The quality of any lambing season is dependent upon a number of factors including the one topic we Brits can’t get enough of talking about, the weather.  The impact of the weather brings many unseen effects, from the slowing in the growth of grass in grazing areas, reducing the nutritional intake of Ewes during pregnancy to the risks created by poor access to farmland in times of extreme snow.

With the average Ewe giving birth to 1-2 lambs it is not uncommon for some to have as many as 5 at a time.  While farmers will be kept busy delivering and rearing the lambs, one issue that will not fail to go away is the safe treatment of dead lamb carcasses ensuring that they do not pose any threat to livestock or environment.

Different breeds of sheep have unique resistances and weaknesses, therefore knowing your herd is essential to controlling your losses. An astounding 30% of these are recorded to take place in-utero, and before formal Lambing actually begins. Issues such as twin lamb disease, undernourished births, and increased risk of prolapse can all be factors that affect the flock numbers and contribute towards the success and failure of the season. Causes of morbidity can include a wide array of factors including birth defects and infections such as Coccidiosis.

Are you prepared for Lambing Season?

With the inevitable fallen stock needing to be dealt with promptly there are currently a number of options. These can include Burial, Rendering or Incineration.  The most viable for long-term management and sustainable BioSecurity will always be incineration, especially when carried out on site.

Burial

With Burial being unlawful in many countries except in extreme circumstances such as when flocks are devastated by environmental conditions.  This last occurred in the UK in 2013 following extremely heavy snow in some regions, which limited accessibility. Burial is highly insecure due to the risks for the environment and biosecurity of the land and farm from the dead lamb carcass left to decompose into the ground.  As previously mentioned there can be many causes of mortality including disease which should not be put back into the environment.

Offsite Rendering and Incineration

Farmers pay on average of £15 per lamb and £20 per ewe for removal and destruction, (compare this to the average fuel cost of only £3 to incinerate an adult Ewe using an Addfield Machine). When you consider that an average farmer could experience losing up to 100 sheep the cost of a bad season could prove very expensive running into several thousands of pounds a year.    These collections are often via a bin collection service where the animals are left for days if not weeks to be collected. At busy times you can expect extended waiting times between collections during lambing season increasing the risks of contamination as decomposing lambs and ewes lay unattended on farmland creating massive risks to biosecurity alongside potential fines for the landowner.

Onsite Incineration

By having an on-site incineration solution, farmers are able to rapidly manage any fallen animals reducing the risks of cross-contamination and maintaining bio-security.  They are also able to maintain a continuously clean environment without relying on waiting for collection and the potential spread of diseases that this could pose.

Able to be installed without complication Addfield incinerators are designed for ease of use and have been trusted by farmers for over 35 years with many machines being in continuous operation for decades. This ensures a clear return on investment as lambing season is not the only time that farmers need to have fallen stock removed.

With the additional options of many farmers being able to receive up to 40% funding towards their incinerator, it quickly becomes the sensible choice for managing fallen stock not only during lambing season but also all year round.

What will this years Season bring?

While the past few years have been on the whole rather mild.  The regular snowfall we have seen so far could indicate a potential repeat of 2013, as we seem to be in the midst of cold spell this year.  This weather can have a drastic impact on lambing especially if it continues to come with high levels of snowfall which we have already seen in the Scottish Highlands.

While you may not be able to prevent the initial numbers of dead lambs during lambing season you can take measures to protect yourself, your flock and your farm from unnecessary impact and reduce losses through careful management

Ask yourself ‘How much is fallen stock costing you?’

Before the season begins it may be worth looking back at your previous year’s mortality rates and cost of managing it throughout the season and beyond.  Could you have saved more by having your own incinerator on site?  Being prepared can stop you from being out of pocket especially as you can easily expect over 20 years usage from an Addfield Incinerator that is properly maintained and serviced.

We have machines to suit all sizes of operation. Yet if you do not believe that your farm is large enough to manage its own incineration there are numerous ‘Incineration Co-operatives’ around the country that you could replicate and bring in additional income through helping your neighbouring farmers manage their fallen stock.

It’s better to be prepared, so contact one of our sales team today and find out how much you could save as well as if you are eligible for up to 40% match funding on your new incinerator.

