Australasian Farmers' & Dealers' Journal

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL • AUGUST 2013

RTVs, UTVs, ATVs, SSVs the ag bike revolution SILAGE & HAY SPECIAL – A NATIONAL SHORTAGE

www.kuhn.com.au

forage harvesting I livestock husbandry I arable I landscape maintenance

be strong, be KUHN

for the Agricultural Market

“Get Hitched with Walterscheid Australia” SLIDING PARTS WITH CLEVIS OR PIN ADJUST CLEVIS

We have developed a modular coupling system allowing many various combinations for the different regions to meet the exact demands of our customers.

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Sliding parts or pin-adjust holders with non- automatic or automatic clevis according to EEC-Norm 89/173 to DIN 11025 and DIN 11028 or with Cuna-clevis acc. to NC 338-02 or acc. to any other norm demand.

• Pin-adjust, quick-adjust or other types of supports for the rear or front of the vehicle.

• Accessories and other components.

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Features •

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The automatic housing is a

separate cast part and can always be replaced apart from the clevis.

The clevis is made of forged high strength steel with relatively small wear at the rear.

The automatic pin is free-rotating, leading to an even but relatively small wear.

Comparatively long guidance of the clevis pin.

Quick locking procedure.

Two safety pins, which can be watched from both sides, prevent chocks on the lifting mechanism during driving.

Locking of the clevis pin is done by force not by interlocking.

Constant torque is being applied throughout the opening of the

clevis which is a great advantage for remote control systems.

W W ACCESSORIES AND COMPONENTS

SUPPORTS WAS-TAS2013-3

In Vic, Tas, NSW and Qld contact: Walterscheid Australia.

17-31 Discovery Road, Dandenong South, Vic. 3175.

Phone: (03) 9580 7300 Fax: (03) 9580 0379 12A Pradella Street, Darra, Qld. 4076. Phone: (07) 3117 2850 Fax: (07) 3117 2851 Website: www.walterscheid.com.au Email: walterscheid@walterscheid.com.au

In SA, WA and NT contact: Jayben Australia Pty Ltd.

11 Frederick Road, Royal Park, SA 5108 Phone: (08) 8341 1377 Fax: (08) 8341 1677

Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ AND DEALERS’ JOURNAL

Established 1984 Publisher & Manager Editor Hartley Higgins General Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial Mandy Parry-Jones Email: edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Advertising Manager Sheryl Braden Ph: (07) 5523 9771 Mb: 0438 877 072 Email: s.braden@ryanmediapl.com.au Production Nathan Grant Email: prod.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Circulation Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Subscription One year subscription within Australia: $33 (inc GST) for four issues, Overseas: $66 (inc GST) for four issues.

Phone Cathy Johnson (03) 9888 4822 or email to subscribe: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Printing Lane Print & Post Adelaide, South Australia Ryan Media Pty Ltd ABN 85 085 551 980 Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127

From the Editor...

After mining, the next big thing in Australia is food production, so we're told.

Perhaps it's my age or simply deja vu but weren't we in this position before?

I'm not complaining, this is a great opportunity for agriculture and one that we have to be quick on our feet to manage.

Both Australia and New Zealand have the opportunity that we've been looking for – a renewable resource that will put us, and could keep us, on the international map.

Our food, our lands and our excellent methods are ripe for the picking.

However, is that the same for our governments – federal and state?

If, as I believe, we were in this position of being a major supplier of food to international markets before, where did the wheel fall off the tractor?

I hope that agriculture is not simply the 'flavour of the month' in political circles but a long lasting love affair with our land and its produce.

This issue's opening news stories are dedicated to some of the grants, developments and studies that will go towards helping Australia move quickly to taking advantage of the opportunity in Asia.

Part of taking advantage is making sure that we give agricultural producers all the implements they need to work efficiently and effectively.

In this day and age it's more than a tractor or plough, it's high tech tools that can help to maximise production.

CSIRO is still leading the way with innovations in this area and it's time the government reaffirmed its stake in the CSIRO to guarantee its continued work and success.

Also in this issue we have called upon Bruce Wills, president of the Federated Farmers of New Zealand, to give his view on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the TPP. As usual we have a some great articles from Richard Lewis of the Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia.

One is his regular TMA round-up, the other is a news piece on the current state of tillage sales and air seeders.

In this issue we also have a new contributor, David Palmer who is a very well respected rural journalist. He has agreed to contribute regular stories on farming for the future, his first this issue is on cotton balers.

All the best for a good spring season.

Mandy Parry-Jones, Editor. edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

Phone: (03) 9888 4822 Fax: (03) 9888 4840 Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Website: www.afdj.com.au

ISSN 1442-4983 Conditions Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor/ publishers; information is published in good faith and we do not accept responsibility for damage which may

In this issue...

Regulars

Features

My View.................................... 45

SSVs & Ag bikes...................... 40

News........................................... 4 TMA News................................ 49 Law Review.............................. 48 Field Days................................. 52 Products.................................... 77 NO

arise from any possible inaccuracies.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL • AUGUST 2013

All rights reserved, none of the contents

RTVs, UTVs, ATVs, SSVs the ag bike revolution SILAGE & HAY SPECIAL – A NATIONAL SHORTAGE

ATVs, UTVs, RTVs,

Cotton Picker's Baler................ 46 What's New in Tyres................. 50 Powered by HONDA................ 63 What’s New in Tractors............ 66 What's New in Hay & Silage.... 71

may be used in any other media without prior consent of the publishers.

Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

February 2013 Issue 87

www.kuhn.com.au

forage harvesting I livestock husbandry I arable I landscape maintenance

be strong, be KUHN

This issue’s cover: This issues cover: Grizzly (See also pages 4 & 88) Kuhn Farm Machinery AFDJ Cover 210 x 195 August.indd 1

18/07/2013 10:53:58

What’s making News AgriFood sees long-term opportunities in Asia AgriFood Skills Australia is one of 11 independent, not-for-profit Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) established by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).

The council believes that Asia is now firmly on course to becoming home to the world’s largest concentration of middle class by 2030 and continues to pull the centre of gravity for global consumption eastwards.

The world economy is quite literally coming our way, moving east to west and from the northern hemisphere to the south.

For sectors that comprise the agrifood supply chain, the awakening of a new urban middle class in Asia represents the largest single defining factor in shaping the future of our industry thanks to its demand for protein, conspicuous consumption and proximity to our northern shores.

Many of our enterprises are world class and already trading well in Asia. In the last five years our wheat exports to China have risen 10 fold, from $44m to $457m.

In the same period cotton exports rose from $281m to $1.8b, meat exports from $55m to $250m and wine from $49m to $209m.

Launch of the white paper, Australia in the Asian Century, has captured a much-

needed strategic vision and broad strategies for the nation. It is about opportunity and challenge, and at its most elemental, productivity and people.

Many industry bodies share the vision and see agrifood as an industry with untapped potential to grow and more critical than ever to Australia’s economic prosperity.

Amidst the hype, there are long-term opportunities, particularly for high-value niche products. But in talking with the people doing the jobs and running the companies it is equally clear that a significant gap exists between the current business and supply chain capability within several sectors, and that which will be demanded of our industry if it is to compete effectively in these markets.

Traditional business models and our existing skills base won't be sufficiently agile or productive to compete.

Key priority areas moving forward: • building world class business and leadership capabilities, entrepreneurial skills, marketing and global supply chain management skills and Asia-relevant capabilities; • a ttraction of more people to the industry to replace an ageing workforce.; •w idespread upskilling in new practice and

Mind the Gap contains AgriFood industry intelligence on a wide range of agricultural issues.

new knowledge is urgently needed by existing workers in response to a changing policy environment, new work practices and to lift productivity levels; • poor speed-to-market of publicly funded research findings is a major constraint in substantially lifting productivity levels; • coherent, committed and informed industry leadership is needed given the vast number of industry bodies that exist.

More detailed information is available from the publication Mind the Gap: Why AgriFood’s potential in the Asian Century is far from assured. It is available online at www.agrifoodskills.net.au

Government specialists and research for Asian markets More Australian agriculture and trade specialists will be based in Asia feeding direct advice to Australian industry and driving local market access for exporters, as part of the National Food Plan.

The move should help Australian food producers stay competitive and make the most of the opportunities.

The Government will invest $5.6 million to expand Australia’s network of agricultural counsellors and boost the number of specialised market access liaison officers across the Asian region.

Market access liaison officers will be deployed right across the Asian region.

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The funding will support greater Australian representation in Asian markets and enable Australian industry to have more regular and direct access to agricultural counsellors to assist with priority setting and advocacy approaches.

The National Food Plan sets the goal of increasing Australia’s agriculture and food-related exports by 45% by 2025.

In addition to the trade specialists a $28.5 million Asian Food Markets Research Fund will create new opportunities for Australian agriculture and food industries in Asia, and boost rural research and development.

The Federal Government will support

Australian businesses seize opportunities in the Asian century by offering $19.7 million in grants.

The Asian Food Markets Research Fund will also fund key research and development projects including What Asia Wants and Moving Food.

The fund will include grants for projects, like those to commercialise new products suitable for the markets, develop new ways to process, package and export products, conduct market research, or undertake research to overcome market hurdles, such as quarantine constraints.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Two studies to identify Asian needs Two new studies will help Australia identify the food needs and preferences in the Asian century and forecast how this demand will impact on infrastructure systems.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) will complete the studies as part of the National Food Plan.

The first $2.2 million study, What Asia Wants, will assess the long-term food demand prospects across individual Asian countries so Australian food producers can plan for new opportunities.

This study will help Australian food producers to get a line of sight of the new opportunities in Asia.

It’s accepted that there will be a boom in Asian food demand; this study should pinpoint where that demand would be.

Knowing what’s ahead will help farmers and food producers better plan to meet those needs and capitalise on the opportunities.

The project will assess the medium and longer term outlook for food commodities, as well as long term challenges, risks and opportunities, including: • production risks, including factors influencing competitiveness, production costs and supply risks (such as resource limitations);

• market risks and competition from competitors; • new markets and emerging industry opportunities.

ABARES will work closely with the Australian food industry through stakeholder discussions and workshops and visit key Asian countries to consult local experts on future demand trends and to identify emerging opportunities for Australian industry in Asia.

The second study, Moving Food: Infrastructure needs for the future, will look at how best to get our food to the markets of the future.

After identifying where the demand will be in What Asia Wants, this second study will work out how to get our food there.

It will examine the implications of the forecast demand, potential supply response and the likely needs for efficient transportation and handling of food and agricultural products.

The study will also examine the pressures of growth of the food industry on critical infrastructure needs to support agriculture, including research and development.

ABARES will model the Australian food supply response to 2025 including processing and exports to identify strategic

Determining the type of food and how to supply it will form the basis of two government studies.

issues like climate change that require coordination.

The modelling will consider forecast demand for food, how supply might respond and what infrastructure would be needed for efficient transportation and handling of bulk commodities, live animal trade and manufactured food.

Modelling will be carried out under a range of scenarios that incorporate the location, quantity and mix of Australian production.

Both studies will help agriculture and the food industry meet the opportunities of the Asian century.

ABARES will publish reports during the project, which will run in 2013–14 and 2014–15.

Promoting Australian food overseas with Brand Australia Promoting Australian food around the world could be easier through a new Brand Australia campaign, announced as part of the National Food Plan.

The campaign will increase the appeal and demand for Australian food by emphasising its high quality in international marketing, with the focus on Asia’s rapidly growing middle classes.

The campaign and wider brand strategy should benefit Australia’s food producers and exporters.

The new branding will be free to use and designed for Australian foods, both fresh and manufactured.

As our food enters new countries and markets we need to ensure a strong reputation precedes it.

The strategy, which will be developed with

industry and Austrade, will include: • an international study into perceptions of Australian food and possible Australian brand marks; • a brand identity for Australian food to be freely available using digital and online communities to build support for Australia's food production credentials; • an international media tour to raise awareness of Australia's food production, world-leading R&D capabilities and manufacturing credentials; • comprehensive industry engagement to inform the development of the food brand identity.

According to the Federal Government Australia’s second great economic transformation involves creating and exporting high-end products including

processed foods, with a global reputation for quality, innovation and clean, green preparation.

Asia’s growing middle classes are already seeking out premium food products from Australia. As their economies continue to grow, there will be great opportunities for Australian businesses to supply not only food, but food-related services technology.

The Brand Australia strategy is expected to make it easier for Australian food producers and exporters to compete internationally.

A Brand Australia Global Food Strategy Council will be established to guide the $2 million strategy’s development and implementation, which will build on the Australia Unlimited and Australian Made, Australian Grown campaigns.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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What’s making News NZ National Fieldays at Mystery Creek The 45th New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays had 125,127 visitors to the 40 hectares of event space.

“The positivity evident across our exhibitors and visitors sends a strong signal that there is confidence and a buoyant mood across our agricultural and primary sector,” said NZ National Fieldays CEO Jon Calder.

Fieldays brings the New Zealand Agricultural and Primary sector together for four days at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

The presentation for the winner of the Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year Competition was held at the Village Green.

A strong advocate of living the rural lifestyle and hoping to spread the word to young people, Lloyd Downing, president of the Fieldays Society, presented the awards.

The ‘Peoples Choice Award’ went to Simon Washer from Taranaki, with a huge round of applause from the crowd.

The major award is the ‘Golden Gumboot Trophy’. Points were tallied from the 14 heats the Rural Bachelors have competed in throughout the Fieldays competition as well as points accumulated from judges regarding how the rural blokes exemplified Fieldays’ values of; honesty, enthusiasm, a sense of humour and being all round good blokes.

New trade envoy

Federated Farmers welcomed Beef+Lamb NZ chairman, Mike Petersen, to the position of New Zealand Special Agriculture Trade Envoy.

Petersen succeeds past Federated Farmers president, Alistair Polson, in that particular role.

“Mike brings to the role a lot of experience in market access, being chair of the New Zealand Meat Board, which 6

The prize was awarded to Simon Washer once again.

Simon Washer received a spectacular prize package: • S uzuki Quad bike • S wanndri Prize Package •G un City Prize Package • S tihl Prize Package • S kellerup Prize Other awards at Fieldays included: • Tractor Pull Awards 2013 •B rent Garrett Award (Medal) – Matthew Gaze •B est First Year Award – Simon McNiece Weight Transfer Awards • 0 .5–5.5T – Bill Reymer • 5 .5–7T – Nick McFarlan • 7 -9T – Mark Jackson • 9 -11T – Gary Gallagher • 1 1-15T – Cameron Lea Weight Adjusted Awards • 1 st place – Mark Jackson • 2 nd place – Shawn Luxton • 3rd place – Simon McNiece Corporate Challenge • S teel & Tube •H usquvarna •G oughs The next New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held June 11 to 14, 2014 at the Mystery Creek Events Centre.

This year the event attracted more than 125,000 people.

The event centred on getting down to business.

An aerial view of the Mystery Creek site.

legally holds quota into the European Union as well as Beef+Lamb NZ,” said Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

“Mike is also a hugely experienced farmer. Like his predecessor, Alistair Polson, Mike can look trade negotiators in the eye while explaining how Kiwi farming has become the most open on earth. He can also speak farmer-tofarmer and I feel that is important.

“I know Mike, like Federated Farmers, sees a huge future in Asia and New Zealand can play a huge role in helping to fuel their economic growth.

“As Federated Farmers holds the Oceania Board position on the World Farmers Organisation, we look forward to continuing our positive and close association with New Zealand’s Special Agriculture Trade Envoy,” Wills concluded.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Lowara has an extensive range of pumps and pressure systems suitable for the man on the land.

Stock Water Supply

Boosting Water Supply

Irrigation Water Supply

Household Water Supply

Reliable, high performance, quality materials, and the widespread Lowara support network make these pumps an ideal selection for rural water supply systems.

R

eliability, flexibility and savings were paramount in our brief to find the correct pump set. Brown Brothers Engineers have a proven track record in all these areas, our decision was quite an easy one.

The system has proven to be all it promised and more with all areas now irrigated with consistent pressures and uniformity; our irrigation window has decreased also even with the Greens now on the same cycle as the tees, fairways and approaches.

I have no hesitation in recommending Lowara or Hydrovar as your next pump set.

- Mark Jennings, Box Hill Golf Club, Victoria

Contact your local Lowara dealer about supplying your next pump and water supply system.

Melbourne Sydney Brisbane (03) 9793 9999 (02) 9671 3666 (07) 3200 6488

10/12

Email: info@brownbros.com.au

Christchurch Auckland (03) 365 0279 (09) 525 8282

Web: www.brownbros.com.au

DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Smartest farmers are in Mid Canterbury Mid-Canterbury can lay claim to having some of the smartest farmers in New Zealand, with Craige and Roz Mackenzie winning the Gordon Stephenson trophy; the top award at the 2013 New Zealand Farm Environment Awards held in Hamilton.

“Craige and Roz Mackenzie, like all Ballance Farm Environment Award finalists, are smart, smart farmers,” said Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers president.

“Recognition of the Mackenzie’s arable operation is a major win for precision agriculture.

“Craige himself will be a guest speaker on that very topic at Federated Farmers 2013 National Conference.

“What they show is that intensive farming and the environment are not mutually exclusive. In fact, commercial scale farming and the environment can go hand in glove.

Mid-season survey shows improvement in confidence New Zealand’s Federated Farmers’ midseason Farm Confidence Survey showed an improvement in farmers’ confidence, in the wider economy and in their own prospects.

However, this is off a low base and the overall results are masked by a strong divergence in the sentiment of dairy farmers compared with other farming sectors.

While it is a case of better for dairy, it is very much a case of worse for the rest.

Overall, the survey showed an improvement in most indicators since the July 2012 newseason survey.

Despite a slight improvement in sentiment, farmers remain very pessimistic about their own profitability.

Farmers are generally positive about production, but evenly split on whether they will increase or reduce spending.

More farmers expect to reduce debt rather than increase debt, but this intention is less strong than at any time in the last three years.

Meanwhile, farmers continue to find it harder to find skilled and motivated staff.

More dairy farmers expect to increase production and spending; and there is only a small drop in those expecting to reduce debt.

In contrast, meat and fibre farmers have not enjoyed the benefits of the

Power Farming exports to South Pacific Morrinsville-based Power Farming Wholesale Ltd completed a major export of tractors and equipment to the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu.

The shipment included 10 Kioti DK551 tractors with ROPS – eight fitted with front-end loaders, and a large range of spares and equipment.

It was part of an aid package to the Tuvalu Government funded by the European Union.

Tuvalu – formerly know as the Ellice Islands – is collection of nine atoll and reef islands midway between Australia and Hawaii and has a resident population of around 9000 people, making it one of the least populated sovereign states in the world, and one of the countries most at risk from rising sea levels associated with global warming.

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European Union aid is concentrated on areas such as infrastructure development, and particularly to the development of reliable water supplies, effective sanitation and waste management, coastal protection and the provision of renewable energy.

Ross Nesdale, the national marketing manager of Power Farming Wholesale Ltd, said the Korean-built Kioti tractors were chosen for the contract because of their reliability, their strength and their versatility.

Power Farming’s training manager for New Zealand and Australia, Mark Daniel, will travel to Tuvalu to train the locals in the operation and maintenance of the equipment. He has prepared a series of training DVDs on the operation, servicing and maintenance of the tractors.

“Tuvalu has very little agriculture because of the limitations of its soil and it has only

“We really cannot say it better than how New Zealand Farm Environment Trust chair Alistair Polson described Craige and Roz: “They have demonstrated excellent commitment to their own farming operation and to New Zealand farming in general. And their exceptional communication skills will be a great asset when it comes to promoting the New Zealand story in the international marketplace.”

improved world dairy commodity prices and the strong dollar has eroded what they got for their products.

This is especially so for sheep farmers, where lamb prices were down around 35% on this time last year.

The sentiment of grains farmers is similar to that of meat and fibre farmers.

One area where there has not been a divergence of view is the difficulty of finding skilled and motivated staff, Dairy farmers are finding it especially hard to find good staff.

Overall, this survey showed farming to be a two-speed environment.

about eight kilometres of roads, so they’re likely to be utilised for a wide range of uses in construction and infrastructure development as well as agriculture,” he said.

In recent years the company has also shipped tractors and agricultural machinery to Fiji and Samoa, and it is currently organising the export of a shipment of two tractors to Pitcairn Island.

The company, the largest independently owned farm machinery supplier in Australasia, recently opened a NZ$2million building to house its New Zealand operations.

Sales in Australia have been strong encouraging the company to build a NZ$20million HQ in Melbourne, Victoria.

Around 3000 tractors are sold each year through its retail operations in New Zealand and Australia through which it employs around 400 people in total.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Unit 2, 204 Stickland Road East Bendigo Victoria 3550

Agrifac looking for Australian and New Zealand dealers Agrifac is a major international supplier in the field of sprayers and sugar beet harvesters.

The company has invested in production, quality control, training facilities, offices, buildings and people.

Now it wants to invest in Australia by setting up a dealer supply chain.

