It’s that time of year when orchard and 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 diseases, improves spray targeting and efficacy, and also increases fruit exposure to … Continue reading →
Weed control in 2026: what’s working for growers?
Thanks to a three-year integrated weed management trial, IWMPRAISE, carried out at NIAB EMR’s Kent-based research vineyard several years ago, it is well proven that mechanical weeding methods can be just as effective as herbicides while also positively impacting the health of the vine and yield. One of the mechanical weeding tools used in the … Continue reading →
Do more in less passes this season with combined mowing, spraying and weed control
Rising costs are an ongoing challenge for growers, and it is rarely just one area that is affected. Fuel, labour and other essential inputs, like plant protection products and fertilisers, all have a habit of increasing at the same time. Often at points in the season when there is little flexibility to absorb the impact. … Continue reading →
Inside the Fendt, ERO and Braun factories: A German machinery tour with UK growers
From 17th to 19th March 2026, a group of growers joined NP Seymour on a trip to Germany to visit the Fendt, ERO and Braun factories. Designed to give something back to customers, the trip also offered a closer look at the manufacturing and assembly of the Fendt tractors they use every day, as well … Continue reading →
Vineyard workers gather for the 2026 pruning competition
The UK’s annual national pruning competition, aka ‘The Battle of the Secateurs’, was held on 6 March 2026, kindly hosted by Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. Competitors, judges, spectators, and sponsors gathered for the event which was once again organised by James Dodson from VineWorks and Luke Wolfe of Agro-Pro and proudly supported by headline … Continue reading →
Reducing vineyard pruning labour with a mechanical pre-pruner and cane puller
Pruning is one of the most labour-intensive parts of vineyard management, especially in the UK, where achieving the right crop load and vine balance is critical. And while battery-powered secateurs, like the Felco Powerblade and cordless Felco 834s, quickly come to mind, more mechanical options often get overlooked. For vineyard managers looking to streamline pruning, specialist … Continue reading →
Launching the new Felco 834 cordless secateurs
We were pleased to launch the new Felco 834 cordless handset at this year’s National Fruit Show on Wednesday 5 November and again at the Vineyard and Winery Show on Wednesday 19 November, both held at the Kent Showground. These events gave growers and vineyard teams the chance to handle the new unit and see … Continue reading →
Nick Seymour awarded Jon Jones Trophy at 92nd National Fruit Show for services to the British fruit sector
We are incredibly proud to share that Nick Seymour was awarded the Jon Jones Trophy for a notable contribution to the UK fruit industry at this year’s National Fruit Show President’s Breakfast on Wednesday 5th November 2025. Nick’s journey began in the late 1960s, training and working as an Agricultural Engineer at Drake and Fletcher’s … Continue reading →
NP Seymour host ERO Grapeliner 7000 demonstration
We recently hosted a private demonstration of the ERO Grapeliner 7000 series self-propelled mechanical grape harvester at a vineyard in Kent. Attendees had the chance to see this advanced machine in action, including being able to sit in the cab with contractor and operator Sam Barnes to see how the cab’s central location, glass floor, … Continue reading →
More National Sprayer Test Scheme examiners qualified
We’re pleased to announce that more of our engineers are now fully qualified National Sprayer Test Scheme (NSTS) examiners, allowing us to increase the availability of test slots. As an official National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) registered centre our team of qualified NSTS examiners are able to carry out work both from our Avon Works … Continue reading →
Protecting tractors and machinery from theft with CESAR
We’re now registered as a certified CESAR dealership and can provide and fit Datatag IDs to new and existing tractors, as well as all types of self-propelled and mounted equipment. Did you know that CESAR marking of agricultural machinery has contributed to a 60% decline in thefts since the scheme was launched in 2007? That’s 60% fewer … Continue reading →
NP Seymour invites growers to come and see the UK’s first electric Fendt e107 V Vario
At NP Seymour, we have always been proud to champion new technology for specialist fruit and vine growers. Continuing our 50-plus-year tradition of supplying customers with only the best in innovation from world-leading manufacturers, we’re delighted to announce that we will soon be taking delivery of the UK’s first electric Fendt e107 V Vario tractor. … Continue reading →