fans solely for the industry’s best- known distributor – but has now made the range available to the whole marketplace. The durable steel and aluminium fans and hotspot spear fans are produced to the highest standards by an expert team and have been used by British farmers for more than 20 years. Ranging from 0.13 – 2.2kW, these reliable fans are available as single-phase and three phase in most sizes and can be customised to suit specific applications. In order to satisfy nationwide demand and make it as easy as possible for farmers in all parts of the UK to access its fans, Gibbons is now supplying the full range via a network of exclusive resellers located across the country. Gibbons Agricultural Fans suppliers are able to offer local farmers one of the most widely- used products on the market, which has a reputation for reliability, efficiency and value for money. Among those to recently become official Gibbons Agricultural Fans stockists are: • JW Installations Ltd (Northallerton, North F Yorkshire) • RMD Agriculture Ltd (Richmond, North Yorkshire) • Marrison Agriculture Ltd (Norwich, Norfolk) Gibbons Agricultural Fans Manager Josie Minister said: “We’ve been very pleased with the response to the launch, and with official stockists as far afield as North Yorkshire, East Anglia and the south coast, our fans already have an extensive reach. Although there are still reseller positions available, we’re advising prospective partners to secure their place promptly in order to avoid disappointment.” As a special introductory offer, Gibbons is offering new resellers free carriage on initial orders of two pallets or more. Tracked delivery is via Gibbon’s trusted international shipping partner, with express next-day services available upon request. Along with its thriving Agricultural Fans division, Gibbons also supplies a complete package of electrical and mechanical farm equipment, covering all motor-driven processes. This comprehensive range includes submersible and surface-mounted drainage and slurry pumps, industrial gearboxes, extract and supply fans for agricultural buildings, process control panels and ABB variable-speed drives that enable precise control of ventilation systems and conveyors. These products are complemented by a full lifecycle service offering, with Gibbons providing repair and maintenance of most makes and models of electrical and mechanical equipment from its dedicated workshop. Those interested in becoming an official Gibbons Agricultural Fans reseller should contact Josie Minister on 01621 868 138 (ext. 208) or email [email protected]. Meanwhile, farmers wanting to place an order can call or email to find their local stockist. M&S announces ‘Farming for the Future’ award winners Farmers from across England and Wales have been announced as winners in this year’s prestigious M&S ‘Farming for the Future’ awards. The winners, and those that received a Highly Commended award, were presented with their accolade at the Royal Welsh Show. he winners were: Outstanding Producer award: Chris Moncreiff Chris has worked with M&S for some 35 years. Part of the Vitacress team that supplies herbs, the judges were impressed by his drive for improvement and innovation in the salad and herb category. They also commended him for his dedication and contribution to M&S over such a long period. Innovation award: Lower Hope Fruit Lower Hope Fruth supplies cherries to M&S through Berry Gardens Ltd, and is based in Ullingswick, Hereford. The team earned their award as a result of their drive to improve cherry production and increasing efficiency. As well as their major commitment to undertake an extensive trial of a new planting method, alongside their work to introduce new cherry varieties into the market. Young Producer award: Billy Swain Billy is a poultry farmer in Suffolk, where he rears turkeys that are supplied to M&S. Judges were impressed by Billy’s wide ranging T www.farmingmonthly.co.uk experiences within the poultry industry, alongside his commitment to turkey welfare and drive to improve farm efficiency. Prince’s Countryside Fund award: Haygrove Haygrove is a family owned, first generation, soft fruit growing business, initially founded on a single hectare of rented land in Herefordshire. Based in Ledbury, the business earned the award through their well-rounded approach to business, and their recognition of the importance of people and the environment. Judges were also impressed with their encouragement to ensure that employees had a positive impact on their local community, as well as their commitment to educating the next generation about food production. Overall, these farmers have impressed the judges with their forward thinking approach in their sectors, commitment to the future of farming, from investment and welfare, to engagement with the community and retailers, and enterprising sustainable practices. M&S Farming for the Future is a programme of initiatives which champions sustainability and innovation. The programme is designed to help farmers identify opportunities for improvement, increase their profitability and provide a sustainable supply chain that can continue to deliver quality and innovation for the long term. M&S Farming for the Future is a programme of initiatives which champions sustainability and innovation Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S said: “The Farming for the Future awards are now in their tenth year, acknowledging the dedication and commitment our farmers and growers are making towards Plan A and sharing best practice amongst the agricultural community across England and Wales. “Chris, Billy, Lower Hope Farm and Haygrove are very worthy winners who have all demonstrated innovative thinking, commercial success and social responsibility in the way that they manage and execute their businesses.” August 2017 | Farming Monthly | 11