Agrifac manufactures machines like the self-propelled Condor sprayer with it’s StabiloPlus chassis, and Exxact sugar beet harvesters, the LightTraxx, OptiTraxx, SixxTraxx and HexxTraxx machines, and draincleaners.

The company has more than 25 years

experience in self-propelled sprayers introducing innovations like StabiloPlus, GreenFlowPlus, HighTechAirPlus, EcoTronicPlus and GPS single nozzle selection.

Agrifac’s research and development program concentrates on what it lists as the 4Es for growers: Producing Efficient, Economic, Ergonomic and Ecological machinery for farmers and growers.

At this year’s Agritechnica trade event, which is held in Germany during November, Agrifac will introduce another addition to its growing Condor products portfolio: the Condor XL.

This model features a four-wheel lengthened StabiloPlus chassis, 8000 litre main tank and a 408 bhp engine.

The Condor XL will be used for high capacity spraying with working speeds up to 40 km/h and incorporates the company’s StabiloPlus chassis so the centre of gravity remains low for stability while working in hilly conditions.

Agrifac will have a stand at AgQuip on August 20-22 in Gunnedah, New South Wales.

For more information about the products or on becoming a dealer visit www.agrifac.com or email Steven Koop on s.koop@agrifac.com.

A new version of the Agrifac Condor will be launched at Agritechnica in Germany.

Wallenius Wilelmsen Logistics solutions Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics can manage the entire supply chain, from overseas plants to dealers in Australia and New Zealand, for major car and agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers.

The company specialises in providing comprehensive supply chain services from processing vehicles and agricultural machinery at the ports of discharge through to vehicle and equipment preparation at technical service centres and final transportation to dealers.

WWL’s sophisticated supply chain solutions ensure an efficient integration of ocean transportation, inland distribution, terminal handling and a 10

large comprehensive range of specialised technical services.

The company has a suite of Technical Service Equipment Processing Centres (EPC) across Australia that can assist machinery dealers in preparing equipment for use.

The services offered include assembly and accessory fitments for high and heavy cargo including: • a ssembly of tillage and seeding equipment • a ssembly of crated product • r ework for quality enhancements •m odifications to meet local regulations • a ttachment of hydraulic parts.

WWL’s sites in Port Kembla, Melbourne,

Brisbane and Kewdale also offer: • product preparation • post-production quality inspection • repairs (paint and mechanical) • storage and inventory management • distribution services • build planning • production visibility • wash and detail services • container un-pack service WWL employs experienced staff with expertise with farming and other heavy equipment so that it can offer solutions to help modify products to exact requirements.

For more information visit www.2wglobal. com or contact your local EPC site.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Manitou new customer service manager Gary Walker has been appointed customer service manager for Manitou Australia.

In his previous role as director of terminal services and central services, he demonstrated strong abilities in service and technical support during his two-year experience with Cargotec in Europe.

Cargotec is a leader in container and heavy material handling solutions.

Walker also worked as a service manager for Australia and New Zealand within the same company for eight years.

This combined experience of national and international positions is a real advantage for The Manitou Group that works in the national and international arena.

Walker will replace Cedric Augereau who has returned to France.

“He has excellent skills and knowledge in the material handling business and has spent the last couple of years with Cargotec in Europe so has a great grounding for supporting our dealers in this key role,” said Stuart Walker, managing director of Manitou Australia.

This new role is another challenge for Gary Walker in his career. He will be in charge of assisting the dealer network and increasing potential growth.

Gary Walker has been appointed customer service manager for Manitou Australia.

agrifac condor

The ulTimaTe in crop proTecTion

most stable

Wide and strong

24/7 comfort

ultra easy operation

Agrifac has over 25 years experience in self-propelled sprayers. With innovations like StabiloPlus, We are looking for dealers!

GreenFlowPlus, HighTechAirPlus, EcoTronicPlus and GPS single nozzle selection, excellent boom contact: stability and durability, Agrifac sprayers are hard to beat.

Steven Koop + 3.400, 4.000 or 5.000-litre tank + Adjustable track width 150 - 225 cm (60” - Sales Manager + Wide and strong Agrifac J-Booms (24 - 51 m) 88”) or 225 - 300 cm (88” - 118”) T +61(0)4 5617 3345 + 50 kph road speed + High ground clearance (125 or 200 cm) E s.koop@agrifac.com + Most stable StabiloPlus chassis + Optional section control and RTK + EcoTronicPlus control interface + HighTechAirPlus: Low volume, drift reduced + Standard 4 wheel steering spraying

www.agrifac.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Tillage sales and airseeders show signs of life After several years in the doldrums sales of tillage gear and airseeders are showing encouraging signs of life according to the Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia (TMA).

While reports from manufacturers are still variable – ranging from 40% up to never worse – this is the first time any significant increases have been noted by the TMA since around 2007.

Annual airseeder sales of around the 1000 mark were common prior to that date but 300 has been the more typical number since.

The poor tillage and airseeder performance has been in stark contrast with the tractor and harvester categories, which have both showed record – or near-record – results over recent reporting periods.

TMA executive director Richard Lewis said the government’s 15% Conservation Tillage Refundable Tax Offset doesn’t appear to have driven the improved performance.

“It’s a bit surprising but our members report low awareness of the scheme amongst customers and don’t believe it’s responsible for the improved sales figures.

“The other comment we’re hearing is that the uplift is coming more from tillage planters than airseeders.”

Gason marketing manager Peter Piddington said the company is 40% up on last year with the increase coming evenly from all states with the exception of South Australia.

“We haven’t seen any lift in South Australia but WA is showing a very substantial increase.”

At the other end of the spectrum Gyral’s Roger Fuss says sales have “never been worse”. Farmers in his key target areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales are reluctant to commit.

“I believe they’re in pretty good shape financially and have the capacity to buy, but are reluctant to take on any new commitments. There seems to be a lot of uncertainty around. The message from dealers is very much one of gloom and doom.”

Distributors of North American imports Seed Hawk and Flexi-Coil are reporting variable but generally positive results.

Seed Hawk national sales manager Tim Needham says that sales of wide broadacre machines have been strong especially in Western Australia and South Australia.

“We’re up 50% overall compared with last year with all the growth coming from broadacre. In the past we’ve been very strong in small disc seeders especially in Victoria but that’s pulled back.

“It’s surprising just how strong our market is for really big machines. You would expect the unit numbers to decline with wider machines often replacing two smaller ones but we haven’t seen that.

“There’s definitely a trend towards precision placement and guidance. We’re seeing increasing demand for section control and full variable rate control.

“Seeding rates are getting lower which increases the requirement for precision. We’re now seeing hybrid canola rates down to one

Trends to overseas placements One of the most interesting trends to occur in the recruitment industry over the last few years has been the steady rise in overseas or international recruitment.

According the Ag Appointments this happens when a customer based overseas is looking to source talent to work in overseas locations.

This trend has accelerated in the last 12 months and is particularly evident among emergent Asian based companies.

The leading countries for this market include: China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Companies from these countries are seeking 12

talent with skills and experience for which there is an evident shortage in these overseas markets.

This trend is different to the old ex-pat market, which was strongly evident until the late 1990s.

The market is now driven by cash-rich, locally-based businesses that often have purchased the best-in-class technology for their operations and are looking to source skilled personnel to manage or operate the plant or operation.

They are looking particularly for people with good English skills as English is often the only common language between

to two kilograms per hectare. You have to have accuracy at those low rates,” Needham said.

Gason has also seen a trend towards precision with Peter Piddington explaining that their Para Maxx parallelogram planter now accounts for a large percentage of sales.

“Farmers are really looking for seed depth accuracy.”, he said.

Flexi-Coil’s Steve Mulder says the first quarter was very strong but that came to a sudden halt in April.

“We’ve been growing year on year but it’s a very inconsistent market at present. Some pockets are doing really well and others are just the opposite.

“I feel purchase patterns have changed since wheat market deregulation. Cash flow used to be very predictable and purchase patterns followed but that’s no longer the case. We’re urging our customers to forward order as much as possible. It helps us manage stock levels with flow-on benefits to them,” he explained.

Disc machine specialist Grizzly Engineering’s marketing manager Skye Poltrock said the company has been ticking along for the last couple of years but calls had dried up recently.

“But we are a fairly small business and a few phone calls can take us from slow to flat out.

We’re definitely noticing increasing interest in disc equipment. Farmers are looking for a means of dealing with high stubble loads, weed resistance and a way of generally getting zero-till paddocks back into order.”

equipment and technology supplier and customer.

Ag Appointments has recently placed senior technical and managerial personnel from Australia and New Zealand into operations based in Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and China.

In each case there was a strong need for technically and managerial adept candidates that were not available in their home market and so had to be sourced from Australia or New Zealand.

Industries ranged across the board from agriculture, wine, food, packaging and the life sciences.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Not wrapped in cotton wool, but safe Pro-Visual Publishing has released its annual safety guide for cotton farmers across Australia.

The CottonSafe Guide to Safety 2013/14 aims to promote and inform cotton growers of current and important health and safety guidelines and procedures for best work practice and the wellbeing of farmers and workers.

Endorsed by Cotton Australia, this guide focuses on an array of workplace, health and safety topics to ensure that safety is a number one priority.

The information provided starts off with the S.A.F.E.R guidelines, the key steps cotton farmers need to follow to assess and manage safety risks and hazards.

This year’s guide offers health and safety advice when it comes to handling various equipment and dangerous situations.

Transport and how to manage a telehandler - the chain of responsibility and guidelines for loading, restraining and transporting – is another prominent topic.

Other topics include: Contractor Safety Management, Farm Fire Safety, Bulk Fertiliser Safety, along with other important issues farmers face in today’s cotton industry.

“I would like to thank all of the sponsors of the CottonSafe Guide to Safety 2013/14.

The workplace health and safety chart for cotton growers.

Their support has made it possible for the guide to be distributed free of charge”, said John Hutchings, CEO, Pro-Visual Publishing.

Pro-Visual Publishing is a specialist in wallmounted workplace health and safety, food safety and hygiene and health and wellbeing information resource charts.

Each chart is practical and informative,

Chemicals to cost more or lost after regulation Australian farmers face losing access to hundreds of valuable chemicals in the wake of new Federal Government legislation that passed through Federal Parliament’s Lower House.

Under the new legislation, chemical companies would be forced to re-register their products with Australia’s chemical regulator every 7-15 years.

Up to this point chemicals only had to be reviewed due to health or environmental concerns, based on peer-reviewed research.

“The risk is chemical companies just don’t bother re-registering products and think twice before introducing new products to the Australian market,” Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey said.

“The VFF has consulted CropLife and our commodity groups, who’ve warned chemical companies are likely to withdraw some chemicals from the Australian market 14

rather than incur the costs of re-registration or simply pass the cost onto farmers.”

Tuohey said Australia was a small player in the global chemical market, which already made it difficult to gain access to the latest chemicals.

“The VFF fears mandatory re-registration will raise chemical companies’ costs in the Australian marketplace, leading them to withdraw valuable products that are readily available to our international competitors,” Tuohey said.

“Ultimately companies will have to pass the cost of a chemicals re-registration onto farmers or abandon its re-registration.

Either way farmers lose."

A recent Deloitte study estimates it would conservatively cost industry an extra $8 million a year to supply the data and cover the costs of re-registration.

“Horticulture is particularly vulnerable,

providing a quick reference point for management and staff.

Pro-Visual Publishing’s charts are designed to inform, motivate, educate and above all keep people and their workplaces safe.

For further information, or to obtain copies of the chart call 02 8272 2611, email marketing@provisual.com.au or visit www.provisual.com.au.

given this sector’s reliance on specialist chemicals,” Tuohey said.

The VFF lodged two submissions with the Federal Government in 2012 opposing key elements of the legislation.

The nation’s chemical regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), is already under resourced and struggling to meet the demands of an already clogged system.

The VFF has warned the government that mandatory re–registration will simply swamp the APVMA and delay the availability of vital agricultural chemical products used to manage pests, weeds and diseases.

The legislation will come into effect on July 1, 2014. The VFF calls on whoever forms government after the Federal election to amend the act to remove mandatory re-registration.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

CSIRO report helps tackle food productivity From monitoring soil moisture to measuring oyster heartbeats, a new CSIRO report has revealed Australian farmers can help to tackle the global food shortage and significantly increase their productivity by taking advantage of new smart farming technologies enabled by next generation broadband networks.

The Smart Farming: leveraging the impact of broadband and the digital economy report compiles research from a number of Australian first agricultural projects.

These indicate that by connecting farms to broadband-enabled sensor networks, farmers will be able to take more control of their operations by analysing the wealth of new information made available in easily accessible web tools.

“With food demand predicted to increase 50% in the next 20 years, the main challenge facing the agricultural sector is not so much growing 70% more food in 40 years, but making 70% more food available.

“To tackle this challenge and help farmers make better decisions, we’re trialling new broadband-enabled technologies such as cattle tags to track livestock as well as a range

of sensor networks, which measure water salinity, soil moisture and even the heartbeat of oysters,” said Colin Griffith, Director of The Australian Centre for Broadband Innovation (ACBI).

“Initial studies indicate that these tools can help increase farming productivity in crop and pasture yields by targeting the use of water and fertilisers as well as in livestock production through better rotation of animals and pastures.

“For example, we have seen cotton growers using the soil moisture sensors almost doubling their yields per megalitre of water when they vary irrigation rates according to the localised needs of the soil and plants, rather than taking the one-size-fits-all approach for a whole field,” he said.

Hollie Baillieu, chair National Farmers’ Federation 2050 Committee believes the digital economy presents a game changer for Australian agriculture.

“Not only will technology-driven productivity improvements help feed a growing population, but the innovations will also help improve farmers’ bottom line and led to more profitable farm businesses,” she

This report has revealed Aussie farmers can tackle global food shortages and increase productivity.

said. “It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about a cattle grazier from the Northern Territory or an oyster farmer in Tasmania.”

The report is available for download at www.csiro.au.

CSIRO’s smart farms with intelligent operations CSIRO is at the forefront of exploring smart projects so farmers can harness the best new technologies for their operations.

Two such projects are the Smart Farm in New South Wales and the Digital Homestead in Queensland.

CSIRO and the University of New England have set up a demonstration Smart Farm in Armidale, NSW to investigate and demonstrate the impact of broadband and related digital services for Australia’s rural sector.

The initiative is lead by the Australian Centre for Broadband Innovation (ACBI), a collaborative research initiative established by CSIRO and UNE’s Precision Agriculture Research Group.

The Kirby Smart Farm is a 2800-hectare working commercial farm 10 kilometres north-west of UNE’s campus at Armidale.

It focuses on merino wool and beef cattle and grains for livestock feed.

At Kirby it is a mixture of native grasses, introduced clovers and developed rye grass 16

and fescue-based mixtures.

Productivity on a farm of this kind is highly dependent on pasture management because it provides the main food source for the livestock.

The farm was also one of the first mainland farms connected to the NBN terrestrial wireless broadband service (initially at 12 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream with a planned future upgrade to 25 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream).

Through CSIRO’s Sustainable Agriculture Flagship a ‘Digital Homestead’ in Townsville, Queensland, is being developed to integrate multiple disparate sources of information.

These include from on-farm sensing of soil, vegetation, livestock and the environment as well as from external sources such as climate forecasts and market information into a simple and usable cloud-based decision support systems for farmers and agriculture advisers.

Sheep are smarter with digital tags.

The project collaborators include QLD DAFF, JCU and QUT, co-funded by the QLD Government Smart Futures fund.

The project focus is on building a ‘dashboard’ that integrates and presents the information in such a way, so that better (more informed, accurate and/or more timely) decisions can be made.

The additional opportunity is to build new and adapted businesses in the service sector, and across the value chain, that can be delivered virtually, taking advantage of the two-way real-time connectivity of the system.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

MS1378

New Aussie designed and built scraper A change in the buying preferences of Australian farmers for agricultural tractors has caused Swan Hill based Murray Valley Lasers to design and build a new carry grade scraper.

The new scraper is expected to provide an on-farm solution for flood irrigation bay construction and similar agricultural earthmoving projects.

The new machine designated as the O’Bryan 4.3 Farmer model has been engineered and extensively prototyped and is designed to complement dual wheeled front-wheel assist tractors of 200 to 300 horsepower.

“Our objective was to offer the most stable final trim carry grade scraper available in Australia and I wanted to design and build a machine for farmers that will be $75,000 less than our base model,” said principal of Murray Valley Lasers Colin O’Bryan.

“We realised a new market niche had opened up to match the tractor types and sizes available now so we have worked with a prominent consulting engineering firm Leeding Edge in Bendigo to perfect our design, to stress test it and involve the latest in manufacturing and hydraulic control technology.”

Colin O’Bryan from Murray Valle Lasers with the first of the new 4.3 Farmer model carry-grade scrapers.

The new O’Bryan Farmer model has a outside measurement equal to the tractor width of 4.3 metres cutting and working width and employs an industry standard three piece cutting bar edge.

“We judged this as the ideal working width while the machine with this width will be able to be towed on public roads or between properties with only one escort vehicle,” said O’Bryan.

It also employs industry leading hydraulic linkages and can be combined with all

Focus on the future of the planet with food production The way we think about, grow and consume food will define if and how we successfully navigate from the 20th to the 21st century according to Michael McAllum, Futures Architect at the Global Foresight Network.

That is what McAllum told delegates at the PMA Fresh Connections Conference and Trade Show, co-hosted by Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) and The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries.

“By the end of the decade all companies must reinvent themselves and significant changes will need to be made to ensure we are truly sustainable,” McAllum said.

“Take protein for example – by 2020 two thirds of the world’s grain will be required for protein, however currently the footprint on how we grow protein is too high and not maintainable,” he said.

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The way we produce and transport food must be within the resources of the planet, and new technologies and new processes must be put in place, including within the fresh produce industry.

“We exceed renewable capacity by 1.4 times every year,” McAllum said.

“Annually we lose 24 billion tons of topsoil and 160 billion tons of aquifer water, we create six million hectares of desert every year while 17 million hectares of forest disappears.

“We need to change from centralised systems to distributed networks,” he said.

“Industries need to move from supply side to demand driven thinking and away from head-to-head competition to collaboration.

“As consumers demand more, businesses will need to customise their products and services to the consumer.

“The power is in the consumers' hands,

popular laser grade control and GPS technology.

The first machine built in Swan Hill has already been sold to farmer Russell Keeley of Brookstead in Queensland.

“I am also anticipating some export potential for this new model,“ O’Bryan said.

For more information on Murray Valley Lasers call 03 5032 9555 or email mvl@hotkey.net. au or visit www.murrayvalleylasers.com.au.

they are the ones who will reshape how things happen as they look for significant value and buy food that is more expensive but better for them.”

The fresh produce industry needs to pull distribution costs out and put them back together intelligently, as well as embrace mobile technologies and networks to cater to a market that is rediscovering food as a cultural idea rather than something to be mass consumed.

“Production will need to include systems within renewable limits; distribution should be optimised, intelligent and include collaborative logistics,” he said.

“The future should see the positioning of food as the most important and exciting socio-economic issue for Australia. To do otherwise is to contemplate scenarios that are nightmarish if they were to come to pass,” McAllum concluded.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Family business survey shows bleak house Australian family business owners – including those in primary industries – are surviving but certainly not thriving according to a national survey.

The MGI Australian Family and Private Business Survey 2013 was undertaken by RMIT University and supported by MGI, a leading international accounting firm specialising in advice to family and privately-owned businesses.

In a sector worth $4.3 trillion according to Federal Government sources, in 2013 operators are employing fewer people and more ageing owners intend to keep working as fewer have adequately funded retirement programs.

Selling to fund retirement is becoming less of an option as for many the sale price of their business has also declined.

To make matters worse in the past three years only 24% of family business owners have experienced an increase in profitability and market share. For 76% of family business owners, business conditions have either remained the same or declined.

The survey reveals a bleak state of affairs with a continuing gloomy outlook –

operators are becoming increasingly concerned about their future with less than 40% of family business owners having positive expectations of market improvement in the next 12 months.

Politically, 91% of family business owners do not believe the Federal Government is offering them enough support to improve their situation.

But they don’t have confidence in the opposition either with 83% feeling that the coalition will not significantly help them.

Over the past 19 years the series has tracked the concerns and motivations of Australian family and private business owners. It is the longest running survey of its type in Australia and one of the longest running of its type in the world.

MGI chairman Sue Prestney said the survey highlighted that over the past decade family business owners have progressively become more concerned about their financial performance (2003 – 27%; 2013 – 58%) as well as about the industries in which they operate (2003 – 15%; 2013 – 55%).

“Additionally today almost 60% of family business owners feel that their children are not interested in taking

over the family business,” she said.

“Daughters in particular, while more inclined to stride out on their own as entrepreneurs, are far less likely to be involved in the family business (9%) than their brothers (36%).”

MGI provided evidence to the Federal Government’s landmark inquiry into family and small business.

Family business operators were currently concerned with: • t he impact of the high Australian dollar on their profit margins; • l etting go of leadership and control of their family businesses; • s ecuring adequate capital for growth and retirement; • t he average age of family business owners had increased from 56 to 58 years of age during the past decade.

