Comprising approximately 2,510ha (6,215) acres farmed in-hand by Euston Farms, crops include wheat, barley, maize, rye and sugar beet. Vegetables are grown on the farm in partnership with RG Abrey Farms. Other enterprises include outdoor pigs and free-range poultry and the farm has its own herd of Red Poll cattle, with Su olk Punch horses and Suffolk Sheep completing the Suffolk Trinity. Large areas of grassland support HLS agreements and provide animal grazing.

The farm was chosen partly because it doesn’t currently run any Fendt tractors, but also because its fleet includes several brands, so farm staff experience different makes and models. The range of crops ensures there are always field tasks to be carried out and, with a variety of soil types, operations can be adjusted in response to the weather.

Both operators felt the latest 300 Vario was well-designed and equipped for arable farm use and, despite its lower power and smaller size than the usual tractor operated by Matt on the implements, it had proved up to the tasks. Fuel economy was described as very good although, without another tractor carrying out similar tasks alongside, making an accurate comparison was impossible. Matt preferred the cab and controls to those of his usual tractor. “The transmission is superb and the features available mean it’s rewarding to constantly try to maximise output. It’s a giant of a small tractor,” he said.