AG
NAVIGATING CHANGE
Adapting to a Dynamic Season in Australian Agriculture
As we move through the year, Australian agriculture continues to navigate a series of challenges, from fluctuating weather patterns to shifts in global markets. Many regions throughout the southern states had delayed planting due to late rainfall or lingering dry conditions. However, on the positive side, strong market prices for key crops such as wheat, barley, and pulses are providing some relief, allowing producers to remain optimistic about the season ahead.
One of the hot topics this season has been the increased focus on water conservation and soil health, especially as climate variability continues to impact our region. Farmers are looking toward sustainable practices, from precision farming to regenerative agriculture, to safeguard their land and resources. Equipment that minimizes soil disturbance and retains moisture is becoming critical in this pursuit. At AusCut, we recognize how essential it is to adapt to these changes, which is why we’ve been fine-tuning our product range to better support your operations in these evolving conditions.
Our new range of rollers, residue crunchers and TurboToppers have been designed with the specific challenges of Australian farming in mind. Whether you’re growing legumes and lentils with harvest equipment operating close to the ground,
managing large-scale hay crops, or ensuring seed-to-soil contact in dry conditions, we’ve got solutions that help protect your investment and maximize efficiency. Additionally, our latest innovations around the TurboTopper focus on preventing moisture loss — a key factor during dry months, helping farmers ensure a successful crop establishment. The mulching kit will also mulch stubble finely, allowing for easy seeding.
As always, we’re dedicated to providing Australian farmers with the tools they need to thrive, no matter the season. Thank you for your continued trust in AusCut. We look forward to supporting you through this dynamic period in agriculture.
Bill Larsen Director of Sales and Marketing
STUBBLE RETENTION: UNLOCKING SOIL HEALTH AND YIELD
As harvest season wraps up, many farmers are faced with a familiar decision: should we mulch, burn, or plough in our stubble? Each year, weather conditions, crop varieties, and paddock needs present different management challenges, but one thing remains clear—retaining crop residues is a vital component of long-term sustainable farming.
Key Advantages of Retaining Crop Residue
The benefits of stubble retention are well-established in Australian farming practices, providing multiple advantages for soil health, crop yields, and environmental protection. These benefits include reduced soil erosion, increased soil moisture retention, nutrient conservation, enhanced soil microbial activity, and increased carbon sequestration. Research underscores these advantages, making stubble retention a key factor in boosting productivity and sustainability.
Increased Crop Yields
Field trials across multiple seasons reveal that crops consistently yield higher when stubble is retained rather than burned. A recent study highlighted this by showing that “the yield of an average grain crop is 22-23% greater when the
stubble had always been retained rather than when the stubble had been burned in 4 of the last 6 seasons” (NSW Department of Primary Industries). These findings demonstrate how a simple change in stubble management can significantly impact farm profitability.
Reduced Soil Erosion
By maintaining a protective cover on the soil surface, stubble plays a crucial role in preventing erosion. It protects from high speed winds and absorbs the impact of raindrops, reducing the chances of soil being washed or blown away. The NSW Department of Primary Industries states that retained stubble “protects bare soil from erosion after harvest by absorbing raindrop impact, increasing infiltration, and slowing the speed at which water runs over the land.”
Improved Soil Carbon Sequestration
Soil organic carbon is critical to maintaining soil structure and fertility. Studies from long-term trials near Wagga Wagga have shown that soil organic carbon levels are significantly higher under no-till and stubble retention practices. According to research published in Soil Research Journal, “the highest values of soil organic carbon after 25 years of cropping were found in a wheat
and clover rotation with no-till and stubble retention practices. The lowest values were found in continuous wheat cropping where conventional cultivation and stubble burning practices were used.” This highlights the importance of stubble retention in preserving soil carbon and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Enhanced Soil Moisture Retention
One of the key benefits of retaining stubble is its ability to improve soil moisture levels by reducing evaporation and increasing the infiltration rate of rainfall. Bhupinderpal-Singh and Zed Rengel, in The Role of Crop Residues in Improving Soil Fertility, explain that “retaining crop residue can improve soil moisture content by reducing evaporation and increasing rainfall infiltration rates, thus maximizing grain yield potential and water use efficiency.” In water-limited environments, this is a critical factor in ensuring that crops have the moisture they need to thrive.
Conserving Nutrients and Supporting Soil Microbes
Retaining stubble also helps return essential nutrients to the soil. Crop residues decompose over time, releasing nutrients back into the soil, which can then be utilized by future crops. Additionally, soil microbes, which play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and soil health, thrive when organic matter from crop residues is available. When stubble is retained, more nitrogen is available to support these microbial communities, further enhancing soil fertility.