Owners older than 65 years of age had increased from 20% to 25% during the same period; •m ore than one third of family business owners – up from 27% in 2003 to 34% in 2013 – do not have an adequately funded retirement program and as a result will work on under the current tough conditions.

JCB production of six cylinder engines JCB has announced plans to begin production of six cylinder engines with the addition of the JCB Dieselmax 672.

In just over eight years JCB has gone from a new entrant to engine manufacturing to a global producer.

The first engine rolled off the production line in the UK in November 2004 and since then production has been extended to JCB India’s HQ at Ballabgarh, where the first engine was manufactured in 2011.

To date more than 250,000 engines have been produced globally.

“In a relatively short space of time we have become a major producer of engines and today more than 70% of JCB’s machines are powered by the engines we manufacture,” said JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford.

“The move into six cylinder engine 20

production is a historic moment for our business and a natural step to take and we look forward to setting new standards in performance and fuel efficiency.”

The JCB Dieselmax 672 is based on the company’s four-cylinder 4.8-litre Dieselmax engine, with a high degree of parts commonality across the two engine platforms.

The Dieselmax engine features electronic control, Delphi common rail fuel injection and fixed geometry turbocharging.

Initially the Dieselmax 672 will be produced to meet Stage II emissions standards for growth markets including Russia, Brazil and China.

The new Dieselmax 627 will be built in the UK.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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GRAINVAC HAS THE LOT! PICKING GRAIN UP FROM THE GROUND, SHED OR SILO BAGS?

There are 2 models to choose from:

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If you are considering buying a new seeder or have bought one you could be eligible for a refundable tax offset as part of the government’s Clean Energy Future Plan.

The government has introduced a new refundable tax offset to encourage the uptake of conservation tillage practices to reduce emissions, increase soil carbon and improve productivity.

Primary producers may be entitled to a refundable tax offset of 15% of the cost of an eligible seeder.

This refundable tax offset is only available for eligible seeders installed ready for use between July1, 2012 and June 30, 2015.

Those installed after this time will not be eligible for the offset.

To make a claim you will need to: • o wn an eligible seeder; • s tart to use, or install ready for use, an eligible seeder in the course of carrying on a primary production business (the eligible seeder must not have been used previously, including by someone else); •h ave a Research Participation Certificate from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The application form and research survey can be downloaded the website at www.daff.gov.au.

The certificate must be obtained in the income year you start to use, or install ready for use, your eligible seeder.

Only new eligible seeders qualify for the refundable tax offset.

Primary producers can claim the offset on a seeder unit that is a combination of a cart and tool (eg comprises an air-cart and seeder bar), or on the separate purchase of the tool (eg separate seeder bar to be used with an existing air-cart).

Details of the configuration of the seeder are available on a fact sheet at www.ato.gov.au/tillageoffset.

Secondhand equipment or retrofitting of existing equipment is not eligible for the refundable tax offset.

For more information visit www.ato.gov.au/tillageoffset.

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If you’re in the market for a shed or garage, you now have the power to interactively design and customise it on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Fair Dinkum Sheds launched its Shed Designer App, a free App that allows you to design your own steel building structure.

It’s a flexible tool that lets you create and refine the design ideas you have for your shed. Not only can you set the dimensions, roof pitch and colours, but you can also add or remove walls, skylights, roller doors, windows, personal access doors, glass doors and steel sliding doors.

The App renders the building in 3D and lets you rotate the shed to view it freely so you can be comfortable with your design before submitting it.

Nathan Caines, business manager for Fair Dinkum Sheds, said it was especially convenient for people who live in remote or rural areas.

Users can spend time at home coming up with alternative designs that meet their specific needs, and submit them for quoting.

The design is fed into the distributor's design and engineering software, which then creates a quote and plans for council or shire approval.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Project to transform gas to electricity A Gold Coast bio-energy company has secured a multi-million dollar contract that will be the largest biogas project of its type to be constructed in Australia.

The process will convert effluent from one of the country’s largest livestock production facilities into electricity.

The project will be jointly delivered by Yalata-based Quantum Power Limited and its Australian and New Zealand technology partner, RCM Digesters (Australia) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of California based RCM International LLC. Quantum Power CEO Richard Brimblecombe said the biogas project was expected to replace more than 95% of grid-supplied electricity for the livestock enterprise.

“Together with our US partner, RCM International LLC, we have commenced design and construction of an engineered anaerobic digestion system and biogas fuelled power station, which will take between six to nine months to construct,” Brimblecombe said.

“The digestion system will convert the organic load in the effluent from the livestock production facility to biogas, comprising of approximately 60% methane.

Quantum Power’s biogas solutions are suited to intensive livestock producers including dairy producers, pig producers, layer and meat chicken producers, abattoirs and other food processing industries.

This project will see the construction of the seventh livestockbased biogas project by Quantum Power with other projects in southern Queensland and central NSW. Quantum Power has also delivered a number of projects into the food processing sector in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

Newspoll feels the rural pulse

Newspoll research, The Rural Pulse, reveals metro Australians appreciate the struggles facing Australian farmers.

With the gap growing between rural and metro values, the study shows city Australians feel for their rural and regional counterparts.

Both audiences agree that city people are out of touch with rural needs (72% vs 67%) and that city people have an easier life compared with rural people (44% vs 41%).

The major differences circulate around farmers feeling more connected to their community, while city people have higher levels of contentment despite having low levels of community engagement.

The research indicates 88% of rural farmers felt connected to their local community, which is significantly more than the 58% of metro.

However, connectedness did not translate to contentedness.

Only 73% of farmers felt contented, which was less than the 79% of city workers that felt this way.

The Rural Pulse is the first in a series of studies measuring the timely needs, expectations and beliefs of rural and regional Australians.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ &308166_DLG_AZ_AT_AUS_AFDJ_90x250_RZ.indd DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST1 2013

23

24.06.13 09:05

ANZ is feeding the dragon China is Australia’s largest agricultural export destination and now it’s also estimated to be the largest consumer of food and beverages in the world.

According to ANZ’s latest agricultural research paper, “Feeding the Dragon: The Modernisation of China’s Food Industry”, the opportunity for Australian producers is in accessing the growing number of affluent urban households in China; these are the consumers who have higher incomes, and spend up to five times more on products such as dairy, seafood and meat compared with the lowest income brackets. Commenting on the positive outlook for Australia’s food and agricultural businesses, ANZ Head of Agribusiness, Mark Bennett, said that Australia’s proposition in capturing the Chinese premium food and beverage sector is the underlying quality and reliability of our products.

“While China doesn’t necessarily provide a solution for all Australian farm businesses, this is a chance for farmers to ask how they can be involved in the emerging opportunity.

“For farmers, processors and marketers, understanding the preferences of our new consumers and the channels they use to source their food is crucial.

“Australian exporters will need to determine what emerging markets want and then ensure we’re well positioned to

provide them with the right product, at the right time, to the right place," he said.

ANZ’s report estimates only around 15% of food, meat and vegetables in China are transported via the cold chain, compared with 90% in more developed countries. “We are currently witnessing a more rapid change in our end export destinations for packaged and fresh food that we could have imagined a decade ago. “Outside major metro areas, cold chain distribution is still unreliable. There’s still a long way to go but an improvement in cold chain distribution provides significant opportunity for Australian food and agribusiness.”

Bennett also points out that relationships are an important part of being hooked into the right channels in Asia.

“ANZ’s super regional strategy means that our customers can benefit from our local relationships, which can open the right doors in the right places across Asia and the Pacific.

“A business relationship in China requires strong partnerships, as well as an understanding of the culture, including the need for permits and approvals. Having people around you who have a solid understanding of what is required will help Australian agribusinesses avoid stumbling points and get the business operating sooner," Bennett said.

Queensland looks to improve freight movement

Queensland’s future economic growth hinges on the ability to move freight. An efficient freight system will provide the backbone for facilitating this growth.

With freight volumes forecast to increase from 881 million tonnes (mt) in 2009–10 to 1550mt by 2021, clear direction is necessary to develop a more integrated multi-modal freight system.

A new report titled DRAFT Moving Freight provides this direction by outlining actions to move freight onto rail and support the agricultural sector while improving the efficiency of the road freight task.

The document concentrates on a number of priorities.

Priority one is to expand the use of rail freight, priority two is to increase road freight networks, three is to create greater freight infrastructure investment, four is to support future growth, five is a better freight policy and information while six is to engage industry for better freight outcomes.

The document is available for Queensland recognises the need to improve its freight download at movements especially for www.tmr.qld.gov.au. agriculture.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Keith Perrett steps down from grain board Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Board chair Keith Perrett will step down from the position he has held for the past six years.

Perrett’s current three-year term expires on September 30 and the process to find a new chair is underway.

“My two consecutive terms as chair have been the most rewarding period of my professional life,” Perrett said.

“Many challenges have confronted the Australian grains industry over the past decade, including increasing climate variability, globalisation of the marketplace, marketing deregulation, price volatility, increasing costs and ongoing issues with weeds, pests and diseases.

“But I am always encouraged by the resilience, tenacity and adaptability of our nation’s grain growers, who, with the support of GRDC, continue to overcome these obstacles to play an important role in world food production,” he said.

26

GRDC Managing Director John Harvey said Perrett’s contribution and impact would be long remembered.

Keith Perrett will step down from his position at the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

NEWS BRIEFS

Foreign investment register

VFF happy with Napthine

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed the release of a Senate Committee report that recognises the need for greater information about foreign investment in Australian agriculture and supports the development of a register of agricultural land, agribusiness and water entitlements.

The report was handed down by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee and said a register must be comprehensive, publicly available and help the Government model show it can manage foreign investment in the years ahead.

NFF CEO Matt Linnegar said it was positive to see senators agree that foreign investment is welcome in Australia, on the proviso that it is commercially based and competes on a level-playing field with Australian farmers and agribusinesses.

“That’s why the NFF, in April last year, called for a national land register that makes it compulsory for all foreign persons or organisations that acquire or transfer an

According to the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the Napthine Government delivered a sound and responsible budget.

“All the essentials that the VFF has been calling for are there – extra road funding, stamp duty relief for young farmers, a fairer fire service funding scheme, money for rural counsellors and regional irrigation infrastructure,” VFF president Peter Tuohey said.

“The government is being justifiably careful with the state’s finances in these uncertain times. The Treasurer Michael O’Brien has protected the foundations of Victoria’s economy by committing to deliver a $225 million surplus in 2013-14.”

interest in agricultural land and water to report it,” said Linnegar.

“We also think there will be broad support from the agricultural sector of any move that allows greater access to domestic capital for Australian agribusinesses.

“We note that the Senate report has recommended reducing the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) threshold of $248 million for farmland and agribusiness. We maintain our position on the FIRB threshold: we firmly believe that before any policy decisions are made, we need to first have all the information.

“Thus, before we support any reduction, we wish to see the national land register in place to understand the current levels of foreign investment in agriculture.

“The sooner the register is established, the sooner we have a clear understanding of the current picture of foreign investment in Australia, and the sooner we can make decisions on the policies we need to manage this well into the future,” Linnegar said.

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NEWS BRIEFS Food for thought An announcement of $1.5 million from the Federal Government to help Australian students learn about their food is a positive step forward.

The announcement aims to inform students of food production, increasing the profile of agriculture among teachers, careers advisors and students, and helping to attract a new generation of young people into agriculture.

The Government program, Food in the Australian Curriculum, will involve the development of education resources, which will be linked to the Australian curriculum.

The program stops short of embedding agriculture in the curriculum, but it does commit to developing materials and up-skilling teachers to teach students about food in conjunction with the curriculum.

Ararat, rats on its farmers Ararat Rural City Council proposed a 16% rate hike for farmers, while keeping the residential rate rise to just 1%.

“This is a complete insult to farmers,” Ararat farmer Charlie de Fegely said.

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Last year the council agreed farmers would pay 52.5% of the residential rate for 201213.

“The lower rate was originally set to recognise the value of a farmer's property (capital improved value) and in no way reflects the income earned off that land,” de Fegely said.

“But now council has announced it’s going ▶ to jack-up the farm rate to 60% of the

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NEWS BRIEFS residential rate for 2013-14. It’s a complete back flip on their past commitment to farmers.

“What really angers farmers is that Council previously agreed to progressively further reduce the farm rate.

What they’ve now done is treat us with contempt.

“We’re now in a situation where 500 farmers are paying 40% of the council’s total rate revenue and municipal charges.”

The Victorian Farmers Federation called on Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell to exercise her power to cap the amount councils can collect from rate payers.

“Regional councils’ rate revenue increases should be capped at CPI (consumer price index) minus a 0.5% to drive

32

productivity,” VFF president Peter Tuohey said.

"The minister has the ability to limit rate revenue under section 185B of the Local Government Act and it is time she stepped in."

Climate Commission releases Critical Decade The Climate Commission has released its most significant report to date, The Critical Decade 2013.

It has an overview of the risks to Australia’s agricultural sector.

“The changing climate poses substantial risks for agriculture right across Australia,” said Professor Will Steffen, climate commissioner.

“Farmers are on the frontline of climate changes and will continue to face risks into the future.”

The report makes clear that we are already seeing the social, economic and environmental consequences of a changing climate, including increasing frequency of extreme heat waves and bushfire weather, as well as shifting rainfall patterns.

“Horticultural industries are one of the most sensitive agricultural sectors, particularly from changes in temperature and reduced rainfall. As the climate shifts, some horticultural crops will not be able to be grown where they are now,” said Professor Lesley Hughes, commissioner.

The report is available from www.climatecommission.gov.au.

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NEWS BRIEFS

No news is not good news in Federal Budget

Buy a Bale

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) was pleased that agriculture was spared from major cuts in the Federal Budget, but was disappointed that the Government is simply moving funds around within agriculture and other portfolios, rather than committing additional funds.

“The biggest news for agriculture is that … the Treasurer has announced $99.4 million in farm household support under the new drought policy assistance package,” NFF president Duncan Fraser said.

“But these funds were already committed to the Government’s Caring for our Country project, the Federal environmental management program which provides funding support for farmers and land managers to engage in natural resource management, helping to protect our valuable resources in the best interests of the Australian public.

“What the Government has done tonight is rob Peter to pay Paul.

The Budget papers show that there will be a redirection of $141.5 million of Caring for our Country funds over five years to fund the household support package and other initiatives.”

Buy a Bale is asking for help to assist Australian farmers in drought declared areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria get the feed they need to keep their herds alive and their families going.

In addition these families need assistance with groceries and the basics of life.

The recent combination of export bans, fire, no wet season and now a harsh drought are pushing many over the edge.

You can help by buying a bale of hay, volunteering, buying a litre of diesel or a gift card, or you can volunteer your truck to carry the hay. Visit www.buyabale.com.au.

CSIRO appoints water director CSIRO has announced the appointment of Dr Carol Couch as director of the Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship.

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Australian farmers are among some of the most innovative and efficient in the world, but it is only by closing the gap between the promise and reality in rural digital economy that they can maximise opportunities in the digital economy, NSW Farmers’ President Fiona Simson said.

Simson was delivering a keynote address at the Digital Rural Futures Conference and said that the farm sector was nowhere near realising the potential of current, let alone future, technologies.

“Broadband is definitely a key enabling technology because it can deliver comparable internet speeds to all customers in the economy regardless of delivery method and location,” she said.

“However, it is not the whole answer. Farmers, like other customers also rely heavily on mobile telecommunications for data and voice communications.

“But despite heavy reliance and popularity of mobile telecommunications, the reality is mobile technology is not yet even treated as an essential service in rural Australia even though it absolutely is.

“In a 2011 NSW Farmers Survey, close to 70% of respondents indicated that their mobile is inadequate for email or internet use on their farm.

“The elephant in the room is the abject failure to address this problem.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Graincorp assures VFF The Victorian Farmers Federation’s Grains Group met representatives of US food giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) to discuss its proposed takeover of Graincorp.

“ADM requested a meeting with VFF to explain their takeover of Graincorp and hear our VFF members concerns,” VFF grains president Brett Hosking said.

“ADM agreed to attend farmer meetings hosted by VFF Grains group in June or July to discuss the takeover offer and answer growers’ concerns.”

The VFF concerns included the potential for ADM to introduce a ‘closed loop system’ of trading, a feature of the US system, which could, if introduced, exclude ADM’s competitors from posting prices at Graincorp up-country silos and reduce access to Graincorp ports.

With Graincorp handling up to 90% of East Coast grain exports the VFF said it needs an open-access system to allow all traders and exporters the ability to post prices and export from existing silos and ports.

ADM advised that their objective was to maximise throughput through the Graincorp system, and would not exclude competitors for this reason.

NEWS BRIEFS Dr Andrew Johnson, CSIRO Group Executive, said Dr Couch brings a unique range of attributes to the role, based on her 20 years’ of science leadership in the United States and Australia.

“It is critical we find better ways to manage water both in Australia and overseas. Globally, the sustainable management of freshwater resources is recognised as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.”, he said

Rural sports to get Dow grants Rural sporting organisations are encouraged to enter Dow AgroSciences’ Growing Community Sports Clubs competition for the chance to win a share of $80,000 worth of grants for their club.

“Sport is at the core of vibrant rural communities, and sporting clubs play a big role in the wellbeing of Australians,” said George Saville, Dow AgroSciences Marketing Manager.

“We’re looking to reach out to those often overlooked smaller clubs that make up the heart of rural communities

▶

Our vegetation uses water wisely Increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have helped boost green foliage across the world’s arid regions over the past 30 years through a process called CO2 fertilisation, according to CSIRO research.

In findings based on satellite observations, CSIRO, in collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU), found that this CO2 fertilisation correlated with an 11% increase in foliage cover from 1982-2010 across parts of the arid areas studied in Australia, North America, the Middle East and Africa, according to CSIRO research scientist, Dr Randall Donohue.

“In Australia, our native vegetation is superbly adapted to surviving in arid environments and it consequently uses water very efficiently,” Dr Donohue said.

“Australian vegetation seems quite sensitive to CO2 fertilisation. This, along with the vast extents of arid landscapes, means Australia featured prominently in our results.

“While a CO2 effect on foliage response has long been speculated, until now it has been difficult to demonstrate,” according to Dr Donohue.

“Our work was able to tease-out the CO2 fertilisation effect by using mathematical modelling, together with satellite data adjusted to take out the observed effects of other influences such as precipitation, air temperature, the amount of light, and land-use changes."

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NEWS BRIEFS across Australia and give them that bit of extra support.”

A 2011 survey of broadacre farmers showed that although they do four times more vigorous activity per week than the average Australian in their normal work day, only 16% of farmers aged 40-45 participated in team sport.

This number significantly rose to 35% for younger farmers aged 18–39.

The competition is open to all rural sporting clubs and submissions can be lodged by the club itself, or by an individual with the club’s best interest in mind.

Entries can be made at www.dowagrosciences.com.au and completing a submission in 200

36

words or less on why a $4000 grant would make a real difference to a local sports club.

The competition runs from July 1, 2013 – September 30, 2013 with 20 individual grants to be awarded nationally.

Landcare Grants of $10.7 mill Community and agricultural groups across Australia will share in more than $10.7 million in Community Landcare Grants as part of the Sustainable Agriculture stream of Caring for our Country.

The grants will fund 242 projects right across the country.

The 2013-14 Community Landcare

Grants funding includes: · $2,294,870 for 55 projects in New South Wales · $2,301,320 for 53 projects in Victoria · $2,232,620 for 48 projects in South Australia · $1,663,470 for 39 projects in Queensland · $1,476,940 for 30 projects in Western Australia · $531,190 for 12 projects in Tasmania · $180,840 for four projects in the Northern Territory · $49,500 for one project in the Australian Capital Territory.

More information is at www.nrm.gov.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Jayben engineers solutions for drivetrains Jayben Australia is a manufacturer of driveshafts and driveline equipment for agricultural and off road applications and has plants in Adelaide, South Australia and Burnie, Tasmania.

The company has an exclusive manufacturing licence with GKN Walterschied GmbH Germany, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of agricultural driveline systems, tractor attachment systems and other specialised products for the agricultural industry.

Working hand-in-hand with Walterschied Australia, Jayben provides the capability to engineer application solutions and quality drivetrain products relevant to today’s high horsepower and technically sophisticated agricultural machinery.

Jayben has the knowledge and experience to develop solutions to agricultural driveline development and then can

manufacture prototype components for testing prior to manufacture and final assembly.

These products and services are distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand through the Walterscheid/ Jayben network.

Jayben is a supplier to some of the world’s most significant off road vehicle manufacturers supplying components both locally and with exports to Thailand, China and South America.

The company’s plant uses a range of modern CNC equipment, spline broaching and hobbing machinery as well as driveshaft assembly and repair facilities.

Jayben implements CAD/CAM design and manufacturing software and its production system is based on lean manufacturing principles.

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NEWS BRIEFS New chief at Animal Health Australia

New ministers including agriculture

The chairman of Animal Health Australia, Peter Milne, announced the appointment of Kathleen Plowman as chief executive of AHA. “Kathleen Plowman brings to the position impressive management expertise, extensive policy experience in Australia’s livestock industries, together with a deep understanding of AHA’s role in the national animal health system,” Milne said.