How much could you save over the next few years?

For further information visit:

Recommended Addfield Incinerators for lamb and sheep disposal.

The essentials of Biosecurity on Sheep Farms.

Extreme Snowfall in 2013 resulted in massive loss to flock.

DEFRA Guidelines for Animal by-product control.

DAERA Guidelines for managing Fallen Stock.

National Fallen Stock Guidelines in the event of extreme weather and natural disasters.

For the latest guidelines visit DEFRA.

Incineration Co-operative and rising costs in North Wales

To learn more about the agricultural range of incinerators from Addfield click here.

This year has seen a global shift in waste treatment. As the demand for secure disposal of hazardous waste has never been so accepted. While the mainstream media is focusing on the visible impact of the Coronavirus the farming industry across the USA is feeling the effects in an entirely unexpected way.

Agricultural incinerators have always been one of our most popular ranges, in fact since 1982 we have supported farmers worldwide to combat epidemics ranging from Foot and Mouth Disease in the 1980s, BSE in the 1990s, and Bird Flu in the 2000s each disease needing to be addressed quickly and cleanly. Incineration is the most reliable and proven technique to protect biosecurity and livestock.

In fact, 2020 marks the first time for 20 years that the USA has imported Beef from the UK. Ending a ban that was imposed following the last major outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis (BSE) in England. As such it should be recognised that the impact from a widely spread biosecurity outbreak can last for years and cost the industry hundreds of millions in lost income.

One of the key lessons we learned from decades of this experience is how to safely dispose of fallen stock and most importantly how not to.

Across the USA this is a message that is beginning to be understood and acted on for a different reason. As the greatest threat to biosecurity to agricultural farmers has turned out also to have been the Coronavirus. Although the risk to animal infection is not a factor it is the impact felt on the economy and the workforce that has been the issue.

A number of the US’s largest slaughterhouses have been heavily impacted and several closing, which has led to a drastic bottleneck and shortage on capacity. Leading to many farmers having to slaughter their animals on the farm itself. Unequipped and without adequate disposal facilities, they are left having to then either bury them in unlined pits or burn them on open-air pyres. Both approaches as you may well know are extremely damaging to the environment and carry a very high risk of spreading diseases.

In the UK and the rest of Europe, these approaches have long been outlawed due to the inherent risks that they pose to the environment and in case of infection and cross-contamination. Due to this factor, many of the farms in this region already have Addfield machines on-site handling their daily waste as well as being able to be called into action in case of a biosecurity emergency.

In America it has already been estimated that by the end of September more than 10 million chickens and 10 million pigs could have been slaughtered and disposed of directly by the farmers. Many farmers lacking the facilities have resorted to one of the earlier mentioned approaches, which are currently in the process of being review to be outlawed for environmental reasons.

Having learned historically the benefits of managing incineration onsite, promptly and cleanly with an Addfield incinerator we stand behind the plans to ban these two outdated and dangerous approaches.

The dangers of insecure disposal.

Unlined pit burial – Through being placed into unlined pits the risks of contaminating the soil and local water table are very high. As the animals decompose, bacterial and fecal matter poses a dramatic threat to the environment and livestock. If any animal is infected with a disease such as African Swine Fever or Avian Flu, the risks of the disease lying dormant before reappearing weeks, months, or even years down the line cannot be underestimated.

Open-air burning.

Long banned in the UK and Europe, open-air incineration is potentially one of the most toxic ways to dispose of any waste, biological or otherwise. As learned during the foot and mouth crisis in the 1980s. Burning infected cattle can speed up the spread of a virus as the temperatures achieved are insufficient to destroy the bacteria. Whilst the act of burning distributes the particles into the atmosphere allowing diseases to spread to farms miles away. Additionally, there are risks to human health burning compounds with proven carcinogenic properties that can lead to reproductive, developmental, and immune system problems in the future.

The law is going to be changing.

Environmental health NGO’s and the public are petitioning the government to formally outlaw these approaches to protect the industry and the local environments.

