AFDJ magazine sample issue by AFDJ

JOURNAL

FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM SUPPLIES, PARTS, IRRIGATION AND TECHNOLOGY

VOLUME 37 issue 2 May–July 2020

Duraquip takes seeding by Storm - page 52

BOSS delivers big benefits to loyal grower band

PRINT POST APPROVED PP100009211

See pages 36-38

Marshall Multispread spreading Australia-wide See pages 2-3

CAT D3 Series skid steers & track loaders See pages 12-13

Engineered to last Cyclone Silos See pages 34-35

JOURNAL

CONTENTS

Aussie Made gets its chance to shine and win back market share lost to the internationals as imported product supply drys up – starts page 34

VOLUME 37 NUMBER 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE John Deere X Series Combines Aussie Pumps Batchmate AGI grain augers and silos Agsafe drumMUSTER SDLG LG936LA wheel loader CAT power systems GSI grain silos CAT D3 Series skidsteers Loaders Hardi Navigator 6000 Sonic 13045TRS boomspray Croplands WEED-IT Goldacres Prairie Pro 8548 Beverely Hydra Boom sprayer Faresin feed mixer wagons EM Machinery feed mixers NDE feed mixer wagons McIntosh livestock feeders Supreme feed mixer wagons Schuitemaker Feedo wagons Power Equipment engines Aussie Pumps Gold Dealers Goanna Ag WaterWise sensor Franklin Electric solar pumps Titan wheels and tyres Cyclone grain silos BOSS planter bars Air seeders Century Batteries Coolamon spreaders Chaser bins Schinckel Opener series rake Serafin Ultisow Hi-Lift Grainmaster Silos Rhino Smoothbulk trailers Williamson-Agri CT rippers Simplicity 30 Series air carts Duraquip Seed Storm bar Rocks Gone Reefinator H4 Davimac farm machinery Cutmans Feedmax trailers Retrodrum header auger Jadan bale handlers K-Line Crop Cadet drill Manutec planter parts Ennor disc ploughs Companies in this issue

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Early order programs are the only way to buy for the coming season as they offer surety of supply and big savings – starts on page 42 Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal Established 1984 Editorial David Tatlow Email: editor@afdj.com.au Advertising Manager Ben Alcott Ph: 03 9349 5181 Email: ben@afdj.com.au Subscription One year subscription within Australia: $39 (inc GST) for four issues, Overseas: $79 (inc GST) for four issues. Plus 12 months unlimited web access. Phone: (03) 9349 5181 or email to subscribe: editor@afdj.com.au Publisher AFDJ Pty Ltd ABN 76 619 839 744 Factory 3, 39 Dinah Pde Keilor East Vic 3033 Email: editor@afdj.com.au Website: www.afdj.com.au ISSN 1442-4983 The opinions expressed in Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal is copyright © AFDJ Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher.

Trailed sprayers that offer some smart boom upgrades – page 14

Livestock feeders that qualify for full cost depreciation – see 21 www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 1

AFDJ EXCLUSIVE GRAIN STORAGE

GSI GRAIN STORAGE LEADS IN HANDLING AND DRYING

GSI flat packed Silos with portable bases can be assemble by growers onsite and this eradicates the need for a permanent more expensive concrete GSI’s Topdry is a versatile base – there are storage capacities and unique option for growers as this industry from 8.76 to 169 tonnes available to leading system doubles as fit any location with height/width a high capacity grain restrictions easily overcome dryer and storage silo in the one unit

GSI has rapidly expanded its local operation to supply silos from 3 to 30,000 tonnes with the industy’s largest range of material handling, grain drying and conditioning products

SI has been a worldwide leader in the grain storage industry for over 40 years. With a global supply chain and the industries widest selection of products, GSI has all the resources and expertise to provide customers in Australia with the grain storage system and accessories to meet their specific requirements. Optimum storage is crucial when it comes to the quantity and quality of the final output, as many crops lose quality during storage due to uncontrolled heat and moisture. GSI has Australia’s most comprehensive range of both professionally built flat-bottom silos and flat packed conical base silos that can be delivered for self-assembly.

portable bases can be assembled by growers onsite and this eradicates the need for permanent more expensive concrete bases – there is a huge size range available to fit any location with height/width restrictions easily overcome. Flatpacks can be erected with standard hand tools, a great use of downtime on wet days or during the off season. 40-Series flat-bottomed Silos

For a more permanent, higher capacity solution, GSI provides its 40-series flatbottomed silos.

In this case GSI’s will consult with customers from the initial site analysis through to developing a custom grain storage plan and final completion of the project. Capacities start from a few hundred tons and head all the way up into the multiple thousands of tons depending on the needs of any given operation. Standard sizes for on-farm storage are held in stock The side wall sheets are made from high

Flat Packed Hopper Silos

The GSI range of flat packed hopper silos range from 2.7 to 6.4m (9 to 21ft) in diameter with storage capacities from 3 to 169 tonnes. These flat packs range from 4.32 to 12.28m in height and incorporate from 2 to 10 rings of corrugated sheets in their build and can be sealed for fumigation. GSI flat packed silos with ‘bolt together’ 4 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au 10

The GSI range of flat packed hopper silos has been very popular with growers erecting themselves in sizes from 2.7 to 6.4m (9 to 21ft) in diameter with storage capacities from 8.76 to 169 tonnes – go from a flatpack to fully erected as you require

tensile steel rated up to 70,000psi (450 MPa) minimum. A commercial G-90 galvanised steel coating increases life and durability. Larger capacity bins or bins located in high wind areas are stiffened with sidewall stiffeners and wind rings. A range of options are available for 40-Series bins to achieve effective aeration, drying and loading and unloading.

VersaLoop from GSI will improve your farm storage system from top to bottom and speed up your grain handling process. VersaLoop is available in 203mm (8 inches) (100tph or 4,000 BPH), 254mm (10 inches) (150tph or 6,000 BPH) and 300mm (12 inches)

“In-Bin” Drying and Cooling

GSI can also supply the industries widest range of fans, grain heaters and drying floors. GSI can provide customers with a customised aeration design for new or existing silos. GSI systems can also ‘backwards’ engineer existing aeration systems to give you a computer simulated estimate of the cooling and drying potential of an existing silo. New System designs are available for grain cooling through to in bin drying and automation control systems are also available. A unique canola floor is available for ultra clean under floor hygiene, with no aeration performance loss. This is the industry’s most advanced floor with small holes to prevent dust and trash falling through, yet high total floor openings to prevent air flow restrictions meaning superior aeration and cooling performance for your grain. For underfloor clean out simply open the plenum doors, turn the fan on and be left with a super clean and hygienic floor GSI “TOPDRY” Silo

For the ultimate in storage and drying, GSI’s TopDry unit gives you the best of both worlds of a high capacity automated dryer, and storage in one (up to over 900 tonnes storage). TopDry by GSI has a high capacity grain dryer built in the top section of the silo (up to 40 tonnes per hour), and then drops the grain into the storage and cooling section below The cooling section provides ‘low speed’ cool air flow for gradual and high-quality processing allowing you to gain a quality premium price over traditionally dried grain. Traditional Grain dryers have the same high speed airflow in both the drying and cooling sections which stresses the grain lowering quality. GSI also offers a single module portable dryer to allow growers to start harvesting grain earlier at higher moisture levels, thereby increasing yields and improving profits. Drying wait times are shortened, while weather risks are minimised and grain losses reduced. LPG, natural gas and diesel versions are available with industry leading quiet fans.

NEW Versaloop

For moving grain, a wide range of conveyers and bucket elevators are also available including the versatile VersaLoop round tube chain conveyer. VersaLoop will improve farm storage systems from top to bottom and speed up the grain handling process. With many inlet and discharge options, VersaLoop can be used in several key functions across your grain system making grain movement easier than ever. VersaLoop is available in 200mm (8in), 250mm (10in) and 300mm (12in) sizes and has a maximum length of 99m. It can accommodate inclines of up to 60 degrees to load taller bins. For more details on GSI commercial bulk and on-farm grain management systems, email to: gsianzgrainsales@agcocorp.com visit at: www.agcograinandprotein.com.au or call Tim Pfeiffer direct on mobile: 0447 469 767.

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GSI offer the largest range of fans and grain heaters on the market with system designs for grain cooling www.agcograinandprotein.com.au through to in bin drying With a GSI single module portable dryer it allows growers to start harvesting grain earlier at higher moisture levels for increased yields and higher profit

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SMART

Glass

The transparent display laminated into the windscreen can provide basic or more comprehensive information about the tractor and also provide operator warning alerts

The first head-up display for agricultural tractors will be available on Valtra N Series and T Series tractors before long as a means of providing a wide range of information to operators in a format not previously available

he Valtra SmartGlass development is described as ‘robust and bright’ transparent display technology, and is laminated inside the windscreen. Tractor operators need to pay attention to many things while operating the tractor – observe surroundings, watch and control the implement, assess the work being done and be aware of machine status. Valtra’s SmartGlass transparent display puts the most important information in the best location, says the manufacturer, to improve safety and the ergonomics of tractor operation.

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The display can be used to show information appropriate to the work being carried out but would likely include ground or engine speed, engine and hydraulics temperature, fuel and diesel engine ﬂuid (AdBlue) level, front loader position, implement height, and so on. Valtra also plans to display information not directly related to the operation, such as incoming caller information from a mobile phone, alerts highlighting a vehicle overtaking on the road or persons nearby in the farm yard. Obstacles and dangerous driving on slop-

ing ground could also be parts of the safety alerts package, and other functions related to AGCO Fuse technologies, such as Auto Guide steering, are also envisaged. Valtra SmartGlass for tractor data display is expected to become available on N Series and T Series machines as part of the Valta Unlimited options range within the next 12 months in the northern hemisphere, with the more advanced features planned for introduction later. Meanwhile, Valtra Connect telemetry is being introduced – initially in selected European countries before being expanded

The Valtra four-cylinder N Series and six-cylinder T Series shown here will be available with the SmartGlass windscreen information display in northern hemisphere markets at first

IS EASY TO READ

The Valtra Connect telemetry system will provide access to tractor location and status, record its activities, and provide data on its well-being, paddock and road movements, service scheduling and so on

further afield – as a means of remotely gathering data on tractor status, condition and operation. Connect can collect data from up to 154 different sources on the tractor, tapping into the CANbus electronics network and on-board computer to transmit it to a protected server. Users can then access the data on an office computer or by using an app for a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet computer, which enables real time monitoring of, for example, the tractor’s fuel level and exact location do that re-fuelling supplies can be organised in timely fashion. Comprehensive tractor data from oil temperatures to boost pressure and pto speed to gearbox functions can be transmitted simply and inexpensively, for farm records and to analyse the efficiency of working practices. The data remains the property of the tractor owner, who can decide who else might have access to it.

But there are beneﬁts from sharing at least selected data with service dealers and their technicians (and also the maker) to get an early warning of issues and help diagnose problems so that correct remedies and parts can be prepared. It also has the practical potential to proactively schedule routine servicing to keep tractors in tip-top condition, and enable service technicians to locate tractors that need to be serviced or repaired away from the farmyard. To initiate the system, owners of new tractors will simply register them on the

Valtra website; but older tractors can also be equipped by a qualiﬁed service technician with the hardware required for Valtra Connect. Call Valtra for the anticipated smart glass tractor delivery schedule on tel: 03 9313 0313.

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www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 725

HONDA 50 YEARS

Honda Australia has created a one-off range of gold products to celebrate 50 years of Honda in Australia, featuring everything from a generator to a hybrid supercar with well in excess of five million Honda products sold in Australia over the past 50 years

HONDA MILESTONE WITH 50 GOLDEN YEARS IN AUSTRALIA H

onda Australia celebrates its 50th birthday in 2019, marking half a century since the company was first established locally on February 4, 1969. Honda products have been distributed around Australia by a variety of private companies since the 1950s. But the brand’s official local presence began when Honda Motor Company in Japan sent Mr. Hidehiko Shiomi to Melbourne to setup a unified, national representation for Honda in Australia. “Honda Australia was in fact a subsidiary set up primarily to sell cars, but it has since grown with the global Honda brand to deliver a wide range of products and services that help make people’s lives more enjoyable,” said Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Hiroyuki Shimizu. From cars and motorcycles to generators, lawn mowers and marine engines, Honda’s diverse range of products have been enjoyed by millions of 48 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

Australians over the past 50 years. To mark such a significant milestone, a unified Honda Australia has created a one-off collection of some its current iconic performance products, resplendent in striking gold bodywork as the traditional symbol of a 50th Anniversary. “We thought about how we could celebrate our birthday and our unique diversity in a bold and fun way. I mean, who has ever seen a golden mower or generator before.” said Mr. Shimizu. “To Honda, performance means more than speed – each product is designed to perform at a level that exceeds the expectations of the customer. We’re looking forward to showcasing these amazing golden products around the country throughout 2019, so stay tuned for more information on that front.” In images and video footage set against a quintessentially Australian backdrop, the Honda Australia ‘golden era of

performance’ lineup covers everything from generators to supercars. It will feature seven of Honda’s latest and greatest products including: • NSX hybrid supercar • Civic Type R high-performance hot hatch • CBR1000RR Fireblade motorcycle from the Supersport range • CRF450L next-generation motorcycle from the Enduro range • CRF50F Kids Fun bike, Honda’s best-selling off road model • HRU19 Buffalo Premium lawn mower, proudly designed and assembled in Australia • EU22i Generator, the world’s best-selling Super Quiet, leisure generator The celebratory golden collection of products will be used throughout the year to inspire, thank and connect with Honda Australia customers. “Achieving 50 years of

longevity and continuity in business is a significant milestone, but none of this would be possible without our people. Over the past 50 years, Honda products have undoubtedly become a necessity to the agricultural market, with Aussie farmers relaying on Honda’s 4-wheel ATV and SXS machines in day-to-day operations of farms all over the country. More so, Honda ensure development of their products cater specifically to the extreme and unique conditions down under. The release of the Pioneer 700 is a prime example of Honda’s conscientious effort to provide the best tools to farmers with a unique specification side-byside destined only for the Australasian market. Senior Honda SXS/ATV engineers conducted extensive research; in conjunction with several farming communities in Australia, to further understand what was needed for an ‘Aussie Side x Side.’

CREATING THE GOLDEN PRODUCTS

Technology is also at the forefront of Honda’s product development, with continuing efforts to provide farmers with industry setting tech to make their jobs easier. The release of the Pioneer 1000-LE saw Honda offer the first ‘intelligent’ 4WD system in the SXS market, primarily geared at encouraging ease of use for farmers. The new “I-4WD” system (Intelligent 4-wheel drive) offers brake traction control, hill-start assist, and electronic brake force distribution and combines the 4-wheel drive and diff-lock functions into a single selection mode. Honda Motorcycle and Power Equipment Managing Director, Mr. Robert Toscano, is pleased to see both Honda subsidiaries partner for this special milestone. “Honda products have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of modern Australia over the last 50 years – take the CT110, more commonly known as the Australia Post, ‘postie bike’, that has helped deliver

Honda Australia has partnered with Melbourne-based specialists Vinyl Wraps and Graphics to conceptualise and produce the striking gold bodywork on each of the products. A gold chrome film was laminated with a clear satin film to help disperse reflections, resulting in a unique and refined finish that changes tone with the prevailing light source. “Given the thickness of the vinyl wrap and the intricate profiles of the bodywork, this was a complex project across a diverse range of products, but we are thrilled with the results,” said Matt Czerny, Managing Director of Vinyl Wraps and Graphics. “We worked closely with the Honda Australia team on the design, with the gold theme highlighted with some satin black accents, such as on the badging and wheels of the NSX. And it’s not every day you get to work on a golden generator, everyone who’s seen it wants one.”

the mail to Australians across the country for generations,” said Mr. Toscano. “I am proud to have been a part of the journey so far and it’s fantastic for us to celebrate this together, we look forward to the future and the next 50 years of Honda in Australia.”

The next 50 years

The future for Honda Australia will be one focused on advancing the joy of our customers in their daily lives through mobility. Honda will continue to develop and bring to market advanced technologies, creating value and mobility like no other brand. “We are striving to be leaders in the areas of environment and safety, and will continue to invest heavily to become a company that leads efforts to realise a carbon-free and

collision-free society,” said Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr Shimizu. “What is crucial to us in the midst of the technology evolution, however, is that we don’t lose the human touch. Electrification, connectivity and autonomous developments are all in the future, but we must always ensure that we connect with our customers

and deliver an experience that reflects the heartbeat of Honda. “Delivering joy and connecting with our customers will always be a priority for Honda Australia.” Lofty goals, yes, but Honda has always believed in the power of dreams. For further information on 50th Anniversary models go to: www.honda.com.au

Honda’s famous EU22i portable Generator, the world’s best selling Super Quiet leisure generator takes its place in the 50th Anniversary golden line-up www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 9 5

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A LEADER IN SILAGE TECHNOLOGY

LALLEMAND OFFERS AN INTEGRATED SILAGE PRODUCTION APPROACH LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION OFFERS LONG-TERM FORAGE BASED FEEDING SYSTEMS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA

STORED SILAGE ABLE TO MEET LONG-TERM FEED REQUIREMENTS

ilage allows you to store high quality feed for extended periods until you need it, years or even decades in the future, giving you more options to ﬁnish or maintain livestock, no matter what the season. Lallemand Animal Nutrition, a leading Australian provider of silage inoculants, sealing systems and expert technical advice has been involved in the Australian livestock industry since the early 1990s and has helped livestock producers develop forage-based feeding systems all over Australia and in various parts of Asia. Whether you’re considering silage in bales, stacks or pits, Lallemand has the expertise to help future-proof your livestock operation, offering an integrated silage production and feeding approach regardless of whether the silage is made to be fed immediately or stored for the long term. Growing or contract growing your own fodder may present a better long-term solution for many livestock producers in managing feed inventory and costs, according to David Lewis technical services manager for Lallemand. David noted that the current drought is a compelling reminder for livestock producers to continually focus on their longer-term feeding strategies. "A lot of livestock producers think that feeding silage is purely in the domain of feedlots or large dairies with their own cropping programmes. "Nothing could be further from the truth. Silage made from irrigated or dryland crops forms the backbone of hundreds of feeding systems in dairy, beef and sheep enterprises throughout Australia. "Livestock producers are using baled silage through to large 12 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au 42

bulk silage systems. It really comes down to developing a silage system that meets the needs of each situation from drought reserves through to high level production." "Some are using silage in their weaning programmes to make sure heifers and mature breeders achieve critical mating weights and body condition scores, respectively, which can have a positive impact on the lifelong profitability of your herd. "For others, silage is part of an intensive production system for milk and meat and functions as a reserve to sustain production or maintain precious genetic base during bad years to limit destocking," Mr Lewis said. "Many beef producers are also increasingly using silage in their backgrounding or finishing programmes to make sure their steers achieve market specifications and leave the property on time. Although the majority of silage produced is consumed within 12 to 18 months, many people forget that silage can be stored for 10, 20 or even 30 years and managed with a long-term view as a drought management strategy. Lallemand offers a full range of products and services relating to silage production, management, nutrition and training. The company has six technical consultants based in regional Australia working with hundreds of dairy, beef and sheep producers, along with backgrounders and feedlot operators.

For further information contact Lallemand on tel: 07 5451 0125, email: lan-aus@lallemand.com, or visit: www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com.au

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Leave your grain selling to the qualified experts at Market Check and expect the best possible return – from left Brett Stevenson Managing Director and Founder, Tom Basnett General Manager and Richard Perkins General Manager

Growers such as Don Hahnel from Ouyen Vic take full advantage of the services that Market Check provides to its long standing customer base Australia wide

DON'T TRY TO BE A GIRAFFE While our instinct tells us to work hard on our weaknesses, the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders understand that focusing on our strengths and outsourcing our weaknesses is the key to prosperity in business. Belarusian American entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk, who transformed his small family wine business into a multi-million dollar empire, dedicates much of his success to this mantra: “Focus on the things that you’re good at and outsource your weaknesses. Stop blinding yourself. Start understanding who you are. A penguin cannot become a giraffe, so just be the best penguin you can be.” Self-awareness of our strengths and weaknesses is a crucial prerequisite for success in any field. As the saying goes: “Try to be a jack of all trades and you’ll be a master of none.” From a grain marketing perspective, seeking good, independent advice is imperative for two reasons – from an opportunity point of view, that is, to maximise the value of grain produced, and also from a risk point of view. Good advice will ensure you avoid pitfalls and sidestep expensive mistakes. This was evident in the 2007/08 season for farmers managing new crop price risk during the growing season. There was a good start to the season, and growing popularity in the use of derivatives (mainly OTC Swaps) to manage price risk, with most farmers doing so without independent advice. As the crop started going backwards in late winter/spring, prices – already in record territory – continued pushing higher. Instead of reducing hedge positions in line with the crop prospects in the paddock, many farmers doubled down and sold more to ‘average up’. The outcome was widely publicised – large debits on Swap positions without the physical tonnes to offset. Two key things were lost in the reporting at the time. First, because the domestic market was far more sensitive to the Australian drought than the offshore market, washouts on physical contracts were significantly greater than washouts on Swaps. Second, the financial pain was in many cases due to the misuse of the products, not the products themselves. The media blamed the gun and not the one who pulled the trigger. There’s no doubt that there are risks involved with hedging pre-har-

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vest, however, 2007/08 was a brutal example that forward contracting is far riskier. The situation also should have illustrated the merits of low-risk pre-harvest put option strategies, but a decade on, understanding and adoption remains limited in the grower space. Progressive and innovative farmers have put increased value in good, independent grain marketing advice and have taken their grain marketing returns to another level. Many others, though, instead of acknowledging their lack of expertise in this area, threw the baby out with the bathwater and turned their back on derivatives. To make matters worse, many growers were fully exposed to a significant fall in 2008/09 prices. Regrettably, these growers ‘paid the high and sold the low’. Those who understood the benefits of more strategic grain marketing kept their eye on the ball and took advantage of the high prices to start hedging the 2008/09 crop, and were protected as prices for that crop fell substantially during the growing season and going into harvest. Far too many growers returned to forward contracting physical during the growing season. Some advisers did their clients a great disservice. Instead of encouraging them to stick to their guns, they went with the populist view and pursued a cash-focused approach to marketing and flawed methods, which put too much emphasis on price deciles and averaging cash sales through the year. Not only does forward selling expose businesses to excessive risk – compounding the production risk that already exists – this strategy has been proven to leave significant value on the table compared to hedging. For example, Chart 1 shows six-year seasonality in Kwinana APW1 versus CBOT, and basis pre-harvest. In the six years prior to this year, from January to October pre-harvest, hedging has outperformed forward contracting in 55 months out of 60. For January-July, forward selling has outperformed in only one month in the last six years. On this occasion, forward selling outperformed by $2/t, versus up to -$67/t underperformance, and -$27/t on average. Farmers too readily give their position away pre-harvest when prices in relative terms are far too cheap.

versus global benchmarks at the time; our domestic balance sheet was the tightest in history; and the Australian crop was not in great shape. Despite a lot of progressive farmers avoiding these pitfalls this year, unfortunately much of the grower community is learning some expensive lessons again, with $250-$300/t forward sales on the books in a $350-$450/t market. Of these growers, those who have production have incurred a $100/t plus opportunity loss, while those who don’t have compounded production failure with $100/t plus washouts. Chart 2 illustrates the outperformance of hedging versus forward selling this year.

Price deciles are too limiting to initiate marketing decisions, because markets shift and prices can trade at decile 10 levels or sub-decile 5 levels for long periods of time. For example, growers forward selling 2018/19 APW1 in Port Adelaide zone at $300 in May through July because it was a 10-year, decile 9 price, exposed their businesses to huge opportunity loss and/or excessive risk, as prices proceeded to rally more than $100/t. A more considered approach would have steered away from forward selling, because: from a relative value perspective we were too cheap

There are many good news stories and many Australian farming businesses are realistic, recognising that they need to engage professional expertise in their grain marketing. Many are seeking good advice and are open-minded about different, lower-risk ways of approaching the market and risk, focusing on tried and tested concepts like relative value and not ﬂawed cash-focused strategies. Farming is generally a low-margin business, but there is a tremendous range between the best and worst performers. According to ABARES, the average rate of return (excluding capital appreciation) for grain farming businesses was 4.5% in 2016/17, above the 16-year average of 2.4%. ABARES noted that performance varies widely between individual farms. Even in 2016/17, 19% of grain farmingbusinesses recorded negative rates of return, with only 12% of businesses achieving returns above 10%.

A solid marketing strategy will go a long way to elevating returns into these higher percentage brackets.Margins in farming businesses can be tight and volatile, but the top farming enterprises are moving ahead. A big reason for their success is simply acknowledging weaknesses or gaps in their expertise. Instead of trying to be a ‘jack-of-all-trades’, farming businesses need to focus on their strengths in management and production and get help from independent professionals in the marketing of their grain. Market Check is an independent, Australian owned business that has offered year-round grain marketing services to Australian farmers for 24 years. Contact Market Check at www.marketcheck.com.au or tel: (02) 9499 4199. Story by Tom Basnett General Manager, Market Check

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

John Deere set to update S700 combines

direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite direction. Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to get results, while also increasing their accuracy. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture contents. Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded along with other important information on documentation software. See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300 The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

Case IH’s Axial-Flow 250 Series will incorporate three models with grain carrying capacities ranging from 11,100 to 14,448 litres

Case IH launch 250 Series harvesters The switch has been flicked on a new era in combine harvesting technology and productivity with the release of the Case IH 250 Series Axial-Flow combines. The local market will welcome the 7250, 8250 and 9250, class 7, 8 and 9 models respectively with a grain tank capacity of 11,100 litres on the 7250 with the option to increase to the same 14,448 tank that is standard on the other two models. Rubber tracks set at 762 and 914mm (30 and 36-inch) widths are available for all models.