Ms Plowman, presently general manager policy at Australian Pork Ltd, succeeds Dr Mike Bond, who has accepted an appointment with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.

Ms Plowman takes up her new position in August.

A new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been appointed, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP. Mr Fitzgibbon was born in Bellingen and his electorate is Hunter, including towns such as Aberdeen, Cessnock, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton.

This region is perhaps best known for its horse studs and mining developments, it is also an agricultural region, particularly dairy, horticulture, cereal crops, wool, beef, lambs and pigs.

The new Trade Minister is the Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister Albanese is both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Broadband and Communications.

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Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

Bill Shorten is Minister for School Education, Kim Carr is Minister for Higher Education, Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Mark Butler is Minister for Climate Change and Environment and Brendan O’Connor is Minister for Employment, Skills and Training.

Cotton on to mining impacts A new research report backs the call for greater scrutiny of the impacts of mine-induced subsidence on prime agricultural land.

The report, The Risks and Impacts of Coal Mine Subsidence on Irrigation Areas, was prepared for Cotton Australia by soil scientist and environmental consultant Peter Bacon (Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd).

Cotton Australia policy manager – Queensland & water, Michael Murray, said the report supports the organisation’s calls for greater scrutiny and research into the impacts of mine subsidence on prime agricultural land.

“It is important to note that on-farm agriculture infrastructure is not alone from the threat of mining subsidence.

Around Emerald, the gravity-fed irrigation infrastructure assets of SunWater, which are Governmentowned, are also jeopardized,” said Murray.

“It is of great concern to cotton growers and other farmers that mining activity in Australia is at an all-time high, and yet forecasting the impacts of mining is so imprecise.”

For the report visit www.cottonaustralia.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

RDC can turn their hands to marketing

Victorian rural financial counsellors cut

Rural research and development corporations (RDCs) will be able to market their industries under new legislation.

The three bills introduced into the Parliament will also support increased productivity, create incentives for new investments and create greater efficiency from RDCs. Under the current laws the six statutory RDCs are not allowed to conduct marketing campaigns to promote their industries, these amendments lift that restriction. The amendments also create incentives for increased private investment in R&D. The changes will allow all the 15 RDCs and Industry Owned Corporations (IOCs) to seek matched government funding for voluntary industry R&D contributions. The amendments aim to assist the RDCs to deliver improved services to levy payers and to lift the productivity of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

The Victorian State Government has cut funding for Rural Financial Counsellors.

This has resulted in the loss of five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

“We need as many financial counsellors as possible in Victoria at the moment, given what’s happening in dairying and cuts to canning-fruit growers’ quotas,” said VFF president Peter Tuohey said.

“The counselors are a vital free government service to these farmers struggling with debt or the loss of income.”

The Victorian Government’s decision follows the Federal Government decision to fund an extra three financial counsellors in Victoria as part of its Farm Finance Package.

A one-stop government shop for approvals A one-stop-shop for environmental approvals announced as a key policy for the Coalition was welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

NFF CEO Matt Linnegar said it’s positive to see a major party putting a commitment to cut green tape on the agenda for the Federal Election.

“Farm businesses are tied up in regulatory requirements, both red and green tape, and the NFF has pushed for many years to reduce the burden on our farmers,” Linnegar said.

“In 2006, an NFF submission to the Productivity Commission showed that the regulatory burden on agricultural businesses, including complex and contradictory environmental legislation, was a huge issue for farmers. Seven years on, farmers are struggling with more, not less, regulation.

“We are also pleased to note that the Coalition has said that this could be expanded to create a single entry point for approvals across all Government portfolios – this simplification would greatly assist all farm businesses.

“We also welcome the Coalition’s promise to create a single approvals process for environmental assessment and approvals under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC).”

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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What’s new in ATVs, UTVs, SSVs, RTVs, Ag bikes National Farmers call for safety rating The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on quad bike manufacturers to commit to a range of measures to ensure greater on-farm quad bike safety, including producing a safer quad bike for agriculture and introducing a safety star rating similar to cars for quad bike stability.

Chair of the NFF Workplace Relations committee Charles Armstrong said the measures also include a call for manufacturers to commit to produce a child disincentive system for quads, and to offer various modifications that can be retrofitted to quad bikes already in use, to make them safer and more stable.

“Quad bikes are a very important piece of farm machinery, but they’re also dangerous. They are the leading cause of death on Australian farms, with 18 people tragically killed in quad bike accidents last year,” Armstrong said.

“There are just too many lives lost in

preventable farm accidents. The safety of our farmers, our farming families and farm workers is crucially important, which is why the NFF has reiterated its call for greater action and a focus on practical solutions to help address quad bike safety concerns.

“This is not about adding another layer of regulation onto farmers, or making life on the farm harder – it’s about keeping farmers and their families safe.

“These measures by manufacturers would be designed to work hand-in-hand with on-farm safety procedures, like not overloading, ensuring quad bikes are used for the intended purposes only, and not allowing children under 16 to operate them – combined with relevant training, safe work practices and wearing suitable protective clothing, including helmets.

“That’s why one of the things we’re calling for is for quad bike manufacturers to consider providing training and helmets

as a condition of sale,” Armstrong said.

The NFF’s call comes as research continues into roll over protection (ROPs) and crush protection devices (CPDs).

“The outcome of the research, being conducted by the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities at the UNSW Transport and Road Safety research facilities, is still some time away.

“This research will develop a safety and stability rating process that gives information to consumers about different models and may influence the Australian design rules and specifications regarding ROPs and CPDs. “In the meantime, one of the measures we are asking manufacturers to consider is the appropriateness of fitting such devices for agricultural use at the point of manufacture, or encouraging people to buy these devices for fitting at the point of sale,” Armstrong said.

WorkSafe study on Crush Protection Devices Workplace Health Authorities (Australia & New Zealand) have supported fitting of Crush Protection Devices (CPDs) to reduce the burden of accidents.

A small exploratory study Adoption of Quad Bike Crush Prevention Devices which was a report prepared for WorkSafe Victoria sought to trial the use of CPDs and assessed factors that act as barriers and enablers to increase the adoption of these potentially lifesaving devices by farmers.

This study involved fitting a CPD to the quad bikes of 11 dairy farmers.

One GPS unit provided data estimates of usage over the two week period while the second enabled the calculation of speed.

The fitting of the GPS devices stimulated discussion and debate around safety for both farm owners and workers.

Employers indicated that it added to legal obligations in providing a safe workplace.

The CPDs had virtually no impact on the reported performance of the quad in 40

terms of braking, steering, suspension or operators getting on/off.

The most problematic issue was some contact with overhead objects, mainly electric fences (hot tape), though most reported no issues at all.

There were also limited issues with fitting trailers, carrying loads and noise.

Despite these minor points it was strongly articulated that any issues with the CPD were clearly outweighed by the perceived potential benefits if the quad bike did roll.

This was illustrated by the fact that 10 of the 11 CPDs fitted remained in place some four to six months post the completion of the study.

The respondents reported a shift in their consideration of safety and that of their workers in relation to quad bikes.

Some participants were moving towards side-by-side vehicles, as they were perceived to be safer and a more practical option, while others were requiring helmets to be worn and limiting use of quad bikes by

excluding visitor usage. Greater consistency of accurate evidence‐based information to dispel these suggestions in the public domain was recommended by farmers.

In respect to the cost of CPDs, respondents noted that if it was going to save a life any cost is a “bargain” and money well spent.

Based on the GPS data, the average daily riding exposure for subjects was 1.5 hrs.

The estimated average speed of quad bike operation was 8.4km/h, with the average maximum speed attained being 46.6km/h.

The majority of usage events recorded (71%), were at speeds lower than 10km/h, with 95% of all events less than 30km/h.

Overall, the majority of participants viewed the CPD positively.

The report can be downloaded at www. aghealth.org.au/tinymce_fm/uploaded/ Quad%20Bike/adoption_of_quad_bike_ cpds.pdf or google search the title Adoption of Quad Bike Crush Prevention Devices by Dr Tony Lower and Dr Mark Trotter.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

CFMoto is working for the man CFMoto has a range of ATVs, UTVs and SSVs that are proven, rugged workhorses for hard work on the land.

A solid independent rear suspension (IRS) package helps minimise body roll and ensure a smooth and stable ride.

The 19-litre fuel tank allows the CF500 to run for hours and the front and rear racks come in handy for cargo.

Basic specifications: CF500 – ATV

The CF500 is a workhorse for the farm and for fun.

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It has a 500cc liquid cooled engine and a CVT system.

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and also lock the differential when extra traction is required.

Its IRS package helps minimise body roll and ensures a smooth and stable ride.

The 18-litre fuel tank allows the X5 to go the distance, while the front and rear racks, rear tow bar and 2500LBS winch are welcome and practical inclusions.

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Mikuni Carburettor 36-89 BSR

Max. torque

38.8N.m/5500rpm

Cooling System

Liquid

Ignition

CDI

Starting

Electric & recoil start

U8 – UTV

The U8 is a great combination of technology, utility and sports.

This workhorse utility boasts a V-Twin 800cc engine that provides its rider with as much as 46KW of power with a CVT system.

The dual A-arm, IRS and adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers minimise vibration even on the roughest roads.

It also has adjustable tilt seats with a range of 120mm for the driver’s seat for extra legroom.

The U8 features a 280mm ground clearance offering great practicality with a fording depth of 650mm.

Selectable 2WD/4WD make the CFMoto U8 eager for outdoor work, with a little bit of fun thrown in.

Basic specifications:

U5 - UTV

The U5 is good for work or play. This machine will tackle whatever you throw at it with its 500cc liquid cooled engine.

The CVT system allows for on-call and manageable power and the rider also has the ability to electronically select between 2WD and 4WD modes, hi and low rev ranges and also lock the differential when extra traction is required.

Basic specifications: Displacement Power

Single cylinder, 4 Valves, 4 Stroke 493 cc 32hp @6500rpm

46KW @6700rpm

Bore & stroke

87.5 X 82mm

Bore & stroke

91 X 61.5

Compression

Compression

10.3:1

Fuel system

Fuel system

Electronic Fuel Injection

10.2:1 Mikuni Carburettor 36-89 BSR

Max. torque

72N.m/6000rpm

Cooling System

Liquid

Cooling System Liquid

Ignition

ECU

Ignition

CDI

Starting

Electric

Starting

Electric

Type

V Twin, 8 Valve, SOHC

Displacement

800 cc

Power

Type

Max. torque

38.8N.m/5500rpm

Correction to CFMoto find its Mojo We wish to inform our readers that the article entitled CFMoto find its Mojo published in the May issue of Australasian Farmers and Dealers Journal contained an error.

The article incorrectly identified certain CFMoto products. We apologise for this error and would encourage readers to learn more about the range of CFMoto ATVs, UTVs and SSVs by contacting their local dealer.

To find a local dealer call 1300 CFMOTO (1300 236 686) or visit www.cfmoto.com.au.

42

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Kubota RTV mid-sized utility The entry-level RTV400Ci Kubota has the features of a mid-sized vehicle.

Kubota Tractor Australia has a new petrol powered RTV400Ci utility vehicle with the features of a midsized utility vehicle, but compact enough to be easily transported on a trailer or small truck.

At 1390mm wide and 1829 mm high, the new four-wheel drive RTV400Ci has a fuel-injected 16 horsepower, aircooled, single-cylinder engine.

The RTV400Ci is the 5th RTV in the Kubota family.

This RTV has a newly designed continuously variable transmission with inertial clutch (CVT Plus) for excellent response and reliability, while providing dynamic braking to help maintain control during descents with engine-assisted deceleration.

CVT Plus also features a full protection cover to minimize mud or

Kubota's RTV is an entry level vehicle.

rTV aTV Vs

The difference is more Than jusT one leTTer. *

cusTomer rebaTe

$900

It’s safety. The KUBOTA RTV400 utility vehicle comes fitted with safety features like roll over protection, seat belts and dynamic braking. And it’s built with the same reliability and precision as all Kubota equipment, so you can be sure that buying one is a safe investment.

Contact your local dealer or visit kubota.com.au *Customer Rebate is subtracted from the dealer’s selling price as a discount at the time of sale and is not redeemable for cash. Offer ends 31 October 2013. Subject to availability.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

43

dust intrusion to ensure longer belt life.

The RTV400Ci features a new, aircooled, single-cylinder petrol engine developed to ensure peak performance and ultimate durability.

This electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engine offers a responsive, smooth and reliable ride.

The EFI system improves engine performance by providing quick, easy starts, even in the most severe weather conditions, as well as on-demand power and optimised acceleration.

Weighing a modest 565kgs, the RTV400Ci can handle upwards of 200 kilograms or .25 of a cubic metre in its durable, metal cargo box and it can tow up to 500kgs.

Featuring ergonomic, well-placed controls for easy operation, the RTV400Ci is designed for comfort –

its contoured bench seat makes riding enjoyable for the driver and passenger.

The low operator platform offers ample legroom, making it easy to step in and step out.

In addition to comfort, the RTV’s standard Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) gives operators a safer environment in which to operate.

With its low centre of gravity and inbuilt safety features the RTV400Ci makes a great alternative to a conventional four-wheel ATV. Two people can be quickly transported in safety with the added versatility of a cargo bed to carry various loads from one location to another.

As the entry-level model in the Kubota utility vehicle range, the price differential between the RV400Ci and a high spec ATV is compressed,

placing the RTV400Ci within reach of customers who may otherwise have settled for an ATV. Basic specifications: Type

Single cylinder OHC, air cooled EFI petrol

Displacement

404 cc

Power:

16hp @4800rpm

Transmission

CVT Plus

Differential lock

Hand operated with mechanical holder

Gear selection

Hi-Lo range forward, neutral, reverse

Fuel tank capacity

20 litres

For further information or the name of your nearest dealer ring freecall 1800-334653, or log on to www.kubota.com.au

Honda Side-by-Side coming to Australia Honda’s Side-by-Side Pioneer will make its way downunder in early 2014.

The Pioneer is available as a four-seat and two-seat machine built in the US. It features a liquid-cooled engine, double wishbone front-suspension and durable automatic transmission.

Honda’s four-seat variant, the Pioneer 700-4, boasts a adaptable design that allows the two rear seats to fold into the bed.

With the ability to be used as a twoseat, three-seat or four-seat Side-bySide, the rear seats can be quickly and easily folded away so the complete bed space with hydraulically-assisted tilt function can be fully utilised.

Honda's US-built Pioneer.

44

At its heart is Honda’s 675cc, liquidcooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine which is fuel injected and has an all-new intake design to minimise dust ingestion.

The automotive-style automatic transmission has a heavy-duty torque converter and three hydraulic clutches for positive engine braking.

These features together with a twostage shift map optimise power delivery throughout the engine’s rev range.

The Pioneer’s rugged and solid construction is supported by longtravel suspension of 200mm in front and 230mm in the rear.

In addition to a fully independent rear suspension, the rear shocks feature preload adjustability to handle the Pioneer’s generous load capabilities.

Equipped to carry 454 kilograms or tow 680 kilograms, Honda’s Pioneer is ready for the toughest work.

The new Pioneer’s occupant protection structure is built from large diameter tubing and includes

Seating for four will also be an option.

integrated handholds, recessed top tubes and a more spacious structure to enhance protection. It also meets OSHA’s 1928.53^ rollover protection standard.

The Pioneer 700-2 two-seater boasts the same features but instead of the fold-down in-bed seating, it features a conventional hydraulically-assisted tilt bed.

For more information on Honda motorcycles visit www.hondamotorcycles.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

My view Give trade a chance – especially the TPP Bruce Wills is the president of Federated Farmers of New Zealand.

In the mid-1980s New Zealand, in the eyes of many around the world, became agricultural heretics. My own organisation, Federated Farmers, led the charge to remove subsidies, tariffs and other forms of protection because it had turned cancerous.

In 1992, former British Prime Minister, the late Margaret Thatcher, best described the outcome of this revolution: “In far away New Zealand, we have seen a commitment to tough economic policies to squeeze out inflation, reduce subsidies, and curb the trade unions.

“It takes great political courage not to be shaken off course. But New Zealand stood firm through hard times and now the results are coming through. I hope their persistence – and its reward – will be a lesson to countries in other parts of the world”.

That lesson has been a very long time coming but today we have a core of fellow travellers in an ever-expanding posse of free trading nations.

Perhaps due to the momentum of free trade, the World Farmers Organisation itself has embraced a breakthrough policy on it.

For the first time ever, national farming bodies from over 50 nations back free trade and the elimination of subsidies and protection. It may not be perfect, but what was a pipe dream is fast becoming reality.

In February’s State of the Union address, President Barack Obama said: “We should remember that today’s world presents not just dangers, not just threats, it presents opportunities.

“To boost American exports, support American jobs and level the playing field in the growing markets of Asia, we intend to complete negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) because trade that is fair and free across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs.”

At the time he spoke the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, comprised 11 economies. Japan, the world’s number

three economy, now wants in. The 12 TPP countries have combined economies worth a staggering $26 trillion.

Japan epitomises the glitzy high-tech future we often get from Hollywood movies.

That façade however, masks an economy suffering from stagflation and until very recently, every tool used had failed to kick-start it out of a fiscal miasma.

Japan’s gargantuan quantitative easing program is going hand-in-hand with structural reform; what Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s embrace of the TPP proves.

New Zealand and Japan are almost mirror images of one-another. While New Zealand and Japan are similarly sized geographically, our small population means we are a net food exporter while Japan is the world’s largest net food importer.

While farm owners are not generally spring chickens, even in the west, the average age of a Japanese farmer is approaching 68.

The average Japanese farm occupies a mere five acres perhaps explaining Prime Minister Abe’s desire for a younger, dynamic agricultural sector built off economically viable farm units.

Research by the New Zealand Asia Institute and funded by Fonterra, concludes Japan’s membership of the TPP could potentially revitalise its entire agricultural sector.

In a world where we tread a perilously fine line between food supply and food deficits, there is room for us all. If we are to feed a global population growing at more than two stomachs every single second, then agriculture firing on all cylinders is vital.

The risk of failure is unprecedented international disorder, with access to food chief among them.

The global financial crisis has undoubtedly played a hand in this shift towards free trade.

That said, multi-year US Farm Bill is approaching US$1 trillion while annual direct farm support in the EU is near what the New Zealand Government will spend in a single year.

They are not alone. Subsidy is still the order of the day but that is changing as countries realise the direct and hidden costs.

So let us see what is possible.

In the early 1990s, our two-way trade with Japan was 10 times greater than our then two-way trade with China.

Today, that trade is less than half of our current trade with China. The reason is partly China’s economic growth but it is mostly due to the 2008 New ZealandChina Free Trade Agreement. Excepting recent disputes over paperwork involving meat, New Zealand’s exports to China have trebled.

Tariffs, subsidies and protectionism also reminds me of what the great Ronald Reagan once said: “The 10 most dangerous words in the English language are “Hi, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help”.

Even the global climate benefits when the best farmers are allowed to get on and do what we do best; feeding people.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

45

Future Farming

Australia’s future relies on farming profitably and efficiently.

We have to use modern, technologically advanced equipment and methods. David Palmer describes these and how they can be used.

Cotton picker’s baler heritage started with a fence post

By David Palmer One Sunday in 1971, one of Gary Vermeer’s friends told him he was giving up breeding cattle because of the labour involved in making, carting and stacking small square bales of hay.

The next day Vermeer sketched out a rough design for a round baler on the floor of his US factory and with the help of his engineers, rolled out a prototype round baler 45 days later.

But then the problem was to get the bales to roll. Eventually someone suggested putting old wooden fence posts down so the baler had a core to roll the hay around.

It worked and with some modifications – eventually the posts were discarded – the baler rolled bales without post assistance.

In the 40 years since, hay and silage rolls have dominated fodder conservation machinery around the world and in the last five years cotton rolls have revolutionised cotton picking in the same way.

The first practical mechanical cotton picker, first marketed 70 years ago in 1943 by International Harvester, was a major labour saver too.

Initially a single row machine it replaced 40 human pickers.

Most pickers today harvest six rows at a time and until about six years ago, when an onboard basket was full, it transferred the cotton to a separate tractor-pulled boll buggy.

In turn that took cotton to a module former on a headland, which formed the cotton into a large bale or module, which weighed between 12 and 15 tonnes.

That started to change when Case IH launched its 625 picker in Australia in August 2008 and a year or so earlier in the US. 46

The ability of John Deere’s 7760 cotton picker to continuously harvest and bale cotton increases productivity and eliminates extra machinery and people in the paddock, necessary with older machines.

It formed half-length modules on the go in the picker, but they never really took off in Australia, because it still took a minute or two for each module to be ejected on a headland.

Also, because Australia’s yields are much higher than the US’s five bales a hectare, it had to deposit modules in the paddock too.

However John Deere’s 7760 picker, incorporating what was essentially a round baler, launched a year later and did take off because it did not need to stop.

It forms and wraps a bale, stores it on a rear platform on the back of the

machine while another bale, or 227kg module as the cotton industry still prefers to call it, is formed internally.