The petition, filed with the US Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), on 29 June by NGOs including Center for Biological Diversity, Earthjustice and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

In addition to the generally accepted biosecurity risk of culling. Consideration also needs to focus on the manner in which the animals have been slaughtered having a huge impact on the environment.

In the instances of pigs if they are shot and buried there is a risk of lead contamination in the ground. As for poultry one of the most commonly used approaches in the USA is through ‘foaming’. This foam contains Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS which are also referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to the long-term damage that they can wreak. These chemicals have been linked to various cancers, kidney problems, and suppressed immunity diseases in humans. These are not things that you want to enter the local food chain or becoming airborne pollutants.

The only consistently safe way to dispose of these animals without releasing potentially fatal pathogens or bacteria back into the environment be it airborne or ground-based is appropriate incineration with an Addfield agricultural incinerator.

Addfield is currently working with a number of farmers across the United State to install and commission a selection of machines from our comprehensive agricultural incineration range. Ensure that the most environmentally sustainable approaches to disposing of fallen livestock including pig, poultry, and cattle are established.

To learn more about the Agricultural range of incinerators available from Addfield Click Here

To learn more about the challenges that the US is currently facing due to the Coronavirus and Biosecurity Click Here to read a recent article published in the Guardian

Addfield incinerators are a key factor in maintaining biosecurity on farms worldwide. Click here to learn more about how an onsite incinerator can help combat Avian Flu Outbreaks.

To learn more about the agricultural range of incinerators from Addfield click here.

This year has seen the return of one of the most devastating agricultural viruses for pigs. With over 100 reports of the highly contagious outbreak of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV-Asfarviridae) across Europe and Asia recorded during the start of autumn.

Although African Swine Fever was believed to have been wiped out throughout Europe in the 1990s its return has been expected following the rapid increase in the global agricultural industry. The spread of ASFV has been gaining traction across Eastern and Western Europe with Belgium being the latest country to record infections in wild boar and domestic pigs. The last time Belgium was affected was in 1985 when it had to cull 30,000 pigs, if the virus takes hold this year it could result in far greater numbers. Already responsible for more than 300,000 pigs being culled throughout China and Eastern Europe.

Europes second largest farm in Romania has had to cull all of its 140,000 pigs thought to have become affected after water from the nearby river Danube, which has been used on the farm for years, became infected following the believed dumping of infected pig carcass by local small holdings. This outbreak is set to cost the country millions and threaten the jobs of thousands of people if it is not able to be controlled quickly.

The latest outbreaks of ASFV are reported to have began in 2014 with reports in Central and Eastern Europe including Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Estonia before moving to the Czech republic in 2017 and Romania and Hungary in 2018. Further afield Chinese authorities have ordered culls alongside placing a ban on movement of live pigs in reaction to the outbreaks across ten of its provinces.

ASFV is such a serious problem that governments are proposing building border length walls to control movement of wild boars. Although there has never been a recorded outbreak in Great Britain the risk still needs to be respected.

At Addfield we work with farmers across more than 95 countries and are experts in biosecurity and can help you minimise your risks. With all this potential risk just what is African Swine Fever and what can be done to prevent it’s spread?

The most important thing to be aware of is that the virus is unique to swine and does not affect humans or other animals.

A highly contagious disease that generally results in the death of domestic pigs and wild boars.

Initially hard to diagnose as the initial symptoms such as fever, lethargy and loss of appetite are very similar to other diseases that pigs are susceptible to. The signs initially become noticeable within three to fifteen days following infection.

· Once the infection has taken hold the symptoms increase in severity with noticeable reddening of the skin and patches appearing on the tips and tails, chest, feet and under belly.

· Difficulty breathing alongside sickness and diarrhoea

· An unwillingness to get up and in many cases death.

· In extreme cases the initial sign of infection is death

The disease is predominantly spread through direct contact, feeding contaminated meat and pork products, ticks, fleas and other insects. As well as through contaminated objects bringing the virus onto farms and into contact with livestock, most preventable on vehicles and clothes.

Without a reliable treatment to cure the disease the number one action that needs to take place is prevention.

Practicing strict biosecurity is essential becoming stricter with how you handle pigs, only feeding them approved foods and not kitchen scraps or meat products, which is illegal in some countries including the UK.