The 250 Series are easy to pick as they sport a different look with tri-stripe decal styling and upgrades that focus on improving productivity from the combine as well as the operator. There are now a number of automated functions that assist in maximising the efficiency and performance of the combine, and this in turn optimises quality and grain savings. The feeder house has been redesigned to increase feeder lift capacity, feeder drive capacity, fore-aft feeder faceplate tilt and

Drones added to quad bike safety rebate funding Drones will join the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program (QBSI Program) as part of an extra $2.8 million dollars in farm safety funding from the NSW State Government. The QBSI program now includes a rebate for one drone per eligible business plus an extra $1.25 million to continue the quad bike safety rebates program for the next two years. NSW Farmers raised the idea of including the purchase of new drones in the QBSI program last year after hosting a series of drone training sessions for farmers, which identified the safety benefits of this flying farm management tool. NSW Farmers’ President James Jackson said, “While it is not a common farm tool as yet,

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farmers who have experienced using a drone at our training sessions are quickly drawn to it. Many can see significant potential for drones to replace other tools and vehicles on farm for certain tasks such as checking on fences, dams and stock, silo inspections, weed control and sheep mustering.” The QBSI program continues to offer two rebates worth up to $1,000 each to replace an existing quad bike with a side by side (SxS), or have it fitted with Operator Protective Device (OPD), as well as a free helmet. The QBSI program also includes free regional quad bike trainings. “This highly successful program is progressively changing attitudes and behaviours towards quad

header height control. While a new two-speed electric shift ground drive transmission provides higher tractive effort and grade-ability across a wider speed range. And with the new transmission, the feed-rate option has been upgraded to utilise ground drive pressure and engine load to automatically determine available power for crop processing. Enclosed hydraulic powered disc brakes, a new front axle and final drives, electronic diff lock control and scalable MFH speed

control also muster increased performance in the 250 Series. The overall running upgrades will allow operators of all experience levels to get the most productivity from their time in the cab. The 250 Series comes with a range of options worth looking at, including new technology in the shape of AFS Harvest Command automation. This utilises 16 sensor inputs to continuously monitor the machine and adjusts seven different settings to maximise overall combine performance. Operators can manage this new technology through the in-cab AFS Pro700 display, and it can be set to suit the level of experience of the operator, as well as crop harvets conditions and type. AFS Harvest Command is about ensuring high-performance levels are sustained, even should conditions change during the harvest operation, with the combine adjusting its settings to react to the changes. Making this model more ‘userfriendly’ for anyone who gets in the cab, no matter previous experienced, has been a design focus for the 250 Series. The Axial-Flow has been part of the Case IH stable for more than 40 years and now the 250 Series will continue the tradition of innovation while maintaining the qualities that have made the Axial-Flow a market-leading combine across the globe.

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The QBSI program now includes a one-off $500 rebate for purchasing a new drone for each eligible farm business

bike use, generating significant safety investment on farm and gradually driving down quad bike related injury and fatality rates,” Mr Jackson said. NSW Farmers will continue to press for the introduction of a safety rating scheme of quad bikes and SSVs to help farmers make better informed decisions at the point of purchase. Farmers in NSW can apply for

the existing quad bike rebates, that now include the $500 drone rebate from 1 March 2019, on the NSW Farmers' website. NSW Farmers is administering the quad bike safety rebates program on behalf of SafeWork NSW. For more information go to www.nswfarmers.org.au or view www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call direct on tel: 13 10 50.

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

AFDJ HANDLING NEWSLINE GRAIN

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

GSI is now offering the most affordable grain storage this season with an on-farm 1,000-tonnes package working out to repayments of just $24 per tonne, per year including a 13m (42ft) Silo with foundations, aeration, stair access and unloading equipment – other sizes are also in stock and ready to deliver

good measure to run any fans for to cater for fertiliser and feed mill aeration equipment. While for requirements. GSI offer the industry’s largest bigger capacity storage there is a 13m (42ft) by 10-ring 1300 tonnes range of aeration options, and capacity Silo available that many their experience with sealed silos growers will be looking to fill this for fumigation proven to meet Australian Standards ensures season. And to show the benefit of that grain quality is as good after dealing with a company the size storage as the day it was put in. GSI takes the time to fully of GSI, every Silo can be supplied with proven handling equipment. understand the requirement of And perhaps best of all, AGCO each installation and will allow finance currently at a very for future expansion if the facility competitive 4% with customised intends to add more later. Additional accessories such as repayments to suit cash flow of aerators and spreaders will also the farming operation. For growers being introduced be suggested, depending on to Grain Systems Inc (GSI) for the estimated storage duration, to first time, it is the world’s largest provide a system tailor made for silo manufacturer and as such each facility. The Australian GSI operation offers the most extensive range of grain storage, grain management understands that farming is and material handling equipment. seasonal and that growers need GSI can install on-farm grain to build additional storage storage systems in all states, with before harvest, but then the installations ranging from single benefit of higher grain prices will on-farm hoppers right through to not be realised until well after. In these circumstances GSI can multiple Silo installations with market leading intake and offer customised payment plans through AGCO Finance to ensure unloaded conveyer systems GSI’s product range includes growers have adequate storage both cone and flat bottom Silos, for the season, and to then take bucket elevators, drag and belt full advantage of the best grainconveyers, chain loops and even marketing plan. Get details of Silo capacities supporting structures. grain the handling equipment at These range in and volume from and direction of travel automatically mirrors broadcast pattern www.gsiag.com.au or toopposite find out 3 tothe 30,000 tonnes once combine turns on-farm at the headland and moves in the capacities through to unlimited more on Silos available for direction. call Tim large scale commercial Improvement in chopvolumes. quality is alsoimmediate enabled by delivery, remote adjustment on 0447 469chop 767 and find commercial projects of For thelarger counter knife. The operator Pfeiffer can easily assess quality out how can offerreversing the best GSI has a range of ofthe weighing, from the comfort cab by checking theGSI combine’s solutionsfrom for your grain storage samplingand andset specialist products camera, the counter knife position the seat. thisActiveYield season. such stainlessintroduction steel options, Theasprevious of the automatic yield

GSI first choice for grain storage with unbeatable turnkey solutions John Deere set to update S700 combines Some lucky grain growers will immediate needs of growers still

be able to take advantage of holding grain from last season, immediate delivery sought and inin aneed of quick additional of significant number to cram a rush is in of ohn Deere afterupdates Silos with stockcombines just storage. for the 2020 season, with the its S700 intonew released byclearly AGCO’songrain storagethroughput, One call will initiate and immediate easier automation increased focus and materialtohandling division of adue 11mto (36ft) 7-ring Massey the by expected lossesdelivery sales GSI. combat operation While any size Silobeing can available be 600 for tonnes capacity Silo and it season. the 2019 Series IDEAL Ferguson ordered from 3 to 30,000 tonnes, can be optioned with speed, every of forward regulation automatic combine’s The S-Series in stock now are popular known GSIintegrated accessory, and thea witheven and optimised been hastwo HarvestSmart, capacities that will meet the Massey Ferguson generator for Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2.

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In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system get results, while also increasing their accuracy. and the combine’s speed just as the operator would normally set. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more They wereatjoined in Italy by Silvan Australia hasengine cemented level the desired load is maintained time, the same At precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement a twenty-year association as Silvan representatives Gavin efficiency. harvest maximumlong for in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture Davison. of theSide solewinds Australian distributor of Wheatcroft distribution theIan effect onand can have an enormous Mr Wheatcroft says “the factory contents. the Nobiliresidues, range of mulchers combines on S700 Series will be possible so it combine Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded visit enabled these top Nobili manufactured in Italy. for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. along with other important information on documentation software. Australia’s top four Silvan- dealers to see the work that goes combine’s the detects system AutoSwap new the GPS, Using See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au Nobili dealers recently visited the into the production of the quality manufacturing plant of Nobili in Nobili range of mulchers. “Founded over sixty years ago Molinella, in the province of Emilia Romagna in Italy’s northern the privately-owned Nobili company virtually created this imporindustrial and food heartland. The four dealers in the tant implement sector and At the helm is Guido Rossi CEO of Nobili explaining the vital delegation were Brahm Osborn became the product leader in updates in the new Nobili mulcher range to Silvan Australia executives and the top four dealer representatives at the of Chesterfield Machinery, tractor powered mulchers and factory in Molinella, Emilia Italy Grain Bag Unloader The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto theRomagna Loftness GBU10 to virtualRutherford NSW, Michael Dotta their range is exported the 3m world. of Serafin AgPro, Griffith NSW ly every corner andofrolls (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and The SilvanNobili delegation and Peter Field of Dover and eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The through state of the art theiroffongoing development Sons, Beaudesert QLD along with en route to Bologna unit rollsvisited up theother bag directly the main bag roller onand the bagquality unloader. manufacturing andholder new product their export achievements. product suppliers Alan Mollenhauer of Barambah leading ItalianThe unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball with a innovation is always Mr Wheatcroft says, “It is in pump company Comet and handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulicparamount”. Machinery, Murgon QLD. sliding twine wrapping bag rolling For more information on the always beneficial to see what Their trip reflected their success valve and nozzle spearmaker slides Arag. out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the goes on behind the scenes in Nobili range of mulchers, check Both these businesses hold at recording Australia’s leading baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no weldingwhere or drilling.for Weight unit isSilvan 417kg (920 lbs). youroflocal Australia high tech manufacturers international dealership sales of Nobili mulchers long established It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. reputations for quality products, the emphasis is on product dealer at www.silvanaust.com in calendar 2017.

Silvan builds on Nobili mulcher reputation

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

A series of charts and photographs shows how the dune system that flanks South Australia’s Coorong was almost destroyed only to be resurrected when the rabbit population was eradicated

Rabbit destructive dunes in Coorong make a comeback When rabbits moved into the vast dune system that flanks South Australia’s Coorong in 1949, their population peaked at 26 rabbits per hectare and they never planned to leave. A long-term study of vegetation cover on Younghusband Peninsula’s transgressive dunes by Flinders University SA researchers shows that rabbits were the most destructive factor affecting dune stability. They were ahead of wind, temperature fluctuation and even rainfall – so reduction of the rabbit population was required. Myxomatosis in 1952, then the rabbit flea in 1968, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in 1995, and a combined virus in 2018. With the final virus leading to a 40 per cent reduction on already low population numbers.

In one of the most long-term investigations into how rabbits can destabilise a natural, functioning ecosystem and compromised growth, aerial photographs of the peninsula from 1949 to 2017 show the damage clearly. However, that vegetation cover has significantly increased in recent years, and stabilised the dunefields, since the rapid decrease of rabbit populations. Historical records show that strong rains during spring accelerate vegetation growth in the Younghusband Peninsula dune system, but they also boosted rabbit populations and resulted in a critical reduction in vegetation coverage of the dunes. Subsequent peaks in vegetative growth on the dunes through

more than 65 years of records corresponds with the introduction of specific deadly viruses that dramatically reduced rabbit populations. Findings from the study have significance for international

concern about the protection of vulnerable land and shows the impact of introduced plants and pests into an ecosystem. Rabbit population growth is often the trigger to vegetation destruction in vulnerable areas.

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Nice days catch – but try as they may – rabbit trappers could not match the eradication power handed out by viruses cooked up in science labs

Trelleborg marks its contribution to sustainable agriculture The world’s population reached 6 billion people in 1999 and is expected to increase to 8.5 billion by 2025. One of our greatest challenges is to increase food production in a sustainable manner. Trelleborg is one company that is introducing some major goals in sustainable agriculture. From current cultivated areas it is clear that more sustainable agriculture is needed to meet an increased populationl challenge. Trelleborg believes the answer is greater industrialisation and in certain areas, a faster transition to mechanical solutions. The demand for precision

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farming practices, that is currently used on only 5% of the world’s cultivated area, is therefore expected to increase to 20% within the next decade. Driverless machines and robots will become increasingly common, to enable agriculture to produce more with fewer resources. One contribution from Trelleborg, is the Variable Inflation Pressure (VIP) system, a smart tyre that automatically adapts tyre pressure to load and ground conditions. This has two effects in economic and environmental terms. Lower power required

when planting and better crop yields. Tests by Trelleborg show up to 5% higher yield than with standard wheels. So, Trelleborg is investing in developing this line further in conjunction with smart tyre and wheel systems. The Variable Inflation Pressure (VIP) system is currently available as a factory fit option for European based agricultural tractor manufacturers. For your nearest local dealer contact Trelleborg Wheel Sytems on tel: 1800 037 091, or email: tws.au.sales@trelleborg.com or see more at the local website: trelleborg.com/wheels/au

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Trelleborg tests have shown a 5% increase in crop production when growers use their Variable Inflation Pressure (VIP) tyre system

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN AFDJ HANDLING NEWSLINE

John cultipackers JohnDeere Deere is offering a are available working for number of in updates widths from 1.2 to 3.6mwith its S700 combines and are designed to a focus on increased work with compact and throughput, automation utility tractors

and easier operation

Deere bolsters tillage and seeding with Frontier lineup John Deere has bolstered its lineup of Frontier equipment in some markets with the addition of implements including cultipackers, three-point shank rippers and overseeders. These are implements now being requested by large-scale property owners and Ag contractors that also need smaller equipment to work behind compact, and utility tractors for specialist crop plantings. Deere’s is offering five models of Frontier cultipackers that are compatible with compact and utility tractors with pto power ranging from 15 to 92kW (20 to 125hp). A 102mm (4-inch) square mainframe and 406mm (16-inch) cast-iron packer wheels enable Frontier cultipackers to pulverize clods and gently create firm seedbeds with fine particles at the seed depth and a layer of loose mulch on the surface. Enhanced soil conditions help slow evaporation and conserve moisture while promoting uniform planting depth, maximum seed-tosoil contact and improved yields. Where seed has been sown, Frontier Cultipackers break up clods and firm the soil around the seeds. Shallow seed placement and ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant improved seed-to-soil contact created by the cultipackers enhances updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the seed germination. focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier Working widths are available in 1.22, 1.83, 2.44 and 3.66m (4, 6, 8 operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey and 12-ft) and allow for easy transport on roads and through gates. Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. Adding to the Frontier range are 3-point mounted shank rippers The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, designed to fracture hardpans as deep as 457mm (18-inches) and aid

Added to the John Deere range in some world markets are shank rippers and overseeders for compact and utility tractor power of 15 to 92kW (20-125hp)

in root penetration and while decreasing water run-off. Frontier shank rippers are compatible with compact utility and utility tractors and are available in one, two or three-shank configurations. The heat-treated shanks can be moved to fit various row spacings, are protected by shear bolts and offer replaceable wear tips. The implement’s category I and II quick-hitch compatibility simplifies connections between the tractor and shank ripper. Deere claims the Frontier 3-point shank rippers as easy to adjust, maintain and are suited to a wide variety of cropping systems. Deere has also added a range of Frontier ground-driven overseeders for primary seeding, overseeding and other applications that include establishing cool and warm-season pasture. Large-scale operations as well as small farms can use Frontier ground-driven overseeders to plant anything from rye and oats to specialist grasses, legumes, wild flowers, radishes, soybeans and any similar crops. Available in 1.22, 1.52, 1.83 and 2.13m (4, 5, 6 and 7ft) working widths, the overseeders can be equipped with three seed-box options direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern fitted with fluted seed cups and an agitator for accurate, uniform once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite delivery of turf grass seeds. direction. The four models include spiked rollers or disc blades that can be set chop quality is also enabled by remote toImprovement provide a set in cultivation height. Seeding rates can be adjustment adjusted as of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess quality needed. Cultipacker options can also be added for goodchop seed-to-soil from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing contact and soil finishing. See JohnDeere.com/Frontier.

John Deere set to update S700 combines

HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system set. just as the combine’s and SmartProwould is ablenormally to pair digital Farmers Edge, a speed developer of the operator level desired at thethe maintained with time, engine At the same agronomic precision agriculture tools load has is technology efficiency. harvest for maximum launched SmartPro especially for expertise of dealers and rural of on the distribution effectretailers, enormous ancollect have to winds can supply crop advisers AgSide professional advisors on S700 Series combines so it will be possible and agronomists. data from residues, its farm customers. combine for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s

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camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to get results, while also increasing their accuracy. From 2020,will thisbesystem be supplemented with an even more decision-making and creating SmartPro a mustwill have precise This will result in considerable more opportunitiesimprovement for growth." tool tohumidity help agsensor. professionals in databetter collection, for bothPowered low and high grain moisture by paddock-centric make use especially of time and resources when sampling, and data collection, advanced analytics, contents. andwill real-time data, putting into effect variable-rate Calibration intervals plus yield andintegration humidity data be recorded users see more about the programs their customers. along withfor other important information on can documentation software. Thisyour how local Wadedealer Barnes, of grower’s operations and cater for See at:CEO https://www.deere.com.au Farmers Edge sees the programl any services required. integration and real-time data, working, “Through SmartPro, we’re putting data-driven ag professionals will have access insights directly into the hands of to insights that provide a deeper understanding of growers’ needs, ag professionals. “By giving them access to allowing them to deliver a higher eSample, a precision soil sampling level of service. Ag professionals are limited by RxPro, a complete The Loftness Bag Balerapp; Option mounts directly variableonto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader rate technology system; and time and resources; SmartPro is a and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and eScout, an advanced scouting scalable solution for providing eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The sampling, and variable rate platform. unit rolls up the bag directly off thecan main bag roller on the bagprograms unloader.across more paddocks, “They work confidently The unit requires only knowing one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a they're utilising the in less time. sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around bag. The hydraulic bag is available inrolling all the most comprehensive toolset on baledSmartPro spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the the market. SmartPro relieves regions Farmers Edge currently baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit 417kg (920 lbs). in: is Canada, USA, the burden of manual work for ag operates eScout is part of the suite of data It is agathering fast, simple, reliable way to handleenabling empty, used bags and prepareBrazil, them and for recycling. Australia, Russia. professionals smart information incorporated in the SmartProFor system more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

Farmers Edge SmartPro is a digital tool for Agronomists

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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AFDJ NEWSLINE AFDJ NEWSLINE

Volvo, the world's second biggest truck maker has revealed the Vera electric self driving vehicle that can pull loads weighing up to 32 tonnes

Volvo Vera electric truck can haul loads without a driver It’s designed to be safe. It’s quiet and totally predictable – down to the cost savings. Nothing similar to what you’ve seen from us before. In fact, it’s impossible to drive even if you want to. The Vera electric vehicle is from Volvo Trucks autonomous solutions division. It is an electric, autonomous vehicle currently in development and recently unveiled by the company. Though it looks more like an exotic supercar from the future, Vera is more truck than anything else. The vehicle is used as a tractor unit and is compatible with existing load carriers/trailers. The propulsion is entirely electric with zero exhaust emissions and low noise levels. The driveline and battery pack are of the same type that are used in Volvo Trucks’ electric models. The design is nearly all chassis, with no cab. Working as “part of a larger system,” Volvo says Vera is designed for repetitive, shortdistance transports with high-volumes of goods. The platform consists of autonomous, connected, electric vehicles and a transport control centre that all work together in a logistics network. The Vera electric tractor is equipped with sophisticated autonomous driving systems, Volvo says, and are designed to locate their current position to within centimeters, monitor in detail and analyse what is happening with other road users, and then respond with high accuracy. The Vera can hitch and haul with no operator interaction required at any time. E-commerce is growing fast and there is a widespread shortage of truck drivers worldwide. It is readily accepted that autonomous, electric and safe vehicles will have the leading role to play in the future of transportation. “The full potential of the transport industry is yet to be seen.

With super machine looks the Volvo Vera electric tractor can hitch and haul loads autonomously but if you are planning on driving it yourself – you can’t

Everything suggests that the global need for transportation will continue to significantly increase in the coming decade,” says Claes Nilsson, president Volvo Trucks. “If we are to meet this demand in a sustainable and efficient way, we must find new solutions. In order to secure a smoothly functioning goods flow system we also need to exploit existing infrastructure better than currently. The transport system we are developing can be an important complement to today’s solutions and can help meet many of the challenges faced by society, transport companies and transport buyers.” Nilsson says the autonomous, electric and safe vehicle system can be seen as an extension of the advanced logistics solutions that many industries already apply today. “Since we use autonomous vehicles with no exhaust emissions and low noise, their operation can take place at any time of day or night,” adds Karlsson. “The solution utilises existing road infrastructure and load carriers, making it easier to recoup costs and allowing for integration with existing operations.” A cloud service and a transport control centre manages the network of electric and autonomous vehicles, Volvo says. The transport control centre continuously monitors the progress of the transport and keeps an accurate watch of each vehicle’s position, the batteries’ charge, load content, service requirements and a number of other parameters. As with an industrial production process, speed and progress are tailored to avoid unnecessary waiting and to increase delivery precision. Vehicles that operate on the same route cooperate to create optimal flow.

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Rototilt R9 tiltrotator is the world’s largest tool platform Rototilt says its latest excavator tiltrotator is designed for jobs that demand muscle and ability beyond the norm. With unprecedented capability it makes the largest excavators even more effective. The company bills its R9 tiltrotator, designed for excavators in the 30-40 tonnes range, as the largest in the world. Rototilt says it “transforms the largest excavators into flexible and super-strong tool carriers.” Tiltrotators allow excavators to rotate attachments 360 degrees and tilt them 40 degrees side to side for added tool versatility. The R9 offers breakout forces up to 500 kNm, redesigned hydraulics for high flows and a powerful worm gear with dual hydraulic motors. The tiltrotator also features Rototilt’s SecureLock safety lock that ensures attachments are always properly coupled.

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

A mobile AGI Wheatheart swing auger that can readily be positioned at any time, fills a pair of AGI’s stiffened corrugated silos

Shown here the AGI UTX 44 auger – it is part of the extensive model range that provide 16 to 38m lengths

Manage your grain flow with AGI Ag Growth International (AGI) has a strong presence in Australia and is a leading manufacturer of equipment and storage solutions for the grain industry. The company’s product range includes portable and stationary grain handling equipment including augers and belt conveyors. AGI is also a specialist for a wide range of storage and conditioning equipment including storage bins and silos, handling accessories and aeration equipment. A current grain grower or commercial operator knows all about harvest pressure. Getting the crop off the paddock and into storage requires handling equipment to be fast and reliable. And a point often overlooked is the necessity that makes the auger you use a critical decision. If the auger doesn’t match

header and trucking capacity, it will create a serious bottleneck in the operation. A problem that can prove very costly, especially if harvest season weather is against you or the local elevator wait times are excessive. AGI solves this problem with the X series range of augers. Models range from 16 to 38m (53 to 124ft) in length and coupled with a swing-away or extend hopper, these augers can move grain at 10-tonnes per minute. The additional mobility of an X series auger means you can quickly move it to fill a bunker or silo anywhere on the farm. Adding this versatility to any auger work is important as it ensures there is no over capitalisation on fixed handling equipment. For growers planning to expand on-farm grain storage AGI has the

storage and accessories required to make sure product is kept in pristine condition to maintain its market value. AGI silos are designed to the highest standards and verified by testing. They are built to withstand the harshest of Australian weather conditions with high tensile steel stiffeners and corrugated galvanized steel on the walls and roof. The AGI silo conditioning regime includes fumigation and aeration systems that can be coupled with the AGI SureTrack bin manager software solution to maintain grain quality and value. SureTrack also enables growers to market directly to buyers and validate grain quality. Once on-farm storage grain is sold, fulfilling the order starts in the silo.

AGI has a focus on its range of out-loading auger being well-built and safe to operate, and fast and soft on the product. AGI solves delivery pressures with its EasyFlow 2 U-Trough unloader and the UTX44 U-Trough truck loading auger. By pairing these units, loading rates of 3.7 tonnes/minute or 220 tonnes/hour can be achieved. AGI handling equipment also specialises in making the process of on-farm delivery orders fast, safe and reliable. For more information see www.aggrowth.com or contact AGI BU manager Peter Forster on tel: 0477 474 726 or Email: peter.forster@aggrowth.com

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Agsafe drumMUSTER recycling program enjoys continued success For years, farmers and other AgVet chemical users had few options for disposing of used containers. Consequently, they were dumped, buried, or burnt. Times have changed and growers and other users are aware of the potential uses of recyclable plastics, plus most QA food safety programs require growers demonstrate their commitment to environmental safety. Enter Product Stewardship. A whole-of-lifecycle approach to ethical management of agvet products, from the original manufacture though to their use and end-of-life disposal. Agsafe’s AgVet chemical product stewardship programs, drumMUSTER and ChemClear, divert used containers and obsolete chemicals from landfill, re-routing them into recycling and responsible disposal pathways that assist in keeping land and waterways safe. Since operations began in 1998, more than 40,000 tonnes of unwanted plastics have been diverted from landfill sites into recycling programs. This equates to 35 million agvet containers. There are more than 800 collection sites throughout Australia including over 350 local council sites. Once the containers are collected, they are shredded and granulated, processed into pellets, then re-used to make wheelie bins, fencing, pipes, bollards, road markers and public furniture. Dominique Doyle, Agsafe General Manager, said of the program, “Farm businesses who frequent drumMUSTER sites are setting a good

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example of how the simple act of recycling can keep land and waterways cleaner and litter-free, and communities safer.” To find the nearest collection point to you, please visit the drumMUSTER website at www.drummuster.org.au or call 1800 008 707. So, round them up, rinse them out and run them in. Remember, every container counts.

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Agsafe General Manager Dominique Doyle at one of the drumMUSTER program's more than 800 collection sites nationwide.

AFDJ NEWSLINE

John Deere X9 Series combines provide greater harvesting capacity for high-yielding crops with the X9 1000 grain tank at 14,800 litres, while the X9 1100 holds up to 16,200 litres – unloading augers with adjustable spout are available in 7.9, 8.7 or 9.4m lengths

John Deere X Series combine harvesters move into high capacity John Deere is adding two X Series combines to its range that will appeal to large-scale farmers and contractors. The X9 1000 and X9 1100 harvesters represent a capacity and performance level that John Deere harvesting has not offered previously. And in addition engineers have followed the brief to make sure, as conditions change the X9 models are able to make automatic adjustments for the operator, so they consistently function at peak levels. But that is far from all these X Series combines offer. Deere engineers have also added a wide feeder house, a dual separator, and a larger cleaning shoe. These all work together to improve crop flow and increase harvesting capacity.

