Ag Progress Autumn 2026

AG

AUTUMN 2026

PROGRESS

THE RESIDUE ADVANTAGE

Managing Residue to Conserve Moisture

CUSTOMER STORY

Ian Mylrea, Emerald QLD

TEAM FOCUS Ashley Taylor

AN EXCELLENT START TO THE SEASON The team at AusCut has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026 season. Farmers have reported a bumper harvest throughout the northern cropping districts and a reasonably good season in most southern districts.

While wheat prices could still do with a lift, most other commodities have remained firm, giving producers the confidence to press ahead and start planning for the 2026 cropping season.

AusCut’s 3m TruTill at Cowra NSW

New Product Additions: The design team at AusCut have been working overtime throughout the last 12 months to develop some extensive additions to our range of heavy duty machinery.

These latest additions include the launch of the TruTill, a heavy duty one-pass tillage tool, as well as a new range of slashers designed for the industrial contracting and mulching industry. We found this has extensively broadened our product offering and allowed us to provide a wider range of solutions for

The new XH AlphaCut at Cowra NSW

many of our customers.

Introducing the new TruTill range: Our new TruTill range has found a niche in the industry, largely due to customers looking for a tool that could dig like a heavy duty tandem disc, yet still leave an even soil finish ready for seeding.

This product was developed as a solution to the increasing industry requirement to incorporate lime and gypsum to deeper depth to combat soil stratification issues. It also provides a cost-effective tool to help bring pasture country back into a cropping program.

We would like to thank our loyal customers for their support and we look forward to working together in providing even more practical, innovative solutions for Australian farmers.

DAVID LARSEN General Manager

PRODUCT FOCUS ROLLMAX CRUNCHER

Your Harvesting Partner

12m RollMax Cruncher at Bolgart WA

Managing heavy stubble efficiently after harvest is a common challenge faced by Australian farmers. When crop residues are left unmanaged, uneven seedbeds, moisture loss, increased pest

Why Farmers use a Residue Cruncher Post-Harvest:

and disease pressure and can ultimately reduce

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Reduces planter and seed drill blockages.

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Creates a smoother and more uniform

they can cause seeding equipment blockages,

soil health and structure.

seedbed.

One common way to effectively manage stubble is to roll it with a RollMax Residue Cruncher. This is a valuable way to retain soil moisture while

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Sizing residue along with a shallow soil disturbance helps increase microbial activity

preparing paddocks for the next cropping cycle.

which builds nutrient rich soil and improves the overall soil health.

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Maximise Autumn spray-outs, through light soil cultivation to encourage weed seed germination before spraying.

In addition to post harvest applications, the RollMax Cruncher is also highly effective in spring operations for chopping green manure and cover crops, resulting in benefits such as:

18m RollMax Cruncher at Cowra NSW

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Enhanced microbial activity

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Support nitrogen fixation

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Maintaining long-term soil health

Why Should You Choose the AusCut RollMax Residue Cruncher?

With a simple design, reliable features and a clean finish, the AusCut RollMax Residue Cruncher is a perfect heavy-duty tool for Australian broadacre and mixed farming operations.

Engineered by Australian farmers, for Australian farmers, they are ideal for sizing and chopping a wide range of crop residues including canola, cereals, beans, chickpeas, sunflower, sorghum, corn and other pulse crops.

Features of the RollMax Residue Cruncher •

Heavy duty pins & bushes

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Heavy-duty truck tyres (265/70x19.5 and

18m RollMax Cruncher at Cowra NSW

385/65x22.5) •

Bisalloy 400 chopping blades

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Extra heavy duty double taper roller bearings mounted on rubber torsion system

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Easy cornering with wheel equipment designed for lifting on headlands

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3.5m narrow transport width

Available Sizes: This reliable farming tool is available in multiple working widths from 3.06m, 4.7m, 6.12m, 12.3m, 18.44m to suit different farm sizes, budgets and operational needs.

The wide range of sizes allows farmers to choose the equipment that best fits your needs, whether your focus is covering more ground in less time, optimizing fuel efficiency, or meeting tractor horsepower requirements.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT What does a typical day look like for you?

If you could be doing anything right now, what Generally handling whatever lands would it be? on my desk next, making sure the assembly team have everything they need and helping customers who need parts or service advice.

No two days are the same which

Right now, I’d probably choose something peaceful and relaxing a comfy chair in a cool spot, maybe a snack or two. Basically, anything

that feels like a mini holiday, even if keeps things interesting and keeps it only lasts five minutes. me wondering what my next 'surprise task' will be.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

ASHLEY TAYLOR

Spare parts & Procurement

What is your role at AusCut?

Work doesn’t necessarily stop when you go home unfortunately, but I enjoy chilling at home or getting out and about, pretending my to-do list doesn’t exist for a while.

What’s your favourite thing to eat?

Fresh fish n chips, which you can’t get around here.

If you were given $1,000,000 right now, what would you spend it on?

I’d try and focus on using it wisely.