Monitoring visitors to your site closely, to ensure biosecurity as well as ensuring full cleaning and disinfection takes place for all visitors and vehicles coming to and leaving your premises.

Only allow essential visitors to enter your site and ensure that they wear clean or disposable clothing and footwear, alongside washing thoroughly and showering if possible to prevent bringing contamination onto site. Make sure that any vehicles and equipment entering your site are cleaned and disinfected before entering and leaving your farm.

Enforce a curfew for visitors insisting that they have not been in contact with other pigs for 72 hours prior to visiting your site.

In the unfortunate situation where a cull occurs there is only one safe way to remove the infected livestock and that is through reliable incineration. Reducing the number of visitors to your farm is essential therefore being able to safely manage your fallen stock onsite through an Addfield incinerator is of maximum benefit. Managing your own incineration increases your reaction time, reducing the length of time that infected carcass are left on your site as well as restricting vehicles that may have already visited infected farms to collect your fallen stock could bring the infection onto your property. Having your own incinerator on site further protects your farm and livestock.

For more information:

View our agricultural incinerators by clicking here.

The Guardian – Europes Farmers on Red alert – click here

Gov UK – Guidance on African Swine Fever

DEFRA – Disease Control Strategy African Swine Fever

The Pirbright Institute – African Swine Fever Virus

South China Morning Post – Threat to $128 billion pork industry

DW – Romania battles African Swine Fever Outbreak

Reuters – African Swine Fever hits Romania’s biggest pig farm

Addfield incinerators are a key factor in maintaining biosecurity on farms worldwide. Click here to learn more about how an onsite incinerator can help combat Avian Flu Outbreaks.

To learn more about the agricultural range of incinerators from Addfield click here.

Having over 35 years of experience manufacturing the most efficient and hard working incinerators in the world it is safe to say that we know what makes the right machine for you. Our Agricultural range has solutions for every farm size from our compact Mini-AB all the way up to our High Capacity range including the mammoth Rapid 1000.

The Rapid 1000 is one of the largest standard incinerators available from Addfield. Ideally suited for the large-scale safe destruction of agricultural, poultry, sheep, swine and cattle. Processing up to 1000kg of waste an hour through its 5.3 cubic metre chamber capable of holding up to three and a half tonnes of waste.

The Rapid benefits from the same high-quality design and manufacture as all Addfield machines. Beginning with design where the entire system is developed from the ground up utilising computational fluid dynamics alongside advanced engineering techniques to design a machine that will be as robust as it will be efficient.

Constructed from 10mm thick mild steel providing insulation and strength with impact resistant ‘loading bars’ designed to withstand impact from fork lift trucks. Fitted with protective shielding across high usage areas including ram arms protecting the operational hydraulics. Having additional high visibility loading bars providing a safe zone for fork lift operation, directing the waste to be loaded into the optimal position. Keeping the transition flue clear preventing waste from creating a blockage and preventing the system entering reduction by ensuring a consistent flow of oxygen.

The hydraulically powered lid is compatible with your choice of manual or automatic loading systems. The angled designed ensures that loading is handled so that waste does not fall out, with a higher back and sloping front increasing capacity effectively.

Operated via a pre-configured control panel, you only need to select the required program and the Rapid will automatically manage the process safely. You also have the option of adapting and changing settings manually in the future as required.

Once in operation the main chamber is heated by 7 burners, 5 located beneath the floor grate and a further 2 above in a pattern proven to deliver exceptional results. The 5 underfloor burners are assisted by the addition of a large fan rapidly circulating the oxygen throughout the machine. The grated underfloor combustion rapidly heats the air from the base converting it into powerful radiant heat quickly filling the combustion chamber with an even level of heat. This heat is then re-circulated through underfloor tubing inserting the warm air back into the radiant bricks as well as further directing the heat over and under waste maximising the efficiency of the heat energy.

Combined with the advanced multi layered brick based refractory system the rapid delivers a faster and more efficient operation saving up to 40% on your running costs when compared to concrete lined systems. The dense ribbed chamber floor has been developed to allow easy heat distribution whilst aiding ash collection through directing it to the 5 core drop zones.

