Issue 143 | July/August 2024 - Australian AgContractor & Large Scale Farmer
FEATURE
What’s new in Australian-made machinery
& LARGE SCALE FARMER
PROFILE
For the love of the game
EQUIPMENT
New Holland extends its T7 PLMi Long Wheelbase range
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SCALE FARMER - No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily that of the publisher and suggest independent advice be sought before acting on information or suggestions contained herein.
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02 FROM THE EDITOR: Keeping the dog on its leash JULY/AUGUST 2024
INDUSTRY NEWS
03 Case IH rewards excellence across national dealerS with annual awards
04 South Australia plays host to major national Case IH training event for dealer network
05 Case IH dealer Intersales brings New Holland into the fold with acquisition announcement
06 Claas Harvest Centre Dalby opens new facility
06 Fendt sponsors budding Kiwi race car driver Clay Osborne in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia TECHNOLOGY
08 Improved hay quality, returns are on your phone
09 New Holland unveils new platform for farm and fleet management
09 Harvest Assist app with even more functions
10 Case IH unveils FieldOps technology app
12 Farmbot and Land Watch launch smart farm monitoring system PROFILES
26 For the love of the game
32 Getting the balance right
38 Across the ditch: Vineyard contractor blossoms with top gear and staff FEATURES
14 What’s new in hay and silage making equipment
44 What’s new in Australian-made machinery EQUIPMENT
52 Croplands and RBR Enterprise partner to expand Self-Propelled Sprayer and Spreader offerings in the Australian broadacre market
53 Vapormatic added to John Deere Alternative Parts range
54 John Deere celebrates milestone in spraying as tech continues evolution
55 Three Rivers Machinery expands into Dubbo
56 Automated rock crushing makes huge gains easy
57 Reliability and support key for WA grain farmer
58 Latest Morris bar stands up in ‘breaker country’
61 Grower ‘pilots’ enjoying hi-tech Miller ride
62 New Kubota SE9000 folding chopper
63 New Holland extends its T7 PLMi Long Wheelbase range to Australian market
64 New engine for Claas Jaguar 970
KEEPING THE DOG ON ITS LEASH
ANYONE WHO HAS HAD INVOLVEMENT IN THE FARMING AND AGRICULTURE SECTOR – NO MATTER HOW FLEETING – KNOWS THAT IT DOESN’T RUN TO A STANDARD SCHEDULE.
Whether you’re involved in a dairy operation, farming stock or you’re growing crops, or you’re a contractor servicing the industry, the concept of a nine-to-five workday is nonsense.
No matter what your role in ag and farming, the challenges faced aren’t always easily dealt with…but the success of your operation relies on solutions being found. And quickly! And those stresses can have a toll…often driven by irregular sleep, financial challenges, staffing, drought (or floods), herd health, crop disease, fluctuating market prices – the list goes on!
Sam Fryer, the subject of one of the profiles in this issue of Australian Ag Contractor & Large Scale Farmer, tackles the fallout of those issues – and more – head-on.
Clearly not one to shy away from the stresses that farming life brings, Sam has confronted them through a regular podcast, and an attitude that is both massively honest and hugely refreshing.
The profile, which was written by Delwyn
Dickey, tackles it all, from family issues, all the way through to his own mental health journey.
While the subjects of depression and other mental health issues are becoming less taboo and more common to discuss openly, it’s still not a topic people are happy to shout about from the top of the barn.
I have had my walks with ‘the black dog’ by my side – and have learned how to pat him on the head occasionally to keep him in check and happy. But I know he’s there, and I keep him on a short leash. And he’s going to stay there.
I’d like to thank Sam for his candour in opening up for our profile, as well as acknowledging the careful way Delwyn approached what is a very delicate subject.
Also this issue, I’d like to thank Agrimedia founder Paula Forde, who has stepped back from the helm of the company to enjoy a wellearned retirement. She took a punt on me a few years ago to edit this publication, which I greatly appreciate. I hope, despite my regular
‘running late for deadline’ issues, that I have achieved the end result for what she wanted for Australian Ag Contractor & Large Scale Farmer.
Our new publishers – Lisa Phelan and Michael Lightbourne – have very well-established credentials in both publishing and printing, and are dynamic business people, as well as a great couple to share a beer with. So, farewell Paula – I hope you enjoy your relaxation time. And welcome Lisa and Michael – I’m looking forward to the exciting things on the horizon.
SCOTT WILSON
CASE IH REWARDS EXCELLENCE ACROSS NATIONAL DEALERS WITH ANNUAL AWARDS
CASE IH HAS ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF ITS 2024 DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDS, WITH LARWOODS AG AND INTERSALES CLAIMING THE TOP HONOURS.
Intersales in NSW has claimed the award for Case IH Dealer of the Year (three branches or more). The company has branches in Temora, Griffith, Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga. Other finalists were O’Connors (NSW and Victoria) and Ramsey Brothers (South Australia).
The Dealer of the Year results are based on a range of criteria, including finance and business management, performance in
LARWOODS AG DIRECTOR MATHEW EAST IS CONGRATULATED BY CNH MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BRANDON STANNETT AND CNH BUSINESS DIRECTOR – AGRICULTURE ANZ AARON BETT ON WINNING THE CASE IH DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR ONE TO TWO BRANCHES.
OF CANTERBURY DEALER PRINCIPAL CHRIS WEST IS CONGRATULATED BY CNH CAPITAL MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR ANZ MATT DOWLING AFTER RECEIVING THE CASE IH CNH CAPITAL DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
sales and marketing, and parts and servicing, precision technology and total market share.
Intersales CEO Amanda Blachut said the award was a testament to the hard work of their whole team.
“The dedication the team put towards training, team collaboration and knocking down barriers between departments is to be admired,” she said.
“We were up against some fierce competition so this win was unbelievably unexpected.” Larwoods Ag Services, who are based in Kadina, SA, has been awarded Case IH Dealer of the Year (one to two branches). They came out ahead of finalists Ronco Motors with branches in South Australia and Victoria, and Farmers Centre in Western Australia.
INTERSALES DIRECTOR ADAM BLACHUT, CNH BUSINESS DIRECTOR – AGRICULTURE ANZ AARON BETT AND INTERSALES CEO AMANDA BLACHUT. INTERSALES RECEIVED THE CASE IH DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR THREE OR MORE BRANCHES.
COCHRANES
KENWAY & CLARK CEO PETE MCCANN RECEIVING THE CASE IH PARTS AND SERVICE DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM CNH HEAD OF PARTS AND SERVICE ANZ HEATH JOINER.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA PLAYS HOST TO MAJOR NATIONAL CASE IH TRAINING EVENT FOR DEALER NETWORK
CASE IH HAS CONDUCTED A MASSIVE DEALER TRAINING
EVENT
IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
OVER THE PAST MONTH, SHOWCASING THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPANY’S VAST MACHINERY RANGE TO DOZENS OF CASE IH DEALER SALES STAFF FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Wrapping up on May 31, the event was held at the Murray Bridge Racing Club and each group of sales staff spent a week at the venue, just north of Adelaide, where they participated in classroom sessions on each of the featured products before heading outdoors to put the machines through their paces.
The Axial-Flow, Steiger, Magnum, Optum, Maxxum, Farmall and Patriot ranges were represented, as were the baler and disc mower offerings, with Case IH product managers and product specialists from across each of the product ranges present to take dealer staff through the variety of features and innovations on each of the machines.
The brand also had its Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) seat simulators at the event to showcase the precision technology products available.
Tim Short, Sales Manager for the Three Rivers Machinery group in the Central West NSW, said it was a great week and a great opportunity to become more familiar with tractor, combine, sprayer and hay equipment, particularly the new
Larwoods Ag director Mathew East said it was a fantastic effort by the whole team, but particularly dealer principal Scott Mercer.
Mathew said the business had faced some challenges but with the help of CNH, they have been able to turn things around.
Receiving the award was a prime example of the team’s willingness to take on board feedback and evolve their business to
models.
“To be able to learn more about the features and benefits of the machines from the Case IH product experts, and then to be able to go out to the machines and put into practice what we’d learned, was a valuable opportunity,” he said.
“There was also a lot of round-table discussion about what we as dealers wanted to see from products, and what the brand could do to assist us more and in terms of product development.”
Three Rivers Machinery has four dealerships in Dubbo, Gilgandra, Narromine and Warren, and Tim said he was looking forward to taking what he’d learned back to his customers.
“Now, when I have conversations with our customers, I can talk more about the 1 to 2 per cent of features that they may tend to overlook, but which can maximise the performance and productivity of the machinery they’re investing in,” Tim said.
“As well as this additional knowledge, the other really important aspect of the training is the networking opportunities with other dealers, and the Case IH team. It was interesting listening to the challeng-
better serve their customers.
The Parts and Service Dealer of the Year honour has gone to Kenway & Clark, with nine branches in NSW and Queensland. Larwoods Ag Services and Agricentre South in New Zealand were the other finalists.
Cochranes of Canterbury in New Zealand has taken out the CNH Capital Dealer of the Year, from Farmers Centre and Larwoods Ag.
es people are facing in terms of their farming practices, and then take this new information or advice back to our customers and have those conversations with them.”
Aaron Bett, CNH Business Director – Agriculture ANZ, said it was the biggest sales training event the brand had hosted in a number of years, and the feedback from participating dealers across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia had been very positive.
“The primary aim of this kind of event is to bring the most relevant and up-to-date information to our dealer network, because they’re at the coalface of taking our customers through the latest innovations in our machinery ranges, and
Aaron Bett, CNH Business Director – Agriculture ANZ, congratulated all the award winners, acknowledging the level of excellence achieved by the dealerships and the dedication to their customers.
“Intersales, Larwoods Ag Services, Kenway & Clark and Cochranes of Canterbury should all be very proud of what they have achieved in the past 12 months. Their teams consist-
AARON BETT SAID THE MAIN AIM OF THE TRAINING WAS TO BRING THE LATEST INFORMATION TO CASE IH’S NATIONAL DEALER NETWORK.
helping them with any questions they have or assistance they need in relation to the best product for their business,” Aaron said.
“There was also a focus on sharing industry knowledge and our Case IH team were able to learn from dealer staff with regards to specific markets and competition across product ranges. This information and new-found knowledge now flows down to the customers, who stand to benefit the most.”
ently go that extra mile, placing a high priority on delivering the service, support and advice their customers rely on,” Aaron said.
“The standard across our network is very high, so to be successful in our Dealer of the Year Awards is an outstanding achievement, and recognition of the work that’s gone in across all aspects of the winners’ operations.”
CASE IH DEALER INTERSALES BRINGS NEW HOLLAND INTO THE FOLD WITH ACQUISITION ANNOUNCEMENT
SOUTHERN NSW CASE IH DEALER INTERSALES HAS ANNOUNCED AN EXPANSION OF ITS FOOTPRINT, ACQUIRING CADMAC MACHINERY.
Intersales was established in Temora in 1976, later expanding into Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Albury/Wodonga. Cadmac Machinery was founded in 2016, selling and servicing New Holland machinery, the CNH stablemate of Case IH, from two locations: Cadmac Riverina-Wagga Wagga and Wodonga.
Recently crowned this year’s Case IH Dealer of the Year (three branches or more), Intersales will continue to operate the two former Cadmac locations as New Holland dealerships. Intersales CEO, Amanda Blachut, said it was an exciting evolution for the company.
“We’re proud to have had the opportunity to purchase Cadmac from the Bektash family, bring-
ing with it a new chapter to the Intersales story. We’d like to congratulate Roger and Lyn Bektash on their accomplishment in business, and welcome the team at Cadmac to the Intersales family,” Amanda said.
“The change presents us with opportunities for alignment, growth and innovation. Our company’s success is built on the talent and commitment of our staff, and that remains unchanged.”
CNH Business Director – Agriculture ANZ Aaron Bett congratulated Intersales on the expansion, saying the move would reinforce the national CNH dealer network.
“Intersales is a proven performer in the southern NSW regions it covers, its reputation
for excellence cemented by its recent win in the Case IH Dealer of the Year Awards, and to now have New Holland machinery under its remit introduces a raft of new opportunities for the company, and its customers,” Aaron said.
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“I also want to acknowledge the Bektash family for building a business that’s so well-respected in the Wagga Wagga and Albury/Wodonga regions, and know their existing customers will enjoy a seamless transition to the Intersales’ team.”
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, JARROD STEPHENSON FROM CADMAC, AND MITCH PRICE, ADAM BLACHUT AND AMANDA BLACHUT, FROM INTERSALES.
CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE DALBY OPENS NEW FACILITY
LANDPOWER ARE SET TO EXTEND THEIR CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE DALBY OFFERING BY OPENING AN AFTER SALES CENTRE IN GOONDIWINDI.
With rising global population, shrinking farmland areas and increasing demand for food, farmers are turning to advanced agricultural equipment to boost productivity and optimise their resource use. The trend is fueling the growth of the agricultural equipment market as largescale farming operations create demand for high-capacity and efficient agricultural equipment.
The agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The development of autonomous tractors, AI-powered equipment, and sensor-based technology are changing farming practices. The market is wit-
nessing a growing demand for machinery that promotes both efficiency and sustainable farming, focused on reduced fuel consumption and soil conservation.
“Farmers require access to after sales service and support provided by specialist technicians when they need it most. That is what keeps farm machinery operating at peak efficiency throughout the year, especially during harvest, sowing and other busy periods”, says Rick Spies, Claas Harvest Centre Branch Manager – Dalby.
“Top notch service means minimum downtime for our farmers, and we know a big part of that is
proximity to your local service centre”.
“We’re committed to providing world class service and after sales support, to go with the world class machinery we sell.”
The agricultural sector is significant in Goodiwindi, with exports representing 60% of the Gross Regional Product. The region aims to be Australia’s centre of agricultural excellence, a premier visitor destination, and a region celebrated for its prosperous rural lifestyle.
“Opening a new after sales Centre in Goondiwindi, with its agricultural diversity and
high-intensity cropping, makes sense for us and allows us to provide an improved customer experience.”
The Goondiwindi after sales centre is an extension of the services offered by the Dalby Claas Harvest Centre, with a fully equipped workshop, readily available parts, and mobile service technicians.
The after sales centre will support the Goondiwindi region in facilitating, sustaining, and promoting business activity to help secure a sustainable employment base and a strong economic future.
FENDT SPONSORS BUDDING KIWI RACE CAR DRIVER CLAY OSBORNE IN PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA
FENDT, A WORLDWIDE BRAND OF AGCO, IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS SPONSORSHIP OF RACE CAR DRIVER CLAY OSBORNE IN THE PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA, WHICH COMMENCED ON APRIL 12TH AT PHILLIP ISLAND, VICTORIA.
Clay, a native of New Zealand, has a strong farming background and a long association with farm machinery, in particular with the Fendt brand via the family business.
“We are thrilled to support Clay in his pursuit of racing excellence as he continues his journey to climb the racing ranks,” says Fergal Meehan, Marketing Director for Fendt ANZ.
Clay’s journey in motorsport racing began at the tender age of five where he displayed his natural ability and instinct for racing in the Karting Series in New Zealand. Over the years, he’s amassed an impressive collection of championships and
titles including winning four NZ Karting Championships and the impressive World Karting Championship held in Italy in 2019.
Clay’s racing prowess continued in Formula Ford and he recently competed in the Toyota Racing New Zealand 86 Series and the Porsche Open Class. The young race car driver’s impressive results now see him competing in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge this year.
“Fendt is a proud German brand that has become synonymous in agriculture with power, precision and advanced technology and our aim is to deliver the best possible performance for our customers. We’re proud to
be associated and supporting Clay while he’s behind the wheel of another prestigious German brand that is also renowned for outstanding power and performance in their field,” says Fergal.
Clay, when he’s not racing at high speed around a racetrack, has also spent many hours in the cabin of farm machinery as part of the family’s farming and contracting business. “I’ve grown up
on the farm and I’ve been around farm machinery for many years. I’m humbled and very grateful for the support I’ve received in my racing career so far and I’m very thankful for the team at Fendt for their support in pursuing my ambitions. I’ve spent many hours in Fendt tractors over the years and I’me very proud to be representing them on and off the racetrack,” say Clay.
UNLOCK TREASURE:
IMPROVED HAY QUALITY, RETURNS ARE ON YOUR PHONE
WE USE OUR MOBILE PHONES TO FIND A LOT OF INFORMATION THESE DAYS, BUT WE MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT WE WOULD EVER USE THEM TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND VALUE OF OUR HAY.
However, by utilising the Haytech wireless monitoring system, that’s exactly what an increasing number of hay contractors and growers are doing, whilst also ensuring they protect hay production and properties from fire.
Recently acknowledged as one of the world’s top new agricultural products, the Haytech system comprises robust, 40-centimetre hay probes that measure temperatures every hour and, via a base station and the Quanturi online service, then send the data through to smart phones, tablets and desktop computers, including alerts when temperatures reach unsafe levels.
Operators can easily visualise stacks, track temperatures and set their own alert levels, and
VIV COSSAR, WHO FARMS AT CHARLTON IN VICTORIA, CHECKS HAY BALE TEMPERATURES MEASURED BY PROBES USED AS PART OF THE HAYTECH WIRELESS MONITORING SYSTEM.
now they can access a new Feed Value Indicator (FVI) feature with the system.
The FVI provides information on bale fermentation levels and hay quality, helping to maximise its nutritional value for stock.
Victorian Southern Mallee hay contractor Brad Petschel, who also runs an auto-electrical business and his own farm property at Hopetoun, said the Haytech system, available from Farmscan, was helping to guarantee hay quality by ensuring bale temperatures remained stable.
“There’s a point where the temperature can ruin the hay, so by monitoring it, we can remove the hay before it becomes an issue and it will calm down if left by itself,” said Brad, also a Farmscan dealer in the area and who travels up to 150 kilometres from Hopetoun as a contractor and turns out up to 25,000 bales or 2000-3000 tonnes of hay per year.
“Since having the system, we may move the hay around a little bit more, but by doing that we will save the hay. Prior to
doing this, it could be ruined and I could lose 20 bales, whereas now I might shift a bale or two and save 20.”
He said using Haytech also had assisted them to adjust their hay practices slightly.
“We can watch the temperatures and know where we are at with our baling and we can push the limits a bit more because we know we are going to monitor the bales in the shed – so it’s definitely improved our quality.”
Viv Cossar, who farms near Charlton in Victoria’s North Central region, said the Haytech system had enhanced his understanding of how hay behaved in stacks, in turn enabling better baling decisions in the paddock.
“It is well worth the investment. We don’t aim to put hay in a shed that is a risk, but this is another level of insurance for us and monitoring to see how it’s behaving. And it’s not only in the shed. It allows us to know the conditions we are baling in and how that’s going to respond in the shed, so it’s helping us make better decisions in the paddock as well,” Viv said.
“By seeing what the temperature is doing in the hay on an hourly basis, it’s giving us an idea of what’s good and bad in relation to those temperatures. Prior to seeing this information live, I don’t think we ever knew how a bale was behaving two to three months after baling.
“We now know the zone we need to work in with regard to
HAY CONTRACTOR AND GROWER BRAD PETSCHEL, WHO ALSO RUNS AN AUTOELECTRICAL BUSINESS FROM HOPETOUN IN VICTORIA’S SOUTHERN MALLEE, WITH THE HAYTECH WIRELESS MONITORING SYSTEM.
temperatures and this system makes it so much easier because it’s live. I can look at it at any time of the day at home, on the tractor or even if I’m three hours away and see what the temperatures are doing.