At the heart of the X Series combines is the new Dual Separator (XDS) with the largest threshing and separation areas Deere has ever offered. Crop in the XDS is threshed and separated during nine revolutions, and the result is minimal to no grain loss for a much-increased harvest capacity over previous Deere models. There are seven square metres for the Dyna-Flo XL Cleaning Shoe to operate in. This is a 36% greater cleaning area than the S790 combine it replaces. To back up this expanded processing power, X Series combines can run up to 14 hours during harvest without refuelling. The powerhouse behind this expanded momentum comes from a John Deere PowerTech 13.6-litre engine that is coupled with a belt-drive system and

Aussie Pumps partners with Goldacres on Batchmate Aussie Pumps has teamed up with leading homegrown sprayer manufacturer Goldacres to create a fast batch mixing and transfer system. The Goldacres Batchmate is a stand-alone batching system that allows chemicals to be pre-mixed easily, safely and quickly, ready for transfer into sprayers. Goldacres selected an Aussie Pumps smart pump as the heart of the Batchmate to deliver the right flow and pressure combination for the batching process. The compact Batchmate unit incorporates an 800-litre tank with a Honda-driven Aussie 76mm (3-inch) smart pump. A high capacity venturi with chemical induction probe is incorporated to enable the mixing process to be carried out with maximum efficiency and speed. The smart pump is a self-priming, RSEBSV model incorporating high flow capacity and excellent performance characteristics. The pump is manufactured from 30% glass filled polyester, meaning it can withstand long term exposure to chemicals. While the mechanical seals and elastomers, including the check valve are compatible with most farm chemicals. The Aussie smart pumps are covered by a free extended warranty of

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updated ProDrive XL transmission that also achieves improved fuel efficiency. With so much more power at the ready in this venture it is almost a surprise to find when compared to the S790, the X9 1100 uses up to 20% less fuel per tonne harvested. To make sure no operation is left out, and in almost a sense of over-supply, three technology packages are available for the X Series. Select, Premium and Ultimate. For most growers that still rely on the ability of their operator, the Select package will suffice. It includes a StarFire 6000 integrated receiver, Generation 4 4600 display, Harvest Smart, Interactive Combine Adjustment and is Connect Mobile ready. You can move up to the Premium package as it builds on

the Select package with Active Terrain Adjustment and the Premium 3.0 Activation with AutoTrac RowSense, Section Control and in-field data sharing. And for those coming off a good season, everything in the Select and Premium packages is included in the Ultimate. Along with Automation 3.0 Activation with Generation 4 Machine Sync and the Combine Advisor Technology Package with ActiveVision Camera technology and Auto Maintain. All X Series combines come ready to connect to the John Deere Operations Centre, a cloud-based, central location where growers can electronically share machine or operational information. Once you select an operation package, it’s not quite over yet. More though will have to go into the X Series cab, where you guessed it, three cab packages are available including Select, Premium or Ultimate. The X9 1000 grain tank can hold up to 14,800 litres, while the X9 1100 holds up to 16,200 litres. This relates to 5 and 15% more capacity than the S790 respectively. There are folding unloading augers with an adjustable spout for the X Series in 7.9, 8.7 or 9.4m lengths. A demonstration unit is scheduled to arrive here in 2021, and John Deere dealers will also start taking orders for X Series combines at that time. For more information on John Deere X9 Series harvesters see your local dealer or go to: https://www.deere.com.au

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five years. Honda engines that drive them come with Honda’s usual three-year warranty. “It’s great to see Australian manufacturers like Goldacres producing innovative machines like the Batchmate,” said Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer, John Hales. “This purpose-built machine saves time, and even features a 23-litre handwash tank with soap dispenser.” For more information on the Aussie Pumps smart pump go to: www.aussiepumps.com.au

Goldacres workers suited up to carry out a chemical mix using the Batchmate equipped with an Aussie Pumps 76mm (3-inch) smart pump

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AFDJ LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK OFFERS BIG RETURNS

Expect the herd price of quality Holstein’s to rise as annual milk production is tipped to be in excess of nine billion litres a year with a strong ove–photo The Holstein Friesian Association of Australia Inc.rall farmgate price expected – photo The Holstein Friesian Association of Australia Inc.

DAIRY FARMERS SET FOR BEST RESULT FROM PAST THREE SEASONS

airy production is heading for its best spring result in three seasons, as timely rainfall in key regions ramps up the nation’s milk production, according to the latest-release sector information. National milk production is forecast to expand by 2.8 per cent in 2020-21, bringing it back above nine billion litres for the first time since the 2017-18 season. And with rainfall expected to be above average across Australia’s main dairy belts from September through November 2020, the sector is on track for a strong result. Known as the ‘spring flush’ it’s the time of the year when milk production typically surges, peaking in October. The expected good result is a follow on of the welcome turn around in production conditions seen halfway through the 2019-20 local dairy season, that finished at the end of June 2020.

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The tally for the national milk production for 2019-20 finished overall marginally down on the previous year at 8.775 million litres. At the start of the 2019-20 season things were a little glum as the first half of the period was dragged down by poor seasonal conditions with less rainfall than most would have liked. But the timely summer rainfall in January 2020 changed all that, as key regions were soaked in optimism and the milk pool began to recover quickly. Solid growth was led by Tasmania and eastern Victoria, while irrigated dairy farming operations in the southern Murray Darling Basin – a region that has contributed to the biggest milk production declines in recent years – were now receiving the rainfall and water market conditions they needed to improve production.

The snapshot of year-on-year for the month of June 2020, milk production was showing a steady increase, sitting at 4.1% higher than the previous year, June 2019. The dairy supply market is now in a position to export surplus as it continues to recover with milk supply growth. More milk in the system will help alleviate some overhead

cost pressures for dairy processors and will also allow dairy exporters to explore growth opportunities. Dairy farmers are managing things well, with Australian dairy farm operators continuing to enjoy lower feed costs and elevated cull cow prices. It is expected the farmgate milk price will remain broadly in line with the previous (Q2)

With Dairy producers finally relieved of the low farmgate prices that threatened the viability of many operations just 18 months ago, the focus is now on new equipment installations – photo The Holstein Friesian Association of Australia Inc.

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a predictions –of at AU$6.30/kgMS number updates for for the 2020-21 season. its S700 combines with And if these forecasts are amet, focus on increased it will mean Dairy farm throughput, automation operators can expect a very and easier profitable seasonoperation for 2020-21.

Even with the effects of reduced traffic due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail sales of eShepherd is a virtual fencing dairy products continue to system where individual animals are grow above long-term trends, fitted with a neckband that monitors so this is a very positive sign. their movement to stay within a preOnce the pandemic restrictions determined area and lockdowns have eased it is expected that out-of-home consumption of dairy, that is currently well below levels seen a year ago, will recover and add further volume. Holding things back at the moment are ongoing lockdowns in Victoria, capacity restrictions in venues and cautious ustralian AgTech company, Agersens, has “The protection of the Great Barrier Reef is consumers limiting out-of-home secured a $335,000 grant to test if its paramount and real change needs to start at a sales in major cities. eShepherd digital fencing platform can production level to minimise sediment runoff Another area where a quick keep cattle from trodding or polluting the Great into waterways,” Mr Chaffey said. recovery will be sought is in Barrier Reef. “We believe we are part of the solution to overseas markets. eShepherd uses technology to control and improving land management practices, both in For the full 12 months of the 2019-20 season, Australia’s move cattle with individual animals fitted with catchment areas and more broadly across the dairy export volumes finished an intelligent neckband, which virtually connects Australian grazing sector, through virtual fencing. to a base station and the eShepherd web “eShepherd allows graziers to cost-effectively 7.1% down year-on-year. application. establish virtual fences in challenging terrain However, there were reasons of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast patternMr of significant a number ohn Deere is in a rush to cram Aingrazier wanting to contain ordirection move animals typically unsuitable for traditional fencing,” behind thisinto fall its including tight the with season, 2020 the for S700 combines updates once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite area can use the app to create a Chaffey said. milk supply primarily due throughput, to to a particular automation and easier on increased clearly focus virtual paddock on their property.direction. “The cost of traditional fencing and its three years of continuous dry operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement in chop quality is also adjustment The idea of the trial is to keep cattle away from maintenance can enabled be hugeby toremote a grazing business, weather in many regions. Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality the Reef by confining their movements with the however we now offer a solution to allow This exasperated largeautomatic falls in regulation of forward speed, from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing combine’s S-Series The strict grazing management that eShepherd can landowners to protect sensitive areas and export shipments skimoptimised milk and integrated with the camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. been has of HarvestSmart, offer. minimise topsoil runoff into the waterways, by powder, down 29%, and butter Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield The grant has been funded by a partnership keeping stock away from eroding gullies and was down by 44% for the year. In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust streambanks. There the relieved or it exceeds grain, chaff or broken levels ofbright to high some due were sample the operator of the stress andexclusion, time involved in waiting also to and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. stock eShepherd export spots however, liquidadjusts the HarvestSmart system get results, while also“Beyond automatically ICA2 loss rate, set increasing their accuracy. It is expected will be able to exclude provides an opportunity for graziers to adopt milk fresh speed cheesejust were normally set. wouldeShepherd as the operator combine’s theand and From 2020, this system will be supplemented an even morean up to 400 cattle from catchment locations over improved grazing practice with change across able to improve on the previous At the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement data on the entire property. andharvest both grew by four the next 12 months and collect efficiency. maximum forseason, in data collection, for both low and grain moisture effectiveness of the system in reliably keeping especially “eShepherd controls and high moves animals autoper for can the year. have an enormous effect on the distribution of contents. winds Sidecent stock from entering sensitive riparian areas. matically, enabling better pasture management The sector report also looked combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines Calibration intervals yield and humidity be recorded A desktop study will also be completed to by plus increasing rest periodsdata to will improve pasture milk production growth automatically. to be adjusted angle of spread for the forat2020 along with other important information on documentation software. demonstrate the costs and benefits of using the quality.” across major markets system detects the combine’s new AutoSwap the export GPS, Using the See your local dealer https://www.deere.com.au Mrat:Chaffey said the trial is expected to and found the expansion that technology as part of an overall approach to commence from February 2021 and his team is began in Q2 2020 is forecast to improve grazing land management. Agersens Chief Executive Officer, Jason actively seeking volunteer producers in eligible continue expanding into 2021, Chaffey, said he is thrilled to be part of a program catchments to participate. and this growth has not been designed to result in better practices. For more information on eShepherd or to seen since 2018. This is a unique way of using digital tools become part of the Barrier Reef trial program, A likely production increase of contact Agersens at info@agersens.com.au 1.3% year-on-year is expected to manage grazing and land restoration without the need for fencing, across the main seven dairy The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader achieve export regions. The EU, US, and if successful and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and for New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, positive outcomes eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The while Argentina and Uruguay – in Q4 landholders, unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. The eShepherd intelligent improving water 2020. The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a neckband is attached to the quality. This is then expected to be sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baledanimal bag. The hydraulic bag rolling and then connects to a followed by a 1% increase in spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag balestation to be discharged from the base and web application the first half of 2021 and 0.8% baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). to monitor their movement growth in the second half of It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. 2021. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

eSHEPHERD VIRTUAL FENCING GIVEN GRANT TO PROTECT THE REEF

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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LIVESTOCK

Professor Ben Hayes is shown here taking a DNA marker sample – hairs from the tail – off a herd in Rockhampton Qld

BEEF BREEDERS LOOK TO THE FAR NORTH FOR PRODUCTIVE HERDS

ar north Queensland beef enterprises that sometimes work in extreme conditions are now aided by genetic breeding methods. The far north is the setting for technology called genomic selection and it’s being used to vastly improve fertility gains in beef cattle herds. The research is being spearheaded by Professor Ben Hayes of the University of Queensland research institute fame who has vast experience in improving health and productivity of livestock and pasture systems.

The genomic selection technology is able to predict future offspring characteristics based on DNA data from the breeders that has been sequenced by researchers. “The substantial impacts from the harshness of the environment for northern cattle herds and the many breeds used by the sector can be dealt with, again, provided the right data is collected,” Professor Hayes says. “For this project, we collected data for Brahmans all the way through to Angus cattle and all crosses in between.” Professor Hayes describes two

key ingredients to the project’s success. The first involves the herd owners themselves who made DNA samples available through tail hairs. Plus important data about the performance characteristics of their animals, including ultrasound scans obtained by vets. The second component involved an in-depth analysis of the DNA of these bulls and heifers in a process called genotyping, similar to ancestry DNA testing in humans. The technology is now at the point where it is producing fertility predictions based on a DNA

test, that producers can use to identify the most fecund parents. Professor Hayes says the timing is particularly fortuitous, given that many northern cattle stations are currently rebuilding stock numbers following a run of adverse seasonal conditions. “Part of the motivation for setting up genomic breeding for cattle herds is the opportunities to produce more beef from the same number of cows,” Professor Hayes says. “That has environmental, sustainability and profitability benefits for producers.”

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Improved standards for livestock loading and unloading The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Australia (ALRTA) has welcomed the publication of an Australian Standard for the Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens (AS 5340:2020). The standard has been developed by Standards Australia following public consultation during 2020 and input from a representative supply chain and community steering committee. Former ALRTA Vice President and Chair of the ALRTA Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, Mick Debenham, said that the new standard will improve worker safety and animal welfare. “Loading ramps and forcing yards are the most dangerous

part of livestock handling facilities. In 2020, livestock producers, handlers and transporters can no longer accept the unnecessary risk of crushing, lacerations and slips, trips and falls, and tragically, sometimes death,” said Mr Debenham. “There is consensus within the industry that improved safety can be best achieved by keeping livestock and people separated, a guiding principle that is reflected throughout the standard. By improving safety for workers, we also improve the safety and welfare of our livestock – the two go hand in hand. “The standard is strongly supported by the livestock supply chain and based on the

The safety standards for livestock loading ramps and forcing yards have been upgraded to lessen the chance of injury during livestock handling pre-existing Guide for Safe Design of Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Yards that was published by ALRTA in 2015.

Those who have followed the guide will generally meet the standard,” said Mr Debenham. Copies at Standards Australia

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LIVESTOCK

A Stubble Grazing Calculator from the CSIRO is able to predict liveweight gain or loss in adult ewes based on their size, condition and reproductive status

Stubble grazing calculator predicts nutritional value for livestock No more guess work as a new Stubble Grazing Calculator from the CSIRO can predict liveweight gain or loss in sheep based on their size, condition and reproductive status. The tool will help farmers review their practices to get the most benefit. In a good season mixed enterprise farms earn their largest profits during a high-yielding harvest. However, running a livestock operation – typically sheep – provides an important hedge for farm finances. By selling wool or sheep, they can help to spread business risk during inevitable drought years

by providing an ongoing income stream when crops fail. Crop stubble (or crop residue) was once seen as on-farm waste – recycled back into the soil at best or burned at worst. However, over the past few decades industry-wide attitudes towards the biomass that remains above ground following harvest have dramatically shifted. Growers now see it as a valuable resource to maintain groundcover. It can prevent erosion of their valuable topsoil and trap soil moisture for future crops for longer. Knowing how to properly

manage crop stubble, where sheep typically spend 20% of their time, can make or break the ability to maintain groundcover to support future crops, while also acting as a feed source for livestock. New research funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation sought to address the changed circumstances of mixed enterprise farmers. Lead by Dr Dean Thomas from CSIRO Agriculture and Food, a two-year project worked to quantify the value of modern crop stubbles in the face of the

summer-autumn feed gap when they are a critical source of feed for sheep in the mixed farming regions. Consequently, as part of their research the team have been developing a decision support tool called the Stubble Grazing Calculator for farmers to use when calculating the needs for their flocks. It is able to predict liveweight gain or loss in adult ewes based on their size, condition and reproductive status, the type and condition of crop stubble (wheat, barley or canola), and the provision of supplementary feed.

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Droughtmaster Australia take their breed to the people When you consider Australia’s Natural Wonders, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback come to mind and up until now the name Droughtmaster hasn’t figured. But all that is about to change according to the company behind Droughtmaster beef cattle. It is suggested they are indeed another natural wonder and the herds live, breath and feed this country through drought, floods, and more. Australia’s national herd is made up of many Droughtmaster cattle and the people behind this breed want consumers to know more about the beef. General Manager of Droughtmaster Australia, Simon Gleeson said now was the moment to take the breed to the people of Australia. “We are asking Australians up and down the beef supply chain

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to embrace our breed. “That means more breeding by cattle farmers, more butchers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs buying and selling Droughtmaster beef, and more members of the public asking for Droughtmaster beef when they dine out or shop. It’s now time to ask for Droughtmaster by name. “Like many primary sectors, the cattle industry is facing major questions around sustainability, versatility and long term production, and Droughtmaster as a breed can answer them all because the breed was developed for Australian conditions.” The Droughtmaster breed has a proud history dating back to the early 1930s when a group of progressive cattlemen collectively recognised the need for a breed to suit our environment, rather than battling on with tropical and northern hemisphere breeds.

Droughtmaster cattle are perfectly suited to thrive in our famous droughts and floods with the breed recognised by the National Trust as a Queensland Icon Today, Australia’s Droughtmaster cattle are perfectly suited to thrive in Australia’s famous droughts and flooding rains, with the breed officially recognised

by the National Trust as a Queensland Icon in 2006. See more on Droughtmaster cattle at: https://www.drought master.com.au

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Australia’s feral camels could be the country’s next big dairy bonanza if camel milk producer Good Earth Dairy get its way

Camel milk touted as the next big export industry Australia already has a budding camel milk business – Good Earth Dairy, and now they have laid out some ambitious plans to launch our feral, previously unowned, camels into the stratosphere. An equity crowdfunding

campaign being run for Good Earth Dairy through the Birchal platform will seek AU$1.2 million to chase a slice of the $56 billion global infant formula sales, a market expected to grow to $100 billion by 2025. Western Australia’s first

commercial camel milk dairy has already spent nearly 5 years and over $4 million to develop intellectual property (IP) to produce camel milk at significantly reduced prices in comparison to other market providers. “With our novel IP to reduce costs and increase yield, Camel milk is now a viable disruptor to the multi-billion dollar global infant formula industry. “And we intend to enter that market with the support of this equity crowdfunding campaign,” Good Earth Dairy co-founder and CEO Marcel Steingiesser said. The average price of camel milk is AU$18 per litre and tins of the powder sell for more than AU$100 in China. Good Earth Dairy claim the only other competitor on its scale has a production cost of AU$12 per litre, while Good Earth Dairy has developed

unique agritech to produce the camel milk below AU$3 per litre. And with the addition of yield improvements, the cost will drop below AU$1 per litre, which is a marked competitive advantage and will enable the milk to be commoditised,” Marcel Steingiesser said. Good Earth Dairy claims that it's IP can scale to more than 3 million litres a year for each commissioned modular dairy and as camel milk is free of the key allergen of dairy milk. Camel milk caters to infant formula, particularly as cow milk is the second most common allergen in Australia. Good Earth Dairy’s mission is to create a sustainable, ethical agricultural industry focused on large scale production of pure Australian camel milk within a thriving market. The company is also aiming to list on the ASX in early 2021.

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Pork is driving surge in global animal production In its just-released Global Animal Protein Outlook 2021, agribusiness specialist Rabobank says China’s initial recovery from African swine fever (ASF) would emerge as the biggest driver of growth. And while it will fuel the global animal protein sector in the year ahead – it also represents the greatest risk for global trade. Rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said production growth was expected across most key animal protein

markets around the world in 2021, and within most species, after a challenging 2020. “Pork production is expected to grow faster than its protein counterparts in 2021, driven by the ASF recovery in China and Vietnam, while poultry and aquaculture are also expected to grow based on post-COVID-19 improvements to foodservice,” Mr Gidley-Baird said. Beef should return to modest growth, he said, led by increased production in North America and Brazil.

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Pork breeders will be the big winners in 2021 as production is expected to grow faster than any other meat

Red meat supply chains are going green Proactive governments worldwide have begun regulating to reduce emissions in red meat production, forcing industry players to take a different approach. But it will be the market – rather than regulators – motivating change, according to a newlyreleased industry report. While challenges remain, the trend towards climate-friendly meat will also offer opportunity for meat industry players, including those in Australia, according to a report from global food and agribusiness specialist Rabobank. As community demand for better environmental outcomes continues to gain momentum both globally and locally. Opportunities exist for red meat supply chain stakeholders to implement programs aimed

at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while retaining consumer trust, and promoting social acceptance, the report says. But measuring emissions in the red meat supply chain remain one of the most challenging aspects confronting the industry. Rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said there was an opportunity to tailor programs with certain specifications already used in dedicated supply chains. Similar to current grass fed and organic programs – and this would allow stakeholders to produce lower-emission red meat without necessarily undertaking heavily burdened onerous emission measurements. “Instead of having to measure on-farm emissions, livestock owners could participate in a dedicated supply chain with a

The red meat market is coming under pressure to go green with little choice according to Rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird program that uses a technology or process that has demonstrated emission benefits,” he said. Some of these technologies, such as using methane-reducing feed supplements, implementation of emission-reducing farming

practices or refined genetics, were already being commercially applied. And Mr Gidley-Baird said it was only a matter of time before these innovations were integrated into dedicated supply chains.

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AFDJFEED EXCLUSIVE MIXERS

THE NDE RANGE OFFERS A TMR SUIT EVERY SIZE OF BUDGET AN NDE FS1000D has a 28.4 cubic metre capacity, twin augers and is shown here with a side door and elevator - it has a 1000rpm PTO speed and power requirement of 97kW (130hp)

All NDE models will accept the largest round or square bale and process it quickly, while high capacity models will hold up to six large bales as well as grain and concentrates up to 48 cubic metres

DE Co of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been building TMR feed mixers for more than twenty years. NDE produces vertical mixers with one to three augers and capacities ranging from 9 to 48 cubic metres. Eastern Spreaders in Kerang, VIC has been distributing the NDE mixers locally since 2000 and carries a full range as well as a large stock of spare parts. At the core of all vertical NDE mixers is an aggressive auger design with 60cm (2ft) curved carbide knives to quickly and completely process hay bales and roughage. The full ighted auger design, combined with a stepped oor ensures an even front to back and bottom to top mix, and easy and complete cleanout. 24 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

The stepped oor in NDE mixers places the rear auger oor 250mm (10-inches) higher than the front auger oor, so product moves in a gure 8 ow pattern, ensuring complete mixing of all material. All NDE models will accept the largest round or square bale and process it quickly, while high capacity models will hold up to six large bales as well as grain and concentrates. NDE produces a wide range of machines to cover operations big and small and two popular model line-ups are the economical, single auger S Series and the all-purpose FS Series with a 4-point scale system and single, double or triple auger set ups. Capacities on the S Series run from 11.1 to 16.2 cubic metres

across four models with power requirements running from 55.5kW to 74kW (75 to 100hp). Each is PTO driven with the smaller S400L and S450L offering either a 540 or 1000rpm connection, and the larger S500 and S600 requiring a 1000rpm connection. A 2-speed gearbox is optional S Series models feature side discharge doors with 1m to 3m conveyor options, A-shaped frames for a tighter turning radius and the single vertical auger is tted with 60cm curved carbide insert knives to make short work of large bales. The S400L, S450L and S500L offer a lower loading height of around 2.5m, making loading with a skid steer possible. The S600 features a slightly taller prole allowing handling

of full-size bales and other feed ingredients easily. A 30cm (12in) heavy duty rubber extension can be added to increase capacity by about 2 cubic metres. The robust triangular steel tubing frame design offers tighter turning radius as well as a 3-point frame mounted weigh bar system. S Series mixers can also be equipped with a solid single axle or walking tandem and several tyre options are available to suit indiviudal requirements. To maximise accuracy, efficiency and productivity, a number of ration management systems are available as options. FS Series capacities run from 13.3 cubic metres up to an extra-large 48.5 cubic metres over the 10 models in the

FEED MIXER TO ND OPERATION

The FS1000D has a 28.4 cubic metre capacity and is set up as pictured on the left by Eastern Spreaders with a side elevator delivery. On this model, feed is pushed out a 1.1m (3.6ft) side door to an elevator with available lengths of one to three metres. Rubber wind guards can be tted to these conveyers and they can be congured with self-levelling feed slides (steel, rubber or magnet). Elevators can be set at any discharge height from 1m to 2.5m (3.3 to 8.2ft). It is also possible to order an NDE vertical mixer with two side doors with a discharge elevator on either the left- or right-hand side. Both the lifting and driving of elevators is controlled from the tractor remotes. The FS1000D has a 1000rpm PTO speed and has a minimum power requirement of 97kW (130hp). The mixer is a tandem axle design and can be set up with a walking or sprung conguration. LT235/75R-17.5 tyres are tted as standard, but otation tyres are also available.

For producers that choose the NDE FS1200D, it boosts capacity to 33.4 cubic metres and is set up as pictured below by Eastern Spreaders with front delivery. This front door has a large 1.4m (4.6ft) opening and can be congured with a at two-way delivery or a 60cm or 91cm (2 to 3ft) folding dogleg conveyor. The FS1200D has a 1000rpm PTO speed and has a minimum power requirement of 112kW (150hp). All FS machines are tted with Weightronix weighing systems with bold type monitors as standard. A number of optional features are available for these mixers, including fully programmable scale monitors and either a two-speed gearbox for the FS1000D or a Zuidberg powershift gearbox for the FS1200D. NDE FS Series feed mixers are available now from Eastern Spreaders, tel: 03 5450 3077, email: sales@easternspreaders.com.au or see more NDE models at: www.easternspreaders.com.au The NDE FS1200D front door has a large 1.4m (4.6ft) opening and can be configured with a flat twoway delivery or a 60cm or 91cm (2 to 3ft) folding dogleg conveyor

range. The FS models are all-purpose mixers offering front, side or rear discharge with a wide array of conveyor options and tyre and axle congurations. Two popular models in the NDE line up are the FS1200D and FS1000D. Both mixers are twin auger designs with the augers overlapping to guarantee a complete mix of all ration ingredients.

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CROPPING

WINTER CROP HARVEST REVEALS A NEAR RECORD 51.5 MILLION TONNES HAUL

It was a window of hope as Canola proved a winner this winter cropping season with a 59% rise in production across the country

The second best winter crop on record has given growers renewed faith they live in the promised land and a chance to reach $100 Billion of farmgate produce by 2030

he 2020-21 winter crop harvest expectations are being met as deliveries to depots are expected to peak around 51.5 million tonnes. This number places the harvest in a close second position for production volume when compared to the all-time record 56.7 million tonnes in season 2016–17. And following three awful winter seasons in a row for New South Wales and Queensland growers, it is these very growers that are welcome back into their bank branch with open arms. NSW growers are expected to harvest a record-breaking winter crop, with forecast production of more than 17.6 million tonnes. This forecast even eclipses the tally from the overall all-time record season of 2016–17 when NSW produced 15.5 million tonnes. The predicted production result is 77% above the 10-year average and a massive 427% increase over the heart-breaking 3.4 million tonnes harvested last year. And while the jump is not as dramatic for Queensland growers with a 1.67 million tonnes haul expected, it's a welcome change

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to the 0.67 million tonnes they took off the dry scorched paddocks last winter season. And while the result for Queensland growers is running in the right direction, this winter crop result is a long way off their all-time record 2016–17 season when they hauled 3.1 million tonnes to the depots. Driving near all-time high production prospects for Australia overall are the major winter crops, with wheat production up by 106% from last year to 31.2 million tonnes, the second highest on record. Add to this a strong Barley production results that shows a 33% jump to 12 million tonnes, the second highest on record. Canola production was also favoured by many growers and returned for them a golden glow to rise by 59% for a 3.7 million tonnes haul, the fifth highest on record for that crop. Chickpea finally paid back its tormented growers with an increase of 16% to 737,000 tonnes and oats production paid back its faithful few with an 89% production increase to 1.6 million tonnes.

New south Wales If NSW was a puppy, you would want two of them from the litter this winter season. Growers in NSW have taken the crown as the top production state for winter grain in season 2020-21. This is the first time since winter season 2010-11 that NSW growers have taken off more grain than WA. With NSW’s 17.6 million tonnes well above the stop-start WA result of 14.3 million tonnes. It was the turnaround in conditions from the past three winter seasons that NSW growers relied upon to plant down 6 million hectares of seed, above average by 14%. Wheat production figured highly in the NSW tally sitting at a record high 12.2 million tonnes. The average wheat yield is also forecast at a record level of 3.2 tonnes/ha, 60% above the 10-year average. The area planted to wheat in NSW for the 2020-21 winter crop was estimated at 3.8 million/ha showing the faith that growers had mustered from the previous 2019–20 planting that stood at only half that figure.