The picker then, without stopping, drops the finished bale on the headland.

John Deere developed the machine because it discovered in a survey that on average pickers spent 10% of their time waiting for boll buggies and another 10% dumping the contents of picker baskets in the buggies.

Also, operating boll buggies, forming modules and tarping and tagging them, normally required at least three people and several tractors and trailers.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Sophisticated custom-made triple-layer polyethylene wrap includes RFID tags to identify the cotton and where it came from in the paddock.

While many round hay balers have been capable of wrapping bales for decades, the degree of sophistication of the 7760’s cotton wrapper deserves a mention.

Each of three polyethylene wrap portions per bale are pre-cut to eliminate the danger of plastic fragments and are rolled onto a spool in sets of three.

The first layer of wrap is a non-tacky film which prevents cotton sticking to it.

The second and third layers are made from specially formulated film, which is tacky on one side.

In May this year, John Deere in Australia announced that four radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to one end of the film could, during module formation, collect data relevant to the ginning process.

Usually that would be client, farm, paddock, module serial number,

harvest date and time information.

The picker’s application controller stores the data itself and on the RFID tags and picks up the unique ID of each wrap.

As well, optional electronic equipment installed on the picker works with the RFID tags to develop cotton yield maps, so paddock management can be fine tuned for future crops.

Sandy Belfield, who manages one of the Seery family’s cotton growing farms near Moree, New South Wales, hosted a prototype 7760 picker when it was being tested on Australian cotton about six years ago.

He and the family were impressed with what they saw and the Seerys now own seven John Deere 7760 pickers costing about $850,000 each to harvest their several thousand hectares of cotton.

“We still have old style pickers, but we didn’t take them out of the shed this

year despite big yields,” Belfield said.

On the farm he manages, they took off up to 17.3 bales/ha (7 bales/acre) and averaged 13.6 bales/ha (5.5 bales/ acre) while the rest of the family farms averaged about 8.5 bales/ha.

Because the Seery family has its own four-line gin, Belfield said they didn’t need to take full advantage of the RFID system.

However the gin had spent about $500,000 buying and installing a system to automatically remove wrap and rotate the round modules, so the cotton could be processed from the round side of the rolls.

On a US internet site showing video of in-gin processing of modules, the wrap is removed by hooks attached to cables and overhead winches, which remove the wrap rather like a hide puller in a meatworks.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

47

Law Review The FWC clarifies the meaning of “casual employment” and “casual employee”

By Gavin Hanrahan, managing partner Turnbull Hill Lawyers At long last some much needed clarity around the meaning of “casual employment”.

During my 22 years working in the law, employers have always been at risk of an employee, whom they had engaged and paid as a casual, maintaining at a later time that they were a permanent employee under the common law ... and therefore entitled to annual leave, personal leave, etc.

A decision of the full bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down recently provides much needed certainty about the meaning of “casual employee” under the Fair Work Act (FWA).

The FWC essentially held that when an employee is covered by a modern award or a registered agreement and those instruments provide a definition of “casual employee”, then that definition applies ... not the common law.

Most modern awards contain a definition of “casual employment” with the same core criteria – that the employee was engaged and paid as a “casual”, and specifically paid a casual loading which is set at 25% in all of the modern awards, subject to transitional arrangements.

The FWC held that the FWA contemplates such arrangements being long term by, among other things, containing a definition of “long term casual employees”, which includes employees “employed by the employer on a regular and systematic basis”.

Impact on Employers

This decision provides employers with greater flexibility around the engagement and termination of employees covered by modern awards or registered agreements, and who are engaged and paid as casuals, whether or not they really are casuals according to common law principles.

The payment of the loading allows 48

the employer to cover such things as personal and annual leave, notice of termination and redundancy when making payment to the employee at the end of the pay period.

Tip for Employers

All modern awards require employers to inform employees (some say in writing) of the terms of their engagement, and in particular whether they are to be fulltime, part-time or casual.

Therefore, to satisfy this requirement and ensure there is no dispute about the nature of the engagement, we recommend that at the very least you document the arrangement by way of letter confirming that “you will be engaged as a casual employee in accordance with the award. Your hourly rate of pay will be $X plus a loading of Y%. Casual loading is paid instead of annual leave, paid personal/carer‘s leave, public holidays not worked, notice of termination, redundancy benefits and the other attributes of full-time or parttime employment.”

Flexible work arrangements

Still on the topic of employment, how you should respond to a formal request for a flexible work arrangement?

From the July 1, 2013 the groups of employees who are entitled to request flexible working arrangements have been extended.

The eligible groups now are: • employees with caring responsibilities • parents or guardians of children that are school age or younger • employees with disability • employees who are 55 years or older • employees who are experiencing family violence or who are caring or

supporting a family or household member who is experiencing family violence.

You can only refuse such a request on “reasonable business grounds”.

The Fair Work Act does not define what reasonable business grounds are, however we would expect reasonable business grounds to include, if the requested arrangement would: • b e too expensive to implement; • r esult in a significant loss in efficiency or productivity; • b e likely to have a significant and negative impact on customer service; • a ffect other employees when there isn’t any capacity to change the work arrangements of other employees.

There are obligations on your employee.

To make the request in accordance with the Fair Work Act, your employee has to: •p ut it in writing; •p rovide details of the change requested; •p rovide reasons why the change is required.

You have to respond in writing within 21 days indicating whether you accept or refuse the request. If you refuse the request, then you will also need to provide reasons for the refusal.

General nature of this article

The information in this article is general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice obtained from a lawyer fully informed about your circumstances.

Turnbull Hill Lawyers is a regional general practice law firm in NSW. It was founded in 1969 and is based in Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle, NSW. For more information call Turnbull Hill Lawyers on freecall 1800 994 279, direct 02 4904 8000 or visit www.turnbullhill.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

TMA News

Dealing with a shrinking distribution network

By Richard Lewis, executive director Tractor & Farm Machinery Association of Australia Looking back on 2012 one could best describe it as the year when our industry entered a period of significant change, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the late 1960s.

Let me explain.

For much of the last 60 years Australia’s agricultural machinery industry has operated essentially in the same way as it always has.

Manufacturers and importers relied on agents/dealers to represent their products in the market place, utilising what once was called an agency agreement.

These dealers, or agents as they were called, then would sell the machinery and pass the details onto the supplier who would deliver the equipment and look after it from that point on.

Back then there were agents in almost every town throughout Australia.

But things started to change in the late 1960s when local manufacturers and distributors decided to rationalise their networks in response to a dramatic fall in the tractors market.

The tractor market had peaked in 1964 at 23,500 units but then declined at a rapid rate and ended up at around 10,000 units by 1970.

Throughout the 1970s the agency agreement was replaced by the dealer agreement.

In this agreement the dealer was not only responsible for selling the machinery but he also looked after the after-sales service.

This marked the change in the way machinery was sold in Australia.

The 1980s saw little change in the way we did business but they were difficult years.

The machinery market was highly volatile with one good year often followed by two bad years.

Move forward to the 1990s and average annual tractor sales were around 7500 units and combine harvester sales averaged 760 units.

Then 1991 was the lowest point in the decade, and one of the lowest points in our history for machinery sales.

Only 5595 tractors and 219 combines were sold in that year: drought, recession and poor commodity prices combined to depress the market.

Things did improve but there were casualties in the distribution channel.

It is estimated that by the end of the 1990s there were around 2500 dealers servicing Australia’s agricultural machinery market.

Moving forward again to late 2000, average annual tractor sales had improved to average around 9000 units per year.

Combine harvester sales averaged around 740 per annum but despite this the number of dealers had continued to fall.

Droughts, the global financial crisis exchange rate volatility had all combined once again to provide a very difficult environment for manufacturers, importers and dealers alike.

So how many dealers were left as we entered this decade?

In 2011 Agriview completed a study of the National Machinery Dealer network and concluded that the landscape had changed significantly;

with number of dealers dropping to around 720, but the most significant issue with that number was that around 45% of those were dealers who had multi outlets.

The number of single outlet dealers was on the decline but still outnumbered the group outlets.

In 2013 Agriview re-visited its 2011 study with the result that the pendulum has shifted in favour of the group dealership at the expense of the single outlet dealership.

Today there are 604 dealer outlets but 59% or 354 are now part of groups with two or more outlets.

There are now only 250 single outlet agricultural machinery dealerships in operation.

These are significant numbers and are at the centre of the change in the way the industry will go to the market in the future.

In 2012 there was over $1.8 billion of

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Continued next page

49

Continued from previous page

sales of new agricultural machinery that we can measure but add to that sales of other new products, secondhand machinery as well as parts and service then our industry was estimated to be worth $3.6 million dollars.

The key point here is that this is being done through a much smaller distribution channel than has ever existed in the past.

The implications of this are vast, not only for the dealers who must fund this but also for the distributors and local manufacturers who must ensure that their channel to market is financially secure.

The recent events of the last two years where we have seen the emergence of overseas dealers moving into the Australian market is significant.

Large dealer groups exist in overseas markets, particularly in the US, and it is those groups that are looking to grow their businesses outside of their traditional base.

What are the implications of this for the Australian dealer network?

You would have to argue that for the first time it has placed a value on a dealership over and above the traditional value of the shed and the land that it sits on.

Clearly, our network is now seen as a good place to invest. This is something we have not seen before and this will be at the hub of the changes going forward.

So what will tomorrow's distribution channel look like?

The number of single outlet dealers will reduce but they will not disappear completely.

The number of large groups will increase.

They now attract more interest from overseas buyers but the make-up of the outlets will change.

Not all will carry machinery. Many will carry just parts and service outlets. This is not quite the agency of old but something similar so perhaps we are going Back to the Future!

50

What’s New in Tyres

Petlas’ new website remains at the same URL but has a refined look and is easier to use.

New Petlas site streamlines use Petlas has launched its newly redesigned, customer-focused website that integrates detailed tyre information.

The site has been designed to be easyto-use and to place resources at the web-users’ fingertips.

It implements a very a clean design that promotes simplicity to make it simple to find information.

Its enhanced functionality includes enhanced tyre search capabilities.

Dealers and consumers can now search for Petlas tyres by size, category, segment or product name.

That feature together with improved product information and organisation makes finding the right tyre much easier.

Petlas has spent the past year listening and talking to the users of its website and the results of these discussions have influenced the design and operation of the redesigned site. “[This site] is more straightforward and user-friendly than the old,” said Oğuz Ay, director of international marketing and sales for Petlas.

"The new site is a one-stop-resource for customers interested in any of the Petlas tyres.

"We wanted to be sure to make it easy for users to get the information they need, as quickly as possible.

"We understand how valuable their time is."

Customers can view product specs and obtain support documentation and photos for all the entire Petlas line.

"Petlas tyre customers expect and depend upon exceptional tyres and service we provide. This new website is another way for us to conveniently and effectively provide both to them.

“We will continue to refine and improve both our tires and our service to meet their needs, now and in the future,”, Ay said.

Petlas offers a full line of tyres for a wide variety of passenger, truck, light truck, 4X4, agricultural, OTR and industrial products with a network of dealers all over the world.

The new site remains at the same URL –

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Weighing up the harvest Before the next harvesting arrives many farmers will spend time getting their harvesters ready for a workout.

Modifications and upgrades to existing machinery including larger grain collection bins and fronts will add weight, which if unaccounted for will increase wear and tear on the life of the tyres and affect overall efficiency.

For equipment to perform at its peak it is important that the tyre size and pressure are recalibrated to handle the changes in harvesting needs.

It is recommended that once you know the approximate weight, including the grain, that your equipment will be carrying you write down the tyre size and load index and call your local tyre dealer for advice on the correct operating pressure to suit your conditions.

Your tyres will have lost some pressure by sitting in the shed over the past months and will require a top up of air at the very least.

If your load weight has increased significantly, it may be time to invest in a new set of tyres with a higher load carrying capacity.

Keep in mind that it is the air that carries the brunt of the weight – the higher the load, the more air pressure required.

The ride may be a bit rougher but it will avoid tyre failure and costly down time.

Fitment of a higher load index tyre will enable you to carry the

Take into account the weight your equipment will carry when determining correct operating tyre pressures.

same load at a lower pressure or increase the load at your current operating pressure.

If you want to learn more about maximising the efficiency of your tyres this harvesting season visit BKT at Agquip, Site R/9-10.

Representatives from BKT India will be on hand to talk to farmers about the product range. Discount vouchers of up to $100 off your next tyre purchase will be available at the show.

Clic go the tyres The Clic range of wheels is designed to click on to an existing wheel and tyre assembly, for vehicles like ATVs. The additional wheels increase stability, particularly over uneven ground, and provide better traction.

The wheel uses an aluminium casting connector that attaches to wheel mounts. The rim and tyre centres on the spacer and is locked permanently in place. The installation is easily reversible.

Add stability easily with an extra set of wheels.

To find out more about where you can purchase Clic duals, call 1800 788 688, or visit www.clicdualwheels.com.au.

Tyre maintenance kits Powerful and totally portable cordless hydraulic tyre maintenance kits have been released by Enerpac to help take the hard work, hazards and time wastage out of changing and maintaining tyres on large trucks, tractors and implements.

The PXCTM Cordless Tyre Maintenance Kits are powered

by Enerpac’s new generation XC Series cordless pump, which offers the performance capabilities of an electric or pneumatic powered pump with the convenient portability of a hand pump.

This all-new cordless powered pump delivers the speed, power and longevity of a corded pump.

For more information visit www.enerpac.com/en-au.

Portable cordless tyre maintenance is ideal for farmers.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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2013 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR August 5-6 Sheepvention Hamilton Showgrounds, Hamilton, VIC Ph: 03 5572 2563 E: info@hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au W: www.sheepvention.com 20-22 Commonwealth Bank AGQUIP Field Days 8 kilometres west of Gunnedah on Blackjack Road, Gunnedah NSW Ph: 02 6768 5800 E: agquip@ruralpress.com.au W: www.agquip.com.au 28-29 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days Dowerin, WA Ph: 08 9631 1021 E: info@dowerinfielddays.com.au W: www. dowerinfielddays.com.au

17-19 Henty Field Days Cookardinia Road, Henty, NSW Ph: 02 6929 3305 E: hmfd@telstra.com W: www.hmfd.com.au 18-19 Riverland Field Days Contact: Tim Grieger Sturt Highway (Short St), Barmera, SA Ph: 0409 099 122 E: fieldays@riverland.net.au W: www.riverlandfielddays.com.au 19-20 Mingenew Expo Contact: Kym McGlinn Midlands Rd, Mingenew, WA Ph: 08 9928 1138 E: secretary@mingenewexpo.com.au W: www.mingenewexpo.com.au

september 3-5 Heritage Bank Ag Show Ph: Damon Phillips Toowoomba Showgrounds, Toowoomba, QLD Ph: 07 4634 1155 E: perwin@agshow.com W: www.agshow.com.au

24-26 York Peninsula Field Days Contact: Elaine Bussenschutt Copper Coast Highway, Paskeville, SA Ph: 08 8827 2040 E: ypfd@netypt.com.au W: www.ypfielddays.com.au

4-5 Newdegate Machinery Field Days Contact: Anne Bishop Newdegate, WA Ph: 08 9871 1655 E: nfday@westnest.com.au W: www.nfday.com.au 6-7 Berry Small Farm Field Day Berry Showground, Berry NSW Ph: 02 4403 0300 E: info@berrysmallfarmfieldday.com.au W: www.berrysmallfarmfieldday.com.au 12 BCG Crop Growing Field Day TBA Ph: 03 5492 2787 E: info@bcq.org.au W: bcq.org.au

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25-26 South Gippsland Dairy Expo Contact: Deane Kennedy Korumburra Showgrounds, cnr South Gippsland Hway & Charles St, Korumburra Ph: 0419 878 055 W: www.dairyexpo.org.au 22-2 Oct Royal Melbourne Show Contact: RASV Administrator Melbourne Show Grounds, Epsom Road, Melbourne, VIC Ph: 03 9281 7444 E: customerservice@rasv.com.au W: www.royalshow.com.au

28-5 Oct Perth Royal Show Contact: Robin Bartlett Perth Showgrounds, Garlands Road, Claremont, WA Ph: 08 6263 3100 E: info@raswa.org.au W: www.perthroyalshow.com.au

October 1-3 Elmore Field Days Few minutes drive east from Elmore along the Midland Highway, VIC Ph: 03 5432 6176 E: info@elmorefielddays.com.au W: www.elmorefielddays.com.au 10-18 Royal Launceston Show Foster Street, Launceston, TAS Ph: 03 6331 6044 E: royaltonshow@bigpond.com W: www.launcestonshowground.com.au 11-12 Wandin Silvan Field Days Contact: Nan Cleven Wandin East Recreation Reserve, Wandin, VIC Ph: 0429 428 537 E: info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au W: www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au 19-20 Murrumbateman Field Days Contact: Kim Williams Murrumbateman, NSW Ph: 02 6227 5895 E: admin@mfdays.com W: www.mfdays.com 17-20 Royal Geelong Show Contact: Administration Geelong Showgrounds, Breakwater Road, East Geelong, VIC Ph: 03 5221 1707 E: info@royalgeelongshow.org.au W: www.royalgeelongshow.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

2013 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR

23-26 Royal Hobart Show Hobart Showgrounds, Howard St, Glenorchy Ph: 03 6272 6812 E: admin@hobartshowground.com.au W: www.hobartshowground.com.au/show

7-10 EQUITANA Definitive Events Ph: 03 8698 2000 Fax: 03 9646 1559 W: www.equitana.com.au

24-26 Australian National Field Days 563 Borenore Road, Borenore, NSW Ph: 02 6362 1588

22-24 RV & Camping Leisurefest Bendigo Racecourse Ph: 03 9329 5311 E: info@ciavic.com.au W: www.leisurefest.com.au

November 4-5 Farming Small Areas Expo - Hawkesbury Hawkesbury Showgrounds Ph: 02 4570 4444 E: expo.fsa@fairfaxmedia.com.au W: www.farmonline.com.au

– F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

field days 2014 11-12 January New England Merino Field Days Ph: 02 67787288 E: angusjanetcarter@bigpond.com W: www.newenglandmerino.com.au

19-23 January Australia's International Dairy Week Dairy & Machinery Field Days Tatura Park, Victoria Ph: 03 9338 9259 E: info@internationaldairyweek.com.au W: www.internationaldairyweek.com.au 12-14 February Sungold Field Days Allansford, near Warnambool Ph: 03 5565 3142 E: sungoldfielddays@wcbf.com.au W: www.sungoldfielddays.com.au 14-15 February Hamilton Beef Expo Hamilton Showgrounds Ph: 03 5572 2563 E: beefexpo@ansonic.com.au W: www.hamiltonbeefexpo.com

DOWERIN GWN7 MACHINERY FIELD DAYS.

See what’s in the wind at this year’s Dowerin Field Days!

Countryman_Dowerin Field DaysπMFTM100613

AUGUST 28-29, 2013

Access the latest products, best service, greatest advice and experience a Climate of Change.

FOR MORE INFO

Visit www.dowerinfielddays.com.au or contact Dowerin Events Management on (08) 9631 1021

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Go west, to Mingenew Mingenew in Western Australia is gearing up for the 31st annual Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo, which will take place on September 19 and 20.

Preparations are in full swing with the expo team busy processing a flood of exhibitor applications and the catering sub-committee planning for the influx of visitors that attend the event each year.

“Expo is a culmination of everything that is wonderful about our community,” said Robert McTaggart, Expo co-ordinator.

The two-day agricultural event is run by a voluntary management committee and sub-committees, and is the outcome of thousands of hours of voluntary work by the people of Mingenew.

“For many of us, Expo is an eightmonth commitment with planning meetings starting in February, then it’s all hands-on-deck for the week of Expo itself,” said McTaggart.

Mingenew from the air.

There’s not only new machinery on display but some historic and classic vehicles as well.

“It’s a real family affair, we often have two and sometimes three generations on-site pitching in.”

McTaggart and his family have been involved in Expo since moving to Mingenew from the Gascoyne in 1987.

As a busy wheat and cattle farmer, McTaggart stepped down from his role as a shire councillor to take on the

voluntary Expo co-ordinator position in 2010.

He said the highlight of the role is working with the vibrant committee, which is made up of representatives from every community organisation and club in Mingenew.

For more information go to www.mingenewexpo.com.au.

Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo co-ordinator Rob McTaggart with his grandson Angus.

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McTaggart surveys the site.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Agfest 2013 and 2014 news Agfest, held near Launceston, Tasmania is always on the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May. The Agfest committee was very excited to have a full site this year with a record number of 727 exhibitors.

This year also saw the launch of a new Agfest App, which was extremely popular and was available through iTunes.

The App included all timetables, exhibitors, a site map and even a car park locator – no more losing your car at Agfest.

Some famous faces made appearances at the event this year and were welcomed by eager audiences.

Scott Cam was there, and Glenn Archer was on the BOC site while Jimmy Giggle appeared in the central arena.

The official opening for Agfest 2013 was also in the central arena on the Thursday and Don Hazel, the new Agfest patron, officially launched the event.

