What’s in Your Shed? visits a Cornish dairy farm

This article offers an in-depth look into the machinery and self-made innovations used by Andrew Carbis, a dairy farmer in Cornwall, UK. The Carbis family operates a 160-hectare farm, 127 hectares of which are owned, and manages a herd of 200 British Friesian cows, along with a beef herd and holiday cottages. The farm is a family-run enterprise, with Andrew, his wife Sarah, and parents Michael and Rachel, supported by Tom Rule and a part-time relief milker, Robert Dingle. Andrew Carbis expresses a strong preference for Massey Ferguson tractors, citing their ease of driving, good value, and reliability. The farm's collection of these tractors, mostly from the 'noughties' era, allows for multiple implements to be connected simultaneously, streamlining operations such as silage making and feeding. This approach significantly reduces the need for frequent implement changes throughout the day. While brand loyalty is evident for tractors, other equipment purchases are based on reputation and value. The farm also emphasizes cost-saving by fabricating many tools and modifications in-house. The Carbis family primarily relies on Peter Hawkey Farm Machinery for second-hand equipment and spare parts. When new machinery is acquired, Halse of Honiton is a favored dealer due to its extensive stock and competitive pricing. The most prized piece of equipment on the farm is the Strautmann Giga Vitesse 3601 forage wagon. This machine has proven invaluable, eliminating the need for expensive contractors and offering the flexibility to manage forage harvesting independently. It also allows them to offer contracting services to neighboring farmers. Despite a longer chop length and increased time for clamp building, the quality of the silage remains consistently high, and fuel efficiency is commendable, with one instance showing 500 liters used over 70 hectares of chopping. Conversely, Andrew identifies a Lemken Smaragd stubble cultivator, which frequently snagged trash and produced an uneven finish, and a West Dual spreader, known for rapid rusting and inconsistent spread patterns, as his least favorite machines, both of which have been replaced. Recent acquisitions include a new galvanised Major 3100-gallon tanker, replacing an older Slurry Guzzler, and an upgraded McConnel PA6070 hedgecutter with a 1.6m head and joystick control. The decision to buy new was driven by a cost-benefit analysis, as new models offered better value than comparable second-hand options. A Wakely 0830 roller mill was also purchased, significantly reducing the reliance on pre-processed feeds by allowing in-house production of parlor and youngstock mixes, further enhanced by a modified Keenan mixer and a feed bin blower system. The oldest machine still in active service is a 1979 Ford 4600 scraper tractor, acquired when it was two years old. Despite requiring two engine block replacements over its estimated 11,000 hours of operation, it remains mechanically sound. The farm's general policy is to retain machinery until it is worn out, output needs increase, or an attractive deal arises. The family's ingenuity is highlighted by several home-made inventions, including a Kuhn box drill modified for maize planting using Roundup cans and timber, Cambridge rolls converted into a cover crop broadcaster with a Delimbe pneumatic seeder, and versatile subsoiling and cultivating toolbars. Andrew’s uncle, David Carbis, also designed mobile ad-lib calf feeders from IBCs, filled with a custom youngstock mix that costs significantly less than commercial alternatives. The farm’s workshop, while not elaborate, benefits from essential tools like a magnetic drill and an Evolution steel cut-off saw, which is highly praised for its cutting capability and durability despite costly blades. Andrew's daily transport is a high-mileage Skoda Fabia VRS, chosen for its fuel efficiency and performance, while his father uses a 25-year-old Yamaha quad bike. The Massey Ferguson 5475 is hailed as the best tractor they’ve owned, providing 9,300 hours of reliable service with minimal issues. The worst was a Leyland 804, notorious for constant breakdowns. A surprisingly useful feature has been a budget-friendly RTK GPS system from Ag Open, which significantly aids in spraying and fertilizing, though acquiring a stable Ntrip correction signal has been a challenge. The biggest machinery bargain was a Teagle RD10 rear-discharge muckspreader, purchased at a low price due to a missing back door. #DairyFarming #FarmMachinery #CornishFarm #AgriculturalInnovation #MasseyFerguson #ForageWagon #DIYFarmEquipment #FarmMaintenance #PrecisionAgriculture #DairyFarming #FarmMachinery #CornishFarm #AgriculturalInnovation #MasseyFerguson #ForageWagon #DIYFarmEquipment #FarmMaintenance #PrecisionAgriculture