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Maximise potential with the Fendt 900 Series Rogator Sprayer

The Fendt Rogator 900 Series applicator has been popular with farmers since being launched into Australia and New Zealand 12 months ago.

Exclusively available through the Fendt dealer network - which includes Cobram Farm Equipment - it comes from AGCO, which is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution

of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology.

The Fendt Rogator offers more opportunity for owners to maximize the potential of their investment with capabilities such as adjustable clearance, a combo-chassis designed for multiple application systems as well as industry leading technology and first-class performance and operator comfort.

“We’re excited to introduce this machine to the Australian and New Zealand market” explained Fendt ANZ and Far East director Warwick McCormick.

“We’ve been working hard internally to put together an expert team focused on the Fendt Rogator, with dedicated staff based across the country to support our dealers, backed up by the

global network of professionals at AGCO.

“We have plans in place to ensure that service and parts will be readily available for Rogator customers as well as product and technical training to ensure we hit the ground running on the arrival of the first batch of machines.”

Fendt ANZ and Far East director of marketing Fergal Meehan said the AGCO factory in Jackson, Minnesota his historically built Rogator Sprayers, which have been distributed through a separate distribution network in Australia.

“In support of our longterm strategy for a full line of agricultural equipment designed to provide equipment solutions for farmers across the world, the new Rogator will be distributed through existing Fendt dealers in Australia and New Zealand who are ideally placed to support the Rogator as it joins the Fendt family.

“We make no secret of our ambition to significantly grow our footprint in the broadacre and row-crop landscape and our dealers now have an additional high-performance machine to help service the needs of customers in that segment.

“In recent years the Fendt product portfolio in Australia and New Zealand has expanded from a tractor only product offering to one which includes a wide range of green harvesting equipment including mowers, rakes, tedders, round balers, combination round balers and loader wagons.

“More recently the introduction of Fendt IDEAL combines, as well as 900MT and 1100MT tracked tractors, now all equipped with the well proven Fendt Vario transmission, has provided broadacre farmers with new opportunities to improve their farm business productivity and profitability.”

Fendt ANZ and Far East Fendt Rogator sprayers

marketing manager Tom Draffen said the Fendt Rogator is the “next logical progression to expand our broadacre lineup”.

“The Rogator brand has a long and proven heritage which is now coupled with the new technology in the machine to reflect the passion and innovation which we strive for with Fendt,” he said.

“It is the only self-propelled, rear-mounted boom applicator with optional adjustable clearance on the market.

“We also offer a combo-chassis which allows the machine to be easily converted between liquid and dry systems for ultimate versatility.

“The new Rogator can be equipped for nearly any type of crop care application system, Fendt customers will have greater control over when and how products are applied, and the timeliness of application.

“This is a machine that will ensure better product use for higher yields and an overall better return on investment.”

Mr Draffen said the Fendt Rogator is the latest farmer-focused solution in a line of innovations from AGCO.

He said it combines the quality, comfort and reliability of Fendt with the application expertise that began with the introduction of Ag-Chem’s first self-propelled field sprayer in 1972.

“This Rogator is a step

forward from the C-series machines with a new chassis, larger engine and horsepower offering, a Fendt cab with great vision for the operator and options on the techstacks available, using either a RAVEN Viper4+ terminal and associated hardware or a Fendt AgControl system.

“All models have AGCO Power 8.4L engines and are equipped with the Fendt Liquid Logic liquid management as standard, with liquid capacities up to 6000L and dry spinner systems with capacities ranging from 253 to 330 cubic feet for combo-ready units.

“As you’d expect from a Fendt, they are packed with class-leading options and features giving growers more control and better results”

Like the current C models, operators of the new Rogator 900 machines will benefit from the automatic traction control of the AWD SmartDrive system.

Turn-compensated wheel speed provides independent control of each wheel to assist in tight turns and reduce soil disruption and crop damage.

Optional GatorTrak 4-Wheel Steer offers a tight, 16.5-foot turning radius that dramatically improves field manoeuvrability, crosses fewer rows, and reduces compaction.

For more information on the new Fendt 900 Series Rogator sprayers, contact Cobram Farm Equipment.

The new-look Rogator 900 Series will be exclusively distributed through the existing Fendt dealer network across Australia and New Zealand.