Barley, so crudely rejected by Chinese importers was still a favoured crop by growers who planted down 950,000ha. This resulted in a record high harvest of 3 million tonnes, 84% above the 10-year average. Part of this good result was in the average yield of be 3.2 tonnes/ha, 56% above the 10year average. Canola growers were also back in harness and anticipated paddocks of gold when they planted down 550,000ha, more than double the planting from the previous 2019-20 winter season. Their reward is a harvest of around 1.1 million tonnes, bolstered by the average yield sitting at a record high of 1.95 tonnes/ha. This result is 47% above the 10-year average. Western Australia While WA growers lost the top production state crown to NSW in this 2020-21 season, overall production is still expected to come in at a healthy 14.3 million tonnes. This is around the 10-year average and an increase of 24% on last year when the harvest

dipped to just 11.6 million tonnes. WA growers had to contend with a stop-start season that could have gone either way, as the La Niña weather pattern began to settle in. Even so, the increase is mostly because of increased yields over the previous 2019-20 winter season. Growers had to work hard to achieve this result, and actually expected more as a result of the area planted being up by 5% to a higher than average level of 8.3 million hectares. Victoria Growers in Victoria continued their four good seasons out of five run with a 9.3 million tonnes bounty to be shared across the state. Even with winter rainfall below average in some growing areas it did not deter growers from planting down almost 3.5 million hectares. A 9% increase in the area planted. Growers were rewarded with sufficient and timely rainfall in September and above average October rainfall clinched the deal for a second best on record crop production, only beaten by the all-time record 9.5 million tonnes in season 2016–17. Winter crop production in Victoria is forecast to increase by 24% in 2020–21 to 9.3 million tonnes, the highest since 2016–17 and 40% above the 10-year average. The increase in production reflects an estimated 9% increase in the area planted to around 3.5 million/ha and also reflects higher yields. Several large-scale Victorian hay and fodder producers have indicated their haul will go into the grain pool for the first time in several years as opposed to their usual sale for feed. This is due to the favourable seasonal conditions right across the country with feed in abundance and as a result lower than usual hay prices, compared to the past few seasons. South Australia Growers in South Australia landed on their feet after a patchy run in some regions to see their Winter crop production increase by 39% to 8.4 million tonnes in 2020-21. This result is 15% above the 10-year average and sits at the fourth highest crop result in the state, with season 2016–17 still

holding the record with 10.6 million tonnes, leaving growers with room to expand. Growers in southern cropping regions have yield prospects that are well above average. These include the lower Eyre Peninsula, the lower Yorke Peninsula, the mid-north, the lower Murray and the south east. Barley did not get forgotten as production is forecast to increase by 24% to 2.3 million tonnes. This also reflects an expected 25% increase in the state wide average yield, and that also places the average yield at 19% above the 10-year average. Canola also received plenty of support from SA growers with production forecast to increase by 25%, to 375,000 tonnes. This result coming from a modest 2% increase in the planted area. This reflects an expected 22% increase in the state wide average yield. While taken across a 10-year average, yields for canola crops are 17% up in 2020-21. Queensland Growers in Queensland plucked up some enormous courage to increase plantings by an estimated 77% for the 2020-21 winter crop. This follows two, particularly disastrous winter seasons where production didn’t even reach 50% of an average year. And there is worst to add, it also includes a failed Summer crop in 2019-20. And try as they may, weather events were not going their way at any part of the 2020-21 winter season. Overall winter crop production in Queensland is at least up on the drought affected result in 2019–20, it will hobble in at around 1.7 million tonnes in 2020–21, 3% below the 10-year average. Wheat production is estimated at 1.1 million tonnes in 2020–21, significantly higher than drought affected production of the last winter season but still 4% below the 10-year average. The state wide average yield is estimated at around 1.5 tonnes/ha, and that is still 10% below the 10-year average. Chickpea could have pulled Queensland growers out of the doldrums and with the harvest estimated to have risen by 62% to 275,000 tonnes initial results looked good. But the pain was still evident when you realise this result is 21% below the 10-year average.

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Farmers feel like they are back in the saddle with record confidence levels

Farmers looking on the bright side despite COVID and China Rabobank is reporting that confidence among Australian farmers has rallied to above preCOVID level due to exceptional seasonal conditions and stellar commodity prices. The bank’s latest Rural Confidence Survey records one of the highest rural sentiment levels in two decades. Despite a year of major disruption and uncertainty in agricultural markets, the survey showed a significant rebound in farm business sentiment. Exceptional spring conditions across much of the country, record-breaking winter grains receivals and high livestock prices are collectively outweighing any concerns about the impact of

COVID-19 and ongoing trade tensions with China. And in one of the strongest signs of the strength of commodity prices and farm business performance, the Rural Confidence Survey’s farm viability index – measuring farmers’ assessment of their own business viability – is now at its highest level in the survey’s history. While forecasts for farm incomes over the year ahead have also rebounded considerably. The survey found 43% of farmers nationally expect conditions in the agricultural economy to improve over the coming year, up from 24% with that view in the September quarter.

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SA potato grower Renee Pye appointed to AUSVEG Board

South Australian lead potato and vegetable grower Renee Pye AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for the vegetable and potato growing industries, has announced the appointment of Renee Pye from South Australia as a Grower Director on its Board.

Renee is the Marketing Manager for leading potato, carrot and onion packhouse Zerella Fresh, which is one of the largest producers in South Australia. Renee is involved in a number of key areas of the business, including new product development and marketing, and is an emerging leader in the South Australian industry. Renee has shown great leadership as she has overseen the development of Zerella Fresh’s Spud Lite range, which has contributed significantly to the company's recent growth. AUSVEG Chair Bill Bulmer has welcomed Renee onto the AUSVEG Board, saying the industry was lucky to have a strong, passionate, up-and-coming industry advocate.

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CROPPING

GrainCorp declares improved financial performance

GrainCorp declared a dividend of 7 cents per share, fully franked, for the FY20 year ended 30 September. Photo: GrainCorp

GrainCorp Limited announced an improved financial performance for the 2020 year but the best is yet to come. Following that result grain receivals have been bursting at the seams from near record grain harvests in NSW, Victoria and to a lesser extent Queensland. On days where growers can get their harvesters into long paddock sessions, deliveries to the GrainCorp storage depots have been breaking records. When more than 360,000 tonnes of grain were delivered on Wednesday 18 November to GrainCorp it broke the previous largest daily receival record

that had been set in the historically high 2016/17 season. “The Company has a strong balance sheet and is in a privileged position with a high quality, integrated network of infrastructure assets to receive and export the much larger crop currently in harvest across the East coast of Australia,” said Managing Director and CEO, Robert Spurway. The company is already forecasting a positive outlook as GrainCorp expects growth in earnings in FY21 due to the anticipated larger ECA winter crop and the ongoing benefits from recent operating initiatives.

Jonathan Wilson is inaugural CEO of Grains Australia Experienced grains industry professional Jonathan Wilson has been appointed as the inaugural chief executive officer of Grains Australia Limited (GAL). Mr Wilson has been involved in the Australian grains industry for almost two decades working with the preand post-farm gate sectors. He brings with him senior management experience in supply chain, trading, marketing, logistics and strategy, and will

commence the role in midDecember. GAL Chair Terry Enright said the Board has every confidence that Mr Wilson’s experience will enable him to deliver on GAL’s mission to provide specific industry-good functions that enhance the sector’s competitiveness and profitability. “Jonathan has a proven track record of negotiating change in his various roles across the industry,” Mr

Enright said. “It is this experience which convinced us that he understood the mission of GAL and what we are seeking to achieve. “Which is to consolidate the delivery of important services and functions on behalf of the entire grains supply chain. “He has strong links right across the value chain and is vocal advocate for a sustainable and profitable industry in Australia.”

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Jonathan Wilson takes up the post as the Inaugural Grains Australia Limited CEO

Maize research provides international seed bank Securing plant production through gene banks is now a global task. Using a combination of new molecular and statistical methods, a research team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) was able to show that material from gene banks can be used to improve traits in the maize plant. Old varieties can help to breed new varieties adapted to current and future climates. The famous seed vault in Spitsbergen and national gene banks retain hundreds of thousands of seed samples to preserve old varieties of crop plants and the genetic diversity associated with them. Researchers around the globe are investigating whether retained samples contain genes that have been lost through breeding which could be beneficial in counteracting climate change. Since the 1960s, maize has been grown in Europe’s fields mainly in the form of hybrid varieties. Hybrid varieties are developed

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European researchers are examining old varieties of maize seeds on the hunt for genetic traits that can help modern varieties adapt to climate change. Photo: Tom Freudenberg through a specific breeding scheme and, for example are “trimmed” for high yield per hectare or low susceptibility to pests. In order to breed the best variety, a kit of characteristics is needed that could be relevant both today and in the future. Genetic diversity is the basic prerequisite for breeding improved crop plants.

Hybrid varieties, however, carry only a small selection of traits compared to old varieties. The research will focus on the question of whether in addition to undesirable traits, beneficial traits have been lost in the course of many breeding generations. Information, that is not sufficiently available in current breeding material

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CROPPING

John Deere X Series wins CES innovation award John Deere has received a CES Innovation Award that recognises outstanding product design and engineering in consumer technology, with its X Series Combine Harvesters. The win in the Robotics category was awarded for the harvesters’ ActiveVision camera technology so the operator has a much clearer picture of what’s going on. The technology lets the operator to see inside the grain tank and observe the tailings, allowing them to monitor the condition of harvested grain. These X Series combines Harvesters are available on wheels or tracks with Control Traffic Farming configurations. The X9 1000 grain tank can hold up to 14,800-litres, while the X9 1100 holds up to 16,200-litres. For many growers updating their S790’s the increased grain tank capacity represents a 5 and 15%.

John Deere X Series Combine Harvesters have earned a CES Innovation Award for their encompassed artificial intelligence and computer vision Folding unloading augers with Adjustable Spout are available for the X Series in 7.9m, 8.7m or 9.4m lengths. Overall these X Series harvesters will be able to thresh, separate and clean more tonnes per hour or harvest more hectares per

day, even under changing conditions, without risking grain loss or quality. For example, the harvester can automatically adjust itself to adapt to changing conditions to run at peak levels while helping the operator with in-the-moment decision making.

LINX Group opens transport route for grain growers

LINX will combine road and rail to offer grain growers quick access to its Intermodal Terminal near Botany Bay

The LINX Cargo Care Group has partnered with CWLT Logistics to open a new service between Sydney and Bathurst, with Forbes next in line for direct access to the LINX Intermodal Terminal just 18 kilometres from Port Botany in Sydney’s west. As part of the terminal’s expansion, LINX Cargo Care Group has opened on-site fumigation services to streamline the process from ports to rail and reduce traffic. While enabling aligned service provider ACFS Port Logistics (ACFS) to undertake rural and regional tailgate inspections at the terminal. “The LINX Intermodal Terminal is becoming a one-stop shop for Australia’s supply chain backbone,

enabling greater sustainability, reduced traffic and improved rail access between the Central West and Sydney,” said Carlo Cutinelli, Executive General Manager Customer & Business Development at LINX Cargo Care Group. “The continued investment from LINX Cargo Care Group as well as NSW Ports into the infrastructure both at the LINX Intermodal Terminal and the ports is paying off, with our farmers the first to benefit.” Grain farmers in the Central West will be the key early users of the Sydney to Bathurst service and rural tailgate inspection services, with a quicker turnaround to the ports now possible.

Mitolo Group becomes our largest fresh potato producer The finalisation of a takeover of Thomas Foods International’s potato business has cemented Mitolo Group as the country’s largest potato producer with plans to increase exports. The company is based in Adelaide Plains of South Australia and has potato and onion farms in the Riverland and Mallee regions of the state. It has reported a 10% increase in demand for its potatoes since the start of the pandemic in Australia. The family-owned company has about 700 staff in South

Australia – about 150 on the farming side and a further 550 at its Virginia washing and packing plants. It also has about 100 workers at a brush potato farm in NSW. The TFI acquisition boosted its capacity by about 20% and included a second packing facility as well one farm and the lease on another. The deal increased Mitolo’s total annual production to 125,000 tonnes of washed potatoes, 50,000 tonnes of brushed potatoes and 35,000 tonnes of onions.

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Frank (left) and John Mitolo have begun this season's potato harvest after a strong year of sales throughout the coronavirus pandemic www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 43

CROPPING

Summer crop growers urged to act now on seed selection year, but good establishment is the cornerstone to a successful crop,” said Mr Philp.

Sorghum could be the glamour crop for Summer growers who are expecting a strike rate above 90% with moisture in abundance With a promising rainfall outlook raising grower morale ahead of the summer planting season, growers are being urged to consider their seed options carefully. After battling difficult conditions over the past few summers, growers are itching to take advantage of the projected wet season ahead. And experts in the industry are eager to ensure that the opportunity is met carefully. Pacific Seeds Summer Grains Agronomist, Trevor Philp is advising growers to make the most of their planting prospects as they enter a critical phase ahead of the summer cropping season. “The importance of the planting operation is sometimes undervalued due to time pressure growers are under at this time of

Seed metering “To start, you’d look to meter the seed as accurately as possible so that the seed is consistently spaced. “Most current seed meters achieve high 90% singulation, and growers should be targeting that. “It’s a pretty key element that will help farmers get off on the right foot. “Some might not be seeing this level of singulation due to older equipment, incorrect equipment settings, or lack of maintenance. “Yield loss due to poor singulation represents a significant potential profit drain for growers, and measures like basic upgrades and regular maintenance will help mitigate that risk. “The seed then needs to be consistently planted at the right depth. “The goal is to make sure the seed is in good moisture and is well pressed as issues that arise from shallow planting are often worse than deep planting. “We want to conduct the planting operation without causing too much damage to the soil or over-compacting the seed. “If we overpack that soil then it becomes really hard to get good soil and seed contact. “You just have to plant what you can really well until the moisture runs out and then you stop. “If you keep going and do a mediocre job of it, it then becomes a problem for every decision from then on whether it’s irrigating, applying the herbicide, or applying insecticide. “I know that many growers strive to strike the right balance, and the best thing you can

Using incorrect equipment settings, or lack of maintenance could lose up to 50% of potential harvest for growers do is have a good idea of your soil moisture and aim for consistent, quality planting.” Following rainfall earlier in the year and with recent forecasts anticipating the a La Niña weather pattern, promising moisture levels have many local growers looking forward to a bumper summer crop. “It’s a great feeling to know that so many growers are looking to this season with optimism. “But there are some common planting mistakes that can have a flow-on effect for overall yield which can be easily avoided,” said Mr Philp. “Pacific Seeds recently launched a Best Practices for Planting Grain Sorghum Guide, which is a really great resource for growers heading into the summer cropping period. “There are a lot of useful tips in that document, and our goal is to help growers enter the upcoming summer season with confidence.” Take a look at the Guide in more detail: www.pacificseeds.com.au/agronomy/ summer-solutions

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Wheat genomes sequenced in effort to boost production In a landmark study, an international team of scientists, including researchers from The University of Western Australia, have sequenced and analysed the genomes of 16 wheat varieties that represent breeding programs from around the world. Wheat, one of the world’s most cultivated crops, requires its production to be increased by more than 50% by 2050 in order to meet the estimated global demand. This latest study will aid global crop breeding considerably, helping to improve crop yield, quality and pest resistance in wheat and other important crop plants. The study involved an international effort by more

than 90 scientists. Two UWA researchers, Professor Ian Small and Dr Joanna Melonek, from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology and the UWA School of Molecular Sciences contributed to the study. They took part through their globally recognised expertise in a family of genes known as Restorer-of-fertilitylike (Rfl). These genes have valuable applications in wheat hybrid breeding programs. Scientific groups across the global wheat community are expected to use the new resource to identify genes linked to in-demand traits, which will accelerate breeding efficiency.

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Wheat growers are under pressure to increase their production by more than 50% by 2050 in order to feed the estimated global population at that time www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 45

IRRIGATION FAETURE

SENTEK CAN GIVE GROWERS Rural supply stores, agronomists and consultants are now able to support their rural producer clients with the complete insights needed to optimise irrigation decision making.

Sentek has designed their soil probes to be integration friendly, and can connect with a variety of irrigation controllers, weather stations and data logging systems

entek Technologies advise the increased demand for soil moisture monitoring probes from Australian farmers is driving opportunities for irrigation specialists to add an ongoing consulting and data subscription service to their business. “We see the smart operators out there using the soil moisture probes with IrriMAX software as a bundled offering to support their advisory business. This adds significant value to their client relationships, and positions them as trusted experts.” says Rob Stevens, Regional Sales Manager. “Our IrriMAX software was developed in-house over many years, the Live version available on mobile devices makes it easy to quickly check soil water

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content, and adjust irrigation timing and rates”. Sentek’s sensor technology records soil water and salinity data at multiple depths in the soil profile through the use of capacitance technology. The high-resolution data then displayed in Sentek’s powerful IrriMAX™ software gives valuable information and insight into water and solute movement and plant water uptake. With just a few hours training, new users can confidently set soil moisture thresholds and then identify and improve the effectiveness of irrigations. “We offer extensive training and ongoing support to ensure new and existing dealers of Sentek Technologies are able to offer the best possible

Once the reading is taken – Sentek then works with the dealer and grower to provide mentoring on data interpretation using Sentek’s IrriMAX software that will offer a range of solutions that are customised for growers based on crop type and irrigation system experience to their clients.” “The training is held at the dealers’ business location with paddock installations done under local conditions. “At Sentek we have a patented installation technique that does not disturb the soil profile which is also very fast. “Sentek Drill and Drop probes’ no slurry installation gives growers instantly useable scientific quality soil moisture readings which is also hasslefree.” a Sentek Technologies

expert went on to advise. “We then work with the dealer and provide mentoring on data interpretation using Sentek’s IrriMAX software. “This process continues through a series of online and face to face sessions.” the expert advisor added. Sentek’s products cover a range of solutions that are customised for growers based on crop type and irrigation system. Probes come in a range of

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

COMPLETE INSIGHT INTO SOIL John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

John Deere set to update S700 combines

ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier direction. operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment season. 2019 the for available being Series IDEAL Ferguson of The operator can easily assess chop quality The Sentek drill and drop 30 or 60cm probes are the counter knife. With justcab a few training, new Sentekreversing users can The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, from the comfort of the byhours checking the combine’s very convenient to take to any site and handle set soil moisture thresholds and then HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the camera, and setconfidently the counter knife position from the seat. and Combine they give growers instant and improve effectiveness of irrigations, ICA2. useable scientific The previous identify system Adjustment Interactive introduction of the the ActiveYield automatic yield quality soil moisture readings as the shown in this Saddleworth SA re-install achieve the required grain sensor removed ICA2 cannot where In situations need forrecent manual yield calibrations and sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system get results, while also increasing their accuracy. as the operator would normally set. just use speedunits the combine’s and From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more lengths and telemetry engine load is maintained at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement time, technologies the same aAtrange of cellular efficiency. harvest maximum for in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture and battery power technologies effect on the distribution of contents. an enormous have can winds Side including lithium-ion and solar Series combines on S700Technologies combine intervals plus rechargeresidues, options.so it will be possibleSentek are Calibration Sentek products are yield and humidity data will be recorded automatically. of spread angle using for the for 2020 along with other important For users already otherto be adjusted an Australian company, designed to provide information on documentation software. detects the combine’s AutoSwap Using GPS, the new See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au technologies, Sentek has system founded in the early insights to support designed their soil probes to be 1990’s to meet the better irrigation integration friendly, and can commercial demand decisions. Contact: Rob connect with a wide variety of from farmers for real Stevens, Regional irrigation controllers, weather insights into their Manager Sentek on stations and data logging systems. irrigation decisions. mobile: 0407 400 699, or It all starts with a quick call Since then, the company email direct to Rob at: The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader and blossoms into long-term has grown to export to rstevens@sentek.com.au and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and back-up of consulting and data over 80 countries while Peter Keynes from TotalorEden eliminates the need for a secondary power source transport as auxiliary units require. The subscription service. continuing to manufacture Renmark SA is seen here unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. Call the Regional Manager of in Adelaide, SA.requires With aonly oneviewing soiloutlet. moisture data an enclosed twine ball holder with a The unit hydraulic It features Sentek Rob Stevens on mobile: sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling team of specialists across with an Almond producer 0407 400 699, or drop an email: spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished client in the Riverland area of bag bale to be discharged from the agronomy, soil science, rstevens@sentek.com.au baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). See the Sentek Technologies South Australia and irrigation technology It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. website for more details at: For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging sentektechnologies.com/

SENTEK HAS THE COVERAGE YOU NEED

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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www.afdj.com.au 5353 www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ29

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAINIRRIGATION HANDLING

Franklin Electric solar pumps can John Deere is offering a switch between solarfor power and number of updates electricity or diesel power its S700 combines with to maintain supply even when there aconstant focus onpower increased is limited sun exposure throughput, automation and easier operation

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC REDUCES IRRIGATION COSTS SOLAR PUMPS John DeereWITH set to update S700 combines

water charges,” Malcolm said. rrigated agriculture is big to allow for greater ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern Franklin Electric pumping if it is required. business in Australia, it updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turnsproducts at the headland and moves in the opposite and solutions are available “Solar pumps, and such produces more 20% of easieras direction. automation throughput, increased onthan focus clearly an extensive dealer Franklin due Electric’s Fhoton from the totaltovalue of Australian to the Massey sales losses expected combat operation Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment network across Australia. SolarPAK and SubDrive agricultural production. Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality Check the Franklin Electric on the speed, cutting from Traditionally, irrigation of forward regulationare automaticSolarPAK, S-Series combine’s The the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing websiteand forset thethe wide range of position from the seat. edge of design and innovation,” pumps are powered by diesel with the camera, integrated and optimised has been HarvestSmart, counter knife ICA2.added. products the company handles. Adjustment Malcolm Combine Interactive or electrical energy supplied system The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield grainto sensor required In situations See the full information “Havingthe been optimised from the grid. where ICA2 cannot achieve removed the needhere: for manual yield calibrations and it exceeds of chaff due to high sample www.franklin-electric.com.au providegrain, the or most waterthe for relieved However, withlevels the cost of or broken the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to HarvestSmart automatically rate, ICA2 loss panels set orresults, call direct nearest their accuracy. the the least amount ofsystem energy get solar decreasing andadjusts whilefor alsothe increasing set. normally operator would speed just as the combine’s and From 2020, system will be supplemented with an even more dealer on this 1300 FRANKLIN it means irrigators solar rebates available tothe possible, the desired engine load time, pumps same solar At thecosts, (1300 humidity 372 655).sensor. This will result in considerable improvement can pumpatmore waterlevel with precise offset haveis maintained efficiency. harvest maximum for now become a popular and less sunlight making them in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture of contents. distribution effect on the enormousextremely anchoice have can winds Side energy efficient,” economically realistic Franklin Electric’s Fhoton combines Series S700 on possible be will it so residues, combine Calibration intervals yield and humidity data will be recorded SolarPAK and plus SubDrive Malcolm went on to say. for irrigators and farmers. automatically. adjusted be to spread of angle the for for 2020 along with other important information on documentation software. SolarPAK solar pumps have Solar systems have the Malcolm Eyre, Managing detects the combine’s GPS, the new AutoSwap system Using been optimised to provide the See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au Director at Franklin Electric, additional benefit that they water for the least amount said solar pumps have can be integrated with diesel most of energy become popular because they or mains power. “Because of their offer reliable and affordable pumping, and are also climate high flexibility, solar pumps can switch friendly. “With the cost of power between solar power or Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader increasing, the high cost of and electricity The Loftness power pumping water using electricity diesel and rolls 3mto(10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and constant or diesel can be a burden, so maintain eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The irrigators have been turning power supply unit rollswhen up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. to solar power as an alternative. there is limited The unitsun requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a “Solar power gives them exposure.sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling “Even ifspear thereslides is not another option which is more out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the baler unit. Verytosimple power fully mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). cost effective and is scalable, enough solar It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. irrigators will giving irrigators the ability to run the pump, For more information, in power see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging expand their solar array still see a decrease

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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www.afdj.com.au 5357 www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ31

IRRIGATION

Power Equipment celebrates their 30th Anniversary of supplying engines, generators and irrigation solutions with a line-up of over 100 models specifically for industry demands

POWER EQUIPMENT YANMAR IRRIGATION PACKS AND JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL ENGINES

his year, Power Equipment celebrates their 30th Anniversary of supplying engines, generators and irrigation solutions to Australian industry and agricultural sectors. Over this period the range has evolved in line with technology and industry demands to comprise a line-up of over 100 models specifically for industry demands. Yanmar irrigation packs are just such an example where the industry-proven reliability of the Yanmar engine becomes a valuable contributor to farming efficiency. The Yanmar irrigation packs are available in a range from the 2TNV70 5.5kW (7.5 hp) right up to the 4TNV98T 55kW (75hp) model. Yanmar irrigation packs offer straight forward reliability and are easy to set up and commission to deliver water to where it is needed. The robust units can then be configured to match any specific requirements with the addition of accessories that transform them into a true working companion. For stationary units, optional features include a 120-litre fuel tank to increase the run-time of the engine. This can additionally be protected from the harsh environment by incorporating a roof over the unit that attaches neatly to the back of the frame. With an engine controller to match any specific requirements not only can these units become a valuable contributor to a farming routine they can be automated to perform their task to allow more productivity and provide asset protection. Across a range of four controllers, PE-Nano, PE-Manual, PE-Auto and PE-Auto 3G with remote monitoring and telemetry, they provide an extensive range of features and sensor compatibility. Complementary to the Yanmar range of engines and irrigation packs Power Equipment are also the Australian and New Zealand distributor for John Deere Power Systems. This completes the most comprehensive offering of power 58 www.afdj.com.au 32 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

solutions available. John Deere’s industrial engines comprise an output range from 26 to 371kW (36-505hp) across the available 20 engine models and are ideal for agriculture, and also construction, forestry, mining, generator drive, and thousands of other applications. For growers after exceptional job-proven performance from a diesel engine, Power Equipment have both the Yanmar and John Deere range of industrial engines that are hard-working, reliable and efficient. For more information on Power Equipment irrigation power call on tel: 1800 069 469, email: info@powerequipment.com.au or go to: www.powerequipment.com.au

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Power Equipment offers John Deere irrigation power packs ranging from 26 to 371kW (36-505hp) and they can be specified in a variety of builds to suit any operation

This Yanmar N2970 Irrigation engine with a roof is what you need – it is part of the Yanmar clean, quiet, powerful and fuel efficient range – mounted to a robust galvanised steel frame

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a HATZ of 3H50T ISfor THE COMPACT POWER PACK TO CONSIDER number updates its S700 combines with ompact and convincing The Hatz 3H50T is also available as an This result is achieved through the iHACS a focus ondimensions increased power are values prized in the latest open power unit (OPU). The cooler and Technology with its combustion chamber throughput, automation offering from the H series by Hatz intercooler are mounted free of vibration geometry, Bosch injection technology, lowand easier with the 3H50T operation model able to fit in the and can be delivered as a complete system est possible friction and a maximum boost

smallest of space. ex works. pressure of 24.6 PSI (1.7 bar). Technical refinement of the 3H50T also Buyers have the advantage of being able Further model specs and information on allow this model to offer the best fuel to install the engine directly into the H series engines is available from efficiency in its class, key among all models application as well as adding mounting www.hatz.com.au the H series by Hatz. parts for each of the application areas The release of the compact 3H50T 18.4kW themselves. (24.6hp) pack rounds off the lower end of This supports in particular small and the H Series range of engines. medium-sized manufacturers, as it does With almost 130Nm, the 3H50T engine away with the effort of adding additional has the highest torque in its class. coolers or air filters. This clean engine complies with EPA tier Overall, Hatz H series engines 4 final standards in the USA and EU Stage V offer assurance with their without any exhaust emission after-treatment. long-life construction based on When it comes to its torque, the 3H50T is an innovative approach. quite capable of replacing an engine from a They are equipped with two higher power class without any problems. valves per cylinder, which Its designated power class is up to 19kW achieves a high level of efficiency, (25.5hp) but it is capable of replacing mechanical robustness and engines that normally covers a range up to functional simplicity. almost 37kW (50hp). The compact approach In addition, while the 3H50T impresses Hatz has adopted for its H due to its dynamic performance it is also series engines achieves a Hatz’s offers easy maintenance and quiet running. reduction in size and the lowest 3850T has the The basic design of the Hatz 3H50T allows power/weight ratio in its class. highest torque in its it to be installed across a wide range of H series engines combine high class with an output of 130Nm from its 18.4kW stationary and mobile machines as well as power and clean exhaust values (24.6hp) 3-cylinder engine propelled machines. as well as low fuel consumption. ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier direction. operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system get results, while also increasing their accuracy. and the combine’s speed just as the operator would normally set. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more At the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement for maximum harvest efficiency. in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of contents. combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. along with other important information on documentation software. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

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John Deere set to update S700 combines

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www.afdj.com.au 5359 www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ33

IRRIGATION

Trailco manufacture the largest range of portable and low cost hard and lay flat hose irrigators in Australia with the advantage of excellent water uniformity

Trailco travelling irrigators are the most reliable

railco Irrigation (Aust.) is a Queensland based manufacturer that is proud to be both Australian and family owned. The company has been active in the manufacture and design of conventional three valve (main, pilot and shut-off) travelling Irrigators since 1969. Through its dedicated manufacturing facility, Combined Engineering, the company has marketed its patented single valve mechanically actuated irrigator under its own name as Trailco Traveller through a dealer network since 1976. The dealer network has expanded over the years from being mainly Queensland based in the beginning to now encompass over 150 long standing dealers in all Australian states and New Zealand. Trailco has for all this time had a close

working relationship with English irrigation hose maker Angus and American sprinkler manufacturer Nelson with their Big Gun range of sprinklers. The original factory site of 4000sq.m in Harvey Street Eagle Farm Qld was outgrown and the business moved in 1991 to a new factory on a I0,000 sq.m site at 1289 Kingsford-Smith drive Pinkenba Qld where it is presently located. The original range of soft hose Piston powered Trailco Travellers has been continually improved and upgraded over the years. Sometimes these upgrades were just to very small details while in other cases they were so major that it necessitated a new model release that was identified by a suffix appended to its basic model designation. The Piston powered range has been

Aussie Pumps offer high capacity self-priming models

ustralian Pump has upgraded production quantities of their unique 6 inch self-priming water mover. The heavy duty 152mm (6-in) pump, fitted with a huge open cast iron style impeller, will move liquids up to 2,900 litres per minute, that equates to 174,000 litres/hour. Called the Aussie QP602, the big self-priming pump will draught water through a vertical lift of 7.4 metres. The company says there’s no substitute for big engineered water passages to move water quickly.