You are able to monitor the incineration process throughout the cycle through the integration of multiple viewing ports located on the secondary and main chamber as well the deashing doors. Deashing can then be carried out through the 5 chamber doors, built along a plug design to maintain an airtight seal and aiding insulation. This option can be manual or semi-automatic with a screw feed system to remove the ash from the deposit zones.

Fans circulate the heat throughout the main chamber and then into the secondary chamber where the waste gasses are heated to a minimum of 850 degrees for animals and 1100 degrees centigrade for medical eliminating smoke and odours releasing cleaned gas back into the environment.

The Rapid uses layered limit switches fitted to all doors separating the burners, maintaining a constant movement of heat throughout the process as the multi levelled burners will only be switched off during loading and deashing, reducing downtime and maintaining high levels of safe operation.

Keeping the incinerator at optimal temperature by only limiting burners associated to which level of door is opened. For example keeping the top burners on during de-ashing. Able to be operated as a rapid response machine in reaction to any biosecurity emergencies, the Rapid 1000 is available in two versions. The static permanent installation which is available in a range of Diesel, LPG and other fuel types. And a mobile diesel only version.

Complete with many advanced safety features as standard including an emergency bypass configured to open at the same time as the door to direct energy up the stack allowing the chamber to maintain heat energy. In case of a power cut the emergency bypass will automatically open the hatch to release the gasses.

Optional extras are also available such as an Air conditioning unit which will be attached to the control panel to protect electronics in high temperatures.

The Rapid 1000 is a truly impressive machine designed to help you manage your waste safely, completely and economically.

To learn more about the standard agricultural range click here.

To learn more about our High Capacity range click here.

Addfield incinerators are a key factor in maintaining biosecurity on farms worldwide. Click here to learn more about how an onsite incinerator can help combat Avian Flu Outbreaks.

As the principal by-product from incineration is heat, which in most cases just flows harmlessly out of the chimney and into the air.  However hot air has many valuable uses when properly managed. The Addfield Farm-50 is an innovative approach to helping you to convert ‘Waste ‘ to ‘Energy’ which in turn saves you money.  In brief, the Farm-50 enables you to produce clean and more importantly free energy as a direct result of processing your dead/fallen stock.

The Farm 50 is a compact unit that fits onto an A30 incinerator (other models are also connectable).  The energy is created externally to the incinerator by a heat exchanger to ensure a fully safe and green energy source.  The heat exchanger draws it’s heat externally from around the flue/stack drawing the heat into an accumulator which connects to a traditional heating system that can then be used to produce a steady flow of hot water or hot air. This can then be utilised in the heating of external buildings, barns, sheds, farms and other spaces.

The Farm 50 is primarily designed for use within the poultry industry however other variants are available for other forms of waste.  With the benefits for the poultry industry beyond being able to generate up to 4000 litres of hot water an hour just from processing fallen stock.  Being able to manage your own fallen stock has multiple benefits from the pure financial element where external waste collection agencies are no longer charging weekly for collections, the unit can quickly pay for itself.  More essential is the increased biosecurity and reduction in risk of Avian Flu and other outbreaks.  Being able to quickly manage any waste as well as restrict the number of visitors on site massively reduces the chance of cross-contamination from visitors which has been found to be a high risk during Bird Flu outbreaks.

With more than 30 years experience producing some of the strongest machines available Addfield prides itself on consistently being at the forefront of Thermal Treatment and believe it will only be a matter of time before more farmers realise the potential returns available from managing their own waste.

With no additional permits required and farmers across the UK able to access RHI ( Renewable Heat Incentive) grant funding as well as the potential for additional income from a tariff payback from the Farm Energy Centre based in Stoneleigh.  Add that into the standard 40% reduction in operating costs down to the advanced thermally efficient construction of all of the Addfield Incineration range and you should think about how much you could be losing by not managing your waste more effectively.

Is it time to ask yourself why not, to a safer farm, smaller carbon footprint and lower costs.  To find out more about the opportunities available to you from ‘Waste to Energy’ call James Grant on +44 (0)1543 571 280

Nathan Hughes adds This is a total UK benchmark site, I am always overwhelmed when I  come here, it’s what we are all about at Addfield, 25 years on, this machine she is still humming away. it’s a High Capacity WID Compliant site so it has a clear pass from the UK emission compliance sector.

