The search for the oldest working OPICO batch dryer in the UK is over: the Viner family of Smokedown Farm, near Faringdon in Oxfordshire have revealed they own a PTO-driven, gas-powered 370 GT which was built in 1977. 

OPICO has appointed Charlie Thompson as a new machinery demonstrator and technical support engineer, covering the north of England and Scotland. Charlie will be supporting dealers and providing demonstrations of HE-VA, OPICO, Maschio and Gaspardo machinery.

OPICO has introduced a series of new programming options for its automatic batch dryers which will give operators greater control and flexibility, and allow more efficient drying and higher grain throughputs.

At the Livestock Show 2012, OPICO is launching a new grassland management tool which will allow the sward in grazed fields to re-generate faster, and more completely. Called the Pasture Harrow.

OPICO has appointed Chelmsford-based machinery dealer Writtle Farm Machinery Ltd to distribute the range of HE-VA cultivation products throughout Essex. The HE-VA range includes Rolls and King Rollers, Subsoilers, Front Presses, Combi-lift subsoiler units, Disc rollers and Triple-Tiller tined cultivators.

At the Cereals Event, OPICO is launching the Nitro-band – a solid fertiliser applicator with a 1230 litre front hopper for distributing fertiliser down the rows when band-seeding oilseed rape.

At the Highland Show, OPICO is launching a HE-VA front press with V-profile rings which are 700mm in diameter, to allow even better consolidation across a range of soil types and difficult working conditions. It is available in working widths of 3m and 4m.

OPICO is holding a series of events on how farmers can improve their grassland from the ‘bottom up’.