“Each year we have added more probes because we can see the benefit of simply managing the hay and seeing how it’s behaving.”
The Haytech wireless monitoring system allows for multiple probes to be added as required and an optional repeater can enhance the signal strength between the probes to the base station, including from another nearby shed. For sheds without 240-volt power, Farmscan can provide a purpose-built 4G solar base station to connect to the Haytech base station.
Growers also can take advantage of a premium data service with Quanturi, providing bale temperature history for up to a month for further assurance of hay quality. The probes also can be placed in a handy virtual storage locator to help find them easily in case of danger.
NEW HOLLAND UNVEILS NEW PLATFORM FOR FARM AND FLEET MANAGEMENT
NEW HOLLAND PRESENTED ITS NEW, STREAMLINED FARM MANAGEMENT WEB AND MOBILE PLATFORM AT AGRISHOW 2024 IN BRAZIL RECENTLY.
FieldOps brings real-time monitoring, remote display viewing and an intuitive user interface together into one comprehensive package to enhance and simplify farm data management.
Agriculture is becoming increasingly digitalised, with an exponential growth in cloud-connected machines. This means farmers want to avoid having fragmented digital solutions and multiple apps or platforms. Instead, the industry can benefit from an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform that unifies their core operational management needs in one place.
New Holland FieldOps is designed to simplify a customer’s entire workflow, from the moment they connect to their machines, all the way through to post-season analysis. Its all-new interface streamlines workflows, simplifies farm management, and makes data accessible from anywhere.
Instead of using multiple apps to manage their mixed fleet, customers will be able to view and monitor all their machines in one place, centralising tools like MyPLM Connect. This gives customers easier access to their field and farm data and provides any connected operator the ability to manage their machines from anywhere at any time, via FieldOps’ mobile or web platform.
FieldOps’ key features include real-time machine monitoring—including precise location and duty status—remote view of in-cab displays for improved operator support, visualisation of agronomic data layers for a specific field over the course of the season and machine health and activity monitoring to quickly spot priority issues.
Bolstering the capabilities of FieldOps is the new collaboration with Intelsat, a leader in satellite communications for more
HARVEST ASSIST APP WITH EVEN MORE FUNCTIONS
HARVEST ASSIST, PÖTTINGER’S INNOVATIVE APP FOR OPTIMISING FORAGE HARVESTING, IS CONSTANTLY BEING EXPANDED. IT NOW FEATURES THREE NEW FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMISING THE DEPLOYMENT OF HARVEST MACHINES TO FURTHER BOOST HARVESTING PERFORMANCE.
Available for iOS and Android, every member of the harvest convoy can install the app on their smartphone for free. The new functions are available now. In the Harvest Assist app, you can select any of the machines in your harvest fleet. You can choose from mowers, tedders, rakes, mergers, loader wagons and round balers.
The app makes it easy to add fields and assign them to each of
than 60 years. New Holland and CNH will be the first in the market to make connectivity accessible to more areas that do not have consistent internet access through conventional cellular or terrestrial networks.
This collaboration solves a large customer challenge by providing industrial-grade connectivity that is built for farming. Having this level of connection increases the value and benefits of precision technology for farmers everywhere.
“Agriculture is changing rapidly, and farmers are increasingly asking us to support them with simple solutions for complex problems,” New Holland Brand
“Our approach is always putting customers at the centre and it is our job to help by developing technological products that improve their productivity.
“FieldOps was created thanks to our customers’ feedback, prioritising simplicity and intuitiveness of the interface. It enables farmers to improve their efficiency and profitability, whether they’re investing in a new fleet or adding automation to their existing machines.”
The New Holland FieldOps app is currently in its final stages of development and testing, with a full release expected later this year.
the machines. It gives everyone involved a real-time overview of progress in the field and the current status of each machine.
The compaction vehicle at the clamp has time to neatly distribute and compact each load of crop one by one. The new functions
In the app, the baler driver can enter the number of bales deposited in each field. The drivers of the loaders and bale collection
President Carlo Lambro said.
CASE IH UNVEILS FIELDOPS TECHNOLOGY APP
PURPOSEFULLY DESIGNED TO BE A SIMPLIFIED AND STREAMLINED ALL-IN-ONE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION, CASE IH FIELDOPS EMPOWERS OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO MANAGE AND VISUALISE THEIR MULTIBRANDED FLEET AT ANYTIME FROM ANYWHERE.
Case IH is unveiling the FieldOps app, a new all-in-one mobile and web solution purposefully designed for farmers to connect, view and manage their operation.
FieldOps provides real-time access to agronomic, machine, and operational data, connecting farmers to their machines, fields, teams and partners and empowering them with actionable insights. It was showcased at Agrishow in Brazil.
The new FieldOps app comes at a critical time with the exponential growth of connected machines. Driven by the digitisation of agriculture, connected machines allow farmers to access vehicles through the cloud to drive more profitable and productive operations. These also allow dealers additional access to better service machines, minimising downtime and maximising operational efficiency.
There are still, however, severe limitations for those in remote areas of the globe in connecting their machines and operations.
vehicles can see at a glance how many bales need to be fetched.
If there are several bale collection teams, each driver knows immediately which fields they still need to visit and how many bales have already been removed.
The number of bales also provides an indication of the harvesting performance. This enables you to keep track of the grass and whole crop harvest at any time.
In addition to providing navigation to the field, the navigation function also shows the route back to the clamp. A new clamp
Without a mature cellular or terrestrial network for these remote operators to utilise, their options for digitisation and connected fleets are significantly restricted. Case IH has taken a significant step in enhancing connectivity options for operators worldwide. Through a strategic collaboration with Intelsat, a renowned leader in satellite communications for more than 60 years, Case IH is ensuring that operators, regardless of their location, can fully utilise the functionalities of Case IH FieldOps with consistent and reliable internet access.
“Streamlining customers’ precision technology integration is at the forefront of every advancement we make,” Case IH Global Brand President Soctt Harris said.
“By building a centralised digital user experience with Case IH FieldOps, operators are going to experience a simplified approach to their data and, with that, more informed and data-driven success in their operations.”
can be added and navigated to directly using Google Maps. This latest feature in the Harvest Assist app avoids detours and means you no longer need to send locations.
The new other machines category means you can add bale collection machinery and forage harvesters. This gives every driver in the harvest fleet an even better overview of where each machine is deployed.
Navigating, planning, and a clear overview of every machine in the fleet, regardless of make, are all provided by the Harvest Assist app.
Key features of Case IH FieldOps include:
- Data visualisation: Instant access to real-time agronomic data and machine insights, including precise location and duty status, current machine parameters, estimated job completion time, 24-hour history, and more.
- Machine analytics: Users can proactively monitor machine health and quickly spot high-priority issues while staying informed with customised notifications. Data can be viewed for any specific field over individual seasons and years, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Remote viewing of in-cab display: Deeper machine monitoring and easy coordination with operators, including functionality to suggest changes.
- One simple and comprehensive solution: Case IH FieldOps centralises tools from the AFS Connect platform into one streamlined management solution, using data from farm operations, even for those with multi-branded fleets. This makes it easier for farmers to access their field and farm data in one platform. Case IH FieldOps is designed to be simple and understandable for users with any level of experience.
“Case IH FieldOps was developed by farmers, for farmers,” Mr Harris said.
“We worked directly with customers, incorporated their feedback, and developed streamlined processes that make sense for them and the way they work.
The resulting platform is intuitive and easy-to-use from beginning to end.”
The Case IH FieldOps mobile and web app is currently in its final stages of development and testing, with a full release expected later in the year.
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FARMBOT AND LAND WATCH LAUNCH SMART FARM MONITORING SYSTEM
AUSTRALIAN AG-TECH PIONEER BRANDS, FARMBOT AND LAND WATCH AUSTRALIA, ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THEIR BRAND NEW PARTNERSHIP, FARMBOT SECURITY, POWERED BY LAND WATCH.
The two Australian brands are joining forces to produce a first-in-class solution to provide smart and immediate, self-installed 4G-powered security solutions.
The collaboration provides affordable, high performing farm monitoring systems for all types of farming operations.
The partnership with Land Watch enables swift delivery of the most requested on-farm security feature, says co-founder and CEO of Farmbot, Andrew Coppin.
“When our customers talk, we listen. The launch of Farmbot Security, powered by Land Watch, shows our commitment to expanding our offer while delivering on producers' needs and desire to elevate our comprehensive offer; with the partnership providing increased efficiency, enhanced security, and cost savings to our customers,” he said.
“We are excited to begin our journey into on-farm security today and couldn’t think of a better partner than John and the team at Land Watch to bring our vision to life.”
Looking forward to expanding Land Watch Australia’s reach via Farmbot’s established customer base, John Hill, co-founder of Land Watch, highlights the groundbreaking nature of the collaboration.
“Embarking on this mutually beneficial collaboration with Farmbot represents a significant milestone for Land Watch Australia. Our security systems are cutting-edge, and to have the opportunity to deliver our product alongside Farmbot's industry-leading app and software, we're enhancing farm security and setting a new standard for innovation in the ag-tech landscape.
To celebrate the launch, Farmbot is offering 10% off hardware and no integration fee, repre-
senting savings up to $712 and the opportunity for access to cutting-edge technology to manage their on-farm assets. This offer is exclusive to Beef 2024.
Notes to Editors
The Farmbot Security powered by Land Watch product range comprises three plug-and-play models designed to work alone, but also alongside the Farmbot Water Monitoring products and the MyFarmbot app to offer the full suite of on-farm security monitoring solutions.
Farmbot Security powered by Land Watch products will be available online and at leading rural supply stores.
Costs
Farmbot Security cameras require a one-off payment (see below), plus an annual connection fee of $52 and an ongoing connectivity fee of $35 via monthly SIM costs:
- The Entry Guard RRP $3850
- The Look Out RRP $4,400
- The Station Manager $6,600.
Savings
The Federal Government’s On-Farm Connectivity Program offers 50% off eligible connectivity products, of which Farmbot is an approved supplier. Funding is means-tested and allocated on a first-come basis, with the first round of funds ending soon. To check your eligibility, contact the Farmbot Sales team or check online.
Farmbot also has a savings calculator – check how much you could save.
About Farmbot
Farmbot is a SaaS management solution used by the agriculture industry to increase productivity. The adoption of Farmbot technology solves management and water challenges presented by an ever-changing climate, inflation, and soaring input costs. It safeguards longterm business performance while improving stewardship of natural resources.
IP hardware drives data to the MyFarmbot platform, providing producers with alerts and reporting on water trends and the ability to control infrastructure remotely. This data, along with predictive analytics, improves management, operations and resource allocation, equipping producers with actionable insights.
Farmbot improves productivity and profitability through reductions in labour and fuel costs, while improving sustainability outcomes, animal welfare, and carbon emissions.
About Land Watch Australia
Land Watch Australia provides quality solar security cameras specifically designed for agriculture and the farming industry. Designed from the ground up to withstand Aus -
tralia’s harsh rural conditions, Land Watch Australia produces solar-powered farm security camera systems that supply 24/7 live footage and clear night vision of on-farm property and assets.
Land Watch system features:
- Remote farm security systems with solar panel and power
- Access to real-time and 360-degrees high-definition footage from any device at your convenience
- Data storage so that footage is saved
- Infrared powered night vision for up to 100 metres, ensuring effective monitoring during night
- Waterproof equipment along with damage protection for longer functioning of equipment.
- Farmbot Security, powered by Land Watch, new out-of-box offer, capitalises on both brands’ strengths and unique understanding of rural Australia.
- Best of both worlds: Introduction sees Farmbot’s seamless software experience (MyFarmbot) and Land Watch Australia’s best-in-class, made-for-Australian climate hardware offer on-farm security to Farmbot users for the first time.
- Founders launch the collaboration on the first day of Beef 2024.
- Tailored Solutions: the launch includes three types of security add-on systems, each designed for specific on-farm applications.
- Each system provides real-time, HD, recorded security cameras powered by AI, delivering as-it-happens notifications, reducing potential security issues.
what’s new in... HAY AND SILAGE MAKING EQUIPMENT
TO MAKE TOP QUALITY HAY AND SILAGE YOU NEED TOP QUALITY GEAR. HERE IS OUR SURVEY OF THE LATEST MOWERS, RAKES, BALERS, SILAGE WAGONS, WINDROWERS AND FORAGE HARVESTERS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIAN FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS IN 2024.
DISCO 9700 MOWERS
With a variable working width of 8.8 to 9.5 metres, tried-andtested 8-disc Max Cut mower beds, Active Float suspension technology, and a range of optional conditioning and auto swathing functions, Claas Disco 9700 triple-combination mowers set new benchmarks in throughput, efficiency, and forage quality.
Claas has added the new Disco 9700 Series to expand its range of large-scale mowers, closing the gap between the Disco 9200/9300 and the Disco 1100.
Claas Disco front, rear, trailed and combination mowers are designed to withstand maximum loads while consistently delivering a top-quality cutting result. Easy to use, they maintain outstanding efficiency with minimal power requirements.
The 9700 combines high throughput with operator comfort and maximum versatility.
The new range comprises five models: Disco 9700 Comfort,
9700 C Business (tine conditioner), 9700 RC Business (roller conditioner), 9700 C Auto Swather (tine conditioner and swath grouping) and 9700 RC Auto Swather (roller conditioner and swath grouping).
Three of those models will be available to Australia for next season:
Disco 9700 RC Auto Swather ex demo machine is available for sale. Disco 9700 C Auto Swather and Disco 1010 Trend are coming mid July and Disco 9700 RC Business is coming in time for the upcoming season.
• Disco 9700 C Auto Swather (with central lubrication)
• Disco 9700 RC Auto Swather (with double roller drive and central lubrication)
• Disco 9700 RC Business (with double roller drive)
The new large-scale mowers combine tried and tested features such as Max Cut mower beds with quick knife change and Active Float suspension with innovative new developments. This all adds up to clean forage, maximum sward protection and high capacity paired with high cutting frequency.
In light crops the mower beds
CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE
can be operated with a PTO speed down to 850 rpm, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.
The new, flow-optimised wear skids first introduced on the Disco 8500, Disco 9300 and Disco 1010 in 2022 that extend the cut height by 15 mm are also available for Disco 9700 as well as all front mowers.
For Australia, the new wear skids +15mm are available for all mowers and are well stocked in Melbourne, the model doesn’t matter. The wear skids +15 mm is the choice for every customer that targets a higher cutting height, as well as wear protections.
Max Cut mower beds are pressed from a single piece of 5 mm thick steel and incorporate a unique wave-shaped design. This enables the cutting discs to be positioned further forwards, improving cutting quality in all conditions.
The special shape of the skids and the large channel between the discs provides a high degree of self-cleaning, improving the cut quality in difficult conditions.
The Safety Link module ensures each cutting disc is protected by a pre-determined breaking point, isolating it from the drive train in the event of contact with a foreign body.
On the Comfort model, the Active Float ground pressure control, swing arm travel and protective cover folding are controlled via ISOBUS and load-sensing, while the arms are lifted and lowered by operation of the tractors hydraulic spool valves.
This enables the driver to easily integrate lifting and lowering functions into the tractor’s headland management system.
On Business machines, all functions can be controlled using the continuous load-sensing hydraulic system via the ISOBUS terminal, function keys or the tractor’s headland management system.
RC models feature two counter-rotating polyurethane rollers that are both actively driven and synchronised with a specially developed scissor gearbox for maximum throughput and processing quality.
The rollers extend right across the width of the mower bed and
gently crush the harvested crop and optimise crop flow.
The RC models are specifically developed for gently processing large volumes of lucerne, forage crops and whole-crop silage.
The RC Auto Swather models incorporate two newly designed 1100 mm-wide Kevlar-reinforced conveyor belts that consolidate harvested crop from the left and right-hand mowers into a single, perfectly shaped swath, ready for processing by a silage harvester.
Auto Swather models can also be ordered with an optional central lubrication system, on-board hydraulics, or an oil cooler.
“This system has been tried and tested for almost two decades and has been proven to reduce forage contamination, fuel consumption and wear,”
Claas Harvest Centre Product Manager – Greenline, Luke Wheeler says.
On all Disco 9700 models, the new swinging arms can be hydraulically pivoted outwards to adjust the overlap when turning corners and working across slopes. This helps to avoid unmown strips. The swing arm travel can be infinitely adjusted from the cab.
Luke, says the mower features swinging arms that can be hydraulically pivoted outwards by 30 cm and inwards by 5 cm.
“This allows the working width to be adjusted on-the-go up to 70 cm,” he says.
“For example, the driver can choose between maximum overlap on headlands to avoid strips or maximum working width on straight lines.”
“This feature makes the 9700 ideal for mowing irregularly-shaped or undulating fields where a higher degree of flexibility is required to maintain cutting quality and protect the pasture.”
The Disco 9700 range incorporates award-winning Max Cut mower beds that deliver exceptional cutting quality and operational efficiency. The specially hardened intermediate pieces are shaped differently for the mower discs that converge and diverge for a clean cut and maxi-
mum overlap.
Max Cut mower beds also incorporate the Claas rapid blade-change system.
“The caps and mower blades of the clockwise and anti-clockwise rotating mower discs are painted black and red, respectively,” Luke says.
“This means replacement blades can be immediately assigned to the appropriate mower discs.
“The new blade box is divided into three compartments for red
86 Roberts Crt, Drouin Vic 3818
ENHANCED DURABILITY A SELLING POINT OF BALER RANGE
A baler built with durability and productivity in mind is set to appeal to hay contractors and producers with a high annual bale count.
The RB6 HD Pro Series round baler produces bales up to 165cm or 190cm depending on the model - both larger than the equivalent sizes able to be produced by the current RB5 Series models - with either size baler available as a rotor feed or a 25-knife rotor cut version.
“It’s designed for users with a high annual bale count, who also wish to perform less routine maintenance,” Case IH baler product specialist Ross Aylwin said.
“This means customers can spend less time in the workshop and more time out in the field.”
The RB6 HD Pro Series round baler was launched in August
2023 at the AgQuip field days at Gunnedah, NSW.
Another feature of the series is the need for only two sets of hydraulic remotes on the tractor.
“The tractor hydraulic requirement is reduced to two remotes, regardless of the baler configuration,” Ross said.
“The various functions are controlled through the baler display, rather than needing additional remote valves on the tractor.
“This makes for a simpler and quicker connection to the tractor, reducing the points of potential contamination of hydraulic oil.”
There’s a new from the ground up driveline with a heavy-duty T type gearbox that delivers power to both sides of the baler, reducing complexity and transmitting power more evenly for better balance and smoother operation. A larger 520mm rotor also helps increase the baler’s overall capacity.
“The entire driveline is a new design, using robust componen-
and black replacement blades and used blades.”
Active Floatr regularly and automatically adjusts the ground pressure, ensuring the mowers adapt perfectly to ground contours.
When operating on slopes, an optional tilt sensor individually adjusts ground pressure, the telescopic travel of the arms to counteract drift and the belt speed (on Auto Swather models) to reduce the driver’s workload and protect pastures.
try and geared to rotate slower, resulting in less wear,” Ross said.
“It also has larger sprockets and chains driving large diameter rollers, sitting on heavy duty bearings.
“By reducing the amount of moving parts, we have been able to eliminate wear points.
“The four belts fitted to the RB6 Series are a proven, true endless belt design with tensile strength to match the high density output of the baler.
Another selling point is the active drop floor, which automatically moves to allow heavy crop flow to pass and avoid plugging. This movement is also constantly monitored so the operator can be alerted when excessive floor movement is being detected.