Sulphur deﬁciency and its impact on rice yields

By John Lacy

Older rice farmers

will recall that the NSW Department of Primary Industries, up to 2011 and years after, did not recommend sulphur for rice (and rarely for phosphorus).

When I came back to Finley after coordinating NSW DPI Research and Extension at Yanco Agricultural Institute for eight years and retiring, I restarted the discussion groups as a consultant in 2011 and reviewed the Ricecheck checks and agronomic data.

Chapter six, Production of Quality Rice, had a table of nutrient requirements for 12 tonne rice.

It was 10kg of sulphur per hectare for for 12 tonne per hectare rice.

The balance for sulphur was 13kgS/ha because most sulphur came from irrigation water at 18kgS/ha.

I requested Jeff Barrie, of Rees Fertilisers in Finley, to do water sampling in the Mulwala channel and obtain an analysis of the water samples.

Two samples carried out three months apart showed

the sulphur was 6.4kgS/ha and 7.4kgS/ha.

This meant the sulphur balance, instead of being positive, was negative at -7 and -6KgS/ha.

This initiated a review of the critical soil test sulphur level of 5mg/kg.

It’s recommended for high yields to be at least 10mg/kg.

It led to a lot of farmers applying fertilisers with higher sulphur levels on a total farm basis.

I have had feedback that sulphur may be low again in some crops, restricting high rice yields with unexpected better yields from 1t/ha gypsum (17 per cent sulphur) or

bore water.

Another factor is the low sulphur in MAP and DAP.

A standard sulphur fertiliser is Sulphate of Ammonia, with 100kg/ha supplying 24kgS/ha and 21kgP/ha.

I don’t know whether SuPerfect Super (similar to single super) is still sold, but 170kg/ha supplied 19kgS and 15kgP/ha.

If you think your paddock may have low sulphur levels, a demonstration of your standard sowing fertiliser package in one bay could be compared to a higher sulphur fertiliser package in a next door bay.

Sulphur deficiency rice can have reduced plant height and stunted growth, yellowing in younger leaves (nitrogen deficiency is in older leaves), less tillering, shorter panicles and reduced grains per panicle.

This article focuses on sulphur, but we also focussed on phosphorus application which led to a significant increase in rice yields.

~ John Lacy (pictured) is an independent agriculture consultant, based in Finley, and is founder of the Finley Discussion Group.

Murray-Darling Basin Authority reviews key projects

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority met last week in Canberra, where members received an update on the Joint Programs Business Improvement (JPBI) project, and re-enforced the importance of a risk based approach to asset investment and the four year budget program.

The Authority noted the independent review under way, which is intended to strengthen the MDBA’s advice to the Basin Officials Committee, and that continued engagement with basin states, asset managers and basin officials would be essential to the budget process as the project matured.

Chief executive Andrew McConville provided an overview of current operational and strategic issues.

MDBA governance and reporting matters were also considered during the meeting.

Members noted the draft MDBA 2023-24 annual report and work under way to finalise financial statements.

Progress of the Basin Plan Review was discussed, with the Authority members noting continued work to engage jurisdictions and basin communities in MDBA early planning and considerations for the review.

Members observed the

recent MDBA webinar covering the Early Insights Paper as an additional activity to ensure the review is undertaken with basin stakeholders and in a transparent manner.

Members welcomed representatives of the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Deputy Secretary Water and Catchments Dr Kirsten Shelly and Director, Intergovernmental, Dr Jessica Freame.

An update was provided on current water policy priorities in Victoria including water security, emergency management, Traditional Owner access to water and environmental outcomes and governance.

In relation to the MurrayDarling Basin Plan, discussion focused on progress of current sustainable limit adjustment mechanism (SDLAM) projects and collaboration with the MDBA on constraints implementation.

Members also received an update from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Authority acknowledged the comprehensive work to review and modernise Schedule D of the MurrayDarling Basin Agreement.

Modernising Schedule D supports the general improvements occurring across the water markets.

The Authority considered the SDL accounting assessment of incomplete recovery and agreed to the adjustment of the Registers of Take for 2023-24.

Members discussed the importance of the Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap to set a clear and pragmatic pathway for relaxing constraints over the next ten years.

The Authority encouraged further work on the system-wide value proposition under climate change. Mechanisms to support a co-ordinated long term program delivery were explored.

Updates on current River Murray conditions, water resource availability and MDBA management activities were received.