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augmented by a complementary range of machines powered by Trailco’s water Turbine that better suits specific applications where high travel speeds are required. Since 1984 Trailco has marketed in-house designed and manufactured hard poly hose reel irrigators trademarked as Poly Reel. !initially these were piston powered 90 and 110mm (3.54 to 4.33-in) diameter hose models but have since been extended to a range of machines powered by Trailco’s turbine drive. While speed is controlled by an onboard computer with hose diameters from 40 to 140mm (1.57 to 5.5-in). Since 1987 Trailco has marketed a range of its own designed foot valves, flanged pipes, hydrant valves, bends and other galvanised and aluminium fittings. Effluent spreading machines and boom irrigators have more recently been added to augment what is Australia’s most complete range of irrigation models and these are all Australian designed and manufactured. Since 1988 Trailco has operated a CAD based R&D section for product design and testing and since 1996 have run in-house printing of all manuals, spare parts lists and brochures. These steps ensure that any and every engineering change is faithfully reflected in the manuals and documentation provided to customers and dealers. Contact Trailco for your nearest dealer on tel: 07 3260 1828, or email: sales@trailco.com.au or see their website for the complete model range at: www.trailco.com.au

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The pump’s volute and impeller cavity allow for a superb efficiency that enables the pump to achieve very high flows at various points of the curve. “For example, even at 10 metres head, the pump still does around 2,000 lpm,” said Aussie Pumps’ product manager, Brad Farrugia.. The pump’s open impeller will pass small solids in suspension enabling it to also operate as a dewatering pump on construction or mine sites, or for fast fill tanker applications. The diesel version of the pump is powered by a 7.4kW (10hp) Yanmar electric start air cooled diesel engine. An optional 18-litre fuel tank enables the unit to run without refuelling for up to 8 hours when running at 3,000rpm continuous engine speed. The pump comes built into a heavy duty hot dipped galvanised steel frame and is supplied with battery pack as standard for easy starting. The engine also has an integrated recoil start in the event of a flat battery in the paddock. The pumps are easy to move around and are recommended for farmers or local government councils wanting to move water fast in emergency. “The big QP602 diesel, weighs in at about 160-kilos. There is a Drought Buster model and also a Mine Boss version with a substantially heavier duty frame designed for the tough site conditions”, said Farrugia. Further information on the 6-inch self-priming water mover is available at www.aussiepumps.com.au or from your local Aussie Pump dealer: www.aussiepumps.com.au/dealerLocator/dealer_locator.html

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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FIELD DAYS

HENTY MACHINERY FIELD DAYS MOVING AHEAD WITH SEPTEMBER EVENT Heath and Bruce Hutcheon, Coolamon, celebrate the 2019 Henty Machine of the Year Award for the Coolamon Spreader Chaser

The Henty Machinery Field Days is now one of the single largest agricultural and open-air events in southern Australia as it enters its 57th year in 2020

he Henty Machinery Field Days will be held on September 22 to 24 in 2020, and showcases around $120 million worth of machinery and goods on-site. Greater Hume Council sponsors the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine, presented on Thursday, September 24. Last year this was won by a southern NSW designed and manufactured CRF SUPA Bin 42000 from Clear Ridge Fabrication based in West Wyalong NSW. More than 800 national and international agricultural and commercial businesses will be eligible for the HMFD Exhibitor Awards at the 2020 ﬁeld days. Awards will be presented on Wednesday, September 23 to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate Produce Market). Exhibitors representing more than 3500 companies will display their products on 1200 sites in what is now the single largest agricultural and open-air event in southern Australia. National and international manufacturers will be vying for one of the nation’s most prestigious awards at the 2020 Henty Machinery Field Days. The HMFD Machine of the Year Award is

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the most coveted on the ﬁeld day circuit and was won last year by Coolamon Chaser Bins from Coolamon NSW, for a multipurpose fertiliser speader and chaser bin, the Coolamon Spreader Chaser. Highly commended was the Australian designed and manufactured Spin-a-Calf entered by Gerald and David Hicks from Queensland. A total of 13 machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology were showcased in the 2019 Henty Machine of the Year competition. Announced on the opening day, this award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the Henty Machinery Field Days. It was judged by an independent panel of regional primary producers on the Monday and presented the following day at the ﬁeld days official opening. In many cases the winning machine has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms throughout Australia. Judging criteria include the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money. Chief executive officer Belinda Anderson

Gerald and David Hicks with their highly commended Spin-A-Calf in the 2019 Henty Machine of the Year Award

said the HMFD team would present an event maintaining a focus on agriculture and machinery. Mrs Anderson said the 2020 field days were expected to equal the largest on record in terms of exhibitor area with 14km of shopfront. “The interest in the field days from exhibitors and visitors alike continues to grow year-on-year with the site being the biggest it’s ever been in terms of physical area,’’ Mrs Anderson said. “The HMFD team works hard to ensure Henty maintains its mantle of the friendliest field days, and our exhibitor and visitor experience continues to be enhanced.’’ Drawcards at the 2020 event will be the daily sheep and yard dog trials, Baker Seed Co agronomy demonstration site, 2020 Natural Fibre Fashion Awards, vintage farm machinery, and the Farm Gate Produce Market pavilion with cooking demonstrations and entertainment. Visitors will be able to take 10-minute helicopter joy flights over the field day site and surrounding countryside with Wagga Air Centre pilot Chris Cabot. See over $100 million in new machinery at the HMFD held on 22 to 24 September in 2020. Call for site details on tel: 02 6929 3305, email: applications@hmfd.com.au or web: http://hmfd.com.au/

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

ExpectDeere a thronging crowda of John is offering over 60,000 for the giant number of updates forCRT FarmFest primary industry its S700 combines event held just with outside aToowoomba focus on increased Qld over three throughput, automation days from Tuesday to Thursday and operation 13, 14easier and 15 October 2020

CRT FarmFest has strong interest in rescheduled event in 2020

armfest has been traditionally held in June each year, since 1975, but due to the Coronavirus Covid 19 pandemic and government restrictions on crowds, the event has been moved to Tuesday to Thursday 13 to 15 October 2020. Mark down those dates as there are plenty of farmers that want farm equipment and supply upgrades following a three-year plus drought, and the Darling Downs region has a reputation as one of Australia’s major agricultural machinery manufacturers. The Darling Downs is not just known for the manufacturing of machinery, it is also surrounded by areas renowned for growing peanuts, navy beans, grain, pork, stone fruit, grape and wine industry production. Add to that root and leaf crops such as potatoes, onions, beetroot, cabbages, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, and

peas. Plus cereal and feed crops such as lucerne, sorghum, wheat, and barley. The region is also renown for excellent livestock production such as beef cattle, prime lamb production, sheep and wool while there is also cotton production, horticulture and overall great pastoral farming. The 2020 CRT FarmFest is perfectly situated to display and promote the latest products from big farm machinery, tractors and tillage, to irrigation equipment, pumps, tools and produce. ACM Rural Events, organisers of CRT FarmFest, has been taking a steady stream of enquiries as preparation for the event commences. Group Manager, Kate Nugent said the feedback received from agri-manufacturers and service providers across the nation for this year’s CRT FarmFest in a positive.

“I am certain we will also see a signiﬁcant showing of interest and support from farmers and people on the land,” Kate added. This year CRT FarmFest will be highlighting modern innovation in the agribusiness industry and for the ﬁrst-time, the event will host the Rural Relief precinct. As well as its free-to-attend seminars focused on a variety of topics including on farm risk management dedicated to agribusiness professionals. In terms of numbers of visitors, FarmFest is among one of the largest outdoor agricultural industry events and gathers over 60,000 farming families and consumers. “It’s a great networking, buying and selling opportunity – it’s about discovering new trends, enjoying an amazing spectacle, testing new products and much more,” Kate said. CRT FarmFest is located on its own dedicated site in Kingsthorpe, just 20 kilometres west of Toowoomba, in the heart of the Darling Downs, one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions. This special event is designed to offer display, promotional and sales opportunities to all agri-businesses, from big farm machinery, tractors, tillage and irrigation equipment to pumps, power tools and everything in between. CRT FarmFest 2020 will be staged over three days in October. Commencing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 13, 14 and 15 October. For exhibition opportunities or a prospectus call 02 6768 5800 or see www.farmfest.com.au

John Deere set to update S700 combines

J ENGINEERED TO PERFORM ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. speed, regulation of automatic combine’s The S-Series SUPREME BY NAME, SUPREME BYforward NATURE HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system and the combine’s speed just as the operator would normally set. At the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level for maximum harvest efficiency. Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s

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MANUFACTURED TO LAST

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300 The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on theAUSTRALIAN bag unloader. IMPORTERS The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of Forbes unit is 417kg (920 lbs). 2 Parkes Rd, NSW 2871 It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. website: www.aeh1.com.au For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

02 6852 3211

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation Tel: 02 6372 3899 and easier operation Email: info@mudgeefielddays.com.au www.mudgeefielddays.com.au

16-18 July Australian Wool and Sheep Show Prince of Wales Showgrounds, 42-75 Holmes Road, Bendigo, Vic Contact: Steve Coles Tel: 03 5443 9902 Email: secretary@sheepshow.com www.sheepshow.com

AUGUST 2021 1-3 August Sheepvention Rural Expo Nyngan Showground, NSW Contact: Peta Anderson Tel: 03 5572 2563 Email: info@hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au 11-12 August Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo 50 Midlands Rd , Mingenew WA 6522 Contact: Rob McTaggart, Tel: 08 9928 1138 Email: bookings@mmwe.com.au www.mingenewexpo.com.au

Pin me up and never miss an event 4-13 September Adelaide Royal Show Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Rd, Wayville, SA Tel: 08 8210 5211 Email: info@adelaideshowground.com.au www.nfday.com.au

OCTOBER 2021

11-12 September Berry Small Farm Field Day Berry Showgrounds, Victoria Street, Berry NSW Contact: Trevor Barker Mobile: 0408 979 337 Email: berryrotary@gmail.com www.berryrotary.org.au/small-farm-fieldday

15-16 October Wandin Silvan Field Days Wandin East Recreation Reserve, Wandin, VIC Contact: Nan Cleven Mobile: 0429 428 537 Email: info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au

17-18 September Riverland Field Days 52 Field Day Drive, Barmera SA Contact: Tim Grieger Tel: 08 8588 2311 Mobile: 0409 099 122 Email: admin@riverlandfielddays.com.au www.riverlandfielddays.com.au

16-`17 October Murrumbateman Field Days Murrumbateman Recreation Ground, Murrumbateman 2582 NSW Contact: Bill Chapman Tel: 02 6227 5895 Email: admin@mfdays.com www.mfdays.com

5-7 October Elmore Field Days Midland Highway, Elmore Contact: John Giffin Tel: 03 5432 6176 Email: info@elmorefielddays.com.au www.elmorefielddays.com.au

20-23 October 21-23 September John Deere set to update S700 combines Royal Hobart Show Henty Machinery Field Days

Howard Street, Glenorchy TAS Henty-Cookardinia Rd, Henty NSW Contact: Scott Gadd 17-19 Augustis in a rush to cram in a number 2658 mirrors of significant direction of travel and automatically ohn Deere T: 03 6272 6812the broadcast pattern AgQuip Field Days Contact: Belinda Anderson the with season, 2020 the for combines S700 its into updates once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite Email: 8 kilometres west of Gunnedah on Tel: 02and 6929 3305 easier admin@hobartshowground.com.au automation increased throughput, on Gunnedah focus clearly direction. Blackjack Road, NSW Mobile: 036 666 www.hobartshowground.com.au/royalMassey to the0411 combat operation Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment Tel: 02 to 6768 5800sales losses expected due Email: admin@hmfd.com.au hobart-show season. Series being available for the 2019 Ferguson of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality Email: IDEAL agquip@fairfaxmedia.com.au www.hmfd.com.au S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing The www.agquip.com.au 21-23 with the- 3 October HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated camera, and set the counter knifeOctober position from the seat. 23 September Australian National Field Days Combine Adjustment system ICA2. Royal Melbourne Show 25-26 August Interactive The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield 563 Borenore Road, Borenore NSW Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days grain Grounds, required Show In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve theMelbourne Epsom the need sensor removed for manual yield calibrations and 2800 PO Box Dowerin WA or it exceeds the relieved the operator of the chaff or broken grain,Road, levels of to high due124, sample stress and time involved in waiting to Contact: Jayne West Rose Ascot Valesystem VIC 3032 adjusts the HarvestSmart ICA2 automatically loss rate,Kahli setContact: get results, while also increasing accuracy. Tel: 02their 6362 1588 Tel: 08 9631 1021 Contact: Sarah set.Clarence normally and the combine’s speed just as the operator would Email: info@anfd.com.au From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more Email: info@dowerinfielddays.com.au 03 9281 7413 level the desired is maintained atTel: load engine time, same the At www.anfd.com.au precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement www.dowerinfielddays.com.au Email: sales@rasv.com.au for maximum harvest efficiency. in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture www.royalshow.com.au Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of contents. MARCH 2022 SEPTEMBER combines Series September so it will be possible on S700 28-30 residues, 2021 combine Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded 1-2 September for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. along with other important18-19 information Yorke Peninsula Field Days Marchon documentation software. Newdegate Machinery Field Days the combine’s system detects new AutoSwap GPS, the Using Copper Coast Highway, SeePaskeville your localSA dealer at:South https://www.deere.com.au East Field Days Newdegate Recreation Precinct Contact: Elaine Bussenschutt 3293 Avenue Range Road, Lucindale 1 Waddell Drive, Newdegate, WA, T: 08 8827 2040 SA 5272 6355 Email: ypfd@netyp.com.au Contact: Lyn Crosby Tel: 08 9871 1655 www.ypfielddays.com.au Tel: 08 8766 7001 Email: nfday@westnet.com.au Email: sefds@bigpond.com www.theshow.com.au www.sefd.com.au

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic Kingsthorpe Park,bag rolling PREMIER spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the TOOWOOMBA QLD(920 lbs). baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

Tuesday - Thursday 13th - 15th October 2020

QUEENSLAND’S LARGEST

PRIMARY INDUSTRY FIELD DAY

www.farmfest.com.au

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FIELD DAYS

DOWERIN GWN7 MACHINERY FIELD DAYS PREPARES FOR MAJOR EVENT IN 2021

The Dowerin MFD caters for over 25,000 visitors that eagerly look at what the 770 exhibitors have on offer. Over $3millon generated from the event goes back into businesses and the local community

owerin MFD cancelled the 2020 event but are all are all systems go for 25 and 26 of August 2021, and look forward to hosting a very successful event The Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days were derived from the need to raise funds to construct a dam in order to water the town’s sports ovals and tennis courts. To quote June Lacy (nee Read) who wrote in the 50th celebration book, “Those who attended the meeting on 10 May 1964 may have all tendered their apologies if they had any inkling as to where this meeting would lead. “And the difficulties and traumas which would be encountered for this was the day that a momentous decision was made to try running a machinery field days.” From its humble beginnings in 1964 with roughly 20 exhibitors, the Dowerin Field Days has grown to become WA’s largest agricultural expo. The non-profit community owned organisation employs three staff, and for the last decade it has been an all-female team. Visitor numbers have grown in excess of 25,000 with 770 exhibitors attending. Approximately $3millon a year goes back into local businesses and the community due to the influx of people who flock to the

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town of Dowerin for the event. Between 2006 and 2019 the organisation injected $1.7 million into the local and surrounding communities through grants and volunteer hours. The 300 plus volunteers involved in the event work for $20 an hour, with the money going towards an incorporated organisation

of their choice in the community. Not only does this assist in encouraging volunteer participation it assists in ensuring the ownership of the event and keeps the community involved. It’s no surprise that a dedicated team of volunteers are still at the heart of it all. In 2019 $80,000 was paid out in voluntary

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

The Dowerin Machinery Field Days is cancelled for 2020 with the next event to be run from 25 to 26 August in 2021

Please enjoy this picture series of what to expect in at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days in 2021 (photo credit:The Barefoot Photographer)

hours alone. and it is still an exciting prospect on what we For the first time in its history the can achieve for the next 50-plus,” Nadine Dowerin GWN7 Machinery field days will believes. not go ahead for 2020 due to the Field Days across Australia have been Coronavirus Covid19 Pandemic. widely known to unite the industry and Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field days provide an opportunity to showcase the chairperson Nadine McMorran says, “This latest and greatest. is certainly unknown territory for a lot of us Dowerin is no different, they have expanded as this is the first time in our 56 years history their exhibitor base to not only target that we have had to deal with this. machinery dealerships but create a platform “But I ask that we all rally around and for everyone involved in the whole supply significant of to in a number to acram rush is in awe ohn Deere support each other, have wonderful chain be involved.direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern the once with S700 updates into the25th combine turnsofat the headland and moves in the opposite community withits a can docombines attitude.”for the 2020 season, “We are all systems go for and 26th easier throughput, on increased clearly focuslocal direction. “Our businesses certainly need ourautomation Augustand 2021, and look forward to hosting Massey event,” to thesuccessful losses expected salesbeyond operation Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment support to thiscombat year and as they dueanother Nadine said. season. 2019 the for available being Series IDEAL Ferguson of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality navigate through this.” Make the 2021 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery forward regulation ofField automatic S-Series The Despite thecombine’s current climate the Dowerin Days speed, a sell-out.from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing the now and integrated optimised been hasare HarvestSmart, camera, and contact set the counter knife position from the seat. Field days team looking at the silver Book with your site for 2021, the ICA2. system Adjustment Combine Interactive The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield lining, “We are certainly looking forward Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days office grain required the achieve cannot ICA2 where situations In sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and into the future, this is the next chapter in on tel: 08 9631 1021 fax: 08 9631 1115, or send the relieved the operator of it exceeds or email: of chaff or broken grain,an levels high due toand sample our history our community. info@dowerinfielddays.com.au or the stress and time involved in waiting to system ICA2 automatically loss rate, set “We while also increasing their accuracy. are incredibly proud ofadjusts what the this HarvestSmart log onto the websiteget forresults, 2021 event details set. normally would operator the as just speed combine’s the and From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more Field Days has achieved in the past 56 years www.dowerinfielddays.com.au At the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement for maximum harvest efficiency. in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of contents. combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. along with other important information on documentation software. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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MEET THE BIG THE ALL AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS STORY

The BOSS SX30 Series sprang into action across all states and soils during the current winter planting with outstanding success

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BOSS

BOSS TX60 hydraulic parallelogram tyne row units introduced this season offer a breakout up to 360kg (800lbs) on a unit this is double shoot ready

OSS directors worked their way through countless improvements, over many years to settle on a model design that simply gave growers what they had been looking for. By listening to what their customers wanted, the BOSS planter bar and air seeder cart evoked plenty of enthusiasm from its outset. And the continuing support from local growers has taken BOSS to a point where its broad product range is now a market leader in many regions, operating in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and WA. BOSS Agriculture was born out of the BOSS Engineering factory, based in Inverell Northern NSW in 2007. Originally, BOSS serviced various engineering sectors including agriculture, transport and mining. But soon, with the expertise of its directors in farm machinery, BOSS found itself specialising in the development of its own range of single disc planters, row crop equipment, air seeders and parallelogram tyne planters for the Australian market. BOSS is a family owned company with a passion for Agriculture and Australian manufacturing and innovation. Director Dan Ryan said BOSS Ag’s success was due to strong input from growers to develop products that get results in the paddock. Design wise, BOSS was up to the task, and also made a commitment of continued investments in the latest engineering and manufacturing techniques . Dan Ryan said BOSS Ag’s planters and seeders continue to perform well and offered simplicity and strength in operation with minimal repairs and maintenance. And it has been through this commitment to improve local agriculture models that has helped BOSS to thrive. Take a look at the list of recent BOSS releases and you can see the commitment that has gone into each of these new Product ranges.

SX30 Series

The SX30P and SX30 Single disc opener range from BOSS was released just in time for this seasons winter crop planting in VIC, NSW and QLD. BOSS Ag’s SX30 Series is available as both a non-parallelogram and parallelogram variant and

has some great new functions and precision options loaded into its impressive design. The SX30 Series has exactly the wish-list many growers have been seeking for years. The model features are so impressive we have listed them in dot form: • Sealed for life heavy duty non greasable bearings used throughout • 20-inch discs for extra life and increased seeding depth • Increased ground clearance on hub mounting arm for more seeding depth • Simple to use depth and pressure settings are available on all adjustments • Adjustable seed tube for extended life and improved seed placement • Tungsten seed tube for extended life and increased mud handling ability • Strengthened hub mount and axle crank arm for heavy duty seeding • Press wheel options to achieve a flat field finish for narrow row or hay growing applications • Optional spring-loaded seed boot for trash clearance • Optional single arm floating trash whipper for improved seed soil contact or to assist with chemical management • Optional air operated single arm trash whipper for precision control of trash and soil movement • Optional PSS Delta Force for constant hydraulic depth and press wheel pressure controlled row by row. • Optional liquid, rear covering chain and diffusers available Dan Ryan from BOSS Agriculture said SX30 Series row units had performed very well in what turned out to be very testing conditions in Victoria. “We had a quite a few new machines operating this year but VIC was where the stubble load and wet conditions put the new row unit to the test with some really positive results coming from the season.” BOSS Ag’s SX30 Series single disc can fitted to a range of different frames and the 2021 season will also see a range of fold forward frames be released for the first time.

TX60 parallelogram tyne

The 2020 winter planting also saw the introduction of the BOSS TX60 hydraulic parallelogram

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MEET THE BIG BOSS

BOSS air seeders offer from 4500 litres to high capacities up to 20,000 litres in a two or three bin configuration with a choice of rate controller

tyne row unit, for the first time. In addition there have been a few significant improvements to the proven TX45 (550lb Spring Breakout), the TX60 was fitted with a variable hydraulic breakout of up to 800lb and the introduction of a 2 x 1-inch tyne assembly. The row unit is able to be fitted on 228mm row spacings and can be operated through a fully adjustable on the go hydraulic In-Cab kit. The unit is also double shoot ready and offers the same accuracy and dependability as BOSS Ag’s existing tyne planting range.

Double Folding 24 Metre Bridge Frame

The Bridge frame from BOSS has grown since its inception in 2013 and now is available in widths up to 24 metres (80ft) wide for large scale growers who require the ultimate in trash handling ability with the added advantage of a high lift user friendly frame. With a 22 metre (72ft) machine delivered to SA earlier this year and another being manufactured for a grower in the Mallee region of VIC, the Bridge Frame range will continue to grow. And in doing so will be able to accommodate any growers requirements for different row spacings and tramline settings.