Other features include:
- A new user interface delivering sharp graphics with a clear layout and easy-to-use set-up menus;
- A new belt path and roller
configuration which has been designed to create a compact core-forming chamber ensuring tight bale core formation is achieved quickly;
- The 5-bar pick-up has been revised from the current RB5 Series with a change to the pick-up mount, increasing the forward angle to allow for an even smoother crop flow as it transitions between the pickup and the rotor;
- The option to configure the baler to operate with ISOBUS Class 3-compatible tractors to control several tractor and baler functions without any operator input;
- The option to add moisture sensors and an automatic greasing system; and
- LED lighting under the side shields for easier maintenance and inspection during nighttime operation.
For more information, contact your local Case IH dealer.
“When the mower encounters an obstacle, the arm swings back and over, moving the mower unit as far from the danger zone as possible,” Luke says.
“Machines are fitted with hydraulic collision protection, oil is pressed from the collision protection into the relief cylinder, which means that the mower bed is additionally relieved, protecting the mower bed from serious damage.
No matter which Disco largescale mower you choose – you
can be sure you made the right choice. Because they all have one thing in common: they deliver optimum cutting results.
CLAAS DISCO 1010 TREND
Not to be outdone by the introduction of the Disco 9700 models, the Disco 1010 Trend, has been launched as the widest mounted mower without a telescopic boom on the market. The two booms suspended at
the centre of gravity enable unrivalled compact and safe road transport thanks to the vector folding system presented in 2021.
The vector folding system was introduced on the Disco 4400 Contour and is a feature of the Disco 1010.
Thanks to vector folding, even the impressive working width of the Disco 1010 can be driven safely and, above all, legally on the road and on narrow tracks.
MOTORBIKE CHAMP KNOWS EXCELLENCE
Craig Hage has always been a man of speed, whether tearing through the winding tracks during a motorbike race or manoeuvring machinery across the Barossa Valley.
Originally from Tanunda, about 70 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, Craig now oversees his agricultural contracting business, Regari Contracting, within a stone’s throw of his hometown. His business caters to both broadacre and grazing properties in the area.
In the early ‘90s, Craig made a name for himself in the world of motorbike racing, competing on enduro tracks across Australia. After securing two consecutive championship wins, his talent took him overseas, representing the green and gold in the Netherlands.
“Representing Australia overseas was definitely a highlight for me,” laughed Craig. “The scene was much more professional over there, but it was still so fun.”
However, the thrill of racing took a toll on his body, leading to multiple knee surgeries and broken bones.
“It was a hard decision to make, but after multiple broken bones, I thought, ‘I’d better keep my body
together.’ It’s the only one I’ve got!”
To stay healthy, Craig transitioned to a new career path, back where it all began. Returning to his family farm – a joint hay, silage, and livestock operation – Craig began agricultural contracting, and Regari Agriculture was born.
”I loved farming growing up, and it was a natural progression into contracting. I saw a gap in the market, so I ran with it,” said Craig.
Despite leaving the world of racing behind, Craig’s competitive spirit remains intact. Rather than speeding down dirt tracks, chasing champion times, Craig now channels his energy into pursuing efficiency and excellence in agriculture.
What began as a hay and silage service has grown to encompass broadacre and pasture services, including spraying, seeding, and spreading.
Today, Regari Contracting is managed by a team of three fulltime staff members. An additional three staff members are hired for the busy summer months when most of the work is, servicing in hay and silage.
The partnership between Regari and Krone began over two decades ago and has been transformative for the business.
“The reliability and efficiency of Krone machinery is unmatched. Using their products gives Regari a leading edge in the industry.”
This partnership started through a local dealership, Tundarri Sales and Service, situated in Gawler.
Recognising Craig’s expertise and ongoing loyalty, Krone valued his insights and approached him to help plan new models, including a new baler.
“It’s great to be able to give my two cents back into the industry,” said Criag, “It’s pretty special to give feedback and see the improvements implemented by Krone. It’s been great.”
This relationship has helped Craig forge a relationship with the Krone team back in Germany. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, with skilled operators from Germany often making the trip Down Under to experience life on the land, South Australia-style.
“As Krone is a German company, getting operators who know the machinery back to front is a great leg up, many have stayed on for a few seasons which is great.
“The weather is sometimes a bit of a shock to the system for them, but they get used to it eventually.”
Craig acknowledges that Regari Contracting wouldn’t be where it is today without its bond with Krone.
Thanks to the innovative German engineering from Krone, Regari Contracting has made a name for itself when it comes to efficiency.
“Everything changed about a decade ago when we started using the Ultima CF 155 XC baler-wrapper combo,” said Craig.
“It’s the first and only machine of its kind in Australia and it helped us double our production rates.
“It’s also been a huge bonus for
my team, it reduces their workload, which means less fatigue and a safer workplace all round!”
Regari’s fleet also includes the Krone Bigpack 1290HDP XC X-Treme for baling square hay.
Once again, Craig was the first person in Australia to own this machine. He added it to his arsenal three years ago, and over that time it’s made a world of difference, increasing efficiency and keeping labour costs low.
“The fact that the baler never stops has made a huge difference for us; it makes us more productive which means we can get more jobs done throughout the season.
“Plus, it keeps overheads low, which is always a good thing!”
When working the land, there is one element which even the smartest contractor can’t plan for – the weather.
But the Krone range even helps manage the uncertainty of Mother Nature, thanks to unique features in both the Ultima and Bigpack models.
“Baling hay is tough, because of the brief window of time in which you can get the job done, before the weather turns bad,” explained Craig.
“But the continuous baling feature of the Ultima and the automated collection of the Bigpack means we can increase production within specific windows of suitable moisture.”
As well as the balers, Regari Contracting also has a Krone EasyCut 32CV & 9140CV for mowing and a Krone Swadro TC-880 Plus for raking.
Craig also uses Vary packs V190+ for round bales of mostly hay and straw, but some silage.
“In the contracting business, you need to have cutting edge machinery to stay ahead of the game, and here at Regari we firmly believe you can’t go past Krone.
“The quality is unmatched.”
WARINGA
UNIQUE HAY STACKER FURTHER BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY
Collecting and stacking hay bales as quickly and efficiently as possible is the key target for operators and contractors, and there are opportunities to hit new records in this area with Highline’s unique square bale stacker.
Making fewer trips into paddocks saves time and money, thereby maximising productivity, and that has been the focus for Highline with its FaStack bale stacker.
Distributed by Waringa Distribution, the Highline FS1200 stacker can carry up to 12 bales.
Waringa Distribution General Manager Sam Abbott said the ease of operating the FS1200 stacker would impress operators.
“You have a touch screen and you can control everything with a joystick while driving the tractor. One tip is all that’s required with the Highline stacker to gently and securely unload,” Sam said.
“With the flip of a switch, you also have the unique ability to stack on strings (facing down) or off strings (facing to the side), without needing to make any other machine adjustments. And you have the ability to tie-stack or crisscross the bales if desired.
“The FS1200 model also has an added rotating front table that can twist and turn two bales into their final position before lifting them on to the bed.”
The Highline stacker uses a patented bale clamp to grab and lift bales off the ground, preventing scrubbing of the bales. Bumper cushions also keep the integrity of bales intact and then side rails secure them in place.
Sam said the FS1200 stacker was set on a 3-metre wheel centre to suit controlled traffic farming systems and it can pick bales up in the same direction they come out of the baler to further minimise damage.
“High flotation tyres also make it pretty smooth and comfortable when heading across uneven land.”
Meanwhile, for round hay bales, Highline offers double row and single row bale movers that have been designed to allow great visibility behind the machines.
The movers automatically turn and shift bales for fast, non-stop loading and transport, meaning operators never have to leave the tractor.
Highline’s BM1400 double row mover picks from both sides and its BM607 and BM605 single row machines also feature Auto Bale Shuttle, which allows operators to automatically shift the last loaded bale back one position, so they can load the next bale without manually shuttling the load.
For further information on the Highline hay bale stacker and movers, operators can contact Waringa Distribution on (08) 6154 5999 or visit waringadistribution.com.au
FREE CROSS AUGER
VALUED UP TO $14,000
WHEN YOU ORDER A NEW MIDWEST FRONT. CALL MIDWEST ON (07) 4662 2137 TO ENQUIRE.
Midwest extra-wide widths (36ft to 60ft) ensure you will harvest more hectares per day and more tonnes per hour getting full capacity from your combine.
Goweil, a distinguished name in the realm of agricultural machinery, has made remarkable advancements with their innovative stationary baler-wrapper combinations. Among their top-tier products are the LT Master and the newly released LT Master F60, both designed to significantly enhance efficiency and productivity in baling and wrapping operations.
LT MASTER: VERSATILITY AND EFFICIENCY REDEFINED
The Goweil LT Master is a high-performance stationary baler-wrapper combination, renowned for its versatility and efficiency. This machine is engineered to process a wide variety of materials, including maize, hemp, corn cob mix (CCM), and
sugar beet pulp, making it an essential tool for diverse agricultural needs.
One of the standout features of the LT Master is its integrated feed hopper, which ensures a steady and continuous flow of material into the machine. Coupled with a scraper floor and a re-feeder belt, this setup guarantees efficient material handling and consistent operation. The hydraulic drive system is another critical component, allowing the baling speed to be precisely adjusted to the material being processed. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring high-quality bales.
The LT Master can produce bales with a diameter of 0.60 - 1.15m, catering to various storage and transport requirements. Its robust construction and advanced features enable
it to handle up to 60 bales per hour, depending on the material and conditions, showcasing its impressive efficiency.
LT MASTER F60: COMPACT AND CAPABLE
In 2024, Goweil expanded their product line with the introduction of the LT Master F60. This new addition offers the same exceptional quality and performance as the LT Master but in a more compact and affordable package. The LT Master F60 is specifically designed for smaller operations or farms with limited space.
Despite its smaller size, the LT Master F60 retains all the advanced features of its larger counterpart. It processes a wide range of materials, including maize, hemp, CCM, and sugar beet pulp. The integrated feed hopper, scraper floor, and re-feeder belt ensure smooth and efficient material handling, while the hydraulic drive system
allows for precise adjustment of the baling speed.
The LT Master F60 produces bales with a diameter of 0.60m, maintaining the same standard as the larger model. Its compact dimensions and ease of transport make it an ideal choice for operations that require mobility or have space constraints.
Both the LT Master and LT Master F60 set the standard in stationary baler-wrapper technology. Both machines are designed to handle a wide variety of materials efficiently, thanks to features like the integrated feed hopper, scraper floor, re-feeder belt, and hydraulic drive system. The LT Master is perfect for largescale operations needing high throughput and robust performance, while the LT Master F60 provides a compact, efficient solution for smaller farms.
With these products, Goweil continues to demonstrate their commitment to innovation and excellence in agricultural machinery.
LALLEMAND
High oxygen barrier film vs conventional PE plastic film
Silostop is the leading manufacturer of high oxygen barrier (HOB) silage films and operates globally. Unlike standard polyethylene (PE) sheeting, Silostop films are made up of a unique composition of 11 different layers of PE and EVOH which are extruded together. This reduces dry matter (DM) losses in the top 1 metre of the silage and inhibits any spoilage.
There are two different types of film available:
1. Silostop Orange 45µm is the original and best-selling film across the world with a cling effect that follows the contours of the surface of the silage. Silostop Orange is part of a two layer system and requires a UV protection layer such as conventional PE film or reusable SilageKeeper UV covers
2. Silostop Max is an 80µm impermeable orange on black UV stable film that stops the entry of oxygen into silage offering even lower oxygen
transfer than Silostop orange. At 80µm thick, it’s suitable for larger applications and ideal for longer term storage and harsher environments especially when used in combination with SilageKeeper UV protection covers.
Silostop HOB films provide an impermeable film preventing the entry of oxygen into silage. They are multi-layer construction, light and very robust silage films, making it easy to handle and apply. Its unique high oxygen barrier properties are proven to be up to 100 times more effective than conventional silage sheeting. Using an Oxygen Transmission Rate test to measure the amount of oxygen able to pass through a m2 of silage film over a 24-hour period, Silostop films let through less than 5 cm/ m2/24 hours whereas conventional PE films 125µm black and white sheets let through more than 300cm/m2/24 hours and PE cling film lets through more than 1000cm/m2/24 hours.
Discarding spoiled silage has generally been viewed as too
hard yet is unavoidable to ensure that only the best quality feed is fed. Historically farmers accepted some degree of spoilage, even in well managed silage, particularly in the top 1m and on the surface of the silage.
This is caused by oxygen being able to enter the silage mass, resulting in aerobic spoilage, typically because conventional PE silage sheets are permeable and allow oxygen to pass
A new world of tough
through plastics during the storage period. Physical damage to the sheets such as punctures caused by tyres, animals, hail, and sunlight also contribute to allowing oxygen to enter the silage.
Spoiled silage will negatively impact animal productivity due to a reduction of DM intakes, and potential health issues from contaminated feed. There are also additional costs associated with
BIOSTART
EASY HAY AND SILAGE
“Biostart forage preservatives make great silage and hay and are easy to use – there’s no mixing and you can reuse open drums,” explains Tim Marshall, from Cardinal Twines and Film.
Tim is a hay and silage contractor who uses the Biostart forage products, HayKing, SilageKing and MaizeKing.
Tim was so impressed with the products that he now distributes them as well as his wrap and twine, out of Drouin South in Victoria.
He and his customers like that the products can be stored at room temperature and can be reused after breaks, which means less work and less waste. They also appreciate that “it doesn’t rust the hay baler out”. HayKing is made from a combination of microbial fermentation extracts that inhibit hay spoilage microbes, such as yeast and fungi, ensuring bales store better, remain cooler after baling, and maintain better feed quality.
This high level of control over spoilage microbes also means baling can be done at slightly higher moisture levels, meaning you can start earlier, finish later, and carry on in damper conditions.
The graph below shows that the application of HayKing to hay at baling stopped the bales heating over the first four weeks after baling, whereas the untreated
labour and removing the spoiled silage as to avoid feeding it.
Silostop films have been scientifically proven to reduce visible losses by eliminating spoiled silage, which is typically 10% of the top 1m of the stack, and invisible losses by an additional 20% through loss in DM through shrinkage. There will always be a degree of shrinkage as the top layer can’t be compacted as well as the bottom of the silage stack, but we are able to reduce this to 10%, giving you an additional 20% of valuable feed in that top
1m and a return on investment of 4 to 1 when switching from conventional PE silage film.
The performance of Silostop products has been remarkable. The research is continually updated through scientific papers and trials, which have taken place in North and South America, Australia and Europe in a range of different sized applications and climates.
One of the recent trials, with the University of Delaware, compared Silostop complete silage protection system with the con-
bales heated up two weeks after baling and remained warmer than treated bales for ~14 days. The heating in the untreated bales was caused by the activity of the yeasts in the bale. These yeasts use up sugars in the hay to grow and produce heat when they metabolise these sugars. Once these sugars are used up by the yeasts, they are not available to feed the animal. Heating also denatures the protein which reduces palatability. Feed analysis of the resulting hay showed HayKing maintained higher levels of metabolizable energy, digestibility and protein in the hay.
The fermentation extracts in SilageKing and MaizeKing make a highly palatable forage that retains optimal metabolic energy levels.
It works by activating beneficial bacteria in grass and cereal to produce ensiling lactic and acetic acid, while at the same time suppressing the yeasts and
ventional method of PE sheets and tyres over three bunkers and evaluated the losses as well as the quality of the silage in the top 1m. The differences in DM content, NDF and digestibility all indicate a far greater productive potential for silages ensiled with Silostop HOB films. DM and wastage losses were reduced, and the fermentative profile was improved.
An additional 41 trials formed part of a meta-analysis which concluded that the use of Silostop’s system minimises losses in
fungi that cause spoilage.
All Biostart’s forage preservatives are used straight from the drum and open drums can be used again in the following days. As there are no live microbes in the products, just the extracts, they can be stored at room temperature. In addition, HayKing has been demonstrated to work with hay steamers as the product is not affected by the high temperatures created by the steamers.
Biostart is an Australasian company that was started in New Zealand. They have been developing biological solutions for 30 years with extensive testing in partnership with farmers both in New Zealand and Australia to ensure the products are both reliable and practical to use.
For more information call Biostart’s Ag manager, Nick Smyth, on 1800 359 559 www.biostart. com.au or, in Victoria, Tim Marshall at Cardinal Twines and Film on 0427 276 391.
the top 1m layer of the silage and improved overall stability of bulk silage stored in bunkers or drive over piles.
Lallemand’s complete silage protection system incorporating Silostop HOB films and reusable SilageKeeper UV protection covers and SealKeeper gravel bags provides a unique solution, preventing major causes of spoilage, physical damage and improves silage quality – creating a better option for farmers looking to improve returns and silage quality.
The ARCUSIN MULITPACK bundles 14 bales for quicker, easier handling, carting and stacking.
• High compaction for increased load capacity and storage efficiency
• Less moving parts for simpler operation, lower horsepower needs
• Make small bale handling a breeze, saving time, labour and effort
• Eliminate the weather by baling and raking at the same time
• Independent hydraulic drive for gentle and clean raking
• Save fuel, save time, and make perfect bales
ABIMAC BUTTERFLY AVANTIME front mounted twin rotor rake is the ultimate efficiency machine!
• One operator, one pass raking and baling
• Presents optimal swath to baler for tight, well formed bales
• Close ground following with adjustable width, good manoeuvrability, folds for transport
PÖTTINGER
NEW MERGENTO VT 9220 MERGER
Grassland specialist Pöttinger has added yet another new product to its extensive grassland range: The new Mergento VT 9220 merger (with working widths of up to 9.20m for a central swath and 8.70m for a side swath) is designed for alfalfa, clover, and a wide variety of crops from permanent grassland to straw.
Every leaf counts
Mergento collects the forage using the pick-up. Meanwhile, dirt and stones remain on the ground. Without further contact with the ground, cross conveyor belts transport the forage to the swath. Especially with leafy, dry crops, the Pöttinger merger minimizes disintegration losses because the forage is not raked across the ground. The overall result is more energy, more crude protein and less crude ash in the forage.
Optimum crop flow
The heart of the Mergento is the conveyor unit. The perfectly coordinated system ensures a consistent flow of forage and perfectly formed swaths even with short crop material. The conveyor unit consists of the pick-up, the crop press roller and the cross conveyor belt.
The six-row controlled pick-up delivers maximum collection performance with minimum forage contamination. The crop is gently collected from the ground by the successive pick-up tines and fed to the cross conveyor belt. The cam track makes the tines retract just before the belt. The transfer point is 120mm higher than the cross conveyor belt. This allows the forage to fall freely onto the conveyor belt. In addition, the flow of crop pushes the forage onto the belt. The conveyor unit also operates reliably when driving downhill and with a short cut crop. The chassis rollers are positioned very close to the point the tines contact the crop and ensure perfect ground tracking. The complete freedom of movement provided by the centre pivot mounting of the belt units ensures constant weight alleviation over the entire working width. It is also the basis for 3D ground tracking. The ingenious design of the boom with three hydraulic cylinders reacts in a split second to any bumps in the ground. In the centre-swath mode, the vertical freedom of movement is +475mm to -195mm while lateral float is +30 degrees to -13 degrees. The inclination in the direction of travel can move from +11.5 to -0 degrees.
The Mergento switches the cross conveyor belts off auto-
matically at the headland, and they start running automatically at the beginning of the next pass. This system guarantees each swath starts and finishes tidily. It also saves a lot of time because there is no need to empty the cross conveyor belt at the end of the swath. The delay time for switching the conveyor belts on and off can be conveniently adjusted using the terminal in the tractor cab.
