Andrew Faulkner takes us on a tour of Bragg Farming’s machinery sheds in Somerset, where they keep a fleet of high-output, modern machinery to feed an anaerobic digestion plant. Nick Bragg, the farm owner, shares insights into their farming operation, which includes 400ha of rented land and 2,400ha under contract for various crops like maize, barley, wheat, and oilseed rape. The majority of their crops are supplied to an AD plant owned by Engie.
Nick Bragg traces his journey from starting with six sheep to expanding into potato equipment hiring and eventually transitioning to arable farming. The farm’s pivotal moments include inheriting Frogmary Green Farm and venturing into broiler farming and hosting an AD plant in 2014. This move allowed them to focus solely on arable farming and supplying the AD plant.
When it comes to machinery, Bragg Farm shows loyalty to one main dealer, Compass Tractors, which provides them with a range of equipment including Fendt tractors, Krone foragers, JCB handlers, and more. The farm’s operators appreciate the reliability and performance of the Fendt tractors, which are rotated every 12 to 18 months to ensure efficiency.
The relationship with their dealer, Compass, has been crucial in maintaining a well-functioning fleet. While they primarily use Compass, occasional purchases from other dealers like C&O Tractors and Crawfords have been made for specific equipment such as ploughs and drills. The farm also values the service and support received from dealers like Bateman for their sprayer maintenance.
Nick and his team highlight their favorite and least favorite equipment, with the Fendt tractors and Bateman sprayer earning top marks for performance and comfort. On the other hand, the JCB Fastrac series didn’t meet their expectations due to power and reliability issues. The farm recently acquired a Volvo truck, a Kverneland plough, and a JCB Loadall to enhance their fleet.
The farm’s oldest working machine, a Massey Ferguson 135 from 1965, holds sentimental value and continues to be utilized for various tasks. Bragg Farm’s maintenance strategy involves rotating equipment every few years to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime. They also consider nearly new purchases to balance cost and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Bragg Farm plans to invest in more trucks to streamline their transportation operations. They aim to increase on-road movements to reduce tractor usage and explore mobile loaders for efficient field-loading. Despite encountering challenges like weather constraints, the farm’s well-maintained fleet plays a crucial role in their day-to-day operations.
Overall, Bragg Farm’s commitment to quality machinery, strong dealer relationships, and strategic equipment management underscore their dedication to efficient and sustainable farming practices in Somerset.
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