Pay off the mortgage, set up some

procurement, support the team in

What do you enjoy most long term security, help out those about working at AusCut? close to me, allowing a few treats

day-to-day operations and

The people. Great team, good

generally help make sure

energy. It’s really nice being part of

everything gets where it needs to

a workplace where you feel valued

go - ideally without anyone having

and enjoy the company around

to panic.

you.

I look after spare parts and

or experiences along the way and maybe buy something I absolutely don’t need but definitely want!

CUSTOMER STORY

IAN MYLREA Mylrea Pastoral, Springsure

18m RollMax Smooth Drum at Emerald QLD

We are a family-owned farming company located in the Emerald district in Central Queensland. Our farming operations are primarily on Downs soils. We have found that rolling our chickpea and cereal crops after planting provides significant benefits. While purchasing and operating a land roller costs money, I believe the benefits and savings we have gained from rolling our crops far outweigh the costs.

Advantages of Rolling Crops Some of the key reasons we find it beneficial to roll our crops post planting: •

Improved harvest efficiency by 20% to 25%, as we can harvest faster with confidence that we won’t hit any rocks.

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Reduced downtime and lower insurance costs, thanks to minimised damage to header fronts.

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Less operator fatigue, as the combine operator doesn’t need to constantly look out for rocks or debris.

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Little to no soil contamination in grain samples, thanks to soil clods being rolled flat.

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Improved residual chemical effectiveness, due to a smoother soil surface.

18m RollMax Smooth Drum at Griffith NSW

Why did we choose an AusCut RollMax? When Sahra and I decided to buy a roller, we hit on the RollMax, a heavy duty unit built by AusCut and supplied through Milne Bros in Emerald. I would recommend these units as they are Australian made and built by a family company that is well supported.

PRODUCT UPDATE TRUTILL

5m TruTill at Cowra NSW

A Design Driven by Farmer Feedback 2025 at AusCut saw a launch into the tillage space to meet increasing industry deamand. This come about largely due to customers approaching us for a discing tool that can create a smoother finish for seeding applications while digging deeper than units currently available in the market.

We have our own farming country that hasn’t been cropped for over 20 years and needs primary tillage along with lime incorporation down to 150mm.

In early 2025, I asked the engineering team to design a machine

BILL LARSEN

for me, and by late February 2025 we had both a 3m rigid unit

Director of Sales & Marketing

and a 5m folding unit up and running in the field. Now, 12 months later, we have a production run manufacturing 3m, 3.5m and 4m rigid units as well as 4m, 5m and 6.5m folding units. We have also recently just delivered our first 12.5m unit to a customer at Lake Cargelligo for use in broadacre tillage.

My Experience with The TruTill: As the primary manager and operator of our Woodstock property, I’d like to share my own honest experience with the TruTill. I have

3m TruTill at Cowra NSW

been using a 3m unit with 26” discs and pulling it with a 145hp tractor.

I can say with certainty that it is definitely doing the job we designed it to do.

In just one pass, I have been able to plough out couch grass and tussocks, and have been getting a complete kill. However, because this is serious primary tillage work, I have followed up with another pass later in the season to prepare the soil for seeding.

Engineering that Makes a Difference: We are fitting out our TruTill units with 26” or 28” discs, with the option for either single or double rear hydraulic roller attachments.

I have found that in most conditions with suitable moisture, we can work country for seeding in one pass, especially when using the double rear basket roller attachment.

The discs on the TruTill are mounted with a 12 degree undercut on a captivated torsion system, ensuring they maintain a positive cut to maximise its ability to get a complete weed kill.

In addition, the distance between the disc gangs and rollers are greater than standard systems currently on the market, which helps to improve soil and residue flow and reduces the chance of chokes and blockages.

I’ve spent many hours out operating the TruTill on our 3m TruTill at Cowra NSW

Woodstock property, as well as assisting with new set ups, and it has been nothing but a pleasure to operate.

12m TruTill at Cowra NSW

Our sales team has now sold units across QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. We have found that demonstrating the TruTill in the paddock has been an excellent way to let farmers see how this machine performs. After spending my entire working career in farming, while also designing and selling tillage equipment, it's incredibly exciting to be pioneering the new AusCut TruTill.

Feel free to call me on 0418 503 128 at any time if you would like to know more about the TruTill or if you are interested in seeing a unit demonstrated.

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT AS A WAY TO CONSERVE SOIL MOISTURE Residue management is the strategic removal and/or retention of crop residues after harvest and is achieved through a variety of methods. Each method offers unique benefits such as conserving soil moisture, reducing erosion, improving soil health and supporting sustainable farming. The choice of method to use depends on a variety of factors, including environment, crop type, season, equipment availability and even personal preference.

Some methods of residue management have a significant effect on increasing soil moisture retention and water infiltration. This article aims to discuss some of the popular methods of residue management and their effects on moisture retention and availability.

Residue Retention and Moisture Conservation: Residue retention (stubble retention) can aid in conserving soil moisture by helping increase water infiltration and reducing evaporation, especially in water-limited no-till farming conditions.

