NEWS & INNOVATIONS
LEMKEN LEMKEN Acquires Hoeing Technology Specialist STEKETEE LEMKEN, a global leader in agricultural implements for tillage, seeding and plant protection, has acquired Dutch company, MACHINEFABRIEK STEKETEE B.V. The acquisition expands LEMKEN’s crop care product portfolio with hoeing implements for mechanical weed control and advance camera-assisted machine control technology that enables STEKETEE machines to hoe between the rows and between plants within a row. LEMKEN also acquired STEKETEE’s soil cultivation division RUMPTSTAD, but not the company’s crop ventilation technology business. LEMKEN’s managing director Anthony van der Ley sees the acquisition as an important step in meeting some of the current challenges facing farmers, while embracing LEMKEN’s commitment to always provide farmers with the best strategic tillage machines. “The acceptance of chemical crop care agents
is decreasing, both among farmers and within the broader society. At the same time, resistance against currently available active substances is continually increasing, while hardly any new substances are coming onto the market. Also, legal requirements are becoming more and more stringent, and we therefore need effective alternatives. Given the wide spread use of herbicides, they offer the greatest potential for reducing the use of chemical crop care products. LEMKEN is fully aware of this responsibility, and we intend to promote mechanical weed control by adding hoeing technology to our product range.” LEMKEN intends to work with STEKETEE to expand the company’s Dutch facilities and build on its existing manufacturing capacities. It will continue to rely on STEKETEE’s experienced, competent local staff who will be retained.
MACDON Introducing MacDon C Series Corn Headers The MacDon C Series Advantage features: One - Pass Residue Management: In a one-pass process, our Corn Headers create well-conditioned/chopped and evenly distributed residue, necessary for achieving accurate seed depth and seed placement essential for maximizing successive crop yields. Crimping - MacDon C Series Corn Headers feature four point-to-point knives and four serrated edges on the snapping rolls that crimp the stalk every three inches with the serrated edge. MacDon’s crimping process speeds up the microbial breakdown process, taking less than half the time to decompose over typical corn headers. Chopping - Stalk residue is consistently chopped into 2 to 3-inch pieces, even at harvesting speeds up to 7.5 mph (12 km/h). Optimal Stalk to Chopper Positioning: The front-mounted 62
chopper positioned close to the underside of the rolls provides the shortest, most consistent residue size. The snapping units can then be run closer to the ground to better harvest downed corn while delivering the shortest stubble height possible. Chopper speed is 2,800 RPM, and the chopper gearboxes can be easily disconnected row by row. Unique Snout Design: The ribbed shape strengthens the snout structure and creates less drag allowing the material to flow over it smoothly. Featuring a unique teardrop snout design that excels at lifting downed crop, minimizing ear bounce, and following curved rows, the MacDon C Series is ready for your toughest corn harvesting challenges. Industry Leading Visibility: White colored snouts and dividers offer industry-leading visibility when harvesting at night, making it easier for the operator to stay on the row.