The Hazards and Pollution of Burning Stubble
Burning stubble, while a quick method of clearing fields, comes with serious environmental drawbacks. The EPA notes that agricultural stubble burning produces significant emissions, including smoke particulates, dioxins, and potentially hazardous breakdown products from
pesticides. These emissions can have adverse effects on air quality and contribute to environmental pollution. By retaining stubble and opting for mulching, farmers not only protect their fields but also contribute to a healthier environment.
Mulching as an Effective Solution
Mulching stubble is an effective method for addressing the challenges associated with residue retention, including issues like seed drill plugging and pest habitats. Mulching reduces the stubble into smaller pieces, promoting faster breakdown and simplifying the seeding process. A well-executed mulching process also distributes the residue evenly across the field, suppressing weed growth and minimizing plugging during seeding operations.
The AusCut team, with its deep roots in both farming and manufacturing, has developed a range of mulching slashers designed to address these challenges head-on. Our mulching slashers come in sizes ranging from 3m to 18m, offering versatile solutions for any farm size or budget. Built by Australian farmers for Australian farmers, our equipment is designed to withstand the unique challenges of Australian farming, ensuring that you get the most out of your stubble retention practices.
SUMMARY
Retaining crop residue after harvest has many benefits:
» Increased crop yields
» Reduced soil erosion
» Improved soil carbon sequestration
» Enhanced soil moisture retention
» Conserving nutrients
» Supporting soil microbes
Mulching stubble minimises seed plugging issues while promoting faster breakdown.
Wheat stubble mulched with the AlphaCut
FARM SMART: OPTIMISING YIELDS IN DRYLAND CROPPING
Farming in dryland New South Wales presents its own set of challenges. For Alex Hillerman, who runs the 7,600-hectare broadacre cropping farm “Benongal” near Balranald, these challenges require efficient use of every tool in his farming operation.
In an interview, Alex opened up about the decisions behind recent equipment upgrades and how they contribute to the overall success of his cropping system.
A Strategic Crop Rotation
At Benongal, Alex focuses on a strategic rotation of wheat and legume crops. The rotation includes wheat, lentils, peas, and vetch, and alternates between legume and wheat crops.
The legume crops play a crucial role in keeping grass weeds under control and naturally enhancing soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. This not only helps with crop yields but also provides a much-needed break in the cereal crop cycle, boosting long-term soil health.
Farming in low-rainfall areas like southwestern New South Wales requires precision, and for Alex, every decision from crop selection to equipment upgrades is made with maximizing efficiency in mind.
The Need for a Roller
When asked about his recent equipment upgrades, Alex highlighted his decision to purchase a roller. “We upgraded from a lighter machine that didn’t transport easily,” he said.
A roller, while not the flashiest piece of equipment, is crucial for farmers who need to prepare large fields quickly and efficiently.
The added durability of a heavier roller ensures that rocks and debris are properly pressed into the soil, leaving a smooth, uniform surface after planting.
Why The AusCut RollMax?
With a range of rollers available on the market, Alex chose the AusCut RollMax for his operation. The decision was driven by the machine’s solid build, simple design, and superior finish.
“It’s terrific to see an Australian company leading the way,” Alex said, praising the local craftsmanship.
His farm needed something robust that could handle the heavy workloads associated with broadacre farming, and the RollMax fit the bill perfectly.
With Alex Hillerman from “Benongal” near Balranald NSW
Performance and Early Results
Although the RollMax has only completed one part-season of work so far, Alex expressed satisfaction with its performance. “The roller has operated perfectly,” he noted.
The initial results have given him confidence that the roller will meet his long-term needs for soil preparation and crop management.
Outstanding Customer Service
One thing that stood out in Alex’s experience with AusCut was the proactive approach to customer care.
After the purchase, the team contacted him about an update to the machine and promptly visited the farm to carry out the upgrade free of charge. “They are also interested in customer feedback and experience,” Alex added.
This level of service is essential in the farming world, where reliable equipment and responsive support can make or break a season.
Alex also praised his dealings with Bellevue Machinery, specifically mentioning Kent, who was described as “terrific to deal with, quick and to the point.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Farming
For Alex, the future of farming in his district hinges on making the most out of every millimetre of rain.
Low-rainfall farming means that farmers must capture and store moisture from out-of-season rains, which has led to tighter crop rotations and a focus on shorter, harder-to-harvest crops like lentils, peas, and vetch. These crops are crucial in maximizing water efficiency and ensuring that every drop counts.
