Ag Progress Summer 2023

AG

SUMMER 2023

PROGRESS

GROWING NATIVE

Managing and Improving Native Pastures

CUSTOMER STORY Ian Griffith

DEALER SPOTLIGHT Cowra Machinery Centre

6m RollMax Stubble Cruncher

AN EXPANDING RANGE Harvest has kicked off across

existing product offerings and in

The RollMax, a recent addition

much of the wheatbelt, with

new developments, revolves

to our product line, has found its

Southern NSW and Victoria

predominantly around

niche in residue management,

reporting average yields and

post-harvest residue

particularly when equipped with

some above-average yields in

management. Emphasis is also

cruncher blades. This

several districts. Conversely,

placed on the conservation and

configuration is particularly adept

Northern NSW and Southern

retention of moisture, critical

at sizing up canola, chickpea, and

QLD, having largely missed the

during the upcoming summer and

bean stubbles.

window for a winter crop, are now

autumn months. Notably, recent

looking for that much-needed

years have seen an increase in

Looking ahead to early 2024,

break in view of summer cropping

summer rain events, and

AusCut, in collaboration with our

opportunities.

effective management of this

extensive dealer network, will

moisture, when kept stored in

be conducting a demonstration

At AusCut, amidst the current

our soil profile, is instrumental in

program featuring the RollMax,

softer slasher market conditions

preparing for the winter ahead.

AeraMax, and our range of

attributed to the dry spring, our

mulching slashers. We encourage

team has remained diligently

The AusCut range of mulching

you to reach out to our friendly

engaged in new product

slashers has demonstrated

sales staff to find a

development. We are pleased to

efficiency in achieving these

demonstration location near you.

announce the recent launch of

goals. By mulching stubbles, we

the RollMax and AeraMax into

ensure an even spread of residue

Bill Larsen

the marketplace. Despite the

across the soil profile, providing

Director of Sales and Marketing

challenging climatic conditions,

protection against drying from

this expansion has contributed

wind and sun exposure. An

to sustained growth in our

additional benefit is that, come

abilities to support Australian

seeding time, tined drills can

farmers.

easily seed through the mulched residue.

Our focus at AusCut, both in our

MANAGING AND IMPROVING NATIVE PASTURES Native pastures

How to manage and improve native pastures

into your existing pastures

and grass species that naturally

There are numerous practices

numerous benefits for your

grow in specific regions with little

and strategies to manage and

property. These include

human input. They are species

improve native pastures.

increased feed quality for your

that thrive in local climates and

Identifying what native and

livestock, improved soil health,

soil conditions. In New South

perennial pastures exist in your

the prevention of soil erosion

Wales for example, there are

local region and understanding

and increased weed suppression,

numeous native species

their growth patterns and

while also enabling livestock

including Arrowleaf Clover, Rye

preferred environment, allows

grazing periods to be extended.

Grass, Cocksfoot and Common

you to adopt strategies to

Wheatgrass to name a few.

foster new improved pastures

Having mixed species that have

Most are perennial species

and protect your existing native

different growth patterns and

which regrow after being grazed

pastures.

thrive at different times

Native pastures are the plant

including grasses, oats, legumes and brassicas, will provide

throughout the year, means that

or mowed, if your pasture is MLA (Meat and Livestock

you will continuously have native

Australia) suggest maintaining

pastures for livestock grazing.

“at least 70% ground cover

Adding oats and brassicas to

to protect the soil against

your pasture management

excessive water loss by run-off,

system diversifies your livestock

Managing and improving native

evaporation from the soil surface,

forage. Brassicas including kale,

pastures is important for

erosion and reduce the

turnip, canola, mustard and

improving soil fertility, conserving

establishment of annual and

radish, to name a few, all add

water and preserving a healthy

broadleaf weed species”.

value to your overall pasture

well-managed.

The importance of native pastures

biodiversity system on your property. Native pastures are

health in different ways. Some

Mixed species

are fast-growing which helps

Incorporating a variety of species

grazing and others are richer in

also a low input, cost effective feed source for livestock in Australia.

Unfortunately, native pastures can be damaged and even eradicated if they are mismanaged. Overgrazing, high stocking rates, limited rest periods, invasive weed growth and disease, are some of the causes of damaged native pastures.

Effective mulching for further growth of the nutritious plant stem

with rejuvenation after livestock

AlphaCut controlling red grasses for even growth

certain nutrients that boost soil

your native pastures.

health.

Overgrazing and overstocking are common causes of destroyed

sustainable forage growth.

