It’s that time of year when vineyard managers turn their thoughts to the importance and benefits of opening up and controlling the canopy as early as possible. It’s widely well-known that good ventilation in the fruiting zone reduces the risk of botrytis and other fungal diseases, improves spray targeting and efficacy, and also increases the … Continue reading →
Combining operations to save time in the orchard or vineyard
If you’ve ever wished you could clone yourself to get more orchard or vineyard management jobs ticked off in less time, we’ve rounded up some essential machines which can help you multi-task for ultimate efficiency this summer. While time is one of the driving motivators, combining operations in the orchard or vineyard is not just … Continue reading →
Mechanical weeding solutions from Braun
It is well known that mechanical weeding is just as effective as herbicide in maintaining vine health and increasing yield. A three-year integrated weed management trial, IWMPRAISE, carried out on Chardonnay at NIAB EMR’s Kent-based research vineyard effectively proved that all the mechanical weeding methods trialled positively impacted the health of the vine and yield. … Continue reading →
Effective and efficient sprayer coverage
On 16 April, Tim and Claire headed to Plumpton College for WineGB’s Conference for Growth to give a talk on sprayer usage and calibration, looking in particular at the OCLL NPA sprayer. If you’re looking for a reliable sprayer that will provide effective and efficient coverage for the 2024 season, the range of OCLL sprayers … Continue reading →
The 2024 Battle of the Secateurs
Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) held its national pruning competition, affectionately known as ‘The Battle of the Secateurs’, on 13 March 2024. Around 60 competitors, judges, spectators, and sponsors (including Claire Seymour and Tim Sillence from NP Seymour) attended this annual event which was kindly hosted by Langham Wine Estate in Dorset. Proudly sponsored by … Continue reading →
Fighting spring frosts in the orchard and vineyard
Having worked with growers for half a century, we understand that spring frosts are one of the worst threats orchard and vineyard owners face. While you can argue that the best way to prevent damage is to ensure the right varieties are planted on frost-free sites, frost is something the majority of growers in the … Continue reading →
Root pruner proves an effective alternative for fruit tree growth regulation
Using a root pruner has become an increasingly popular method for growers to regulate tree growth without using chemicals over the last decade. This technique has been widely used in the fruit-growing areas of Europe, and it has gained traction in the UK, with more and more farmers turning to it for effective tree growth … Continue reading →
Pulling up to 50 hours/ha out of your pruning costs with the ERO VITECO
Pruning is one of the most labour-intensive parts of vineyard management. And while we’re always quick to consider the ways we can make lighter work of pruning, e.g. with electronic Felco secateurs and the Binger-ERO pre-pruner, it seems that the job of removing canes from the wires often gets overlooked. Each year after pruning, growers must … Continue reading →
Visit NP Seymour at Farm Expo on 6 March 2024
On our stand at Farm Expo, NP Seymour will be displaying a front-mounted tool carrier frame, designed and constructed by our expert team of engineers at our Avon Works facility in Cranbrook, Kent. The tool carrier frame, which will be mounted on the front of a new Gen 3 Fendt, can accommodate a variety of … Continue reading →
NP Seymour celebrates 50 years and welcomes Tim Sillence to the team
The UK’s leading fruit and vine machinery specialist, NP Seymour (which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and 40 years as a Fendt dealer in 2024), has recently appointed Tim Sillence to its sales team. Tim brings a wealth of hands-on experience operating and demonstrating tractors and machinery within the fruit, vegetable and arable sectors to … Continue reading →
Pulverising prunings: clearing your orchard and vineyard rows
When it comes to clearing the orchard or vineyard rows of prunings, pulverising or flail mowing in situ is the easiest, most environmentally friendly, and sustainable approach. Burning the debris may look photogenic, and can provide a bit of natural warmth for the pruning team, but it pollutes the air and upsets neighbours. Going to … Continue reading →
Festive tractor parade raises over £15,000 for Young Farmers and Air Ambulance charities
The Weald of Kent Young Farmers held its second annual “Light It Up!” tractor run on Sunday 17 December 2023, bringing festive joy to locals and raising an impressive sum for charity. The convoy of 40 lit-up tractors drove through the Wealden villages of Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Staplehurst and Marden from 5 pm to 7 pm, … Continue reading →