Our visitors came after finding us on our new www.addfield.com website where we now show case our entire range, I am so proud of our company unlike many others, we don’t just sell a box and say “crack on with that” Addfield are a total Turnkey station of success for the thermal solution industry.

We are a green business engaged with some huge global Governmental initiatives, we have recently been invited to speak on behalf of UK DTI (Department of Trade & Industry) at Agro Ukraine (Agriculture) and the massive VIV Asia show, we have just relocated to a new prestigious factory in the Midlands, there is simply no stopping us.

2017 will undoubtedly see us taking the Lion’s share of the Thermal Sector.

Addfield discussing the right way to manage your waste on site, prevention is better than cure!

Addfield are trusted partners to many farmers around the world, recognised as the innovators in incineration technology, offering a range of animal incinerators to ensure fallen is managed on site with no compromise to biosecurity. Why move the problem when you can treat the waste cost effectively on site.

Federico Castello from selecciones avicolas met with Derek Carr and Eduardo Torres at the Eurotier show along with their partners IGE, to discuss the importance of managing your waste on site, whilst discussing any myths potential clients may have with reference to incineration.

The full story can be found here http://seleccionesavicolas.com/avicultura/2017/02/entrevista-a-derek-carr

Only the very best machinery passes the criteria to meet the RHI (renewables heat incentive) click here to see our latest video. Over at Addfield Environmental, we just go from strength to strength, for over the 30 years we have supported the Farming sector and this latest heat and hot water development only demonstrate further our commitment to the Agro Sector.

All of our machines have DEFRA and DARD type approval if you are looking for a long term partner, who quite simply ticks all the boxes in Agricultural Incineration Machinery then look no further, www.addfield.com

Addfield incinerators are a key factor in maintaining biosecurity on farms worldwide. Click here to learn more about how an onsite incinerator can help combat Avian Flu Outbreaks.

To learn more about the agricultural range of incinerators from Addfield click here.

A site visit from one of our sales team to an existing customer proves just how well we manufacture our machines over at Addfield. Our team of experts have a vast wealth of knowledge regarding the incineration, pet cremation and waste disposal industries and are always equipt to answer your questions and concerns. Our team are always there to support you from initial enquiry to support with the functionality & commision of the machine.

The client called to say he was utterly delighted with the machine but could we come and take a look at it as he feels he should give it a service and maybe a bit of attention? Furthermore, he commented

“We stuck it outside from the day we got it, we have run it every day for the past 11 years, in Snow, Rain, Hail, the Sunshine you name it”

We fire her up every morning and she just keeps on running and running, the machine has paid for itself time and time again he says, I wouldn’t buy another machine from anyone else other than Addfield, well you just wouldn’t would you says the owner of a huge Pig Farm up North UK.

Always ready to make the impossible, possible, high capacity disaster preparedness is in the Addfield DNA.

Our outstanding team can respond to very much any situation from Ebola to Swine Flu and of course Avian Flu.

Our services are called upon as part of a much wider team, our proactivity to meet compliance on many current day outbreaks and crisis situation is why Addfield are the market leaders in the Thermal Sector.

Our teams excel and rise to any challenge. Addfield manufactures all their machines on site in the Midlands, Cannock, UK. From fabrication to final paintwork we can and do respond instantaneously to any demand, we have no need to rely on third-party contractors, which again puts us in a very commanding position when it comes to machine procurement.

The Addfield reliability as  “Preferred Supplier”, to many health organisations in the UK and indeed Worldwide, puts us in pole position to react when the phone call comes of any such outbreak.

Our Rapid Machine is a total turnkey solution in disaster response, its unique and intelligent design means the unit can sit on an articulated vehicle and is operational the moment it arrives at the site.

If you require a partner in Rapid Response then look no further. Addfield Environmental Systems will provide you with the preparedness needed to combat any crisis.

Whilst our competitors think about it, Addfield has delivered it.

Call our team of experts +44 (0)1543 571 280 or email sales@addfield.co.uk