Weed control

The mixed species will also

native and perennial pastures.

provide for a broader range of

You can introduce rotational

Weed control is a critical aspect

nutritional elements, boosting

grazing to prevent overgrazing

to managing and improving your

stock health. For example

in one specific area. Either move

native pastures. You need to

incorporating legumes like

stock to an alternate paddock or

monitor invasive weed

lucerne and medic into your

implement strip grazing. Graze

germination and take action

pasture will boost nitrogen levels

particular pastures at certain

to eradicate these before they

in the soil, which is essential for

times of the year and don’t graze

overrun the native and

plant growth.

during the seed setting and

perennial species.

flowering stage of a particular When choosing species to add to

species. Allow pastures to rest

Weeds naturally grow in dry and

your native pastures, it’s

and recover between grazing

tough conditions or after floods

important you have a good

periods. This gives the plants a

when seed has been washed

understanding of your growing

chance to rejuvenate.

onto your property. When weeds

conditions and environment, as

set in on your property, forage

different species will grow better

Adjust your stocking rates to

quality and quantity diminishes

in different environments.

match the carrying capacity.

as weeds not only lack nutritional

Consider your paddock size, the

value but some can be toxic to

growth rate of the native plants

livestock.

Stock grazing management

and seasonal changes as they occur. Properly managed stock

There are ways to naturally

Grazing management is an

numbers will help maintain

suppress the growth of invasive

important aspect of managing

healthy pastures and ensure

weeds and these include

planting cover crops, mulching,

existing native pastures. Carry

and maintain a sustainable and

mowing and rotating crops.

out aeration and seeding to

healthy natural ecosystem on

introduce new seeds and

your property.

Monitoring and adaptive management

promote stronger and healthier root systems.

The key benefits of managing and improving your native

It is important to adapt to

Maintaining healthy native

pastures are:

changing conditions and

pastures means continuously

»

improved soil health

seasonal variations. Following

monitoring and making

»

increased livestock forage

floods or during droughts, often

improvements throughout

»

extended livestock grazing

weeds will take over as the

the year, adapting to different

native species roots are

growing conditions and

»

optimised animal health

damaged. It is especially

responding to various seasonal

»

reduction in the amount of

important to monitor and

events.

carry out pasture improvements and implement strategies for pasture rejuvenation following these events.

periods

weed growth

Benefits of managing and improving native pastures

»

the ability to manage the effects of a drought

»

a healthy biodiversity system.

Carry out regular assessments

Managing and improving your

AusCut services the agricultural

and evaluate your current soil

native pasture is a continuous

industry by manufacturing

and pasture health. Are weeds

long-term project and requires a

innovative Australian made,

taking over? Is there poor

comprehensive approach. An

high-quality farm machinery

growth? Or is there evidence

approach that includes

that can be used for managing

of soil degradation in areas?

introducing mixed species,

and improving native pastures.

Conduct soil tests to determine

pasture rejuvenation, choosing

Contact one of our friendly team

whether certain nutrients are

suitable perennial pastures and

members on 1800 517 417 to

lacking and whether additional

careful stock management, is

discuss effective strategies to

fertilisation is required. This

recommended. It is essential to

manage and improve your native

helps with selecting which

allow you to meet your ongoing

pastures.

species to introduce to your

livestock grazing requirements Mulching weeds to open up sunlight to perennial native species

CUSTOMER STORY Ian Griffith, Brundanella Merino Stud

Ian’s AlphaCut mulching an overgrown paddock

I recently had a chat with Ian

upgraded from his original

in various tasks. It remains on

Griffith, a local farmer in Central

slasher to a 6.5m AlphaCut

his tractor full time during some

West New South Wales. We

Flexwing Slasher. When asked

seasons, allowing him to slash

talked about his 6.5 metre

about choosing an AusCut

thistles or clean up dam banks

AusCut AlphaCut slasher, a

slasher, Ian emphasized his

as needed. Although initially

crucial part of his farming

confidence in our products and

purchased for slashing canola

operation at Brundanella Merino

the customer service that came

stubble, he now employs it for a

Stud.

with them. Having prior positive

broader range of applications.

experiences with us, he didn’t Ian, a second-generation family

feel the need to explore other

When asked about his

farmer, shared that his parents

options, trusting that we would

experience with AusCut’s service,

purchased his current block near

deliver the quality and support

Ian’s response was

Greenethorpe in 1954.

he desired.

straightforward: “Well, I wouldn’t

Greenethorpe is a small town

keep coming back if I wasn’t

situated at the centre of a

Ian also highlighted the

satisfied!” He commended our

triangle between Cowra, Young,

convenience of dealing with a

product knowledge and excellent

and Grenfell.

local product for service and

service. Despite encountering

maintenance, given our proximity

issues, such as damage from

Currently managing 5,500 head

in Cowra. We have found that,

hitting rocks, Ian found us quick

of sheep at Brundanella, Ian

regardless of location in

and cooperative in helping out.

plans to reduce the count to

Australia, sourcing parts and

around 4,000 by year-end.

service from a local

In the end, Ian expressed zero

Additionally, he is cropping

manufacturer is proven signifi-

regrets about his purchase of an

approximately 1200 acres.

cantly more straightforward than

AusCut AlphaCut slasher,

dealing with overseas suppliers.

emphasizing his continual

Our family has been doing

satisfaction with the product and

business with Ian for over 30

Ian praised the versatility of his

the service he has received.

years through our previous

AlphaCut, considering it a

business. A few years back, he

universal machine that excels

Roly Larsen Sales Manager

DEALER SPOTLIGHT

COWRA MACHINERY CENTRE What do you believe has the biggest room for growth in agriculture in the Cowra region?

and easily approachable team.