Back again for 2013 was the Ag Artwear competition in the KAAP shed (pavilion E). It draws young talent from around the state to compete on the best design of outfit made from original farm materials, recycled or new. There were 13 competitors this year.

There were also plenty of demonstrations in the Equine Expo, including the return of “Wholly Horses”showcasing the trick riding troop led by Pru Cotton. They are the only trick riding troop in the state and are the youngest in Australia.

Agfest 2014 will be just as successful following the selection of a new Agfest committee.

The new committee has some well-known and knowledgeable members, plus the addition of some bright new faces.

Joining the team are: • A manda Bayles (chair) • K ate Koad (vice chair) • K arlee Lee (exhibitors manager) • Derryn Badcock (operations manager) • Tracy Badcock (treasurer) • Heidi Broun (executive member) • Owen Woolley (executive member) • A nthony Coad (executive member) “It is a pleasure to return as chair of Agfest this year. I am confident that with the active and committed executive committee we have again this year, Agfest 2014 will be just as good, if not better, than previous years,” returning chair Amanda Bayles said.

Australia’s Premier Mixed Farming Field Days Make informed purchasing decisions with 700 exhibitors th

th

THURSDAY 27 to SUNDAY 30

MARCH 2014

Contact :

Ph : 03 5626 1373 www.lardnerpark.com.au Strategic Partners

The 2014 Application Package will be available online in October.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Australian National Field Days The Australian National Field Days (ANFD) has made some changes for the 2013 event, with a move to a late week and weekend event. This year the event will be held from October 24 to 26.

ANFD is Australia’s longest continuous running field days, with the event being held on the current site in Borenore, New South Wales for 50 of its 62 years.

The organisers reasoned that there are a large number of people working in rural enterprises that work during the week and are unable to attend. The move to a Saturday will enable more people to attend and experience all the event has to offer.

Recognising the need to meet changing needs the ANFD committee decided to change the 2013 event from mid-week to a Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The committee wants to build on the tradition of the past years and continue to be one of Australia’s leading agricultural field days. Including a Saturday in the event will provide the opportunity for more members of our community to be involved.

The ANFD also welcomed the Australian Poll Dorset Association as the feature exhibit, highlighting the benefits of the Poll Dorset sheep breed from the paddock to the plate with a range of demonstrations, talks and displays.

Greater efforts are also being made to involve school students in interactive activities to encourage them to become the next generation of farmers.

With food security being a major challenge to face world governments, it is critical that the students of today are the farmers of tomorrow.

Demonstrations of agricultural equipment will continue to play a vital role at the 2013 event as they provide an excellent means of promoting products to an interested audience.

For more information visit www.anfd.com.au or call 02 6362 1588.

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The Australian National Field Days has been running for 62 years.

This year the Australian National Field Days will be held from Thursday to Saturday.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Spanish trade expo in Australia Spain's agricultural and livestock equipment industry includes leading technologies for greenhouses, fertilization, irrigation, and animal care that can help Australian farmers to increase productivity and sustainability.

AGREGEX along with the Spanish Exporters Association of Agricultural Machinery and ICEX (the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) is leading a trade mission to Australia starting in Sydney and travelling through to Perth.

The five-day visit will be from July 22 to 25, 2014 and aims to boost trade links as well as showcase technologies.

According to AGREGEX Spanish companies can often manufacture what larger corporations are unable to do due to inflexible production lines.

Companies on the trade mission include CONIC (machinery for horticultural, ornamental and forest growers, precision sowing machines), NOVEDADES AGRÍCOLAS (greenhouses, irrigation and fertilisation, climate control, reservoirs, water treatments, phytosanitary treatment), SPS (machinery for the treatment, transport and storage of grain), AZUD (irrigation), RAESA (sprinklers, aluminium profiles), INTERQUIM (animal nutrition), ATLÁNTICA AGRÍCOLA (greenhouses, crop protection, agronutrients), SOLÁ

A Spanish trade mission will come to Australia in 2014.

(agricultural machinery: seed drills and fertilizer spreaders), TATOMA (UNIFEED mixers, industrial installations, pressure vessels, special vehicles), STF (irrigation equipment: filters, water treatment).

For more information contact agragex@agragex.es.

Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 October 2013

Orange NSW 2800 Phone 02 6362 1588 Email info@anfd.com.au Web www.anfd.com.au AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Farm World 2014 a Healthy Alternative Plans are well underway for the running of the 2014 Farm World Field Days, one of the largest agricultural field day events in Australia, and a premier pasture and fodder based event.

To be held on March 27 to 30 at Lardner Park, Warragul in Victoria’s West Gippsland, this will be the 52nd continuous running of Farm World.

The event regularly attracts over 50,000 visitors during the four days.

Farm World is always a good venue for exhibitors to launch new products, particularly farm machinery, and a highlight each year is the Farm World – Tractor & Machinery Awards.

In 2013 the award for the ‘Best Powered Machine’ went to the Claas Axion tractors and the ‘Best UnPowered Machine’ award was won by the Keltic Bale Slicer shown by Gendore Tractors & Machinery.

Farm World is one of Victoria’s most important field days.

Wandin Silvan

Horticultural & Farm Machinery Field Days The Committee would like to welcome all visitors and exhibitors to this years event on the 11th and 12th of October 2013 at Wandin East Recreation Reserve.

Enquiries and New Exhibitors Welcome. Phone: 0429 428 537 info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au

w w w. w a n d i n s i l v a n f i e l d d a y s . c o m . a u 58

New product demonstrations are carried out on allocated paddocks during and after the four-day event and Farm World is instrumental in assisting farmers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Each year Farm World has a theme for the event and next year will be no exception. The 2014 theme of ‘Health & Wellbeing’ will focus on initiatives that farmers and rural people can do to improve their health levels and quality of life.

According to the National Centre for Farmer Health: “Rural people have shorter life expectancies of up to two years in comparison with city counterparts, and farming men, women and agricultural workers have unique health issues.

“These include a higher rate of suicide, respiratory disease, cardiovascular diseases, lower cancer survival and very high rates of injury and accidental death.

“Farm men and women are also 1.5 times more likely to experience chronic

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Health will be the major theme for Farm World 2014.

Farm World regularly attracts more than 50,000 visitors.

recognise and celebrate the important role women play in agriculture, including a special ‘Women in Agriculture’ luncheon.

Farm World is generously supported by strategic partners the Commonwealth Bank Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Evans Petroleum BP and the Baw Baw Shire Council.

For more information call 03 5626-1373 or visit www.lardnerpark.com.au.

41st Annual

September 4th and 5th 2013 Visit the new Bayer Avenge Ram Shed There are machinery displays, and cattle displays Inventions and Awards Outdoor and camping displays Family interest displays and fashion parades Art and photography exhibition Children’s rides and entertainment for the whole family

we look forward to seeing you there 4th & 5th September 2013

Not only products but activities feature heavily at Farm World.

Enquiries to: Anne Bishop, Secretary Phone: (08) 9871 1655

Fax: (08) 9871 1659

Email: nfday@westnet.com.au

body pain and over two-thirds have a measurable hearing loss.”

Businesses with products and services relating to identifying and improving health issues will be encouraged to exhibit, as well as those in lifestyle related areas such as wealth creation, off-farm investments and leisure activities.

Following the ongoing success of Ladies Day – Women in Agriculture, the first day of 2014 Farm World will again

www.nfday.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Wander around Wandin during October Under the guidance of committee president Darren Sibley, the organising committee of the Wandin-Silvan Field Days is in the final throes of organising this year’s event which is on from October 11 to 13.

Now in its 44th year, the 2013 Wandin Silvan Field Days held in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, provide the opportunity for exhibitors to present their diverse range of horticultural and agricultural products and services.

It provides a great forum for exposure of businesses from not just the local region, but across Australia with exhibitors able to showcase and present new innovations and techniques making their way onto the market.

Local farmers and primary producers can take advantage of the unique opportunity to inspect the latest in farming technology and talk directly to experts from the nation’s leading suppliers.

The principal focus of the Wandin-Silvan Field Days is aimed at the varied local primary and agricultural commercial producers that have properties such as orchards, nurseries and vineyards through to the smaller hobby farmers and general public.

Other traditional exhibits range from general farm

machinery, light industrial equipment, motor vehicles and motor bikes, irrigation equipment and water tanks to information on the latest pest and weed control, fertilisers and chemicals and fruit packaging and labelling.

Then there is the popular ‘general interest marquee’ that houses a diverse range of arts and crafts, merchandise and local produce.

Members of the Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society will again feature a working display of their much-loved machinery, which is always a popular attraction. Many hours are devoted to the restoration of the machinery of yesteryear, and the members are very happy to share their stories and discuss the features of their displays.

In 2013 the photographic competition is sponsored by Wandin-Seville Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank with the theme of Farm Machinery & Equipment.

There will be three categories for entries: • o pen age • s econdary school students •p rimary school students.

Entries will be displayed at Wandin East Hall, located at

WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR FIREWOOD

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Setting new Standards in Safety, Designing & Performance.

Built Aussie Tough by Whitlands Engineering

www.superaxe.com.au / 1800 702 701 60

Silvan’s Darren Sibley and Warren Storey of Agpower.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N Wandin East Recreation Reserve, during the Wandin-Silvan Field Days.

Winning entries will then be on display at the Wandin-Seville Community Bank, Wandin Branch from October 16 to 31.

Entry forms for this competition are available at: www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au.

The opening hours of the field days will be 8.30am to 5.00pm on Friday, and from 8.30am to 4.00pm on Saturday. An entry fee of $12.00 applies, with no concessions though students and children Under 15 are free.

Ample free parking is available, with full on-site catering facilities provided by several local schools and community groups.

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For more information visit www. wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au.

Silvan’s Darren Sibley with Darren and Trevor McIntyre of Darmac Ag Sales & Service.

31st MINGENEW LIONS EXPO MIDWEST September 19th & 20th, 2013 W h e re i n d u s t r y a n d f a r m e r s m e e t a n d m i n g l e

Showcasing: agriculture • education • health • lifestyle & general interest products Be entertained and informed at this years 2013 Mingenew Expo

EXHIBITOR APPLICATION NOW OPEN

www.mingenew.com.au

Call (08) 9928 1138 Fax (08) 9928 1212

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Yorke Peninsula Field Days expects 35,000

The working sheep dog trials are always a highlight.

The three-day event provides an excellent opportunity to view and compare a comprehensive range of merchandise designed for effective and efficient rural farming practices.

The YP Field Days event also incorporates a comprehensive lifestyle program of products and services designed to be of interest to rural and urban families, as well as an excellent variety of guest speakers, presentations and demonstrations on each of the days.

The three-day program includes working sheep dog trials, machinery demonstrations, motor bike trials and demonstrations, fashion parades, sheep shearing demonstrations, cooking and gardening demonstrations.

YORKE PENINSULA

Yorke Peninsula Field Days includes a broad representation from major machinery companies.

Often the larger the machinery, the more interest.

For more information visit www.ypfielddays.com.au.

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!

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Next Biennial Event 24, 25 & 26 September 2013 Paskeville, South Australia

“Australia’s Oldest Field Days”

With a major focus on agriculture and the future, the Yorke Peninsula Field Days three-day event features extensive displays and demonstrations of the latest agricultural machinery and equipment, technology, information and services.

Over 750 exhibitors are located on an extensive site with in excess of $200 million worth of merchandise on display. The event provides an excellent opportunity to view and compare a comprehensive range of products designed for effective farming practices.

Enquiries to the Administrator Elaine Bussenschutt OAM Phone: (08) 8827 2040 Fax: (08) 8827 1011

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FIELD DAYS INC

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The award-winning Yorke Peninsula Field Days in South Australia is a premier rural event not to be missed, especially since its continuing major focus is that of promoting agricultural innovation, excellence and the future of the industry.

The three-day biennial event, which this year is September 24 to 26, will feature extensive displays of the latest agricultural machinery and equipment, technology, services, innovations, and current techniques.

The YP Field Days will also include a broad representation of major agricultural companies as well a large variety of other companies in agricultural and other related industries.

Interest from new agricultural and general interest exhibitors has been exceptionally high and the organising committee considers it to be an excellent indication that this field days event is one which continues to provide an outstanding opportunity, and future potential, for business, communication and face-to-face contact with consumers.

Exhibitor numbers are expected to be around 700 and the event is located on a permanent 30 hectare display site at Paskeville, with an anticipated visitor attendance in excess of 35,000 people.

2012

Features of the event include extensive displays and demonstrations of the latest agricultural machinery and equipment, technology, services, innovations, and current techniques all located on the field days permanent 34 hectare site at Paskeville, South Australia. A comprehensive general interest program features merchandise of interest to both rural and urban families.

PO Box 162 Kadina 5554 Email: ypfd@netyp.com.au Web: www.ypfielddays.com.au

South Australia’s Premier Rural Event

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Power to the people Honda is one of the world’s largest engine manufacturers with a wellearned reputation for engine quality and performance.

All Honda stationary engines are easily identified with their 'Green & Gold Approved' symbol and have been ‘matched’ specifically to a product to make sure it’s the right Honda engine for the job that the product is designed to do, in the environment that it is meant to do the work.

These engines are 100% compliant with Australian engineering and environmental standards and meet the strictest world standards including EPA standards and the very strict CARB tier 3 Standards.

Green & Gold

One way to tell if you’ve got a genuine Honda stationary engine is to find the ‘Green & Gold Approved’ sticker, ensuring it meets all of Honda’s operational and technical requirements and is designed especially for Australia’s unique conditions.

Honda recently launched a campaign to educate the public on the dangers of purchasing a Honda-branded engine that has had its engine serial number ground off or replaced.

“All Honda engines should have an engine number clearly engraved into the engine itself,” said Honda’s national engine manager Chris New. “An engine with its serial number defaced may not be suitable for Australian conditions, nor backed by Honda’s extensive warranty and parts back-up network.

“Furthermore, a defaced serial number questions the seller’s motives, or it may be counterfeit or stolen.”

Engines with ground off or defaced serial numbers may not be genuine Honda engines and so not covered

by Honda warranty or supported by Honda’s servicing dealer network and

parts supply.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous retailers and individuals who want to take advantage of the Honda brand and some are knowingly importing Honda-branded products that aren’t designed for Australian consumers or Australian conditions.

These Honda-branded products may be sold without the after-sales support and warranties that only a genuine Honda product can offer.

A Honda engine’s serial number will always be engraved into the engine itself. If a branded sticker is placed over a defaced engine with a different serial number, this could indicate the engine is not approved for Australian conditions.

Honda Australia’s greatest concern is that a user could be injured or worse as a result of using a product that contains a Honda-branded engine, but hasn’t been engine match tested and approved by Honda to Australia’s unique conditions.

Before you buy, ensure that you inspect the engine’s serial number to make sure that it is free from tampering.

For more information visit www. hondaserialoffenders.com.au.

Honda stationary engines

All Honda stationary engines have an automatic mechanical decompression system designed to give you quicker, easier starts.

This system, which is connected to the camshaft, reduces compression by opening the exhaust valve slightly when the engine is being started.

This reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine and improves starting performance.

The system disengages automatically after the engine starts to prevent any power loss during normal operation.

Honda’s V-twin range is ideal for agricultural use.

V-twin

When it comes to life on the land, reliability is a word that rings true to farmers and landowners more than any other.

The V-Twin Range of Honda engines is built to last, and suits large agricultural machinery perfectly.

These engines offer up to 27HP-class, and command respect.

Not only are Honda V-Twin engines incorporated into all sorts of grain handling machinery, but they can be found on farms in products like pressure washers, generators, pumps and air compressors.

Honda’s national engine manager, Chris New, said that given Honda’s reputation as a maker of reliable, resilient and robust heavy machinery engines, it’s no wonder that so many Australian farmers rely on Honda power.

“Life is hard enough on the land,” New said, “Is it going to rain? Will the crops come up? One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether your engine is going to start, which makes Honda the natural choice.”

“With nearly 60 years of engine manufacturing behind us, the farmers who choose the Honda V-Twin-powered products are choosing them because these engines will perform.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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On the Honda V-twin a variable timing digital CDI ignition system allows ignition timing based on engine speed.

The result is excellent starting, high power output, reduced fuel consumption and good emissions performance. Engine rev limiters are incorporated to prevent over-revving.

An oil alert system also helps to prevent engine seizure due to low oil.

The system consists of an oil level sensor inside the crankcase. When the oil reaches a level that is too low for safe operation, the engine warns you or stops automatically.

A hemispherical combustion chamber inspired by Honda’s racing technology offers the highest V-Twin compression ratio on the market.

The power is transmitted through forged-steel connecting rods and a forged-steel crankshaft, supported by a full-pressure lubrication system.

A compression ratio of 9.3:1 generates great power and the radial configuration

creates high volumetric efficiency.

Placing the spark plug near the centre of the chamber makes for optimal flame travel increasing efficiency.

The idea of integrating the cylinder and head into one unit on the V-twin is smart. It eliminates a head gasket and head bolts, and allows for more airflow and better cooling.

Improved cooling also translates to better combustion management.

Cooling is also improved by each of the lightweight aluminum pushrods each housed in a separate tube to achieve enhanced airflow.

The lubrication system on the V-twin uses a high capacity pump with discrete chambers for consistent oil delivery.

The high output oil pump has twice the capacity of the previous model, and a redesigned pump cover and sealing system add to its reliability.

Full pressure lubrication to the flywheel, PTO and connecting rod

Honda has a campaign on the dangers of purchasing a Honda-branded engine that has had its engine serial number ground off or replaced.

bearings extend the engine’s life and produce less noise.

A full range of Honda stationary engines is listed on the Powered By Honda website as is a list of dealers.

The company has a nationwide support network of more than 400 dealers so parts and service are readily available.

Visit www.poweredby.honda.com.au.

It’s one thing you don’t have to worry about Life on the land is hard enough without wondering if your machinery can be relied upon. Choose the legendary Honda V-Twin.

For the full range of Honda-powered products, visit

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poweredby.honda.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Honda powered Glenco Airmac A quarter of a century is a long time in any industry, especially one as rigorous and competitive as the power equipment industry.

Queensland-based Glenco Air & Power, and its Airmac range of petrol-powered air compressors, has an edge that helps them grow.

The edge comes from, among other things, the leading Fusheng pump, internationally renowned for its cast iron cylinder heads with rugged high strength “poppet valves”, forged alloy steel crankshaft with rolling element main bearings, oversized oil reservoir, deep directional cooling fins, and low noise air intakes.

The result is a premium product with a worldwide reputation for outstanding performance and reliability.

Adding to the quality of the Airmac range is the power that comes from the Honda engines.

From the GX160 - 5.5hp to GX 390 13hp, the overhead valve petrol engines have been engine match tested and approved by Honda Australia to the point where the Airmac has been granted the coveted Honda 'Green & Gold Approved' status.

“It’s a massive seal of approval,” Glenco’s sales manager, Henry Recchi said of the Green & Gold Approved sticker that sits atop the fuel cap of each Airmac air compressor.

“What it tells us is that our products are up to the standard of the world’s largest engine manufacturer.”

For the workshop, Glenco offers a comprehensive range of 240 volt and 415 volt reciprocating and rotary screw compressors with a suite of refrigerated air dryers, filters and vertical air receivers.

Mining, sand blasting and blowing down the headers, you can’t go past Glenco’s

Glenco has been in business 25 years.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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What's New in Tractors Farmall range returns to help Aussie farmers The Farmall range of tractors will re-enter the Australian market in 2013.

The new, compact Farmall B and Farmall JX models will range from 23-110 horsepower.

John Dreves, Case IH product manager for tractors, said the Farmall is suited to small to mid-sized farming operations.

“The Farmall name is a customer favourite, well-known around the world for its versatility and performance.”, he said.

“We’ve evolved the Farmall over the years to meet the varying needs of Australian producers and in 2013 we’re excited to introduce our new range offering increased engine capacity across many operating environments.

“The Farmall B Series tractors replace the Maxxfarm range of compact

tractors. The 20B, 25B, 35B, 40B, 50B and 60B have all been redesigned and will offer dependable power, fuel efficiency, comfort and promote more productivity from the tractor seat.”

Farmall B tractors feature three or four cylinder, fuel efficient engines, and mechanical self-levelling loaders are available.

“The Farmall B moves effortlessly between operating sprayers and high powered tillers in horticulture operations, manoeuvring in orchards and plantations and handling a wide range of small farm tasks,” Dreves said.

The Farmall JX series is also being launched this year.

“The Farmall JX is the perfect combination of economy and productivity, delivering a reliable and

effective performance across a variety of tasks,” Dreves said.

Six Farmall JX models are available – Farmall 70JX, 75JX, 80JX, 90JX, 100JX and 110JX – and all feature a newly designed cab for increased operator comfort.

“The hydraulic power shuttle, standard on the top four models, is perfect for loader work in livestock applications, offering smooth direction changes and increased productivity,” Dreves said.

“We understand that on any given day, producers are performing a variety of tasks and must be able to turn their hand to any situation – now we offer a range of tractors that do the same.”

