Steve Drissel, John Deere factory product marketing manager, says the 2510H gives producers and commercial fertilizer applicators the versatility to apply anhydrous with unmatched productivity and performance. "With a working width of 57.5 feet and a working speed of up to 10 mph, the 23-row 2510H covers more ground in a shorter amount of time, which is critical when there's a narrow time window to get fertilizer on the fields," he says.

The 23-row applicator utilizes a 5-section flex-fold frame that allows the implement to hug the contours of the field. The hydraulic down pressure system helps to optimize the 23 openers to maintain proper operating depth, even over uneven terrain.

A major advantage of the 2510H Nutrient Applicator is that it delivers three-season use capability. "In the fall, it applies anhydrous in tough corn residue with disk openers that cut the stalks and allow for smooth crop flow through the machine. In soybean stubble, the low soil disturbance keeps residue intact and minimizes soil erosion during the winter and the following spring," Drissel explains.

"Reaching 500,000 self-propelled combines is a significant milestone for us and our dedicated employees." said Dennis Muszalski, Factory Manager, John Deere Harvester Works. "We are proud of the legacy we've built and the singular goal we've had since our inception: To provide our customers with products that deliver the quality and value they've come to expect from John Deere while also partnering with farmers to help feed the world."

The factory first began producing binders in 1910 and broke ground on John Deere Harvester Works in 1912. The factory initially manufactured horse-drawn grain binders, mowers, rakes and corn binders. In 1927 John Deere introduced its first combine, uniting harvesting and threshing in one operation. Twenty years later, John Deere manufactured the company's first self-propelled combine.

NFU Council, the organisation’s governing body, has resolved to call for an outright ban on flying Chinese lanterns due to ongoing concerns about the risks posed to animal welfare, food safety and the environment.

The NFU had previously called for a voluntary ban on lanterns that use wire in their construction but having reviewed the evidence of their impacts and remedial moves by manufacturers to date, Council members agreed the NFU should lobby the Government for a complete ban such as those imposed in Germany and Australia.

NFU acting director of communications Terry Jones said: “We have given manufacturers, as well as suppliers, time to take on board our concerns over the sale of these lanterns and move to a safer and more environmentally friendly solution.

“While we have seen some movement by manufacturers and suppliers to biodegradable eco-lanterns, Council members felt that the moves were too little, too late.”

UK registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) reached 7772 units in the first six months of 2010, a decline of 15.7 per cent on the same period in the previous year, reports the Agricultural Engineers Association.

“Since reaching an extraordinarily high peak in March 2009 (on a moving total basis) the market has been in steady decline to a level closer to the average for the last decade and is presently running at an annual rate of a little over 13,500 units,”  comments AEA economist Chris Evans. “The rate of decline has been easing - in June it was 4.7 per cent - and it is expected that the second six months may be more akin to the level of sales of last year, if somewhat lower.”

All regions show a decline on last year but the lowest percentage fall was seen in the South East, down eight per cent, followed by Northern Ireland at minus 9.8 per cent. The biggest falls were seen in the Midlands with the East Midlands area down 23.3 per cent and West Midlands down 20.6 per cent.

Kubota has announced four more roadshow dates in its Live! series for September 2010. Visitors will get the opportunity to put the complete Kubota line-up of tractors, groundscare equipment and mini excavators through its paces at the events at Wetherby Racecourse (14^th September), Writtle College, Essex (16^th), Bath Racecourse (21st) and Weston Park, Shropshire (23rd).

Visitors to the free events in September will be among the first to try their hand at new machines including the M130X, Kubota’s biggest tractor to date, the B2420 compact tractor, the new HST version of the L4100 and the T1880 petrol ride-on mower. The company will also be exhibiting all the ‘old favourites’, from the GR1600 ride-on mower through to the M Series tractors and the RTV 900 all-terrain utility vehicle. This will be complemented by the range of mini excavators from Kubota Construction, which range in size from 980 kg to 8 tonnes. Three new machines will be introduced at the show, including the much-anticipated five-tonne models.