The Authority noted drier conditions have impacted system inflows, with demands increasing across the system.

Progress on a number of upcoming appointments were noted, including recruitment for the Basin Community Committee (BCC) to fill six vacancies arising in March 2025, and nominations for Authority membership as terms expire.

MINIDRIFT nozzles have a venturi air inlet between the pre-orifice and the outlet orifice that creates a negative pressure in the nozzle which causes air to flow in through the side holes. The air and spray liquid generates larger droplets making them less sensitive to wind, reducing drift by up to 75% over standard nozzles.

Agtech program expanded, extended

The innovative $33 million Farms of the Future Agtech program is being extended to 2028.

The program will also be expanded to help more farmers across the state boost productivity, improve on-farm technology and connectivity.

The NSW Government’s Farms of the Future program is designed to drive the uptake of state-of-theart agriculture technology, which is estimated to boost on-farm productivity by up to 25 per cent.

This equates to a $3 billion increase in gross value of production per year.

Agtech includes new technologies and innovations that have the potential to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture.

It includes sensors and devices that enable real time monitoring of on-ground

conditions such as weather, soil moisture and water supplies as well as devices, hardware and software that enable automation and robotics.

Minister for Agriculture

Tara Moriarty said the expanded Farms of the Future program, which previously targeted 11 local government areas, will now be open to all NSW farmers.

It will be more sharply focused on accelerating the adoption of Agtech and education around it.

Changes to the program include a broader

education offering, ensuring farmers feel equipped with the knowledge and expertise they need to get the most out of Agtech on their property.

“The changes to our Farms for the Future program are about helping more farmers understand and reap the enormous benefits of Agtech including increased productivity, better farm management and greater connectivity,” she said.

“Agtech provides more reliable and current information, helping farmers make better and quicker decisions that supports both productivity and sustainability.

“This transition to a broader state-wide program, will help farmers really embrace Agtech solutions and ensure they are supported every step of the way.”

Changes to the program, which has now been extended

to 2028, include:

• Industry specific training courses which cover fundamentals right through to aspects of new technology.

• Demonstration Hubs, located in 10 DPIRD research stations across the state, will allow farmers to witness first hand how devices operate in real farm settings, observe the data collected, understand how farms use this data.

• Agtech Alley which is a designated space for Agtech suppliers at major field days to connect directly with farmers.

• Agtech Toolbox which is an extensive resource offering articles, case studies and how-to-videos.

▯ Further information on The Farms of the Future Program is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/ climate/farms-of-the-future

Tuppal Creek bridge works to begin

Works will begin next month to deliver new bridges on properties across Southern NSW to improve connectivity between the Murray and Edward Rivers. This work is part of the Mid-Murray Anabranches

Constraints Demonstration Reach and is funded by the Australian Government under the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) program. New infrastructure will be constructed along Tuppal Creek and will improve ecological outcomes for these critical waterways, replacing existing barriers with clearspan bridges will enable increased flows along the system and support native fish movement.

Murray Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract enabling precast concrete fabrication to begin in early October with major construction of bridges expected to get under way later this year.

The Mid-Murray Anabranches Project aims to restore the quality and functionality of local rivers and creeks within the Murray River system by December 2026, including Tuppal, Native Dog and Bullatale creeks.

The project includes:

• boosting connectivity between the Murray and Edward Rivers

• supporting the accessibility and management requirements for private landholders

• increasing native fish passage and ecological production

• unlocking tourism and industry opportunities such as fishing and birdwatching

• enhancing wildlife habitat

• improving First Nations

connection to Country.

Separately, the detailed design process is progressing well for the Bullatale and Native Dog Creek packages, and consultation with landowners and key stakeholders is ongoing.

The Mid-Murray Anabranches are located near Deniliquin and Tocumwal, and form the northern boundary of the Murray River floodplain and the eastern boundary of the Edward River floodplain.

Last year, five SDLAM Acceleration Program projects, including the MidMurray Anabranches, received an additional $115 million from the Australian Government along with more time to deliver critical new water infrastructure by the end of 2026 to deliver towards the Basin Plan 605GL target.

The Australian Government investment in the SDLAM Acceleration Program in NSW is now $446.2 million.

These projects combined

will result in up to 45 gigalitres of water being returned to the Murray -Darling Basin, generating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for regional NSW.