Convenient operation and maximum flexibility
The direction of rotation and the position of the two cross conveyor belts can be adjusted from the comfort of the tractor
cab. Depending on the shape of the field, the volume of forage and the follow-up harvesting machine, the new Mergento VT 9220 can place a centre swath, swaths to the left or right, two single swaths, convey from the inside out, and even load forage for a short period.
With the new Mergento VT 9220 merger, grassland specialist Pöttinger once again demonstrates its expertise in delivering the best working results.
Flowtast: Clean forage in difficult conditions
The Top 882 C centre-swath rake offers high output and the best ground tracking over a
working width of 7.7 to 8m. Pöttinger has upgraded this rake with an innovative feature. The glide bar is available as an option instead of jockey wheels to track the ground close to the tines over the whole surface. Flowtast glides effortlessly over wet and peaty soils even with deep marks and holes.
Pöttinger has been focussing on the production of clean forage. During development, they paid special attention to situations where a wheeled chassis reaches its limits.
This is the case, for example, on wet, peaty soils with deep wheel marks, and when working with whole crop forage in fields where the sward does not provide full surface cover, or even in areas that have been damaged by wild boar. If the wheels sink in, the tines inevitably scrape the ground and the forage becomes contaminated.
How it works
With Flowtast, the rake glides smoothly over problem areas in the field. The large area of contact improves load-bearing capacity on wet, peaty soils. A hydraulic cylinder alleviates the
weight of the Top 882 C rotor unit. This results in a low pressure on the ground of approximately 200kg. This protects the soil and the glide bar. Repair work and downtime are minimised thanks to the reduced wear and lower stress on the frame of the rake.
The Pöttinger engineers tested various materials and selected
IMPROVE FARM SOILS ALL IN ONE PASS
Plough, mulch and achieve your ideal soil bed with independent discs, tines and packers
a special plastic (PE 1000) for this application. This synthetic material possesses an enormous resistance to wear and abrasion. Each glide bar consists of five individually exchangeable 15mm thick plates. To provide perfect ground tracking and tine guidance, the glide bar is installed close to the tines. It tracks the
ground along the full raking length of the tine arc. The sickle shape bar also offers the best gliding properties during sideways movements.
The proven Multitast jockey wheel system can be fitted as an option for additional ground tracking excellence when using the Flowtast glide bar.
DISCORDON
ONE PASS FINISHER
Plough, mulch and achieve an ideal soil bed with independent discs, tines and packers
• Exclusive, on-the-go tine adjustment to 440mm depth, disc gang angle for more aggressive cut, and packing pressures
• Winged point option available
• Strong, durable with 2.9 - 7.2m working widths
• Folds to less than 3m
Plus speed and subsoil tillers, disc harrows and semi-mounted ploughs
for the love
OF THE GAME
INGHAM SUGARCANE GROWER AND CONTRACTOR ANDREW SORBELLO’S FAMILY HAVE BEEN FARMING QUEENSLAND SINCE EARLY IN THE LAST CENTURY.
His grandfather Salvatore arrived from Sicily around 1920 and, in 1928, bought the farm Andrew is now on.
Andrew’s father, Santo, took over from him.
Both Salvatore and Santo had some cattle and sugarcane.
Andrew and his brother Michael have now taken over, with both of them also contracting for other Ingham sugarcane growers and a nearby mill.
Andrew plants 60 hectares of his own sugarcane on two separate 30 hectare blocks, and also contracts as a sugarcane harvester.
Brother Michael is on 58ha, also planting sugarcane and contracting.
Andrew got into contracting 18 years ago when the contractor that was cutting his father’s sugarcane decided to call it a day. Andrew was driving for another
FROM LEFT; WIFE RHONDA, ANNABELL AND ANDREW. ANDREW SAYS HE LOVES THE LIFESTYLE FARMING GIVES THEM.
group, but talked to the contractor and took over operations.
Cane in Ingham is grown as a dryland crop, with none under irrigation.
The entire region is under sugarcane, with few other crops on the land, he says.
The area has had excessive
HARVEST STARTS FROM MID-JUNE AND CONTINUES UNTIL ABOUT THE END OF NOVEMBER, DEPENDENT ON WEATHER AND THE SUGAR CONTENT OF THE SUGARCANE.
Photo by Luke Horniblow
rainfall this year, with about 800mm falling from January.
“There’s been three or four months of just continuous rain. It’s been as muggy as muggy can be,” Andrew says.
Andrew’s two blocks of sugarcane are on different soils, with one block, next to his house, on fast draining sandy soil.
As a contractor he looks at soil in practical terms.
“After a big rain event, if you get a few days of sun, you need a week and you can get back on and do whatever work you need to do. In the summer you need only one or two days and you’re back on again.”
In his area, most growers deliver sugarcane to Wilmar Mills, which crushes it and markets the finished product.
Sugarcane planting starts about May and continues until
September, depending on weather.
Harvest starts from mid-June and continues until about the end of November, also dependent on weather and the sugar content of the sugarcane.
Harvest overlaps with contractors tag teaming each other to help out between the two jobs.
The contract group Andrew is part of aims to harvest about 80,000 tonnes in the Ingham area.
On his own 60 hectares, he hopes to get a 5,000-tonne crop off, he says.
As a contractor, one of the biggest challenges is trying to get the area he is contracted for harvested to the deadline the mill sets.
In a normal year he cuts 20 to 25 acres per day, but when the mills “get going” they can push for 30 acres per day.
FORM LEFT, MICHAEL AND ANDREW. ANDREW GROWS SUGARCANE OVER 60HA AND MICHAEL OVER 58HA. THEY ARE BOTH ALSO CONTRACTORS IN THE INDUSTRY. THE FARM ANDREW IS ON WAS BOUGHT BY HIS GRANDFATHER IN 1928.
“There’s pressure to get that crop off in a reasonable time frame.”
Contracting takes almost all of his time, with work starting at 4 am and finishing at 4 pm.
After that, he has to tend to his own land and normal household responsibilities.
“It’s a big day,” he says.
Last year, mill contractors worked six days on, with a two day break after that, and then seven days, followed by one day off.
This year they will work eight days on, followed by two days off.
Andrew says when the harvest season is going full tilt, a contractor needs to have all their ducks in a row to keep both farmers and mills happy.
Key to staying on top of your game is keeping everyone informed of what harvest schedules look like, he says.
“While you’re cutting, you’re also organising the next couple of farmers. They have to know you’re coming and have to get sugar tested [so harvest can go ahead] and the mill needs to know when cane is coming in.
And you need to know what’s happening after that so you’re ahead of the eight ball.”
One of the most critical factors that decides when harvests start is sugar levels in the cane, Andrew explains.
To determine this, sugar is extracted from sugarcane and a refractometer is used to gauge the brix content.
If the brix count on sugar is high enough, “then the harvest is on,” he says.
However if there was, for example, too much rain, and the sugar content is too low, then it is pointless to harvest.
Australian instrument seller Instrument Choice explains how a brix refractometer works best.
“When light enters a liquid at an angle, it changes direction. This phenomenon is called refraction. Light will refract more when travelling through a liquid with dissolved or suspended solids. Therefore, refraction can be used to measure the concentration of dissolved or suspended solids within a solution. Refractometers are scientific instruments that measure refraction angles and correlate them to an already established refractive index.
“Degrees Brix is the sugar content of an aqueous solution. One degree Brix is 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution and represents the strength of the solution as percentage by mass.”
Andrew says in the past there have been years where there was so much rain that entire harvests have gone to waste.
In 2022, the region had to leave behind 240,000 tonnes of cane as the sugar content was not up to standard.
There are chemical products available that increase the sugar content, he says. The product, Modus, is sprayed 12 weeks prior to cutting and ripens the cane, and slows growth.
chemical basically matures the cane, which then dries off making it ready for harvest.
By doing this, the cane matures and sugar is brought on. The
With too much biomass hard to harvest, the product can also stop the cane from growing.
The sugarcane in Queensland is green harvested with very little burning ever needed, Andrew says. But in the infrequent cases where the biomass is too dense, and harvesters struggle to get the job done, burning is an option.
But burning depletes soil moisture and Ingham growers prefer to preserve moisture, he says. He explains in this case he prefers to adjust his harvest methods and opens up space by going into the middle of a block.
Up to 40 tonnes per acre is a decent biomass to harvest, but once it goes up to 60 or 70 tonnes, it becomes a tangled mass and a harvester can get themselves into a lot of trouble, he says.
“We need good weather during the season and not a lot of rain. Ideally we get 2 to 4 inches during the season, which is enough to keep us going until the end. After that, if we can get spraying and fertilising done, then we are okay.”
The real rain in Ingham usually
ANDREW HARVESTING SUGAR CANE. HE SAYS THE VALTRA IS A RELIABLE MACHINE FOR HAULOUTS.
Photo by Luke Horniblow
hits by harvest time, with a ‘big wet’ every 10-11 years. But if it is too dry, crops can be lost after cutting, he says. This is because new shoots, called ratoons, may not grow in dry conditions, especially in sandy soils.
Andrew checks in with other contractors during the season to see where their challenges lie, with concerns around machinery breakdowns always at the front of mind.
If he can avoid the same issue other contractors are having, then he is ahead of the curve.
He does so by listening to their challenges and addressing possible equipment failure before it happens.
Andrew believes he has made the right equipment choices to keep breakdowns to a minimum.
For haulouts, Andrew uses the Valtra T Series 195 tractor.
Valtra boasts a couple of things about these tractors on their website.
For one, all-round visibility with big windows, a 6 cylinder engine, high road speeds with high payload, LED daytime running lights, Stage V engines with
VIEW FROM THE JOHN DEERE CH 570 COCKPIT.
FOR HAULOUTS ANDREW USES THE VALTRA T SERIES 195. COMFORT IS KEY WHEN YOU SPEND LONG DAYS IN THE SEAT AND THAT’S WHAT VALTRA OFFERS.
hydraulic lash adjustment and a 600 hour service interval, 195Hp and 800 standard torque.
“It’s just a nice tractor to drive. Everyone comments on how well it drives. We had a Valtra break
For harvesting, Andrew relies on the John Deere CH 570. John Deere’s website also
tor, a smart clean cane cleaner, sugarcane field yield map, 4000+ readings per hectare, and a base cutter and chopper
ting and feeding in the global
Andrew has owned three of these, with reliability again the main reason for his continued trust in the green machine.
As a contractor his reliance is based on whether the machine can get the job done.
“When you turn the key in the mornings you know it will go all day; you don’t have major issues, as long as you do general maintenance.”
Andrew says contracting is not what it used to be, with all the old hands concerned that there are very few new entrants.
“We don’t see new blood coming in.
“The easiest route into contracting would be to buy an existing group out, but that could cost close to AUD$1 million,” he says.
There are also no guarantees of success.
“You don’t have an agreement with anyone to say you cut their cane, a farmer can pull out anytime.
“If you want to start your own contracting business and you can’t find anyone to buy out, you look at a $2 million input cost at
least. The money that used to be in contracting is not the same as in the past.”
With farmers paying for diesel, Andrew says his biggest cost is parts.
“I used to run a certain radial tyre called Alliance on the tippers. I can’t run them anymore. A couple of years ago it was AUD$5000 per tyre, so we run a cheaper one, called Sugar Daddy, at AUD$2500. But you only need one spike through it and it’s buggered. Depending where you are working you can lose one a
FOR HARVESTING ANDREW RELIES ON THE JOHN DEERE CH 570, “WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY IN THE MORNINGS YOU KNOW IT WILL GO ALL DAY, YOU DON’T HAVE MAJOR ISSUES, AS LONG AS YOU DO GENERAL MAINTENANCE.”
week,” he says.
A transmission failure sets a contractor back AUD$20,000 to AUD$30,000.
In future Andrew will continue as a harvest contractor, but his brother hopes to begin as a planting contractor in the next season.
There are no talks of succession yet, but his daughter Annabell is 14 and is interested in farming, although Andrew says he believes if she takes over one day it will be the growing operation and not contracting.
He hopes she will acquire a good trade first, before taking on the farm.
Who knows, perhaps the fourth generation of Sorbello’s will also work the land.
Until then Andrew says he loves the lifestyle the farm gives him, and the harvesting gives him a huge kick.
OLDER EQUIPMENT THAT NEVER SAY DIE!
VT 9220
Innovative agricultural technology for more than 150 years
Innovative agricultural technology for more than 150 years
Highest functionality and productivity
Highest functionality and productivity
Efficient and sustainable farming
Efficient and sustainable farming
Revitalising the soil for promoting plant growth
Revitalising the soil for promoting plant growth
getting the BALANCE RIGHT
SAM FRYER IS A BUSY MAN, BUT DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE WITH HIS FAMILY.
Having lived most of his life in the farming area of Hughenden in northern Queensland, and long been involved with his parent’s beef breeding operation, Sam knows first-hand the challenges that go with farming in remote rural areas.
This has stood him in good stead in his role as Regional Area Manager for the North West and Gulf for Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, helping farmers with advice and financial support, especially when areas are hit by big events like droughts or flooding.
But the remoteness of farming communities brings pressures that don’t just involve running a business a long way from suppliers or a handy mechanic.
Sam has also experienced firsthand the impacts on families caring for children and young adults who have special needs, or are going through tough times
WHILE STILL A HOBBY, PODCASTING IS OPENING UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAM.
affecting their mental health.
This, in turn, has indirectly led to Sam to starting his own podcast - A Place to call Home with Sam Fryer
While still a bit of a hobby, the podcast’s popularity is growing and this recently saw him taking on sponsors for each episode. It’s here, Sam reckons, that peo-
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF FARMING IN REMOTE AREAS CAN MEAN LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER’S WELL BEING.
ple’s integrity can start to be compromised and he is careful he doesn’t get pulled into that.
“Just about everyone has a podcast nowadays and it’s not hard to set up. That’s why it comes down to integrity,” he says.
There are podcasts out there that are a marketing ploy to bring in people, he says, while others, once they have a partnership or advertising person on board, get caught in the trap of playing toward where their advertising dollar is coming from, and lose their integrity.
The strength of his new project, Sam feels, is the topics he covers are of genuine interest to him as he looks to focus on his dream of farm ownership further down the track.
While he gets downloads, it is the 5-stars on Spotify and personal messages of thanks that are his biggest drivers for continuing – that people are gaining something from it.
But the podcast now sees him too busy and is making him re-evaluate some other commitments he’d taken on as he got up to speed with industry developments.
He started the project after pulling out of the succession process with his parents and their farming business.
“I had been in partnership with them, but it was falling apart so I got out and then felt really lost.”
His dream is still to one day be chasing cows as a full-time beef producer, so he began asking people how to do that. He looked at what he personally wanted to learn to achieve that dream for his wife Emily, himself and their three children.
A fifth-generation grazier with strong family ties to the Townsville area, Sam was a baby when his parents moved to Hughenden to manage a farm his grandparents had bought. They were young - in their mid-twenties. Like many farming families, three generations often worked together on the land so Sam saw a lot of his grandfather while he was growing up on the farm.
By the time his parents began their succession process of buying out the grandparents in the farm, they had three young children. This saw Sam’s father often away contracting in the mines to supply much needed cash flow.
While this would have been hard on any family, with Sam’s younger sister Alex having been born with cerebral palsy, it put significant pressure on his mother carrying the load of not only looking after the property with young children, but also dealing with the high demands of a special needs child, including regularly taking all three children to Townsville – a four-hour drive away, for specialist appointments.
They coped with the help of neighbours who would often come in to deal with problems around the property while Sam’s father was away, showing Sam the value of community.
Boarding school is common for
WANTING CLOSE BONDS WITH HIS CHILDREN SEES SAM UNWILLING TO COMPROMISE TIME WITH FAMILY.
rural youngsters and, when Sam was 10, he left behind his four fellow students at the tiny local school and joined 1500 other kids at boarding school.
While it might have been exciting in other circumstances - getting off the farm and out into a bigger world - his younger sister Alex at eight, had just tragically died from complications from an epileptic seizure. Away from home and family, and surrounded by strangers, her death really hit him hard, playing on his mind.
SAM AND EMILY REVEL IN FAMILY LIFE WITH THEIR THREE CHILDREN, IN REMOTE NORTHERN QUEENSLAND.
They teach you about physical fitness and eating healthy at school, he says, but they don’t teach you how to deal with grief and looking after your own mental health.
Years later, in his early 20’s, this trauma came back when a close
friend was killed on the job while they were both working on a station in the Northern Territory, and saw him develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emily, his girlfriend at the time, came to work on the farm as a book-keeper giving him support.
But his mood started spiralling. He was working hard as a contractor but began drinking hard and partying hard. It was a year that tested friendships, he says. He broke down and cried for a couple of hours in the kitchen one day when his family asked
YOUNG LUCY AND HER SIBLINGS WILL BE THE SIXTH GENERATION GROWING UP ON THE LAND.
what was happening and if he was ok.
Counselling followed and, since then, Sam - now in his mid 30shas been mindful of looking after his own mental health and looking out for others too. And why he got involved with Movember, raising awareness of men’s mental health issues, particularly for rural men.
This mindfulness has also seen him building a close relationship with his own three children, sixyear-old Bella, Charlie (five) and Lucy, who’s three. He wants to be the best Dad he can be for them, he says, and for them to be able to talk to him about anything that’s happening in their lives.
It’s these strong bonds with his children that were part of the fracture with his own parents when they started going through the succession process.
With his father doing the hard
yards at the mines in the early days, sometimes away from his family for long periods, and the resulting hard times experienced by his mother, Sam wanted a different kind of homelife for Emily, himself and their children and says he couldn’t commit to the long hours his father wanted him to put in.
“It was a classic case of poor communication and a lot of family conflict starting to happen.”
Things were deteriorating and it was really affecting his mental health, Sam reckons.
By the time they got out of the family business he admits he was “pretty broken”.
Going it alone, along with breeding cattle, they also do some trading, with Emily working on the property as well as looking after the behind-the-scenes work with the podcast.
The break has also given Sam the space to continue to get up
HIS ROLE WITH QRIDA SEES SAM ADVISING FARMING GROUPS ACROSS THE NORTHERN REGION.
to speed with Australian agriculture more broadly and what’s going on globally.
“It’s important to keep looking abroad so you don’t fall behind as a business and as an industry. You’ve got to keep up with the latest trends, developments with tech and genetics.”
Queensland’s beef industry –like the rest of Australia – faces issues with climate change, carbon, and renewables, along with
needing to be more consumer focused, he says. Through his work with QRIDA he gets to see the impacts of the warming climate.
“Looking at northern Queensland, in the last five years we’ve had a dozen once-in-100-year floods, and that’s a pretty scary trend.”
Many, mostly younger, farmers are very aware of these issues with some making quite dramat-
ic changes to make a difference, Sam reckons.
But with a predominantly older demographic in the industry - the average age of a primary producer is 63 – many farmers haven’t kept up and see no need to change production, or plan for a different kind of farming future. This affects the industry going forward, he says.
While many farmers don’t like discussing climate change,
FARMERS NEED TO ACCEPT THE CLIMATE IS CHANGING AND ADAPT THEIR FARMING SYSTEMS, SAYS SAM.
including within his own family, he believes it is important for the next generation to keep asking questions, keep bringing things up, to keep looking around the corner, and the next one after that.
• Bale hay with up to 25% crop moisture
• Certified for use in organic systems
• Long tank life
• No animal rejection
“Otherwise, you end up with that old saying – if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. We can’t keep doing that any more - we’ve got to keep moving forward and being progressive.”