Air Seeder Range

BOSS Ag’s air seeder range continues to evolve with a Liquid

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Cart now available with 4800litres of liquid capacity and two bins with 14000-litres of combined granular capacity. Other popular air seeder product capacities include 4500, 9000, 12000 and 20,000-litres in two and three bin options with a choice of rate controller. With grower requirements ever evolving there will continue to be a need to adopt the latest techniques, this is the criteria BOSS has set itself to make its range so much in demand. BOSS has an understanding with its customers that they will continue to listen and be there to support their product range and grower’s needs. Dan Ryan summed up the company’s position in Australian manufacturing. “BOSS has always had great support from Australian Farmers who buy our product which in turn means that we will continue to grow and manufacture locally. “We have a great group of country people who manufacture a world class product and we can be proud of what we contribute to Australian agriculture and manufacturing.” Dan concluded. For more details on the latest model releases in the Boss planter range call direct to Dan Ryan 0488 512 677, Dave Herbert (QLD) 0439 286 277, Warren Anderson 0447 560 815. Or call the Boss Agriculture factory on tel: 02 6721 2677, fax 02 6721 2760 or email: bossag@bosseng.com.au

BOSS’s Latest Investments in Australian Manufacturing BOSS Ag’s latest manufacturing investments and advancements include the purchase of a second ﬁbre optic laser cutter, the purchase of a new tunnel sandblasting chamber and the purchase of a second easy form hydraulic press brake. This allows BOSS to achieve higher output during peak manufacturing times and also maintain the company’s commitment to quality, accuracy and safety.

New Shed Construction:

• BOSS is currently building a new under cover loading shed which incorporates two large overhead cranes and a machine pre-delivery area.

Current Shed Extensions:

• An expansion to BOSS Ag Parts for increased spare parts stock holdings and to increase their ability for fast and efficient outloading of spare parts. • An extension to the staging shed for relocation of Laser and Press equipment that will help streamline the manufacturing process. • An extension on the blasting area to house the new tunnel sandblasting machine. The impressive manufacturing facility at BOSS Agriculture now comprises approximately 30,000 square metres under roof and thanks to continued support from Australian farmers over 100 staff are directly employed in the local town, Inverell Northern NSW.

NEVER IMITATE T S. S ALWA WAYS INNO OVAATE T S. S PO POWER WERRR TECHN TECHNNOL NOLOG OGYY COMFO COMFOOR ORTT

NEW CAT® D3 RANGE OF SKID STEER AND COMPA ACT TRACK LOADERS. ® NEW CA T D3 RAN ACT TRACK LOADERS. ®GE OF SKID STEER AND COMPA The brand new Cat D3 range of Skid Steer and Compact Track Loaders brin ngs you leading-edge The brand new Cat®logy D3 .range of Skid Steer andcab Compact Track Loaders brin you leading-edge comfort and technol The operator -friendly is sealed, pressurised anngs d air -conditioned, plus comfort and technol logy . The operator -friendly c ab is sealed, pressurised an d air -conditioned, plus Smart Technology makes m it easy to integrate the e latest range of attachmentss. Take advantage of ^ Smart Technology msave it easy to bundle integrate the e latest of attachments s. Takemachine. advantage of andmakes s when you a sec cond or range third attachment with h your 2.49% finance ^ and s save when you bundle a sec cond or third attachment with h your machine. 2.49% finance To find out more, co ontact your local Cat dealer. To find out more, co ontact your local Cat dealer. NSW/ACT WesTrrac 13300 881 064 NSW/ACT WesTrrac 13300 QLD/NT Hastings Deeri ing 881 131064 228 QLD/NT Hastings Deeriing 131 228

VIC/TAS A William Adams 1300 WADAMS A VIC/T AAustralia WilliamCavpower Adams 1300 A 1600 ADAMS SouthAS 08W 8343 South Australia Cavpower 08 8343 1600

Wes estern Australia WesTrrac 1300 881 064 W estern Australia WesT rrac 1300 881 064 NZes TERRA +64 3 983 2333 NZ TERRA +64 3 983 2333

^ Finance any qualifying new Cat® Skid d Steer or Compact Track Loader from existing new sto ock at your participating Australian Cat® dealer to be elligible to receive financing with a fixed interest rate sta arting as low as 2.49% over 48 months term. Offer O is available to business owners only that hold an ABN A and, in the case of individuals, are Australian resiidents over the age of 18. All applications are subject to o ^ Finance any qualifying new Cat® Skid d Steer or Compact Track Loader from existing new sto ock at your participating Australian Cat® dealer to be elligible to receive financing with a fixed interest rate sta arting credit approval by Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited (ABN 70 006 711 585) (“CFA AL”), first ranking r security over the machine and execution of forrmal documentation on terms and conditions acceptab ble to as low as 2.49% over 48 months term. Offer O is available to business owners only that hold an ABN A and, in the case of individuals, are Australian resiidents over the age of 18. All applications are subject to o CFA AL. Fees and charges apply. Finance e offer available from 01/04/2020 until 31/12/2020. Rates and terms excluder New Zealand based customers. Contact C your New Zealand Cat dealer for financing deta ails. credit approval by Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited (ABN 70 006 711 585) (“CFA AL”), first ranking r security over the machine and execution of forrmal documentation on terms and conditions acceptab ble to ©A 2020Fees Caterpillar . All Rights Reserved T CA TERPILLAR, T DO THE their Rates respective logos,excluder “Caterpillar Corporate Ye ellow”, the “PoweContact and New Cat “Modern trade for dress as welldeta asails. CF AL. and charges apply . Finance e. CAT, offer available from LET’S 01/04/2020 untilWORK, 31/12/2020. and terms New Zealand based customers. Cr Edge”your Zealand Hex” Cat dealer financing corporate and product identity used he erein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be use ed without permission. © 2020 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, T CAT TERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Ye ellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used he erein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be use ed without permission.

GROUND PREP

Take a look at the quality machines on offer to satisfy the demand for renovationg and opening up new ground for next season when a record planting is expected

The Reefinator H4 will dig to a depth of 450mm (18-inches) and is equipped with a leading row of four tines and a following row of five, all hydraulically operated

FROM ROCKY GROUND TO INCOME PRODUCING

hen Rocks Gone debuted its Reefinator rock crusher in 2015 it was an instant hit with Western Australian farmers looking to renovate rock-encrusted land that could not be used for cropping. Close to two hundred Reefinators have now been sold, and five years on from its successful launch, the Reefinator is migrating into South Australia and Victoria through WSB Distributors. Invented by Rocks Gone founder and farmer, Tim Pannell, the Reefinator is a multi-pass machine that digs up and crushes rock fast and efficiently. A towed implement, the Reefinator has a grate, much like a cheese grater, that holds down the rock and rips up

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manageable lumps that can be crushed by the following roller. After several passes, the biggest lumps of rock you’ll find are only the size of a fist. The Reefinator is designed to be simple, durable, and low cost to operate. The designated wear parts and weak points are quick and easy to replace, while the rest of the implement is tough and ready to withstand thousands of hours of work. “Farmers now have the very real option of increasing soil depth, which has a range of agronomic benefits. “Including greater water and nutrient holding capacity, and greater rooting depth which also then helps with crop and pasture resilience in times of crop stress,” Tim Pannell said. Tim has previously estimated

some $210 million could be added to the West Australian farming economy if 350,000ha of shallow land is converted into productive land. West Australian farmers with lateritic soils have sung the praises of the Reefinator right across the wheatbelt and now the same can be said of South Australia, as farmers there watch their once unproductive land yielding profitable crops and boosting farm values. Reefinator H4

The most recent iteration of Tim Pannell’s machine is the hydraulically assisted heavyduty Reefinator with a 3m working width. This machine endured some 2500 hours of testing in a range of rocky soil types from granite and hematite to magnetite and

sheet ironstone. It is able to work deeper in a wider range of rock types and hardpans. It can also work through stubble, with tines set at 335mm (13-inch) spacings, opening up a way of renovating previously poor performing paddocks for pasture and cropping. "Initially we were aiming to design something specific to deal with the very tough basalt throughout Victoria and New South Wales. “But over the two years of testing around different parts of Western Australia we realised it was going to have a much wider application and was going to be perfect for the areas in WA that needed something with a bit more grunt and could dig deeper," Tim said.

at depth not likenot a deep atbefore, depth before, like a deep ripper ripper as such, a primary as but such, but a primary ripper, ripper, the first across across theripper first ripper untouched land.” land.” untouched The latest Reefinator has has The latest Reefinator been dubbed the H4the withH4the been dubbed with the H designating that it's H designating that a it's a hydraulically operated machine hydraulically operated machine and as and such,asthere no shear such,are there are no shear pins onpins the tines. on the tines. There are four tines tines There areleading four leading and five the at rear andat five thecoupled rear coupled with a cable-suspended levellinglevelling with a cable-suspended blade that bladelevels that out levelsalready out already FARMING crushedcrushed soil and THIRD-GENERATION FARMING soilrock andbefore rock before THIRD-GENERATION the tines get to it. the tines get to it. farmer from Valley WA, Rocks The Reefinator H4 hydraulic As a third-generation farmerChapman from Chapman Valley WA,Gone Rocks Gone The Reefinator H4 hydraulic As a third-generation founder and inventor Pannell all knew too well the problems that rocky founder and Tim inventor Timknew Pannell all too well the problems that rocky systemsystem incorporates a 32-litre incorporates a 32-litre land poses farmers. Pannell established a contracting business business using a using a landforposes for farmers. Pannell established a contracting accumulator designed to handle accumulator designed to handle rotary rock crusher crush to thecrush rock the on farming rotary rock to crusher rock onland. farming land. up to 3000psi pressure, while while up to 3000psi pressure, “It proved an expensive business business with too with manytoo moving andparts high and high “Ittoproved to an expensive manyparts moving prescribed workingworking pressure is prescribed pressure is wear rates,” Tim said.Tim “I thought hadthere to behad a more option.” option.” wear rates,” said. “I there thought to becost-effective a more cost-effective between 1000 to1000 1500psi. between to 1500psi. After testing different Tim foundTim success his Reefinator. Afterfive testing five prototypes, different prototypes, foundwith success with his Reefinator. Hoses Hoses runningrunning off the became an instantanhitinstant on release early 2015 and2015 has sold off the The machine The machine became hit oninrelease in early and has sold almost 200 units200 around country. almost unitsthe around the country. cylinders are 25mm (1-inch)(1-inch) in cylinders are 25mm in diameter to accommodate high high diameter to accommodate speed flow out of the speed flow out cylinders of the cylinders in productivity because it's lessit's less better better on rocky with with on impact. in productivity because on country, rocky country, on impact. jerky with no catching speedsspeeds between 8 and 8 and All rams pivot are working jerkyalmost with almost no catching between Alland rams andpoints pivot points are working or dragging," Tim said. 12kph, depending on conditions. on spherical, mostly mostly greasable or dragging," Tim said. 12kph, depending on conditions. on spherical, greasable To talk Tim Tim Tyre pressure varies between bearings, specifically designed To totalkinventor to inventor Tyre pressure varies between bearings, specifically designed about about opening up 8 and8 13psi while while a big a Pannell to be maintenance-free workingworking opening up and 13psi big Pannell to be maintenance-free cleanercleaner cropping ground,ground, call call advantage is the isheavy duty duty so closesotoclose the ground. cropping advantage the heavy to the ground. on tel: on 08 tel: 9288082993 mobile cushioncushion hitch, hitch, The H4The willH4 digwill to adig depth 9288or2993 or mobile to a of depth“industrial” of “industrial” 0429 0429 203 039, designed to absorb harsh forces. 450mm450mm (18-inches), as opposed 203 or 039, email: or email: designed to absorb harsh forces. (18-inches), as opposed sales@rocksgone.com.au or Force dissipation is inherent to 200mm (8-inches) maximum sales@rocksgone.com.au or Force dissipation is inherent to 200mm (8-inches) maximum view the H4 Reefinator video at: in mostincomponents. depth depth for the originaloriginal view the H4 Reefinator video at: most components. for the According to Tim,to the H4 the willH4 ag.rocksgone.com.au Reefinator, with the ability to According Tim, will ag.rocksgone.com.au Reefinator, with the ability to For growers in South drag over because of raise the leading rank ofrank tinesof tines For growers in South draganything over anything because of raise the leading Australia and Victoria talk talk the hydraulics and operators out of out workoftowork go deeper and and Australia and Victoria the hydraulics and operators to go deeper direct to WSBtoDistributors on won’t won’t usuallyusually need to ease quicker.quicker. direct WSB Distributors on need to ease tel: 08tel:8842 mobile:mobile: pressure. Weighing 28 tonnes with with 08 2177, 8842 2177, pressure. Weighing 28 tonnes 0419 0419 828 802, Tree roots easily 6000-litres of water on 828 or 802, email: or email: Treeare roots aresmashed easily smashed 6000-litres of ballast water ballast on admin@wsb.com.au and even you ifhityou a blue board, board, you’ll need four-wheel admin@wsb.com.au and ifeven hit a blue you’lla need a four-wheel granitegranite rock, for example, the drive tractor with a power rock, for example, the drive tractor with a rating power rating "Eastern States farmers have have "Eastern States farmers tines will just float over itover as itDesigned in excess of 331kW (450hp) to as a asmulti-pass tines will just float as Designed in excess of 331kW (450hp) to a multi-pass shown shown they want a machine they want a machine long aslong the as pressure isn’t set machine, the Reefinator has a has a tow the H4, or you can get away the pressure isn’t set machine, the Reefinator tow the H4, or you can get away that can deep thatgetcan get into deeptough into tough cable-suspended levellinglevelling blade blade too high, and youand canyou justcan keep with about 294kW (400hp) with cable-suspended too high, just keep with about 294kW (400hp) with basalt rock which of part of basalt rock forms whichpart forms that levels out already crushed going. that levels out already crushed a track machine. going. a lot ofa cropped and pasture lot of cropped and pasture a track machine. soil andsoil rock the tines andbefore rock before the tines "This makes a big difference According to Tim, wheels are "This makes a big difference According to Tim, wheels are countrycountry as opposed to mainly as opposed to mainly get to itget to it lateritelaterite countrycountry in WA and theand the in WA limestone in South limestone inAustralia. South Australia. "It has "It been to rip to rip hasdesigned been designed soil that has never soil that hasbeen neverripped been ripped

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING GROUND PREP

Lemken’s 12 foura John DeereKarat is offering bar cultivator will cover number of updates for the ground economically its S700 combines with is available in aand focus on increased working widths from throughput, automation four to seven metres and easier operation

LEMKEN KARAT 12 IDEAL FOR INTENSIVE STUBBLE CULTIVATION

he Karat 12 has been developed to helps during transport as this allows the equipped with a self-levelling system for handle both shallow and deep noheavy trailing rollers to achieve good precise and constant depth control to tillage cultivation up to a 300mm balance. allow for smooth operation. (12-inch) depth, and is especially suited to Standard equipment on the Karat 12 Hydraulic traction enhancement is work through heavier soils. includes maintenance-free automatic available as an option on the Karat 12 to This model is built for hard work, with overload protection. reduce slip and save on fuel consumption. four rows of tines with a line distance of The tines are able to deflect vertically by The ContourTrack option is worth about (9-inches). designincan up toof200mm (8-inches) and this provides consideringmirrors for operators working in hilly direction of travel and automatically the broadcast pattern significant a number to cram in a rushThis Deere is ohn230mm deliver the desired loosening effect as well operator confident with disruption-free terrain. It provides electro-hydraulic updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite as effective mixing. work even stony soils. adaptation to surface contours via depth andineasier on increased throughput, automation focus clearly direction. There are eight different shareexpected types dueTrigger in excess of 550kg ensure control wheels. Massey to theforces sales losses to combat operation Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment availableIDEAL so there will always be justforthe thatseason. the tines remainof firmly engagedknife. with The operator The result is aeasily consistent depth, the 2019 available being Series Ferguson the counter can assessworking chop quality perfect combination tools for any the soil. evenbyforchecking the largest cultivators. speed, from the comfort of the cab of forward regulation combine’sofautomatic The S-Series the combine’s reversing required soil mixing conditions. The hydraulic depth adjustment allows semi-mounted 12 is available with the optimised and integrated has been HarvestSmart, camera, and set the counterThe knife position fromKarat the seat. An optional system in working widths from four to seven metres. ICA2. operators to adjust the Adjustment system Combinequick-change Interactive Theworking previousdepth introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield ensures that shares can be easilyachieve and the continuously via the trailing during the local division for required grain cannot where ICA2 In situations sensor rollers, removed the needContact for manual yieldLemken calibrations and quicklydue swapped. operation, andthe all from the safety of the model availability or your nearest dealer or it exceeds to high levels of chaff or broken grain, sample relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to The rate, fittingICA2 of Lemken’s carbide coated tractor cabin. on mobile 0410 445 952, or see the website system get results, while also increasing the HarvestSmart adjusts automatically set loss their accuracy. K8H points is recommended for would Each roller/concave disc is at: set. normally just as the operator speed combine’s theshare and From 2020,unit this system willwww.lemken.com be supplemented with an even more operators seeking an edge toiscreate an at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement maintained load time, engine At the same above average finish.efficiency. harvest maximum for in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture Lemken’s Karat 12 has an underframe Withwinds an can underframe clearance of on the distribution of contents. effect have an enormous Side clearance of 800mm (2.5ft) and an 800mm residues, (2.6ft) andsoanitinterbody clearance Series combines on S700interbody will be possible combine intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded clearance ofCalibration 900mm (3.0ft) of2020 900mm (3.0ft) theofKarat easily automatically. be adjusted spread12tocan angle for the for along with other important information on documentation software. and can easily work its way through work waythethrough large volumes combine’s thevolumes systemofdetects new AutoSwap GPS, Usingits large of trashSee your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au organic materials. The Karat 12 runs concave discs for optimal levelling, as do Lemken’s other cultivator models, the Kristall and Karat 9. The discs and trailing roller fitted to the Karat series are designed as a single unit to ensure the discs don’t need to be adjusted, even when the working depth is The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader changed. and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and The carriage of Lemken’s Karat 12 eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The cultivator is integrated between the tines unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. and concave discs, and this results in a The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a highly compact and stable cultivator. sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling At the same time is makes the Karat 12 spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the extremely agile at headlands and during baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). road transport. It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. The favourable weight distribution also For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING GROUND PREP

The HE-VA deep aripper is John Deere trailed is offering the ultimate step in providing number of updates for subsoilers for high-power its S700 combines with tractors to 441kW (600hp). Three aup focus on increased models are available with 9 and 11, throughput, automation and 13 tines that cut across 5, 6, and and easier 7m (16, 20, operation 23ft) respectively

HE-VA IS THE DEEP RIPPER YOU ALWAYS WANTED

anmas, run by well-known industry varying between 250 and 500mm in a hydraulic automatic release system is identity Jorn Ib has become the preparation for the next broadacre crop. recommended. Australian importers for the HE-VA This is where the HE-VA deep rippers With a hydraulic cylinder mounted on cultivation brand. come in. There is an option of both each tine and connected to two gas And while Jorn Ib will manage the range linkage, and trailed models. accumulating tanks, an automatic swing of in Western Australia, Danmas has appointed The linkage machines come in both 3 a tine is ensured if it hits unmovable Techgrow as wholesale distributors for and 4m (10 and 13ft) models so they can stones. Eastern Australia. easilyofbesignificant transported around the This system alsothe functions as pattern a shock direction ofpaddocks travel and automatically mirrors broadcast is in a rush to cram in a number ohn Deere HE-VA hasinto a mighty in the 2020forseason, some quick and effective deep digging. in stony where will react with the combines for its S700reputation updates once the combine turns atabsorber the headland andsoils, moves in theitopposite northern hemisphere for its ability toautomation While and trailed machines are available in to vibrations. easier throughput, on increased focus clearly direction. handle new groundsales and losses work through either 7m (16, 20Improvement or 23ft) wide in cuts. Callis also nowenabled to secure your adjustment ideal HE-VA Massey the6 or to 5, expected due to combat operation chop quality by remote season. for the 2019The hard pans and Series soil that badly needs some HE-VA deep rippers workknife. to a Themodel for next season. available being IDEAL Ferguson of the can counter operator can easily assess chop quality speed,of 700mm of forwarddepth aeration. (27.5-inches). Contact Jorn the Ib at Danmasreversing for more The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation maximum from the comfort of the cab by checking combine’s the with withfitted and integrated This is one of machines you have They are a hydraulic tine information on model availability in the optimised been hasthe HarvestSmart, camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. ICA2. break-out that automatically always wanted to get your hands on and swings west on mobile 0447 131automatic 208. system Adjustment Combine Interactive The previous introduction of the ActiveYield yield grain from required rip through that rough that’s the upwards to deviate anyremoved obstacles the in needAnd International in alland the cannot achieve ICA2 ground where In situations sensor forTechgrow manual yield calibrations it exceeds the relieved the operator of the orsoil. bothered for years. the eastern on involved tel: 08 8842 1384,toor levels of chaff or broken grain, to high dueyou sample stressstates and time in waiting And rate, as toICA2 whoautomatically will come outadjusts on top,the a HarvestSmart The unitssystem come standard with either email: sales@techgrow.com.au or go to: set loss get results, while also increasing their accuracy. set. normally mountain of a ripper that 120mm (5-inch) or 200mm points the operator would aschallenging speedorjust the combine’s and From(8-inch) 2020, this systemhttps://www.techgrow.com.au/he-va-rippers will be supplemented with an even more desired level thetung-sten ground, we are betting on load the HE-VA. tip. precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement is maintained atwith engine time, At the same Models in the deep ripper range Everybodyharvest knows Jorn Ib is an expert at Both Inclusion plates, and delving plates efficiency. for maximum in data collection, especially for both lowHE-VA and high grain moisture are can work to a maximum depth of of forcontents. effect on the placing the right machines into a cropping will distribution also an option the machine tines. an enormous can have Side winds 700mm (27.5-inches) andwill arebe fitted with a cycle and this truesoforit the One ofcombines the key functions of theintervals HE-VA plus be possible on S700 Series willHE-VA. residues, combine Calibration yield and humidity data recorded hydraulic tine break-out that adjusted automatically. For many become unit is the v-profile roller onimportant the to be of spreadIt’s angle growers for thelocal for 2020 alongmounted with other information on documentation software. swings the system apparent their evendetects back of combine’s machine. new AutoSwapand the traffic-induced Using GPS, See your local dealer at:automatically https://www.deere.com.au upwards to avoid any long term no-till working layers have built This roller is adjusted hydraulically to obstacles in the soil up higher levels of soil compaction than meet the desired levelling and packing considered ideal. finish for the paddock. And following what for many is such an The roller also has the additional abundant growth season, it is perfect advantage of crushing clods and this timing to get ground nutrients ready for serves to leave a good finish behind the next season, with soil opened up and machine, in most cases there is only broken down like never before. one required and the paddock The pass Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader By deep ripping, roots can penetrate the and is ready for(10ft) seeding. rolls 3m bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and soil faster and deeper to absorb more soil eliminates The tine infinitely power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The the spacing need for is a secondary moisture, capture more soil nutrients and unit variable on the rolls updepending the bag directly offwork the main bag roller on the bag unloader. improve yield. task, with only the tine outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a The unit requires onlycentral one hydraulic The benefits will obviously vary with soil sliding fixed.twine This means that the wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling type; however, any soil chemical restraints spear Sub-Tiller can easily be set slides out of the bag bale core,for allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the need to be respected. tramline loosening, simplyrequires with no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). baler unit. Very simple mounting General feedback so far for this season is It some tines removed. is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. that most growers expect to rip to depths For stony soil types asee: SubTiller with For more information, www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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www.afdj.com.au 5347 www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ51

AFDJ EXCLUSIVE AFDJ EXCLUSIVE

MERLO TURBOFARM MERLO TURBOFARM

See how this telehandler with boosted capacity meets extra deman Merlo’s Turbofarmer 65.9CS was

See how this telehandler with boosted capacity meets extra demand developed in response to customer demand for a farm65.9CS modelwas with Merlo’s Turbofarmer increased load capacity and delivers developed in response to customer with afor maximum weight demand a farm load model with of 6500kg that it can raise to a height increased load capacity and delivers of 7.5m and hefty 5000kg to 8.8m with a maximum load weight of 6500kg that it can raise to a height of 7.5m and hefty 5000kg to 8.8m

Boosting the Turbofarmer 65.9CS’s ability to automate performance and function is through its advantage to automatically Boosting the the Turbofarmer ability recognise wide range65.9CS’s of Merlo-designed to automate performance is attachments available and for function the machine, through its advantage to automatically and feed that information into systems recognise the wide of Merlo-designed like M-CDC loadrange management attachments available for the machine, and feed that information into systems like M-CDC load management

4 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au 52 4 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

Merlo’s Turbofarmer 65.9CS has a boosted 6500kg load capacity but maintains a Merlo’s Turbofarmer 65.9CS compact size balanced with has impressive a boosted manoeuvrability 6500kg load capacity but a and ease of maintains use compact size balanced with impressive manoeuvrability and ease of use

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation height and load and easier operation

for

AFDJ NEWSLINE

M ER 65.9CS

There have been plenty of times when your telehandler has just peaked out at the top of the stack and can’t get any higher and the lift strain is showing anyway – Merlo has now answered the call for greater reach and lift ability by releasing the Turbofarmer 65.9CS

he Merlo Turbofarmer It also incorporates additional 65.9CS is a dedicated functions such as speed control agricultural telehandler or automatic speed adjustment that will gain a massive amount based on the required hydraulic of attention and buyers. power. The 65.9CS can lift to a This goes a long way toward dazzling purpose leading reducing fuel consumption and height of 8.8m and also offers a limits use to what is strictly high lifting capacity of 6500kg. necessary so performance is Add to that an impressive optimised. manoeuvrability and ease of Safety is at the forefront of use for operators and this Merlo design and the 65.9CS placed this model at the top tier benefits from an update to the of farm telehandlers. company’s renowned "ring of For operators sitting in models steel" construction that puts a with a more traditional 7m 7cm steel belt around the reach, the 65.9CS has been machine. developed in response to their This protects the operator demands for a machine with and the whole structure against greater lift height and capacity. shocks and distributes mass to And all the while retaining the lowest point of the machine Merlo’s trademark handling to increase stability. characteristics, the 65.9CS In addition, the Turbofarmer combines its 6.5-tonne load 65.9CS employs a number of of travel automatically the broadcasttopattern ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant direction capacity with and a brand new mirrors new technologies further MERLO TURBOFARMER with the once for the 2020 season,65.9CS updates into its S700 combines the combine turns at the headland andsafety moves the opposite hydraulic system and the boost inin a broad range of focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier direction. power of a 125kW (170hp) FPT operating environments. Max. load capacity (kg): 6500 operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment engine. The first of these is the Max. lift height (m): 8.8 available for the 2019 season. Ferguson IDEAL Series being of the counter knife.displacement The operator can easily assess system chop quality With a variable self-levelling that reach (m): 4.7 regulation of forward speed, automatic The S-Series combine’s Max. from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing pump combined with load automatically corrects for tilt of height at max. capacity (m): 7.5 with the integrated andload HarvestSmart, has beenLiftoptimised camera, and setflow the counter from thethis seat. sensing and sharing,knife the position up to 11-deg, allows loads Reach at max. load capacity (m): 2.0 Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. The introduction of thetoActiveYield automatic yield new previous Hi-Flow hydraulic system be lifted vertically. Engine powerachieve (kW/hp): the required125/170 grain sensor cannot In situations where ICA2 removed thein-house need forbymanual yield calibrations and was developed At the same time, the M-CDC Transmission: 2-speed hydrostatic the relieved it exceeds chaff or broken grain, or sample due to high levels of time management involved in waiting to Merlo. the operator of the stress and load system Max. transport (kph): 40 system the HarvestSmart adjustsspeed set loss rate, ICA2 automatically get results, also increasing accuracy. It allowswhile the 65.9CS to delivertheircollects a range of parameters would normally set. the operator just as and the combine’s speed Fuel capacity (L): 140 From 2020, thisofsystem will flow be supplemented an evenanalyses more 165-litres/min hydraulic from the with machine, level precise at the desired load is maintained At the same time, engine Hydraulic capacity (l/min): 160-250 sensor. This will resultthem in considerable whilehumidity incorporating benefits in real timeimprovement and transmits for maximum harvest efficiency. Weight (kg): 11,250 in like data collection, especially for boththe lowinformation and high grain moisture automated combined to the operator on the distribution effect (mm): enormousW/H/L Side winds can have anDimensions contents. 2400/2510/5260of movements of the boom and via the colour LCD screen to combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity dataofwill recorded gravity boom lowering. inform them thebe safe working for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. alongThese with other important information on documentation software. functions are designed limits. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s See your local quick dealerand at: https://www.deere.com.au to be precise, energy Data such as the position of efficient, and to simplify the the load, the angle and extension handling of loads in confined of the boom and the weight of spaces, limiting the number of the load lifted is collected and required manoeuvres and associated with the characteristics reducing the demand on the of the equipment being used operator. (bucket, forks etc). The 65.9CS runs a 2-speed Boosting the Turbofarmer’s The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto theas Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader hydrostatic transmission ability to automate performance and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) fits onbe new or existing GBU10 andto standard but long. can It also and function is models, its ability eliminates the need for a secondary or transportautomatically as auxiliary unitsrecognise require. The equippedpower withsource a CVTronic the unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. hydrostatic continuously variable wide range of Merlo-designed The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. features an enclosed twine ball holder with a transmission withItEco Power attachments available for the sliding twine wrapping handle forelectronic wrapping control. twine around baledmachine, bag. The hydraulic rolling Drive and feed bag information spear slides out of the bag bale core,upgrade allowing the finished bale to be discharged from the This allows thebag into systems like M-CDC load baler unit. Very simple mounting requires welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). engine speednoto be reduced management. It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags recycling. automatically when theand prepare When them the for 125kW (170hp) For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging required power is low. engine power of the 65.9CS is