AusCut products have

This unique combination of

consistently earned our

professional service and a

recommendation, thanks to their

welcoming atmosphere

exceptional build quality, reliable

The adoption and

enhances our overall satisfaction

performance, and the added

implementation of precision

and makes our collaboration with

advantage of local support. Our

farming techniques have become

AusCut particularly pleasant.

recommendation is backed by

integral to modern agriculture,

firsthand experience of

and spraying. The incorporation

What is the most interesting product that has left your yard?

of cutting-edge technologies not

The sale of the first Miller Nitro

confidence in local support,

only revolutionizes traditional

7380 out of CMC was a milestone

ensuring that our customers not

farming practices but also holds

for us. This innovative piece of

only receive a top-tier product

significant potential to drive

equipment was equipped with

but also have the peace of mind

productivity to new

the state-of-the-art intelli-spray

that comes with accessible

heights across the agricultural

feature, showcasing our

assistance and expertise.

landscape.

dedication to staying at the

with a particular emphasis on variable rate spreading, seeding,

witnessing the durability and effectiveness of AusCut products in action. Furthermore, the

highlighted our commitment to

How has Cowra Machinery Centre changed in the last 10 years?

The family atmosphere and the

enhancing operational efficiency

Over the past decade, CMC has

relationships we’ve built, stand

and effectiveness in the field.

undergone significant

forefront of technological

What is the best part about working with AusCut?

out as the highlight of our experience working with AusCut. As clients, we genuinely feel valued, enjoying the advantages of a local, friendly, Jimmy and Andrew from CMC

advancements. Additionally, the inclusion of wider tires further

What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an AusCut product?

transformation and expansion.

The acquisition by AEH five years ago marked a turning point of extensive growth and development. This move allowed for the acquisition of another business, leading to expanded premises and enhanced capabilities. The evolution of CMC over the past decade is a testament to our adaptability and commitment to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering innovative solutions and unmatched service to our valued customers.

NEW PRODUCT

ROLLMAX LAND ROLLERS Enhanced Germination:

110hp to 180hp. For larger

the AusCut product range is the

Post-seeding rolling

operations, our two wider models,

RollMax. Recognizing a distinct

contributes to achieving

available in 12m and 18m widths,

market need, the AusCut team

maximum seed-to-soil

conveniently fold down to 3.5m

identified an opportunity to offer

moisture profile, ensuring

wide for easy road transport.

an Australian-made roller system

early and even germination.

One of the latest additions to

»

Residue Management:

To ensure longevity and

Rolling stubble and residue

minimize downtime, our smooth

post-harvest ensures

drum units are equipped with

When harvesting legumes, the

effective breakdown and

heavy duty 75mm replaceable

header has to be close to the

sizing. The RollMax Residue

hubs and bearings. The rollers,

ground to ensure a full cut of the

Cruncher proves beneficial

constructed from extra heavy

pods. To safeguard expensive

for sizing canola stubble and

duty 16mm thick x 1060mm

equipment and maintain the

breaking down wheat stubble

diameter steam pipe, feature a

integrity of the seed sample, the

for efficient residue

frame finished with a durable

RollMax, constructed with 16mm

management.

powder coat. Optional upgrades

Green Manure

include 265/70R19.5 18pr truck

designed to punch rocks into the

Applications: The RollMax

tires and 80mm double-spherical

soil profile without causing dam-

Residue Cruncher emerges

roller bearings with a static load

age to machinery.

as an ideal tool for green

capacity of 420kn.

tailored specifically for broadacre

»

cropping.

rolled plate, stands as a solution

»

manure applications, Five key reasons why the AusCut

facilitating crimping of both

For those opting for the residue

RollMax has been introduced to

green and brown manure

cruncher variation, we

the market:

crops. This aids in building

recommend that you include

Soil Levelling: Effectively

biomass into soils on a break

the 420kn bearings are

rolling rocks, sticks, and soil

year, expediting the

essential to protect the unit from

clumps back into the soil

breakdown of these crops in

high shock loads. The residue

profile during the growth of

late spring.

cruncher comes with 110x12mm

»

lentils and legumes ensures a seamless harvest. This

With versatility in mind, we have

blades mounted to

prevents the pickup of rocks

introduced four sizes into the

16mm thick x 955mm diameter

and debris in the front of the

market. The 4.7m and 6m width

pipe for maximum knifing action

harvester, avoiding poten-

units are tailored for smaller

when cracking canola and pea

tial damage to the feeder

holdings and can be efficiently

stubbles, as well as bruising

housing and keeping the

pulled by tractors ranging from

cereal stubbles.

seed sample pristine. »

high tensile boron steel grader

Hay Crop Optimization: Post-seeding rolling of hay crops facilitates easy trafficability in the spring, while maintaining a level surface to limit contamination in the hay sample.

12m Smooth Drum RollMax