It is with this background, where he sees the need for more renewable energy as it all ties in with meeting the challenges of climate change, that Sam now finds himself somewhat conflicted when it comes to the significant push for wind farms in the
northern Queensland region.
While leasing land for wind turbines and solar farms is a massive opportunity for some people, he’s worried what impacts this will have on the area as a community.
“Will people just cash in and move away, because you make more from a wind farm than from breeding cows?
“Or is there an opportunity where people could now retire early and you could still lease that farmland off them?”
A LIFE LONG PASSION FOR HORSES SEES HORSEBACK AS SAM’S PREFERRED MODE OF TRANSPORT AROUND THE FARM.
While he would always have reservations of good agricultural land potentially falling out of production, he says, it is more the concern over the disposal of the wind towers once they reach their end of life in 30 years’ time that worries him. While there are payments into trusts designed to meet the costs of removal and regeneration of the land, will they be enough, he wonders.
Impacts on farming communities also sees Sam disappointed so many family farms are being
bought up by corporate entities, as he doesn’t believe corporates look after the land as well as generational farmers do.
While he recognises corporates do well at bringing improved genetics, improved data, and focus more on the consumer - which moves the industry forward, Sam also thinks that long term views around land care and animal welfare need to be recognised.
“With generational farming you look at the land differently when you’re caretaker for that time. You’re looking forward to what it’s going to look like when your grandkids take it over. You have to think like that.
“There are companies out there that do a great job and families that do a terrible job but it’s the overview that family farms are generally better at looking after the land and animals.”
There are also shared challenges on the smaller family farms that corporates wouldn’t have to deal with, that bind farming communities together and makes them more resilient to the challenges of remote living, he says.
Co-operation in sending stock to market is one of these areas that Sam knows the benefits of first hand with his smaller operation.
“Because of the isolation of where we live it takes a long time for trucks to get here. To make it viable for a B-double to travel those distances, you really need to sell three or four decks of stock. Selling one deck up here is nearly impossible.”
This sees Sam and Emily coordinating sales with neighbours so the B-doubles decks are full, making the trip viable.
After a cooling down period that initially saw Sam and Emily leasing land elsewhere, they have recently started to lease part of a farm off his parents and now live on one of their other properties.
Sam is hopeful they will be able to build bridges with his parents and eventually be involved with the family business again. But, in the meantime, they are forging ahead with their own business and plans for the future – making time for both farm and family.
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vineyard contractor blossoms WITH
TOP GEAR AND STAFF
MARIGOLD FARM VITICULTURE PROVIDES CONTRACT VINEYARD MANAGEMENT TO GRAPE GROWERS ACROSS THE MARLBOROUGH REGION.
The management services cover everything involved in running a vineyard from start to finish –machinery work through to manual labour tasks.
Along with management they also provide all vineyard-related machinery contracting services – everything from spraying, leaf plucking, fertiliser spreading to harvesting.
Marigold Farm manages a number of large family-owned vineyards, and the biggest customer for their vineyard management service is Vinlink Marlborough.
says the company’s efficiency comes from having people and machinery that they can move amongst the various vineyards while also keeping up to date with the latest equipment the market has to offer.
“We have our main base in the Waihopai Valley, but we move around vineyards across the whole Marlborough region. This spreads the staff and gear across a far larger area. We don’t have staff or gear based in one spot. Everyone moves with the work
DALE WOODS SAYS THE COMPANY’S FMR SPRAYERS ARE COMPACT AND HAVE A FAN AND NOZZLE DESIGN THAT ACCURATELY HITS THE TARGET AREA.
flow and demand.
“Compare that to corporates with multiple vineyards. They often have staff and gear for each vineyard and tend not to cross the boundary.
“This means every vineyard
PROFILED IN NZ’S RURAL CONTRACTOR & LARGE SCALE FARMER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024, WE VISIT MARIGOLD FARM IN MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND. across ditch the
Vinlink is a NZ-owned company based in Riverlands Estate that produces more than 12 million bottles of world class wine each year. Marigold looks after their vineyards throughout Marlborough.
Marigold Farm general manager and co-owner Dale Woods
WITH ITS KLIMA VINE STRIPPERS, MARIGOLD FARM VITICULTURE CAN SAVE 30 CENTS PER VINE COMPARED TO HAND STRIPPING.
BRIAN WOODS AND HIS WIFE JILL STARTED THE CONTRACTING BUSINESS IN 2006.
carries staff and machinery for a smaller area than we can cover. We are constantly moving, so the same cost is spread across a far larger area.
“We might also have bad weather on one block but good weather on another so we move the work order around to keep the teams working. It is also nicer for the staff to be moving around. It gives them variety if they are not on the same block all the time.”
Marigold Farm Viticulture goes back to 2006. That is when Dale’s parents, Brian and Jill, founded it under its original name, Brian Woods Vineyard Contracting.
Before that Brian was working on farms and orchards. He moved into viticulture in 1988 working for wages and then as a sole trader in 1992. In 1995 they formed a partnership with a business partner and developed a vineyard in the Awatere Valley of Marlborough which Brian managed until they sold it in 2006.
That is when they started the contracting business. At that
stage it was just machinery contracting with a tractor and sprayer. Brian and Jill slowly got more gear and staff.
They then moved into the vineyard management side of things taking on bigger blocks. It continued to grow from there.
Their son Dale grew up around machinery and the viticulture industry and has always had a huge interest in both.
After leaving collage he completed a heavy diesel apprenticeship at the local Massey Ferguson and Fendt dealership, Tractor Spares and Repairs. He spent 11
years working for them and went from a 17-year-old apprentice to a 21-year-old workshop manager.
Dale’s long-term plan was always to join the family business, so he downed tools for TRS and joined the Marigold team in 2017.
“I started learning the ropes and have gradually taken on more,” he says.
In the early days he spent most of his time as a mechanic fixing the company’s gear, but, as his knowledge of the business grew, his time was better spent elsewhere.
In 2019 Dale completed studies in viticulture and horticulture. His days are now spent running the Marigold Farm’s day-to-day operations and keeping things ticking along. “Sometimes I would love to spend more time in a tractor but it’s very rare that the day allows me to do that.”
SIMPLY BETTER HAY
Viticulture industry becoming more sustainable
Dale Woods says, while Marlborough is producing more grapes than ever, there is a noticeable move towards sustainable vineyards.
He says if the economy tightens and wine sales slow, wine companies and growers will need to achieve these results while trying to lower their costs.
Easy steps to take might be dropping a few unnecessary mower rounds or herbicide sprays each season, some of which are done to simply make things look tidy.
Dale aims to make more profit by being more efficient. He is not interested in being the biggest. Rather, he wants to be the most efficient.
“We want to go in and do a good job for our customers and then spend more time with our kids and families enjoying the fruits of our labour.”
MARIGOLD FARM
VITICULTURE PROVIDES FULL VINEYARD MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS A RANGE OF VINEYARD CONTRACTING SERVICES.
While Brian loves to be sitting behind the wheel of a tractor, he is still well involved with vineyard management. Especially civil works projects such as dam construction and vineyard developments.
Jill works part-time in the office and also carries out whatever
jobs get thrown her way. This could be anything from chemical deliveries to taking fruit samples for the labs before harvest, or just keeping the team feed with baking.
Dale’s wife Anna is a nurse, although with two young children, she is on maternity leave at the moment.
(“Anna hates harvest time as most spouses do. She becomes a harvest widow as she like to call it.”)
The business’s new name Marigold Farm Viticulture goes back even further. Brian’s grandfather
MARIGOLD FARM’S MACHINERY OPERATORS HAVE PROVIDED VERY POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON THE FMR SPRAYERS.
have to carry them through the quieter times.”
Recognised Seasonal Employee (RSE) labour is also important. Marigold Farm Viticulture works with multiple labour service providers throughout Marlborough.
“At times we have thought about having our own labour crews. Then we come to our senses and just focus on what we do well and let them do what they do well.”
The new season starts with pruning in May. Dale says it us a massive job that usually finishes in late August. At the same time trellises are repaired and posts are checked and broken ones replaced.
“Bud burst is September to October, which is when we start spraying. Then there is a large range of jobs right through the growing season like bud rubbing, wire lifting, trimming, and leaf plucking.
“Harvest is in March and April. After harvest the gear gets cleaned down parked up and most staff take a break as there is little to do until leaf-fall. Then it is back to pruning.”
VINEYARD EQUIPMENT
Dale says the majority of Marlborough fruit is machine-picked. So, the choice of machine is important. They run a fleet of Gregoire GL8.6 harvesters.
When Dale was at TRS he worked on Gregoires, so he knows them well and maintains a good relationship with the dealer. He says the service and back-up is second to none.
returned home from WWI and farmed Marigold Farm in Grovetown, Marlborough where he grew asparagus. To this day Brian and Jill still live on part of the original family property.
Renaming the business keeps this piece of family history alive and it keeps the business and personal names separate.
The number of staff varies from anywhere between 12 over winter and then up to 20 during harvest. Some are subcontractors.
“They are experienced and return every year, but we don't
“Unlike other harvesters Gregoires have a central cab to the row. I don't really like driving off-centre. I find it’s harder to operate and keep straight but each to their own.
“I find if you straddle the row, you have better control than in a machine where you sit off to the side. We usually harvest at 5-6 kph.”
He says Gregoire have proven themselves as being a very reliable work horse. This is very important when you operate 24/7 for a short three to four week period.
Marigold also runs Klima Gen 2 vine strippers.
“Klima strippers are a key piece of equipment for pruning. They eliminate hand stripping, which is a huge task. They save roughly 30 cents per vine compared to hand stripping, and it’s a lot faster.”
Dale says there can be more trellis damage using a stripping machine, but it is still cheaper and faster even after repairs. “We save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the whole area we prune.”
Marigold has a mix of three row FMR V-series and Croplands Quantum Mist crop sprayers.
They used to have all Croplands, but are now moving towards locally-made FMR sprayers. Dale says FMR sprayers are a compact, tidy sprayer, with a fan and nozzle design that hits the target area.
When they considered changing, Dale got an FMR sprayer to
AN ALPEGO BV180 POWER HARROW WITH
AN
APV AIR SEEDER IS USED TO TIDY UP VINEYARD ROWS AND SOW COVER CROPS.
demo and made-up score cards which he gave to several operators. They independently scored the FMR sprayer vs the Croplands on such factors as how good it was to operate, how well it turns, how easy it is to fill, clean and grease.
Every operator preferred the FMR and it is also excellent for managing spray drift.
“It targets the spray onto the crop, and the visuals from the cab are so much better. It is also easier to set up and adjust as the canopy grows.”
STILL IN FRONT!
The industry standard used to be two-row, 2000-litre sprayers, but in recent years there has been a shift to three-row, 3000-litre machines because they are so efficient.
“For every two three-row machines you can eliminate a two-row machine. That is a huge cost and time saving. We have a large area to get around and we are often dealing with tight
FROM ITS BASE IN THE WAIHOPAI VALLEY, MARIGOLD FARM VITICULTURE LOOKS AFTER VINEYARDS THROUGHOUT MARLBOROUGH.
weather windows, so we want to be as efficient as possible.”
The sprayers are used during the pruning season to spray on wound protectant sprays to prevent Eutypa dieback on the vines. This has become a more popular practice in the last eight years, so there are not many months when the sprayers are parked up.
Marigold used to contract others to do their fert spreading with trucks. Now they have their own tractor-towed spreaders.
“Giltrap 2501 orchard spreaders are an awesome piece of kit that we have added to our fleet. The advantages are less mess compared to trucks, a better result with the same rate, access to blocks where trucks can’t go, and more control over exactly where the fertiliser is going.
“We have picked up a lot of extra contracting work with our Giltrap spreaders.”
For leaf plucking, Marigold uses two German-made ERO Combis.
“In my opinion, ERO produce by far the best canopy management tools on the market. They are very proactive with R&D to make sure they build products that work well and are robust enough for NZ.”
Dale says the Combi pluckers are the only machine on the market that combines two types of leaf pluckers. One plucker uses a fan to suck leaves into two rollers that remove them. The other blasts high-pressure air to shatter the inner canopy leaf.
“The roller plucker removes roughly 80 percent of the outer leaf. Directly behind it, on the same head, are rotating air blast nozzles that remove the inner leaves that the rollers can’t touch.
“You get a really good job and can pluck at speeds a lot faster than other machines.”
HIS GREGOIRE GL8.6 GRAPE HARVESTERS ARE VERY RELIABLE WORKHORSES, DALE WOODS SAYS.
DALE WOODS PREFERS GREGOIRE GRAPE HARVESTERS BECAUSE THE CAB STRADDLING THE ROW GIVES BETTER CONTROL THAN A CAB THAT SITS TO THE SIDE OF THE ROW.
Their previous plucker travelled at around 5 kph but the Combis average around 7.5 kph. Like the harvesters, they only work for a few weeks a year. They are in full cry around Christmas and New Year.
Marigold’s canopy trimmers are also made by ERO. They are double in-row Procuts, and Dale says they are reliable and the job they do is second to none.
“We had to pull our old trimmers apart every year for pre-season maintenance. These have a sealed cutter bar so they don't get contamination. They just keep going.
“We check them over every season, but so far they have not needed to be pulled apart for servicing. Our oldest one is about to enter its sixth season and I want to see how long they will go for before being completely rebuilt.”
Vineyard mowers are 1.8m wide and a mix of Fieldmaster and Gason. “Mowers have a hard life. It’s a brutal environment. We find these are the most heavy-duty mowers on the market.”
New cultivation gear includes an Alpego BV180 power harrow with an APV air seeder. It tidies up vineyard rows and sows seed.
It can also be used for doing inter-row cover cropping, which is becoming popular. This can help meet the vines’ nutritional needs and it can attract beneficial insects that help combat pests.
They also run a set of 1.8m Gascon Otho speed discs for interrow cultivation.
Dale says the Alpego power harrow and Gascon discs are from OriginAg, and both are real-
ly good pieces of kit.
“We can use the discs to prep ground before finishing with the power harrow but the discs can do a good job of finishing themselves. The power harrow has pre-ripper track erasers that can remove deep wheel ruts in the vineyard rows after multiple wet winters.”
Marigold runs a fleet of 11 Fendt 200S series tractors. “Having Fendt technology and Vario transmissions in smaller viticulture tractors is awesome.”
The Fendt tractors are extremely fuel-efficient and have fantastic hydraulic capabilities and performance. They fit down the rows well and are ISOBUS ready, which is a reasonably new development for viticulture.
“We don’t have many implements on the market that are ISO compatible, but it is great to prepare for the future. For example, the FMR sprayers can be controlled through the tractors’ terminal screens and joysticks, which eliminates the need to have their own screen and joystick taking up cab space. This also means it’s super easy to swap implements between tractors.”
Marigold recently bought a custom-built Maxi T50 Ag trailer from HW Industries in Cambridge to deal with ruts in inter-rows.
“It is an awesome piece of kit and we have already seen huge efficiency gains with it over our older unit. We had it made so the deck can tip both ways. The forward tipping deck is great for filling ruts because you can see the material coming off. Then the trailers wheels compact the gravel as you go.”
GRAPE HARVEST IN MARLBOROUGH TAKES PLACE OVER AN INTENSE THREE TO FOUR WEEKS IN MARCH AND APRIL.
what’s new in...
AUSTRALIAN-MADE MACHINERY
AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURERS HAVE A PROUD HISTORY OF PRODUCING ‘HOME-GROWN’ AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY DESIGNED TO STAND UP TO THE TOUGH CONDITIONS CONTRACTORS AND FARMERS FACE. IN THIS FEATURE WE EXAMINE THE LEADING CROP ESTABLISHMENT, HARVESTING, SPREADING AND SPRAYING EQUIPMENT MADE IN THIS COUNTRY.
THE WEED CONTROL ADVANTAGE IN A DRY START
At a time when global supply shortages and skyrocketing costs in agricultural machinery, fertilisers and herbicides are creating a strain on the agricultural sector, an Australian innovation comes to the fore. Seed Terminator, a mechanical marvel engineered and manufactured in South Australia, presents a local and readily available solution to the escalating battle against weeds.
Created by farmer and inventor Dr Nick Berry, co-founder of Seed Terminator, the technology aims to tackle an age-old agricultural issue: the uncontrolled spread of weeds during the harvest process. Seed Terminator eliminates the hardy weed seeds that have survived previous herbicide treatments, which often leads to a continuous cycle of weed problems.
In the face of escalating costs attributed to weeds - estimated at $3.3 billion annually by the Grain Research Development Council in 2016 - and an increase in herbicide resistance due to repeated use, Dr Berry’s ingenious invention couldn’t be more timely. The Seed Terminator, an adaptable attachment for most combine harvester brands, employs multi-stage hammer mills to pulverise weed seeds into a nutrient-rich mulch, preventing their future growth.
“It seems crazy that we spend time and money killing weeds all year, only to reward the survivors at harvest and spread them out so we have something to spray next year,” shares WeedSmart Western Extension Agronomist Peter Newman.
With the majority of Australia planting dry this year, some regions have experienced an unprecedented (at least in living memory) eight months without rain. As a result, knockdown opportunities were non-existent at best or a waste of water and chemicals at worst. Delayed
SEED TERMINATOR
rains will stretch the efficacy window of pre-emergent chemistries, hopefully still controlling weeds. However, weed control options for cereals will be limited this year. Why not try something mechanical? And we’re not suggesting pulling the tillage out of the scrub. Enter the Seed Terminator. For some growers this year, this unit will be the most effective weapon against weeds, tidying up surviving populations at harvest, piggybacking off the harvester, and gobbling up all the weed waste.
A recent national herbicide resistance survey delivered a startling fact: Glyphosate-resistant ryegrass now occupies one in every six paddocks across Australia. Despite the introduction of various new pre-emergent herbicides providing some alternatives to tackle resistant weeds, glyphosate resistance remains a major concern. Strategies such
as harvest weed seed control, recommended by WeedSmart, are becoming increasingly crucial. Despite extensive efforts and resources directed towards controlling ryegrass, it still persists in 90% of paddocks across Australia, suggesting current efforts centred around herbicides need reinforcement. Thankfully, the existence of ryegrass-free paddocks demonstrates that overcoming this issue is indeed possible by beating the seed bank.
Farmers across the country, like Tyson Schutz, who operates a 7500ha property near Esperance, Western Australia, can attest to the effectiveness of the Seed Terminator. Schutz, who adopted three units in 2018, shares that this system is a game-changer, especially when dealing with resilient ryegrass, whose population has blown out in Australian grain-growing
regions due to late rainfall last season.
Currently, there are about 700 Seed Terminators in operation globally, retailing at around $120,000 each. With its ongoing dedication to research, including trials in partnership with local and international universities, Seed Terminator continues to validate the efficacy of this mechanical weed-killing solution.
The Seed Terminator uses advanced manufacturing techniques, which have been developed in collaboration with local manufacturing partners in Adelaide. Even amidst the past three years of global supply shortages,
this proudly South Australian company maintains good supply of the Seed Terminator units, ensuring the availability of this revolutionary weed control system for farmers worldwide.
Mark Ashenden, Director at Seed Terminator, expresses the company’s pride in their locally designed, tested, and manufactured solution. The company has seen growing uptake in Europe, Canada, and the USA, but Australian farmers remain the most innovative.
For more information on how to interrupt the weed cycle, please contact Kate Gellard at +61 428 517 316 or visit www.seedterminator.com.au.
ONE PERSON, ONE TRACTOR JADAN COLLECTING & STACKING SOLUTIONS
SERAFIN
IMPROVED SEEDER RAISES THE EFFICIENCY BAR.