For more information see your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com.

Farmall B Series tractors replace the Maxxfarm range.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

LOAD UP THE VALUE Get a value-loaded deal on selected Farmall JX, JX, Quantum C, JXU and Maxxum tractors this winter.

• Models from 56 to 141 horsepower • Packed with user-friendly features • 3 year/3000 hour warranty^

• Additional discounts on front end loaders • Finance from 3.9% p.a.*

To find out more, visit www.caseih.com or talk to your local Case IH dealer.

FOR THE WARRANTY AND SUPPORT YOU DESERVE, ALWAYS PURCHASE NEW CASE IH MACHINERY FROM AN AUTHORISED DEALER. DON’T BE TEMPTED BY GREY IMPORTS! *Terms and conditions apply. Offer available at participating Case IH dealers until 31st August 2013 or while stocks last. Finance provided by CNH Capital only to approved business applicants. ^Extended warranty applies to selected Case IH tractors. Talk to your local Case IH dealer for more information.

McCormick X70 series is your new companion To meet the increasing exhaust emission regulations, Argo Tractors has developed the X70 series tractors that comply with these regulations and offer additional customer benefits.

Five models from 150 to 232hp are powered by the latest generation of engines using SCR technology.

These five are the new X70 series and powered by new Betapower engines featuring an SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) system making them comply with the Tier 4 Interim standards without altering the engine performance.

SCR technology uses an AdBlue fuel additive from a dedicated tank, which is adjacent to the main fuel tank.

AdBlue is injected into the exhaust system prior to the catalytic converter, which then destroys or reduces many of the harmful gases and particulates.

The amount of AdBlue injected varies according to the load demand on the engine and has various safety functions incorporated to prevent inadvertent operation.

The 6.7 litre Betapower six cylinder engines feature a 24-valve cylinder head to maximise air flow and combustion in conjunction with a high pressure Common Rail fuel system.

The electronic management ensures optimum performance and economy depending on load.

The powerboost function increases power output up to 25hp when using the PTO as well as in transport range on certain models while the fully tilting hood provides easy access to the engine for routine service and daily maintenance.

The cabin is spacious, comfortable and ergonomic.

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The new X70 series powered by new Betapower engines comply with the Tier 4 Interim standards.

The “Xtraspeed” transmission has 32 speeds over four ranges and provides eight-speed powershift under load in each of the four ranges.

The multi-disc hydraulic power shuttle provides smooth directional changes and is easily operated by the left hand.

A choice of manual range shifting (STD) or electronic push button control (E-PLUS) is available and both offer 32 forward and 24 reverse speeds.

The E-PLUS version uses push button control for all transmission speed selections.

An AUTOROADING function provides automatic gear shifting during transport operations. Selecting the right gear to suit the engine load and rpm, this feature ensures simple operation and maximises fuel economy.

On E-PLUS versions the shuttle gears are programmable to enhance shuttle operations. A creeper unit can also be factory fitted as an option to achieve 48 forward and 40 reverse speeds.

The four-post cab with large, rearhinged doors and provides all-round visibility and allows the operator to enter and exit with ease.

It comes as standard with a powerful

air conditioning system integrated into the roof.

The stylish interior and excellent soundproofing make driving a pleasure.

The tractor can be supplied with an electronically controlled hydraulic cab suspension system, which when combined with the independent front axle suspension, provides maximum driving comfort.

A comprehensive lighting package means night work can continue safely.

The closed centre hydraulic system features a variable displacement pump providing a flow rate of 110 or 130 l/min (a pump with a higher flow rate of 163 l/min is available as an option on the two upper models) and ensures optimum operation of the four rear hydraulic valves available.

In the E-PLUS version the four control valves are electro-hydraulically controlled by the knobs integrated into the multi-function armrest where timers and flow regulators are also positioned.

For more details and to find your closest dealer go to www.mccormick-tractors. com.au or call 1300 784 451.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Puma for Victorian vegies is the go As the grower for Bulmer’s Farm Fresh Vegetables, one of the largest horticultural enterprises in Victoria’s Lindenow region, Daniel Hammond needs robust, reliable equipment to work the 350-hectare veggie crops.

Started as a family farm in 1948, the Mitchell River Valley business now encompasses six farms, spanning an impressive 900 acres.

“It’s a big business to manage,” said Hammond. “We spend a lot of time driving to and around the other farms, so we need tractors that can go the distance.

“We bought the Case IH Puma 165 last winter, as it offered great value for money and seemed perfect for our unique needs.

“I couldn’t be happier with the fuel economy and performance. I estimate we’ve cut our daily fuel use by around 20% and boosted our output by around 15%,” he said.

To date, the Puma 165 has done 1100 hours in the field and all the groundwork prior to and after planting lettuce, spinach, broccoli and broccolini. This involves deep soil ripping, discing and tilling.

“We’ve also just ordered a Puma 140 to do all of our bedforming and to prepare the beds for planting.

“We use a front-mounted mulcher, which will save us a lot of

Hammond bought a Case IH Puma last year and he continues to be happy with his purchase.

time getting rid of unused product and allow us to be more productive. Being front-mounted means the tractor mulches before we run over the bed, so we get a better, cleaner result.”

“The Puma 165 and 140 are the perfect size and exactly what we need now and in the future,” Hammond said.

For more information contact you local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com.

McCORMICK SPARE PARTS

SINCERE THANKS FROM YOUR TRACTOR

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Farmer a fan of big red Case IH is marking the 25th anniversary of its Magnum series tractors this year.

Iain Tyack, New South Wales farmer and contractor, is a big fan of red tractors and he is particularly impressed with his new Magnum 340.

Tyack is a fourth generation farmer based between Tullibigeal and Condobolin in central NSW. With the help of son Nicholas and son-in-law Daniel Hosie, he grows 2500 hectares of wheat, barley and canola on the family farm. They plant a similar acreage of dry land crops and 800 hectares of irrigated row crops on contract.

“We have had the Magnum 340 for about two months and already put 200 hours on it. This is my sixth or seventh Case IH tractor,” said Tyack.

“When you get a new tractor and you drive it for a while, you usually find something you would like to change but I wouldn’t change anything with the Magnum 340, except perhaps to make it a bit easier to add oil from a 20 litre drum.”

He likes the fact that the new Magnum’s AFS Pro 700 monitor is virtually the same as the ones in his Axial-Flow combines.

“It is the same screen as in the combines so I didn’t have to learn a new system. Also it is really easy to use with the GPS. “We have an RTK base station with everything on two centimetre spacings.

The Magnum was factory fitted for GPS and ready to go as soon as it arrived.

One of the main jobs of the Magnum 340 is to pull a 40ft Connor Shea Scariseeder.

“With 340 horsepower it has plenty of power to pull the seeding unit, and it is really economical.

“We use about 2.4 litres of diesel per hectare when we are seeding so it is fuel efficient. We cover 12 hectares an hour and use 24 to 25 litres of fuel per hour – I am really happy with that.

“We went with the gold spec option with front suspension. It gives a much 70

John Tyack and his new Magnum 340.

smoother ride and you don’t feel tired at the end of the day.

“We did a little experiment and took it onto some rough country. We turned off the front suspension and then turned it back on again. The ride was altogether different. It was like being in an armchair with it on.”

Tyack is also impressed at the quietness of his new tractor; he can be on the phone while driving with no engine noise interference.

The family also runs two Axial-Flow 7088 combines, a 2010 model and a 2011 model. Tyack said the Axial-Flow

system is fantastic. He used to run a different brand of combine but after he took an Axial-Flow to his farm for a trial, he immediately went out and traded both of the ones he had in for Axial-Flows.

“The AFS Pro 700 monitor is so easy to use,” he said. “Each operator can set it up the way he likes it, and you can go in later and see what each operator has done – how many hours they have worked, fuel they have used, hectares they have covered. It is really good.”

For more information about Case IH machinery visit www.caseih.com.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

What’s new in Hay and Silage National fodder shortage. How did we get to here?

By Darren Keating executive officer, AFIA Article courtesy of the Australian Fodder Industry Association magazine – Focus on Fodder Winter 2013 There has been a fair bit of coverage in the media recently about the current “fodder shortage” causing stress to hay and silage buyers across Australia.

It’s almost at the point where it’s harder to find the haystack than the needle, and even though full haysheds can be seen the majority of fodder stocks in storage are already committed to customers.

So how did this fodder shortage creep up on us?

There really isn’t any one key factor that’s driven the fodder shortage; instead it has been the cumulative effect of a number smaller factors: less than favourable seasons, floods and fires, all of which have seen fodder in high demand and low supply right across the country.

Typically when one region has a lack of fodder other regions pick up the slack, this isn’t happening right now.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that the last big fodder season was in 2008, since then we have seen smaller harvests.

Overlay our estimates for 2011 and 2012, both years where fodder demand from a range of sectors has been high, and it gives a clear picture of how we arrived at the current fodder shortage.

Anecdotally there has been a consensus since the start of 2013 that fodder stocks were low, based on low stocks going into the 2012 season, and the lower than expected 2012 fodder harvest.

From the AFIA office all commentary to the media since December 2012 has been that fodder stocks nationally were low and anyone with a known need for fodder should lock in a supply as soon as possible.

Despite this many users of fodder did not put in place strategies that reflected the fodder supply situation and have been

caught short as the 2013 season progresses.

Lack of supply is affecting a range of sectors including sheep and beef graziers, beef feed lotters and chaff mills, however dairy as the largest user of Australian fodder is being heavily impacted.

The trend to want fodder “just in time” and lack of market signals between consumers and suppliers on future needs for fodder has led to the current issues in meeting their fodder needs.

It does need to be noted that where people have good relationships and planning for predicted fodder needs, they have had better luck in sourcing hay and silage.

Right now the focus is on what will the 2013 fodder harvest look like and what will this mean for next year’s fodder supply?

While we don’t have a crystal ball in the AFIA office we do think that the 2013 fodder harvest will be up on 2012 however

some fodder shortages will continue into 2014. The following factors will play a role in setting the supply: Seed shortages for some better oat varieties may limit both quality and quantity of oaten hay in some regions.

We’ve had reports that the vetch plantings this year aren’t looking great and some are being grazed by sheep. Coupled with the high demand for vetch we expect vetch to be in short supply in 2014.

Lucerne supply in Queensland will improve as flood damaged crops come back into production.

Grain prices will play an important role in how much cereal hay is made. As usual this sees us looking at how the US harvest performs.

Demand is going to continue with high numbers of cattle on feed in the north and a positive outlook for the dairy industry.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Case IH releases its LB4 large square baler Case IH has unveiled its latest baling innovation with the Australian release of the new LB4 Series large square baler.

Redesigned for style and function, the Case IH LB4 series large square balers are more efficient than previous models.

Geoff Rendell, Case IH product manager for hay and harvest, said the new design has increased capacity by as much as 20%.

“We are very excited to bring a new level of baling technology and performance to Australian producers,” said Rendell.

“We know the importance of maximising short baling windows – the LB4 series gearbox runs at an astonishing 48 strokes per minute to put crop through the machine quicker and more efficiently.

“The high-speed baling means producers can get more done in a day without compromising the quality of the bale.”

Inside, the LB4 Series baler features a new, high inertia flywheel that is 19% larger than previous model, resulting in improved performance.

The new, high-capacity pick up features a roller windguard, feed-assist roller and

faster RPMs to maximise crop flow into the baler.

“The LB4 large square baler has been put to the test, baling more than 200,000 bales, and it has excelled across a variety of crops and conditions,” said Geoff.

“The baler’s sleek new look and curved design also improves its functionality, allowing it to shed debris more easily.”

The LB4 has also been redesigned for better wear and longer life, including the all-new, heavy-duty frame on the pick up and reel.

Two feet narrower than previous models, the new design provides better visibility around the baler and makes transport easier.

LB4 large square balers also come equipped with steering sensors that interface with the intuitive AFS Pro 700 display to more efficiently help producers build the perfect hay bale.

A GPS logger is available for recording bale moisture, and together with a bale weighing system, offers complete bale documenting.

The new shape of the Case IH LB4 improves its functionality allowing it to shed debris more easily.

With GPS data logging and computer mapping software, all data relating to the baling process can be viewed at any time and can be exported onto a USB drive.

The LB4 is available in a choice of single axle or steerable tandem axle, in standard configuration or rotor chopper.

“The new design elements create a product that is not only more efficient and reliable but also easier to use and maintain,” said Rendell.

For more information see your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com.

AFIA initiatives for hay makers The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) is the peak body for the Australian fodder industry connecting all sectors of the supply chain from seed to feed.

This year the Australian Fodder Industry Assocation (AFIA) started a new initiative with Fodder Grower Updates.

So far the association has had two days with a focus on export hay.

Now the AFIA is bringing the Fodder Grower updates to fodder growers, contractors and buyers in Condah and Lockington in Victoria, as well as Wagga in NSW, this time with a focus on the benefits of quality silage; both how to make it and use it.

People have used fermentation as a food preserving technique for hundreds of years, often with recipes handed down through the generations. However, when it comes to making silage we don’t have that same history in Australia but we do make a lot of silage, both in pits and bales.

While the basics of making silage are fairly 72

well known, there are a number of simple things you can do to maximise the quality of your silage as well as a range of new technologies and innovations available.

Peter Phillipzen of Moxey Farms, Goologong, NSW has years of experience in silage production and animal nutrition.

“Silage can add real value to any livestock business by improving animal nutrition, but getting it right is not always easy and getting it wrong can be costly. Making some simple changes to your technique such as preparing the site properly and getting the time of cutting right can make all the difference,” said Phillipzen.

The AFIA asked him to give his top tips on maximising silage quality and the new technologies and innovations people can use to get the most out of their silage.

His top tips on making quality silage are: •u se crop specific techniques – it’s not as easy as one size fits all, make sure you’re getting the best out of your silage crop by using the right technique;

• site preparation for storage – a bit of extra time invested in site preparation can bring big returns by reducing losses; • timing – cutting as early as possible will ensure a higher quality product; • packing density – for baled silage press bales as densely as possible to avoid sagging; • feedout – there are many options for feeding silage, but make sure you aren’t wasting valuable feed by doing it incorrectly; • new silage technologies and innovations worth having a look at, like oxygen barriers – reduce losses significantly with new oxygen barrier technology; • inoculants, these give silage the best chance of success by considering the use of silage preservatives or inoculants, particularly if conditions aren’t ideal; • harvesting machine options – look at tedders, conditioners, correct balers and wrappers.

Source: AFIA.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Kuhn disc mowers for dependable work rates The new Kuhn GMD 3150 TL, 3550 TL and 4050 TL trailed disc mowers offer high working rates, simple adjustments and low maintenance, for dependable grass and forage harvesting.

These trailed mowers provide easier tractor attachment as well as improved cutter bar flotation and contour following.

The trailed design lowers the tractor ballast requirement, allowing use with smaller tractors, while maintaining excellent stability both at work and in transport.

Innovative Kuhn features include the Optidisc cutter bar, lubricated for life, that provides a flat streamlined profile so that the soil and crop residue do not accumulate and material flows smoothly, even in heavy difficult crop conditions.

Protectadrive: these are disc bearing stations that offer maximum reliability and quick service.

Kuhn’s GMD 3150 TL, 3550 TL and 4050 TL trailed disc mowers offer high working rates.

Proactive: – Lift suspension that allows the cutting head to move up and back simultaneously, providing quick adaptation to changing terrain and protecting the cutter bar by dissipating shocks when an obstruction is encountered in the field.

The Gyrodine swivel-hitch that allows turns in excess of 90° and provide outstanding manoeuvrability in the field.

The Kuhn SR 300 series Speed Rakes are the choice for hay producers who expect both good transportability and

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SEASON? www.kuhn.com.au 74

forage harvesting I livestock husbandry I arable I landscape maintenance

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

high-capacity raking for optimum harvest productivity.

Individually floating rake wheels are mounted on spring-suspended arms and operate at lower ground pressures, resulting in less soil disturbance and cleaner raking, for higher-quality hay.

The windrow width is easily adjusted by changing the working angle of the last two raking wheels on each side. These wheels can also be locked up, allowing the rake to turn two individual windrows without combining them, so they can still be harvested separately.

The standard “V-type” splitter-wheel attachment uniformly separates and turns the hay in the centre for improved drying and a more uniform windrow that is easily picked up by the baler.

The highly transportable carted-rake has centrally positioned transport wheels that allow for a very small turning radius for excellent manoeuvrability in the field.

The cantilever rake beams allow the rake wheels to closely follow ground contours

Specifically curved rake-wheel arms provide high capacity for uniform crop flow.

without caster wheels, enabling closer raking to fences, irrigation borders, and other obstacles.

Hydraulic, parallel-folding rake beams telescope in and out in unison and can be set from transport to work position conveniently from the tractor seat without manual adjustment.

It also allows “on-the-go” adjustment of the working width to best match field conditions.

Specifically curved rake-wheel arms provide high capacity for uniform crop flow and neatly formed windrows. This design helps the rake wheels to be lifted up to 0.5m offering outstanding clearance when crossing over windrows and moving between fields.

For more information contact your nearest KUHN dealer or visit www.kuhn.com.au.

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Revolutionary new design. One piece pressed steel for extra strength. Completely covered in floor means no wastage. Feeds out round and square hay bales.

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For further information contact Graham Rowe on 0418 177045 AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

75

New Holland’s BigBaler makes big impact New Holland demonstrated its new BigBaler to dealers and customers in Victoria and South Australia.

The new range of large rectangular balers is a result of more than five years of development and worldwide testing, which included New Zealand.

There are two models in the range for Australia with standard packer and rotor cutter configurations within the models.

The B1290 produces a bale 1290mm x 900mm (4ft x 3ft) while the B890 produces a bale 800mm x 900mm (3ft x 3ft). Both models can produce a bale up to 2500mm in length.

All balers are standard on heavy-duty tandem axles with auto steering rear axle.

This reduces the risk of scuffing on tight turns and helps safe and smooth transport down the road.

In conjunction with A W Vater & Co at Saddleworth in South Australia, New Holland demonstrated the B1290 rotor cutter. Sales consultant Graham Davidson was initially surprised at the baler.

“The new shape is certainly very impressive; the single piece front shield gives excellent access to the drive train,” he said. “Then you notice the changes to the drive train and the heavier flywheel.”

The baler now has a stroke rate of 48, up from 42 on its predecessor.

“Coupling this increase with the redesigned

pick up we are achieving up to 5% increase in bale density and up to 20% increase in capacity over the previous model,” said Tony Peters, product marketing manager with New Holland “This moves the new BigBaler up into the serious hay making contractors market.

New Holland is now making a concerted push to become the market leader in Big Balers in Australia.”

In South Australia the baler was demonstrated in straw with conditions that were not ideal.

“We were baling straw, the crops were very thin and the windrows were small and uneven, but there was no trouble feeding the baler, and we were producing very tight and even bales, despite the condition of the windrows,” said Davidson.

“The IntelliView IV monitor was very easy to navigate and operate, we never missed a knot, produced even tight bales and everyone that operated the baler thought it was a very good baler. Coupled to our demo T8.330, it made a very impressive outfit.”

The IntelliView IV monitor is the latest in the monitor family for New Holland and is the same unit used in the CR combines.

It provides the operator with all the necessary information on the baler and can also be used to data log information about individual bales.

New Holland demonstrated its new BigBaler in Victoria and South Australia.

Peters said many aspects of the new BigBaler are a direct result of customer input when New Holland conduct clinics during the development of new products so they can be sure to address the concerns and needs of customers worldwide.

A small but important feature highlighted in these clinics included the fitting of a dust curtain over the top of the twine box cover to prevent dust falling on the operator when the cover is lifted.

Another request was to design a baler that is easy to access and clean.

“A lot or work went into reducing the number of areas where dust and trash can settle on the baler. This simply makes it easy to clean down,” said Peters.

For more information visit www. agriculture. newholland.com/au/.

Wisharts say Lely wise choice Tina and Rick Wishart’s fleet of Lely forage harvesting implements is a great asset to their large dairy operation.

Rick and Tina milk 360 cows on 1260 acres at Kerang, Victoria. They own several pieces of Lely hay gear and a Lely Tulip Multidisc.

They bought a Lely Splendimo 320 mower six years ago and it has provided great service.

“It gives a good clean cut on the paddock and leaves a good windrow when you’re mowing,” Rick said. “I haven’t had much trouble with it. It’s done about 150 hours each season we’ve had it with mowing and topping. It’s our third Lely mower.”

Rick and Tina have owned a Lely Lotus 76

600 tedder for the past year. The 6.0m machine is mainly used through the spring to dry out silage crop.

It is ideal for smaller fodder producers as it is lightweight, compact and rugged.

“It’s a really good tedder; it’s strong and I’m pretty happy with it,” Rick said.

“I like that you can swing the tynes around so that if you’re going alongside the fence it doesn’t throw the grass up against the fence, it goes out behind. It’s easy to adjust and you can just flick the tynes around.”

The Wisharts have been running a Lely Welger RP 435 round baler for three years and have made 1300 bales with it this year, averaging 550kg per bale.