John Deere set to update S700 combines

•

Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

•

www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 53 5 www.afdj.com.au AFDJ

MERLO TURBOFARMER 65.9CS

The Turbofarmer 65.9CS cab has a leading design suspension system, that uses a hydro-pneumatics to isolate the cab from the chassis and drastically reduce vibrations. The cab is also sound-proofed to a high standard and has generous dimensions to ensure comfort and visibility mated to the optional CVTronic transmission and power is delivered to all four wheels. The transmission comprises two axial piston hydrostatic motors powered by the electronically controlled hydraulic pump. At low work speeds, they function in conjunction to provide maximum torque, with a claimed increase of 12% compared to conventional hydrostatic transmissions. During transport, the second hydrostatic engine is then automatically disengaged from the control system and the oil from the pump then powers the main hydrostatic motor that pushes the Turbofarmer to its maximum speed of 40kph. For maximum manoeuvrability, the 65.9CS provides for crab and all-wheel steering as well as standard two-wheel steer. This machine is also equipped with Eco Power Drive (EPD), providing electronic control of the transmission to reduce engine revs where high levels of power are not necessary. As well as introducing additional functions such as Speed Control and automatic RPM adjustment in accordance with hydraulic requirements, it keeps fuel consumption to a minimum level. The Turbofarmer’s boom has 654AFDJ AFDJwww.afdj.com.au www.afdj.com.au

an impressive maximum lift height of 8.8m at full extension and a very productive forward reach of 4.7m. It will take its maximum 6500kg load up to a height of 7.5m, while the load at 8.8m is restricted to 5000kg. Load capacity at maximum reach is 2000kg. Inside the FOPS Level II certiﬁed cab, operators beneﬁt from Merlo’s patented cab suspension system, that uses a hydro-pneumatic system to isolate the cab from the chassis to drastically reduce vibrations. The cab is also sound-proof to a high standard and generous dimensions ensure comfort and visibility. The tac-lock system for automatic hydraulic tool locking further reduces operator fatigue. Operator comfort is further improved by the BSS boom suspension system that both reduces excessive machine pitching and load losses during transfers on bumpy ground.

However, one of the best additions for operators is likely to be the capacitive joystick developed specifically for Merlo’s agricultural range to improve ergonomics, reduce operator fatigue and increase daily productivity. Two sensors integrated in the joystick automatically detect the presence of the operator’s hand, it’s a comfortable fit, is simple, and offers the most intuitive control available. At the front of the joystick are the proportional controls of the boom – extension, retraction, auxiliary functions, neutral gear. While on the flip-side is the direction selector (reverse shuttle) switch and physical movements of the joystick provide for control of boom movement functions – lifting, lowering, carriage rotation. Another addition to the Turbofarmer 65.9CS that

A welcome addition to the 65.9CS is the capacitive joystick developed for Merlo’s agricultural range to improve ergonomics, reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity operators will appreciate is the MerloMobility telematic system. It gathers machine usage information and the machine’s status and location. This information can then be accessed remotely for integration into IT management systems, the planning of the next machine maintenance and for security purposes. If you plan to take the next generation step available for a telehandler, Merlo is here ﬁrst with the Turbofarmer 65.9CS. With models being delivered as early as the ﬁrst quarter 2021, get your order in now. To learn more, contact your local dealer or the fully dedicated Merlo Australia division direct on tel: 02 9688 0600, email info@merloaustralia.com.au or see more details at the website: www.merloaustralia.com.au

www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 7

DAVIMAC IN STR The McNab family has established an enviable manufacturing hub Davimac has also introduced a unique cushion hitch for its chaser bins – another first among Australian manufacturers. The cushion hitch reduces shunting and jarring being transferred between the tractor and the chaser bin when travelling over rough terrain, smoother for the operator while also reducing wear and tear on both the tractor and the bin

TRACKS – TO REDUCE SOIL COMPACTION Don’t ask how they did it, but during a massive surge in manufacturing growth, Davimac added Vimcor track undercarriages to their production line in 2015 and become the first Australian manufacturer to design, build and fabricate a rubber track system for chaser bins. With a track width of 914mm (36-inches) and a ground contact length over 3m, the Davimac track bins significantly increase flotation, and reduce ground pressure and soil compaction while carrying up to 35-tonnes of grain. Tracks are supplied optionally at 2.56 or 3.0m centres for ready compatibility with popular tramlining and systems farming operations. Each track is mounted on four-track end wheels and supported by eight-track mid wheels. Track tension is maintained by an inbuilt hydraulic system boasting an easy to check pressure gauge and pressure release system for maintenance. Adding further to the range in 2017 are hub mount tracks, that can be fitted to chaser bins, cane bins and trailers, another first for local manufacturing. And the benefits of these tracks to significantly reduce soil compaction and increase flotation, resulting in improved yields and wider harvest windows in wet conditions, has been well recognised, especially in Western Australia. The transferrable hub mount tracks allow growers to have tracks on a chaser bin during harvest and then transfer them to an air seeder for planting. Using basic tools usually at hand, and a forklift or front-end loader, the Vimcor tracks are easily transferred from one implement to another in about half an hour. The tracks are readily fitted to equipment with 10 or 12 stud hubs with appropriate clearance. They have a strong reinforced frame with a comparably high handling capability of up to 35-tonnes. Each track is mounted on two track-end wheels and supported by two track mid-wheels with width options of 610 to 914mm (24 or 36-inches). Current owners of this track system are impressed with how well track undercarriages turn and how little soil disturbance there is. This is due to the very large 4.16sq.m track footprint 914mm (36-inch) track undercarriage that greatly reduces soil pressure. The Vimcor Hub Mount Tracks are on display at vimcor.com.au or call now for more information on tel: 02 6366 8584 or email sales@vimcor.com.au 56 4 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

RONG DEMAND John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

With a major trend to track drive systems Davimac has become the first Australian manufacturer to design, build and fabricate a rubber track system for chaser bins and a whole line of farm equipment – but Davimac ingenuity doesn’t stop there as it also includes a range of remarkable seed drills

he benefit of a family at the same price as the lighterowned manufacturing weight bins sold by several business moving into its competitors. second generation becomes It was in 2012 that Davimac evident when you witness the culminated on their run-away growth of Central West NSW 30 per cent sales growth in each machinery maker, Davimac. of the past four years and Established in 1982 by David appointed more distributors to McNab, Davimac had already sell their product range. been manufacturing quality And by this time, talks with farm machinery for 30 years Agrowplow, a fellow NSW when son Shannon McNab came based manufacturer of seed on board in 2001. drills had come to fruition with Under David McNab’s reign Davimac taking over the badge the business developed a solid in 2013. reputation for quality and Davimac already had its own service, while remaining highly line of direct drills, disc of travel and automaticallyplanters, mirrors the broadcast ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant direction competitive in the marketplace. and pasturepattern seeders updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turns at headland in the opposite David groomed histheson and and sawmoves Agrowplow’s models focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier direction. Shannon, at the age of 16, into as the perfect addition. operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement chop quality is also enabled by remote being a majorinasset for future Shannon McNabadjustment said at the Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. ofdevelopment the counter knife. Thefirm. operator easily assess chop of the He can time, “Agrowplow wasquality a good The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, from comfort the cab byupchecking combine’s wasthe trained fromofthe ground namethe and product reversing and that HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the camera, andand setmachinist. the counter knife position from the seat. as a fitter Davimac planned to expand the Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. The of thereach ActiveYield automatic yieldin Andprevious as part introduction of that training, of the product In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the innovative need for manual yield Shannon sought Australia andcalibrations overseas.” and sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the relieved operator the stress and“Davimac’s time involved in waiting to ways tothe design farmof machinery growth has been system get HarvestSmart theunique ICA2 automatically rate, range loss set while also increasing accuracy. to results, work more efficiently withtheir based on traditional solid The Vimcor of hub mount adjusts tracks are to Australian as the operator the combine’s and From 2020, this system will The be supplemented an even more current farming methods. Australian with engineering and manufacturing andspeed are just purpose-built to be would heavy normally duty andset. at the maintained engine load At the same humidity will result in considerable improvement Davimac futuresensor. was onThis a strong construction, instilled in models robust with time, transferrable hubismount tracks thatdesired enableslevel precise efficiency. harvest maximum for infooting. data collection, especially for both low are and straightforward high grain moisture that and farmers to have tracks on a chaser bin during harvest and then distribution effect on– the enormous an seeder have can winds Side transfer them to an air for planting shown here is of contents. Davimac’s single axle chaser reliable to operate.” combines Series on S700takes be possible so it will how combine Shannonresidues, McNab explaining the changeover less than Calibration plusamong yield and humidity data will be bins were intervals a big hit “Our approach hasrecorded been to for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. 2020 for half an hour along with other important information on documentation customers, a product line that grow the buyer basesoftware. and sales Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s See perfected your local over dealer https://www.deere.com.au was 15at: years. network, now covering five But the single axle limited the eastern states, at a managebuild to a 25 tonnes capacity able pace to maintain quality and buyers that wanted to support for equipment and cusupscale kept asking Davimac tomers.” for a bigger haul. Agrowplow already distilled Davimac met that demand in into its product line a long and time for harvest 2012, releasing innovative heritage closely The Loftness Bag Baler Option directly onto the Unloader its firstmounts dual axle models withLoftness alliedGBU10 to Grain true Bag conservation and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out 90m (300ft) long. It fits on newfarming or existing GBU10 models, and 25 to and 35-tonnes capacities. concepts and rugged eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The The extended range of durability in the build. unit rolls up the bag directly off the bins mainwas bagproving roller onto the Davimac bebag unloader. Davimac was about to take The unit requires only one twine ballfurther. holder with a veryhydraulic popular.outlet. It features an enclosed all of that a step sliding twine wrapping handle forwas wrapping twine hydraulic rolling This due to thearound heavy-baled bag. The The result of bag Davimac’s spear slides out of the bagduty bale build, core, allowing the finished bale toforce be discharged from the and quality designbagdriving is the development baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling.of Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). that the McNab’s had perfected, the Agrowplow AD730 seed It is a fast, simple, reliableand wayimportantly to handle empty, used bags prepare them for recycling. to buyers they anddrill. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging managed to offer these models Agrowplow principal Shannon

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

•

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DAVIMAC IN DEMAND Davimac has released the Agrowplow AD730 seed drill in a number of working configurations that include 18 and 22-row versions with 225mm (9-inch) spacings or with 20, 24 or 28 rows at 175mm (7-inch) spacings – working widths range from 4.05 to 4.9m

The heavy-duty spring tines have a 250kg breakout, so nothing gets between the operator and the end of the row McNab and his team began work on the AD730 in late 2017. The aim was to develop a seed drill with a more rugged design and increased accuracy in product metering, suitable for medium to large-scale farms. The Agrowplow team worked closely with growers and contractors from across the country to develop the AD730 drill to meet the demands of sowing cereal crops and to establish and restoring pasture. Shannon says, “The AD730 has already proven itself in the paddock, sowing wheat in NSW’s Central West. Early users have praised its accuracy, and durability, and are impressed with how easy it is to direct drill into hard dry soils.” A number of conﬁgurations are available for the AD730 including 18 and 22-rows with 225mm (9-inch) spacings or 20, 24 or 28 rows at 175mm (7-inch) spacings. 658AFDJ AFDJwww.afdj.com.au www.afdj.com.au

It combines four tool bars and a robust 100x100x9mm (4x4x.35-in) RHS welded frame. The 2160-litre capacity of the two hoppers means you can keep sowing for longer, and the dog clutch system engages when lowered and disengages when raised, so there is one less worry when turning while in work. The AD730 has high ﬂotation tyres, while the 550mm (22-inch) underframe clearance and heavy-duty spring release tines provide maximum trash handling capability. Shaft rotator indicators provide operators with visual assurance the seed metering system is functioning, and windows in the front of the seed boxes help ensure simple cleaning and calibration. There is range of optional functions that can be added to increase the versatility of the drill.

And with a 100x100x9mm RHS frames and Agrowplow’s ongoing product support, the AD730 drill will keep running season after season These include a disc undercarriage, small seeds box, coulters, press wheels, spring harrows, rubber tyre rollers and trailing ﬂexi-rollers. With the AD730, it has built on the success of previous Agrowplow models, offering growers the beneﬁts of 30 plus years of developing products for sustainable agriculture. With a design that melds tradition with current planting technology and practicality, the AD730 is a seed drill that can get the job done, and at a price that offers real value. With its range of successful locally manufactured products, Davimac has also built its name in the area of back-up service. To achieve this, Davimac introduced a state-of-the-art ordering system to their dealer network with the emphasis on a local service point. Shannon McNab had this to say, “We really pride ourselves

on the back-up service we provide. If a customer comes back with an issue, then we’re always quick to respond and I think being fully Australian owned and made has a lot to do with that. “We work on a three- to fourweek lead time on machinery orders, which is only possible because we manufacture our products locally.” Davimac also has a unique visual quoting system, that assists when ordering. A dealer can easily ﬁt out a machine on the computer, right in front of the customer, by building in options on a graphic simulation. This ensures customers will get the perfect build for their unique operation. For more information on the range, or to become a dealer for Davimac farm machinery, contact 02 6366 8584, or visit www.davimac.com.au

www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 7

AUSTRALIAN MADE

GOLDACRES

THE JUGGERNAUT OF Australia’s world class sprayers built here leads the pack

Goldacres is the only local manufacturer that produces a full range of self-propelled sprayers and is now capable of exporting their models to world markets where their strong build will suit many specialist operations

roudly Australian owned and operated, sprayer manufacturer Goldacres has signed up to use the Australian made logo on its range of Self-propelled and trailed sprayers, as well as its auxiliary product lines. Goldacres tag line for many years has been: “Australia’s world-class sprayer” – and this emphasis is evident in Goldacres’ range of self-propelled sprayers. Goldacres has worked to provide and achieve a design for operators who demand the very best in sprayer efficiency and comfort. The current G Series selfpropelled sprayers are an example of the high capacity, high clearance and high performance models Goldacres

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is able to offer large-scale dry land growers and specialist models for horticulture producers. G Series sprayers have a distinct advantage in that they are fully designed, engineered and built in Australia using the qualiﬁed knowledge Goldacres engineers have mined over the past 40 years of operation in our very unique farming conditions. Goldacres, through this period has always managed to built efficiency and performance into its models while taking care to balance power to weight ratios, for exceptional cost saving results. It’s due to the credentials achieved with an industry-leading boom ride, unmatched fuel efficiency and the latest spray application technology that has placed Goldacres on the world

stage, ready to compete with any other maker in its relevant sprayer ﬁeld. With tight conditions for some growers over the past two seasons, it is evident that more than ever before every dollar has to count. Goldacres is prepared to work with its customers to evaluate their capital equipment purchases carefully, and to ensure that the return on investment is maximised. With all the models and options currently available, the choice has never been greater, nor harder to make. Look past the sticker price of the initial purchase, dig a little deeper into the substantial variations in sprayer design. All these factors count, and

this is where Goldacres has won over many new customers by clearly showing the points of difference that save money. Take for instance ongoing operating costs. Goldacres has always made this a focus in its model design. The Goldacres Crop Cruiser with its proven mechanical driveline system that sets it apart from its hydrostatic drive competitors is a prime example. Goldacres has the knowledge and manufacturing expertise to build its sprayers in any current driveline mechanism. Due to the numerous beneﬁts with mechanical drive sprayers, Goldacres has chosen this system and is comfortable it is offering buyers the most economical choice.

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

SPRAYERS

With mechanical drive there Leading the roll call of Selfare fewer maintenance costs, propelled models offered by less noise, significant fuel Goldacres is the Super Cruiser. reduction, less heat generated, This clean sheet design has lower engine rpm, lower power drawn on all the proven elements requirements. from the Crop Cruiser range, All this adds up to more with an 8000-litre main tank torque at the wheels and much and 500-litre rinse tank. longer component life. The TriTech flat folding boom These factors all equate to is available in 36, 42 and 48m substantially lower operating widths. All booms are plumbed costs, with ongoing savings for in 16 sections with a RapidFire/ the owner. Rapidflow single line with Reports back from operator’s 500mm or 250mm nozzle spacing. confirm the Goldacres Crop Running on a 3m axle track it Cruiser only uses a third of the can get across the ground fuel when compared to previous quickly with its Cummins QSB hydrostatic drive sprayers they 6.7-litre, 6-cylinder, Tier 3 emission have used in the same situation. engine offering 194kw (260hp). As far as a model choice for In the cab there is a dual tilt local growers and contractors telescopic steering column, there is a major variable that and fully adjustable air suspenbuyers also need to consider. sion seat. Australian spraying practices Following close by is the G6 are substantially different from Crop Cruiser, a high capacity, those in North America and high clearance sprayer with a many parts of Europe 6000-litre main tank and 500Local operators need to run litre rinse tank. at higher spraying speeds, with Power is provided through a lower water rates and generally Cummins 6-cylinder, Tier 3 have much harsher weather emission engine peaking at conditions to deal with. 168kw (225hp). A TriTech flat Goldacres has developed folding boom is available in 30, their sprayer range to operate 33, 36 and widths.pattern direction of travel and automatically mirrors the42m broadcast at maximum efficiency and The Goldacres Crop once the combine turns at the headland and moves in G4 theSeries opposite reliability, primarily for these Cruiser sprayer is a versatile direction. conditions. for its hard work Improvement in chop quality is also model enabledknown by remote adjustment and getting across ground of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality quickly. The G Series offer the from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing combination of being lightweight, camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. high strength construction. The previous introduction of thewith ActiveYield automatic yield It can be coupled withand wide sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations TriTech boom widths of 24, relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to28, 30, 33 and 36m, the get results, while also increasing their accuracy. Series can more deliver From 2020, this system will be supplementedG4 with an even high outputs, with precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement low inputs. in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture

John Deere set to update S700 combines

contents. Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded along with other important information on documentation software. See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300 All Goldacres self-propelled and trailing sprayers can boom height from the spray target. Delta and TriTech

TheDelta Loftness(Prairie Bag Baler Option mounts directly thecontrol Loftness GBU10 Grain Bagwhich Unloader be fitted with the industry leading booms also offeronto yaw suspension, is the rollsPrairie 3m (10ft) Pro) bags outforward, to 90m (300ft) It fits on new or existing GBU10 Special) and Tri-Tech (Crop Cruiserandand andlong. backwards movement of themodels, sprayand boom. eliminates the need for a secondary source or transport auxiliary units require. 3 way suspended booms. Booms power without yaw controlasconstantly over andThe under unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. These booms offer 3-way suspension systems, that are apply as they move forward and backwards over the The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a contour following. This suspension system works in target. sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling three ways; firstly it isolates the spray boom from the Thecore, final piecethe offinished the three-way suspension system spear slides out of the bag bale allowing bag bale to be discharged from the is tanker/cab chassis allowing the boom to follow the the “boom pitch” – the up and down movement, again baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). contours of the paddock. to maintain a consistent nozzle height from the target It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. Contour following booms maintain an spray see:but also to protect the spray boom itself Foraccurate more information, www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ61 www.afdj.com.au 5325

GOLDACRES JUGGERNAUT Goldacres Prairie Special trailing sprayer are very popular with growers due to the strong build and wide model selection available in two frame configurations. The 1500-3000-litre capacity small frame models can be fitted with Delta 15, 18 and 21m booms. While the 4000-6500-litre capacity large frame models can run with Delta 18, 20, 21 and 24m booms

Power is gained from a Cummins QSB 4.5-litre engine with Tier 3 emissions, peaking at 119kw (160hp). Goldacres offers the ultimate horticultural self-propelled sprayer. The light weight G4V Crop Cruiser is 4-wheel steer, 4-wheel drive model with a narrow track width. The G4V is the most efficient spraying at typically lower speed ranges coupled with high capacity hydraulics to operate a large spray pump for high ﬂow rates. The G4V Crop Cruiser has a unique hydraulic and mechanical drive line system. Using a single high capacity variable displacement hydraulic pump combined with a hydraulic motor coupled to a full mechanical transfer case, differentials and drop axles provide smooth inﬁnite speed control. Engine power is from a

Cummins QSB 4.5-litre engine with Tier 3 emissions, peaking at 119kw (160hp). Goldacres’ is also well represented with a range of trailing sprayer models – with the current ﬂagship being the Prairie Pro. The Prairie Pro design incorporates many elements from the transport and earthmoving industries to ensure maximum strength, longevity and performance. Such as fully bushed pivot points, air ride suspension components and dampeners, to the best corrosion proof painting systems. Fully welded in rotating positional jigs ensure accuracy, repeatability and quality. Prairie Pro models offer main tank capacities from 5000 to 8500-litres. With TriTech boom widths from 24 to 48m. Pasture and horticultural growers ﬁnd their ideal selection

from the Prairie Special trailing sprayer range. Built to a standard, not a price, available in two frame configurations. The popular 1500-3000-litre capacity small frame models can be fitted with Delta 15, 18 21 and 24m booms. While the 4000-6500-litre capacity large frame models can run with Delta 18, 20, 21 and 24m booms. Other popular models in the Goldacres trailing sprayer range include the Prairie Rowcrop. Spanning four main tank capacities from 1500 to 3000-litres across two different chassis frame sizes. Delta booms range in widths from 15 to 24m And for smaller operations the Prairie Compact incorporates many elements from the larger Goldacres range with tank capacities from 1000 to 2500litres. A 10 or 12m boom can be fitted.

As well as a full range of broadacre, horticulture and pasture sprayers Goldacres also cater for contractor and home and garden markets with a range of smaller trailers, tray mount and three point linkage sprayers with around 65 models within the range. Goldacres has all spraying needs covered, and now with the addition of the Australian made logo will give customers greater conﬁdence in selecting a sprayer that is built locally, speciﬁcally for their spraying needs. Goldacres has a nationwide dealer network for parts and service back up, what you would expect from a sprayer that is literally “built just down the road”. Contact Goldacres sprayers for more model information on tel: 03 5342 6399, or go to www.goldacres.com.au/dealers to book a test drive.

Goldacres Prairie Pro models are the current flagship for trailing sprayers with main tank capacities from 5000 to 8500-litres. And with TriTech boom widths from 24 to 48m

62 26 www.afdj.com.au 62 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

John Deere set to update S700 combines

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www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ63 27 www.afdj.com.au 53

AUSTRALIAN MADE

K-Line Ag has deep Australian roots as a trusted manufacturer of innovative and reliable tillage machinery

SINGLE PASS SPEEDTILLER

s a family-owned company, K-Line Ag designs and builds farm equipment to exacting standards, utilising a research and development team familiar with the demanding working conditions of our local terrain. A very popular release has been the K-Line Ag Speedtiller, this model has found a niche in strategic tillage systems as a one-pass tillage tool. The success of the Speedtiller comes from its ability to improve soil humus levels, reduce erosion, and combat chemical resistant weeds in a single pass with this versatile single implement. The combination of the adjustable rubber-torsioned jump arm system with disc undercut, and the effective action of the levelling crumbler roller, makes the Speedtiller ideal for stubble incorporation and seedbed preparation. Stubble incorporation has the advantage to build up humus levels in the soil profile, this feeds soil microbes that increase soil organic matter for healthier soils with less reliance on outsourced nitrogen in future seasons. The Speedtiller incorporates residue by utilising a two-part system. First chopping the residues into manageable pieces and shifting the dirt with an offset disc. And then mixing the soil and residues together into a finished paddock surface, 64 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au 32 www.afdj.com.au

leaving the seedbed ready for planting. This two-step approach is what provides the residue incorporation growers need to reap the benefits of better crop health and higher yields. Speedtiller’s dual purpose discing and finishing capabilities have additional benefits as well. Growers can use this single implement to do the work of two or even three other machines, and the savings in soil compaction, operator time, and fuel expenditures make a sizeable impact on reducing production and operational costs. With herbicide resistance becoming an issue as summer rains increase and temperatures warm, many farming regions can now use strategic tillage programs with Speedtillers to help eradicate summer weeds and decrease the reliance on chemicals. This has the added benefit of giving any chemicals a longer life cycle before weeds become resistant to them. Because the Speedtiller is designed with an appreciation for the variability of local soils and cropping types, it can be customised for applications from vineyard cultivation to oilseed and cereal production. Trailing and 3-point linkage versions are available, while finishing rollers can be selected based on soil type with hollow crumbling rollers for loamier soils and spring rollers for

The K-Line Ag Speedtiller has proven to be the ultimate one-pass strategic tillage tool as growers can now use this single implement to do the work of up to three machines with reduced soil compaction and huge savings in operational costs

stickier, clay type soils. These unique configurations allow growers to utilise the Speedtiller’s correct mechanical design and in turn realise the greatest benefits in residue management and increased yields. Currently available in a wide variety of working widths ranging from 1.75 to 15.5m (5.7 to 51ft). K-Line Ag recently delivered a Powerflex Mammoth, one of the heaviest tillage implement on the market. Weighing in at 22,250kg, the Mammoth is the ultimate

machine for serious broadacre growers and contractors. A 15.5m (51ft) Speedtiller Powerflex Mammoth was delivered by K-Line Ag to its new home in West Wyalong NSW. View live Mammoth footage on the K-Line Ag website: www.k-line.net.au/video With a full range of coulters and harrows as well as tillage and soil-conditioning machinery, K-Line Ag has all tillage and residue issues covered. Call the team at K-Line Ag on 1800 194 131 for information or to locate your nearest dealer.