Now that sowing season is complete, it’s the best time to think ahead for next season and decide if it’s time to get into a new or upgraded seeder.
With this in mind, Griffith-based tillage and seeding equipment manufacturer, Serafin Machinery, has introduced new features to its popular single disc seeder range, the Ultisow.
Renowned for its robust construction and accurate seed placement, the Serafin Ultisow range is available in widths from 5 to 24m.
The Ultisow has been developed over many years with thorough testing and farmer and contractor input, Serafin’s sales manager Rodney Dunn said.
“The Ultisow has proven to be the right balance for all conditions as its SM Row Unit is
extremely versatile, requiring little to no maintenance, has a robust frame that can withstand Australia’s tough conditions and achieves superior seed placement,” he said.
The latest improvement to the SM row unit is the a low-maintenance hydraulic downforce pressure system with its own cylinder, which replaces a traditional spring.
“The single-acting hydraulic ram option allows for more consistent down pressure, reduced row-unit vibration and increased durability, improving seed placement,” said Rodney.
“Many customers are upgrading from the traditional spring to the Ultiforce cylinder and are happy with results.
“The Serafin SM Row Units on our single disc seeders are performing with flying colours.
“With reduced maintenance and less down time and more
hectares sown before needing to spend more money, farmers are more confident in the unit,” he said.
The unit comprises a large 508mm (20-inch) disc blade, needle roller bearings, Serafin long-life cast closing wheel, three -spoke Buco depth wheel, replaceable mud scraper, depth adjustment handle, adjustable seedboot and Buco Hard Vee rubber press wheel.
Rodney said they had also made significant improvement to the design of their large width Forward Folding Ultisows.
The Forward Fold range of seeders include the 18m and 24m models, and a new 12m version, the S12, which is set to be released midway through 2024.
The 18 and 24 m seeders provide a huge working width with up to 96 rows for big broadacre sowing and are ideal for those with controlled traffic operations with multiples of 12m.
With the unique forward folding arms controlled from the cab, the 18-24m models quickly fold down to 4.85m transport width and 4.2m height requiring no special transport permits.
The telescopic hitch on the Forward Fold range allows the seeder to be closer to the tractor
while working for the ultimate manoeuvrability on such a massive machine.
The new Ultisow S12 Forward Fold design incorporates two ranks to give this model the ability to sow at 250mm (10-inch) row spacings on two ranks, or at 375mm (15-inches) on one rank while all the time achieving a consistent and uninterrupted trash flow.
The S12 folds to 3.7m width and 4.2m height again meaning no special permits are required.
It also has a high lift feature allowing it to lift up on its wheels using hydraulics.
“This brings the Forward Fold row unit up to chest height, making it easy to make any adjustments while in the paddock, if required,” Rodney said.
Other features of the Forward Fold range is the main frame with full powder-coat finish, six large heavy-duty flotation tyres fitted as standard and electric-overhydraulic control of the row unit’s down pressure, controlled from inside the cab.
A simple hydraulic adjustment on the drawbar also allows the operator to level up the seeder to ensure perfect consistency in down pressure between the front and rear row units, for optimal seed placement.
GOLDACRES
G6 AND CAMERA TECHNOLOGY FOR YEAR-ROUND SPRAYING.
Mid-west farmer Kyle Carson operates a Goldacres G6 Series 2 with a 48-meter boom, fitted with Bilberry Weedetect camera technology. Built in Ballarat Victoria, the Series 2 G6 Crop Cruiser was purchased through Agwest Machinery Gerladton. The G6 Series 2 Crop Cruiser raises the bar in terms of operator comfort, usability and functionality.
This machine is kitted out with a number of unique features taking their broadacre spraying program to a new level. The design of the 48m TriTech V Series boom offers a number of efficiencies.
Operation is in three working spray widths – 48, 36 and 20 meters. The outer wings feature a unique hydraulic break back and break forward function to help fight the forces of yaw while also providing security in the chance of a boom collision. Inner wings feature forward and rearward hydraulic dampening in conjunction with full yaw control. Boom construction comprises of mild steel inner wings with aluminium used for the middle, outer and breakaway sections. This provides strength and durability where needed and weight savings as required.
This machine has Billberry Weedetect cameras positioned every three meters and detects weeds via algorithms learnt at spraying speeds of up to 20km/ hour. The cameras are constantly looking 4 meters ahead, detecting weed shapes (not chlorophyll) which enables the system to detect weeds in the crop. And, in a real game-changer, the machine uses substantially less chemical all year round.
As the Weedetect system relies on accurate information, the height of the boom is paramount to its performance. The cameras work most accurately at 1.5 meters from the target, so the XRT boom auto height controller with five sensors fitted will ensure optimum weed detection performance.
The height sensors are radarbased and enable a large height measurement range. They can detect both ground and crop canopy and are less affected by spray drift, dust and mud. The system uses sensors to monitor the sprayer chassis rate of roll, the boom centre position relative to the chassis as well as boom wing tilt angle.
These sensors allow the computer to predict how the boom will react well before the radar sensors even see the change in boom height. The end result is a more stable boom in uneven terrain.
Kyle’s G6 is also fitted with Hawkeye nozzle control system providing exceptional performance with turn compensation, constant pressure and droplet size with a varying range of speeds.
PWM technology uses a small electrically operated solenoid mounted to the nozzle body to control the flow rate delivered to each nozzle.
The system rapidly pulses the nozzle on and off at rates of 10hz (10 times per sec ond) whilst also adjusting the amount of time the nozzle is opened and closed. The spray line is set to maintain a constant liquid pressure, whilst the com puter adjusts the duty cycle to vary the application rate.
The G6 features the option of Mechanical Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) capability for when con ditions are at their worst. Power is transferred from the transmis
sion to the front and rear axle via a transfer case. When in normal spraying conditions, the power is split between the front and rear axle via an internal differential (all-wheel drive mode). When the going gets tough, the operator can lock the centre differential to provide a 50-50 power split to ensure optimum traction (4WD mode).
Combined with the lightest tare weight in its class (12,000kg’s, depending on options fitted), the G6 Crop Cruiser can get on paddocks sooner after rain events and keep spraying later in the season which is an added bonus for a year-round spraying program.
For more information visit www.goldacres.com.au.
LIQUID SYSTEMS (SA)
STAYING THE DISTANCE FOR TIMELY AND EFFICIENT TRACE ELEMENT APPLICATIONS
The durability and reliability of his Liquid Systems (SA) unit has not only helped resolve micronutrient deficiencies for Eyre Peninsular cropper Dustin Sparrow, but has cemented its place as a key component of his cropping enterprise.
When South Australian continuous cropper Dustin looked to upgrade his seeding bar and air cart there was no doubt that he would stick with Liquid Systems (SA) equipment for applying trace elements, after successfully using the liquid injection technology for around seven years without a hitch.
Dustin, who farms 3600 hectares with his wife Jodi at Wudinna, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, purchased his first system in 2016 to apply trace elements including zinc, manganese and copper, plus fungicides such as Flutriafol.
He says the equipment’s performance and ease of use stand out. “We’ve never touched it – the system has done exactly what it was supposed to the whole time we’ve owned it. It’s well designed and built. It’s very robust and we’ve never had any
hassles with anything breaking or falling off.”
This reliability and durability gave the Sparrows the confidence to purchase a new LQS 120 module with sectional control to run with a completely new seeding rig for the 2024 cropping season. A new Flexi-Coil Air Cart and a 60 ft disc seeder replaced the old air cart and bar, which had seen a lot of work and modifications over the years.
Dustin says it’s a big up-front investment but he is confident it will save money in the long run by enabling them to cover more ground and achieve improved trash handling and greater efficiencies in their cropping operation.
Prior to adopting Liquid Systems, Dustin applied trace elements using a boomspray but struggled to apply them in the ideal window, resulting in zinc deficiencies in wheat, barley and pea crops.
“We were applying trace elements around mid to late tillering, but ideally zinc should be applied at the two to three-leaf stage – we were probably three to four weeks late and so deficiencies were still showing up in some crops,” said Dustin.
Now with the micronutrients applied up-front in the furrow, and readily available for when
the crop needs it, deficiency symptoms are a thing of the past.
“We get it all out up-front and it’s there ready to go when the crop needs it. Plus, we’re applying it right with the seed where it needs to be.”
Applying between 40 to 60L/ ha of liquid product, the Sparrows have found the rate control works well applying a constant stream. Rates of micronutrient are around 2kg/ha of zinc sulphate, 3kg/ha of manganese mono and about 200g/ha of a copper oxide formulation. They also apply seed inoculants and fungicides to the tank at seeding where needed.
Compatibility problems and tube blockages have been minimal as Dustin says they keep it simple and don’t combine anything they don’t already know is going to mix. He recommends a good cleaning regime is the key to avoiding blockages.
The Sparrows use a 13,000L cartage tank and three storage tanks for each trace element and while Dustin can mix the zinc and manganese easily prior to seeding, he suggests that those starting out consider purchasing pre-mixed fertilisers to save time and avoid the expense of additional storage tanks.
“One of the biggest challenges of going to the liquid is having the equipment to get the product to the field, which is a truck and a tanker. We’re set up now but I know some growers who get shuttles from a supplier that mixes it up and as long as you
order it early you are ready to go.”
Reduced herbicide costs are another benefit Dustin has found since adopting liquid injection technology. Previously micronutrients were added to herbicides to reduce in-crop passes but this meant using more expensive ester herbicide formulations that mixed well with zinc.
Now with separate applications, there is more flexibility to choose cheaper herbicide formulations and without the worry of combability issues.
With the 2024 crop all but in the ground, Dustin is pleased with the performance of the new seeder and the Liquid Systems (SA) module.
“I’m very happy with the seeder and the Liquid Systems equipment can’t be faulted, it just works as it should,” Dustin said. At this stage Dustin says the jury is out on the financial benefits of the sectional control for applying trace elements. “It was a bigger outlay than we initially wanted to spend and while it means we can be more prescriptive with our trace element applications, it would be a better investment if we were applying variable rates of liquid P,” he said.
Dustin has been very impressed by the service provided by the Liquid Systems team. He received his newest module just two days after placing the order, which is a stark contrast to the year-and-a-half wait for the new seeder.
“I made a call and two days later we had the liquid systems in the shed ready to go – there’s no messing around. The Liquid Systems (SA) team knows what works. You just tell them what you are trying to run and they work it out – there is nothing they can’t make.”
FARMTECH
Celebrating a Milestone: Ausmix unveils 100th mixer at Toowoomba Agfest Field Day
Ausmix, based in Wodonga, proudly announces the production of its 100th mixer within just three years.
This remarkable achievement is brought by the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of the Ausmix team in delivering toptier feed mixers that are built and designed in the Australian heartland.
As the farming community faces supply chain issues and other challenges affecting for-
eign-built machines, the incline of Aussie-made AusMix mixer wagons is met with enthusiasm by dairy farmers and feedlot operators alike.
All Ausmix machines are equipped with a Fibre-X auger, specifically designed to enhance fodder processing patterned specifically for the Australian feeding programs. With a razorsharp edge, it ensures optimal mix characteristics, resulting in faster processing times and more consistent output.
Moreover, the improved mix palatability leads to increased
NEXT INSTRUMENTS
CROPSCAN
4000VT on combine NIR grain analyser
The CropScan 4000VT is the first fully integrated version of the CropScan analysers. The system is ISOBUS compatible with the latest CASE IH and New Holland brand of combines. The CropScan 4000VT runs a Virtual Terminal within the CNHi Pro 700 and Intelliview IV combine monitors.
Based on 10 years of development through the CropScan 3000H and 3300H On Combine Analysers, the CropScan 4000VT includes a remote Sample Head that is fitted to the clean grain elevator of the combine, a fiber optic cable, communications cable and a waterproof and dustproof NIR Spectrometer that is mounted on the wall of the combine outside the cabin. The NIR spectrometer includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that runs the CropScan soft-
consumption by livestock, reducing fodder wastage and enhancing overall efficiency, productivity, and herd health.
The Ausmix lineup, including single, twin, and triple auger machines in both trailed and truck-mounted configurations, offers versatility and reliability across capacities ranging from 8 to 45 cubic meters. Made with heavy-duty materials and durable Italian-made gearboxes and planetary drives, Ausmix machines are built to withstand the rigours of agricultural operations.
Customer feedback underscores the effectiveness of Ausmix mixers, with reports of
increased feeding efficiency and time savings compared to previous operations.
This success is attributed to Ausmix’s commitment to listening to customer needs and delivering practical solutions that meet real-world challenges.
To commemorate the production of its 100th mixer, Ausmix is proud to unveil the Black Edition Ausmix at the upcoming Toowoomba Agfest Field Day.
This milestone serves as a testament to Ausmix’s dedication to excellence and innovation in serving the Australian farming community, reaffirming its position as a trusted partner in farming success.
ware and reads the combine’s CANBUS messages. The CAN messages for Yield, GPS, Crop Type, Grower-Farm-Field, Rotor Engage and more are read by the CropScan ECU to control operation and data collection.
The CropScan is fully integrated into the CNHi Pro 700 and Intelliview IV monitors using a purpose designed VT screen for the CropScan 4000VT. Once the ignition is turned ON, the CropScan 4000VT screen is available on the Pro 700 and Intelliview IV monitors. The operator simply selects the Crop Type and Grower-FarmField menus. Once the Rotor is engaged by the operator, the CropScan begins to analyse the grain as it is collected in the remote sample head. The protein, moisture, oil, starch and fibre (depending on the crop type selected) are calculated and combined with the yield and GPS data from the CANBUS messages and then
sent to the VT screen. Results are displayed on the VT screen every 3-4 seconds.
The field data is stored in the CropScan ECU and then sent to the CropScanAg Cloud Server, where farmers can access grain logistics, field maps and advanced analytics and performance maps using the
N-GAUGE Apps on their mobile phone or tablet.
The CropScan 4000VT sample head has been designed to increase the sample cycle rate from small to large seeds including high moisture corn/maize and beans. The new design flow through cell allows the grains to flow
GRAYTILL
WEEDWIPER
Sprayer and seeder specialist Graytill has been focusing research and development on their sprayers lately. Along with their larger truck mount boomsprays, Graytill has also been developing their all-terrain WeedWipers.
Graytill owner Dave Grayling says, “The WeedWiper was developed as a heavy duty alternative to current products available on the market. We initially developed it to suit mine and forestry conditions, however it
is equally at home on undulating pastures.”
The large 200mm diameter carpet rollers are driven by 12V motors. This means the rollers rotate at a constant speed, regardless of ground speed. It also prevents the rollers from dripping when the machine is stopped.
A lightweight but strong RHS frame protects the rollers from collisions. Dave says, “The frame also acts as a bash bar. It knocks down the taller weeds, bruising them at the same time,
which allows the leaves to absorb more chemical, leading to a better kill.”
The WeedWiper is available in sizes from 4 to 8m, with all models folding up for easy transport. The wings are also able to float up and down, to ensure excellent contour following. Heavy duty 12 ply rated land cruiser wheels ensure the WeedWiper will go anywhere you can tow it.
faster through the chamber thus increasing the scan speed. The faster the flow, the higher the field map spatial density for protein, moisture, oil, starch, fiber and yield data. The CropScan 4000VT maps the data approximately every 4-6 meters. The new NIR spec-
trometer has been ruggedized with a new enclosure for outside mounting and new operating platform running on a Linux OS to the in-cab App for Apple and Android OS.
The CropScan 4000VT has been bundled to include the N-GAUGE Harvest Manager
App and SIM card subscription for five years streamlining all the data connectivity. Together the CropScan and N-GAUGE offers CASE IH and New Holland combine owners with a complete solution for measuring the quality (protein, oil and starch) and the quantity (yield
The smaller 4m unit is designed to be towed behind a ute, however it can also be towed behind a tractor or Side by Side.
It features manual height adjustment from 200mm to 800mm, and manual fold wings, with ball bearing breakaways. Torsion bar suspension provides smooth travelling and easy height adjustment. “The ball bearing breakaway system makes for easy folding, whilst also providing added protection in case of collisions,” says Dave. The 4m WeedWiper folds up to under 2.5m for transport, and at just 720kg, it is able to be registered for road use, without the need for brakes.
The larger 6m and 8m models are designed to be towed behind a tractor and are ideal for larger properties.
Hydraulic fold and lift make it easy to change from working to transport, while the hydraulic accumulator suspension provides a smooth ride during transport.
For more information, visit the website graytill.com.au or call 02 6777 2028.
and tank weight) in a seamless and fully integrated system. For more information on the CropScan 4000VT and N-GAUGE Apps, visit the CropScanAg web site www.cropscanag.com or contact CropScanAg at sales@cropscanag. com.
PRIMARY SALES
REVOLUTIONISING HAY DISTRIBUTION
In the heart of Central Victoria, farmer Brad Sandlant knows that efficiency is key when it comes to managing his land and livestock. Eight years ago, faced with the challenge of distributing large quantities of hay to his merino stock, Brad sought out a safer and more efficient alternative to the traditional method of loading hay onto the back of a ute and manually feeding it out.
With employees to consider and the ever-present risks associated with manual labour, Brad stated: “We certainly see a benefit in using the Hay Express trailer. Mainly our employees use it, it would be a concern if we were using the old school method. Times have changed and occupational health and safety has to be looked at.”
The Hay Express trailer offers
ing out hay, this system not only prioritises occupational health and safety but also streamlines the entire process into a one-person operation, saving both time and labour.
Manufactured by Primary Sales in Western Australia, the Hay Express is specifically designed to distribute hay biscuits for feeding cattle and sheep with maximum efficiency. With the capacity to carry two large hay bales (measuring 4 x 4 or 4x3 with an option for 3 x 3 bales), the trailer transports the hay from the shed to the paddock with ease.
What sets the Hay Express apart is its superior winch mechanism, which feeds the hay in evenly sized ‘biscuits’. This ensures that the livestock can feed from all directions with minimal trampling and wastage compared to traditional windrows. Not only reducing hay wastage but also
made the decision to purchase a second trailer. For Brad and many other farmers across Australia, the Hay Express
CROPLANDS AND RBR ENTERPRISE PARTNER TO EXPAND SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER AND SPREADER OFFERINGS IN THE AUSTRALIAN BROADACRE MARKET
CROPLANDS, NUFARM’S EMERGING SOLUTIONS SPRAY EQUIPMENT PLATFORM, AND RBR ENTERPRISE, A MANUFACTURER OF SELF-PROPELLED APPLICATION MACHINES BASED IN BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI, ANNOUNCED THAT THEY ARE JOINING FORCES TO DELIVER A HIGH QUALITY, HIGH PRODUCTIVITY ALTERNATIVE TO THE AUSTRALIAN GRAIN MARKET.
Croplands is now the exclusive Australian distributor of RBR Enterprises’ full scope of offerings including the Vortex spray applicator model, a high-performance sprayer designed for professional crop applications.
Offering unmatched road speed, a fully mechanical drive train, and robust four-wheel drive, the Vortex is powered by a 9-litre Cummins engine delivering up to 430hp, ensuring exceptional performance across
all terrains. With tank capacities up to 9400 litres and versatile boom options, including a 36m aluminium boom, the Vortex significantly enhances efficiency and productivity.
This distribution agreement leverages Croplands strong dealer network and decades of expertise, setting a new standard in the Australian market.
“Croplands is really excited to bring this proven large scale self-propelled sprayer to the Australian broadacre market”
Belt >> Top Speed >> Top Job
Greatly Reduces Distortion and Fluffing
Guides Crop for Optimum Feeding
Smooth and Consistent Feeding Improves Header Speed and Processing
says Jeremy Rennick, National Sales Manager, Croplands. “We are hearing great feedback from growers who have demoed the unit that they appreciate the large volume tank, 80km/h road speed and the simplicity of the mechanical drive.