NSW DCCEEW water director infrastructure projects Andrew Lavelle said the NSW Government advocated strongly for more time and more money to complete the infrastructure projects in the basin, including the Mid-Murray Anabranches project.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering new infrastructure to support a healthier Murray and Edward River system by investing in new bridges that will help increase flows, improve connectivity and boost the native fish population,” he said.

“Replacing barriers to river flows with new clear span bridges will significantly improve outcomes for the environment, landholders, Aboriginal people and local communities which is a winwin for everyone.”

Innovative revenue stream to support community

Finley PCP Ltd (Passionate Community Participants) is a dedicated, non-profit organisation based in Finley.

It is composed of community-minded individuals who foresaw the need to generate funds for future community development.

With a clear vision to invest in rural land assets that could provide a sustainable income, the group purchased a cropping farm just east of Finley.

Members have since used resources to drive meaningful change within the community.

Finley PCP’s main goal is to hold and manage income-generating rural land, with all profits being reinvested into the local community.

Their efforts will help fund community projects, facilities, and initiatives beyond the reach of other local organisations.

The focus of the organisation is to expand its agricultural operations, including crop farming and share farming, with the ultimate goal of supporting the town of Finley through financial assistance.

Recently, Finley PCP identified an innovative revenue stream that has further enhanced its ability to generate income for the community.

The group has been baling and on-selling remaining straw from their winter crops to feedlots.

Finley PCP member Warren Lang said this creative approach has provided a significant boost to the organisation’s income, resulting in over $100,000 in additional revenue.

The straw, left after harvesting crops such as barley and wheat, is baled and sold as animal feed to various local feedlots, further diversifying the group's income base.

"This new revenue stream from the sale of straw has

provided a much-needed financial boost for our organisation,“ Mr Lang said.

“The support we've received from local farmers and businesses, who generously lent us the necessary machinery for baling, has been incredible.

“It’s this kind of community cooperation that allows us to continue investing in Finley’s future."

Mr Lang said the community’s spirit of collaboration and mutual aid is central to the success of the organisation’s endeavors, and Finley PCP is deeply grateful for the continued backing from local individuals and businesses.

The proceeds from straw sales will be used not only to reduce the organisation's financial commitments, but also to explore new

opportunities for improving community facilities, supporting local organisations, and ensuring that Finley continues to thrive.

Finley PCP is committed to finding innovative ways to generate revenue and invest in projects that benefit the entire community.

Through initiatives like these, Finley PCP remains a vital part of the Finley community, ensuring that profits from their agricultural operations are reinvested into the area.

With every new venture, the group continues to build a brighter and more prosperous future for Finley and its residents.

Finley PCP is also actively seeking donations or bequests from community members and supporters

who share their vision of creating a prosperous future for Finley.

“By reducing the remaining debt more quickly, the organisation will be able to start reinvesting profits back into the community sooner,” the organisation said.

“Every contribution, whether large or small, brings us closer to achieving this goal and providing much-needed funding for community projects that will benefit generations to come.”

▯ For more information, please contact Finley PCP or visit www.ﬁnleypcp.com.

Finley PCP members at the community farm.

Winter cropping straw has been sold to feedlots to increase the Finley PCP income.

The Finley MenShed proudly supports the Finley PCP. Pictured at a donation presentation earlier this year are members of both groups (from left) Chris Kelly, Ray Koschel, Graham Fisher, Trevor McCaw, Sue Braybon, Gavin Butcher, Bill Rowlands, Stan Montgomery, Gary Blackney and Robert Phillipe.

Finley PCP’s 2023 wheat crop.

Barley sowing for the Finley PCP last year.

Henty Machinery Field Days

Auto pen wins coveted award

An ergonomically designed, automated catching pen boosting comfort and efficiency in shearing sheds by reducing dragging distances and allowing shearers to maintain better posture has won the coveted 2024 Henty Machine of the Year Award.

The Ram-to-Ewe, entered by Simon Flinn, of Flinn Design in The Rock, impressed the judges with its innovation, design and safety features.

Highly commended was the Midwest Legacy, the world’s widest draper platform at 18.3m from Midwest Fabrication, Dalby, Queensland.

A total of 10 machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology were shortlisted for judging in the Henty Machine of the Year.

Announced on the opening day, this award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days. It was judged by an independent panel of five regional primary producers on Monday (September 16) and presented at the field day’s opening on Tuesday.