“It puts out a good weighty bale. We do

clover and rye hay bales, and we’ve done a bit of lucerne too. It has knives in it so it cuts it up as fine as you like.”

The Lely Tulip Multidisc is another critical piece of machinery in Rick and Tina’s operation. They’ve owned it for four years and have recently run it in combination with a Polymat Compact 8 airseeder.

“It does a really good seed bed, even with trash on it, and it flattens the paddock out. We’re sowing a bit of wheat at the moment,” Rick said.

“I would like a tyre roller on the back just to press the seed into the ground a bit more.”

For more information contact Lely Australia (03) 54 84 4000.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

PRODUCTS

What’s New in Products – General Equipment Higher yields from less land with Condor The world needs more and more food so more efficient agricultural production and higher yields are needed from less land to satisfy the demand.

Agrifac helps to achieve this through its machinery with machines like the selfpropelled Condor sprayer, its Exxact sugar beet harvesters and drain cleaners.

Agrifac’s research and development program focuses on the 4Es – Efficient, Economic, Ergonomic and Ecological machinery.

The 2013 Condor is supplied with Agrifac’s J-type tubular spray booms from 24 metres all the way to 51 metres wide, designed to handle higher working speeds.

In order to operate with these larger working widths and increased speed, horizontal and vertical boom stability is crucial.

The patented Agrifac StabiloPlus chassis provides control with a unique frame, and it has continuously adjustable track widths of between 150 and 225 centimetres providing maximum boom stability under all working conditions.

Due to its unique design, weight distribution remains equal at 50/50 on all wheels at all times leaving the soil with the least amount of compaction possible.

Agrifac’s Condor is available with tank capacities of 3400, 4000 or 5000 litres and with spray booms from 24–51 metres.

The machine has low weight, an adjustable track width from 150cm225cm (60-88’’) or with the Condor WideTrackPlus 225-300cm (88-118’’).

The Condor is available with 205 bhp or 285 bhp power options and is the first self-propelled sprayer on the international market to fulfil Stage IIIB/Tier 4A regulations thanks to Adblue technology.

GreenFlowPlus, a unique circulation system is standard on all Agrifac Condors and enables full circulation up to the spray nozzles to prevent sedimentation and triangles in the spray pattern.

The tank can be emptied and due to its intelligent and compact design a minimum amount of rest liquid is left in the system.

Agrifac also offers its own integrated Agrifac-GPS system that allows nozzles to be individually switched on and off.

At this year’s Agritechnica in Germany, Agrifac will introduce another addition to the vastly growing Condor product portfolio: the Condor XL. This model will feature a 4-wheel lengthened StabiloPlus chassis, an 8000 litre main tank and a 408 bhp engine.

The Condor XL has working speeds up to 40 km/h and is on a StabiloPlus chassis, where the centre of gravity remains low for stability, which is excellent for working in hilly conditions.

Visit Agrifac at the AgQuip or visit: www.agrifc.com.

Buyers guide for spraying Croplands 2013 Optima Spraying Equipment Buyers Guide assists dealers and farmers in finding the right spray unit and components for their application needs.

This year’s edition features a new centre section focussing on nozzle selection, boomspray calibration, techniques for increasing the effectiveness of spray application and top tips for managing spray drift.

Croplands has secured the exclusive distribution rights to AgroTop and Albuz nozzle ranges, complemented

by the Teejet range. As a subsidiary of Nufarm Ltd, Croplands supports Spraywise – a stewardship program focussed on delivering the best spraying and drift management techniques. This gives Croplands the confidence to match the target, chemical, nozzle and sprayer to recommend the most efficient and effective delivery system.

For a free copy of the Guide contact your local Croplands dealer or Croplands Customer Service on 1800 999 162.

A new centre section has nozzle selection, boomspray calibration and techniques for more effective spraying.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Flexi-Coil delivers on strength and travel A brand new Flexi-Coil PD 5700 precision hoe drill delivered by Norwood Farm Machinery to John Gawne is bringing results.

Gawne grows wheat, barley and canola on 1618 hectares on his property near Wagga Wagga. As well as managing his own property, he does contract seeding up to 60 km away, so he needed a drill that would be easily transportable as well as strong.

“I had an expensive seeding bar from another manufacturer and it broke in half.

So I chose the Flexi-Coil PD 5700 in large part based on its quality,” Gawne said.

“The size was also a big selling point.

Being able to easily and legally tow it up the highway and then unfold it to the full 18.3metre (60 foot) working width was very attractive to us.

“With other machines, the height was often an issue when we go under electricity lines in towns. But the PD 5700 is only a little over five metres high, so it fits without any trouble.”

To date Gawne has sown approximately 600 hectares with the new drill and said he can already see that it will deliver results according to expectations.

“It was a bit daunting at first because everything is controlled by the onboard computer,” he said. “But actually it was really simple to use and there was no reason to be worried – even for a bloke of my age who’s not that familiar with computers.”

Gawne had help from Norwood Farm Machinery when setting up the PD 5700 and 3850 air cart combination.

“The service we’ve had with the machine has been amazing. Norwood has been just sensational. The few little hiccups we had were fixed fast. We’re now looking forward to seeing what the PD 5700 can do over the next few years,” he said.

The Flexi-Coil PD 5700 precision hoe drill was designed for high value, small seed crops like wheat and canola.

The PD 5700 is available in a choice of three working widths: 15.3 metres (50 feet); 18.3 metres (60 feet); and 21.3 metres (70 feet).

One of the reasons the Flexi-Coil precision hoe drill was chosen for its transportability.

The 3850 air cart offers three integrated polyethylene tanks so you can apply three different products at once. The combined capacity of the tanks is 13,390 litres. It is ideal for growers who need large capacity and diverse metering capabilities and is available with variable rate metering or mechanical drive.

For more information visit: www.flexicoil.com.au.

Super Indy cleans and sanitises Australian Pump Industries has come up with an innovative heavy-duty steam cleaner designed with primary producers in mind. Called the Aussie Super Indy range, the product lineup includes single and three-phase steamers with pressures as high as 3000 psi.

Aussie Pumps’ range provides the ability to clean tractors, sheds and equipment and the steam capability for efficient sanitisation.

In line with food production industry requirements, the new machines feature a heavy-duty stainless steel cover that is impact resistant. The cover is mounted on a robust steel chassis with integrated front mounted bumper.

The pumps are a heavy-duty Italian triplex design running at 1450 rpm.

The range starts with a 240-volt singlephase machine delivering 1500 psi (100 bar) and 12 litres per minute flow that reaches 120 degrees Celsius. Three phase machines have flows of up to 21 litres per minute.

78

Stainless steel burner coils are available for rural areas with “hard” water.

The new Aussie Super Indy range offers timed “Total Stop” designed to shut the machine off after the operator releases the trigger. This reduces wear and saves power.

Other intelligent features include a “Micro Leak” control that shuts the machine down if a leak is detected in the high-pressure system. This is essential for optimum performance and eliminates breakdowns and subsequent downtime.

Low water and low fuel cut-outs have also been incorporated in this state-of-the-art steam cleaner.

Dials give the operator variable temperature control that can vary from cold water to 120 degrees of steam. The steam function is ideal for shifting dried mud and biological material from farm machinery. It is also good for washing down stainless steel equipment and particularly for wash-down and sterilising of stock sheds.

Australian Pump Industries has also

George Commins from Commins Enterprises, Whitton, NSW demonstrates Aussie Pumps’ Super Indy on his John Deere spray rig.

developed a range of stainless steel highpressure hose reels either machine or wall mounted. They have the ability to hold up to 75 metres of high-pressure hose with the reel rated for hot water to 200 degrees C and pressures as high as 5000 psi.

Further information is available from Australian Pump Industries on 02 8865 3500.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Getting hitched with Waltersheid Waltersheid has developed a modular coupling system allowing for a myriad of combinations with different tractors to meet the diverse demands of the agricultural market.

The ball coupling system called the K80 has high standards of safety and convenience when towing implements like trailers, loader wagons, manure spreaders and liquid-manure tanks with high drawbar loads.

When driving on and off highway, the system comprised of the tractor, the coupling system and drawn implement is exposed to severe impacts and jolts. As a result, driving safety is impaired using a standard drawbar pin device and is subject to extensive wear or breakage.

The Waltersheid K80 system draws implements without any impact even on difficult terrain and relatively high driving speeds.

The K80 ball at the back of the tractor and the cup on the implement side have large surface contact areas: they engage positively, but nonetheless display extreme angular mobility.

So this coupling system doesn’t jam, not even at extreme angles encountered in many applications such as turning at headlands.

Additionally connection and disconnection are possible at axial and vertical angles of well over 20°.

The K80 System is specifically designed for drawn implements

Waltersheid’s K80 is suitable for a wide range of tractors.

with high drawbar loads up to 4,000kg provided the tractor has a corresponding rating.

Tractor ladders, drawbars, hitches and cups are available for nearly every tractor on the market.

The K80 System is available through the Waltersheid dealer network or call 03 9580 7300.

Powerlite powers bright Powerlite PTO generators and tractor generators are mounted in a 3-point linkage frame driven via the tractor PTO drive.

The 1500rpm alternater has a flange-mounted reduction gearbox with PTO drive shaft spline.

These generators offer a reliable and simple source of power when a tractor is available. Each comes standard with a two bearing 1500 rpm heavy-duty brushless alternater, LED speed indicator module, a PTO coupling guard and category one and two linkage pins.

Options available include weatherproof outlets, a ratedweatherproof circuit breaker, category three linkage pins and metering.

For more information visit www.powerlite.com.au.

Coupling& Uncoupling

FROM THE SAFETY OF THE

DRIVER’S SEAT!

Thirty years ago that was a vision.

Now that has since become reality thanks to Walterscheid

The WALTERSCHEID TRACTOR ATTACHMENT SYSTEM (TAS) provides maximum operator safety, quick and effortless connection with the flexibility and choice of a range of TOP LINK SYSTEMS. For further information and detailed brochure contact your local AG dealer or call WALTERSCHEID

In Vic, Tas, NSW and Qld contact: Walterscheid Australia.

Victoria Branch: Phone: (03) 9580 7300 Fax: (03) 9580 0379 Queensland Branch: Phone: (07) 3117 2850 Fax: (07) 3117 2851 Website: www.walterscheid.com.au Email: walterscheid@walterscheid.com.au

Powerlite generators are a practical power source when a tractor is available.

In SA, WA and NT contact: Jayben Australia Pty Ltd. South Australia: Phone: (08) 8341 1377 Fax: (08) 8341 1677

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

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Purpose built industrial vacuum Peter Shead of Vacuum Loaders in Sydney has developed a purpose built mobile industrial vacuum.

The demand for this unit, the Litter Master 9000, came from a group of local councils looking for collection equipment, which could be used in the field.

The technical specification called for a vacuum unit which could be carried on a conventional drop sided ute, be operated by a two man crew and be used by workers in parks and gardens to keep public spaces clean of rubbish, such as litter and broken glass, and seasonal garden green waste.

“The biggest constraint in the project is the collection bag,” Peter Shead said. “There is a physical and weight limit to what can be manhandled in the field.”

With previous smaller model vacuum loaders Shead had fitted the Yanmar L Series single cylinder diesel engines.

For this larger model, the Yanmar 2TNV70 was specified. This engine develops 12.5hp (9.2kW) at 3100 rpm. It is a compact, two cylinder engine noted for its quiet operation and low fuel consumption.

An integrated 11 litre fuel tank was installed as the Yanmar 2TNV70 typically only uses 1.7 litres of fuel per hour at 75%, so the integrated fuel tank carries more than enough fuel on board for a day out in the field.

Direct coupled via a stub shaft to the flywheel, the Yanmar engine drives the large diameter suction fan, which spins at crankshaft speed.

The rating of the Litter Master 9000 comes from the capacity of the fan, which shifts air at the rate of 9000 cfm.

The Litter Master 9000 can suck up a complete glass stubbie, with broken glass, aluminium cans and leaf litter.

Collection is achieved via a 200 mm diameter flexible hose supported by a high and long boom.

As an indication of capability, the Litter Master 9000 can suck up a complete glass stubbie, along with broken glass, aluminium cans and leaf litter.

While air is able to pass through to the Yanmar driven fan, debris is collected and trapped in the 400 litre capacity bag.

“The market demands diesel engines these days, so lightweight petrol engines are not even a consideration. I’ve been in the diesel engine market for near on 30 years and I personally believe that Yanmar builds the very best of the smaller diesel engines,” said Shead.

For more information visit www.powerequipment.com.au.

Aussie company gets the chop About 19 years ago David Burder was splitting another 10 tons of firewood with his hand-held axe, when the idea of building a machine to do the job seemed well worth the effort.

With a background in general engineering, Burder set about designing a hydraulic wood splitter that was efficient and easy to use, and took the back breaking work out of the job.

At this stage most machines on the market utilised a horizontal system where the split timber fell onto the ground requiring double handling.

By changing the configuration to a vertical system, the operator worked at a comfortable bench height and could concentrate on the job at hand.

Add to this a back-saving log lifter, hydraulic power pack, and a lever-styled splitting blade – and you’ve got the first 80

ever prototype Superaxe. Fast forward to 2013 and Burder’s business Whitlands Engineering employs 16 people – some of whom have been working with the business since its early days.

Over the years Whitlands Engineering has evolved into a specialist designer and manufacturer of firewood processing equipment to suit most requirements – yet the original ethos still remains – Whitlands Engineering builds machines that are efficient, ergonomical, safe and overall, and tough.

The current range has expanded to three brands, the Superaxe, Aussie Chopper and Rex. The Superaxe and Aussie Chopper ranges are designed for domestic and farm operations, while the Rex range caters for larger operations.

The Superaxe and Aussie Chopper

David Burder of Whitlands Engineering.

ranges are setting new standards in safety, design and innovation, and every machine is built from scratch in the Whitlands Engineering workshop in North East Victoria.

The Superaxe and Aussie Chopper will be on display at the Elmore Field Days this year.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

Keech points enhance no-till cropping New South Wales farmer John Minogue uses a single drill and set of points in his multi-crop no-tillage operation, due to the strength and adaptability of Keech Australia ground-engaging tools.

John and wife Lisa own a 2000-hectare property at Barmedman. The mixed operation consists of sheep, cattle and crops – wheat, canola, barley and oats.

The Minogues run a no-till cropping system, although they still use tillage to cultivate some land for livestock pasture.

“We farm on the Bland Plain and we have a number of different soil types but much of the property is black self-mulching clay,” John said.

“It’s a soil type that is friable but can be very sticky when it’s wet, and it’s prone to compaction. That is why we developed our no-till system. With no till, we’re getting better germination and reduced costs, which adds up to a better net return.”

John worked for many years as a commercial agronomist and first saw Keech minimum-till points and adaptors at field days in 1998.

“That was about when knife points came onto the scene. I was most impressed and I always said I wanted a drill with them.”

Four years ago John saw a second-hand Flexi-Coil 820 cultivator with a 6000-litre airseeder box for sale. It had Keech DDP 18W1 knife points attached, so he bought it.

“The components came with the machine and were one of the reasons we chose it. They’re fantastic.

“We use the drill for all our planting operation. We sow wheat, canola, barley, oats and also pasture with the same points,” he said.

“The beauty of the Keech product is the tungsten in the knife point.

They’re extremely hardy, and we never have to change points when we move between soil types. The only time we change is when we alter the type of cultivation we are doing.

“It saves us time in the paddock as we don’t have to change them over. We’re increasing our field efficiency because previously we were changing our points every six months. I can see that the Keech points will be there for the life of this machine.”

Keech Australia's product range includes direct drills, points, adapters and deep-tillage products. These can be custom manufactured.

Keech points are interchangeable, which means John can change

Keech ground engaging tools have a higher tungsten component than many others on the market.

the component he puts on the bottom, depending on his tillage requirements. “I can remove the knife point and put a sweep on it if I want. We also have a slimline wedge adaptor and we can use any point with it but I still like the Keech adaptor, which I can put onto the slimline wedge.”

Keech ground engaging tools have a higher tungsten component than many other products on the market.

“They’re extremely hardy because they are a solid cast product,” Minogue said. “They will definitely extend the life of my Flexi-Coil 820 cultivator because they are adaptable to many different soil types and work well with our no-till farming techniques.

“We get better field efficiency because we don’t have to change points and no-till helps us create a good seed slot so we can improve germination.”

In addition to his large farming operation, John still works as an agronomist and farm consultant.

“I look after 40,000 to 50,000 hectares of other people’s crops,” he said. “I get to look at all the best systems. I see a lot of them out there and this is the one that I like.”

For more information visit: www.keech.com.au.

One pass for Brevi rotary hoe Silvan Australia's custom build machinery capacity offers a wide choice of Brevi rotary hoes with a bed former profile built to suit.

The latest advances were on display in Victoria at a property being prepared for asparagus planting.

The Silvan Brevi bed former choices can be built to almost any profile including single or double row type units or up to four row machine options.

“Our demonstration day at Pakenham conducted with our reseller Glenmac Sales & Service featured a Brevi rotary hoe with a purpose built 1.3 metre

(or 54 inch) bed former and the growers present were impressed by the structure of the bed, the fine tilth of the soil and the incorporation of the organic material,” said Silvan Australia’s machinery specialist Chris Tait.

“One pass of the Brevi rotary hoe with the bed former left the soil ready for the grower to plant his asparagus crop.

“Silvan believes that one pass cultivation and bed forming provides the opportunity, in many instances, to significantly reduce input costs, including diesel use, in preparation and can ensure timely planting.”

For more information call 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826) or email info@silvanaust.com.

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MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE Ag Appointments Employment................................................35 www.agri.com.au

Kubota.....................................................................................44 www.kubota.com.au

Agrifac Machinery BV..............................................................11 www.agrifac.com

Kuhn Farm Machinery Pty Ltd........................................ 1 & 74 www.kuhn.com.au

Agri Technica...........................................................................23 www.agritechnica.com

KY General Engineering...........................................................38

Australian National Field Days.................................................57 www.anfd.com.au Australian Pump Industries......................................................24 www.aussiepumps.com.au Bare-Co....................................................................................83 www.bareco.com.au Brown Brothers Engineers Aust. Pty Ltd....................................7 www.brownbros.com.au Burder Industries......................................................................73 www.burder.com.au BYPY Transmissions.................................................................17 www.bypy.com.au Case IH....................................................................................67 www.caseih.com CFMOTO...............................................................................43 www.cfmoto.com.au Clark Equipment Sales.............................................................69 www.clarkequipment.com CNH Australia (New Holland)................................................84 www.newholland.com Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days...................................53 www.dowerinfielddays.com.au Farmscan Ag Pty Ltd................................................................30 www.farmscanag.com Farmworld – Lardner Park.......................................................55 www.lardnerpark.com.au Geronimo Farm Equipment Pty Ltd........................................22 www.geronimo.com.au Glenco Air & Power.................................................................65 www.glencomfg.com.au Great Western Tillage.................................................................9 www.gwtillage.com.au Honda Australia.......................................................................64 www.poweredby.honda.com.au IB International........................................................................26 www.ibinternational.com.au Jayben Australia P/L.................................................................37 www.jayben.com.au Keech Castings.........................................................................13 www.keech.com.au 82

LK Diesel Service Pty Ltd.........................................................39 www.lkdiesel.com.au McDougall Weldments............................................................34 www.mcdougallweldments.com.au Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo...............................................61 www.mingenewexpo.com.au Mirco Bros Pty Ltd...................................................................36 www.mircobros.com.au Neil’s Parts................................................................................15 www.neils.com.au Newdegate Field Days..............................................................59 www.nfday.com.au Poettinger Australia Pty Ltd......................................................19 www.poettinger.com.au Power Equipment Pty Ltd........................................................21 www.powerequipment.com.au Powerlite Generators................................................................28 www.powerlite.com.au Southcott Hydraulics................................................................25 www.southcott.com.au Starmaxx..................................................................................33 Tradefaire International............................................................27 www.tradefaire.com.au Trailco Irrigation......................................................................32 www.trailco.com.au Tyres 4U..................................................................................29 www.tyres4u.com.au Vin Rowe.................................................................................75 www.vinrowe.com.au Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics...............................................31 www.2wglobal.com Walterscheid Australia...................................................... 2 & 79 www.walterscheid.com.au Wandin/Silvan Field Days........................................................58 www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au Whitlands Engineering.............................................................60 www.superaxe.com.au Yorke Peninsula Field Days.......................................................62 www.ypfielddays.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2013

A REBUILT SECOND HAND CLUTCH OR A BRAND NEW CLUTCH FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER AT AROUND THE SAME PRICE?

The classic no brainer!

All Bare-Co late model clutches are from original equipment suppliers. We are not clutch reconditioners and only sell brand new parts.

Australia’s largest stocks of new agricultural tractor clutches.

Eight Australian distribution centres guarantees the delivery, quality and local technical backup that you require together with traditional Bare-Co pricing.

www.bareco.com.au

New Holland BigBaler

NO SPEED LIMIT

Increased capacIty. 100% pIck-up performance.

Increased qualIty. Job done.

www.newholland.com