“Customers will also be excited to know there is a split tank spot spray ready option available for those requiring an all-inone solution for their broadacre spraying needs.”
Jason Eaton, COO, RBR Enterprise, says, “We are extremely excited to partner with a well-established dealer network to support our products in Australia. Croplands truly values strong support for their customer base, which firmly aligns with our core principles.”
Bellamy Dalton from Dalton Farming based at Hillston, New South Wales test drove the unit recently and summarised his experience with three words: “Simple. Solid. Comfortable.” Dalton went on to say, “It strikes me that although the Vortex is a large machine, it doesn’t feel cumbersome at all. It feels really agile from the driver’s seat.”
Croplands will bring the Vortex to Mallee Machinery Field Days in Speed, Victoria on 31 July – 1 August, AgQuip in Gunnedah, NSW on 20-22 August, Dowerin Machinery Field Days in Dowerin, Western Australia on 28-29 August and Newdegate Machinery Field Days, Newdegate, Western Australia on 4-5 September.
VAPORMATIC ADDED TO JOHN DEERE ALTERNATIVE PARTS RANGE
JOHN DEERE HAS EXPANDED ITS OFFERING OF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PART OPTIONS, WITH VAPORMATIC OFFICIALLY BEING ADDED TO ITS RANGE OF ‘ALTERNATIVE PARTS’ IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
A subsidiary of John Deere, UK-based Vapormatic has served the agricultural industry for more than 70 years exporting more than 30,000 tractor and agricultural machinery parts and accessories to 90 countries.
The addition bolsters John Deere’s Alternative Parts offering, which also includes products from A&I and Sunbelt made to fit John Deere equipment.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Emma Ford, said Alternative Parts were an economical choice for John Deere machines, regardless of age.
“These parts have been manufactured to fit John Deere equipment and are priced at a lower
cost than genuine John Deere parts, while still giving customers peace of mind they are backed by a 12-month warranty,” Emma said.
“Adding Vapormatic to the range helps provide even more repair solutions for customers no matter their budget. We know customers have a choice when it comes to John Deere equipment, so that’s why we offer choices when it comes to parts.
“With challenges around production costs it’s important we provide a wide range of parts to suit all budgets and repair scenarios.”
John Deere’s full range of parts include Genuine, Reman (or remanufactured) and Alternative.
“Genuine parts are built specif-
VAPORMATIC HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ADDED TO JOHN DEERE’S AFFORDABLE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVE PARTS.
ically for John Deere machines, meaning they are identical to the new parts fitted at the factory –in other words, the perfect fit,” Emma said.
“Reman parts feature components which have been replaced or remanufactured to deliver like-new performance at a lower
cost than brand new parts. They undergo extensive testing by our engineers to ensure they meet or exceed original performance specifications.
“As the name suggests, Alternative parts are an economical alternative choice which still deliver the performance and reli-
IG HECTARES NEED A
6000L tank capacity
36, 42 or 48m booms
11.8 l/hr average fuel usage*
12,000kg tare weight*
2 or 4 wheel mechanical drive
ISOBus 16 section control
XRT radar height control
Fast Fill
Lowest cabin noise in class 60.db
Factory Camera Ready
JOHN DEERE CELEBRATES MILESTONE IN SPRAYING AS TECH CONTINUES EVOLUTION
JOHN DEERE HAS CELEBRATED THE SALE OF ITS 10,000TH SPRAYER FITTED WITH AN EXACTAPPLY™ NOZZLE CONTROL SYSTEM TO A NEW SOUTH WALES FARMER IN MAY, AS IT PROUDLY CONTINUES THE EVOLUTION OF ITS SPRAY TECHNOLOGY TO GROW THE EFFICIENCY OF AUSTRALIAN BROADACRE CROPPING BUSINESSES.
ExactApply, along with See & Spray™ Select technology, optimises the use of advanced camera detection and artificial intelligence to deliver greater spraying precision, faster application and reduced chemical use.
John Deere Precision Ag Marketing Manager, Max Cusack, said the local up-take of ExactApply had been exceptional since its introduction in 2017.
“The fact that John Deere’s United States factory’s 10,000th machine fitted with ExactApply is coming here highlights the fact that Australian farmers are very advanced in embracing technologies that have real impact in the field,” Max said.
“One of our greatest priorities is delivering solutions that support our customers in doing more with less – by reducing input costs and applying treatments only when they are necessary.
“It’s exciting to see this tech adopted and implemented on farms across the country.”
FOCUSED ON CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT IN SPRAYING TECH
Developed in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland, See & Spray Select is both an effective tar-
geted-spray solution and highly productive broadcast machine, built on the strong foundation of ExactApply, to provide farmers with two time and cost-saving sprayers in one.
See & Spray Select has an integrated camera technology that rapidly detects green plants within fallow ground and automatically triggers an application to those plants. In doing so, it achieves a similar hit rate to traditional broadcast spraying but uses, on average, 77% less herbicide1. Research has shown that weeds sprayed with complex tank mixes with more than two modes are 83 times less likely to develop resistance.
“We demonstrated the first See & Spray machine here in 2019 and the original did greenon-brown very well, but it could only spray during the day. So, we put lights on the machine and now they’ve become standard, so that you can spray day or night depending on conditions,” Max said.
“The next step was our increase in speed. The original machine had a limit in See & Spray mode of 19km/hr, but after a software release last year, we can now spray at 25km/hr when camera spraying or spot spraying.”
1 Based on tank-level sensor values taken at a steady state on John Deere sprayers equipped with and without See & Spray™ Select, before and after covering 75,000 acres of fallow ground with a typical weed pressure of 3,000 weeds per acre, using small and medium spray-length settings starting at 2.3 to 3.2 ft. (0.7 to 1 m), and average growing conditions (seasonal precipitation and temperature) across the US and Canadian Plains and Australian farms. Spray-length settings varied based on ground speed, spray pressure, and boom height. Sprayers were equipped with current hardware and software at time of study. Individual results may vary based on field and growing conditions, weed pressure, spray-length settings, and software version.
ability expected of John Deere parts.
“Expanding our Alternative Parts offering with the addi-
Max said John Deere had a clear focus on continually growing the value delivered by See and Spray technology.
“From adding night-time and low-light capability to increasing application speed, we are committed to investigating how to add more value and best meet the unique needs of customers’ operations,” he said.
“Globally, we are seeing the application of See and Spray technology expanded to further extend its benefits. For example, in the US we already have See and Spray Ultimate, See & Spray Premium was introduced to the Hagie line up in February 2024, and there are plans to roll out See & Spray Select to other machine forms in Europe in the future.
“While these products are not yet available here, we’re aligning these innovations with local requirements and working hard to bring them to our Australian customers as soon as possible.”
AUTOPATH™ ‘ANOTHER STEP ON THE ROAD TO FULL AUTONOMY’
AutoPathTM (Boundaries), made available in the latest updates to John Deere Operations CenterTM and Gen 4 and G5 Displays in May, allows small grain growers using Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) to take another simple yet impactful
step towards automation.
The system automatically creates guidance tracks for an entire field, using a driven field boundary or existing guidance track, headland size and offset type.
“Autopath (Boundaries) makes it easier for customers to continue to leverage their investment in CTF, while also ensuring inexperienced operators are working within existing guidance lines,” Max said.
“The automated path generation delivered by this technology also really simplifies the process of moving towards CTF for those customers who have not yet adopted controlled traffic practices.”
Before an operator goes into the field, they can be sent AutoPath guidance lines and the machine will follow those, or they can quickly and easily create them in the cab with a Gen 4 or G5 display. If the paddock already has existing tramlines, you won’t have to worry about the operator using the wrong lines.
“The software does the thinking for you. If you don’t work on tramlines, you can say, ‘I want to work off this boundary’ and it will put in all your run lines and make life a lot easier by avoiding overlaps and missed strips and reducing compaction.
“It’s another step on the road to autonomy.”
tion of Vapormatic is part of our commitment to offering our customers the right part at the right price.
“Customers who want to find out more about the range of parts designed for John Deere equipment, should contact their
local dealership.”
Check out the range of Vapormatic parts available at your local John Deere dealership.
THREE RIVERS MACHINERY EXPANDS INTO DUBBO
THREE RIVERS MACHINERY DUBBO HAS REPLACED GERONIMO FARM EQUIPMENT DUBBO AND HAS BEGUN STOCKING NEW HOLLAND MACHINERY ALONGSIDE ITS CASE IH STABLEMATE.
Well-known Warren businesspeople John and Bronwyn Plunkett, who earlier this month marked 40 years in business, are embarking on an exciting new chapter for Three Rivers Machinery, assuming ownership of Geronimo Farm Equipment in Dubbo.
As well as taking over the New Holland franchise from the previous franchisee, Three Rivers Machinery will now showcase more CNH brands across their four dealerships located in Warren, Narromine, Gilgandra and Dubbo in Central West New South Wales.
These include Case IH, New Holland, CASE Construction Equipment, K-Line Ag, Flexi-Coil and Horwood Bagshaw across all four locations.
Three Rivers Machinery Dealer Principal John Plunkett said the acquisition and expansion of the CNH offering made sense to achieve synergies for his business, while offering customers access to a wider range of machinery.
“Offering a more diverse range of products under the CNH banner means we’re providing a more complete sales, parts and service solution for the customer base,” he said.
“Our region is a mixture of broadacre, irrigation and mixed farms, including livestock. Making the whole CNH range available means we can meet whatever requirements our customers have across the Central West region.
“As a small business, the alignment of the CNH brands provides us with the economies of scale for sustainability.
“Our service technicians are CNH trained on both Case IH and New Holland equipment, with
technicians and workshops at all four locations, as well as technicians available for on-farm service work.”
John said his family has had a continuous line of retail businesses in Warren for 128 years, including hardware, whitegoods, a supermarket, and now machinery.
“The Three Rivers team is led by our eldest daughter Ruth, and our experienced management team who all live locally,” John said.
“The business is structured in a professional corporate way, with a family business feel.
“Our number one objective is to provide quality agricultural equipment to our customers, with the highest level of service and support for the life of their equipment.”
CNH Business Director for Agriculture ANZ Aaron Bett said farmers in Central West NSW were in good hands with Three Rivers Machinery.
“John, Bronwyn and Ruth’s years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry guarantees the ultimate experience for every farmer for all CNH product and service needs,” he said.
“The family has deep, generational roots in the farming community and they truly understand their customer’s diverse requirements across the region.
“The addition of the New Holland range to the full range of Case IH products across Three Rivers’ four locations means the region’s farmers are the big winners.
“There’s more choice for local farming operations with our machines known across the industry for innovation and market leading capabilities.”
(L-R) BRENT MCKENZIE, RAY WATSON, DALE WALLIS, TIM SHORT, BRONWYN PLUNKETT, JOHN PLUNKETT, RUTH PLUNKETT, DEAN JANHSEN AND DUSTIN NOBLE.
AUTOMATED ROCK CRUSHING MAKES HUGE GAINS EASY
WHILE CRUSHING ROCKY LAND HAS PROVED INVALUABLE FOR DRAMATICALLY INCREASING PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND LAND VALUES, IT ALSO HAS BEEN A DRAINING TASK FOR OPERATORS. HOWEVER, WITH THE ARRIVAL OF AUTOMATION, THAT’S ALL ABOUT TO CHANGE.
The Australian-made H4 Reefinator is one machine that has increasingly been spotted working away in rocky paddocks across southern Australia and its adoption could be in for a surge following the recent integration of automation technology.
Developed by Rocks Gone founder and former farmer Tim Pannell, the 3-metre wide H4 Reefinator comprises a levelling blade, four front row and five rear row hydraulic tines, and a following ribbed drum, all weighing 28 tonnes when filled with water and digging up to 600 millimetres deep.
ROCKS GONE IS NOW USING SOME OF THE WORLD’S LATEST AUTOMATED ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY (PICTURED) TO COMPLETELY FABRICATE ITS HARDFACING REPLACEMENT PARTS, ENSURING PRECISION AND UNIFORMITY.
Pulled by 400-horsepower plus tractors, the rig travels at about 10 kilometres per hour and operators have had to perform on-the-go depth adjustments according to changes in land and rock conditions. However, new automated technology has largely removed that pressure and also added other key benefits.
The Rocks Gone ‘Depth Master’ auto depth and slip control system calculates speed over ground and tractor load or wheel slip to adjust machine depth up to 50 times per second, as well as the level of its blade.
Operators set the depth and only make a manual adjustment if desired, thereby better optimising machine and tractor performance and resulting in improved crushing results and operational efficiency.
“Before the automation, a lot of input was required and it was quite onerous for operators,”
Tim said.
“Now with the Depth Master, they just set the depth and then it’s hands-off.
“You can see everything moving – and the levelling, with the blade going up and down to follow undulating country, is amazing as well.”
On-the-go manual adjustment can still be performed, however full manual use previously could result in operators digging too shallow and limiting optimum tractor and crushing performance.
“It was understandable, because rocky country can be so variable,” Tim said.
“With the Depth Master, you calibrate the system for a start and give it eight to 10 slip scenarios – and you can engage it with the rock more aggressively.
“It better utilises your tractor power because it always senses how hard it is working. It saves time because the rig is not stopping occasionally. It is mobile all the time and it is crushing much more rock.”
In turn, he said the system reduced tractor tyre wear considerably.
“Wheels can already be spinning with manual operation, whereas the Depth Master senses the load and lifts the machine earlier. It might only move 1-2 centimetres, but that makes a big difference with the load. This can double the life of tyres, which we have proven.”
Another benefit with the automation technology, in conjunction with GPS guidance systems, is that it can produce depth maps of worked areas.
“The maps can show perhaps where you may not have been digging deep enough and rather than doing extra passes over the whole area, you may concentrate on some areas and not on others, and effectively do less passes.”
The Depth Master is ISOBUS compatible and suitable for use with John Deere, Case IH and
TIM PANNELL, ROCKS GONE, WITH THE RIPPER BOOT AND LEADING EDGE REPLACEMENT PARTS USED BY THE COMPANY’S H4 REEFINATOR, WHICH NOW FEATURES AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY, EASING DEMANDS ON OPERATORS AND IMPROVING MACHINE AND TRACTOR PERFORMANCE.
New Holland tractors, while compliance with other tractor brands is continuing to be explored.
Tim said a number of the Depth Master systems, which can be used with existing H4 Reefinator machines, already were operating in-field with promising results.
“The feedback has been excellent, with operators saying it is an absolute no-brainer,” he said.
Hard-facing replacement parts for the tines and leading edges of the Rocks Gone machines, which are fully tested, are now completely fabricated using some of the world’s latest automated robotic technology, ensuring precision and uniformity.
“Our latest robot system does everything. It is quite a dynamic process, including automated pre and post heating and lots of little steps to get everything right, and of course it produces extremely consistent results,”
Tim said.
Rocks Gone’s Reefinator machines have achieved considerable return on investment for numerous growers across the country, with crop yields more than doubling and land values trebling – and most growers have later sold their machines for more than they purchased them.
“The laterite rock gets crushed up into silt-like particles and this appears to be really valua-
RELIABILITY AND SUPPORT KEY FOR WA GRAIN FARMER
PRE-HARVEST INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE KEY TO MAXIMISING UPTIME FOR 2024 HARVEST.
For fifth generation Tambellup grain farmer Rhys Brown, the availability of spare parts and fast and efficient customer service are key considerations as he prepares his operation for the 2024 harvest.
Rhys and wife Khalia crop 4,000 hectares per year including wheat, barley, and canola at their farm ‘Glenora’, 15km southwest of Tambellup, in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.
Rhys currently operates a CR10.90 combine, his third New Holland combine. He has owned a CR9070, and a CR9090 before upgrading to his current CR10.90 in 2022.
“The CR10.90 is a reliable machine with fantastic handling and grain cleaning,” he said.
“My approach is prevention is better than the cure, we like to
get inspections done right after harvest then get everything done that McIntosh & Son recommend,” he said.
“Their service is second to none. I’ve fortunately not had a lot of issues, but for the small problems that I have had, they will do their best to get out here.
“I remember ringing them up at 4:30pm and they were able to come out later that afternoon.
“The support McIntosh & Son and New Holland provide has always been the deciding factor for me. They provide the best support in our area; they carry a huge amount of stock and very rarely do you have to wait for parts.”
Ensuring farmers don’t have to wait for parts or repairs is a key focus for McIntosh & Son as the
group ramps up 2024 harvest preparations across its 12 Western Australian dealerships.
Anthony Ryan, General Manager McIntosh & Son Cunderdin, Geraldton, Merredin, Moora and Wongan Hills, said most post-harvest inspections were completed with pre-season maintenance and servicing well underway.
“Now is a great time to get maintenance booked as New Holland have got a 0% finance
ble, in addition to reducing the impact on seeding machinery.
Of course, there is better rooting depth and development, and soil moisture and nutrient retention improves,” Tim said.
“Growers generally spread a couple of tonnes of lime in front of their machines.
“In dirty grass paddocks, they
are also improving weed control by ‘reefinating’ during summer, later seeding the rest of their program, and then doing another pass to get a massive weed germination to hit before seeding it last. It is giving them the best, cleanest result.
“The machines are improving saline land as well by increasing
soil penetration in land rises.”
He said with the high cost of rural lands today, growers were benefitting by maximising production from their properties and boosting their value.
“Some rural real estate agents are even promoting ‘reefinated’ land with their listings.”
Growers have extra incentive
program for combine repairs,” he said.
“This allows customers to have their repairs done early, with payment due post-harvest.
“We want farmers to get their maintenance booked now, so we can spread repairs out to accommodate everyone, and the New Holland finance program essentially carries them through into next year.”
Anthony said McIntosh & Son offered a mixture of mobile technicians who could work on farm as well as their own trucks to bring machines into the workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of investment into our facilities, that allows us to have multiple combines in workshops at our dealerships,” he said.
“We also run the McIntosh Training Academy, which is a registered training organisation, with just over 100 apprentices that we train on New Holland products.
“Later this year we expect to graduate 15 – 20 Agricultural Mechanical Technology and Automotive Air-Conditioning Technology graduates.”
to consider the Rocks Gone machines prior to June 30 this year, with a $37,777 discount on full purchases and the $11,667 Depth Master automation system included for free. Growers who place a deposit on a full-priced machine by June 30 also receive a free Depth Master system.
LATEST MORRIS BAR STANDS UP IN ‘BREAKER COUNTRY’
“IS IT GOING TO STAND UP TO OUR COUNTRY?”
When you farm in tight sodic clays, that’s always one of the major questions you grapple with when considering a new seeding bar.
After originally buying a farm many others wouldn’t consider and last year breaking 60 of 72 tines and having to weld the drawbar up to complete seeding, we can now understand this challenge has just gone to the extreme level.
Enter the latest 24-metre Morris Quantum air drill for 2024, and after completing more than one-third of the seeding program this season, including in dry conditions, it is all systems go.
Andrew and Francine Cook, together with their son, Max, farm some of the most difficult country in the Salmon Gums area in WA’s south-eastern wheatbelt, comprising a lot of heavy, tight, sodic gravelly clays, also interspersed with some granite rock.
After venturing to the region from South Australia with his father in the early 1980s, Andrew and his family bought the Salmon Gums property in 1994 before also leasing and later acquiring a neighbouring property and then adding another farm north of Grass Patch in 2019.