Judging criteria included the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Judge Warren Scheetz described the Ram-to-Ewe as fit for purpose and a leap forward for the shearing industry in operator and sheep safety.

“The design of the automated system works by the back fence moving progressively forward, reducing the size of the pen as it empties out of sheep,” Mr Scheetz said.

“This reduces the dragging distance for the shearer and allows for improved sheep handling and operator safety.

“The design focuses very much on the shearer – they are always picking the sheep up on a level surface with the tilting pen towards them. They are pulling straight out, so there is no twisting while they are pulling.

“It is increasing the efficiency of the shearer as well and reducing the extra stress on their body, keeping the shearers in better health and allowing them to shear longer.

“It also reduces the

penning uptime and total shearing time for the grower.”

Flinn Design principal Simon Flinn said the Ramto-Ewe was designed to modernise old or poorly designed catching pens, at a fraction of the cost of either a new shearing shed or carrying out major internal modifications.

“The Ram-to-Ewe comes in two versions – Instinct is a computerised version which regulates the speed and distance the gate moves over the run, and Manual, where the shearer controls the back gate with the push of a button. It is fully pneumatic with no need for any power,” Mr Flinn said.

As the Highly Commended winner, the new Midwest Legacy model stands out with its innovative pro-cut guard design, ensuring long-lasting forged knife guards and a high-speed cutting system that delivers 20 per cent faster cutting speeds for a clean, even cut.

Midwest remains the only global manufacturer to offer an 18.3m cutting width for large capacity combine harvesters over the past 10 years, and now includes the John Deere X9 class 10 and 11 combines to its line-up.

Warren Scheetz said the

platform was designed and built in Australia specifically for the larger class 10 and 11 harvesters.

“The new model has a lower cutting height and improved cutting and feeding systems to increase the overall efficiency of the front over its previous models,” he said.

Additionally, the platform’s advanced drive systems, including a zero stretch, carbon fibre drive belt and dual oil filtration systems, ensure smooth operation and extended service life.

Mr Scheetz paid tribute to the excellence in design displayed by all entrants, which varied from the world’s widest draper platform to an innovative full-swing farm gate.

“The competition is very well-supported, and we appreciate the interest each year from local and international businesses,” he said.

have an in-depth assessment of each machine and research before judging.

Innovative trailing sprayer catches judge’s eye

A southern NSW designed and manufactured 8500 litre trailing sprayer has won the coveted Greater Hume Council Award at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

The award recognises the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine and was judged by a panel of independent judges at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 17-19.

It was presented by Greater Hume Council general manager Evelyn Arnold and Henty Machinery Field Days director Matt Noll to John Arentz of JTA Spraying Equipment, Wagga Wagga, for his new 8500 Series Sprayer.

Mr Arentz was overwhelmed at the win with his first entry in the coveted award.

“We have a uniquely designed machine with a gooseneck drawbar to make it a mid-mount boom spray compatible with any tractor platform – or simply plug and play with any other brand that is ISOBUS compatible,” he said.

“The tri-fold boom has the JTA auto-height system where we can set particular offsets on the wing tips during spray mode, or multiple height settings ideal for automatically raising the boom in rough terrain.

“The gooseneck drawbar allows plenty of clearance and one of the best visibilities of any trailing boom spray on the market.”

The trailing sprayer boasts a mid-mount 48.5 metre trifold boom and 8500 litre UV stabilised polyethylene tank.

Founded nine years ago, JTA Spraying Equipment build rear or mid-mount

boom sprays ranging from 6500 litres through to 16,000 litres and booms ranging from 24 to 54 metres.

The business also manufactures a 11,000-litre self-propelled sprayer with a boom from 36 to 54 metres.

Fitted with a gooseneck drawbar, the winning 8500 Series has a self-levelling boom with hydraulic tilt rams, and it is bifolding allowing the operator to fold the outer/breakaways in and spray with the inner booms in spraying mode.

Mr Arentz said the boom was plumbed into 11 sections with left and right fence lines, and with Arag non-drip nozzle bodies on 250mm spacings.

“The Hypro pump has a low-pressure pump alarm while the 60-litre induction hopper has a 3-inch Venturi fast fill, and drum flushing, hopper rinse and agitation nozzles.

“The simple plumbing and layout for ease of use and

simple decontamination.

“The sprayer is of a robust design and made from all Australian steel.”

