The Summer 2009 edition of Landwards magazine, produced by Nelson Publishing on behalf of IAgrE, features a comprehensive review of the Land Use – choices and challenges IagrEconference. There is a synopsis of each speaker’s presentation as well as a full round-up of all the awards bestowed on the day. Elsewhere editor, Chris Biddle visits Reaseheath College to meet Jon Gowing of Manns who has achieved LTA4 status in record time, and IagrE Chief Executive =, Christopher Whetnall reports from the 5th Young Engeeriners competition.

LATEST NEWS

IAgrE to offer new Awards
FEG elects new chairman
NFU backs EA’s water supply report
Case IH launch competition for young farmers
Sustainable engineering
Professor Geoff Simm appointed SAC’s Academic Director

IAgrE to offer new Awards
The IAgrE Awards Panel has agreed that a number of new categories should be included in the annual round of IAgrE Awards. These awards, to be presented at the annual Landwards Conference, include one specifically related to safety and one, the IAgrE Student project Award, similar to the Johnson New Holland Award but related to the FE sector.

FEG elects new chairman
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Forestry Engineering Group, a specialist group of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman were elected. Jim Christie, Forestry Machine Consultant, was appointed Chairman in succession to John Lyons of Coillte, with David Sulman, Executive Director of the UK Forest Products Association, appointed Vice-Chairman.

NFU backs EA’s water supply report
The NFU has given its support to the Environment Agency’s 40-year water resources strategy which sets out the challenges and pressures on securing water supplies to 2050. The agency strategy, ‘Water for people and the environment’, recommends a series of actions and measures to ensure that all parts of society have continued access to water against a backdrop of predicted climate change, more housing and a higher UK population.

Case IH launch competition for young farmers
Case IH has launched a competition especially aimed at young farmers throughout Europe. Agri-Future 2020 wants to hear participants’ ideas and visions to improve efficiency and boost the potential of agriculture by the year 2020. Any farming theme can be chosen, from agricultural technology to plant science, farming crops or rearing livestock.

Sustainable engineering
Dr Brian Iddon MP, member of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee, hosted the launch at the House of Commons on May 20th, of the Engineering Council UK’s (ECUK) important new ‘Guidance on Sustainability for the Engineering Profession’. Described as a ‘key milestone in the development of the profession’, the guidance provides coherent direction for engineers, and provides a public declaration of the profession’s commitment to sustainability through engineering. The launch was attended by over 100 people from across the engineering profession.

Professor Geoff Simm appointed SAC’s Academic Director
Professor Geoff Simm has a new role in SAC (Scottish Agricultural College). He has been appointed Academic Director, and will be the strategic leader of all of SAC’s research and educational activities. It is a new, Board level appointment, with a focus on ensuring SAC’s research and education activities continue to compliment each other and provide a fully integrated resource for Research funders & students.