Neil Streat of Codemo Machinery Services, shown here delivering Greg Healey at West Wyalong NSW his new 15.5m (51ft) Speedtiller Powerflex Mammoth

K-Line Ag’s Speedtiller incorporates residue during a two part process that includes chopping and mixing the soil

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www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 33

AUSTRALIAN MADE

SCHINCKEL OPEN SERIES RAKE How this clever front rake protects the crop

The Schinckel Opener Series front-mounted rake has four reels per side, and a castor wheel on each raking arm plus another in the front centre pivot

With the Schinckel Opener rake front mounted it allows growers to get the crop in more quickly and at better quality

The Opener Series rake from Schinckel Hayrakes is mounted to the front of the tractor and is a model that has simpliﬁed hay raking while improving the crop quality. When used in combination with any type of rear rake (V, rotary or roller bar) the front-mounted rake pushes the crop away from the path of the tractor as the rear rake regathers it together into a single row.

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This way the tractor avoids running over and damaging the crop while the front-rear rake combination creates a perfect windrow. Simon Schinckel says he has demonstrated his Opener Series rake in many different conditions and it works every time. “We have used it on crops that have been tedded, hay has been cut with disc mowers and left out in a ﬂat swath, mower-conditioner rows, and in situations where there is lots of regrowth. “The Opener rake works effectively in all of these situations. It can be also used to turn two wet rows of hay at the same time. “Turning hay for faster drying is a very slow and arduous task, but with this model, labour, fuel and machine costs can be cut in

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

NER

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

that driving a tractor and rake down these rows wasn’t going to work satisfactorily. The tractor would have to run on top of both rows, which would pack it into the ground. “This would make it difficult to rake cleanly, knock leaf off and lower the quality of the hay. Straddling one row with a tractor and rake isn’t an option, so people would have to use an inline rake, which doesn’t produce a nice evenly-shaped windrow for baling like a V Rake does.” Simon put his thinking cap on and came up with a unique but simple system – the Opener Series. It is effective because the tractor always runs on clean ground. John Pallant farms near Naracoorte SA, and because he grows a lot of hay Simon often tests out his new rakes on his property. When Simon arrived to test out the Opener at the end of last year, John could see its potential and he was the ﬁrst to buy one. “We make 4000 big square bales a year for our own use and to sell to dairy farmers,” John says. “I could see how useful the front rake would be, particularly in lucerne. “We use a Massey MF1340 disc mower that cuts a 3.9m (13ft) swath. When we rake with our V Rake, the tractor always drives over some of the crop. “I could see that with the Opener front rake, we could leave the lucerne spread out more when we cut it so it would dry faster, and then we could rake it up without damaging the crop.” John says this summer he did several cuts of lucerne with the Opener rake and he has been able to do the whole process – cut, cure, rake, bale and cart – in four days. “It allows us to get the crop in more quickly and it is better quality. It is a magic bit of gear. So far I have only used it on the lucerne but we will use it on all our hay crops.” Patents are pending worldwide on the Opener Series rakes, that are built with standard components off the Schinckel Hayrake shelf. It usesoffour reels per side and hasmirrors a castorthe wheel on each raking direction travel and automatically broadcast pattern arm and a dual castor in the front centre pivot. once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite For further information call Simon Schinckel direct on mobile direction. 0428 838 524 or go to isthe Hayrake website: Improvement in chop quality also Schinckel enabled by remote adjustment www.schinckelhayrakes.com.au to check out working videos. of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. Withprevious the locally designed The introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield Schinckel Opener sensor removed the rake, need the for manual yield calibrations and tractorthe never has toofrun relieved operator theover stress and time involved in waiting to the crop get results, while also increasing their accuracy. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture contents. Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded along with other important information on documentation software. See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

John Deere set to update S700 combines

ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. required grain the raking achieve cannoton where ICA2 lift In situations A hydraulic each sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the is automatically standardadjusts equipment. The system the HarvestSmart rate, ICA2 set lossarm operator as the fit justcan combine’s speed and theOpener rake to would the normally front set. the desired level is maintained engine load in time,tractor same At theof the three atways: for maximum harvest efficiency. distribution on the effectloader can winds Side 1) It can behave fittedantoenormous the front-end arms if they of be possible so it will combine residues, have Euro-style quick release. on S700 Series combines automatically. be adjusted of spread angle the be for 20202)for It can bolted to theto front counter weight with an the combine’s detects system new AutoSwap the system Using GPS, A frame for easy hook up and disconnection. 3) It can connect to the front linkage arms. A set of removable wheels can be fitted so the rake can be towed on the road. A tow bar will be fitted to the front, and rear tail lights are supplied

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300 half. Turning windrows can also be done with the front rake towed

The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader by a four-wheel drive ute.” (10ft)says bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and Schinckel Hayrakes is based in Naracoorteand SA,rolls and3m Simon eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The when he was travelling to southern ﬁeld days in September and rolls updown the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. October 2018, he noticed that many crops hadunit been cut with The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a 9 to 12m (30 to 40ft) header fronts or large windrowers. twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling The crops had been cut because of the verysliding dry season. spear slides out ofwere the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the “I noticed that rows waiting to be raked together for baling balersounit. Verygoing simple spaced anywhere from .9 to 2.4m (3 to 8ft) apart, it was tomounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. be a big issue for raking. For more “I have been in the hayrake industry for 28 years, and Iinformation, could see see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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www.afdj.com.au 53 www.afdj.com.auAFDJ AFDJ67 39

100

OF JOHN DEERE TRACTORS

YEARS

The Waterloo Boy Model N was the beginning of 100 years of John Deere tractor success, and its two-cylinder engine design powered almost every John Deere tractor for the next 43 years

PART 1: THE FIRST 80 YEARS - 1918 TO 1998

n 1918 Deere & Co, the John Deere equipment manufacturer, entered the tractor market by paying US$2.25 million to buy the company that made the Waterloo Boy tractor. The Waterloo Boy was popular in America during World War I. It was based on a traditional design with the engine, radiator and gearbox mounted as separate units on a steel girder chassis. The twin-cylinder horizontal engine delivered 20KW (27hp) and improvements on the Model N Waterloo Boy from 1917 included a two-speed gearbox instead of the single speed on earlier models, and roller bearings replaced the plain bearings used previously. It was a tractor with a reputation for reliability, an important factor at a time when tractors were seen as temperamental and most operators still worked with horses and had little experience of tractor operation and maintenance.

Because it was the starting point for the John Deere range, the Waterloo boy is recognised as one of the most important tractors the industry has produced. It also made history when a Waterloo Boy in 1920 became the ﬁrst tractor to complete a Nebraska test program. Meanwhile, the Waterloo Boy was chosen by a then garage owner by the name of

Harry Ferguson when he decided to add tractors to his business. Later prompting him to develop the famous Ferguson three-point linkage in 1926. Following the 1918 takeover, John Deere continued building the Waterloo Boy tractor and using the Waterloo Boy name while their engineers designed a replacement. The tractor that arrived in 1923 was the Model D, the ﬁrst production tractor to carry the John Deere name. The John Deere Model D was a completely new design and

The first diesel powered tractor from John Deere was the Model R available from 1948 with updated styling and powered by a two-cylinder horizontal engine that established a new fuel efficiency record at Nebraska

was much more up-to-date than the tractor it replaced. The steel girder frame of the Waterloo Boy was replaced by a rigid structure formed by joining the engine and transmission units together. The power output of the Model D was 22kW (30hp) gained at 800rpm from an engine developed from the Waterloo Boy’s twin-cylinder horizontal design. The fact that John Deere retained the original engine layout is surprising at

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100

YEARS

OF JOHN DEERE TRACTORS

The 4020 model was John Deere's biggest selling tractor with a specification that included a powershift transmission and a 67kW (91hp) diesel engine, and the options included a petrol engine and later versions were available with four-wheel drive a time when most of the leading tractor manufacturers had already switched to four cylinders. And six-cylinder engines were beginning to arrive, but in an act of faith the John Deere engine choice became a huge success. With fewer moving parts and good accessibility for routine maintenance, it was an engine design that delivered long term reliability as well as good torque characteristics. In fact, it would come to pass that engines based on the two-cylinder design powered almost every John Deere tractor until 1960. It was probably the most successful engine series in tractor history, and there were objections from some loyal John Deere customers in America when four and six-cylinder engines eventually took over. The Model D made a big contribution to John Deere’s tractor success, and with various versions available until 1953. It achieved the longest production run of any farm tractor. The Model D was joined in 1927 by the Model C, the ﬁrst John Deere row-crop tractor. It was also relaunched with design updates in 1928 as the General Purpose or GP. 30 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

Options for the GP included a power take-off shaft and another advanced function was a powered implement lift. The lift system was operated mechanically and was very different to the hydraulically operated Ferguson three-point linkage with draft control. But it was a major step forward in implement attachment and operation. One of the reasons that contributed to the sales success of the GP and to other twocylinder models was the John Deere policy of developing versions designed to meet special crop requirements. These included wide track and tricycle wheel layouts for row-crops, and the GPO, a distinctively styled orchard tractor that was also available as the ﬁrst John Deere tracklayer. Whereas the GP Series P version was developed speciﬁcally for potato growers. More two-cylinder models followed during the 1930s including the immensely popular Model B, a smaller model that arrived in 1935 with a 10kW (14hp) engine. Various B series versions were built until 1953 when the sales total had reached about 300,000.

In 1938 the Model B plus the more powerful Model A were the ﬁrst tractors to share John Deere’s more pronounced styling. Previously tractor customers had been inﬂuenced mainly by factors such as performance, price and reliability, but appearance was becoming increasingly important and Deere was a leader in the trend. The more rounded shape was produced by Henry Dreyfuss, one of America’s leading industrial stylists, to replace the previous angular appearance. John Deere’s loyalty to the horizontal two-cylinder engine layout continued during the

1930s with the Model G, the most powerful row-crop tractor in the range when it was announced in 1938. This followed the 1937 launch of the Model L, the smallest tractor in the range at that time, with and one of the very few models with a different engine layout. The power unit for the Model L developed about 7kW (10hp) produced by two vertical cylinders, and another unusual addition was that the engine was supplied by Hercules instead of being made by John Deere. The Model L was designed for

A leading industrial stylist was employed to give John Deere tractors a more current look with more rounded lines, and the Model B was one of the first of the restyled tractors in 1938

100

This N163 finished in garish pink and with lots of chrome add-ons and an equally-eyecatching red leather interior to catch OFwas JOHNdesigned DEERE TRACTORS the eye of potential Young Farmers club members in Finland

YEARS

The power unit for the 4630 tractor announced in 1972 was a six-cylinder diesel with a turbo and intercooler producing 110kW (150hp) when it was tested at Nebraska small farms and for amenity users such as councils and golf courses, and in 1940 it was joined by the LA model with the engine output increased to 10kW (13hp). The next big development came in 1948 with the launch of the Model R tractor, the first John Deere tractor with a diesel engine and the most powerful tractor the company produced up to that time. The diesel engine followed the familiar horizontal twocylinder layout and produced up to 38kW (51hp), and there was also a small petrol engine with two horizontally opposed cylinders for starting the main engine, plus a battery powered electric motor for starting the petrol engine. Another feature on the Model R was a five-speed gearbox, and the options included the first steel cab designed for a John Deere tractor and the p-to operated independently of the transmission. Although diesel engines were well established on tracklayers in the United States, they were still a novelty for wheel tractors. But Model R popularity was helped by the fact the tractor set a record for fuel efficiency when it was tested at Nebraska. 70 AFDJ www.afdj.com.au

As well as adding diesel power to the John Deere range, the Model R also introduced more current styling, and it was the last model to be identified by a letter. The first batch of new release tractors with model numbers began arriving between 1952 and 1954. The first arrivals were the 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 models, all based on the styling introduced on the Model R, and with a long list of specification upgrades compared with previous models. These first numbered models were also helping to establish the industry wide trend for increased operator comfort and convenience. There was improvements to the controls layout and to the seat design, and the addition of power steering to the options list was also a major innovation. Developments in 1956 included buying the Heinrich Lanz company in Germany, one of the leading independent tractor manufacturers in Europe. Previously John Deere tractor sales had relied mainly on the United States and Canada, but with the acquisition of the Lanz factory it provided a European production centre to help global expansion.

There was also another tractor launch in 1956, when 20 Series tractors arrived with model numbers starting with the 320 and continuing up to the 720 and 820 diesels. The obvious change was the eye-catching green and yellow paint ﬁnish, but there were also further improvements to operator comfort including an adjustment to match the seat suspension to the operator’s weight. And power steering was now standard on most of the 20

Series models. After two years, the 20 Series tractors were replaced by the 30 Series, and the operator was again high on the priority list with more comfort and with handholds and a step to make mounting and dismounting easier and safer. Easier starting was achieved by improvements to the diesel engine design for the 730 and 830 models allowed the petrol starter motor to be replaced by battery powered electric starting.

Available from 1923, the Model D replaced the Waterloo Boy to become the first tractor designed by John Deere and to carry the John Deere name www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 31

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

100

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation OF JOHN DEERE TRACTORS and easier operation

YEARS

The 830 was the most powerful model when the 30 Series arrived in 1958, with improved operator comfort and safety features plus an electric starter motor for the two-cylinder diesel engine

John Deere set to update S700 combines

The 30 Series was the last chapter in the the John Deere 30 range arrived. The 4030 diagnostic information for fault detection. Johnohn Deere two-cylinder success story.in a number was the selling tractor in the of range with Automation mirrors on 55 the Series tractors also direction travel and automatically broadcast pattern significant oftop to cram is in a rush Deere With the launch John Deere’sfor ‘New 59kW (80hp) available at the while controlling the engagement of the once with season, the 2020 combines S700 into itsof updates thep-t-o, combine turnsincluded at the headland and moves in the opposite Generation of Power’ in 1961, four-cylinder the 4630 and witheasier a powershift transmission four-wheel drive. throughput, automation on increased focus clearly direction. engines took over with emphasis most powerful model with 110kW American factories had adjustment dominated Massey to the due the expected was losses sales the to combat operation Improvement in chop quality is alsobased enabled by remote switchingIDEAL from spark to diesel.for the 2019 (150hp) maximum output. John Deere tractor production sincequality 1918, season. being available Seriesignition Ferguson of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop The first four combine’s models were the 1010,regulation 2010, Meanwhile John Deere was developing a but the former Lanz factory in Germany had forward speed, of automatic S-Series The from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing 3010 and the 4010, delivering increased tractor towith compete the high-power emerged as a major success and was making the in and integrated optimised been hasall HarvestSmart, camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. power outputs withAdjustment up to 62kW (84hp) four-wheel an increasing to output. yield ICA2. sector of the market withThe system Combine Interactive previousdrive introduction of the contribution ActiveYield automatic available at the p-t-o from the 4010 diesel and articulated steering. The seven 6000 and 7000 Series models In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and during its Nebraska test. of chaff or broken grain,They started the in 1959 when the 8010 announced in 1992 were built in Germany. or it exceeds to high levels due sample relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to was automatically completed in adjusts 1962 with model powered by a 158kW (215hp) engine They were aimed at the important midsystem the HarvestSmart rate, ICA2 lossseries setThe get results, while also increasing their accuracy. the addition of the 5010 model equipped was announced, with new models arriving range power sector, with the four 6000 and the combine’s speed just as the operator would normally set. Fromof2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more with an 8-speed gearbox and producing during the 1970s as this sector the market Series models using four-cylinder engines level desired the at maintained is load engine time, same the At precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement 89kW (121hp) maximum output. expanded and customers demanded more with outputs from 55 to 74kW (75 to 100hp) harvest efficiency. maximum forJohn in data collection, especially both low and high grain moisture Deere transmission technology took power. while for six-cylinder engines powered the of 8630 distribution enormous an 1963 can have in contents. a Side big winds step forwards wheneffect the on the Both the 8430 and models in 1979 three 7000 Series tractors with up to 125kW combines andCalibration Series on S700 possible it will combine intervals yieldavailable. and humidity data will be recorded upgradedresidues, 20 Seriesso 3020 andbe4020 tractors used turbocharging intercooling to plus (170hp) automatically. be adjustedboost spread angle 2020 for for along at with information replaced thethe 3010 andof4010 andto introduced the maximum output theother p-t-oimportant to Options for on thedocumentation 7000 Series software. included combine’s the165kW new AutoSwap the powershift GPS, first Using See your local dealerelectronic at: https://www.deere.com.au John Deere’s drive.system detects 131 and (178 and 225hp) respectively, control for the powershift It was the run-away success of the 20 and 223kW (303hp) was recorded when the transmission with 19 forward and 7 reverse Series models helped to establish John range-topping 8850 model was tested at speeds. Deere as the world’s biggest selling tractor Nebraska in 1982 equipped with a new V-8 When the 6000 Series tractors were range from 1963. engine. replaced by the updated 6100 range in 1997 The versatility and operator-friendly Precision farming technology was the equipment options included John operation quickly established powershifts advancing rapidly in the late 1980s and Deere’s recently introduced Triple-Link as a popular choice on medium and high early 1990s, and John Deere tractors were front axle suspension system, designed to power tractors, helping the 4020 to become among the leaders developments operatorGBU10 comfort The Loftness Bag with Balermajor Option mounts directlyimprove onto the Loftness Grainand Bagimproved Unloader John Deere’s biggest selling model with the and using electronic information and orcontrol at rolls 3m (10ft)controls bags outand to 90m (300ft) long. stability It fits on new existingwhen GBU10travelling models, and production total reaching 175,000 between eliminates systems tothe boost efficiency. speed. need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The 1963 and 1971. Features on bag the directly five 55off Series models 2 in the next issue as unit rolls up the the main bag rollerCatch on the instalment bag unloader. Also, helping the sales success was the introduced between 1989 and 1990 with John Deere celebrates its 100th anniversary The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a addition of a four-wheel drive option sliding power twine outputs in the 94 to 168kW (128 to of tractor production. See how through the wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling available from 1966 on the 4020 and on the 228hp) range included the John Deere years 1998 to 2018 Deere and Co was able spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the 5020 which was the biggest tractor in the Intellitrak Monitoring System. to enforce its position as the world’s baler Very simple mountingwith requires noof welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). series with up to a 104kW (141hp) output. Thisunit. provided the operator a flow biggest tractor and agricultural equipment It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. Enclosed cabs for operator safety and information on the tractor’s operation and manufacturer as well as an emerging leader For more information, and see: it www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging comfort were the big news in 1972 when paddock performance, also provided in technology development for farmers.

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

BOLD

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

John Deere setpromotional to update S700 combines Cheers! Valtra Unlimited tractor with ‘champagne’ bodywork andohn a leather-trimmed in a number of significant craminterior Deere is in a rush tocab

JWhat you do with your

direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier direction. operation to combat sales losses expected due to the Massey Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment Ferguson IDEAL Series being available for the 2019 season. of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system get results, while also increasing their accuracy. and the combine’s speed just as the operator would normally set. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more and operators load is maintained at the desired level precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement time, engine sameowners At theractor who are especially proud of efficiency. harvest for maximum in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture their working machines an enormous effect on the distribution of contents. can have Side winds will often customise it will be possible on S700 Series combines so them residues, combine Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded to some extent, perhaps of spread to be adjusted automatically. for 2020 for the angle along with other important information on documentation software. by adding extra lights, AutoSwap system detects the combine’s new GPS, the Using See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au signwriting the company or operator’s name, or maybe wrapping the usual exhaust stack with a chrome shield. Getting the tractor sprayed black or other non-standard The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader colour is another and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and popular option for eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The customisers. unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. And some tractor The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a manufacturers cater to sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling this demand by listing spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the one or two alternative baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). colours in their official options. It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. But none go as far as Valtra in For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

tractor look is limited only by your imagination – as these models show how to make them pop

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300

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respect of answering the dream finish you have always wanted. This leading Finnish badge of AGCO has for many years offered a palette of colours to personalise a tractor straight from the factory, but more recently has introduced its Unlimited service, that buyers can use to customise their machines either visually or in terms of special equipment. At the tractor factory, the practical base levels that are performed on conversions and upgrades in the Unlimited workshops include forestry, farm, airport as well as defence packages. Adding specialised equipment that will best suit the tractors to work in these roles and environments. But there are also many visual options that farmers who really want to make the look of their tractor individual can choose; in fact, says Valtra, as long as it’s legal, Valtra Unlimited can do it. The company itself has indulged in some customisations to promote a particular theme or achievement – such as the green and white colour scheme for the Valtra T234 that set a 130.165kph (80.88mph) speed record and the bling-laden golden tractor that celebrated a recent style award. Valtra has also produced tractors with swirling Hot Rod and Wheat emblem bodywork finishes and to publicise its work to operators who might want something a little more luxurious. they painted a T234 in champagne and finished the cab interior with swathes of leather. For outstanding visual impact, the N163 finished in outlandish pink surely takes the prize. It was created to promote the Young Farmers organisation in Finland and, in addition to its paintwork was fitted with red leather upholstery and chromefinish exhaust shield, headlight surrounds, roof bars and grille guard. Alpine air horns and auxiliary lights topped off the roof while in the cab, a top-end stereo radio and DVD player provided unlimited entertainment. Call Valtra for your dream tractor on tel: 03 9313 0313.

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74 22 AFDJ AFDJ www.afdj.com.au www.afdj.com.au

OR JUST BE

This N163 finished in garish pink and with lots of chrome add-ons and an equally-eyecatching red leather interior was designed to catch the eye of potential Young Farmers club members in Finland

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

DARING John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

…and mudguards is reminiscent of Hot Rod paintwork

John Deere set to update S700 combines

ohn Deere is in a rush to cram in a number of significant updates into its S700 combines for the 2020 season, with the focus clearly on increased throughput, automation and easier Swirling blue on expected due to the Massey combat sales losses to paintwork operation thisFerguson Valtra N174’s hood... being available for the 2019 season. IDEAL Series The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the Combine Adjustment system ICA2. An Interactive LED light strip In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain across the front of of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the sample due to high levels thesetcab roof, fiery loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system redandblending into speed just as the operator would normally set. the combine’s time, engine load is maintained at the desired level the same At on yellow the nose… for maximum harvest efficiency. Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series combines for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s

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Loftness Grain Bag Baler Option BB 10-300 The Loftness Bag Baler Option mounts directly onto the Loftness GBU10 Grain Bag Unloader and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The unit rolls up the bag directly off the main bag roller on the bag unloader. The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a …and emblems sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled wheat bag. The hydraulic bag rolling distinguish this Valtra N174 spear slides out of the bag bale core, allowing the finished bag bale to be discharged from the regular baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no weldingfrom or drilling. Weight examples of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). It is a fast, simple, reliable way to handle empty, used bags and prepare them for recycling. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 23 www.afdj.com.au AFDJ 75 53

AFDJ NEWSLINE

GRAIN HANDLING

John Deere is offering a number of updates for its S700 combines with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation

THESE COMPANIES FEATURED IN ISSUE 36-03 OF AFDJ AGCO AGCO IDEAL

(ifc) 23 (bc)

(15)

Kubota

Agritechnica

(13)

Lallemand

AgSafe

(21)

Loftness

ANBI switch

(22)

McDougall

Armour Group

36 (35)

Aussie Pumps

8 61 (62)

NDE Co New Holland

(38) 32 24 47 (9)

NSK

(37)

Beverley Hydra Boom 30 (28)

Phillbourne

(52)

BKT Tyres

(19)

Power Equipment

BSC

(37)

Raycol

Bushmans

(62)

Rebel Equipment

Caterpillar

CJD Equipment

44 (48)

55 (54)

Cutmans Engin 36 (46) John Deere set to update S700 combines

Komatsu

18 (57)

AGCO GSI

B&D Rollers

Cyclone Silos

Kohler engines

(41)

Retrodrum Rocks Gone SDLG Schinckel

63 (58) 54 44 (46) (52) 4 55 (54) (46)

direction mirrors the broadcast pattern (31) Davimacof travel and automatically 51 (52) Schutz once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite 20 Dieci Telehandlers 02 TYM Tractors direction. Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment 61 drumMuster (21) Sencrop of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality Sheep the Producers 40 Eastern Spreaders from the comfort of the cab 32 by checking combine’s reversing camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat. Simplicity 12 (21) Ecolab The previous introduction39 of the ActiveYield automatic yield sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and 29 (31) EM Feed mixers 36 (35) Sonic relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to Supreme feed mixers 34 (38) EPresults, Engines 18 (57) their get while also increasing accuracy. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more 23 Faresin Australia (35) T-Quip precise humidity sensor. This will result in considerable improvement inFendt data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture Tenpack 44 (48) 14 17 (ifc) contents. Daveydata Group (50) Flexicoil 17 yield (45) andThe Calibration intervals plus humidity will be recorded along with other important information on documentation software. (19) Franklin Electric (62) Tradefaire See your local dealer at: https://www.deere.com.au

Goanna Ag

Goldacres Sprayers 26 (10)

Trailco

Trelleborg

LoftnessGSIGrain Bag Baler Australia (15) TVH Househam 18 (28) TYM Tractors Option BB 10-300

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(60)

(7) (16 20

TyresGBU10 4U Grain Bag Unloader (ibc) Irrigation The Loftness Bag Baler IB Option mounts directly onto(57) the Loftness and rolls 3m (10ft) bags out to 90m (300ft) long. It fits on new or existing GBU10 models, and 30 (28) Jadan 45 (46) Uniboom eliminates the need for a secondary power source or transport as auxiliary units require. The Velcro 59 JCBoffFastrac unit rolls up the bag directly the main bag roller on 14 the bag unloader. The unit requires only one hydraulic outlet. It features an enclosed twine ball holder with a 11 (38) John Deere 53 63 (58) Vin Rowe sliding twine wrapping handle for wrapping twine around baled bag. The hydraulic bag rolling spear slides out of the bagJohn bale core, allowing the finished bale to be discharged from 20 the Weaving Machinery Shearer (64) bag baler unit. Very simple mounting requires no welding or drilling. Weight of unit is 417kg (920 lbs). WiSA Irrigation (60) It is a fast, simple, reliableKerfab way to handle empty, used(64) bags and prepare them for recycling. For more information, see: www.Loftness.com/products/grain-bagging

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