The sprayer has a powder coated finish and is ready for use with an Arag IXB100 rate controller.

With a transport width of 3.5m, the 8500 Series comes standard with a boom light kit, road kit, tow bar, four air points for compressed air, a handwash tank, touch down wheels.

The Arag live tank level pressure sensor has a viso screen mounted over the sprayer, a self-priming hydraulic drive fill pump with a three way tap to fill the main/flush tank, and a three-tier spraying system.

“We have been coming to Henty for seven years for brand awareness and it gives people the chance to see, touch and ask about the machines, their workmanship and quality,” Mr Arentz said.

Mr Scheetz said streamlining entries to the top 10 of finalists gave judges more

time to

Bob Thornely, Henty Machine of the Year judge Warren Scheetz, and award winner Simon Flinn. Photo by Andy Rogers.

John Arentz from JTA Spraying Equipment accepted the Greater Hume Council Award for the Best Designed and Manufactured Australian Machine with the 8500 Series sprayer. Photo by Andy Rogers.

Henty Machinery Field Days

Agtech innovations wow at Henty

A focus on the latest advancements in agricultural technology with a backdrop of fine weather and 55,000 visitors helped make the Henty Machinery Field Days a success.

Held from September 17-19, the 61st annual field days featured 14km of outdoor shopfronts from more than 800 exhibitors representing 3500 companies on over 1200 sites.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the exhibition space was equal to last year’s record and showcased over $200 million in agricultural machinery, resulting in the nation’s leading field days.

Mrs Anderson said a key draw card this year was the Agtech Alley, a collaboration with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under the Support Regional Trade Events Program.

Farmers and visitors from every state and territory sought out the hot ticket items of hay, silage, grain storage and livestock handling equipment.

Visitors were also treated to Furphy water cart rebarrelling demonstrations, the Questacon pop-up science circus, fly overs by a PC 21 from the RAAF Roulettes at Sale, and a reptile show while Henty designer Headlie Shipard Taylor was acknowledged by marking the centenary of the Sunshine Auto Header.

The 61st field days were officially opened by meteorologist Jane Bunn, who was also

a guest speaker at the new Agtech Alley and Country Lifestyle.

HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz was pleased with how the event unfolded after a consistent flow of exhibitor bookings leading into the field days.

He welcomed the new innovations into grain handling capacity and livestock handling equipment, along with the launch of the Agtech Alley site.

“At the end of the day it is a lot of repeat exhibitors plus new ones, which is exciting,”

Mr Scheetz said.

A highlight this year was the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award being presented to the Ram-to-Ewe automated catching pen entered by Flinn Design, The Rock. Highly commended was the world’s widest draper platform, the Midwest Legacy,

from Midwest Fabrication, Dalby, Qld.

Andrew Watt, Hutcheon and Pearce sales and marketing manager, declared 2024 as “one of the best Henty’s ever”, with the business unveiling a new electric rideon mower.

“We have had a great amount of genuine interest from customers. The new John Deere S and X-Series harvesters were on display with the predictive ground speed automation and forward-facing cameras using satellite imagery from the past year to predict the crop flow into the harvester and giving an extra 20 per cent of productivity,” Mr Watt said.

“That was well received, and customers are excited to see them demonstrated in the paddock.”

Mr Watt said zero-turn ride on mower sales had been

“through the roof” and compact tractor sales had been strong.

Jarrod Stephenson, Intersales general resource officer, said inquiries peaked on the Wednesday with a rate of genuine inquiry unseen at field days over the past few years.

Mr Stephenson said hay and silage machinery, including mower conditioners, was the hot topic, along with tractors and tillage equipment.

“Some people have already made a decision to cut crops for hay based on the recent frost, and others are still hopeful if we can get some rain, things might recover,” he said.

It was the first year the Case IH and New Holland dealers in Wodonga and Wagga had collaborated on the one site, with expectations exceeded.

Jimmy O’Neill, AKRON

Australia DJI Agriculture general manager, said adoption of drone technology had been rapid with strong inquiry this year at Henty.

Growers and contractors were able to inspect drones with a payload of 40 litres of liquid and 70 litre of solids for baits, seed and spraying fungicide over canola.

Among the new exhibitors was Darren Monkoff, LeadnHand, with an anti-tangle device for the storage of electrical leads and ropes invented by a central Qld cattle farmer.