According to GRDC, an important factor in managing residues is maintaining the optimal or “target”level. Retaining >1–2 t/ha of stubble improves water availability for crops, while 4–6 t/ha can reduce surface evaporation by up to 80%.(GRDC) Benefits of Retaining Residue: •

Moisture Retention: Stubble keeps the soil surface cooler and reduces evaporation, particularly during autumn and winter.

•

Improved Infiltration: An increase in

ground cover slows water movement, allowing more rainfall to enter the soil profile.

12m TurboTopper at Cowra NSW

Considerations for Retaining Residue: •

Though highly effective, the benefits vary depending on climate and soil type, particularly during hot, dry Australian summers.

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High residue loads (>4–6 t/ha) may cause seeding blockages, uneven germination and

6.5m XH AlphaCut at Cowra NSW

nitrogen immobilisation. Effective management can ensure optimal residue levels are met, which is critical to success. (GRDC)

How Does Effective Residue Management Help With Conserving Soil Moisture?

With increasing frequency of dry seasons, conserving soil moisture has become a priority for farmers. Soil moisture plays a key role in seed germination, early seedling growth and strong crop establishment which is important for farmers to maximise crop yields.

Effective residue management helps improve ground cover and soil organic matter, both of which are two common ways to enhance soil water retention.

Research by the Grains Research and Development Corporation shows that retaining 5 t/ha of wheat straw can increase yields by around 0.2 t/ha. Studies in Western Australia also indicate that 2.5 t/ha of stubble reduces soil moisture evaporation, while 4–6 t/ha can reduce evaporation by up to 80% compared with bare soil. In addition, mulching stubble has been shown to increase moisture up to 10%. (GRDC)

Overview of 4 Common Residue Management Methods: Slashing / Mulching: Cutting residues into

shorter lengths speeds up residue breakdown and improves stubble flow through machines, which is especially important while working with heavy residue loads. Leaving a layer of mulched residue on the soil surface can reduce water evaporation and run-off, leading to higher moisture retention.

Burning: Burning is generally not a

recommended option but can provide farmers with a more effective weed kill than other residue management options when done in conjunction with spraying. Otherwise, it should only be used as a last resort when residue loads exceed machinery capacity and should ideally be delayed to minimise soil and moisture loss.

Rolling: Rolling residue with a stubble cruncher is an effective mangement technique that lays

residue flat on the ground before sizing it with a chopping blade. This results in shorter stubble

Why Equipment Choice Matters: Effective residue management requires machinery that is designed to handle heavy stubble in Australian dryland and broadacre agriculture conditions.

AusCut manufactures heavy duty machinery designed for Australian farming conditions to ensure both efficient and sustainable residue management practices. With our range of innovative and reliable high-quality slashers, including the TurboTopper and XH AlphaCut, in addition to the RollMax Residue Cruncher, you can easily manage your crop residues, conserve moisture and enhance overall crop health.

Australian farmers find the AusCut equipment ideal for ensuring an even spread of residue and easy operation across large areas.

lengths and creates a shallow soil disturbance that helps increase microbial activity and build nutrient levels to improve overall soil health.

Rolling can also improve soil moisture retention by reducing evaporation and increasing water infiltration.

Tillage: Tillage is predominantly used to

incorporate stubbles into the soil, which can help increase residue breakdown speed while building up soil humas levels. Shallow incorporation of stubble into the top 8 cm of soil can allow for capturing moisture while also maintaining soil structure to prevent erosion (GRDC). Moisture can be lost during the tillage application, but the trade-off is that the soil is left more open to assist in future moisture absorption. In addition, the tillage can mechanically control weeds, which in turn conserves moisture and available nitrogen.

CUSTOMER SURVEY

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SCAN HERE!

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If you have an interesting ag story we can feature in future Ag Progress editions, the email newsletter, the AusCut website or social media, we would love to hear it.

The story doesn’t have to be about AusCut or AusCut products, as long as it is of interest to readers from the Australian ag industry. If you prefer, you are welcome to remain anonymous in the published story and our team is happy to help with writing it based on the details you provide.

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Terms & Conditions: •

To be eligible receive the kit bag and/or gift voucher, you must provide an accurate name, Australian delivery address, and at least one contact method (phone number and/or email address) via the survey.

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Only one kit bag will be gifted per person, no matter how many survey submissions you provide.

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Kit bags will only be gifted for survey responses submitted before 30th June 2026.

•

The $100 gift voucher will only be delivered on first publication of a story. Any future publications of that story will not result in additional gift vouchers. Once a story is approved, AusCut may publish it multiple times.

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DRY OR WET HIRE - FREIGHT IS AVAILABLE - CALL US TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS

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AusCut RollMax Residue Cruncher Rollers

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AusCut RollMax Smooth Drum Rollers

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Pasture Aerators

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Available in 12m - 3PL units

0437 479 964

www.lynxhire.au

admin@lynxhire.au

Built by Australian farmers, for Australian farmers 19 Nangar St, Cowra NSW 2794 Australia

P: 02 6341 3383 TOLL FREE: 1800 517 417

www.auscutglobal.com.au

sales@auscutglobal.com.au