Case: 150–180 m³ of slurry per hour with reduced soil compaction

16 September 2026 | VOGELSANG

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At Pancross Farm in Wales, two BackPac trailing shoe applicators provide high capacity and precise slurry application across 2,500 hectares. The slurry is conveyed through an extensive umbilical system and applied evenly across a working width of 24 metres.

Pancross Farm near Cardiff is operated by VJ Thomas & Sons. The farm covers approximately 2,500 hectares of grassland and arable land used to grow silage, maize and wheat.

The farm wanted to make better use of the nutrients in its slurry and reduce the need to purchase mineral fertiliser. The family therefore decided to bring slurry handling back in-house.

However, the previous application methods were less suitable for the stony fields. The farm needed a solution that could combine high capacity and precise distribution with reduced soil compaction.

Eight kilometres of pipe transport slurry to the fields

The solution was a new slurry handling system comprising approximately eight kilometres of underground pipework and two BackPac trailing shoe applicators, each with a working width of 24 metres.

Before application, the slurry is separated to achieve a dry matter content below three per cent. The low-viscosity slurry is pumped through the underground pipes to hydrant points in the fields. From there, it flows through supply hoses directly to the tractor and trailing shoe applicator.

The system can reliably transport between 150 and 180 m³ of slurry per hour over distances exceeding 1.5 kilometres. This provides the capacity required to cover the farm’s large acreage efficiently.

Lightweight construction reduces soil compaction

The low weight of the BackPac trailing shoe applicator limits the load placed on both the tractor and the soil. Its central mounting on the tractor keeps the boom stable during operation, helping to ensure precise slurry placement even on uneven and stony fields.

The integrated headland management system ensures that slurry is applied only where it is required. At the same time, the 300 mm outlet hoses distribute the slurry evenly across the entire working width. This prevents streaks and areas that do not receive the required amount of nutrients.

Despite its 24-metre working width, the boom can be folded quickly into a compact transport position. This makes transport and handling between fields easier.

Better use of the farm’s own nutrients

The combination of high capacity, precise dosing and low weight has provided Pancross Farm with a solution suited to both its fields and the scale of its operation.

Even slurry distribution helps the farm make better use of the available nutrients and can reduce the need for supplementary mineral fertiliser. The lightweight construction and umbilical system also help to reduce soil compaction.

The result is reliable slurry handling with:

A capacity of 150–180 m³ per hour
Transport distances exceeding 1.5 kilometres
A working width of 24 metres
Even nutrient distribution without streaking
Reduced soil compaction
Rapid access to spare parts during the application season

Learn more about the BackPac trailing shoe applicator and Vogelsang’s other slurry application solutions at Agromek 2026. Visit Vogelsang in Hall K at stand K8000.