Advice to Fellow Farmers
Alex’s advice to other farmers considering purchasing a roller is simple: don’t underestimate the importance of properly rolled crops.
“Rubber tire or lightweight rollers can conform over a rock or obstacle and leave it protruding,” he warned.
In contrast, a heavy-duty roller like the AusCut RollMax ensures a smoother field, which leads to a faster, more efficient harvest and even potential yield gains.
“It simply has to be done, in my opinion,” he concluded.
For farmers like Alex, investing in the right equipment, like the AusCut RollMax, is about more than just making the job easier—it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of their operations in challenging conditions.
Alex and his father, Howard, with their 18m RollMax
DEALER SPOTLIGHT: BELLEVUE MACHINERY
Supporting Farmers Throughout the Region
Bellevue Machinery has been a trusted name in Victorian farming since 2004. Owned by Chris and Jodie Taylor, the dealership operates from Swan Hill and Warracknabeal, with over 45 staff. Serving farms across the Mallee and Wimmera regions, Bellevue supports a wide range of agricultural operations, from broadacre cropping to vineyards and orchards.
Bellevue’s experienced sales team includes Kent Hansen and Jamie Williams in Swan Hill, and Tom McInerney in Warracknabeal, while Sam Wundersitz and Shaun Ritchie lead the service teams. Representing trusted brands like New Holland, K-Line, Hardi, AusCut and many more, Bellevue prides itself on offering the right equipment for each farmer’s needs. Bellevue stands out due to its personalized service and deep understanding of the local farming landscape. Rather than focusing solely on sales, the team at Bellevue have built strong relationships by ensuring farmers are matched with equipment that meets their specific requirements.
At AusCut, we value our partnership with
Bellevue, particularly with selling our RollMax land rollers, which have become essential for farmers in the region. These rollers roll stones, clods, and residue back into the soil, creating a smooth surface to protect harvesting and hay equipment. They also increase seed-to-soil contact, which helps improve seed germination rates. Bellevue has received glowing feedback on the AusCut rollers sold this season, with customers praising their durability and performance.
Beyond selling machinery, Bellevue and AusCut work closely to provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring customers get the most out of their equipment. Bellevue’s commitment to farmers makes them a valuable partner in the region, offering not only top-tier equipment but also expert knowledge and long-term support.
If you’re farming in the Mallee or Wimmera regions, Bellevue Machinery is a reliable source for agricultural solutions. With their local expertise and dedication to customer care, they continue to be a trusted partner for farmers seeking high-quality, efficient machinery.
Tom McInerney, salesman at Bellevue Warracknabeal
PRODUCT FOCUS
As modern farms grow larger and more complex, the need for powerful, versatile machinery that supports efficient, cost-effective farming systems becomes essential. That’s why the team at AusCut were recently tasked with developing an 18m TurboTopper to fit in with an 18m controlled traffic farming system.
This new unit had to be able to be pulled with a 500hp tractor, and be capable of cutting, mulching and evenly spreading a wide variety of crop types. These included cereal stubbles, sorghum stubbles, cotton residues and legume crops.
Until AusCut developed the 18m TurboTopper, no manufacturer globally had been able to achieve this task, with the largest marketed unit known at 12.8m. Along with the increased benefit of economies of scale, the 18.3m unit incorporated the unique features of smaller TurboTopper models, making it the top choice for modern farmers looking for maximum productivity.
Some of the key advantages of the 18.3m TurboTopper unit are:
1. Five flex design accommodates five evenly split sections, allowing excellent contour following ability. This helps when cutting close to the ground in uneven country.
2. Forward lift and fold, which allows easy deck
cleaning to assist with the prevention of residue build-up on deck.
3. Narrow road transport width at 4.4m.
4. Extra-heavy duty gearbox and drive chain, with Italian Gardini Technik gearboxes.
5. High deck clearance provides excellent residue mulch and spread.
6. Adjustable rear flaps allow residue to be evenly distributed, providing excellent ground cover for soil protection.
7. Mulching blades break residue down into a finely chopped mulch that is easy to seed into come planting time.
8. Heavy duty blade system that is equal to managing, chopping and mulching for pasture topping projects in pastoral country.
AusCut’s range of TurboToppers now come in widths of 3m, 3.6m, 9.3m, 12.3m and 18.3m. These complement our range of AlphaCut units that are available in 4.6m, 5.1m and 6.5m wide units.
This means that whatever size operation you have and whatever typical controlled traffic system you are working with, we have a unit that will suit your purpose.
Contact us today to learn more about how this unique machine can benefit you.