“We are a new invention and interest has been fantastic with strong sales for such a simple, low cost, Aussie owned and engineered, product,” he said.

Jim Gall, RB Sellars chief executive officer, said Henty was important to the clothing and workwear brand,

with the business notching up its best sales day ever at any field day on the opening day.

“Timing is good as we had just launched our catalogue of spring /summer product. This is our epicentre as we have stores in Albury, Orange, Wagga, and Dubbo,” Mr Gall said.

“We have seen a transition to automation and a digitally led future for agriculture, and our clothes are no different. We are working on innovation around breathability and fabrics to make them better to work in.”

Talayah Dodds, All Things Country manager, said work boots, dress boots and jeans were popular with field days visitors.

A constant flow of visitors through the Farm Gate Produce Area resulted in good sales for Damien Cofield, Cofield Wines, Rutherglen.

Exhibiting for over 10 years, Damien was happy with the solid trade in local wines from repeat customers.

Hamish Dickson, Farmers to the Future program project manager, said the wide range of suppliers from across the agtech industry from soil and water monitoring to livestock handling systems drew farmers seeking labour efficiency, timely and accurate data management and staff safety at Agtech Alley.

“Agtech Alley at Henty was an opportunity to bring all those suppliers under the one roof and people able to see it in the one place,” he said.

HMFD is set to host the 62nd field days on September 23-25, 2025, with planning already under way.

Spring rain is coming, Jane tells Henty

Popular meteorologist

Jane Bunn forecast valuable spring rain for this week and a potential La Nina when officially opening the 61st Henty Machinery Field Days last week.

Ms Bunn said the past few months had been dry and challenging, but there was rain on the horizon.

Traditionally, rain received around the Henty Machinery Field Days’ time is welcomed by grain growers and farmers for topping up cereal and oilseed crops and pastures.

“We are missing the cold fronts, and we don’t have that tropical connection with high pressure in the way, but it looks that may change,” she said.

Ms Bunn was also a guest speaker on the seasonal outlook, weather and frost related to spray and irrigation timing, and pasture growth at the new Agtech Alley at the field days.

“We now have seven out of eight weather models suggesting we will go into La Nina – this tells you, not yet, but in the months ahead we are heading into that La Nina which actively pushes that tropical moisture towards us.

“In the October to December outlook, better or above average rain will be widespread in the eastern and central parts of the country.

“We will have moisture to play with but only if we have low pressure systems to move through to turn it into rain.

“Autumn through to spring will have a heap of moisture coming our way as we come out of the (blocking) high-pressure problem.”

HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz said the Henty Machinery Field Days was certainly back stronger than ever post COVID cancellations.

“2022 saw our highest crowd numbers on record and 2023 was our largest exhibition on record,” Mr Scheetz said.

“2024 has been another sell out year for exhibition sites, proving our exhibitors have confidence and commitment to the event despite challenging economic and agricultural conditions.

“This is telling HMFD management that we play a significant role in the connection of agricultural businesses to their consumers, the farmers, who are in the field with these products and technologies.

“As the development of new solutions, innovations and technology in agriculture are happening at

a great pace, we at Henty are embracing and ready to showcase what our exhibitors have on offer.”

Mr Scheetz said HMFD was proud to collaborate with the NSW Department of Primary Industries Farms of the Future program to develop Agtech Alley.

The new drawcard is sponsored by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and features over 20 agtech suppliers, a full panel of guest speakers and live demonstrations.

“Visitors can see a stellar line up of innovative new technology this year, including entries in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.

“Our entries range from the world’s widest draper platform down to a pneumatic catching pen designed to improve animal welfare and shearer safety.

“We acknowledge the

continued commitment by Australian and international manufacturers into research and development to make the life of the Australian farmer easier.”

Mr Scheetz paid tribute to the large team of volunteers who take time away from their regular jobs to work at Henty – from car parking to collecting waste or cooking in the food sheds.

“We cannot thank our volunteers enough and are proud to be financially supporting our regional community in return,” he said.

“Henty would not be possible without our members. It would be hard to find an organisation where 80 + year old members can still hold a conversation with our younger generation with the same interests and agricultural passion.

“We are particularly proud of our younger members –going forward the future of Henty is assured.”

Meteorologist Jane Weather officially opened the 61st field days and spoke about the seasonal outlook at Agtech Alley. Photo by Andy Rogers.