This has allowed their crop production area to steadily expand to around 3300 hectares, also sadly at the expense of a quality sheep enterprise, which is declining due to the poor market returns and government policy.
The Cooks have undertaken significant work to improve the country with lime and gypsum applications, and in recent years have achieved average yields of 3-4 tonnes/ha. They grow predominantly wheat, barley, canola and some faba beans, while they also plan to sow field peas again in the near future.
The family has been using older Morris bars for some time and has loved them, but admits the tines have not been strong enough for their tight country.
A Morris Magnum chisel plough provided 340-kilogram tine breakout and then a Maxim III air drill allowed a step up in size to 18m, however the breakout was a little low at 250kg.
Andrew said the latest Quantum air drill, purchased through McIntosh & Son at Esperance, offered 363kg tine breakout and its weight and interlocking frame design, compared with other butt-welded bars, provided great strength.
“Hopefully it will reduce the cracking. We knew it wouldn’t be heavy enough for some of our country, but nothing can get in here with splitter boots because it is so tight. It’s like a concrete mix, in spite of applying more than 6t/ha of gypsum over the last 10 years,” Andrew said.
In dry conditions in some of their toughest country, hydraulic tine pressures of 1400psi are still not achieving the digging depth for faba beans to allow around 150kg downforce pack-
MAX COOK (FRONT RIGHT) IS DWARFED BY THE NEW 24-METRE MORRIS QUANTUM AIR DRILL THAT HAS NOT SKIPPED A BEAT DESPITE TOUGH CONDITIONS DURING SEEDING THIS SEASON ON THE FAMILY’S SALMON GUMS PROPERTY IN WA.
ing pressure. In better areas, this is being achieved at 600psi tine pressures.
Andrew said they were pleasantly surprised and impressed with the Quantum air drill’s performance and were planning to keep it for more than a decade –“so it’s got to be tough to go the distance”.
“It’s a big investment and we are really happy with the strength of the frame and drawbar. You can see it has got it – it is solid and strong.
“It’s doing the job, getting into the tight seedbed across 80-foot, and hopefully over a longer period it will prove robust in our conditions.
“In this rainfall area (345 millimetres annually), you have to be in the ground before it rains if you can. Normally we want 50 per cent of our program dry-seeded if need be in April, and some years up to 100pc dry seeded before the end of May. We’re
really happy the new air drill will attack any condition and come out the other side and that’s a big ask here.
“We also like the softness of the breakout and recoil compared with conventional spring release tines. It is much softer on the trip mechanism, which is pleasing and will hopefully translate to longer trip mechanism life.”
The Cooks followed in the footsteps of two of their neighbours, who had been using Morris Quantum air drills for the past three years, albeit in largely more loamy soils, and they took their investment up to the 24m machine set on 30-centimetre tine spacing to suit their tramline farming system, which is based on 3m wheel centres.
Tines are fitted with narrow, paired-row Rootboots for seed placement, which Andrew said were “like a surfboard to get in our country when it’s dry”, but they were very accurate at seed and fertiliser placement and they’re still dry sowing canola at a consistent depth of 15-20mm.
“They are robust boots and can handle our country well.”
The dual chute head kit also centre bands urea, which has suited their infrastructure since the late 1990s.
Andrew said, importantly, the Morris Quantum’s hydraulic parallelogram tine was performing to their expectation, whereas
MAX WITH SOME OF THE EXTENSIVE STAINLESS STEEL USED WITH THE 24-METRE MORRIS QUANTUM AIR DRILL, WHICH WILL HELP PROLONG ITS LIFE.
many other parallelogram systems struggled to maintain seeding depth in their soils, especially with a splitter boot.
“Seed placement is the key and with Gilgai holes (crabholes) everywhere here, this was a problem with our last bar – and if your seed’s not in the ground,
then it won’t germinate in marginal conditions.
“This (Quantum) bar is proving that it will drop into those areas and, even coming out of them, it will seed at what it is set at, so we are expecting germinations to improve 10-15pc from the last bar. We should pick up 5pc extra
PACKING PRESSURE MAP CREATED BY THE TOPCON X35 CONTROLLER IN ONE OF THE COOK’S “SOFTEST” PADDOCKS.
yield and that will help pay for the machine.
“We have canola firing out of the ground shortly after recent rains.”
Andrew said the evolution of the tine angle and parallelogram pivot point geometry on the new Quantum air drills was a game changer and was also providing for excellent trash flow.
“We run chaff carts and other parallelogram bars that we’ve had here on demo couldn’t handle the trash, but we are happy with the way the Quantum has handled the chaff residue.”
Max said he took the Quantum through one chaff heap the stock had grazed down and had missed getting burnt that was still “two to three feet high” and there was no blocking up with the bar.
Automatic variable pressure packing linked with their Topcon X35 controller, as well as automatic lifting of tines at the end of runs, has been another great feature for the Cooks.
the controller, so we’re truthing paddocks with what soil type you can see from the tractor,” Andrew said.
“We can use this valuable data to overlay with other data sets such as EM38 sodium and gamma radiometric maps and harvest yield maps etcetera. This will assist our precision farming technicians to more precisely generate gypsum application shape files for our VRT spreader, applying higher rates where it will do more for soil health and, therefore, production.”
Other good features of the Morris Quantum air drill included the stainless steel primary airpipes and delivery heads used with the machine, which would help prolong the life of the delivery system.
“It also has excellent flotation and a well-designed folding mechanism for a 24m bar, which folds back into a more square shape for transport with a tight, triple-fold stance,” Andrew said.
He said the McIntosh & Son team at Esperance had provided good support and had helped with the install and setting up of the new seeding rig. A VARIABLE
“The X35 starts to warn you when your pressures are becoming too low. A side benefit of this is that we are generating packing pressure maps created by
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GROWER ‘PILOTS’ ENJOYING HI-TECH MILLER RIDE
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GROWERS GETTING INTO THE SEAT OF THE LATEST MILLER INTELLIGENCE SPRAYERS CAN BE CONFUSED THEY HAVE BEEN HANDED THE KEYS TO THE LATEST HI-TECH CHOPPER LINED WITH PLUSH COMFORTS, AND, HENCE, THEY HAVE BEEN SUITABLY IMPRESSED.
Growers have been getting behind the wheel, and joystick, of the manufacturer’s newly introduced sprayers at demonstrations being held across the State and there are still opportunities to take a ride, including on their own farms.
The new Miller Intelligence sprayers feature Sidewinder Ultra consoles, larger screens and updated cabs that come with greater comfort, numerous luxury appointments and improved, 270-degree panoramic visibility. The consoles have introduced
advanced telematics, raising spraying application and machine data control and transfer to leading industry levels, and which, critically, is compatible with all major data management systems available. It interfaces seamlessly with New Holland and Case IH systems, and, by taking up the option of the Raven Slingshot portal, can be used with other data platforms.
Peter Vella, National Miller Sales Manager with Australian distributor, McIntosh Distribution, said growers at the various
THE NEW MILLER INTELLIGENCE SPRAYERS FEATURE SIDEWINDER ULTRA CONSOLES, LARGER SCREENS AND UPDATED CABS THAT COME WITH GREATER COMFORT, NUMEROUS LUXURY APPOINTMENTS AND IMPROVED, 270-DEGREE PANORAMIC VISIBILITY.
demonstrations had enjoyed familiarising themselves with the different steering system, spraying operations on the console and the new cab environment.
“It’s a force-based propulsion system and so the joystick is not always in forward position. You hold it forward to get to your desired speed, then let it go and it holds the speed while returning back to the neutral position. Your hand is then always in the neutral position, which is ergonomically better for your arm and hand,” Peter said.
He said reaction to the new Sidewinder Ultra consoles, increased visibility and more spacious cabs with comfortable, high-back seats had been excellent.
“The changes have been well recognised and growers like the fact that day-to-day spraying functions on the operating screens have been taken back to physical buttons on the consoles, even though there is still the option to go via the screens.
“It also has made operations easier to understand and, together with the advanced telematics and data transfer, this has given growers greater comfort in looking to use seasonal workers to operate machines.”
Compared with alternate systems, dealers are alerted as any errors, warnings or notifications occur, allowing improved support to growers; guidance software programs can easily be interchanged; and, the system supports prescription maps developed from drone data.
“Service departments can use a Remote Service Tool (RST) and log-in if any performance fault codes or errors pop up,” Peter said.
He said during the ride and drive events, grower owners of existing Miller Nitro 7000 Series sprayers have noticed extra torque with the latest Intelligence Series machines.
“There has been a change from two transmission pumps to a sin-
GROWERS ARE APPRECIATING THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK OVER THE LATEST MILLER INTELLIGENCE SPRAYERS DURING DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUING ACROSS THE WA AGRICULTURAL REGION.
gle pump with the hydrostatic transmission and this has enabled more efficient horsepower usage and that sense of greater torque.”
Meanwhile, all other industry-leading application options available with the Miller sprayer line-up are continuing to drive interest in the unique, front-mounted machines, including the wide range of nozzle systems, spot spraying technology offered by the Bilberry and Weedseeker 2 brands, Miller’s own Spray-Air platform, and the option to add a swather kit for crop windrowing.
“The Miller Intellispray II nozzle system is the next generation of pulse width modulation (PWM) control that can run at user-defined hertz rates of 10, 15 and up to 20 hertz, whereas Intellispray I ran at 10 hertz,” Peter said.
“This option helps to maintain consistent spray application at wider speed variations. By not requiring as much power, it allows the PWM to be set at 25-centimetre spacings on booms of up to 48 metres. On the larger boom, that’s individual nozzle control via 193 nozzles, compared with 92 nozzles set at 50cm spacings with Intellispray I.
“It provides greater consistency at higher speeds and it allows higher resolution with spot spraying. At 25cm resolution, but with side safety engaged, you are at 75cm resolution, versus 1.5 metres, so it further reduces chemical usage whilst maintaining ultimate coverage.”
He said for green-on-green applications, the Bilberry Intelligent Spot Spraying System, which fully integrates with Mill-
NEW KUBOTA SE9000 FOLDING CHOPPER
HIGH CAPACITY AND WIDE WORKING WIDTHS FOR SUPERB OUTPUT.
Kubota have introduced a new range of folding agricultural choppers designed to be used in large-scale operations. The Kubota SE9000 range is suitable for a wide range of operations including the regeneration of grassland, maize and sunflower stubbles, sorghum and set-aside land.
The SE9000 Series of choppers are available in two working widths of 5.60m and 6.40m. Hydraulic folding with automatic locking ensures safe road transport and provides a transport width of 2.50m.
The new Kubota SE9560 and SE9640 offer outstanding performance with a reliable transmission system.
The central gearbox is rated up to 260 hp and is equipped with an integrated freewheel which ensures smooth and shock free running. Transmission to each
chopping unit is by five belts which are equipped with an automatic belt tensioner. This guarantees correct belt tension, providing maintenance free operation.
A particular focus has been placed on efficient power transmission to obtain the lowest possible fuel consumption and operating costs.
The rotors of the new SE9000 Series can be specified with universal or hammer blades; their unique design guarantees the lifting of crop residues even in wet conditions and avoids uncut stubble, especially in the tractor wheel tracks. A rotor speed of over 2000 rpm ensures excellent cutting performance even at high forward speeds.
An oscillating lower link and a split upper link ensure that ground contours are followed perfectly.
er’s electronics and is available on the Miller truss booms up to 41.5m and the 48m Pommier boom, now incorporates generation III architecture.
“The latest systems feature a lot less componentry. Previously, there was one computation module per camera, whereas
Mainframe strength proven under the toughest conditions.
The frames of the chopping units are designed with a rounded profile for maximum torsional rigidity and most efficient crop flow. The rear cover can be adjusted depending on the quantity of chopped material, with wider openings providing generous clearance for when crop volumes are high. High cutting chambers ensure superior performance even in difficult working conditions. A special dividing plate is mounted between the two sections to avoid uncut strips remaining in the field. As standard equipment,
the Kubota SE9000 Series is equipped with a 245mm diameter rear roller for consistent cutting height control; the bearings are integrated and protected and do not need regular greasing. The rear roller can optionally be replaced by four semi-pivoting wheels (10/8.0x12.8). Other accessories include a double skin to prolong the life of the chassis and a second counter knife for finer chopping of crop residues.
These unique features and high performance make the SE9000 Series choppers ideal for professional contractors and farmers.
now there is only one for every four cameras, so across a 36m boom there are only three modules for 12 cameras.”
Since the launch of the latest Miller Intelligence Series sprayers at last year’s round of agricultural field days, Peter said interest had been growing stead-
ily and enquiries had increased following confidence-boosting rains in eastern Australia as well as many parts of WA. Importantly, stocks of the Miller sprayers have improved, however they remain under solid demand.
An expanded dealer network
is assisting the strong demonstration program and interested growers can contact their local Miller dealer. For further information on the new Miller range and various application systems available with the sprayers, they can also visit millersprayers. com.au.
NEW HOLLAND EXTENDS ITS T7 PLMI LONG WHEELBASE RANGE TO AUSTRALIAN MARKET
AUSTRALIAN FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS CAN EXPECT A VASTLY EXPANDED OFFERING FROM NEW HOLLAND’S T7 PLMI LONG WHEELBASE RANGE WITH FOUR DISTINCT MODELS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW.
New Holland’s revised T7 PLMi Long Wheelbase range now offers a new flagship model that delivers enhanced power and best-in-class power-to-weight ratio while maintaining the dimensions and manoeuvrability of the other models.
The new T7.300 Long Wheelbase with PLM Intelligence™ (T7 LWB PLMi) offers more power, more technology, and more comfort to maximise the tractor’s efficiency, productivity and uptime.
Ben Mitchell, Product Segment Manager for Mixed Farming & Livestock, ANZ, said the T7.300 was in response to customers wanting a tractor with more power without bigger frames and more weight, while maintaining manoeuverability.
“We took up their challenge and developed the new T7.300 which delivers greater engine power with larger tyres for increased traction, while maintaining the same overall dimensions of the existing T7 models.
“It’s designed for operators
accruing high operating hours each season, looking for an efficient and reliable all-rounder, with the latest in cutting edge technology.
“Features of the latest model include a FPT 6 cylinder engine that delivers 280hp maximum power for draft work and 300hp for Power Take-Off (PTO) and haulage tasks.
“This means farmers and contractors will be able to spend more time in the field, with an 18% increase in fuel capacity,” he said.
The T7.300 boasts an upgraded version of New Holland’s popular Auto Command™ transmission, the best-in-class driveline for tractive effort, which further adds to the tractor’s exceptional efficiency.
Integrated Large Square Baler Control’s inclusion optimises interaction between the tractor and baler. Anticipating the forces exerted on the tractor by the baler results in a 15% reduction in cab movement, a more consistent PTO speed, and a 12% reduc-
tion in fuel consumption through the baling cycle.
“It also offers new levels of comfort, such as the Horizon™ Ultra cab, the quietest on the market with 66dBA, featuring easy to use technology such as the IntelliView™ 12 monitor, and the SideWinder™ Ultra fully adjustable armrest for ergonomic intuitive operation,” Ben said.
“A new Comfort Ride™ suspension coupled with the active electro-hydraulic system ‘decouples’ the cab movement from the chassis with a skyhook control logic to deliver a supremely smooth ride.”
The T7.300 benefits from New Holland’s advanced PLM Intelligence, allowing best-in-class field applications such as IntelliSteer™ 1.5cm accuracy autosteering, and IntelliTurn™ headland sequence management.
It is the first New Holland tractor to be fully ISOBUS Tractor Implement Management (TIM) certified, allowing two-way communication between the tractor and implement and for the implement to control the tractor.
The new T7.300, together with the expanded T7 LWB PLMi and T7 LWB Tier 3 range, was shown to the New Holland dealer network at its dealer conference and ‘ride and drive’ day at Lancemore, Victoria in March 2024. Future Ag, held 17-19 of April in Melbourne, was the first opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the T7.300.
“New Holland now can appeal to a wide customer base with four distinct models to the market, ranging from T7 Long Wheelbase with PLM Intelligence ™ to the T7 Tier 3 models,” Ben said.
“We now have a vastly expanded offering from the high hours operator wanting a ‘fully connected’ machine with all the specifications and innovations, right through to the beef cattle or dairy farmer wanting a basic tractor producing great hp to run a feed mixer.”
NEW ENGINE FOR CLAAS JAGUAR 970
CLAAS REVOLUTIONISED FORAGE HARVESTING IN 1973, AND IN 2023 CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTER MARKET.
With more than 45,000 units manufactured over the past 50 years, Jaguar has earned a hard-won reputation for productivity, efficiency and reliability, with continued upgrades and advancements to their models.
The Jaguar 970 forage harvester boasts numerous technological advancements, including a new MAN S6 engine with 790hp. With the assistance systems switched on, the Jaguar is clearly more efficient and can achieve up to 10% higher throughput and up to 13% lower fuel consumption.
A variety of optional features on the Jaguar include power and fuel saving operator assistance systems such as Cemos Auto, Performance and Cemos Auto Crop Protection, maintaining the engine speed set by the operator and adjusting the engine output and ground speed in accordance with the volume of crop harvested.
Cemos Auto Crop Protection allows the operator to set a minimum engine rpm; if the minimum setpoint is reached the machine cuts the feed drive to avoid any blockages.
Further technological solutions like continuously variable front attachment drive, hydraulic pre-compression, enhanced crop flow systems, reinforced feeder housing, Auto Fill automatic rear overloading and side loading, dynamic steering, and reconfigured running gear, ensure optimal operating efficiency.
Steering options include Cemis 1200 GPS steering, Cam Pilot swath detection and Auto Pilot row sense, all with Dynamic Steering for the headlands. Other options include Auto-
fill, Variable front attachment drive and comfort adjust accelerator gap.
The technologically advanced Claas operator assistance systems also have a positive effect on the operator and their comfort –both physically and psychologically as it has been proven to reduce the psychological burden on the operator.
Independent studies have shown that the operator assistance systems can reduce control lever clicks associated with upper discharge chute control by 50.6%, reduce control lever movement by 15.2%, and reduce steering wheel turns by 35.4%.
All operator settings can be programmed as favourites and accessed by switches on the multifunction C-Motion control lever for maximum operator comfort.
The Cebis touch control hub assists the operator by implementing operator adjustments at any point while chopping is underway. The clear, user-friendly control system can be operated without previous knowledge.
Claas have been market leaders in the forage harvester game since the onset, and the technology behind their latest offering will not disappoint. It not only makes the operator’s life more comfortable, but the maintenance and adjustment feature also means parts last longer for the owner.
When assistance systems are used, the fuel consumption is lower, and the throughput is higher. The constant automated adjustment is a real game changer and ensures the farmer receives top-notch forage.
HARVEST HAULER.
Need to ramp up your productivity? The new Brandt DXT dual-auger chaser bin delivers the capacity and speed to meet the demands of your fast-paced harvest season.
More Efficient
Save time with easier loading and complete tank cleanout, thanks to the low-profile, high-slope tank, and unload speed of 1,000 bushels per minute.
More Versatile
Customize your ideal chaser bin with your choice of five models in 1,150 to 2,500 bushel sizes, right- or left-side unloading, and a variety of undercarriage options.
More Reliable
The DXT features premium components, low maintenance requirements, and our unique robotic welding technology for unparalleled quality and maximum uptime.
ONLY CLAAS FOR GRASS
f Top cut quality with MAX CUT
f ACTIVE FLOAT – perfect ground contouring
f Perfect cut – clean forage and perfect crop flow
f SAFETY LINK – advanced safety system CLAAS DISCO MOWER
